XOXO

Happy February! Here in Chicago we have been stuck inside due to the "blizzard" and all of the cold weather. What better way to spend our snow days than crafting away? Here are the valentines I made for our friends and family this year. I used all SU paper and inks in Whisper White, Basic Black and Pretty in Pink. The main heart image is from the SU Always set, and the little background stamp is from the ever so versatile SU Short & Sweet set. I got creative (ie: desperate) for another valentine-ish image and came up with the idea of using my Close To My Heart Large Chocolate Alphabet to make XOXO hugs and kisses. It is hard to see in the photo, but I also used my Cuttle Bug With Love border sentiment along the bottom of the card.

Inside the valentines I am including a photo of my little first grade activist, Sydney. Last month we read a chapter book from a series we enjoy called Puppy Place by Ellen Miles. In the Puppy Place books, a brother and sister foster dogs until they can find their forever homes. Chewy and Chica was about puppies that were rescued from a puppy mill. Sydney was in tears about the evils of puppy mills. Upon finishing the book, Syd was ready to march in front of our local pet store with "Ban Puppy Mills" signs and a petition. I wasn't about to go that far, but I did let her raise money for a local rescue foundation called Almost Home. We happen to have friends who foster dogs through AH. In fact, in 2010 alone, Kenny and Lyn fostered and found forever homes for 59 dogs!!! I admire them for their dedication to helping these dogs in need. Sydney raised $45 and used the money to go on a shopping spree to purchase items Kenny and Lyn requested to help their efforts. Needless to say, Sydney had a blast, and I am proud of her for taking the initiative to support a cause near and dear to her heart. I think the "Puppy Luv" photo speaks volumes. Enjoy!