Monday, March 7, 2011

A Thing Of Beauty...

It is no secret that being a mother to 7 children and a wife *whispers* (and sometimes it can feel like I'm a mother to him as well.  Husbands, ya gotta love 'em!) can be hard work.   But, I kind of look at it this way, being a mom to a large family is the hardest thing I have ever done and continue to do, bar none, but is absolutely the most rewarding (bit like competing in extreme sports actually).  If I stop and think about it, I get very little sleep (like most times, it can be only a large handful of hours in a week), but I have come to realize that I won't shrivel up and die on less sleep, even though it does feels like it at times.  I certainly feel a lot poorer than my contemporaries, but so very rich in a myriad of other ways.  Many often comment on how do I do it?  But I reckon It really just comes down to nourishing my spirit with those and things that I love, whenever I can.  I am rather unapologetic about this too.  The way I see it is that if I am in good spirits and feeling creative (a valuable asset for those with huge families on a limited budget I can assure you) and at peace, that gets paid forward to those that I hold near and dear and beyond. It's a win-win situation all round.   


As you may have already gathered, everyone in my family is as mad as cut snakes...and that's kind of how we like it.  Needless to say, there is a lot of tomfoolery going on in our home and a lot of laughing until you have tears streaming down your face or at the very least start to snort.  In actual fact, you can either laugh or cry as options for most things in life now can't you?  So, I try and choose to laugh (either actually or metaphorically) as much as I can and lovingly surround myself with whom or what brings me joy and that alone is a real thing of beauty.  Always!

The following card uses a Unity stamp that I love because it is just the best reminder of how true it is that a thing of beauty is a joy forever.  That Keats fella was certainly a man after my own heart.  Bless.


Supplies:  

  • Stamps: Unity A Thing Of Beauty
  • Paper:  Pink Paislee Sweetness DP, Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream and Sweet Blush Cardstock, October Afternoon DP and Handmade Wool Fiber Paper (2 layer butterfly)
  • Ink:  Versafine Olympia Green, SU Chocolate Chip, Distress Ink in Tea Dye, Antique Linen and Spun Sugar
  • Accessories:  Papertrey Onk Love Lives Here Die, Tag Sale 3 Die, and Aqua Mist Vintage Button, 4" Paper Doily, 1" Satin Bow, Vintage Crochet Trim, Jute, Diamond Stickles and WRMK Corner Chomper Stub

24 comments:

Mad for Paper said...

this is just beautiful, your card and your post. I always love reading your blog. I have 2 boys and often wish I had more kids. I love large families, unfortunately we started too late and just had the two. And you shouldn't apologize for taking time for yourself. I used to feel bad about it especially because my husband doesn't seem to need it like I do, but without me time I just don't work.
Thanks for sharing.
Ang

Cathy Weber said...

You always crack me up with your narrative, Jen. Your card is very beautiful with the crochet trim and that Tag Sale #3. The Love Lives Here butterfly was a wonderful touch on this one. Your family sounds like they are all a lot of fun. Wish I could meet them all.

Melissa said...

So true, Jen! If momma's happy, everyone's happy! You are truly a superwoman!

Love your card, with the delicate tag and gorgeous paper! That big bow is delicious, too!

Stephanie said...

Jen.......What a beautiful post today to go along with an even more beautiful card!!! I had no idea that you had 7 children!!! How do you even have the time to do crafty things??? You just blew me away. Thanks for giving me a snippet of what it's like in your home.....You truly are wealthy in a myriad of ways. ;-)

Victoria said...

This is so lovely, Jen! I always enjoy reading your blog posts and forum posts because I feel like I'm reading poetry! I didn't know you had such a large family. I am amazed that you have time to craft, but I'm so glad you do because you have a lot of beauty to share!

Have a good week!

Heidi said...

Jen I always enjoy your posts! The card is beautiful too! Love that quote that you used and that breathtaking paper!

Karen C. said...

Beautiful card Jen.I love the way you've layered all those goodies. I always enjoy hearing about your family life - you must have so many stories 7 children = 7 times the giggles!!

Trees said...

I grew up in a large family (I have 4 sisters) and it was so much fun. Life is so full.
Taking care of yourself is SO important when so many people depend on you...
Anyway, I LOVE all your cards, this one is no exception. That gold ribbon is just divine!

Jill said...

Jen, yummy papers & trim! I just love your style. :-) And you have such a way with words . . . always a pleasure to visit your blog!

Janelle said...

Beautiful card... actually had me somewhat mesmerized for awhile there. Love that ribbon... the tag... the quote... the patterned paper... the colors.... It's fabulous! Thanks for your visit to my blog, too!

Ted said...

Jen! Thanks for the wonderful snapshot into your family life. Your children are obviously blessed by God to have such a loving mom, and a creative one!

That card is beautiful and I love how the stamped image of the rose ties in with the paper. What most touches me, however, is the subtle almost-invisible butterfly that, once spotted, can't let go of my vision. :) Well done!

Debbie Gaydos said...

This card is so sweet and beautiful, as is your post. Thanks for sharing with us in blogland.

Linda said...

Great post and beautiful card!

Rebecca said...

This is a beautiful card. I never use lace but absolutely love the way it looks. I can't believe you have 7 kids! I'm envious!! Well put post.

Lorraine said...

So pretty! Love the papers, lace, tags and the corner cuts! And you have 7 kids?! Um, you deserve a medal for that, lol. Wow!

Terri said...

Beautiful! Love all the different elements especially the dp you used. I didn't know you had 7 kids. I only have one so I really admire you! By the way thanks so much for the sweet comments you leave on my blog they really mean a lot to me!

Denise said...

7 kids! I'm feeling humbled! You must be one organized momma! Your card is beautiful... that gold satin ribbon is dazzling, darling! ;)

Taheerah said...

I loved reading about your family life Jen! I come from a family of complete mad hatters, so I can relate! Gorgeous card as well, love that patterned paper and all the beautiful finishing touches!

Heather Rogers said...

Such a beautiful card Jen. I always love reading your posts. Your writing is amazing. :)
Hugs~

Jill Norwood said...

There is only one word for your card - absolutely stunning! LOVE IT! I also loved reading your post. I come from a family of 7 children and I related to all that you said. You are a very special lady just like my Mom! Family is the biggest blessing and the Mom is the loving glue that makes it all work! I am going to have to subscribe so I can read on in the future! TFS!

Michelle said...

7 kids...God bless.... I would have loved to have had a big family but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be; I am envious really. I can only imagine the fun to be had at birthdays and holidays....oh the joy! Family...just the greatest greatest gift.

Sara Mac said...

Beautiful card Jen! So true too! I love that you CHOOSE to laugh. That's the way to deal with life and it's ups and downs. Sounds like you have your hands full, but you really appreciate what you have been given. Thanks for sharing.

Anne B said...

Thanks so much for the insight into your family Jen. Love your card - that paper is simply gorgeous and the layers of lace and butterfly simply stunning :)

Stephanie Washburn said...

Oh my.... this is beautiful.... love the florals, love this Unity stamp, LOVE that gold satin bow. You're killing me with the satin bow! Now I have to go out and get gold satin ribbon! All the ribbon I have and I need more! LOL! Beautiful card!