Wow it has been a long time since I posted on my blog. So much has happened in the last 5 months. Many changes in our household. Some are great. Some not so great. But that is just how life goes.
I created this little chicken card to send out to my family and some cold friends in the Midwest. I used all my old unloved Spellbinders dies. They were so anxious to come out and play. How could I refuse their pleas. I chose the egg, banner, hearts and a circle punch for the eyes. I embossed the body with my heart folder. Just a simple creation packed with love.
I have spent a great deal of time back home this fall and winter. My dad has not been well and we had some quality time at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. He has gone through rehab now for a stroke and surgery for a brain bleed. It was some scary times. Hug on your loved ones every day. Each day is a blessing. Christmas day I shot this photo as we walked to an outdoor hay ride. My dad usually drives but my brother stepped in this year. We always freeze but sing at the top of our lungs and then come back to the farm for hot chocolate. What could be better than that?
I also started on a weight loss/get healthy journey last January. I have had amazing results. When you are my age it is extremely difficult to lose weight but I am on track. I also started working out at a Crossfit gym and have made so many wonderful Christian friends. I think God pointed me in the right direction on this one. But then again doesn't he always. Lastly I am so proud of this bunch. They are all my pride and joy and it is a blessing to be their mom.
Hopefully I still have few followers out there. I know many of you have emailed me or messaged me on Facebook wondering where I have been. Quality family time. Hoping that 2014 will be a better year for my family but still feel very thankful for what I have and what is yet to come.
Great to see you posting, Dawn! The pictures are really wonderful! I know there have been some difficult times for you this year. I am glad your Dad is recovering well and glad to hear you are feeling fit and healthy! Happy New Year! Sending hugs!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your dad, but glad he is on the mend. I'm so happy you are back! I certainly missed your lovely artwork! Lovely family too! Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that your dad is on the mend. Happy New Year to you! It is so nice to see your creations!Love your card and your family picture is gorgeous!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm still here, Dawn! <3 It sounds like 2014 is already shaping up to be a better year. Thanks so much for the update.
ReplyDeleteOh what a fun card Dawn! I love how you used these dies to create this fun chicken card!!! I have missed your artwork too! I know it's been a tough year for you all and I trust 2014 will be much better! Whatever path we walk, we know we don't walk it alone!!! Thanks also for the sweet sympathy card that came snail mail today. We just got home 10 last night and I'm somewhere in a fog today! Hoping to get caught up soon! Coffee sounds wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, seeing this post has made my whole week! I've missed you! And this card is just adorable. As are the pictures. It's obvious you have a lot of wonderful blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh, Dawn! It was a joy to see your blog show up in Feeddler! I immediately came and read your post and love your precious chicken! Your dies are so happy now...hehe! You are so loved, and I am so glad to hear how you are doing. Your kids are gorgeous...as you are! What a blessing to know that God is always with us...in all the big and small ways! You have been on my mind, and I'll email you! Miss you...but understand needing quality, family time! Warm hugs and love!!!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you and your beautiful family. Missed you but good to hear that things are getting better and hope they will continue that way. I will keep you in my thoughts and look forward to seeing some more of your beautiful work when you can fit it in. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSo good to see your post Dawn! I think of you often! I'm glad to hear your Dad is recovering!! Your healthy journey sounds great! I really need to do that. I LOVE the picture of your beautiful children. I hope 2014 is filled with blessings for you!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see a post from you Dawn! I never deleted you from my blog list, because I so much hoped to see you post again soon. Love the cute card! Sorry to hear about your dad, and congrats on the weight loss!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you posting again. Your card is darling!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your father. Hopefully rehab is working well for him and he will be on the mend soon. I am all too familiar with the brain bleeds and strokes.
Good for you that are on this great health journey. I too have spent the last year getting back into shape. It definitely isn't easy as we get older. I lift at my local gym, but would love to do Crossfit. :)
Lovely to see you back Dawn. Sounds like you've had a rough time over the last few months, but I suppose its just another chapter of what life throws at you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that things can only get better. Hope to see you again very soon. Love the photo of your children. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteI did a happy dance when I saw your blog post in my Bloglovin feeder! This card is so adorable! Love your barn/snow scene and of course, love seeing your gorgeous kids! May 2014 be filled with many blessings for you!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see a post from you Dawn. Sounds to me like your wonderfully positive attitude has gone a long way toward helping you cope with the ups and downs. Bravo to you on your accomplishments!
ReplyDeleteHow great to "hear" from you, Dawn! Sorry your dad has gone through some rough times, and I hope he is doing well now. Congrats on your weight loss. I need to get started on that! Your family is gorgeous. I hope you have a wonderful 2014. Great card, too!
ReplyDeleteDawn, I will always be your loyal follower! I understand how life gets...my New Year's goal was to get back to blogging a bit after a very difficult last year. I know what it is like to have your parent ill and spend your time traveling and with them...I send my prayers and best wishes to all of you. It is so difficult...but your Dad has a lot of support and you will certainly always be glad you have taken the time you have and ordered your priorities!
ReplyDeleteI love your cute card, all the fun shapes, and the chicken wire background is just perfect! What a fun one for your family. Wishing you all the blessings in the year ahead! Hugs, friend.
I read you blog about a week ago and was going to come back and post but time slipped by on me.... As many of the girls have shared we truly understand you spending your time with family it's seams to become more and more important to me each year. I too have been taking care of my folks for several years now and sometimes just can't find time to craft, much less blog...
ReplyDeleteLove your Chicken he is just Too Cute!!! Yep, you still got "IT" girl.
I love seeing the pictures at the top of the kids. The photo below is gorgeous, a beautiful family Dawn. Your chicken card is too cute. Hope things are going good. Hugs sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteHi sweet Dawn girl. Hugs to you. I just love you. You are so genuine. Sorry about the health challenges your dad has been through and your entire family. Hugs to you. Love love this card and your photo. I love that story of your sleigh tradition. Thinking of you. And way to go taking care of your health. Mwah.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn. I am just about managing to post a card most weeks but my commenting has got very poor so I am trying to catch up with people I haven't visited for a while and I see that your own postings have been somewhat intermittent. I do like this fun chicken card! It's super clever and very effective with the chicken wire in the background. What a treat to go on a cruise for your birthday! And goodness me you have beautiful kids! Take care! Hugs, Lesley
ReplyDeleteDawn the little chicken is so sweet. reached your blog via pinterest. Such an amazing blog you have
ReplyDeleteCheers
Dr Sonia