~ Pigs In Champagne ~: August 2014

I can't believe my baby will be 21 next week. I still remember his chunky cheeks and his cantankerous little attitude! He was so funny. He was always smiling and loved to be held and to be hugged. The more he grew the gentler he became. He was always such a good boy, still is. So, here's to my gentle giant - gentle in spirit and gigantic in love, generosity, and goodness. God bless you, my son. May His hand be upon you always and may His grace and favor surround you. Live a long, healthy, prosperous life always walking alongside our Lord. Love you!

This is Stephen's card. It is an explosion box with the sides measuring 4" square.

When you lift the lid, the box opens "explodes" to reveal multiple panels. The center has a two-tiered birthday cake. I embossed the top layer and used patterned paper for the bottom layer. I didn't want it to be too girly so I used curling ribbon as the topper (instead of flowers or something else too fru-fru).

The first four panels each celebrate his birthday and that's it's an important milestone. Twenty-one!

The remaining panels highlight things/places/events that are important to him. Here is the panel celebrating the day he was born. He was so cute!

His love of all things Mickey and Disney! I put some good ol' hard cash as a surprise behind that pocket. :)

A heartfelt letter from dad is insde this panel.

How could I not have a hockey panel? LOL Go #77!

Highlighting all the toys he loved as a toddler.

Honoring his High School graduation. He had so many honors!

What good would a 21st birthday explosion box be without a page dedicated to the one thing he can finally do. Well, legally finally do. I added my words of wisdom and love here also. Tucked away behind the liquor as a subliminal message... LOL

A panel honoring the relationship only brothers understand.

One of his favorite games growing up.

I am sure the day he got his first card will always be a treasured memory. I certainly couldn't overlook that!

Stephen loved Sponge Bob so much he even had his birthday theme around Bikini Bottom. It was a fun birthday.

This explosion box doesn't end at 21...it is a reminder of where he has been, what he loves, and where he is going and what he will achieve. God bless you, Stephen!