Those of you who often visit The Stampin’ Schach know that I had a Bucket List summer this year. It was a bohemian summer…full of dreams and memories as I traveled across the Midwest with my Boxer girls.
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| Lexi and Muffy love motels! |
It was a summer of firsts. My first AKC champion.
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| New Champion Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man |
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| It’s official! |
My first time to drive in major traffic. My first time to travel so far from home and be totally by myself. It was a summer when I would get back home on Sunday night, and head back out on Wednesday or Thursday, taking care of business during the two or three days that I would be home. By the time it all came to an end the first weekend in November, I was so far behind that I would never catch up. But through it all, I always had the support of my husband and son.
And that is how I started my holiday preparations. Behind. There is candy to make, cookies to bake, a house to clean, presents to buy and wrap.
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| The famous “Momma’s Candy” |
Through it all, I have the help of my son and husband. Like today, when my son taught me the true meaning of stamping. As I was getting ready to tackle the task of making Christmas cards, Brady asked what he could do to help. I told him I didn’t think there was much he would be able to do. (When it comes to my cards, I am a perfectionist. I use the stamp-a-ma-jig to make certain my sentiments are straight. I use a ruler to ensure my borders are even. I add elements…I subtract elements…until the card fits my vision. ) I knew that Brady would never be able to meet my expectations, but I couldn’t tell him that. Not when he was wanting to help. Instead, I told him that he could go ahead and use anything he could find in my craft pantry. Not only do I stamp in my kitchen, my supplies are stored in my pantry.
A few minutes later, Brady emerged with two of the Simply Sent kits from the Holiday catalog. As I sorted through a year’s worth of cards to see what I had already created, he stamped away. Occasionally he would ask questions. How do you put a button on a card? Could I show him how to tie the bow? Could he use different ribbon? Could he use those snowflake thingies that were laying in by the inks? No stamp-a-ma-jig. No ruler. He created with joy and abandonment, while I toiled with re-designing a poinsettia card I had recently made.
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| Look how straight he stamped the image! |
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| Brady used cast-offs from other cards I had made. I did give him the tip to use pearls. |
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| Brady is a messy stamper. He is going to finish the other snowflakes later. He wants to put some “fake diamonds” on them. |
And this is when I was struck with an epiphany. Brady’s version of stamping is what stamping should be. It is a time of sharing. It is a time of joy. It is not how even your borders are, nor is it the straightness of the sentiment. It is not about how many layers you have or how many pearls you have applied. It is about creating and having fun doing it. It is about doing something for someone you love and loving what you are doing. “Mom, don’t you think you can use these for some of your stamping friends? I’m going to make you more tomorrow using some of that other paper in there. You’ll have to show me how to cut the bottoms.” And by that, I think he meant card bases.
Yep, some of you will be receiving the cards that Brady made…and you will be the lucky ones. His are filled with love.
Until next time…
Ann, I came to your blog via Mary Fish’s and whe I got here I kept scrolling so I could see more of your creations. Your projects are lovely but the lesson your son taught you was priceless. I have two little girls (well maybe not so little anymore) but I learned a similar lesson like you did! We would often scrapbook or make cards and I would get so stressed out that the patterned paper was upside down, the button was off center, the layer was not straight and I always wanted to help the fix it. Only they didn’t want my help… Because it didnt need fixed. They were quite happy with what they were creating. I had to tell my self that it was okay if their paper was upside down because they were happy and we were spending time together. The were sharing my love of stamping and paper rafting with me and it was all going to be okay even if a layer was not straight.
What a sweet story about Brady. When I was sending out my Christmas Cards I was stil critiquing what I has made. I doubt the people who receive them notice some minor flaw that can drive me nuts. We all need to remember it is the thought that counts and we put lots of love into those cards.
Your son stamping with you…how precious! His cards are so pretty, too. Aw!
Merry Christmas, my friend, and may your new year be filled with wonderful things. 🙂
Ann, You have such a beautiful way of writing, one can tell it comes straight from the heart. Thanks for the great story, the smile it brought to my face and the passion you have for your family, your dogs and for stamping. You are an inspiration!!! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Ann, You have such a beautiful way of writing, one can tell it comes straight from the heart. Thanks for the great story, the smile it brought to my face and the passion you have for your family, your dogs and for stamping. You are an inspiration!!! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Brady is rockin’ awesome!!! The trumpet player in him has an awful lot of creativity ….. how wonderful that you were able to see it flourish!
May your Christmas be filled with Merry, along with lots of sloppy boxer kisses!
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing and reminding us the spirit of Christmas isn’t alway perfection. It truly touched my heart. 🙂
I hope you have the best christmas ever with your family!
Sweet!
Thank you for this wonderful post. It’s so nice when we can still learn life-lessons, no matter how old we are. I am ever grateful to my son for the lessons he taught me. Happy Christmas to you and yours!
You really have had a VERY busy year! You are so lucky to have such a supportive husband and son!
Brady has a good attitude about making cards. If it isn’t fun and turns into work, then we aren’t doing it right.
You really have had a VERY busy year! You are so lucky to have such a supportive husband and son!
Brady has a good attitude about making cards. If it isn’t fun and turns into work, then we aren’t doing it right.
Very lovely cards Brady.
Goes to show, a person is never to old to learn from the young.
Ann, thanks for sharing your special family moment with us.
ColleenB.
Texas
This is such a wonderful Christmas story Ann -how wonderful that you son wants to help and that you were able to let him
No surprise at the response to this post. When spouses and children stamp with us or for us they do it with their beautiful hearts. Hugs, Brady. You made your mom and a whole lotta crafters humble and happy.
You know, it struck me as no surprise, after I thought about it for a minute, that your incredibly musically talented son might also be talented at paper crafting! And because he’s not beholden to any specific training or design “rules” we’ve learned, he felt much more freedom in his card making. It is all about the “heart” with which the card is made and less aboit the perfection (oh, a lesson for many of us!!).
In addition, I think it is wonderful that he is such a loving son to do what he did to help you as you were trying to finish other holiday projects.
You and your husband are fortunate parents. Merry Christmas to you all!
What a beautiful story. You have raised a wonderful son. I hope the two of you share another wonderful day of stamping together.
p.s. Brady–Your cards are lovely and everyone who receives them will be very lucky and honored.
your story brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing. It is really what the holidays are all about!!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
Pat S.
Beautiful! Everything about the post and the people in it. The other readers have said it all. I can only add `Thank you!`.
A wonderful mother and a wonderful son. You already have a Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful discovery! Love that he was so willing to pitch in and help. So many times we get caught up in our idea of perfection…and perfection is actually the thought behind the deed.
How fortunate you are!! My husband and my son do not understand why I stamp and spend so much money on it. I would never have the help you do. I have to drop everything and do laundry, cook dinner, etc. I know I should expect more, but my husband and son work themselves so hard all day I feel I have to do for them in return. Nevertheless, I continue to pursue my creative outlet. They will not stop me. I do so love your blog! Hug all your “babies” for me. I am currently looking to get a new puppy. Merry Christmas! Love you, Nancy B
Ahhhhh, how sweet is this story?!? I think I need to ask Santa to bring me a Brady for my own. Give Brady and the fur babies a hug for me. Wishing you all the best for this holiday season!
Chris R. from Iowa
Ann- I loved Brady’s cards! His cards are beautiful, it shows that he is an artistic and creative person. Also says he has really looked at your creations over time and got the ideas of card creating from you. I have learned that sometimes we take ourselves too seriously, thinking we are the only one who can do some task, but often we could step back and let friends and family help.
What a son! And that doesn’t just happen. I love your stories of your family and your dogs.
Love this post Ann! I love when you share your hear with us, which fortunately is often. That is one of the reasons I always visit your blog. Enjoy the good company and happy stamping!
Ann what a wonderful post and so full of the holiday ‘spirit’… so fun and uplifting! Go Brady.
Have a Very Merry Christmas! hugs.
What a wonderful story!
Wow, what a wonderful story!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
This is the most beautiful Christmas story for Stampers! While I was reading, I pictured a little boy Brady, which gave me a sweet image of small child helping mommy. But then I read About You on your site, I see he is a grown up Brady, which makes it oh-so-much sweeter. That he chose to spend quality time with you stamping is a wonderful moment and the best kind of Christmas story! You are not behind in Christmas preparations after all – you are way ahead!!! Pam W
Geez, Ann! You got me all misty! You’ve made me feel so good about what I do. You are very lucky to have Brady. He sounds like a great guy! Thank you so much for sharing that story.
What a beautiful story Ann, I’m glad you posted it. I have three teenagers and it brought a tear to my eye because every day I’m reminded we never stop learning from our kids.
I’m glad a box of tissues were close to me!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
A profound post that will resonate with me for a long time. You have an amazing son. Wishing your entire family (skin and fur) a very Merry Christmas. May you stamp with joy and abandon in 2014. XO Doris
I agree with Kathy from N. Carolina! This needs to be in the SU Success Magazine! 🙂 And how sweet is your son?!!! Seems to be very sweet! What a time to remember and cherish! TFS this wonderful personal story! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Leave it to our kids to bring everything back into perspective. Brady did a great job on his cards!
Everyone is so busy and worried about perfection these day that we all lose the love and joy it use to bring us. Such as making our own cards all the way up to Christmas.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Brady! He was able to teadch you the most valuable lesson of all through his innocence and his pure love of wanting to create and help his mother out! You’re cards are always beautiful Ann, perhaps you can now create with a pinch of wreckless abandonment too!
Wow! You are blessed. My son (27) said he needed some “tags” for gifts he was giving. I tried to get him to make them with me, but no luck! Brady’s cards are beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Ann!
Thank you – and Brady – for bringing us back to reality. But will the pearl industry fail because of it?
What a beautiful post Ann! I am so happy you and Brady created such a precious memory! I hope your family enjoys many more this Christmas! Blessings to your family!
made me cry
Thanks for sharing that, it brought tears to my eyes and what a great son you have. Give him a big hug! Happy Holidays.
What a wonderful lesson for all of us! I definitely struggle with perfectionism in so many areas and need to be reminded of what is really important in the big picture. What a sweet, caring son you have! Merry Christmas to all of you!
Awwww!! What an amazing post!! Whenever I watch my boys creating their cards, I realize the same thing…they have way more fun than I do sometimes BECAUSE they don’t have to make everything perfect. Thank you for posting this!! THIS is the true meaning of Christmas…love!!
Awwwww…what a loving post today. How blessed you are to have such an adorable Son. I can’t believe how well he did. What a great take-a-way Ann. Thank you so much for sharing!
What a great post. It’s so true. Stamping needs to be fun and it needs to make you happy. You have a great son! Merry Christmas to all of you.
You have a special son there, enjoy it
You have a special son there, enjoy it
This is my favorite post of the year. So good to be reminded why we do what we do. For the joy of creating, to share the love we have for others. This needs to be published in the Stampin’ Success magazine! Hugs!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story! You have raised a fine young man! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
What a great story, Ann. A lesson that we all need to learn, and learn over again, because we seem to get caught up in that “make it perfect or it’s not worthy” place in our head. The Amish have it right ~ only God can make perfection. Let’s strive for the best we can but enjoy the process and give with love. Merry Christmas to you, the new champ and definitely to Brady!!
Love, Barbara in SC
What a wonderful lesson to learn from such a smart young man…congrats and Merry Christmas
A beautiful lesson learned from a child.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. It brought a tear to my eye!
Perfect! That’s the reminder I needed to start my day 🙂 Thank you for sharing. And tell Brady to keep on stampin’ . . . Wendy K.
What a sweet story and a sweet son you have. : )
Thanks for all your inspiration, have a Merry Christmas!
My son taught me similar. Thanks for sharing!
I love this and I love you for posting it! Ann, I needed to hear this today. Thanks!! The most beautiful cards…what lucky people to get them!