The Sweetest Gifts

Today, I picked up the mail and I found a package from my stampin' friend, Ret Cudmore.  I was so touched by this unexpected gift, tears welled up in my eyes.  It is those unanticipated gifts that are the most special and just touch your heart.  They are simple signs of friendship and bring back the true meaning of Christmas that is all too often forgotten in the last few days before the holiday. 

Inside I found a tidy little bundle of goodies tied with a beautiful striped SU! ribbon. 

 I carefully slid of the ribbon and found 2 crochet-topped kitchen towels (one with snowmen and the other with lighthouses).  I love these towels.  We always have one on the fridge door.  There was also a scrubbie, a chocolate bar (YUM!) and handmade card. 

Here's the card Ret sent me.  I love it!  It's made w/ that tall snowman from the set Snow Much Fun that l like so well.  Ret even cut him out and popped him out!  He's so cute!

Thank you, Ret! 

~Merry Christmas to you and yours and a Blessed 2012~

Made by Riley Kate

While this is not stamp related, I think it's still pretty cool. 

Last night, Riley Kate made this collage on the computer for one of her friends at school as a birthday gift.  We live 21 miles from the nearest Big Box Store.  When you don't tell Mom until Thursday night  the parties on Friday, you have to be creative.  She took a few of Hannah's favorite things used Google to search for images and just put them together using Paint.  I had a couple inexpensive frames that I had bought for craft projects.   For a couple of dollars, Riley Kate has a one of a kind personalized gift to give.  I think it's pretty awesome.  :)

Tonight we are heading to Carthage college.  Dani's competing for a scholarship tomorrow morning. They are having an  essay contest for a portion of tuition.  Please wish her luck.  She's very nervous, but I think her Mom is almost as nervous for her.