Memorial Day Weekend - 2012

…teach their children, so the next generation would know them,

even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 

Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds,

but would keep his commandments. 

Psalm 78: 6,7

As my thoughts turned to the writing of this post, I have thought long and hard about the brave men and women who we remember each year, specifically on Memorial Day, for their military service to our country.  My own son, a Marine Captain, is currently serving – nearing the end of his third deployment – 2 previous ones to Iraq and now this one to Afghanistan.  This is all something I NEVER envisioned as I cradled him as a babe and watched him grow into the amazing man that he is.  Even though it’s been hard for me to ‘wait at home,’ I am beyond proud of him  - and ALL those who serve in our military branches to keep US safe!

I had posted the sample cards I had made for the Military Spouse Appreciation Night that was held 2 weeks ago.  Those who came to our Make-and-Take-a Card table that night seemed to enjoy and appreciate the experience!  We actually made many variations on this theme, using many combinations of red, white and blue papers.   Here again are the 2 Patriotic sample cards I’d made –

I also made these cards with just a few changes of papers and techniques.  I find it a fun challenge to take  a simple idea  and make many versions of it.

I had also made this American Flag-inspired wreath for decoration the MSAN event and now for my home.  I’d seen a similar one posted on Pinterest and this is my version.

Dear Friends of mine lost their young Great-nephew last week to the war in Afghanistan and my heart is very heavy for all of the immediate and extended family – of him – and of ALL who are lost to us and who I re-post on my FB each day…It is so hard to hear this.  I’ve made 2 of this card - one for my friends - and another for them to send to their nephew's wife and family.  Several years ago, I purchased a used paperback book and inside the front cover I found a handwritten poem which I have used often in Sympathy Cards since then.  I feel it is quite appropriate and gives modern verbiage and understanding to I Corinthians 13:12.

I happened to watch 3 incredible programs on (Christian) TV last night, while working on projects, and which I highly recommend!  The first was ‘To End All Wars,” about a POW camp in the Pacific.  The second was “The League of Grateful Sons,” with interview of the current families of WW II Veterans.  (My opening verse was taken from the several that were part of this presentation.)  The third was “Saints and Sinners,” about a small group of WW II soldiers and their incredible experiences.  Should you ever have the opportunity, do watch them.

Whatever your plans are for this weekend, do take some moments to remember the reason for this holiday – Remember those who have made and continue to make sacrifices to make and keep our country FREE and the BEST! 

Appreciation...

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

 just as in fact you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

I am the proud mother of a Marine Captain.  He is currently deployed to a far-away land.  He is in danger 24/7.  This is Hard for me and all of the other Mothers of Military Adults…  There is little I can do to help him at this time short of prayer - constant…without ceasing…  In the meantime, I am part of a local support group - Military-Families.org    We support each other as Parents of those currently In Service and we endeavor to support the young families of those serving our country. 

We are having a very special event in May - a Military Spouse Appreciation Evening - an evening of Pampering for any local military spouses.  There will be childcare available, dinner donated by a restaurant chain, speeches by local military and government officials, mini-makeovers done by MARY KAY Consultants, chair massages done by massage therapists, simple haircare done by local cosmetology students and another friend and I will be presenting a ‘Make-and-Take-a-Card’ opportunity for the women.   I am excited to participate, pamper and present a Special Evening for these brave women of the Homefront!

I’ve made several ‘mock-ups’ of the types of cards we’ll make that evening, in order to calculate the materials needed and as examples for the women to see.  It’s been several busy weeks of ‘designing, planning and doing’ to this point and there is still a lot of work to be done before the event on Friday, May 11^th - from 6 to 9 p.m. - in Camarillo, CA where it will be held.  Lots of bits and pieces to be cut and put in baggies before that evening!  I thought I’d share them with you here. 

I decided to give the ladies the option to make either a card with a patriotic theme or one using the theme colors of the evening’s event - soft spring colors.   Here are the samples -

I did a ‘representation’ of the American flag on these two - one each in a different orientation.  I embossed the top blue section with the Stars pattern in my Cuttlebug.  My friend has a Star punch that is nicer (a ‘cut and embossed’ star punch) than the white stars I cut for these on my Cricut, so we’ll use it for their cards.  They’ll be able to choose a tag with their choice of ‘sentiment’ that night…

These are made with light sage cardstock and decorated with various items, punched borders, ribbon bows and flowers, which I made, and stamped/punched sentiments (of their choice) - all in pastels of the evening’s decorations.

Do YOU know of anyone who is a Military Spouse?  Please be sure and Thank them for what they do while they’re mate is serving Our Country!