July 11, 2008

STAMP SOMETHING - TRIPLE PLAY! AND, A LITTLE WHINING....

I usually love Fridays because it gives me a chance to play with another fabulous challenge for Stamp Something but I am sad today because it is my son's last day...I did not think it would be as hard this time as it was at Christmas to let him go, but well, I am not handling this well at all! Any advice from moms who have done this already? My heart hurts....and so does my stomach! But, I am putting my big girl panties on, pasting a smile on my face, and spending quality time with him today since I have to get up and drive him to the airport at 6am tomorrow morning...uggghhhh!!!! To make matters worse, he has to do his second summer cruise underway (for those who don't know, my son is a midshipman at the Naval Academy) so I can't talk to him either!! Thank goodness Convention is right around the corner as it gives me something to look forward to - all those fabulous women, new stamps, new catty, my friends, ahhhhh....just what I need - only 19 days to go! So, now that you had to listen to me whine, I am ready to talk about my card now - LOL! This week's challenge was a Triple Play, which means you need three colors, three layers, and three embellies!! Isn't that fun??!! I swear, the challenges are always a blast to do, I just love them! I used my Fresh Cuts stamp set, I just love it, it is so versatile! I used three colors throughout my card: Bravo Burgundy, Not Quite Navy, and Brocade Blue. So, with those in mind, I took the stampin' write markers in those colors and hand inked the stamp to have the three differing colors on the image. This stamp is fabulous for that because of the way it is designed! It is stamped on Naturals White card stock which I figured is a neutral so I wasn't really cheating - LOL! I faux stitched around the two outside layers, and made the stitching Bravo Burgundy as well. I used my Ticket Corner Punch on the layers as well. The ribbon is Brocade Blue (it looks really light in the pic, but isn't) and Bravo Burgundy, which was the first of my three embellishments. The second is the Brocade Blue and Not Quite Navy buttons I used on the ribbons. The third is my Not Quite Navy brad used on the sentiment, which is stamped on Not Quite Navy card stock, punched out with my Large Oval Punch, and popped up on dimensionals. So, there you have it!! Now, get on over to the Stamp Something site and see what the other talented DT members did this week - I guarantee they will WOW! you! And, remember to upload your own take on the challenge, we want to see them! So, I am off to hang out with Zach - see you tomorrow!

47 comments:

Scrappy Girl said...

It would be so hard to take him and drop him off. Waahh! How cool to get to go to convention. When I sold Home Interiors and Gifts I loved going to their convention. So much fun and so exciting!

Michelle said...

Sending hugz your way Alex.

Kim Marie said...

This looks really stunning with all of the colors working together! I have just received my fresh cut set....this inspires me to try it! (Right after my SU party tonight! Tee hee!)
Kim Marie

Kim Marie said...

PS I can't help with the mom-son thing...I still struggle with it! And I'm only sending him back to his apartment in his "new" town now that he's graduated college and is looking for a job...not quite as tough as the Naval academy! What a proud mom you are ;)
Kim Marie

Anonymous said...

hey girlfriend, never you mind about the big girl panties you have every right to cry and hurt right now and the best thing for you is to allow yourself to feel exactally the way you do!!!!! I'm sending big hugs!!

Courtney said...

Wow! I'll be praying for you and your son while you two are apart! Enjoy your day and your time with him...

~Denise Lynn~ said...

Beautiful card Alex! Love the layout and colors. Great use for Fresh Cuts too. Love the ribbon details.

Sorry about your son leaving, have a wonderful day with him. I wish him safe travels and hope he's home again real soon! :) Big hugs to you Alex!! :)

Jen Martakis said...

(((Hugs))) Alex. I can't even imagine how hard it must be. :( I'll keep you and your son in my prayers.

Becky Carafa said...

Wow, what a great card, love the color combo!
((HUGS))

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Oh I do love that stamp!! waaaaaaaaa...your story makes me sad too! Glad you've got your big girl panties, I'm still looking for mine!

Dani said...

Oh hun. Big hugs, it must be so hard to be away from him! No advice, just cyber hugs!

Great card, BTW, love it!

corinnesomerville said...

Oh sweetie...I wish I could come over and have a coffee with you and just let you cry. You know I don't have any advice because I'm going through the same thing with Cait getting married in 9 months.....all I can say is...you're not alone in this. Together our mother's heart aches. I don't think we will ever be ready to let our children go. Just know I'm praying for you...it's okay to whine and cry....give yourself permission to lose it. Just remember in 18 days I'll have an extra long hug just for you !!!

love ya sweetie

ScrapMomOf2 said...

Cute card! Convention sounds awesome, and it's definitely something to look forward to!

I have no advice for you, because I would feel exactly the same way you're feeling! I'm sending you a huge HUG!!

Emily said...

Alex, this is beautiful! I love the blues. I'm sorry your son has to leave again. I can't image how hard that must be for you. I hope you enjoy your last day with him!

Marilyn said...

Alex - my heart is hurting for you too today!! I haven't gotten to that point with my kids, and I dread the day when I do - I may need to cry on your shoulder when that day comes!! I'll be saying a prayer for you though in the next few days! Your card is amazing - love the triple challenge - the stitching on your card really sets it off - and check out my blog - I am giving away some free stuff today!!

Lauren said...

Wonderful job Alex - the color combination is fantastic. Your son will always know where home is :)

Misty said...

Your card is gorgeous, I love that new set! I totally understand your sadness. I'm excited for my seven year old to return to school, but I'm so not looking forward to my daughter going...she just has the sweetest spirit and she'll be my only girl. I guess it's mostly cuz she likes to sit and play with me instead of running around constantly. Anyways, I get you. Take care and thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Misty

Misty said...

PS. We'll send prayers and hugs your way!

Melissa said...

Super cute card Alex! You rocked the challenge and have made me want to pull out my Fresh Cuts set and do something with it!

Oh how I wish I had some words of wisdom for you....the only thing I can say is hug Zach close today and don't let your sadness cloud your last day together!

Many blessings my friend,
M.

Deb said...

this is a gorgeous card Alex, love that amazing stamp! Enjoy your day with your son, I really do feel for you having to say goodbye to him tomorrow, sending you big hugs!

Deborah said...

Be tough Mom! You can do it, after he boards the plane cry your heart out! He'll be just fine and you have your beautiful daughter and DH and Marco! The SU! convention will be so much fun! Your challenge card is just gorgeous! Enjoy today's precious moments! Hugs, Deb

Anonymous said...

Alex, thanks for sharing! My husband is retired military and I can only imagine how hard it must be to see your son go.
Love your Fresh take on Fresh cuts! The markered image and natural color combo look terrific!

Vicki said...

Card is beautiful as always. You know I know what you're going through x's 2 and it does suck. All you can do is give them a huge hug at the airport, tell him you love him and have a good cry. I do it everytime (and I've been doing this along time), sometimes it's easier than others but when it's military related, it's hard. You know I'm there for you, call on the way home if you need to. You've raised an awesome young man, be very proud!
Hugs!

Christi Flores said...

{{{HUGS}}} to you sweetie. With two little boys I am trying to prepare myself for this in the future. I LOVE your card! I am so bummed that I didn't make the top five on the sparkle challenge but I am going to try again with this challenge and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the inspiration!

Beth Norman-Roberts said...

Pretty, pretty card. I'm sorry to hear your son is leaving. Hope you feel better.

Hugs,

Beth

Jo said...

Oh, I really feel for you Alex....can't imagine what it must be like as my two are only ten and six and I dread the day when they leave home :( However, enjoy your day together and before you know it, he'll be back home with you again!

Your card is fantastic and I love how you've used the different colours on the image.....beautiful.

Thanks for your message about the package - will let you know when I receive it, and thanks again!

Alison said...

Beautiful card loving the colours.

Carolyn King said...

Beautiful!! Love the color combination on this!

Hugs and prayers for you and your family during this tough time--wish i had some words of wisdom for you!!!

Rose Ann said...

Your card is so beautiful, Alex!! I'm sorry I don't have any words of advise. Hugs!!!

My Paper World said...

I'm so sorry that you are feelin sad Alex! Sending hugs your way! and I love your gorgeous card! xx

kathleenh said...

Oh Alex. (((((((stampin' hugs))))))) That's gotta be stuff letting your son go. Boy that visit went fast, didn't it?

Keep your chin up girl! I've just gotta meet ya' at convention! I can't wait!

Joanne said...

It's just beautiful! I love all the little details. I'm sso sorry that you have to say so long to your son... You'll see him again before you know it. (((hugs)))

Staci Taylor said...

Love this card Alex! So sorry that your son is leaving, I can't even imagine how hard that must be. Hugs to you!

suzann said...

Today was a challenging day for you, but I know you will have a great time with him. Look forward to the next time you can give him a big hug!

Becca said...

I love this style of card...very nice.

California is so beautiful. I stayed in Culver City when I went on vacation a few years ago.

Erin... said...

Soo soo pretty!!!

Give your son the biggest hug you can!!!!! My grandmother used to "fill me up" with hugs when I left her house so I always had one when I needed it, it was always very comforting:)

Risa said...

Oh Alex, my heart goes out to you. I know how difficult it is for you right now. Here's a big hug for you and go ahead and have a good cry, you will feel better afterwards.
Your card is very pretty and I love the different layers and textures! This triple play challenge sounds exciting and fun:)

Nancy Riley said...

Hugs from one Mom to another! I can only imagine what you must be going through, Alex. I'd be a mess, that's for sure.

Your card is very pretty!

Latisha said...

Sorry your baby is leaving you, at least you have your crafts and your other two kiddos to keep you busy

Chris said...

what a fabulius card!! i love it. so sorry your son leaves tomorrow...i hope that you had a good day with him. my dh leaves today as well...

Louise F NZ said...

Gorgeous card Alex.
I have left you a little something on my blog.

Nikki Bond said...

Oh Alex...I'm so sorry! I hate goodbyes! I remember when my husband left for Iraq the last time I walked around sad and angry for a week! It's never easy to say goodbye! You do have convention to look forward to though, and your other family around you.....I hope that helps a little! Take care! {SMILES and HUGS}

Natalie said...

Another great card. x

Ila said...

Oh my ....I am really behind here. I missed this lovely card....so Beautiful!!

Diane said...

I feel for you Alex,hope all went well! Sending you lots of love and hugs!!!!

Katie said...

I wish I had some wise words for you about your son but I don't! It never gets any easier no matter how old they get!!
Lovely card, gorgeous colours as usual!!!

Katie
x

Manna said...

Another awesome card, Alex! Love it!