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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{Joy of Christmas/Children}

December 16, 2007

This is one of my favorite photos of Andrew when he was a little boy.
It was taken at a pre-school play at church – he had the part of an angel.
Love his little cherub face! :)

My heart has been heavy the past few days as we have learned that his battalion has been involved in some serious operations in Iraq. I pray for all the men in his group are safe as they carry out their missions. I am also grateful for all the prayers and love from so many of you…just to be able to chat or email. A special Mom named Patty has kept me up to date on everything via our myspace accounts and email. Her son is also in Andrew’s battalion and she befriended me a few months back on myspace. I feel so blessed that we can embrace each other right now.
Everything seemed so calm the last time I had a message from Andrew – I felt good about him being there – and now I feel lost. I know that this is part of war, and this was what I would be facing but now it is a reality. I would give anything to get a message that he is mentally ok. So I am trying to put a knot in my faith and hang on!

*edited to add** that I messaged Andrew today – we happened to be on myspace at the same time. he is ok – but I did not get to ask a lot of questions before his account went off line.

This weeks challenge at Gothic Arches is “Joy of Christmas/Children”…I decided to create an arch dedicated to my “Andrew” because he will not be here for Christmas.

I made this arch using a photo from Karen Ink that I fell in love with several weeks back. She has named him “Andrew” and I was immediately drawn to his little impish grin and of course the “tartan pants”…
I added a snowman because when my son was a little boy he loved them. We actually started a collection with our Christmas decorations because of this. Stamps, glitter, ephemera, vellum snowflakes were also added.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Sugar Lump Studios • 41 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. Sandy

    December 16, 2007 at 10:38 am

    Nancy this is a wonderful arch. Cute images. Love it.

    Reply
  2. Andi (RrlScrapGal)

    December 16, 2007 at 10:49 am

    Sending more calming thoughts for you and prayers for Andrew and his group..

    Godspeed..

    Reply
  3. herminesplace

    December 16, 2007 at 10:51 am

    Beautifull loft the soft colours.

    Reply
  4. Barbara

    December 16, 2007 at 10:55 am

    Nancy my heart is just braking, this is the true meaning of the ARCH Challenge this week. I know all of us will keep you and Andrew in their hearts and I hope you hear from him soon. Love the arch.

    Reply
  5. Femmy

    December 16, 2007 at 11:13 am

    Nancy this is so btreathtaking!!
    Hope your son will be home soon!

    Reply
  6. Cora

    December 16, 2007 at 11:38 am

    Nancy,
    This is so cute. I love the snowman image. I hope you are doing well.

    Reply
  7. carylsrealm

    December 16, 2007 at 11:38 am

    What a wonderful arch!

    Reply
  8. Louise (KardKrazy)

    December 16, 2007 at 12:35 pm

    Nancy, what a beautiful expression of your mother's heart at this time. I pray it helps to remember that while you may not know how he is right not, God does.

    Reply
  9. Yitte

    December 16, 2007 at 1:03 pm

    Nancy, hope you hear soon from your son. This is a precious arch !!

    Reply
  10. Scrap_USA

    December 16, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    Such a beautiful arch and dedication! Never ever let go of your faith, it will keep you strong! Know that Andrew is being watched over and that we are forever grateful to him for all his sacrifices and to you as a mother to be so strong as to let your son go through this for his country!! Good uplifting message, so thank you for sharing that through your arch this week.

    Reply
  11. Lana

    December 16, 2007 at 4:08 pm

    Hey Nancy…lovely work and thanks for the lovely comments on my blog! I am going to e-mail you x

    Reply
  12. Kathy

    December 16, 2007 at 4:14 pm

    Oh Nancy,
    My heart aches for you. I do not have kinds, so I can't know what you are going through. I am so sorry he is over there and all of our troops are there, I pray that he and his frieds will be safe. I will say a special prayer for you, to be able to cope. Much love to you Nancy.

    Reply
  13. Judy

    December 16, 2007 at 5:33 pm

    Beautiful arch and my thoughts are with you. Christmas blessings.
    Judy NZ

    Reply
  14. Gillian

    December 16, 2007 at 6:36 pm

    Oh Dear Nancy,
    {hugs and prayers for you}
    I hope you are able to hear more from Andrew soon xxx
    Such a special arch, so much love and meaning shining from it…

    Reply
  15. ~*~

    December 16, 2007 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you for sharing your lovely heartfelt arch! Andrew is a handsome fellow! Brightest of Blessings to you and yours.
    ~*~ Patty at Magpie's Nest
    http://www.bitze.wordpress.com

    Reply
  16. spiralsun65

    December 17, 2007 at 2:38 am

    Beautiful arch; thinking of you and your boy.

    Reply
  17. Myriame

    December 17, 2007 at 3:17 am

    Beautiful Arch.
    I pray for you and your son, and hope that he can be rapidly at home

    Reply
  18. Sija

    December 17, 2007 at 3:51 am

    Wonderful arch!

    Reply
  19. Rein

    December 17, 2007 at 5:31 am

    Gorgeous arch Nancy!

    thinking of you and your family.

    Reply
  20. Jacqueline

    December 17, 2007 at 6:02 am

    I've been following the news but of course we don't know everything… my thoughts are with you often! The photo and your arch are just beautiful – radiates your love!

    Reply
  21. Mary-Beth

    December 17, 2007 at 7:53 am

    Nancy, this is such a beautiful piece, with wonderful memories of your son'd childhood.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers!

    Reply
  22. DymphieM

    December 17, 2007 at 8:49 am

    Wonderful and cute Nancy :)

    Reply
  23. Debby

    December 17, 2007 at 10:17 am

    Nancy your arch is wonderful. Holding you and your family in my heart and prayers.
    Debby

    Reply
  24. Mimi

    December 17, 2007 at 11:24 am

    I love that photo.

    Prayers for Andrew and his Batillion. Lord have Mercy, Lord have Mercy, Lord have Mercy.

    Reply
  25. Tova

    December 17, 2007 at 12:00 pm

    Beautiful arch, love the snowman !

    Reply
  26. Barbara Hagerty

    December 17, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    Some tears, lots of hope, love and prayers. . .touched me in so many ways. . . I have an Andrew, also. The arch is beautiful in its own right, but with the added meaning it is a priceless gem!

    Reply
  27. Jann

    December 17, 2007 at 6:03 pm

    Nancy, I just discovered your wonderful blog last week . . . today I checked it and felt a huge lump in my throat as I read the latest about your son. I have two grown sons and know how very much you must love him and how worried you are. I will keep him in my prayers and ask God to keep Andrew's guardian angel close by to protect him from harm. Take care, Sincerely, Jann Cook

    Reply
  28. Jann

    December 17, 2007 at 6:08 pm

    Nancy, I just discovered your wonderful blog last week . . . today I checked it and felt a huge lump in my throat as I read the latest about your son. I have two grown sons and know how very much you must love him and how worried you are. I will keep him in my prayers and ask God to keep Andrew's guardian angel close by to protect him from harm. Take care, Sincerely, Jann Cook

    Reply
  29. jadadog

    December 17, 2007 at 6:59 pm

    Is that your boxer on your picture? Our first pup was a boxer, Jada, (my blogname), and she died last year at 6 from Lyme Nephritis…she was the very best dog! Anyway, it made me come to your blog, and I hope and pray for the safety of all. Hugs, Tracy

    Reply
  30. Sue McGettigan

    December 17, 2007 at 8:48 pm

    Nancy my prayers are for you and your boy, I do hope he's doing OK over there. Bless you.

    Reply
  31. Aunt T

    December 17, 2007 at 9:15 pm

    Sending you a big hug and keeping Andrew in my prayers.

    HUGS TO YOU.

    Teresa

    Reply
  32. Kriss

    December 18, 2007 at 9:59 am

    This is adorable. I love the child's plaid pants!

    Reply
  33. Ananas

    December 18, 2007 at 10:00 am

    Such a beautiful arch and the dedication behind it makes it even more beautiful. Lots of warm thoughts to you and your son.

    Reply
  34. tchou

    December 18, 2007 at 11:00 am

    wonderful arch!

    Reply
  35. paru's_circle

    December 18, 2007 at 11:22 am

    its a lovely arch, Nancy, sending u good thoughts, hoping your son will be home soon!

    Reply
  36. Karen Owen

    December 18, 2007 at 3:01 pm

    Nancy, your arch is so beautiful. Thank you for using one of my images and for the link!

    I am praying for your Andrew and for you. I have no idea how hard this must be for you, but I'll pray that you find peace.

    Karen

    Reply
  37. Jeri Aaron

    December 18, 2007 at 8:01 pm

    The arch is lovely and the dedication to you son is heartfelt. Peace On Earth ~ what a wonderful plea! You take care Nancy, and my thoughts and prayers will be added to others that you have received.
    http://artfulgathering.typepad.com

    Reply
  38. stamp and scrape

    December 19, 2007 at 1:02 am

    Thinking of you this Christmas, separated so far from your son. May YOU feel God's peace at this time.
    The arch comes from the heart, and is therefore doubly beautiful.
    Ros

    Reply
  39. Cathy

    December 20, 2007 at 6:20 pm

    This arch is just so special. A perfect arch for the theme and season!!

    Reply
  40. Leni

    December 22, 2007 at 3:00 am

    very pretty!

    Reply
  41. Silvia

    December 23, 2007 at 9:18 am

    This is really a wonderful arch. I wish you a Merry Christmas. Hope your son will be home soon.

    Reply

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