Answered Prayers

Lisa's surgery was a great success! They were able to remove all the tumor and there are very limited facial difficulties. Right now that side of her face is a little heavy - it just looks kind of like when you've been to the dentist and half of your face is asleep. But she has sensation there and the surgeons say what difficulties are there may improve with time. Most importantly, she is pleased and happy. She's in a lot of pain and nauseous a lot of the time but those are things that can be dealt with. We are so blessed and thrilled!

Gena (her sister) and I spent the last couple days there, coming home late last night. We may be headed back today so I better get with it. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers. It's a happy day for us!

Faith Will Bring Us Through

Tomorrow is my cousin Lisa's surgery to remove a brain tumor. The tumor is is pretty large as brain tumors go, at two centimeters. An inch is equivalent to about 2.5 centimeters. As I mentioned earlier the tumor is benign, which of course is the greatest blessing we could hope for. The surgery though, which is expected to last 12 hours, is very serious and carries a significant risk for facial paralysis. This terrifies Lisa beyond measure.

If you have a moment and are so inclined, please say a prayer for Lisa. Her surgery will be tomorrow - Wednesday, October 28th.


I tried to think of something that would help bring a little measure of cheer to Lisa. She is the ultimate animal lover, her pets are the sunshine of her life (as all pet parents can understand).
So I thought this fabric would make an entertaining pillowcase . . .

Click in closer for a better look, it's a yearbook spoof - class clown, most studious, etc.


Another distressing concern for Lisa is that part of her hair will be shaved. So her sister Gena helped me choose fabrics for headband sashes.


And lastly, an altered clipboard. Maybe it can serve as a handy writing surface. Lately Lisa seems to always have a pen in her hand, thinking of something and writing it down.


I haven't been posting much nor keeping up on all your blogs I so enjoy, but this fall has been quite trying for us. I'm looking forward to a successful surgery for Lisa, lots of physical and emotional healing for my family and some other special friends in need. Yes that would be you, dear K.

Sewing, Paper crafting?

I love to do both! And I've done a bit of each lately.

I am still learning my Cricut but having so much fun with it. I need to get a birthday card in the mail today so -

I found inspiration for this 3-d flower on the Cricut message boards, specifically
'Katy'. This isn't the only great idea I got from Katy. Stay tuned!

Here's another card I made a couple weeks ago with Cuttlebug dies.

Had I done this card now, I could have used the Cricut to add green grass . . .

Here's the doggy sentiment.

And on to the sewing room . . . last night we had dinner with the sweetest little widow ever. She loves to cook and has us over occasionally for a delicious meal and delightful visit. She is strong-minded and totally insistent that no one can ever bring anything. Oh my!

So to ease my conscience, I whipped up a couple of potholders in her favorite patriotic color theme. She fawned over these of course. She's a sweetie!

And last but not least, the second project in my sisters' quilts series. This one went to my sister-in-law Pam. Pam favors darker colors and does her home in a home-spun antiquey decor. Challenging for me -- but I found some traditional calicos lurking in my stash.

Some of my quilty friends will recognize this Yellow Brick Road pattern. It's very cleverly designed to use fat quarters. My first time to do this quilt but I've gotta say - Love that pattern! I'll be doing this one again . . .

the back . . .

And quilting close-up.

Now if this isn't a hodge-podge of colors, themes and varied projects! I need to post more often and avoid photo overload. :)

Have a blessed day wherever you are!