Show and Tell

Strength & Peace... and... February Stamp Club

Today is Sunday, February 5. Super Bowl Sunday. Woohoo! Although I'm not really a Giants or a Patriots fan. However, Ken's boss is a huge Patriots fan so I decided to make them "my" team for the game. Plus, my DBF (dear blog friend) lives up in the Boston area, so it just seems right. :)

The other day when we were coming back from a walk, we saw there was a little something on our front porch.

 Can you see it in the center of our front doorway? Here is what it was...

Isn't that a really pretty hydrangea? It was left on our doorstep by two former preschool moms (one of them also worked at the school for a few years). Anyway, it's been years since they were at our school. Their girls are probably in high school by now. It's really sweet that they went out of their way to bring something by the house. (Thanks, Kelly and Kelly! The plant is really lovely!) 

I thought that I could give you an update on the hair situation. The good news? My hair is starting to grow back. The bad news? It mainly seems to be growing back in the center of head... back to front. Crazy. And you think it sounds weird? You should see it.

Is that not just about the ugliest hair style you've ever seen? haha! Actually, as I look at the photo, I can see that the sides may be getting a little fuzzy. I can't tell if that huge and deep scar on the right is growing hair or if hair is just covering it. Not that it matters. But I am hopeful that maybe in a few weeks I'll have hair down the sides. I'll keep you posted. :)

 

More words from the Psalms today.

Psalm 29:11

"The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."

You know, I've been in a pretty dire situation for over 6 months now. But, for the most part, this has been a time of peace for me. So, I can testify that the Lord does bless His people with peace. And that He does give them strength. Praise the Lord!  

 

Yesterday was stamp club and the theme was a gift item. This is my least favorite of all the themes we have done. It seems as though everyone else in the club is really good at this and makes really great and complicated projects. And then there's simple ol' me. Making bookmarks. Not much of a gift item, but it will have to do.

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I guess one thing you can say about this project is that it's fast and easy! A little die cutting, a bit of stamping, tie on a button with some ribbon, and you're basically done. 

I used one of the Stampin' Up tags dies to make the bookmarks. They're a little shorter than a standard bookmark, but I think they'll work. I mean, when I was reading a lot I would just grab whatever was nearby to use as a bookmark — a little scrap of paper, a Kleenex, a post-it note... whatever. They all seemed to work OK, so I'm pretty confident these short bookmarks will work, too. (I sure hope so since I gave away quite a few of this size to people who were bringing us food back in the fall!)

As is usual for me to do for stamp club projects, I stamped and signed the back of each bookmark. I think it's a nice touch. Just wish I remembered to do it all the time for every project. (And I think I've written that before... you'd think I'd remember to do it!)   

 

 

AND TELL:  stamps are from Stampin' Up (Hello Doily, Delicate Doilies); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Stamper's Select White); ink is Stampin' Up (More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Bravo Burgandy, Night of Navy); buttons are PTI (Royal Velvet); ribbon is  PTI (1/4" silk); also used Copics (Y38 Honey) and a Stampin' Up die (Two Tags).

Oh. I thought I should mention one more thing. I really appreciate all the emails to check and see if everything is OK with me. It is good to be loved! But, I feel kind of bad that people are spending time worrying about me and checking on me. So, how about if I don't post you can assume that everything is good. If something is not right and I don't post, you'll hear from Ken or Britt. Will that work? But, I do really appreciate all your prayers for health and healing... so you can keep those up. :)

That's all for Super Bowl night. :) Hope you enjoy the game (if you're a Super Bowl watcher) and that your team does well (just not well enough to beat the Patriots this time... haha!). I'll try to catch up with you before Wednesday (my next infusion day). Love to you! 

His perfect way... and... love

Today is Saturday, January 21. It's been a good day so far. Did I tell you that we cut back on steroids again? Now I'm taking 1mg every other day. Oh. I do seem to remember explaining that before. I'm thinking that it may be time to go completely off of them. That's an exciting thought. We'll see and I'll keep you posted.

I thought I'd show you a couple pictures from the past week. Here's one from preschool

 You know how I like preschool art. These were done by a three year old class. Cute, huh? I especially like the painted snowmen. But the penguin are pretty precious, too. 

And you've gotta check this out. It's the sticker that was on my banana one morning this week.

 Haha! If anyone needs brain fuel, it may be me. Perhaps I should eat one every day! :)

 

Let's move on to some scripture now.

Psalm 18:30

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection."

You know, whatever God decides to do with me is perfect. I know what I hope and what I pray for, but when I gave my life to Christ I also gave Him permission to use me as He sees fit. That can be a hard pill to swallow sometimes — because we, as people, just want the good and the easy and the comfortable. At least, that's what I always want. That's just not real life, though, is it? So I've found that I just have to determine and agree in my heart that His way is best. I usually can do that pretty successfully, but sometimes... Well, how do you do at that?   

 

So, I decided to get a headstart on Valentine projects.

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This little folder has the perfect place for a square chocolate. Just a little Valentine treat. Who wouldn't like that?

I'm not completely satisfied with the way the little treat holder turned out. So, next time I'll tweak it and do a few things differently.

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Tag-its #11); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White); patterned paper is from my stash; ink is PTI (Berry Sorbet) and Memento (Tuxedo Black); baker's twine is Divine Twine (orange); also used PTI dies (Lunchbox Note, Love Lives Here, Filigree) and a Stampin' Up punch (1-3/4" circle).

That will be just about it, I think. Ken and I have been continuing on our walks... at least one a day, maybe two. Hopefully with the exercise and the steroids being reduced to almost nothing (or maybe to nothing) I'll start to get my girly figure back. :) But, you know... it's just good to be alive. Even if I am a little chunky. haha!

Hope all is well with you and I'll try to be back in touch tomorrow, but — looking at my Sunday — it may be Monday before we get a chance to visit again. Lots of love to you! 

He hears my voice... and... many thanks

Today is Thursday, November 17. I've gotta tell you... I'm having a bit of trouble getting started on this today. Just not in the mood, I suppose. If history holds true, however, once I get going I'll keep going and going and it'll turn into some long-winded thing where you'll think, "Is she every going to stop talking?!" haha. I'm such a paradox sometimes. :)

This morning we got going a little earlier than usual and Ken took me up to the preschool for the monthly staff prayer breakfast — my first one of the school year. Prayer breakfast used to be my responsiblity, but the staff has really stepped up and kept things going so well that I think they don't really need me. :) (And, that's a good thing!) But it was so nice to sit in the church dining room with my co-workers, eat the delicious food (we take turns signing up to bring food... one main breakfast-type dish, one sweet item, and some fruit), and listen to the devotional that was graciously provided by a lady from the church who I hadn't met before (and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a bit!). It was a great way to start the day.

A couple of our staff members are big stampers (like me...) and one of them has taken it on herself to create a favor (I guess you'd call it) each month. Here is the one that we received today...

So cute, right? Of course, the snack mix is great... but having the little note about what each item represents elevates it to extra-special status in my book. (Great job, as usual, Sheri!)

 

My Bible is absolutely overloaded with underlined verses from today's listed passages in my Change Your Life Daily Bible. (I've been using this particular Bible since 2005, I think, so it's pretty marked up by now.) Today I'm choosing to share with you from the Psalms.

Psalm 116:1-2

"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!"

I know without a doubt that God hears my prayers. I have had instances in my life where I have no sooner uttered a prayer than the Lord has answered. Of course, that doesn't always happen — but it doesn't mean that the Lord doesn't hear. I think it probably means that He is still working on something in me and by not giving me a response right away I'm "forced" to continue to seek Him and His will for me. So, yes. As the Psalmist wrote... "I will pray as long as I have breath!" 

 

Here is another card that I made to add to our food-delivery stash. 

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I had actually stamped and cut the coffee cup some time ago for another project and ended up not using it, so this became a super-fast and easy card to make. And, I'm always glad when I can use something out of my big bowl of pre-stamped, but unused, items! 

AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Warm Happiness Too, Fillable Frames #1); cardstock is from the office store and also a touch of PTI's Vintage Cream; ink is Stampin' Up (Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie, River Rock); also used PTI's Warm Happiness die.

Now that will be it for today. I really appreciate you stopping by for a visit. And, even more so, I appreciate your prayers as I step down from the steroids yet again. It's amazing to me how just 1mg seems to make a big difference — and it makes me wonder if the "funny-ness" that I feel is just a mental thing that's all in my head. Well, no matter. So far, I'd say that it is all going OK and I'm thankful for that! Thanks again for the prayers that you continue to offer up on our behalf. As I've said many times before... you're the best! 

A new heart, a new spirit... and... Matthew 11:28

Today is Tuesday, November 8. It's a beautiful sunny day in North Carolina... just the kind of weather that makes you happy to be alive! :) 

There's not really a lot to report on the medical front today. So far the steroid reduction seems to be going well. I seem to be mentally stable (haha!) and haven't noticed any extra swelling or anything like that, so I'll take that to mean that all is well at this point. Praying it continues! And, since I'm feeling quite well and the weather is fine, it may be a good afternoon to take a little walk. I'll see if I can get to the end of the street and back today. That would be a big and exciting accomplishment! :)

Today I thought I'd share a fun little gift that was hand delivered to me over the weekend by one of our preschool grandparents. She and her four year old granddaughter had put it together and it truly brought and smile to my face!

It was a big — huge! — gift bag containing colorful tissue packages that each held a wrapped rubber duck. How fun is that?

Each duck is different and, from what I understand, was carefully and seriously chosen by Anna to put in the gift bag for me. Oh, how it makes me smile to think of the fun she and her grandma must have had working on this project together!

And, we had fun with it, too.

Britt and Kenneth spent quite a bit of time picking through the basket we put all the ducks in... checking out the variety and laughing at some of the options (a robot duck? a pilot duck? a mermaid duck? a chicken duck???). Yep, it was a very entertaining and unique gift, and I know we'll keep sorting through it, seeing things we hadn't noticed before. (Thanks, Joan and Anna, for giving us lots of big smiles... and some out-right laughs!)

 

Today we're going back to Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

Ezekiel 18:30-32

"Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!"

I often find little nuggets that speak to me in the Old Testament. The thoughts that stood out to me in this passage are... sin destroys — and God doesn't not want us to be destroyed because we are His precious people and He loves us... God encourages us to put our rebellion behind us — He doesn't hold it against us (although we may have to suffer consequences), but He asks us to find a new heart and a new spirit (and a new way of living our lives)... God doesn't want us to die in our sin or as a result of our sin — He wants us to repent and live!

Passages like this always cause me to evaluate the way I'm living. Where is the rebellion in me? What do I need to repent of to make my heart new and clean? I think it's always good to spend a little time (probably daily) examining your heart in light of God's expectations — because, really, His expectations are the only ones that truly matter! 

 

 And, on to something crafty. Here is another bookmark that will be going home with someone who delivers food to us. We are so blessed! 

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I love this verse. I hope whoever gets the bookmark appreciates it, too. :) 

AND TELL:  stamps are from Verve (Matthew 11:28, Jeremiah 29:11); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Stampers Select White); ink is Stampin' Up (So Saffron) and PTI (True Black); also used an SU die (Two Tags).

I'm not sure that I have much more to say today. It's probably time to venture outside for a little walk down the street. And then, since I'm finishing up pretty early, I think I'll try to watch some DVRed shows and get the list cleaned up a bit. That would make Ken happy. He doesn't like clutter at all... and that extends to my long list of TV shows to watch. :)

Hope you are having a wonderful day and I'll plan on touching base with you again tomorrow. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with me for a bit! Sending you big squeezy hugs! 

Coming Boldly Before the Throne... and...Three Bookmarks

Today is Wednesday, November 2. Today my mom went home after being with us for six weeks. Well, she's in the process of getting home. It's a long trip from one side of the U.S. to the other. It was so good for us to have her here — but I'm sure not very fun or exciting for her. I haven't exactly been a lot of fun to be around between napping, blogging, various treatments, and doctor appointments. But I think it was good for her to see that Ken takes such good care of me and that we are also being incredibly well cared for by our network of friends. However, after six weeks... we'll miss her!

Of course, we had to get a photo before she left...

 Such a pretty, youthful-looking, 80 year old, don't you think?

I think Ken posted a similar photo to this next one yesterday, but in case you missed it...

this is what we woke up to yesterday morning. It was our first day of infused chemotherapy and so encouraging to see the silver-gray bows paying tribute to brain tumor awareness and our new leg of the journey with this disease. Every house on our street was adorned with bows and we definitely feel loved and supported and prayed for. (Hugs to everyone!!!!!)

As far as how I'm feeling today... not too bad. After we arrived home from the airport, I was pretty exhaused and slept for an hour or so. Then I decided that I wasn't done sleeping and slept for another couple of hours. Now I think I'm good for the rest of the day, so it's time to make contact with you! :)

 

The scripture that I chose from my Bible reading today is from the New Testament.

Hebrews 4:16

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help when we need it most."

I'm so thankful that I have a Saviour who allows me to come before Him with my concerns and my needs — of which I seem to have many right now! He is merciful and, even though I don't deserve it, He gives me His love and grace. And that is something to be truly thankful for!

 

I know I've shown you some cards that I made to thank the people who have been providing meals for us, but we have so many people who have provided meals more than once that it seemed like a good idea to do something different for them. After all, how many thank you cards do you need? So, I came up with the idea of scripture bookmarks using a Stampin' Up tag die. Hopefully, the bookmarks will be meaninful to them (and hopefully I can keep up with the demand!). 

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Here are all three of the bookmarks first bookmarks that I made together. I don't know that this Stampin' Up die is supposed to be a bookmark, but that's what it looks like to me so that's what it I'm using it as today. Hope you don't get tired of these little bookmarks because you're proabably going to be seeing a lot of them — and they'll all look about the same, too. But, well, at least it's something to post! 

The back of each bookmark looks like this. One time when I placed a Verve order there was this nice little complimentary thank you stamp in it. It seemed like the perfect addition to the back of the bookmarks. (The key will be remembering to do it each time since I anticipate that we'll be handing out many of the bookmarks. People have been so kind to us!)

AND TELL:  stamps are from Verve (Psalm 31:24, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 3:3, Leaves Plain Jane, Elegant Flower Plain Jane, Medallion Plain Jane); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Stampers Select White); ink is Stampin' Up (Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Early Espresso); also used SU die (Two Tags).

Well, that's about it for today. I thought I'd leave you with a photo of our front door on Halloween — before the festivities began. Maybe I'll get around to posting some pictures from the evening later this week. Maybe tomorrow. Who knows? :)

 Thank you so very much for stopping by for a virtual visit. I love hearing from all of you, my dear friends and prayer warriors. I'm sending you big hugs!

Come with great power, O God... and... Christmas Sticker Tags

Today is the monthly meeting of the Stampin' Up stamp club that I'm a member of... and above is the teaser for that. :) But now — let's just get into the usual format.

Besides being a stamp club day, today is also Saturday, September 10. Since it is again the weekend, I am again uneasy about not having radiation treatments. I'm usually quite strong mentally. Lately, not quite so much. And I can't help remembering when the tapering down on the steroids caused me mental issues. A little reduction took place a couple days ago... and we're due to reduce more on Sunday evening. Yes, I try not to think about it but it is always there. I'd really like to get the dosage down where they want it to be, so I'm hoping (PRAYING!) my body and mind cooperate!

I also thought I'd give you an update on one of my concerns from early last week... the constipation and hemorrhoids. I know, not polite conversation topics... but it is one of my realities, so skip on if you don't like this kind of stuff. But — the news is all good! After prayer (including, of course, all of yours!) and some changes in what is "going in" — well, things are so much better. Now — this is not something the normal healthy person would want to do, but if you happen to know someone in my situation (or, I hope not, but if it is ever you) here's what is working for me right now. Upon rising I take one Dulcolax and one Colace... just the over the counter stuff (this was at a PA's suggestion). At breakfast I drink 4 ounces of water with Benefiber dissolved in it. I also have a prune or two. (Two because I usually can't remember if I've already eaten one or not — haha!) And if we have any bran muffins, I may have one... or two... or... throughout the day. Then when I'm going to bed I do the Dulcolax and Colace again. And — so far, so good! Whew! That's a relief. :) And since the pooping aspect is better, so are the hemorroids. All good news. 

Oh, today's scripture is so fabulous that I had to make it very person to my situation. Hope you don't mind. (You can do this, too. After all, we all of some sort of "stuff", don't we?)

Psalm 54 (personalized for me... :) )

"Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For [a tumor is] attacking me; [an aggressive tumor is] trying to kill me. [It cares] nothing for God.

"But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.

"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you. I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over [this brain tumor]."

See how personalizing scripture can really, really make it come alive for your own life? After you do that, try reading it out loud. Multiple times. Powerful stuff, I tell ya! This one I think I'm going to copy onto another sheet of paper and carry it with me all day. Sometimes I just need a constant reminder... and carrying scripture around with me provides that. Maybe it would be helpful for you, too.

Now — how about a picture or two from a typical morning around here.

 Yes, it always involves a nap. At least one. Look closely at that picture. We have a black dog. Sometimes I'm fortunate and she'll share the couch with me. :) 

But sometimes she tries to keep it all to herself. Her being on my pillow is frowned upon by me... but she does look comfy, doesn't she? She also looks like she's just waiting for me to shoo her to the other end of the sofa... or off it altogether. :)

 

I think I'll move on to the crafty portion of our day, now. 

Our stamp club's swap theme for the month of September is packaging. I was going by memory (crazy for the brain tumor girl, right?) and was thinking gift item... but since it's packaged, too, I guess I'm OK. :)  

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I just folded over the Decorative Label punched paper, stapled, decorated, and used it for a bag topper. So, I guess that's the packaging aspect of my project. Easy-peasy, right?

And, in the bag? I stamped and punched sticker paper from an office supply store to make a set of holiday stickers — some for gift tags, others for sealing envelopes or decorating packages. And there's the gift idea for you. Now, I must say, I didn't try to peel the paper backing off the stickers yet... hopefully it's not too difficult. Maybe you can let me know... :) 

AND TELL:  stamps are Stampin' Up (Season of Joy, Delightful Decorations, Tags til Christmas, Tiny Tags); SU (Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun) and Papertrey Ink (Stampers Select White); sticker paper; ink is SU (Always Artichoke, Summer Sun, Real Red, Brilliant Blue), PTI (True Black), and Encore (Ultimate Metallic Silver); marker (Chocolate Chip); punches (1-3/4" circle, 1-1/4" circle, 3/4" circle, ornament, decorative label, dotted scallop ribbon border, jewelry tag, punch pack).

Now, I better close this up and get ready to leave for stamp club. So I think I'll post early today. Today the steroids haven't seemed to be working quite as well. I'm hoping it's all in my head, because after stamp club — if I'm up to it, going out for a birthday dinner with our "adopted daughter", along with her parents. I'll let you know tomorrow, but I'm thinking it will be a very good thing. And it's less than an hour until my next steroid dose, so I should be juiced up and ready to go... right?

Thanks so much for stopping by here and for all your prayers. They are so, so, SO appreciatiate — and needed. Sending lots of love your way! 

Bookmarks Galore

Today is Thursday, September 8. It was my 10th day of radiation and will be my 15th day of chemotherapy. They also began easing me off the steroids today — well, actually last night. I pray that it goes better this time than it did last time when I devolved into a babbling idiot. So far, so good.

Another change for today is the time of treatment. We had originally asked for as early as was available with the idea that getting it over with would be a good thing. So they've finally been able to move us into a 9 a.m. slot. (We've been after 1 p.m. for the past couple weeks.) Now, however, we're like... why did we want to do this early? Grrrr. Having trouble making the adjustment... but it has only been one morning at 9 so far. I'm sure we'll grow to like it. :)

And today I'm also not "feeling right"... more tired... more edgy. And I wonder if it's "real" or "in my head". So far I've taken more and longer naps (it's only 10:55 in the morning as I type)... who knew that being sick could be so wrought with crazy thoughts and complications? They say that radiation and chemo can really zap your stamina. And I know that it's true as I have needed lots of naps, but today somehow feels different. Could just be in my head, but going with it seems the prudent thing to do — so if I'm tired, I put stuff down and close my eyes. 10 minutes has done it over the past few weeks, but today I've needed more. Well, every day is a new adventure, right? :) Please pray with me that the step-down in the steroid dosage goes well. I really need to be able to get off of those for a variety of reasons — but if stepping down causes the brain to swell and me to get incoherent like it did before... well, that's not good. So — I really, really, really appreciate your prayers!

 

Let's go to the Word. I could really use God's comfort and wisdom right now... I get so disgusted with myself when I start to go mental!

Psalm 52:8-9

"But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name, in the presence of your faithful people."

And, I will always trust in God's unfailing love. I know that His love for me is unwavering. And it's deep. And it does not fail. And having a brain tumor does not mean that God doesn't love me. He did not "afflict" me with this as a punishment for sin or whatever. As crazy as it sounds, I suppose we could say that I have it because He loves me. And because He desires to do some kind of work in me and through me. Do I understand all this? NO — but I don't try to, either. I just want to be obedient... to see where God wants me to be... to minister to whomever in whatever way I can. I want to thrive inspite of my circumstances. I want to trust and praise. I want to be an encouragement to God's people — and to those yet to believe.

 

I'm starting to realize that my posts are probably sounding a bit pathetic and whiny... at least at the beginning. Sorry about that... I guess I've been a little nervous and out of sorts in the mornings. Hopefully, you're reading the whole thing — or at least skipping through to the end — because I think they have been ending up pretty positively. I'm really not a whiny, negative person... at least I hope I'm not! But — maybe my mornings have been tougher... and I'm just an honest soul who writes what's on her mind. :)

 

I'm feeling like it might be a good idea to move on to something crafty.That is much more fun! :)

I enjoy making little things for people that I know. And, early on in this whole brain tumor thing, I decided to make some bookmarks to give to the weekday school staff. In my mind they were going to be a little more elaborate than what I ended up with, but... that's OK. Really, layered bookmarks aren't that practical... they're just pretty. And sometimes practical is better. So for these, I just decided to let the patterned paper do the work. 

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On some, it worked quite well. On others... maybe not so much. But, you know, everyone has different tastes so I think it's OK that come of the bookmarks showcase fancy illustrations and others are quite plain. All that ornate-ness is probably not for everyone. 

 So — I ended up with 60 bookmarks. We definitely do not have 60 staff members. I just got to cranking and got carried away, I guess. But, then I got to give more bookmarks away... and I think that's a good thing. The first 26 went to the weekday school staff. Then we covered all the church staff. And the rest went to Curves for them to put out on the table there. It's good to spread the love around, don't you think? 

AND TELL:  stamps are from Verve (Psalm 31:24, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 11:1, 1Thessalonians 5:17-18, Psalm 3:3); patterned paper is from Webster's Pages (Petite Papers: Seaside Retreat, Garden Gala, and Nature's Storybook); ink is Stampin' Up (Rose Red, Crumb Cake, Apricot Appeal, Poppy Parade, Cool Caribbean, Perfect Plum, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke); also used Papertrey Ink's bookmark die and assorted colors of DMC embroidery floss.

I have so much more that I'd like to blog about, but think I'll save it for another day. It's after 5:00 p.m. now and I think I'll switch over to some HGTV or something kind of mindless. Please don't forget to pray for me as I'm stepping down off these steroids, because I really, really do not like the way it's making me feel today!

Thanks so very, very much for stopping by here today and for all the love and prayer support that you are sending our way! It is so appreciated!! And we are sending BIG hugs back to you!!!

The Armor of God

Today is Wednesday, September 7. I have an appointment with my oncologist today — the first since treatment began. And only my second altogether. I think that's causing me some in-the-back-of-my-head anxiety because I've felt rather out of sorts and unfocused this morning. Not horribly bad... but for me — who just does not worry about stuff — it's a little troubling. I think I'll take a nap. That's how I have always dealt with unpleasantness. Usually works for me. :)

So — here is some scripture for today... taken from the Psalms.

Psalm 51:1, 8, 10-13, 15-17

"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.... Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me — now let me rejoice.... Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels and they will return to you.... Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." 

Well, I don't know how I could need God's mercy more than right at this moment. Nothing like being laid bare and totally weak, is there?

The above was written before I went to my oncologist and radiology appointments today... and I'll get more into that later, but now I am at a point where it is easier to have the joy of the Lord's salvation. When I started this post, I was struggling quite a bit to stay positive and upbeat. I mean, we all know that life isn't all bubblegum and roses. Sometimes it is just downright unpleasant. But, you know... today I was making it that way for myself. I was letting things into my head that are not of the Lord... doubt... fear... anxiety... stuff like that. I read my Bible. I started my blog post. I turned on my praise and worship music. I closed my eyes to take a nap. I had a snack. (OK... I had about 4...) Nothing really worked. And that troubles me a bit. Because I like to think that I'm "better" than that. (Sounds prideful, doesn't it? That's because it is.) Being humbled can be a good thing. And being reminded that you need the Lord (no matter how "good" of a Christian you are) is definitely a good thing. Now — I'm not fully convinced that next time I'm faced with an anxiety-filled situation that I'll be all calm, cool, collected, and spiritual — but hopefully I'll prep myself more in the days leading up to it. Targeted prayers would probably be a good idea. And, I hate to admit it, but my prayer life — while it probably seems pretty great and solid to you — is not to the level it has been in the past. Definitely time to change that! Because... I don't want a repeat of this kind of anxiety-filled morning. God wants me to be filled with peace so that I can exude peace and comfort to those I come into contact with. (By the way, he wants you to be filled with peace so you can do the same for those you know, too.) Hopefully I'll have the discipline to make the changes necessary. You can pray for that. :)

And, the Lord has been so good to us! After me eating my way through the house and being probably not very nice to Ken for the whole morning, we went to the oncologist, lunch at Dean & Deluca (and frozen yogurt at Pinkberry :) ), and then the radiologist. All my blood counts look good to the doctors — appropriate for a chemo patient anyway. The swelling that I'm having in my legs and elsewhere they said is due to the high dose of steroids that they put me on when I went loopy a couple weekends ago. Now they're going to start slowly backing me down on the steroids. Hopefully that'll go well (you can add it to your prayer list, too :) ). So — the day that started out with me going (quietly) bonkers, has turned into a good day after all. So God-like. Why do I not trust more at the beginning? Crazy. (And thanks so much for your prayers and support!)

 

Let's get into today's craft. It should go into the better-late-than-never category (if I had a category like that, anyway). This scripture tag book was supposed to be given a page at a time to the weekday school staff members who attended the monthly prayer breakfast during the last school year. Well, they never got a single page — but now I've made 12 complete booklets so twelve of the staff who attended will have a reminder to wear their armor on a daily (well... hourly... moment-by-moment!) basis. (I think I should've thought about my armor earlier today!)

(By the way — if you like wedding pictures or are a personal friend or are just the curious sort... you'll want to scroll down past all this craft stuff...) 

SHOW

Here are the nine pages...

one...

I wanted you to see the the back of the page more clearly. I stamped lines on the back of each page. The idea was that the teachers could take notes on each verse as we discussed it in prayer breakfast. But... now they can just write down some of their impressions as they read through each verse. (These photos will get a little bigger if you click on them...)

 

That was page 2 up there... 

and here's page 3...

page 4...

page 5...

page 6...

page 7...

page 8...

and page 9...

And here they are all packed up and ready to take to school...

My original plan had an attractive cover, a title... all that stuff. But sometimes plans change and this one went down to the basics. Of course no one probably would have even thought of that if I weren't such a blabber mouth. :)

AND TELL:  stamp is from Papertrey Ink (Journaling Lines); cardstock is PTI (Kraft, Vintage Cream, Rustic White) and Stampin' Up (Baja Breeze, Mellow Moss); ink is SU (Early Espresso) and PTI (Tea Dye Duo); ribbon is SU seam binding (Rose Red, Baja Breeze) and PTI satin (Fine Linen); baker's twine is Divine Twine (Aqua, Lemon); also used maps from a vintage atlas, a Cricut cartridge, and DMC embroidery floss #761.

Hopefully this little booklet will be a good reminder to those who receive it — your armor is essential to your defense. Wear it!

And here's what the little teaser above was about...

the blog post from the photographer of Britt & Kenneth's wedding (click on the colored words above). Such a sweet little write-up and some awesome photos of the day. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I know we weren't! :) (Thanks so much, Abigail! And Traci, too!)

Well, if you're still hanging in there with me, you've probably spent enough of your time here. But I really, really appreciate your interest, your prayers, and your love! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope the rest of your day is all bubblegum and roses. :) (That is... if you like bubblegum like I do... otherwise maybe it could be sunshine and roses... :) ) Hugs to you!!

 

25 Years {and counting}

Can you stand another end-of-the-preschool-year type of post? I hope so, because I think I have even one more after this one. Man! No wonder I was so tired by the time school was out! :)

I'm pretty committed to making the staff feel important and special, because — let's face it... they're part time preschool teachers. They don't make a ton of money but they put in a lot of time and a lot of emotional investment goes into each school year. To hang in there and keep coming back year after year is something to be celebrated, I think.

SHOW

 

This tag was attached to the gift for a teacher who just finished her 25th year with us. A few years ago, we started giving a special gift to those who have reached that milestone. I think we've given 7 or 8 away so far... always the same large bowl from Wilton Armetale — a bowl that can be a reminder to them of how much we appreciate their service... and how much we love them, too.

   

We have one more staff member on the cusp of 25 years. She'll get her bowl at the end of next year. And then we have 7 years before there is the potential for another 25 year employee. And the year after that it will be my turn. Wow. Wonder if I'll make it that long... and what will have changed in my life by then. Hmmm. Actually, I don't think I'll waste a lot of time thinking about all that. I'm much more of a take-it-as-it-comes sort of girl. :)

AND TELL:  cardstock is PTI (white), Creative Memories (metallic silver), and Paper Source (shimmery red); patterned paper is PTI (Bitty Dot Basics); rhinestone is from Kaiser (clear); baker's twine is from The Twinery (Maraschino); dies are PTI (Tag Sale #3, Beautiful Blooms II #3, and By the Numbers); also used a Marvy circle punch (pink) and two embossing folders (Sizzix Tropical Paisley and Stampin' Up Square Lattice).

Now... an update from the wedding front. Guess what I got to do today?

 
Yep. I got to pick up the wedding dress. Perfect timing, too, because tomorrow I'll be going to Raleigh for the first bridal shower. Now I can take the dress with me and she can get on with the process of having it altered for the perfect fit.

And, while I was out and about this afternoon, I stopped by Nordstrom Rack to see if, by chance, they would happen to have some purple shoes that would satisfy the bride. Well, no luck in the purple shoes department, but while I was walking around waiting for her to respond to the photo of possibilities that I had texted her I found something else that we had been searching for...

 
purple socks for the guys to wear! This was a very exciting find as even online searches were not bringing up anything remotely close to what she had in mind. And these were only $4.97 a pair. Yippee!

So — tomorrow the gown, the socks, a bridesmaid dress (it's underneath the socks, so you can see a peek of the color), a shower gift, and a few other things will be making the 3 hour trip to Raleigh with me. I love a car ride with good company. :) And since the shower is a brunch, I may hang out awhile afterward and see if we can continue the shoe search while I'm there. It'd be much easier than texting pictures and waiting for responses! Cross your fingers for us! :) (And maybe we'll have time to go over my 4 page list of things that I've thought of that may still need to be done... after all, we're on the countdown now... just 57 days away! Yikes!)

Don't know if I'll make it back to the blog tomorrow or not, but in the coming days I should have some shower pictures to show you. Thanks so much for your visit today and I'll see you again soon!

dressing up what's already there

I have a few favorite non-papercrafting blogs. Lisa Leonard's would be one of them. Lots of photos... well-chosen words... exudes love and happiness and warmth... good ideas, both her own and those she collects from others... just love her blog. And she loves sweets like cupcakes, too. She and I could be best friends. :)

She also has a handstamped jewelry and accessory company. So — can I rave for a few minutes about Lisa Leonard Designs? (I promise that there will be a paper craft-y spin coming...)

The story begins months ago when I began thinking about what to get the preschool staff for their yearly "birthday" gift. We call it a birthday gift... and the previous director was great about giving it to them individually on or at least close to their birthdays. Somehow, I couldn't make that happen. Seems to have something to do with that procrastination thing that I struggle with. So — now everyone's birthday is usually around April because it takes me that long to get my act together. :)

Anyway, we usually don't spend a lot of money... just a token item. One year we gave coffee mugs with the school logo on one side and their name on the other (so they'd stop using so many styrofoam cups... haha... that didn't really work...). We've given them sets of notecards with special artwork done by the students on the front. We've given them calendars with photos taken in their classrooms. Like I said, not very expensive stuff, but hopefully things that are somewhat meaningful.

This year we had a little extra money that we'd been squirreling away for awhile. And long about the beginning of May it came to me as I was drooling over items in Lisa's online store... necklaces... stamped with their first initial. The design on the Petite Family Crest necklace reminded me a bit of a shield. In our monthly prayer breakfasts this year we've walked through Ephesians 6:10-18 — The Armor of God. I could write a note to put with each necklace saying that it was a reminder to always carry their shield of faith to use for fending off the darts lobbed at them by the evil one. Maybe the idea would help to strengthen their faith. The extra money would be worth it.

But, time was running short. Way short. So I shot off an email to customer service which was promptly responded to by the delightful Katie who not only told me how it would be possible to get them in time, but also gave me a tip on how to save money (by signing up for their newsletter if I wasn't already getting it). To make a long story short, somehow my order got... hmmm... I'm not sure... delayed... forgotten... pushed aside... I don't know, but when I sent an email a couple weeks later to ask about it I immediately got a phone call, an apology, a refund on the expensive shipping I had paid for, and my order arrived a few days later. Just in the nick of time, actually. So — yes... if I loved Lisa Leonard Designs before, well... now I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!

Ready for some pictures? When I opened the shipping box, this was on the top...

 
So... OK... what's not to love about a brown box with turquoise ribbon and a tag bearing your name peeking out from underneath?

 
And, how about a pair of earrings and a gift card as an apology for the delay? (I kinda felt a little guilty about that... still do... it's not like it was my money... but I do think I know what I'm going to use it toward... and they do have a fan and a customer for life now! I'll have to get over my guilt...)

The 27 necklaces with 12 different first initials were attractively boxed...

 
and, I don't know if you can tell, but the initial was written in the lower right hand corner of the included tag — so sorting was quick. And, it would've been easy to distribute them just like this, but, now... that wouldn't be very Janelle-like, would it? :) 

SHOW

 
But simple does sound Janelle-like... so I used an alphabet set to stamp each person's name and a mini glue dot to adhere a button over the small handwritten initial.

 
A fun, simple, minimalist look... perfect.

And they looked great in the staff mailboxes, too...

 
I mean... who doesn't like to get a present in the mail? :)

AND TELL:  stamps are from Stampin' Up (Straight Up Alphabet & Numbers); ink is Papertrey Ink (True Black); buttons are PTI (Melon Berry).

I think it was a pretty popular gift with the staff. They got them just a couple days before the end of the school year, and I think most of them wore their new necklace at least once.

 
Or maybe they were just being polite.

In any case, I hope they haven't gotten their expectations too high. Because next year it'll probably be time to give the coffee mugs another try. :)

Thanks for stopping by today. I really love having you as my guests! :) See you again soon.