Monday, January 16, 2012

Hodge PodgeToday!

Good morning to you! I am so lucky to have today off! I am excited to get a bit of crafting done and not have to rush around! I have lots to share with you today. Some of it crafty.....some of it personal. I know it is January and I should be posting Valentine's Day projects, but I never had a chance to show you a few of my projects in the October issue of the Cricut Magazine. So here is the first project.....a pumpkin card that uses the Wrap it Up cartridge and my Gypsy to weld the pumpkins together.  I also added a few flowers using the Mother's Day Cartridge. 
My LO shows my kids carving/painting their pumpkins.  (Giving Cort a knife would be a dangerous proposition! LOL!) I used the Autumn Celebration's Cartridge for the pumpkins and title. I added a few leaf stickers to the pumpkins and rhinestones to the cat's eyes.
My last card today is a vintage witch.  She comes from the Happy Haunting's Cartridge.  I applied glossy accents and black glitter to her and a purple rhinestone "necklace." The flowers were cut using the Mother's Day Cartridge.  The background paper was swiped with white paint and I machine stitched around the perimeter.
On a personal note, my girl had her big cheer leading event this past Saturday.  I turned from mother into crazy paparazzi lady the whole day!  It is one of those days where my heart feels ten times bigger.  It is such a special day for the cheerleaders and the basketball players.  The local papers and TV crews were there to record the event.  (as well as this crazy mother!; ) Here, Cortney was patiently waiting to go to the game!
I love these next two photos of her shaking the heck out of her pom poms!!!

The heartwarming part of this day is the local high school sends their cheerleaders to cheer with our girls.  These high school students are so sweet and really helped our girls be the best they could be.
Here is the the group performing their half time show. : )
This is our little squad.....just 5 girls, but the bestest friends you ever want to see!
I love the blue uniforms this year too......must be because they match Cort's eyes.  : )
I absolutely adore this picture of Cort's best friend Patty giving her a celebratory hug at her "after" party.  The joy on her face is evident.  It made me realize how much having friendship means to these girls.  It doesn't matter what their disability is.....they love and accept one another unconditionally.
Thank you for letting me share these special moments in my life and my family's life.  It means a lot to me.  I appreciate your sweet comments too.....
Have a great day my friends!

16 comments:

Diane Hodrick said...

oh my, this post should come with tissues. First of all, so happy to hear that the cheerleaders from your local high school were so involved. So much has changed in the 40 years since my brother was born with Downs. I have many photos of him with the same kind of Joy that is evident all over Patty's face. You touched some memories here. I am glad you found your paparazzi hat or I'd have missed these. There is a special joy in the gift you were given with Courtney. It teaches a family things that they can't learn without living them. We are blessed women. The joy in your daughter's face makes the struggles melt away. And, you are right, that blue uniform just does amazing things for those beautiful big blue eyes. So happy you have another day of great memories. Now, I need to get some paper towels because these tissues aren't up to the job today.

1CardCreator said...

Congratulations on your beautiful cards getting published, so glad you shared them with us. Love your pictures of Cort, she looks beautiful, I love the polka dot ribbons in their hair too! These are precious moments Paparazzi Mom, enjoy them, share them, they grow up too fast!

Kim Rosati said...

Michele, thanks for sharing the cheerleading pictures! The girls looked great and so happy! Those are the moments that make life so wonderful - your daughter has the prettiest blue eyes and a fantastic smile!
In the many publications I come across in the card making/paper crafting world, invariably when a project catches my eye, I look at who made it...and it's you! Your designs are the best! Thank you!

Tangle said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations and stories. I look at your blog almost every day and always find an encouraging word or inspiring idea. Thanks for what you do!

Melissa said...

Enjoyed your blast of Fall projects. That blue is the perfect color for your gal, so glad she had a great day.

Debby said...

Love the pumpkin and the LO of the carving Your son looks like he thinks the insides are a bit yucky.
Cortney looks amazing. What a beautiful girl. So wonderful that she has these experiences. Her friend is a sweetie.
I have a disabled son and he has a friend, a girl with Downs. They are so close and have been since they were 3. It is just plain sweet.

Liz S. said...

Adorable girls! Thanks for sharing.

Jocelyn said...

Oh how I have missed you!!!! Cort is growing up....I love the pics!!!! Friendship is amazing.....and I am so glad these girls have one another!!!

Wishing you a Fabulous Day sweet friend!!!

Ester said...

Your daughter is adorable. I love her! May God bless her always. Love her beautiful smile and her BFF hug. They are adorable!

Sandy from Ukiah said...

Oh Michele what precious memories...

Unknown said...

Hi Michele, just looking at these photos anyone can just feel the love these best friends share. You have there the most beautiful daughter both inside and out. She is a blessing. Hugs Vee xx

Anonymous said...

Wow, what fantastic pictures. I also need tissues---there is so much joy showing. Cortney is absolutely darling and it is so much fun to see how much all of the girls are enjoying the day!

Barbara A. said...

Michele--you have a very beautiful daughter with such a beautiful smile too! Courtney looks awesome in her cheerleading outfit and by looking at the pixs you can tell she was having a grand time! Love the pix of Courtney and her best friend giving each other hugs.....how precious! Thanks for sharing with us all!

Ruth G said...

Loved your card and LO and your wonderful Mamarazzi pics! It's so important to have those pics to help everyone remember all the little things that made the big day special - especially the smiles on everyone's faces!!!

Rea' said...

Thank you for sharing your daughter's special day, it was so moving to read your blog and to see the video. What a "blessing"!

Jennine Stalder said...

Wow! Cortney looks so happy and excited while performing with her squad. Their white and blue uniforms are just so beautiful on them. I love how their squad seems to really enjoy what they were doing there. It's heartwarming to see the love, friendship and passion that surrounds them. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful post. All the best!

Jennine Stalder @ UE Sports