Hi friends -- It's been quite a week around here. I know some of you may be wondering why I've been so quiet all week -- it's just not like me! We've been trying to get through a very difficult time this week. The sweet little girl pictured on the right is from our church, and is a friend of my daughter's. She was critically injured in a horrible accident last weekend. She survived on life support for several days but passed away early yesterday morning. Those of you who already know have been so kind to share your thoughts and prayers with me. Thank you. Please keep Nicole's family in your thoughts and prayers. It's all that's holding them up at the moment. We will be celebrating Nicole's life on Sunday afternoon with a service at our church.
My heart's not really in it, but I did manage to create a card for this weekend's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge. It did feel good to have a few minutes to stamp and I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things soon!
I've been wanting to break out this new stamp set, Jack of All Trades, ever since I got it. It is darling and so much fun to work with! I added two different patterns from the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper, some Glitter Brads and a bit of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon around the witch's hat.
The Circular focal piece is made up of a 3" circle in Cajun Craze, The Large Scallop Circle from the Perfect Pennants Die in Basic Black, and a 2.5" Whisper White Circle. I stamped the pumpkin image in Cajun Craze and then stamped and cut out the hat and added it separately. Other measurements include:
- Layer One - 5.5 x 8.5" Cajun Craze Carkstock, scored and folded to make the Card Base
- Layer Two -- DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
- Layer Three -- Old Olive cut at 3.25" square
- Layer Four -- DSP cut at 3" square
I also did some fun stamping on the inside of the card - love the look with the stars. The sentiment is from Grateful Greetings.
I'm posting this earlier today than I normally would but please be sure and check out the Stamping 411 post tonight! The other Operator cards are just amazing!
Thanks, everyone, for letting me share my pain and grief with you! I value the friendships from the online community and ask for your prayers for Nicole's family and friends, especially throughout this difficult weekend.
Blessings, Gretchen
My thoughts and prayers are with you and this little girls family. Blessings to all of you.
Posted by: Ginger | September 02, 2011 at 11:20 AM
So sad and so young to be taken already..He must have needed her for something special. My prayers our with you all..
Posted by: pat | September 02, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I'm so sorry Gretchen. This sweet young thing looks about the age of my daughter. I just couldn't imagine going through a loss like that. But just know that God IS soveriegn. For whatever reason, He wanted her home to be with Him. I will be praying for comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I'm involved in Moms in Touch, and that's exactly what we do...pray mainly for kids and their schools, teachers, families. You name it, it's prayed for. Gives us a sense of peace knowing that God hears every word uttered, even the words we cannot even think of, He knows our hearts. I'm sure Christ will be interpretting lots of cries to the Father right now. May the Lord comfort your daughter, too, as she is going thru the loss of her very dear friend.
Posted by: debi hadley | September 02, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Posted by: Teresa C | September 02, 2011 at 03:08 PM
So very sorry, Gretchen. Very glad to know you are all held up by prayers. What a sweet, young life. Prayers for you and her family and friends.
Posted by: Patti MacLeith | September 02, 2011 at 03:09 PM
How sad for Nicole and her family, way too young to be taken. I can't even begin to imagine what they must be going through. I hope everyone's thoughts and prayers will help them through this very difficult time. My thoughts for you and your daughter as well in the loss of a wonderful little friend.
Posted by: Nancy Lempinen | September 02, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Sorry to hear your sad news Gretchen, thinking of you all
Posted by: liz | September 02, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Oh, Gretchen, I'm saddened for you, your daughter and her friend's family. Losing a child is a terrible tragedy that unfortunately I've had the pain of experiencing. Prayers to her family and to you as well. May God sustain you all during this time of loss.
Posted by: Lori Burkitt | September 02, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Oh Gretchen, I am SO SORRY to hear this news, life is so precious and you never know what tomorrow holds. I will be praying for the family and all who knew her during the difficult days ahead!!
Thanks for sharing your creative card today! LOVE IT!
Posted by: Lorri | September 02, 2011 at 05:17 PM
I am so sorry to hear about a young life cut short much too quickly. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | September 02, 2011 at 05:25 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this beautiful child of God. May her celebration of life bring peace and hope to those left behind.
Posted by: Sue O. | September 02, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Sorry to hear about the loss of your little friend. Keeping you in thought and prayer. Edna
Posted by: Edna Burgess | September 02, 2011 at 08:14 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. My heart goes out to them. Kim H.
Posted by: Kim | September 02, 2011 at 08:17 PM
Oh Gretchen, my heart and prayers go out to you and this family! God watched his own Son suffer and knows exactly what they are going through. We can't wrap our brains around something this tragic, so I simply prayed for His peace that passes all understanding, and the comfort that only He can give.
Posted by: Deb B (Debadoo) | September 02, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Many prayers to Nicole's family and friends. Praying for your family Gretchen. So sad to hear this type of news. May God bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Posted by: Kelly Wentling | September 02, 2011 at 09:28 PM
My prayers are with you and Nicole's family. May God bless each and everyone and give the strength that is needed during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of such a sad loss.
Posted by: Louise | September 02, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Gretchen, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of that sweet little girl, the impact on her family, your family and of course all those close to her and your church. Such a tragedy when a young life is cut so short. Prayers for Nicole, her family and your daughter and you. I've been a lurker on your blog for a long time, I love your work and all that you share with the stamping community.
Posted by: Rose Kerry | September 02, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Prayers are with all of you. May God hold you close as you live through this terrible tragedy.
Posted by: Jennie Portonova | September 03, 2011 at 12:26 AM
Our Father in Heaven has that young lady wrapped in his arms, she is loved, protected and at peace. I wish I had more words of comfort for all of you that were touched by her beautiful smile and spirit. God in Heaven only knows the reasons for such things. Continue to have faith in His Divine Plan. I Pray for Peace for you all.
Posted by: Patrice H | September 03, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Such sad news....my thoughts and prayers are with this little girl and all of her loved family members and friends.
Posted by: Susie Neves-Sousa | September 03, 2011 at 12:55 AM
So Sorry and will Pray for God's comfort for this family of this little girl. Also praying for you and yours for wisdom of comfort to deliver to this family. You and yours I pray God's comfort and I pray God's hand through the grieving process.
Posted by: Cheryl McAskill | September 03, 2011 at 06:22 AM
Gretchen, many prayers go out to you and the family of Nicole. I too lost a son and it is the most horrible thing a parent can experience. Lots of love and prayers are in order for many months and years to come.
Posted by: tammy fletcher | September 03, 2011 at 07:25 AM
A life touches many other lives. That is what this young girl has done in your family. I pray that the Lord will give you wisdom to help your own daughter to get through the loss of her friend, as well as, you reaching out to this family that lost their precious daughter. "Choosing to See," by Mary Beth Chapman is an excellent book to read. Her husband is Stephen Curtis Chapman, a Christian singer. They lost their 5 year old to a terrible accident. I can't even imagine what everyone is going through right now. God is our only source of HOPE!
Posted by: Chris Austin | September 03, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Sharing in your sorrow at a life snuffed out way too early. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her.
Posted by: Pam | September 03, 2011 at 07:01 PM
May God's Blessings be with all who knew this Angel that gave so much while here on Earth. Nothing can ease the pain of loss, but her loving memory will always be with all who knew her. Blessings and Prayers !
Posted by: Diana E. Bishop | September 03, 2011 at 07:49 PM
So sorry you lost a friend. Prayers for all the families.
Posted by: Stephenie | September 03, 2011 at 08:15 PM
oh gretchen..i am sooo sorry! my thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughter and the beautiful young gals family.
Posted by: toni santanello | September 03, 2011 at 09:27 PM
I am so sorry to hear this news Gretchen. What a tremendous loss to all.
I will continue to pray for her family and friends.I am sureyou are a great comfort to all for them.
Posted by: Lee | September 04, 2011 at 07:22 AM
Even though nothing we say can help thru this sad time, please know prayers are said to try to help in some way!
Posted by: Jennie Maier | September 04, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Oh, this is just heartbreaking. I will pray for the Lord to uphold this child's family and friends. Tragic...I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Sarah O. in VA | September 05, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. Take care.
Posted by: Angie K. | September 06, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Gretchen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Nicole's family. I know it's been such a difficult week.
Your card is adorable. The cut out witches hat is the perfect finishing touch!
Posted by: Patti Chesky | September 07, 2011 at 07:38 AM
I am so sorry for the tragic loss you are all sharing. It is so sad when the Lord calls home someone so young. I pray that the wonderful memories will sustain her family and you in the days and weeks to come. Bless you all.
Posted by: Patti Corriere | September 07, 2011 at 05:01 PM
Dear Gretchen ~ I've been so busy with family & gardening that my emails are piling up on me...but I did come across this just now. Oh how I know this pain only too well ~ I will be keeping this family as well as you and your daughter in my prayers. Words are never enough ~ I am praying
Posted by: Denise Willerton | September 07, 2011 at 09:38 PM
I am so sorry, for the loss, for the family, for your daughter losing her friend, a pray God will continue to comfort everyone who knew Nicole. He is faithful to be with His children in time of need. Bless you.
Posted by: Paula Rough | September 08, 2011 at 08:03 AM