even if he ALWAYS pushed the envelope and constantly reminded me that he’s 18 and can do whatever he wants. There was that constant flow of eb and pull that comes with having a teenager full of personality and lots on his agenda. Honestly the minute Marshall was delivered 18 years ago he looked us directly in the eyes and we immediately could tell that he was an old soul…it was as though he wanted to tell us something important! Through the years he has proven the old soul thing to be true. I will never forget when it was his first Birthday he would run to the door to greet everyone individually for his party as they arrived! When we would go out to eat….Marshall would work the room stopping by any table that looked interested in starting up a conversation with him. My husband and I would have get used to striking up conversations on command with these people as we collected Marshall for his meal. I always admired how you could put him in any situation (at any age) and he would have everyone conversing and chatting in no time… he was always interested in people and always asked great questions and instantaneously he could make any person feel important. Marshall’s mind never stops working, thinking and doing. Imagine how we felt when he took on being a volunteer fire fighter when he was 15 for 3 years completing three different intense trainings. So as you can tell I am a proud mamma and I’m so proud of the person that he is today. There is so much more but, I have to stop somewhere. As you can imagine I will be counting the days until parents weekend.
This card is the first thing I did when I came home and tomorrow I will send off his first package of all the things he forgot and a few goodies. Ok now for the card which was really satisfying to make and fun too. I love how the letters turned out…sorta like those gel letters but, much less money. I started with blank white paper and inked up my letter background with walnut ink then “kissed” each letter. If you are aware of what kissing is in the stamping world read on
I inked my letter “M” in red ink, stamped some of the ink off on scrap paper and set aside. Then I inked up my letter background with walnut ink and set it down with the inked part facing up. Then I took my slightly inked letter “M” and placed it on top of my letter background. (now my “M’ has red ink and brown letters on it) THEN proceed to stamp on your paper.
When all of my letters were completed (stamp the “U” on scrap paper and cut out) I used the letter background again and stamped it on the white paper over top of my letters in antique linen. I decided to add a black line and some shading around my letters. It’s time to add your Matte Glossy Accents then set aside to dry. For the background I used the Halloween web. The geometric pieces are leftover from my notebook cover in the post below this one. The adorable dog is a Halloween stamp from Penny Black. I cut off the pumpkin and colored our “golden retriever” with Copics. (E21, E99, E17, and any pink will do) I used glossy accents on his nose and tongue and matte glossy accents on his paws. I think that’s it? I have 50 million things to do and I am so sorry that I haven’t been by your blog. I have so many emails and if I owe you one please bear with me. A few of you were wondering where I purchased my folder holder for my organizational tip with the SRM stickers. Here is the link and if you keep checking maybe you will find one on sale perhaps like I did. Enjoy your day! Hugs, Kathy
Saying good buy….Marshall and his sis.
This is the dorm
The view from the dorm room window. Can you see the mountains? I’ll leave you with this. Have a great day š
Lin says
Sweet, sweet post, my friend…..it will get easier, but I still feel empty everytime the boys come home and then leave again. Your son sounds like he will do fine on his own. Adorable card – will he appreciate all the work that went into it? Mine wouldn’t š
Barb says
Oh Kathy, it’s so hard letting them go, isn’t it?! Just trust in the loving way you’ve brought him up, in the fact that he is such a great kid and in knowing that you did everything possible to show him the right way to live his life. Sounds like he’s going to be such a successful young man! He will sure be able to see all the love and care that went into making this card! It’s fabulous! Hugs to you!
donna mikasa says
Oh, Kath…Marshall will be just fine. I know it! Thanks for sharing about him–I feel like I’ve known him forever! He’s raised himself into a fine young man with guidance from you and Mitch and I’m looking forward to seeing how far he’ll go in life! President Racoosin. Sounds good, huh?
p.s. Get yourself an Arizona t-shirt, woman!!
BabyBokChoy says
I think we briefly discussed this at dinner at CHA. I went to U of A for graduate school š And I don’t have a U of A t-shirt, lol. But they did manage to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament while I was there, no luck since, lol. Have a good day Kathy!
CinnamonSally says
Love your card Kathy, and I am sure Marshall will be fine, my daughter left for University three years agao and I still miss her, she has decided to stay in Bristol now she has graduated. I guess Bristol is her new home now. But its only 2hrs down the motorway, and we visit often.
Sallyx
Lucy Abrams says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lucy Abrams says
Love your photos Kathy – that dinner looks like it must have been fun. š And it sounds like your son is going to have a brilliant time at college. Love his cute card – and am sure he will too.
3 days…
x
AnitaRex says
What a beauitful post about you son! I loved reading how well you knew him and how much joy he has brought you. I can’t imagine how hard it is for him to go away now for school! I loved seeing photos of his goodbye dinner! And seeing a photo of him and his sister. He is so handsome, and she is gorgeous! And of course your card is just perfect! I bet he will love it! At least where he is going to school it’s nice and hot, a great place to visit in the winter!
Dotty Jo says
Great post Kathy, I’m sure an ‘old soul’ like Marshall will get by just fine. How fabulous that he has so much spirit! Love your card, such clever altering and gorgeous colouring. Hugs to you, Jo x
Lynne in NI says
Beautiful card Kathy, love that lil’ doggy!
And what a fabulous new adventure for your son,he’ll have a ball!
Nancy says
This is a big event in all your lives. Difficult at first, but so rewarding year after year. Good luck to your family and your son. The card you made is precious!
Tiffany says
So sweet and sentimental Kathy! Great photos and sending you big hugs! He will adore your card! He’s such a good kid, I just know he’ll keep in touch with his momma!
Monique says
Oh my goodness. I have to do this next year and not looking forward to it.. I have been trying to let go this summer and let my girl do some grown up stuff on her own .They say it get easier!! What a great card!!
Country Mouse says
Dropped my son off today….so, bittersweet!!! I know he’s 18, and a college freshman, BUT he’s still “my little boy”!:) It really hasn’t hit me yet, maybe when I walk into his empty room. š
pcm says
oh boy. mine’s not even 4 and i’m already dreading this day??!
Virginia L. says
What a touching and amazing post, Kathy! You are an amazing mom and it shows in Marchall! Thanks for sharing a bit more about Marshall! He is going to do fabulously in Arizona! Now that card is just outstanding! I’m counting down the days for you now…. š
Simone says
Aww this is such a gorgeous card Kathy and a beautiful post. It will be a great new adventure for Marshall and best of luck to all of you š
Cathy at Paper Garden Projects says
It sounds like you have good reason to be proud. He sounds like a wonderful young man.
An Adorable card – just perfect.
Ashley M says
Such a sweet post Kathy. I love hearing what a proud Mama you are! He is one lucky guy! I loved getting care packages from my Mom when I was in college. It always made my day. I’m sure this card will make your son smile. š
Kelly Booth says
U of A is a GREAT School Kathy…my Dad was on the Faculty and both of my Brothers Graduated from there!! I know you must be so proud and at the same time so sad to let him go…..
The good thing is…eventually we will get to see each other more!!!!
xoxoxo!!
Nancy says
Such a momentous occasion…sending your son off to college. With his winning personality he’ll have a million new friends in no time. Love the great card you made for him, it’s so perfect, a little bit of home to remind him that you love him.
Loved your photo with all those smiling faces!
bless you!
Alice Wertz says
awww…. i want to give you a big, big hug, Kathy!! this is such a sweet post. thank you for sharing your feelings and the fun photos. your kids are so beautiful!! hope all is well! =) LOVE your amazing card as always! love those letters and the one that the dog is balancing is so fun!! you ROCK, girl!
Vicky says
My dear friend Kathy, I loved this post! You are a blessed mom and I wish all the best to you and your family! Such a sweet post! The photo is looking for a scrapbook page to stay on!