(Erin) "I Wish You Happiness"

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Hello again!! I'm here to share with you now a layout I created using my design team kit from Scrappin' Patch which focuses on the "Sunday Picnic" range! I tell you what- I've been holding off on purchasing this collection in hopes that I would be receiving it in my kit this month and well- I'm so glad I did!! It is just SO full of bright, gorgeous colors with plenty of typical Webster's fussy cutting opportunities- gotta love that! I've done a step-by-step for this particular layout, and if interested you can check it out on the Scrappin' Patch blog here.

So anyways, I knew I'd need a great sketch to get going with this and of course my no-fail source for amazing sketches, Once Upon A...Sketch, provided me with the perfect one- and a great journaling prompt as always!! The prompt was "Mother"- and let me tell you, it would have been a FAR easier task to focus on myself as a mom rather than my mom herself. I honestly don't think I have ever created a layout just about her- I KNOW- sad, huh?? But as long as I'm being truthful with you, it's not an easy thing to do...scrap about my mom. She's at a difficult place in her life right now and sometimes I truly feel as if I do not know her at all. It's very sad- to not really know someone who you've known your whole life. And I'm going to share my journaling with you- I'll warn you, it's not very happy- and you certainly don't have to read it, so feel to skip on past. But I've always been very upfront and open with my journaling- and to my loyal followers, you know that much about me. So I will include it for those of you who are interested or curious, but don't be afraid to just surpass it- you won't hurt my feelings!...

So here goes: (My hidden journaling is attached to the "Dream" pull tab to the right of my photo):

" This is not an easy task- writing honestly about my mom. Because the truth is, I feel as if I no longer know her. She's not the person she used to be. She used to be so strong and the person I went to for love and protection. But life has been unkind to her an dit has definitely taken its toll. For the last 10 years she has been mostly absent from my life. She's moved all over the country, been through various jobs and divorce. Sure, we talked on the phone but rarely did I see her. And addictions found their way into her life and they are a daily battle for her.

Then, 2 months ago, she decided she wanted to be near her family- quit her job- and moved in w/me. I was so happy to have her here-finally-my kids could get to know their grandma- things would be great! But then all of her problems and struggles were right here in front of me. And I was forced to see the depth of her illness- to the point where I questioned what was more important? Her family or these addictions? And I was sent back in time- to my childhood- where I watched the man I loved most in the world (my dad) destroy his life w/alcohol and lost the fight when he died @ the age of 38.

How could she- the one who protected me from that- do the same thing 15 years later? And though I confronted her & insisted she not do those things in my house- I know she continued to do so. Now that she's in her own place, I'm certain she does...

But- she is my mother. And I love her. And all I want is for her to be happy.

Unfortunately, I cannot make that happen for her, as much as I wish I could. So I pray...and I hope that God can bring her peace and help her see the important things in her life- and give her the opportunity to enjoy her family before it's too late.

And I pray for the strength to accept my inability to change her- that God is in control & it's in His hands...

So, Mom...I wish you happiness..And I love you."

My layout (the bright, cheerful colors certainly do belie the subject, huh?)...

 I used a PILE of Webster's goodies on this one!! You can find the Webster's Pages section of the Scrappin' Patch store here.

A few close-ups for you...

So to all of you out there who have amazing moms, please be grateful...you really don't know how good you have it...

Thanks so much for stopping in again! It's been a very busy weekend- tons of scrapping accomplished and I'm loving that!! But I'm actually looking forward to getting myself busy with some non-scrappy related projects- like baking cookies :). 

If you haven't yet, you definitely need to get in on the giveaway Kelly & I are offering up in honor of National Scrapbook Day. It's open through Monday and closes at midnight. There's also a little time left to enter the Scrap FX blog hop as well- so follow the links at the top of the page if interested.

Have a good day!!

xErin