ding dong the witch is dead

Wow, what a difference a day makes. Last week we were all crying about the government and our military guys and gals were justifiably upset because their paychecks were not going to arrive on time or at all. Today everyone is waving the flag and singing God Bless America! How convenient that, on a week when our military casualties were especially high, an almost 10 year operation to find that madman was completed. And why are we, as a country, compelled to give him so much air time. Hasn't he already taken enough from us. We don't need him or news of him to spur us on to remain vigilant; we have forever lost that sense of safety. We don't need him to justify keeping our boys overseas; we have other madmen to hunt. We're still busy. I'm glad there is some tiny bit of closure for Sept. 11, 2001. Yeah, I'm glad they found him but have to think it was just one item on a very long punch list. And I just can't find it in me to find joy in the death of any man who doesn't know the Way ...

A New Look

As you can see, I am revamping my blog...I used it originally as a journal/art dump. I have recently decided I have something to say and began the makeover. Actually, if there is anyone reading this, you might recall I remarked that I was going to write a book about early 20th century Russian martyrs...yeah. That's what everyone said...my husband predicted a best seller. I felt especially compelled to write during a mass where a missionary priest was talking about far east Russia, catholic persecution and the martyrs. I figured He wanted me to write about them. Goes against the little I do know about writing...I know nothing about the martyrs, communism, heck, I didn't even know Russia had a far east, but I was trying to be obedient. That is generally a problem for me but I do try; just ask me some day about why my husband and I have adopted 11 children. The feeling didn't pass though, I began to think that maybe it was the writing and not the topic I was to begin. I am no expert on reading God's Will, though, and so in my imperfect way, I will explore the thought in my blog and try to practice following His Will. How hard could it be...there is a manual, right? So, I decided if I am going to take this writing seriously, first, I have to write...disciplined and routinely. Um, and probably about something I know--though don't hold me to that. Fiction is a viable genre ;o) If you decide to join me for this journey, strap in, and hang on tight. I have no map and only a vague direction...its likely to be a wild ride...

Happy Valentines Day

Today at Mass we talked about Love...loving God enough to obey His commandments. We had a missionary from Russia who gave a riveting talk on Russian Martyrs from the Communist Regime in the early 1900's. Unbelievably sad. I feel compelled to do something, anything, to help build up the Catholic Church in Russia...or here.

Today's post is an Anniversary Card for my BIL and his wife.

I LOVE Teachers!!

Ok, I know that many people, myself included, have been quick to "dis" our schools...but when you look what these snow days piling up on snow days have done to us...and here in TX we have only had a few. There are news articles being published regarding the lack of school and isolation for the primary caregivers. I have seen moms worried, rightly so, about how this disrupts the kids routines...especially autistic children. So I say teachers, We Love You!! Special Kudo's to my 3rd grade sons teacher!! She is always super helpful, but this week she sent out a special extra credit assignment for her students...what is there to do on a fun snow day! So we are getting some extra credit and I get a little time off from "what can I do now!!" I am using that time to make some card sets for the teachers for the end of the year...slowly, since, you know...I have 11 kids at home!!! Here comes the sun!
here's a peek at some of my cards...

A wish or two....

First I have been looking for stamps by Hanglar and I came up with almost nothing. Not sold in the US...But this nice person is giving away some images on her site as blog candy.

Check it out

...They are so cute!!
So I wish I would win ;o)
My big wish is for anyone reading this, please pray for my family. We are going to court tomorrow to find out if our adoption is going to go through. We really want to provide a home for these punkins and our whole family is pretty stressed out :o(
So I wish for your prayers.
thanks so much in advance :o)
hugs,
Holly

BOO...

Did I scare you? Probably scared all of you when I posted something other than someone else's blog candy!! Here is a bag I made to send a gift to my great niece, Alyssa who is turning 1. I forgive Ariana for making me a "great" anything since her babies are so adorable!! The inspiration for the bag was Mo's digital challenge I will enter every week to try and win some digi stamps so I don't have to spend my kids grocery money on them...so cute!!!
TFL!!
Credits:
Digital stamp by MO
paper (I will check and edit)
markers: Copic
flowers: Prima
buttons: (sigh...why do I bother...)
ribbon: craft supply

OK, so its not just blog candy, but blog candy for a cause...

not mine of course :o)
see this post and GIVE :o)
hugs,
Holly