Miracle of Life

I had to pop in and show you this precious layout Marion sent me

She wrote: "This little fellow was born prematurely at 25 1/2 weeks gestation and only weighed 2 pounds at birth. He finally made it up to 4 1/2 pounds and is at 33.5 weeks now, and is still growing every day."

She continued by saying: "the little guy is Sweet Baby James. He is my Grandson and with him is his mommy."

I absolutely LOVE the way Marion used my word art and I'm so humbled by her choosing to do so. Sweet Baby James is a precious gift to she and her family, and I wanted to share this miracle with all of you to inspire you.

Thanks, Marion, for sharing this part of your life in such a special way.

I also want to thank Sonel, who honored me with this award:

I don't know who originated this award or how long it's been circulating, but I've seen it on many other blogs the past few months and admired it from afar. It's always a lift to your spirits when you learn that someone appreciates something you've done, and then takes the time to tell you so.

Sonel, your sweet comments are ALWAYS a boon and you are generous with your thoughtfulness. I love your blog, too!!!

Now, I'm asked to least at least 7 blogs I enjoy ... I need to give it some thought to narrow it down to just 7, so will list those later. In the meantime, hope you all enjoy your weekend so far.

Blessings,
Melanie

Katy Bride

Just put together a layout using Jen's (Chaos Lounge) new kit, Secret Window. It's a fabulous kit, as well as her other new one (Dear Diary). I've got dozens of new photos I can use with both kits, so it will be great fun. You can find both her new kits at Digital Candy. (fonts used: TXT Sloppy Script and Coventry Garden)

The photo is another in the series of bridal portraits I took of my nephew's fiancee -- who is now his wife. Sure makes me feel OLD! But they are so happy together it's pure job to see them. On their wedding day, we called her "Katy Bride" all day, hence, the title of the layout.

Catch ya later,
Melanie

More New Toys

KimB has some great new toys to play with after she did some "spring cleaning" on her hard drive. She's compiled two great grab bags that are on sale for four days only. The layout above just barely touches the surface what what you will find. I just chose to go with simplicity. The hanging wire flower element is a freebie today on her blog. Great timing for me, and a terrific, generous gift from a special lady. You can find her new grab bags -- and some more of today's great releases -- on Digital Scrapbooking.org.

Layout credits: from Kim Broedelet's SpringCleaning Grab Bag Bundle: Tie Me, Paper Texture Overlays; Wire Flower freebie; font: CK Odd Ball.

The Rest of the Story

You've probably heard today's quotation a number of times. But it certainly bears repeating.

And filling in the rest of the quotation by J. C. Watts:

There are too many people who think that

the only thing that's right is to get by,

and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.

Character is not something you buy ... it's something you HAVE. Please use it wisely, and teach others to do the same. It's a gift beyond measure.

And speaking of gifts ... two of my readers shared their layouts with me!! It took me only 200+ posts to get them. :) But what a gift to me to see them being used.

Zan shared this layout from an earlier freebie word art -- I think she certainly captured the spirit of the quotation, for sure!! Thanks, Zan.

And how cute is this layout from Sue E. where she used Wednesday's word art!! I love to go to dance recitals where the smaller dancers are performing -- they are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

Thanks for sharing, ladies!!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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And Now Some Joy

PS

I didn't intend to sound like a meanie when giving my two cents earlier ... so I hope that this addition brings a peaceful sense of joy (especially to those of you to whom my rant does not apply!!).

I wanted to do a layout using Kim B's fantabulous new kit, Lovable (which you can find at Digital-Scrapbooking.org).

As you know, Kim is another very generous designer, and her store at DSO is chockful of wonderful things.

Hope blessings galore come your way,

Melanie