An Anniversary, ramblings and a card!

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted here on my blog. I was taking a little hiatus away from Blogger catching up with family life and projects. I'll have more to post soon, so no worries there! I have lots of fun projects to share with you and really can't wait! :-)

I wanted to take a moment to wish my parents a very happy 41st wedding anniversary! My parents are the most amazing couple EVER. They both migrated to the United States from the Philippines back in the early 1970's with college/masters degrees under their belts. They were educated and anxious to work, yet couldn't land a job in their field because no one back then would hire applicants with foreign degrees. My Dad, with his masters degree in electrical engineering, had to settle for a job as a janitor at a local High School to make "ends meet." My Mom, with her Bachelors degree in Nursing, thankfully was able to land a job at a local hospital as a nurse through a Nursing program. My older brother (only 13 months my senior), myself and my parents lived with my Mom's aunt until years later, Stanford University hired my Dad for what he was meant to do -- he was finally hired as an electrical engineer and got the salary his degree deserved during those times. My parents struggled to be where they are now. They provided for the their children as best they could when times were tough. And when times were good, they spoiled us with things they could have never even imagined having when they were children themselves. My parents would tell my brothers and I about their childhood in the Philippines, and how toys were a luxury. They played games using bottle caps, rubber bands and coconut husks. My brothers and I appreciate our upbringing and everything our parents have done to help us become successful in our careers, as well as help shape the individuals we are now...

With this, I'd like to say again -- Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you with all my heart! (** sob **)

Okay.... had to step away to gather myself. hehe! I get super emotional when it comes to family because they mean the world to me. :-)

So let's talk about this card I made for my parents! :-)

(Front)

(Inside)

I created this card using some of my fav MFT products. The stamp set I used is "Inspired by Love." And let me tell you, I LOVE the "Inspired By" line by MFT! :-) I had a great time not only creating this card especially for my parents, but OMG, the new Layered Labels die ROCKS! It is so versatile! You'll see that I "snuck in" the Die-namics from the Polka Dot Stamp & Die set (fits perfectly!) and then layered a heart from the Hearts a Plenty Die-namics. I used MFT's new Mini Rolled Roses Die-namics and the Rolled Flower Die-namics. LOVE the rose and flower dies from MFT! :-) The little leaves were cut out using the Flower Trio & Leaf Trio die. I lined a strip of designer paper (from the K&Co Wild Saffron collection) on both sides using the Dainty Lace Border (cut out using MFT's Hot Fudge cardstock), layered on a strip of the GORGEOUS brown trim I got in a RAK from my scrappy friend Cindy (thanks Cynthialoowho!!) and tied some twine around fastened with a bow.

On the inside of the card, I included the other 2 pieces of the Layered Labels die (can't waste good things hehe!) and lined the strip of designer paper with the new Dainty Lace Border, cut out using MFT's Hot Fudge cardstock. I used my Perfect Pearls in "Gold Pearl" to create the faux beads. I love how it all came together! :-)

Here's a little pic of my parents. This was taken today at Famous Dave's, where we celebrated their big day! Aren't they the cutest ever?! 41 years of marriage and still madly in LOVE! :-)

Hope you enjoyed my share for today! Have a GREAT week and thanks for peeping by! :-)