Salute!

I want to take a moment on this special day to say thank you to all our servicemen and women who with noble hearts place themselves in harm's way each and every day to defend us and our blessed freedoms. A special recognition to some of those near and dear to my heart -- my cousin Joe Pattermann, US Navy; cousins Chris Scott and Elizabeth Kincaide Scott, US Air Force. For our veterans we have known, loved and lost -- including my great uncle Floyd Haas, an ace pilot who died in the skies over Belgium in WWII (yes MM, I will always remember). My uncles Fred Miller, David Miller, Joe Blazer. These and all our military are forever in my heart and prayers.

And then an update on my crazy life. I spent much of Monday in the ER with my father. He has suffered a heart attack and was airlifted to a cardio center. Once there it was determined that he has a 90% blockage but at this point other health issues (ie viability of kidneys and lungs) are such that surgery cannot be performed unless and until he sees some improvement in those areas. So the situation remains. Basically a wait-and-see scenario.

I think situations such as our family has experienced this fall give one great cause for reflection. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am acutely aware of how very grateful I am for my husband, my children, my sisters, my cousins (who are more like sisters) and my aunt (who is like a second mother). It has been a season of tears and hugs and tender moments. Of quiet and reflective conversations, renewing special and everlasting bonds. I don't know how any of us could be weathering all the storms that this fall has sent our way without each other.

God bless you all where ever you are today.

The Fun-est Shoes Ever . . .

This morning I was indulging in some long overdue blog surfing when I came across the coolest shoes ever! Monica, a.k.a. The Happy Zombie has a precaution -- "These shoes should come with a warning. You will be stopped by the nicest people where ever you go with Meowy Janes on your feet - your shoes will be admired and inquired about. Not for the shy or anti-social. This concludes the warning."

Now me, I can only admire them, no way could I wear them. But my baby sister Carol Sue -- she is whimsical and fun and bold -- she didn't inherit even a little bit of the meek and wimpy gene that plagues me. These totally make me think of her. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she buys herself a pair!

So if you have a moment, click here and take a look -- then tell me, don't they make you smile?!

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!

Fireman Birthday and a Prayer Request

These last two weeks have been trying. My mind has certainly been distracted as you will see later in this post . . .

Last week I couldn't get photos to upload. Today I noticed a teeny-tiny box asking me to agree to revised terms of service -- geez, that was all that was holding me back.

So here's the fireman jacket for the handsome 2-yr old junior fireman.

And here's his birthday card to go with it.

And then . . . my serious news. I told you in my last post of my uncle's untimely death. I feel fortunate to be in a position that I was able to spend some time with my aunt in this difficult time. During my stay, I took her daughter and my cousin Lisa, for some medical tests. That was Wednesday. On Friday she got the results. She has a brain tumor. I can't tell how frightening and devastating that news was. However, once the initial shock settled, we were told that this type of tumor (acoustic neuroma) is benign and non-cancerous. Thank you Lord! Nevertheless, it is still a sizeable tumor that must be removed in a very serious surgery and this is immensely frightening.

If you have the inclination to remember Lisa in your prayers, I would be forever grateful.

When It Rains, It Pours . . .

Remember the old saying that bad things come in threes? Well, the third shoe fell this week. On Monday my uncle had a stroke. He passed away on Tuesday. He was a young 65, in excellent health. I've learned that there are two types of strokes and this one, a massive hemorrhaging in the brain, could not be prevented or helped. It has been a harrowing week, however, as I've heard my dear Aunt Pam repeat many times over the past several days, his death was bittersweet in that he was an organ donor and thus provided the gift of life to several people. Particularly notable, his liver went to a 21-year old young man in Chicago who without the transplant was said to have hours to live. Doesn't that grab you? Many, many other recipients and beneficiaries as well.

I don't know what else to say except that if you are not a donor yet, please consider it. God bless.