Day of Gratitude by Stampin Up and me.

Good morning everyone.

In Canada the Long weekend is gone and many of you are back to work. We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. Loved it.

I finally feel that I have the Thanksgiving dinner 'under my knee'. In Holland this is and expression that suggests that you have something under control. (smile)

With the help from my dear hubby and Oma Carolyn we whipped up a beautiful dinner. A massive Turkey (poor guy), mashed potato's, sweet potato's. Brussels Sprouts, green beans, home made Cranberry sauce, homemade Gravy and Pumpkin Pie with Whip cream.

I have to tell you, oma Carolyn is an amazing cook and a great teacher. She is so so sweet and she does make the best gravy in town..

For today I made this card for the Mojo Monday Challenge #160. I know it is totally Tuesday everywhere, but with our Long weekend gone by.. I just have to keep telling myself: 'It's not Monday today Pauline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

Anyway :) I usually don't tell you to buy a certain set, but I just need to tell you not to let this Gorgeous stamp set pass you by.. I used the 'Day of Gratitude' stamp set by Stampin Up'.. It is available in the 2010 Mini Catalogue. I just adore it! It is stunning.. and so easy to use.. It gives any card such an elegant and warm fuzzy feeling! Okay.. I know that totally didn't make any sense.. But that was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this set.

For the first time I used my Poppy Parade card stock by Stampin Up.. What a gorgeous deep and warm colour. Together with the Early Espresso and Whisper White it brings out the best in all of them. I also used a heavily retired Stampin Up Soft Sky ribbon at the top and some cute cute flower brads made by Stampin Up.

Love it!

Well.. I gotta go.. I am off to by some paint to give our hallway a different color.

Enjoy all you do today and well keep in touch!

Hugs, Pauline

Thanksgiving in a nutshell...

In Canada it is almost Thanksgiving. I love this time of year. Our turkey is out of the freezer. Our house is actually clean :) and the sun is shining outside.

As you might know by reading through my blog, you know that I wasn't raised in Canada. I grew up in Holland and Thanksgiving isn't huge there. So I just wanted to see for myself what this festival was all about.

A couple of weeks ago I red this quote: 'The Pilgrims made seven more graves than huts. No American or Canadian have been more impoverished than these who nevertheless, set aside a day of Thanksgiving.'

You know, for the seven years that we lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we lived as a family close to many of our dear friends who are Native American. I love them and their culture. And personally I think they are true survivors.

You might think.. 'What does that have to do with 'Thanksgiving?'

Is it okay to tell you a bit about my thoughts here?

Did you know that when the Europeans / the Pilgrims came to 'Canada and the US' that while they were settling here.. they or shall I say their actions 'killed' close to 20 million Native families. I hope this is not the first time you hear about this.

I red an article written by Jacqueline Keeler who is a member of the Dineh Nation in the US. When the Pilgrims came Plymouth Rock, they were poor and hungry. Half of them died within a few months of disease and hunger. Many Native People took pity on them and helped them survive the cold winter. Their English crops had failed and the Native People fed them through the winter and taught them how to grow their food.

These were not just friendly Native people. They had already experienced European slave traders raiding their villages for a hundred years or so and while they were worried they still chose to help the Pilgrims. It was one of their ways; 'To give freely to them that have nothing'. It was their way of earning respect by not holding back. They believed that by giving their should be enough for all.

I am so sad to write this down, but the Europeans saw the Native People as 'heathens and of the devil' (sigh) and they saw them as an instrument of their God to help them do what they had to do .... At the first Thanksgiving The Wampanoags provided most of the food and signed a treaty granting the Pilgrims the right to the land at Plymouth, the real reason for the first Thanksgiving.

And what did the Europeans give back in return? Respect? I don't think so from what I understand about history. Within 20 years European disease and treachery had decimated the Wampanoags (native people). Most diseases came from animals that Europeans had domesticated. Cowpox from cows led to smallpox. One of the biggest killers of the Native People. This disease spread through gifts of blankets used by infected Europeans. Some estimate that diseases accounted for a death toll of 90 percent in some Native American communities. By 1623, Mather the elder, a Pilgrim leader, was giving thanks to his god for destroying the heathen savages to make way for a better growth', meaning his people....

I am sure many Pilgrims were truly upset with this way of thinking. I know I am.. Big time.. I hate what happened in all those years.. All I know is .. Many many Native People died and did not survive while they were trying to share their land with us. Oh .. my heart cries for the injustice that has happened.

Europeans trading alcohol for meat and fur.. And while many Native people turned into alcoholics, killing of their own country.. the Europeans made 'gold' back in Europe selling this fur.

The Europeans killed off the millions of Buffalo.. which was so important to the Native People to survive, and they knew.. without the Buffalo's they would have no way of surviving the winters.. And so it happened... How evil..

Nd here we are in 2010.. telling each other to have a Happy Thanksgiving.. And I want it to be one for you and your family.. But please keep in mind that there is a bigger picture.. One that needs forgiveness and grace and respect for the Native people who sacrificed a lot for us to be able to live the way we live!

And maybe in your own home you need grace and forgiveness as well to be able to turn back to being Thankful for what you have.

I am not sure if this all makes sense to you. I am just trying here to bring a bit of justice to the Native People. I cannot change what happened for them in the past. And I am sure writing on my blog about Justice doesn't do much at all.. but I just had to get it out.. and I hope it will open a chapter in your heart where you will look at them in a new way.

I am honoured by the Native People that want to be our friends.. I am thankful that I am able to learn from them. I respect them and love them.

Enjoy the ones you love this weekend and thanks for hanging in there with me.

Big hug, Pauline

Welcome Christmas by Stampin Up and me.

I know.. I hear you thinking.. what's wrong with this sweet woman :) ? Yes.. I am not really welcoming Christmas in October.. but I sure enjoyed creating this card today.
The Designer Series Paper I used from Stampin Up is from a long long time ago.. It was probable for sale in the beginning of 2000. I still love it to pieces. And aren't the images from this stamp set 'Welcome Christmas' adorable.. They are so inviting and sweet.

We were never allowed to help decorating the Christmas tree in my home.
My dad would close the living room door and he would put on some Kings College Carols music from England and he would set up the tree. He would light up the candles and turn off all the lights. Then after he was all done.. we could all come together in to the room and see the result. What a moment.. He always did a amazing job.

The carols and the smell of the tree, the flickering lights of the candles were beautiful. But most of all, my dad's face was just the sweetest thing in the whole room. He loved surprising us. And we felt loved.

Each year my dad and my brother would go to Koln in Germany and buy there one new Christmas decoration for in the tree. So cute.. The 2 man on a hunt for a new ball or ornament.

I love those memories.
Me and my hubby have 3 small children and a whole load of unbreakable Christmas ornaments. This way our kids can help decorate the tree.. It is so much fun.. The tree is not a tree that reflects the ones in the magazines.. but it is one that our kids are so proud of..
I will post a picture once that day has come, then you can join in the fun.

Well, the sun is shining.. and Christmas will not be here for another 2 months.. YES!!!
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Hugs, Pauline

Mr Sock Monkey goes on a fun wagon ride

Happy happy Monday everyone!

I know.. I know.. I probable didn't need to make this many pictures of the card I created this morning.. I just so love how Mr Sock Monkey is smiling away at me.. Every time I was trying to take a photo of the card.. it was like he was trying to sneek into the photo with his smile, saying.. Hey.. what about me over here?

Maybe I am hanging out a bit to much with my lovely children over here.. They talk to their dolls, their cars, their trains and pictures.. well just about everything that wants and should be listening to them.. I'm starting to pick up on some of their habits..

The perks of being a mom I guess (smile)

I created this card for the Mojo Monday Challenge #159. So fun.
I love their challenges. I used the Sock Monkey Stamp Set from Stampin Up and the wagon for Mr Monkey that was released in the new Catalogue of 2010. I stamped the images on some Designer Series Paper of Stampin up and I snipped it out. Worked perfectly. The Old Olive base for this card works so well with all the other colors.

Aren't those Silver Star brads stunning? It gives this card just the right sparkle, don't you think?

Well.. check out the Mojo Monday blog today.. it will give you so many amazing ideas to work with. You will not be disappointed!

Take good care and enjoy the rest of your day! Pauline

Ski slope Christmas card by Stampin Up and me

Good and glorious Autumn Sunday afternoon to you, my dear friends! I hope you are enjoying all this beautiful weather that the Fall is bringing to us. I am loving it! The colors are just stunning out here in Calgary.

I had some time this afternoon to create this card. I think that the photo's will help you to get a good idea of what it looks like. I even managed to take photo's that did justice to the real colors of the card. The 'Ski Slope' Designer Series Paper that I used from Stampin Up is now retired.. but never the less.. it is still so beautiful. It is one of my favorites. The colors that you see are 'Real Red, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey and Whisper White'. I used some tiny pearls on the ornament.. that totally did it for me.. Together with the Old Olive Satin Ribbon the whole card came alive.. if you know what I mean.

Oh I just have to tell you. Our daugther Naomi who is now 16 months old is sitting next to me in her highchair singing her lungs out.. I wish you could hear her.. The sounds that she is coming up with are so overly cute and the melody that she has in her heart and which is coming out of her mouth are so So sweet.. I so love her.. I am in my happy place here.

Anyhoo.. Sunday it is.. and I am happy to enjoy it..

Our week wil start soon and I hope you will give yourself some time to relax and enjoy the ones you love today!

Thanks for taking a stroll through my rambling today. & I would love to hear from you!

Big hug, Pauline

Growing Green by Stampin Up and me

I love the elegant look of this Cameo Coral (pink) flower from the Growing Green Stampin Up Stamp set that I stamped about 20 times on a piece of Whisper White card stock.. It reminds me of the crisp nature in Fall when every leaf turns into a flower. It's like a second Spring, don't you think? I feel spoiled and I am loving it.. Fall is good and it's the first day of October.

Unreal.. how the time goes by. 15 years ago I woke up when my mom came into the room ... She looked at me with tears in her eyes and told me that my sister had passed away in the middle of the night... 'Oh God... No... no.. Did she leave us in peace? But mom I wasn't even there!' Was the first thing I said to her.. 'Why didn't you wake me up?' I just slept.. the whole night.. I slept.... As soon as I had said it.. I felt bad for my mom.. I am sure she had enough on her mind.. And she was probable relieved that she had a bit of space to think and feel and share with my dad of what she was feeling after my sister had died.

I remember walking to the post office that day.. thinking.. all these people that are on their bikes and doing their thing, They have NO IDEA what is happening in my life.. They have no clue..

At that point I hadn't talked to anyone yet outside of my family and I felt by walking outside our home.. that I entered into a whole new world where everything was still the same. But I knew that for me it wasn't the same anymore...

I am sure this is happening to so many people.. They are doing their thing.. but in their hearts they are carrying this huge emotional load with them..
And people are passing them by and have no idea..

I worked for many many years with the street people in Amsterdam and Utrecht. When I immigrated to Canada I also worked with them in a homeless shelter. I love these people. I learned that there are things we can only learn from the 'weakest' among us. It is such a lie that the stronger should dominate the weaker person. I learned so much about myself and about my life on this planet by spending time with them. They have a story to tell, just like me.. They want to be known.. just like me.. like you!
I'm honored that I sometimes could be that person in their life. And I thank my family and friends for wanting to get to know me, with my ups and downs. All of it is me.
I am learning that one for sure. And God knows me. (Psalm 139) His love will never change for me. It will not become more, it will not become less.. It is not depended on what I do.. How safe is that! He has plans for my life.. and as long as I breathe.. I hope and live!

All that to say... (smile, thanks for hanging in there with me..) I created this card with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #62, 'All buttoned up' in mind. Please click on this link to get inspired by the many amazing card makers all over the world who enter in their card on that website. Love it.

Dear you, have an amazing day where you feel loved and known!

A big hug, Pauline

Mojo Monday Challenge #158 with some Cameo Coral.

Happy Monday everyone.

I am so happy to be back on my blog. I missed not having the time to sit down and share my thoughts and cards with you. For some of you your Mondays will be a new week. It is like 'Saying good bye' to the relaxing days of in the weekend. I am not sure what happened to my weekend.. I was busy! Very busy.. that's all I probable need to say..

Don't all days as a mom sometimes feel the same? Sigh.. But it's all good! We had lots of sun and happy kids running around having a blast..

Oh and I have to tell you.. My weekend really wasn't all that bad at all.. Yesterday in church I was able to see one of my dear friends Lisa.. Wow.. was it ever way to long ago since we connected. I love hanging out with her. She has such beautiful spirit. So sweet and kind and wise at the same time. I really hope we can connect soon (Hi Lisa :) and make some cards.

I was also on the phone with my dear friend Ellie from Holland. Oh.. how I enjoyed that one! She makes me laugh and think.. She inspires me in so many ways. I wish my arms were long enough so I could give this sweet woman a hug.. But that's not going to happen. But she knows that I love her.. even when we don't talk every week.. or 2 weeks.. or month.. sigh :) Hi Ellie :)

So yes .. Today is Monday.. So happy I am able to post the card I created this morning for the Mojo Monday #158 challenge. I looked at the challenge and thought.. I can dot it.. So here it is.

I don't think I used these colors a whole lot in this card making-chapter of my life :) But these colors are so cute! There is Riding Hood Red, Cameo Coral, Whisper White and River Rock.

They sure look great together.

Well.. I hope this Monday was a great beginning to your week. I'm going to soak up some sun in our back yard with the kids... while it is here..

So glad our tomatoes can ripen in the sun as well. They deserve it. After working so hard to become little tomatoes.. now they can get some color as well.

Blessings and hugs Pauline

Baby Steps by Stampin Up and me

Hi everyone. Hope you are having a good good Sunday. I loved going to church this morning and seeing all our dear friends again. Tomorrow 3 of them will swing by with their kids and were going to do some card making. Can't wait.. There is something about getting together and chatting and creating something new! The kids will have a blast and we will too.

I created this card with the 'Baby Steps' stamp from Stampin Up. You're right.. (smile) it is so incredibly cute.. I love that tiny little elephant.. and the mom who walks so lovingly and confident in front of her little one. I want my life to be like that.. guiding the way for my little ones.
My oldest son is now 6 years and he showed me his loose tooth this morning.. So cool! Can't believe it! His first loose tooth.. He told me that from now on, he only wants to drink his food and not eat it.. in case his tooth really comes out.. hummn.. Cute kid.

Have a great rest of the day.. and yes for my Calgary friends. This rain will pass!