Forgive

Here is my third layout this month using the Release kit by Scrapbooking From the Inside Out.

I found the quote on-line and it went perfectly with the idea I had for this layout!

"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they fully understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in it's own time." - Sarah Paddison

Definitely a life lesson for me. I had to let go of a relationship that was pretty toxic. And unfortunately it is a "family" member, but that doesn't mean that I have to stay in a relationship that is more negative than positive.

Journaling:
This quote has meant a lot to me. In fact, it was very eye opening. Because of this quote, I have truly been able to forgive and remove myself from a relationship with a person I once thought of as a friend. Someone I thought I could trust. Someone who surprised me with things said and done to my family.
And I realize that the only person I can change and be responsible for is myself. It's ok to forgive and let her go.
Because in the end, I am a happier person without all the negativity and need for control.
In the end, I have been blessed with women in my life that helped me see the true meaning of friendship.

If you hadn't already guessed, that person was in the other half of my torn photo. And the good thing is by learning to forgive and let go, I have no expectations from that person. And it truly is freeing :)
Forgiveness is a wonderful thing!

This layout was also featured on the Creating Keepsakes editor blog along with layouts from the other design team members, and a fabulous post by Rachel. You can see it here. If you leave a comment on the post, you also have a chance to win the December kit! So make sure to go by and leave a comment! :)

So on Friday, I posted that I had a busy weekend ahead of me with getting ready for a 40th birthday party for my husband. And let's just say that I had to put my mantra from this layout, to test! What a challenging weekend! Erin became pretty sick in the middle of the night on Friday. Fever and really bad cough. So after taking her to the doctor, she was diagnosed with croup! Let's just say I felt so bad for her, and was ready to cancel the party. But a truly wonderful friend offered to babysit Erin at my mother-in-law's so the party could carry on. By then Erin was actually feeling better. And she enjoyed special one on one time with my friend. I hated having her go away, but it really was a great party and celebration for Mike. Lots of friends and family. Lots of fun!

And I didn't get one single photo with my camera! I was too busy running around hosting. Making sure everything was just right. But my brother, a brilliant photographer, took lots and lots of photos and has promised me some. So hopefully in the not too distant future, I will be ready to share.

And thankfully Erin really is much better today. I was expecting her to be so much sicker, but she is not coughing as much. So things really did work out in the end! :)