Sunday, October 9, 2011

With Gratitude

It's the sparkle in his eyes, the big hug or the sweet smile that makes my heart grow three sizes. I know my son appreciates me and loves me for all that I do for him. Potty training had been an ongoing battle for months (the move didn't help either) so I finally decided to do it cold turkey. No more diapers. It only took one day and there were only accidents on day one. He even goes by himself now and says, "I (am a) big boy now!" I couldn't be more proud of him! My husband says I can take all the credit. Imagine all the craft stuff I can buy with the money we save on diapers, wipes and Genie refills! LOL

This is my favourite sentiment from Chit Chat! When I saw the baby chick from My Peeps, all I could think of was my little baby looking up at me or his Baba with such love when he gets to do something that makes him really happy. That was the idea behind this whole card. It's a clean and simple one-layer that packs a punch. I really love it. (The tiny heart is from Sugar Rush.)

Tomorrow is Canadian Thanksgiving and we celebrated with my parents tonight. My mom had also invited a couple of her friends. There was plenty of chatter and food, of course. My mom can't ever have a small meal. Every meal she cooks includes at least ten dishes and we always get to take home leftovers. Yum! Some of the things I'm grateful for are my family, our health, the fact that we have enough to enjoy life, a multitude of real friendships and, of course, all the amazing opportunities we've had, not the least of which have been my successes here in blogland and the paper crafting world. I'm extremely grateful for all of these things and more. I hope all my Canadian friends and family around the world have an awesome day tomorrow!

***

Speaking of being thankful, have you played in the current Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge? It has a cute little tomato harvest theme. Look at those gorgeous colours! Simply click on the link or on the photo below for all the details. It runs until October 19th and you could win some of Kim's ultra cute and fabulous stamps! If you don't have any Paper Smooches stamps, Kim offers new digis every month to play with. HERE is this month's freebie which is so perfect for the challenge.

Thank you for stopping by today! See you again soon. :)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury white cardstock; Paper Smooches My Peeps & Chit Chat; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics; We R Memory Keepers corner chomper

41 comments:

Audrey said...

Emily, this is adorable! Congrats on successful potty training! I remember that huge feeling of accomplishment for all of us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. :)

Ujjwal said...

Emily, this is such an adorable card! And you said - simple yet packed with a punch :)

Wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving !

Jen Carter said...

This is SO cute!! LOVE the sweet little birds!! Very cute!!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

LOOOOOOOVE this little card--SOOOO precious! I LOVE the story about your son! It makes me have a bit of hope for friends who are training!!! So glad you shared!

Creations by Shirl said...

Hi Emily- You really have a pretty blog and you have some awesome cards that you make too.... love this card that you just did....
Hey, I will be your newest follower, hop on over and be a follower of my blog too... Also I have some candy going on and it will be over real soon...
TFS!

Robin said...

That card is super sweet! Love how you used the shadow around your stamping!
Congrats on the potty training.. just finished with my little man too! Yay!!!
Robin

Mette said...

Well done to your son - sounds like he's very proud of himself :).
What a wonderful little card Emily - totally love it.

Hugs, Mette

Wendy ten Hove said...

Congrats for your son!!! And for you as well, of course! This card is so perfect!! Love the coloring you did!!!! Perfect birds, makes me happy, Emily!!
Hugs, Wendy

Vicky Hayes said...

I love this card Emily and really recognise that 'looking up with love' thing you describe. Your son is so lucky to have you - your love for him shines from your blog. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jay Gee said...

Fabulous card Emily and I love the whole idea/story behind it :)

Jen W. said...

I got a little misty reading that! Your card is gorgeous and so very sweet. I love how you outlined the sentiment as well as the image - nice touch! And glad the little guy is doing so well and is "a big boy" now! :)

Brenda said...

What a sweetie of a card Emily! I am loving these birdies more and more every time you use them! I can't imagine how proud your are about your son!

Emily Keaton said...

What a sweet card and beautiful story, Emily. I love how you put together that sweet scene. Awesome coloring, too!! Have a fabulous Thanksgiving today. :)

Annette Allen said...

Congrats on potty training...this card is so awesome..the coloring is perfect..

Lisa said...

The birds are so sweet together and i love how the little one is looking up at the other- sweet! Congrats on the potty training- it's so freeing when you finally get to that point isn't it? Big hugs to your little guy :)
and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours today!

Meg said...

Oh, Em, this card is so cute! I love how you recreated your family with stamps-the story behind it makes it that much cuter. :)

I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving full of not changing diapers!

Basement Stamper said...

Great card, love the colors and the no layers!

Brandi said...

Emily-
This is absolutely adorable!!!

Rachel said...

How fantastic that your son potty trained so quickly! Love the money you get to save (and spend on more worthwhile items, hehe).

I love your card and the explanation as to why you made it that way.

And happy thanksgiving! Yay for leftovers!

Helle said...

Love it! The rounded corner is a great detail!

Lana Clarke said...

Great news about your little one Emily. I just took the plunge with my boys and went without nappies scary but worth it.
Fab simple but really eye catching card x

Sue McRae said...

Happy Thanksgiving Emily and love your card with those cute birds!

Chunyuan said...

happy thanksgiving to you and your family, Emily. Love your cute card.

Jingle said...

I just love this!

Tigriswillreign said...

Thanks so much for the bit on potty-training... I've been slacking with my youngest, who is now over 2. My other girl was potty-trained by 2, though my son took until 3. I'm sure that if I just go cold turkey, I'll see results... I can handle following her around, not going out and messes for 1-3 days!!

Jocelyn Olson said...

That's awesome that Damian potty trained in 1 day (well 1 day of cold-turkey)...it's so freeing, isn't it? Yeah for him and yeah for you!

The card is *amazing*! I love the CAS design. Your colors and coloring look stellar--WOW!! You rock the Paper Smooches stamps. :)

Karen B. said...

Congratulations to your son...and you! Great CAS card, my favorite. Hope you are well.

Lindsey said...

Sweet post, sweet card, sweet you! Happy Thanksgiving, Em.

Lynn said...

So happy for your little guy! Wonderful news! Happy Thanksgiving Emily to you and your family...love your CAS card.

Sunghee said...

oh my~! soooooo cute!!!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Fabulous card and be grateful and appreciative is important, way to acknowledge the big milestone.

Glenda J said...

Such a wonderfully cute card!
Had a wonderful Thanksgiving... sounds like you did too!

Angela said...

Hooray for big D! I have friends who potty-trained all three of their kids that way, and they swear by it. Great job!
Love the card, too -- the Toucan-Sam-ishness of the colors makes me very happy :)

Jessi Fogan said...

Cold turkey worked really well for my oldest too. It takes guts, though, so kudos to you, Emily :) And way to go Damian - definitely a big boy now!
I love the meaning behind your card, and Connor says he LOVES the 'too-con' (I love that he pronounces it in Spanish, lol).

Anonymous said...

Such a sweet card! :)

*Alison* said...

Emily..
I just adore this.. the colors are so bright and fun! Congrats on the potty training :)
I got my twine and sweet card..it's beautiful! Thank you so much! HUGS

Shauna K said...

awww this is too super cute! love the added heart- perfect touch :)

Angie Blom said...

AH.. this is just amazing Emily.. big congrats on making the DT.. i am so thrilled for you.. you so deserve this!!

Kary said...

What a sweet card, Emily!! Happy Thanksgiving (sorry, bit late), so glad you had a great time at your parents. Take care, and have a great day!! {{hugs}}

donna mikasa said...

Love the story behind your sweet card! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

this is too darn cute emily.