The Night Before Christmas - Honouring our Soldiers

T'was the night before Christmas, He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house, Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,With presents to give,
And to see just who, In this home did live.

I looked all about, A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures, Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought, Came through my mind.

For this house was different, It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor, In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured, A Canadian soldier.

Was this the hero, Of whom I'd just read?,
Curled up on a poncho, The floor for a bed?

I realized the families, That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers, Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate, A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom, Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder, How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, In a land far from home.

The very thought brought A tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees, And started to cry.

The soldier awakened, And I heard a rough voice,
'Santa, don't cry. This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, My country, my corps.'

The soldier rolled over, And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,So silent and still,
And we both shivered, From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave, On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor, So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure.'

One look at my watch, And I knew he was right,
'Merry Christmas my friend, And to all a good night.'

This poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed
overseas. The following is his request, I think it is reasonable.

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit
is due to our Canadian service men and women for our being able to
celebrate these Festivities.

Christmas ornaments

This week's class is to make 3 different Christmas ornaments - two of which are pictured below.

The pictures don't do them justice.  They are absolutely fabulous in real life - and they're not fully decorated.
After the class I'll explain how they are made.

My Digital Studio deal

If you've been the least bit interested in ordering yourself a copy of Stampin' UP's digital crafting product My Digital Studio ---you can NOT turn down this deal!

The software along is priced at $106.95.  But, when you order the Digital + Starter Kit , it only costs you 55 cents more -- and you get FREE Shipping and Handling and NO TAX, and all kinds of additional Stampin' Up products at the same time!!!

You would also receive:
.Three complete stamp sets (including a clear mount set and clear mount block)
.Assortment of card stock
.Four Classic ink Stampin' Pads
.Two Stampin' Write markers
.A spool of ribbon
.Designer buttons
.A Decor Elements piece with the applicator
.SNAIL adhesive, Stampin dimensionals & Mini Glue Dots
.Stampin' Scrub and Mist cleaner
.Box of Idea Book & Catalogue
.Business Forms and tools.

When you're ready, go online here using the password CANADA to place your actual kit order.

If you do not  want to order the kit online and want to use the mail service, let me know ASAP so that I can get the paper work out to you.  Again, this special only lasts until the end of November!!

Thanks - another challenge 95

When I said I was in need of Thank You cards I wasn't kidding.  This card, again made for Challenge 95, is relatively simple, but I really like it.  Let me know what you think.

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, Watercolor Trio
Inks: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, corner rounder punch, hearts edge punch, Chantilly lace crochet trim, mat pack, dimensionals

Christmas cards from Nov. 10 class

Here are the other 3 cards from my Christmas card class last night.  Everyone seemed to have a good time even though we were a bit crowded.  Next year I may have to find other accommodations for the Christmas card class. I deliberately kept the cards simple so they could be reproduceable easily.  Plus I was cognizant of the time factor.  The class was only 2 hours in duration.
I set up the classroom differently this time.  I set up stations - 1 card per station - 2 people per station.  Students rotated through the stations so were able to work at their own pace. I may do this more often.

Stamp: Snow Swirled
Paper Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
Ink: Versa Mark
Accessories: Texture plates, gold embossing powder, crochet trim

Stamp: A Cute Christmas, A Merry Christmas
Paper: Marina Mist
Ink: Black Stazon, SU markers (red, black) Real Red
Accessories: Northern Flurries embossing folder.  Bleach (in an aqua brush) was applied to the raised areas and to the snowman and snow underneath his feet), round scallop punch, dimensionals, red satin ribbon,

 Stamps; Serene Snowflakes, A Merry Christmas
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Brushed Silver
Ink: Versa Mark
Accessories: Scallop border punch, pearls, silver embossing powder

Card for Class Nov. 8

Dasher - my favourite stamp for 2 years in a row.  This is one of 4  Christmas cards that will made this coming Wednesday. The class is full.  But if you wish to take this class, and if there is enough interest, I can offer it again on Nov. 15. E-mail me at mvanderform@g-mail.com or phone me 705-741-2955
I'll put the ingredient list after the class
Just a reminder that in the next class Nov. 21 we will be making 2 different Christmas ornaments.  Be sure to register early as the class is already filling up
Next week I will also post the class schedule for Jan - May.