God Bless You!

Happy Monday! It's back to the usual routine of school and work...well, almost. I'm off until my doctor releases me to return to work, which should be tomorrow. I go see him this afternoon and expect to get the all clear. I have to admit, now that I'm feeling better, a couple of more days to play with my stamps and visit with friends would be nice. ;)

Not a lot of stamping here. It's all about the Basic Grey paper! How do they do it?! I've found that I just can't wrong with their paper...the colors and designs are incredible!

I made this card with my friend Maria in mind. She will be taking her son, Jesus to the hospital next week for a bone marrow transplant. He's only six and has recently been diagnosed with leukodystrophy. Maria is an amazing woman and Jesus a delightful little boy. It's such a privilege and joy to know them.

Maria and Jesus are expecting a lengthy stay in the hospital, so I'm sending Beth Moore's, Jesus Day By Day along with the card. I pray God's word will provide her with strength and comfort. I hope you'll join me in praying for them. God Bless You! ~Patti

Prayers from Priscilla

After returning home from our Christmas in Ohio, I had a day to rest and a day to clean and then on Monday morning it was off to the surgical center for my second endoscopic sinus surgery.

This fall, I began suffering from more frequent and severe migraines, including occular migraines that were causing blurred vision. I went for another MRI and found that I had developed a cyst in my left sinus cavity, along with some more polyps. My ENT Specialist suggested another surgery to remove them.

The recovery this time around has been easier. I'm experiencing some minor headache pain and I'm a bit tired but other than that I feel pretty good. Maybe it's because my husband bought me Lost season 4 on DVD to watch while I recover or maybe it's because my kids have been extra good and quiet. ;) Actually, I think it has a lot to do with the prayers of good friends like Priscilla, Carol, Amy, Susan, Janet and Lydia. (Thanks girls!)

And just look at this pretty card from Priscilla! I love the paper, the coloring with the Copics and the little pearls! It's even better in person...just gorgeous!

It's about time for another Tylenol amped, a couple of stacked pillows and an episode of Lost season 4 before calling it a night. Hoping to find some stamp time at the end of the week...need to catch up on some thank you cards. ;) Until then, take care. Warmly~ Patti

Happy Happy Holidays

Look at that happy little face! That's my nephew Aden! He's looking adoringly at my daughter, Sarah while they are unwrapping gifts at their Great Gram's house on Christmas eve.

It's tradition to go to my Gram's house on Christmas eve and this was Aden's first. My sister and her family live in Alabama and this was their first year up since Aden's birth. He'll be two in April. We so enjoyed sharing in Aden's delight of Christmas, family and gifts. It was a special evening at Gram's, as always.

Christmas eve was followed by a Christmas day drive to Powell, Ohio to spend time with Chris' family. His parents, 3 siblings, their spouses and a total of 11 children, ranging in age from 10 months to 17 years filled Chris' brother's home. It was two days of non-stop fun, including Wii, guitar praise, eucher, talks of politics and religion, family pictures and a birthday party for three!

We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family to share in our celebration of our Savior's birth!

A Cupcake Kind of Day

In the midst of another crazy month, I found a bit of time (and space) to stamp.

Cupcakes stamps are all the rage and I just couldn't resist this one. Found it at one of my favorite little stamping stores, The Cottage Stamper.

A little Basic Grey Euphoria paper and some coloring with my Copic Sketch Markers and it made for a bright birthday greeting for my dear friend, Priscilla.

Priscilla's one amazing lady! Not only did she share her birthday with a house full of holiday guests, but she graciously included my daughter, so she wouldn't have to spend 4 hours with her 3 brothers, while Chris and I went to see Wicked.

Maybe it should have been a "Cosmopolitan Day" or a "Margarita Day" instead of Cupcake Day. ;) Thanks Pris! Hope it's a fantastic year for you!!!

As Time Goes By

I hope this post finds you well and enjoying this wonderful season of Advent. It's been quite some time since we my last post and I'd like to be able to give you some grand excuse, but I haven't one. I've simply been living life...working, caring for and enjoying my family and friends and even stamping from time to time.

Tonight I found some time to blog hop. There are so many beautiful projects out there! It inspired me to share one of my Christmas projects. It's a countdown box from Karen Foster (I purchased mine from Archiver's). I decorated it with Basic Grey Figgy Pudding papers and a variety of embellishments. It's become our Advent calendar and each little box contains either candy, a note or a scripture verse. It's been a nice addition to our advent celebration.

In case I don't make it back in the next few weeks, a very merry Christmas to you and yours! Blessings~ Patti

Month in Review

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I didn't realize it's been over a month! I apologize for the long absence.

My family enjoyed a wonderful vacation. We were blessed to be able to just relax and re-connect. We spent a day just enjoying our rental house...playing pool and Clue, cooking out and watching a movie together. The boys spent a day golfing while Sarah and I stamped, read, baked, chatted and napped. We also went to the beach at the lake, hiked and fished at Apple Canyon state park and visited the shops of downtown Galena. It was just what we needed.

Our last day of vacation was cut short by the news of my father's passing. He'd been ill for some time so it wasn't unexpected, but the emotions that surfaced were. My parents divorced when I was 18 and my father and I haven't had much of a relationship since. His choice.

As his next of kin and leaving no will or wishes behind, it took a couple of weeks to sort things out and a couple more to work through some memories and feelings. In His faithfulness, my Heavenly Father has seen me through by opening doors, offering healing and providing me with wonderful family and friends.

As month end drew near, school began and with it came my return to work. It's been a whirlwind of a week. Registration is up at my school and the office has been hopping. In addition, our 4 children are now at 3 different schools. Sarah in her last year of elementary, Jacob starting middle school and the two oldest in High School, Justin a Sophmore and Josh a Senior. We have something going on for someone every night of the week. We are truly blessed!

Sounds crazy I know, and in another month I may be whining about the chaos, but right now I can think of nothing better than enjoying my family and all their goings on! I hope you're enjoying yours as well! God Bless~ Patti

Sweet Moments

If you were looking for an excuse to go out for your favorite ice cream treat...you've got one. It's National Ice Cream Day!

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, in 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

I'll admit, it's hard to say no to ice cream. ;) My faves...our local Ollie's Strawberry Arctic Blast, DQ Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard and from the grocer's freezer, Fanny Mae Mint Meltaway. Yum!

I'm headed up to Galena territory this week with Chris and the kids. We're looking forward to some serious downtime and the opportunity to reconnect. Our big guys have been very busy so it seems like they haven't been around much. It will be wonderful to enjoy five whole days together! :)

I'll catch up with you when we return. Until then, may you enjoy lots of sweet moments! Smiles~ Patti

Project Details
Stamps: Hero Arts Sweet Moments
Paper: Basic Grey Two Scoops, SU! Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Sage Shadow
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Versamagic Cloud White
Other: May Arts Ribbon, Bling, X-mas Red Stickles, Copics