Friday, January 10, 2014

New Beginnings


Don't faint, I'm actually posting.  Sorry about the void, I usually love the week between Christmas and New Year's because I can finally relax and play with crafty goodies and look forward to hubbie's birthday on New Year's Eve.  Not this year.  My mother-in-law died, totally unexpectedly on Christmas Day.  She would have been 92 on December 29th, but aside from some osteoporosis, she was perfectly healthy with no medical conditions or need for prescription medication.  She still mowed the lawn and planted a garden, drove a car, and lived alone (although her youngest son and family lived next door).   She had recently gotten a new computer and my hubby had been on the phone with her daily for about a week, trying to iron out a few glitches. She had fallen in the night, thinking perhaps she had passed out, and woke up with back pain, presumably from the fall.  The took some OTC medication but it persisted and she called next door to see if they thought it was too soon to take some more.  That was 11:00 am.  Jonathon went out to shovel his driveway and hers a bit later and went to check on her about 1:00pm.  She had passed away peacefully in her chair.  The ME said it was probably a heart attack and that back pain is a symptom in women.  The whole family was, and still is, in shock.  We assumed she would live to be 100.  She was a missionary and minister's wife, a loving mother of 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, a strong, determined, hard working Christian woman of passionate faith and will be missed by family, friends and the church she served her entire life.

We're still recovering here at home from the trip to Michigan.  David has been sick and I've not been able to craft.  I finally looked at a few of the challenges and decided that the Outlawz CAS New Beginnings challenge would be one I could handle.  I chose the adorable Sleepy Bunny Elf from Aurora Wings.  Mitzi's fabulous fantasy art is beyond gorgeous and this little guy was an easy one to color with my Copics.  I'm also taking baby steps on shoveling out my craft room and was organizing my Spellbinders dies when I found this ancient baby border.  I trimmed it to fit this A2 card and added a Cuttlebug sentiment and embossed background.

I'm also adding this to the Creative Romance Something New Challenge, Suzy B's Bloomin' Cute and Sweet Challenge, Scrapping4fun Baby Challenge, Corrosive Challenge New Beginnings and Moving Along With The Times New Beginnings.

11 comments:

  1. Seems like we can all use a new start to the new year and your sweet baby is bringing it!

    Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law....she sounds like she was a wonderful, energetic and loving woman.
    :Dxx

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  2. Hi, Donna,
    I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's sudden death, but I wanted to let you know something. As you described it, that's exactly the kind of death I hope I have -- live to be very old, living independently, having a sharp mind and able body with no lingering illnesses, not being a burden on anyone, and then to die peacefully in my sleep. It sounds like a very lovely death, so she's really lucky. Sudden deaths are shocking and horrible to those left behind, but are the kindest ones to the dying.

    I hope this helps your grief and your husband's.
    (You can delete this message.)

    Evelyn

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  3. Oh my, what a sad story. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, especially with it happening on Christmas Day. It certainly sounds like she lived a good life well past the age of most folks. Still a shock to you, your husband and families, I hope you all can find some comfort in remembering her and the life she enjoyed. My deepest sympathy to you and your husband.

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  4. Oh Donna, I'm so sorry to hear that your MIL passed. I would love to go in my sleep, so it was nice that she passed peacefully. I agree with the ME, heart attacks in women are different symptoms than men and the pain is usually in our backs. Not sure why, but seems to be the case. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman and lived a long, full life. Of course you would have loved to have her around longer, but I guess God saw a beautiful rose and he needed her for his rose garden. My prayers are with you all. Now on to this adorable baby card! I love that cute image and of course you have colored him up so cute! I love the "baby" punched out and made to look like baby blocks-just a precious card! I hope your hubby feels better soon and I hope you get some more crafty time in. Hugs!

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about your MIL, she must have been an amazing lady .... but you must have some treasured memories...and photos that maybe you could turn into a keepsake album,using your amazing Crafting abilities.....
    Hugs
    Suzy B DT
    Suzy Bee's Bloomin Challenge
    XX

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  6. What a cute image I love those pointy ears. Have a great day and a Happy New Year( I say this the whole month of January)
    DIANA L.
    dianamlarson.blogspot.com

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  7. Lovely card, I am sorry to hear about your MIL's sudden death. Wishing you and your family best wishes.
    Thank you for your entry at Scrapping4funchallenges.
    Rachelle DT
    http://scrapping4funchallenges.blogspot.com

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  8. Definitely a cute card. Love the image you used. So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's sudden death. My sympathies for you and your husband.

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  9. Sorry to read about your Mother in Law, she sounds like a wonderful lady and am sure she will be sorely missed.

    It almost seems a bit disrespectful to say thanks for sharing your beautiful card at MAWTT.

    Susan x

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  10. Sorry to read about your MIL.
    Your card is adorable! Thanks for joining us at The Corrosive Challenge Blog! Hugs!

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  11. Pretty card! Sorry about your MIL. I just lost my dad...

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Thanks for making my day!