In Honor of Amanda

Here are the balloons Kristen, Corey, Emily, Nana and Papa set free in honor of our Sweet Angel Amanda. Funny, when I did the page with balloons prior to this one, I had to resort to asking my scrapbooking friends for a blue sky with clouds. And on the day of Amanda's anniversary, the sky was totally blue with not a cloud to be found. It was a very cold day, but the sun was shining bright. I had tears in my eyes, yet a smile on my face.

In the evening we all gathered at Kristen and Corey's for pizza and cake. We talked about our short time with Amanda and just spent the evening all together in celebration of her.
Hugs and kisses,

Amanda's Memorial Card

Hugs and kisses,

Our Angel Amanda's First Heavenly Anniversary

This beautiful card in remembrance of Amanda was created by a very special person, a lady named Jenny, on my digital scrapbooking Yahoo group. Jenny sensed this was a difficult card for me to design and jumped right in there to lighten my heart. Jenny designs Memorial slide shows professionally, yet her only charge is for me to "pay it forward." She is a remarkable lady I hope to keep in contact with always. Nana has made a friend through our Amanda!
Hugs and kisses,

Thinking About Amanda's First Heavenly Anniversary

Tomorrow will be one year since I held our Sweet Amanda in my arms. Nana and Papa will go to Mass with Amanda's Mom, Dad and sister, Emily, even though Amanda needs no prayers. She is now our Sweet Angel. We will then go to the cemetery where we will set free balloons in honor of Amanda. I know my picture has butterflies in it and we won't have any. I added them because I think of Amanda as a free spirit, flying around where ever she wants to go. I know there are times I have felt her on my shoulder.

There are so many things I could write about all my feelings, but most of them I don't want to share. I want to keep them just for myself. The thought that comes to my mind instantly when I think of our Sweet Granddaughter is:

Some people only dream of angels. . .

I held one in my arms.

I love and miss you, my sweet girl.

Love and lots of kisses and hugs,

I Knew I Could Count On My Dad!

You never met my Dad. He died many years ago. He was quite a character. My siblings and I used to tease that if there was anyone who would "come back", it would be The Ole Man. Well, I was cleaning my bedroom this morning. I have a Snowbaby figurine on Papa's dresser. I believe Amanda's Mom gave it to me many years ago. It is a little girl snowbaby angel (look closely for her halo) playing a harp. Anyone who knows me, knows I love harps. I even use a picture of one on the back of all the invitations and announcements I make for all of you. Harp was your great grandfather's nickname. That is why I love harps! For some reason after I dusted the figurine, I looked at the bottom of it. As soon as I read what it said, I knew Amanda is fine. She is with Harpy. This was his message to me. And I know he will take great care of her. Harpy was one of those "one in a million" grandfathers. He always made sure his grandchildren were happy, safe and spoiled. The pictures of my precious figurine are below. You tell me what you think!


Hugs and kisses,

The Baldwin's at Disney During the Holidays

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Baldwin Family left on a road trip to Disney the day after Christmas. They made it with only one sleepover. I don't think that would have been a car ride I would have enjoyed. From the pictures we can see everyone had a great time. And they were there to welcome in 2009, hopefully a year of health and happiness for everyone.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's 8th Birthday

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Kara is turning into a young lady before my eyes. She is truly a girly girl. Kara loves shopping, picking out her own clothes and buying all those things girls her age love. One thing she does that I have a problem with is carry five or six pocketbooks at a time. You see, she has to have anything she could possibly need with her at all times. Kara loves reading and writing stories. I wonder if we have a budding author in our family. One never knows. I know one thing. I love every moment I spend with her:~) Kara has been a joy from the very moment I first saw her.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara Turns Eight!

Kara turned eight on January 3, 2009. The party was lots of fun, actually much smaller than past years. It was great seeing friends we haven't seen in a while. Our little girl is growing up before our eyes. I wish the time would slow down.
Hugs and kisses,