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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Operation Write Home Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop

Welcome!  This is the third blog hop that I've had the honor to be involved with this wonderful organization.  You will notice that lots of others have also been involved with this organization for an extended amount of time for many reasons, but the most important reason is to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! 

For those that would like to keep up on Operation Write Home when you're on facebook, go on over to the OWH facebook page and "like them" (become a fan) so you can keep up on all of the different blogs, pick up some occasional freebies, see what the new challenges are or even hear some stories or see some pictures from the soldiers or families that receive some of our cards! 

You are at blog #42 in this hop.  If you got here from Tammy's blog, My Craft Central, then you are in the right place!  If not, you can start at the beginning of the hop at the Stars and Stamps blog.  If you find a broken link, you can also go back to the Stars and Stamps blog to find your next blog.  You can also  continue from my blog since there are over 140 blogs involved in the hop this weekend.

The reason I got involved with Operation Write Home was that I used to make cards for my daughter's unit, the 220th Colorado Army National Guard MP Unit, while they were in Iraq. The soldiers were so appreciative of all the cards I made them to send home to their families. When I heard about this organization from my daughter, I knew I could continue making cards for the troops even though I didn't have a particular soldier to send them to anymore. We used to be able to send boxes or letters to Any Soldier, but since the events of September 11th, this is considered too much of a security issue.
"There is a myth about the origin of Taps that is circulating about the Internet. The true story is that in July 1862, after the Seven Days battles at Harrison's Landing (near Richmond), Virginia, the wounded Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, V Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, General Daniel Butterfield reworked, with his bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton, another bugle call, "Scott Tattoo," to create Taps. He thought that the regular call for Lights Out was too formal. Taps was adopted throughout the Army of the Potomac and finally confirmed by orders. Soon other Union units began using Taps, and even a few Confederate units began using it as well. After the war, Taps became an official bugle call. Col. James A. Moss, in his Officer's Manual first published in 1911, gives an account of the initial use of Taps at a military funeral:

"During the Peninsular Campaign in 1862, a soldier of Tidball's Battery A of the 2nd Artillery was buried at a time when the battery occupied an advanced position concealed in the woods. It was unsafe to fire the customary three volleys over the grave, on account of the proximity of the enemy, and it occurred to Capt. Tidball that the sounding of Taps would be the most appropriate ceremony that could be substituted."

Words to Taps
(Note: there are no "official" words to Taps. The words below are the most popular.)

Day is done, Gone the sun,
From the hills, From the lake, From the skies.
All is well, Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, Peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor, God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night, Need thee so?
All is well, Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars, Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, 'Neath the stars, 'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/taps.html
The first card I made for today uses stamps by Firecracker Designs by Pamela.  I actually won this stamp set from another OWH blogger, Shelley Schmidt.  Ironically, she is also using this stamp set today and is also offering this set as BLOG CANDY!!!!  All of the papers I used are from my stash and the ribbon is May Arts.  I stamped the image with Memories Midnight Blue ink and colored it with colored pencils and blended the colors with blending stumps and OMS.  Kaisercraft made those awesome pearls and I got the little soldier in an assortment at Hobby Lobby.  The edges are cut with Fiskars decorative scissors.
The next card uses a retired Stampin' Up! wolf stamp that is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.  The other stamp is by D.O.T.S. and is embossed with embossing ink and Stamp-n Stuff EP.  The embossed star paper is from Hobby Lobby and the card stock by The Paper Studio.  The blue ribbon is May Arts and the other is from my stash.  Silver Peel-Off Stickers are by The Paper Studio.  I used a American Crafts silver metallic marker to fill in the heart and words.  No glitter is allowed on these cards, but we can always use our trusty bling like this from K&Company.
I love to make cards for the kids!  This adorable digital stamp is created by Sassy Cheryl's.  I just adore her images, and she is actually having a sale this weekend, and she has some adorable patriotic images, too.  I printed this image from my printer and immediately heat embossed it with clear EP.  This image is also  colored with colored pencils and baby oil.  As you can probably tell, I was able to use up a bunch of my paper scraps. :o)  The oval is a Bazill piece, the red stars by The Paper Studio, the checked pieces by Creative Memories and the rest of the pieces are from my stashes.  The mulberry star has also been in my stash forever.  The rub-ons are by Mini-Marks by American Crafts, and the saying is by Sassy Studio.  I love getting bargains, so I snagged up several different colors of leis at the Dollar Store, and used some of flowers from them on this card.  The princess brads are another eBay find. 

What's a blog hop without BLOG CANDY?????  One lucky commenter will have a choice between an Art Warehouse clear acrylic stamp set OR a $10 gift Certificate for digital stamps from Michelle Perkett Studio!!!  The winner will be chosen on Monday June 1st.  Of course, I'd love for you to be a follower, but it's not necessary to win.  I hope you're enjoying the hop so far.  There's much more to see, so keep on hopping!

Your next stop on the hop is at the multi-talented Jan Hunnicut's blog, she's gone stamping.  You may also know Jan from the Stars and Stamps blog, so make sure and give her some love for all of her work there too!

For those of you that don't already know, my daughter, Sgt. Chelsey Burgess, is finally pregnant after trying for over five years!!!!!  She's due on December 31st, so she won't be deployed again this year.
~~  Lee  ~~

93 comments:

Julie said...

Cute cards!

And congratulations on that upcoming grandbaby!!

Teresa said...

I absolutely LOVE your entire post here!!! The picture is incredible and your cards are wonderful! I have that set from Artistic Outpost- and you have used it to make a gorgeous card! Thank you so much for the story behind TAPS- I have never read that before.

On to the next stop in an inspiring journey today!

Tammy said...

What an awesome post today Lee!! You cards are absolutely gorgeous!! Enjoy your weekend and TFS!!

Tink said...

Fantastic post!!

Unknown said...

Lee, great cards! Thanks for talking about OWH, you are the one that lead me to the organization and I really love making cards for them. Have a great weekend.

Rhonda Miller said...

Lee, your cards are fabulous. Thanks for sharing the story of taps.

Congrats to Chelsey.

Kristy said...

Your entire post is amazing. Your card is incredible. I am very inspired. Great Job!

Kim said...

Awesome post and your cards are fabulous!

Operation Write Home said...

Lee, I love your Firecracker card esp. I bought that set at last year's hop - and I was just thinking, I don't think its seen ink! This is gonna change. :) Thanks for inspiring me.

Congrats to your SGT on her baby!!! WoohooO!

Melanie Nichols said...

Loved your blog post and your cards! the first one is especially gorgeous! Have a great weekend! ;o)

Unknown said...

I love your cards there are awesome!

Erika said...

Cute cards - and congrats for your daughter! That's wonderful news!

And, as a military wife, let me say thank you for sharing your creativity to help bring families closer who are separated by duty.

Paula S. said...

Wonderful post Grandma Lee. So interesting to hear about the origin of Taps. The Firecracker Designs card is gorgeous. What a nice combination of colors, textures and layering. Great work!

Kate said...

Yay! congrats on the grandbaby!

I live just outside an AF Base and on most nights I can hear Taps from my bedroom.

Cathy... said...

What an awesome post and fabulous cards! I love that Firecracker Designs stamp!
Congrats on the exciting news!

loyaz said...

Oh my gawsh - I can't believe what all I am learning today and how many people are participating in OWH. This is all incredible. Thank you for this opportunity.
DianeL
loyaz@wbhsi.net

Martha said...

Funny how just reading the words to Taps fills me with peace. Thanks! I adore that Firecracker stamp too and haven't used mine in awhile. Need to change that!

Thank you for supporting OWH!

Lori said...

Thanks for more history. This hop has taught me a lot that I didn't know.

helloholley said...

I love your cards,they are wonderful!!! I never knew th story or words behind TAPS!! Thank you for sharing that.....your blog is awesome!!! Happy Memorial Day! ;)

Rufus said...

Congratulations to your daughter and to you Grandma-to-be! I'm excited for both of you. I love both of your cards!! I remember when that set was given away last hop, I really wanted it, maybe this time. Thanks for your support of our Heroes, including your daughter, and of OWH! Also, thanks for the real story of Taps. It gives me shivers every time I hear it.
R/

Anita said...

Amazing cards!

Melanie Holzwarth said...

Your cards are so wonderful. And thank you so much for the brief lesson on Taps. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

D's Paper Studio said...

I love the details and creativity of your cards. Please tell Chelsey thank you for all she has done/doing in service of our country. Thank you too mom. I've always loved the story of taps..i grew up in the USAF and an avid Girl Scout...it's almost like reading a bedtime story for me.

Anonymous said...

I became a proud follower.... I just love love your cards.... You are sooooo very talented.. 'Thank you fo rthe chance to win this fabulous blog candy.

Dawn said...

I never knew all that stuff about taps. really cool!

love the card. I also like the fairy card with the red flower..really cool!

PocketsOfInspiration said...

Oh my, that first card is beautiful!

Stephanie said...

Your cards are stunning! I audibly gasped when I saw that first one pop up.
I've not heard / read that post about Taps before, thank you for sharing it with us. And the unofficial words, wow. God is nigh.

StephanieD

creations by jackie said...

I loved your card it is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this Memorial Day weekend

Unknown said...

Your soldier card is so beautiful. Love the stamp.

Unknown said...

I love your entire post! Congrats on your upcoming grandbaby...I'm expecting my first granddaughter Sept 14th! Thanks for the chance at the blog candy.

Missy said...

Great card, it seems like I am saying that alot today.

debb said...

Lee, your cards are beautiful- love the first one- that stamp and saying are fab! Thanks for the candy opp!

Lelia Pierce said...

Wonderful cards! Congrats to Chelsea! YAY!!!

Michelle said...

Lee, thank you so much for your passion for cardmaking for our soldiers! I'm sure you bring smiles to alot of our soldiers!! I love all of your cards and your post and have never read the words to taps! Thanks for sharing your beautiful talents to such a great cause!!:)

SuzAnn said...

Taps played at my uncle's funeral was one of the most moving experiences I've had. I didn't know there were words to it; thank you for sharing them. and thank you for supporting OWH with your cute cards!

RobinH said...

love your cards
and the story of Taps

Unknown said...

I love the cards, and great news about your soon-to-make-an-appearance-grandbaby! Congrats to your family!

Brenda said...

I love your cards. The soldier one is great. Love the wolf and Wildthing -- I haven't thought of that song in years. The little girl card is gorgeous with the flowers and bling.

Congrats to your daughter and you. Having a late Dec baby is challenging as the years go by (my daughter was born on the 30th). No school parties for their birthdays lol.

Let her know how much she is appreciated by serving her country.

Dixie Cochran said...

Thank you for creating such a wonderful post! The information about "Taps" and the creative cards are inspirational! Thanks too for making cards for our heroes! Congratulations on the new grandchild!!

Eileen said...

Beautiful cards!

Unknown said...

Wow. Wow. and Wow! I didn't know that Taps story and reading the lyrics gave me chills.


Thanks for posting today.

xoxo
Lindsey @ ScrapStreet

Jan Hunnicutt said...

Oh Lee your cards are wonderful! I enjoyed your blog post so much, this blog hop has been great fun. Your blog candy looks yummy too ;), congratulations on the new grand baby coming soon!

Trish said...

WOW Lee, you've been busy and for a great cause. Love everything about your cards and the patriotic colours are so appropriate. I'm sure you're exhausted going through so many blogs, but a terrific response from everyone.
Hugs,
Trish

mumgranny said...

What a great stamp. Thanks for all your work.

PCM said...

Thanks for the story behind 'Taps'. Your cards are beautiful. I especially like the one using the stamp from Firecracker designs. TFS

StampinSher said...

Terrific cards and thank you for sharing your "Words to Taps".

Lynn said...

Your first card is awesome! I have to mark this one for CASE for sure! Thanks for the words to Taps.

Carol L said...

Your cards are all fantastic, and I really enjoyed the origins of "Taps", including the lyrics. TFS that info!
Congrats to you (gramma) and your daughter are in order! Woot, what wonderful news!!!

Debi said...

Lee,
Thank you for the TAPS writing, and all the love you put into this blog!
Great story on how how you started with cards! You must be an angel! Hugs, Debi!

Theresa's Studio said...

Great post...enjoyed very much. Love your cards. TFS all.

Karen Howard said...

Wow, beautiful cards... love the little army figurine!

robin said...

Love your cards and congrats to your daughter!!

Shelly Schmidt said...

Love your cards- and I love to see the first one done so beautifully! I LOVE the second one and the third card is just darling! One of the prior troops I used to send cards to used to use them to send home to his daughter- reminding me to try to make more like this! (My current soldier has no kids.....). Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day- Congrats on the future Grandchild!!!

Nancy Keller said...

Wow your story about "Taps" gave me chills. :) Thanks for sharing! I love your blog and your cards - there are so many fun things here! And congrats to your daughter too - hope she is doing GREAT!

Cheryl said...

Great blog post!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful cards.

Christine said...

interesting... did not know that about TAPS - TFS
your cards are super fabulous

JPScraps said...

Lovely cards!

Cindi (aka iring) said...

What a great set of cards! I particularly like the first one. I had no idea Taps had all those verses! We used to sing the first verse at Girl Scout camp. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I simply love your cards and the shirt folding tutorial. Congrats to your daughter's coming baby and to your whole family.

Cut n Paste said...

Thanks for the info on Taps! All of your cards are very nice..I particularly like the first one! Congrats on being a new grandma!

Courtney said...

Your cards are lovely. Thank you to your daughter and your family for the sacrifices you are making to our country. I know what it is like as a wife to send my husband overseas, but I could never imagine as a mother. Thank you! And congrats to your DD..Dec 31 is my birthday!

~Courtney~

Brenda said...

I have been following you since the last hop. You did great work - and I love your post!

Meg Bean said...

Your first card with the soldier is really well done. I also love the scripture you paired with it.

Butterballfeather said...

These cards are so cute!
You did a great job!

XOXO,
Greta

Lillian Child said...

Love your card creations! My husband is a vietnam veteran and said he wishes they had a program like OWH when he was overseas. Thanks for supporting our patriots through this blog hop. And thanks for sharing your talents with us! Happy Memorial Day!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards and very special. Thanks for sharing.

Linda D.

Courtney K said...

awesome cards ~ especially the last one with the sassy little girl. adorable!

Unknown said...

Fantastic cards and I'm a Sassy Cheryl fan big time. Love what you did with this little cutie. Congrats on the upcoming grandchild and hope everything goes well with DD. Thanks for your active involvement here.

K. Joy said...

Very nice cards! I like the shades of colors in the first card and the bow, the wolf in the second, and the flowers in the third. :) Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I really appreciated your interesting info on Taps, beautiful. And the cards were great as well :-)
Thanks for sharing, have a great weekend!

Linda said...

Thanks for all the great info on "Taps". Luv the soldier on card 1. Have a great weekend! And congrats on upcoming grandbaby!

Susan said...

Hi Lee, i have been thinking about you, and hoping all is well with you. I see things are great with you, you are going to be a grandma again :) Congrats to all the family.

Thanks also to your daughter for serving.

Interesting post on taps (I borrowed it for my own info)

SUPREME CARDS!! just lovely!
LOVE the wild thing one LOL

Great candy as well!

Thanks and hugs,
Susan

Patty said...

Such a great variety of card styles. I don't know which one I like best !

Patty

Unknown said...

cute cards! thanks for sharing. and special thanks to your daughter, too!

Suz said...

beautiful cards. thanks for sharing about taps. Please thank your daughter for her service

Jeanne said...

I love that last card. So cute! I just became a follower.

Betty said...

Oh my...I can't pick just one as a favorite. GREAT JOB!

buglvr2010 said...

I love your cards. They are beautiful. Congrats to your daughter....I tried for more than five years befor I had my twins (with a little help from technology).

Jean Fitch from jlfstudio said...

Love your entries for the hop - especially the first two. Firecracker stamps have always been a fav of mine and I've been drooling over the SU wolf for quite some time. Love the depth you achieved with these and all the added bits and pieces.

Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

mmwilken said...

Thanks so much for sharing this weekend. Hope you are having a great Memorial Day!! Love your cards and all the military stamping. Keep up the great work and thanks for being apart of OWH!!

Stampin_melissa said...

Lee, please thank your daughter for her service to our great nation and congrats to her on her pregnancy!

Thank you for your service in supporting our troops!

All three of your cards are wonderful! I'm going to be on the lookout for that soldier at HL!

Seongsook Duncan said...

What such a great post! Thanks for your sharing. Your cards are all wonderful as always.

jengd said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jengd said...

Wonderful cards! I esp. like your first one though I also like the mix of the great-looking wolf and the whimsical saying! Best to you and you family and a big congrats and thanks to your daughter!

Marsha said...

Great blog. Thanks.

Linda said...

Great cards! Congratulations to your daughter! Thanks for joining the Hop.

Bev E said...

Great cards! Congrats on becoming a grandma, it's wonderful!

cal8007 said...

What great cards and stamps yo used! Thank you for the inspiration. I will be joining OWH as soon as my grand kids leave. I am enjoying the blog hop so much! I had to break it up into two days.

Thanks for the opportunity to win some blog candy!

Carmen L
cal8007 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Your whole post is wonderful... and your cards are amazing!

Thanks so much for sharing & the chance to win!!!

Congrats on the grandbaby!!!

Happy Memorial Day!
God Bless our Soldiers & their families!

~Ola
okj83 at live dot com

Susan M. Brown {sbartist} said...

Love the cards - so beautifully detailed. Thanks for all you do for OWH & supporting the men in women in the armed forces. Congrats on your daughters baby on the way!
: ) Susan [sbartist.blogspot.com]

Nicolette said...

Love your cards. Your blog is great. Thank you so much for looking at my blog. My blog is www.beyondscrapin.blogspot.com
I just wanted to let you know that you won the blog candy on my blog hop candy give away. Can you please e-mail at beyondscrapin@aol.com so I can get your 2 page scrapbook layout in the mail to you. Thank you so much for looking at my blog. Congrats on your daughters baby on the way!!!!

Just Virginia said...

Awesome cards! Thanks for sharing the story behind Taps.
Congratulations to you and your family, and a BIG thank to your daughter for her service!

Jennifer Moore said...

What great cards.

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