Monday, December 21, 2015

Wise Men....and a little Update

Hello all my crafty friends, it is my turn to post at Cardz TV Gallery. It's been a rough few months with Christmas not being much easier since the loss of my sweet husband, but with all the grands and our sons, I will get through it.  I have to say, it will be painful all the same and by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

I'm really not on top of my game yet, so I will apologize ahead of time. My card for today is a traditional one, one that shows us what the Christmas season is really all about. I stamped my wise men and the city of Bethlehem in black ink and then embossed it in clear embossing ink. That way I could sponge my night sky without messing up my stamping. And no, your eyes aren't crooked...I stamped my stamp crooked. Told you I wasn't on my game. Anyway I proceeded to sponge my skyline with distress inks. I then dribble water on to the distress inks for the "starry sky". Cut out my scene and layered it onto my card base. I did the same thing on the inside as I did on the outside. Mary's sentiments were perfect for this image. Her stamp sets always have the perfect sentiment on them. You can buy this stamp set here as well as many other fabulous Cardz TV stamps sets!  






Recipe:
sentiment stamps: Cardz TV stamps Glad Tidings
Wise Men stamp set: SU Come to Bethlehem
My Creative Time: More Stitched Rectangle dies
distress ink colors: Broken ChinaFaded JeansStormy Sky, and Chipped Sapphire
ink: Versafine Black Onyx
embossing powder: Ranger clear
paper: Neenah Bright White and SU Heavy weight whisper white

I want to take a moment and thank all my wonderful blogging friends who have left me such sweet and loving comments since the passing of my husband. It warms my heart to know how much you all care about me! I also want to say a huge thank you for all the beautiful sympathy cards I received, between my blogging friends, friends, family and the community the pile of cards was over a 1 foot high. Unbelievable! It was a long viewing, with people standing in line for an hour and 45 minutes. Our son's knew their dad was well respected in our community and had lots of friends, but even they were amazed at the amount of people that showed up for his viewing. I wasn't and knew that it was going to be like that. My husband was an amazing man, a man that so many respected and loved. Just before he passed, I saw grown men coming to our home to see him and leaving weeping their eyes out. Very heartbreaking for everyone. I still can't write or talk about him without the tears streaming down my face. The amount of food that came into this house was amazing as well. Everyone has been so amazing to me!! Family and friends have kept me busy by whisking me off on trips, evening trips, out to eat or just keeping me company in the evenings. So much love offered to me by everyone and that it just melts my heart! I have always know how blessed I've been, but it was really hammered home to me after the passing of my husband just how blessed I still am!  I want to thank everyone as well for their wonderful Christmas cards that have been sent to me. I didn't get any cards out myself. I just got through sending out over 60 thank you cards from the funeral stuff. That doesn't even include the people that donated to Hospice in my husbands memory! So as you can see what amazing people I have in my life and that includes all my sweet and amazing blogging friends!! I just can't even imagine you all not being a part of my life! So I'm sending all my love to you all this Christmas, wishing you the best life has to offer you because you all truly deserve only the best life has to offer. 

Here is my sweet husband's obit, I hope you don't think ill of me for sharing it. He just was my world and I loved him so and was so proud of him. If you have stuck with me through this long post, thank you and bless you. 

I will be back in the new year to resume my DT duties and hopefully to share some scrapbooking pages/pocket scrapping. Crafty hugs and love to you all! Brenda



Dwayne T. Lawrence
01/03/1963 - 10/10/2015
Dwayne T. Lawrence, 52, of Hanover, entered into God’s eternal care Saturday, October 10, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Brenda S. (Squires) Lawrence to whom he was married 22 years.  Born January 3, 1963 in Hanover, he was the son of Barbara A. (Hampton) Lawrence of Hanover and the late Mark D. Lawrence.  Dwayne was employed at Hanover Prest Paving, Hanover and was a lifelong farmer. He was a 1980 graduate of New Oxford High School and a member of Sacred Heart Basilica and SAVES. His passion was farming and he enjoyed sharing the farming experience with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.  Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are six sons; Lance Shamer and his wife Kristin of Fort Drum, NY, Josh Lawrence and his wife Jill of Abbottstown, Corey Shamer and his fiancé Rebecca of Taneytown, MD, Evan Lawrence and his wife Brittany of New Oxford, Brian Lawrence and his wife Amie of Spencer, Iowa and Bret Lawrence of Hanover, 8 grandchildren and two siblings; Keith Lawrence of Hanover and Belinda Arnold of McSherrystown.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Sacred Heart Basilica, Edgegrove, with Rev. Joseph R. Howard as celebrant. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover. Friends and relatives will be received Tuesday 6 to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 501 Ridge Ave., McSherrystown, with a prayer service at 8 pm.  Contributions in memory of Dwayne may be made to VNA/Hospice, 440 N. Madison Street, Hanover, PA 17331.


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33 comments:

Jo Williams Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator said...

Beautiful card Brenda... and it doesn't look crooked...:)
I love the traditional style that you went with.... and thank you for the update. I am so happy that your husband had people piling in to pay their respect to him... I know how much of a great man he was through your words... how highly you spoke of him and how much you loved him.... I felt like I got to know him a little bit although I never met him.... and I am glad you received tons of cards from our bloggy friends... it goes to show that people really do care...and they are here for you.... had I been in better health I would have made you a card and sent it your way too... but always know that I am here for you and always will be... sending you much love and best wishes for Christmas.
Hugs,
Jo
xox

Darnell said...

It's wonderful to hear from you, Brenda. The outpouring of love you and Dwayne received are a tribute to the beautiful man he was, a man who will be greatly missed. What a blessing to you, his sons, and to all who knew him. Thank you for sharing your pretty card. I hope that creating will be a happy place for you as you grieve. You have the prayers and love of me and many other bloggie friends to help you during this difficult time. Hugs, Darnell

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

My dear sweet Brenda, what a truly wonderful card this is, I love the silhouette wiht the beautiful ink work to picture the Christmas in its very real sense, indeed wise men do seek Him, while they can.

Sending prayer hugs and much love dear friend ..
Will be praying for Gods peace to rule in your heart as you go through this Christmas time, that you willi be helped and comforted .. for the LORD God our Heavenly Father understands your grief for He gave up His only Son for us...

Love and prayer each evening for you and your loved ones,
Shaz in Oz,X

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

PS meant to say, thanks for sharing the obit. It was blessing to read it too, hugs.xxxx

Di said...

What a beautiful post Brenda - and Dwayne certainly was very much loved, as you are too. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.

Love and hugs

Di xx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

I won't dwell too long Brenda my sweet, sweet friend, you must know that my heart goes out to you and your lovely family at this time of year and that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Have the best Christmas you can! Thanks for your friendship & inspiration in 2015! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Sorry, forgot to say what a great card you have created here Brenda my friend! Fantastic sponging!! Hazel xx

Veerle said...

Beautiful cards brenda. I wish you a lot of strength these comming days and heaps of support from your family my dear friend. Always in my thoughts.
Big hug and lots of love, Veerle xxx

I Card Everyone said...

Lovely card, perfect sentiment, and lovely words from you Brenda! Merry Christmas, darling girl...
=]

Vickie said...

Beautiful card my dear friend. I hope you and Brett and the family have a Beautiful Christmas. Dwayne will be looking down with that HUGE smile of his.

Merry Christmas
HUGS

cm said...

Sweet Brenda, tears are streaming down my face in reading your touching post. You have suffered a tremendous loss, yet you're facing each day with courage, open to the support that others are sharing with you. And oh, what support you have: family, neighbours, friends and yes, all of us in the blog community. The grieving process will take whatever shape and form it needs; do what you need to heal. More important, do what you need to keep alive the legacy of your wonderful, amazing Dwayne. Sharing the tribute: a gift to us to learn more about the man you treasure; the man who is the love of your life. This glimpse, I know, is but the tip of the iceberg of this gem of a husband, father, grandfather. My prayers are with you as you navigate your way through the Christmas season; you'll miss Dwayne deeply, but I believe he's with you...every. single. moment! Your card: absolutely gorgeous! I found crafting most helpful in the grieving process; I hope you will, too.
Love and hugs~c

Loll said...

Dear Brenda. I hope you find comfort with your family by your side at Christmas. Sending you love and hugs. Loll xx

MaryH said...

A lovely card, great work & it's good to see the representation of what the real meaning of Christmas truly is. You did a good job on every bit of it! Enjoyed reading the post, and so glad that you have a strong support system in your family, friends, and I know this time will be particularly difficult for you right now. Remembering all the love that surrounded Dwayne, and yourself, I hope will ease the pain & grief just a bit. I'm glad you shared this update, and know that my thoughts & prayers are with you. Big hugs, and I hope that 2016 will bring happier days, and your courage to face what comes - will continue to be as strong as it has been. Lots of love, Blessings & Hugs. MM

Lisa said...

Thank you so much for the update, Brenda. You are in my thoughts and prayers my friend. What a wonderful outpouring of support you've received!! Your husband sounds like he was an amazing man. I am praying that God gives you the strength and support you need to get through the holiday season. Your card is absolutely stunning!! I love the colors and the stamps you used!! It doesn't look crooked, I think it looks better that way!! Thinking of you. Sending lots of love and hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Sue said...

Beautiful card Brenda and gorgeous post..thinking about you and you are in my prayers and wish you strength..lots of huggles Sue xxxxxxxxx

Bonnie said...

This is a beautiful Christmas card, Brenda! Perfect sentiments to go with that wonderful image and night sky! Enjoy your family and draw closer to our Savior this Christmas! Love and prayers go out to you. xoxo

Carol L said...

It's so good to hear from you again Brenda and thanks for the update on how you're doing. The card you shared today is lovely, and I hope you know that the blogging community cares very much about you and would do anything to comfort you during this difficult grieving process. Wishing you a holiday surrounded by loved ones and family, as you'll all surely be missing Dwayne together this year. Chin up, and try to find a reason to smile every day, because in spite of the difficult days, you are truly blessed with many who love and care about you! Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year too!

Tina Campbell said...

Beautiful card Brenda :) It nice to see a card about the true meaning of Christmas :) I love how you went about and got the starry night and love that you did the inside too :) So nice to hear how you are and how you are doing, you are extremely blessed to have a strong support system from family and friends through to all the crafty friends from around the world. Thank you for sharing your feelings too and Dwayne's obit. He was a wonderful man and now a wonderful angel :) Love, hugs and prayers throughout this Christmas season. Tina

Sharon said...

Your card is so beautiful Brenda!!
You and your sons/family are in my prayers.
God will get you through the Christmas season and each day.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Love your pretty card, Brenda. You have been on my mind so much. I hope things get better for you after the holidays. Your husband was an exceptional man. You both are so well loved. I hope all that love brings you comfort. I hate that you have to go through this. Wishing for you a time when memories bring you comfort and joy instead of tears. Many blessings for you.
Hugs, Stephanie

Kristie Goulet said...

A perfect and beautiful card and post Brenda! Continued prayers for you. Have a very Merry Christmas. xoxo

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Very beautiful card and post Brenda. I'm sending lots of warm hugs and prayers your way.

Love
Maarit

Karen Petitt said...

A perfect card my lovely friend. It will be hard for you and your family huni and I wish I could take the pain and sorrow from all of your hearts. I love, love, love your card and it is perfectly fitting for the season huni. I wish you a Christmas as happy as possible surrounded by the family that loves you a lot.
Big gentle hugs huni. I wish you joy and happiness, as much as you can take and hope the pain eases soon Karen xx

Anita in France said...

A wonderful card expressing the true joy and meaning of Christmas, Brenda ... just fabulous! What a lovely post ... thank you for sharing how special Dwayne was ... to you, your boys and so many others ... a true blessing to all those lucky enough to have known him. I wish you a peaceful and blessed Christmas, filled with the love of all those around you, whether in this world or the next. Hugs across the miles to you my friend, Anita :)

JD/ Jill said...

You've made a beautiful card...
and made a beautiful post...lovely tribute to your Dwayne...

I just wanted to stop by and tell you that Jim and I still have you in our prayers...and wanted I wanted to say that I hope you have a very peaceful New year and feel the love for you from your family and friends.

Irish Cherokee said...

You created a wonderful card Brenda. It is perfect in every way. I see no crooked anything in it. Perfect is never really perfect with things handmade

I am often touched by the love you have for your Dwayne and the love he obviously had for you, your children and grandchildren. You will be held up in prayer for as long as I breathe and am able every day.

Love, Hugs and Blessings
Jim

D- said...

Oh my sweet friend I just do not have the words... Thank you so much for sharing Dwayne's obit with us. It is a tribute to him, the man he was, the way he lead his life and those of you left behind to grieve his loss. I am so glad you have such a wonderful support system. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your card is beautiful both in the art you created and for the message it sends. Thanks for sharing it.
Take care of yourself in the new year.
Healing hugs and prayers,
Dawn
DesignsbyDragonfly

Hettie said...

Hello Brenda
Your card is gorgeous. It does not look crooked to me, but then the Wise Men went over hill and dale so they are bound to be wonky at some point!!
I have been thinking of you over Christmas. Your kind message was of great comfort to me. We have both lost someone very special recently ad we are experiencing the hurt together, even if we are thousands of miles apart.
I keep being told that things will get better over time, and that I am being strong. However, just the stupidest thing starts me off and I find myself bursting with tears. They don't see this, thank goodness.
I have been making the funeral arrangements for my Dad which has kept me busy and focused. The funeral is on Thursday which I know will be a toughie.
Bless you my friend and sorry for the ramble.
Hugs
xx

Caroline said...

I think this card is beautiful in every way! My prayers are with you daily, that God will give you strength and comfort.

Hugs,
Caroline

Happy Dance said...

Hey there Miss Brenda. Talked to Darnell last night and we took a few minutes and chatted about you. She told me that you'd wanted to "get through Christmas" then got sick with some nasty virus. I'm so sorry to hear that! And I hope that by now you're feeling better. I'm glad your family, friends, and this lovely blogworld full of nice people have been reaching out to you. I can remember when Paul died, and how many, many people came to the funeral and dinner following. I stayed until the ladies were done in the church's kitchen and then drove by myself back to the house. At some point on the ride home, I thought, "Boy, I can't wait to get home and tell Paul how many people were at his funeral...." My thought trailed off at the end there. And I had to chuckle a bit to myself. But I knew it was going to be rough going for quite some time. We all grieve in different ways, so do what's right for you. You don't need to "get over this" until you're ready. And your beloved Dwayne will always be with you. I can tell you that without one iota of hesitation. I still feel Paul after all these years. Kind of comforting to have someone up there really on your side. It will get easier to think about and talk about him in a while. That part takes as long as it takes. Don't worry and don't apologize. And remember, we're here for you. Call me anytime, email me, text, what ever you need. I am here for you. Giant squeezy hugs to you, and prayers for you and your family.
Oh, and I really love that True Christmas cards. Take care sweetie pie!
Bev

scrappymo! said...

Hello brenda. Thank you for sharing you story with us. IT was a tough journey for you and it was lovely to read your husband's obit.
From your stories and what you have shared here, it was like we got to know him too.

May 2016 bring you peace and joy again...even if just for a few mometns at a time, in the beginning.

Crafty hugs
Maureeny

scrapqueen141 said...

What a difficult road you have been traveling. I'm amazed to read your story and I see such strength in you. I love all the beautiful cards you make, what a talented lady you are. May the Lord continue to give you strength, courage, and love.
Blessings,
Jamie

gwen said...

Strength for your journey