Written by Janelle (!), Friday, August 5:
Good thing they write a daily calendar and who my nurses are on the wall of the hospital room, because I'm a little iffy on it all right now.
I did open my box of Papertrey Ink goodies a bit ago, though, and that was somewhat of a spirit-lifter. Now to get enough energy up to prep them so that tomorrow when I get home I can ink them up a bit. (And that probably made no sense at all to my non-stamping friends... but hang in there with me... hopefully I'll get to something that interests you!)
I know that Ken updated you on what the doctors found yesterday when they peered into my head. The little squiggles of brain or tumor or whatever it was that they took out are apparently not my friends. But, you know, God is in control and while it is stormy outside in Charlotte, North Carolina today, it is calm and dry inside this hospital room and I'm thankful to be here under the care of what seems to be an excellent group of surgeons, oncologists, and support staff who are taking very good care of us. They tell us we go home tomorrow.
And, although this is not pretty, it does show that it is really me...
I'll try not to subject you to too many more like that!
Now, I thought it might be fun to squeeze in a non-medical post. I mean... who wants to talk about depressing medical things all the time. I sure don't!
These are the tags I made for the welcome bags we used for guests who made our selected hotel home for the wedding weekend.
SHOW
I'm going to go step-by-step with some pictures here. Hopefully pictures are truly worth a thousand words, because I'm a little tired and don't really feel like using lots of words. :)
I marked Raleigh with a stamped heart — gotta mark the special location, you know.
To make the sentiment I had to get a little creative. First I stamped the "here" from "I was here",
then the "are" from "Are we there yet?" — for both of those I was easily able to use the stamp pad. To get the word "you", though, from the "Wish you were here" stamp —
well, it was simpler to color the word with a marker, huff on it, and then stamp...
When that was all finished, I swappped out the tag's string for baker's twine. Still, the tags didn't seem quite finished so I added a couple more details... kind of secret ones...
folded-over circles all punched from a map of North Carolina and then circles punched from ledger paper that recorded the wedding date.
And since I really like secret little details, I made sure that some of those punched maps represented the hometowns of Kenneth & Britt...
And also where they'll be living together.
AND TELL: stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Road Trip, Heart Prints, Mini Scrapbook Series: Journaling Circle, Banner Builder, Postmarks, Background Basics: Retro); tags are by Avery (4-3/4" x 2-3/8" shipping tags); ink is Stampin' Up (Daffodil Delight, Perfect Plum, Going Grey, Tangerine Tango); baker's twine is Divine Twine (Lemon); also used a SU Tangerine Tango marker and 1-3/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches.
When we got to Raleigh for the wedding festivities, we filled the hospitality bags with regional goodies like...
Sundrop, Cheerwine, Lance Crackers, and Corky's Carmel Corn.
Of course, bottled water had to be included too because it is hot, hot, hot in North Carolina at the end of July. And Britt used her graphic design skills to make a little brochure of some spots of interest that were within walking distance of the hotel. Places like the State Capitol, a hot dog stand (with the tip to not ask for ketchup!), a handmade purse workshop, an extra large statue of Sir Walter Raleigh and much more.
When the bags were filled and tissue papered, we set them aside for delivery. It was a fun little way to make our guests feel welcome and special.
And, now, I'm about spent. They tell me I should get up and take a shower so that's the next step, I think. Wish me luck... I'm not too steady on my feet. :)
Thank you so much for stopping by for a bit of a visit today. Hope I wasn't too long winded for you. And, I hope to be back for a bit of a visit tomorrow. Maybe from home. Yippee! See you then! (Oh, and a I certainly don't want to forget to tell you just how much your words, prayers, and comments mean to me. I wish that I could answer them all, and I really hope to some day, but right now that's just not possible and I'm a little sad about that. Please know that everything you have sent me has been read and treasured!)
Hi Janelle! Sorry I'm just now finding time to comment. Your daughter's wedding was on my birthday! For some reason that didn't click until I saw the circle punches with the date. I'm so glad you are doing okay. It may be rough but with your spirit, attitude, and loving family/friends by your side, you will conquer this thing. I've been thinking about you so much and will continue to do so. Sending you hugs my friend!
Posted by: Dana Grothaus | 08/05/2011 at 04:17 PM
OK...
first...
just heard about this and came over. I knew I had missed you but figured it was "the big day"...
and I've been so busy I haven't had a lot of time either so...
was shocked.
And immediately sent a prayer for you.
Every wonderful, cheerful, happy thought I can send is being sent to you...
but you look fabby!
Your smile is so bright...
and I just want you to know that you are in my prayers and in my thoughts.
Hugs!
Posted by: Renee | 08/05/2011 at 04:20 PM
Janelle you are amazing! I can tell how strong you are and I admire that so much! I want you to know that I am going to pray for you every day! God is so much stronger than cancer and He is with you all the way! Huge hugs to you right now! Go get all inky when you get home! And take rest in knowing that so many are praying for you!!
Posted by: Laurie W. | 08/05/2011 at 04:34 PM
My goodness Janelle....how did you ever get so much done before the wedding....not even knowing "the condition you were in"...we love you and Ken so much....Praying for you... called Ken on his cell saw all the rain and flodding news about Charlote on CNN... know there aren't any creeks near you so hope it didn't affect you all to much...
Posted by: Kay Gasser | 08/05/2011 at 04:48 PM
I love the gift bag tags with all the sweet, secret, special details. I'm sure your guests appreciated your kindness.
You don't need to worry about responding to comments -- everyone understands how wiped out you must be. Save your energy for inking up your new stamps. *grin*
Posted by: Laura | 08/05/2011 at 04:54 PM
Janelle, I'm so happy to see your smile - it brought tears to my eyes. My goodness you must be such a strong person to take the time to blog while you have so much other things of great concern. Thanks for your medical update. Your goodie bags are so cute. All the time you took to make them must have made the guests feel so special when they arrived at the hotel. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Posted by: June K. | 08/05/2011 at 05:19 PM
You look just beautiful in your picture!!
Rest, care for you and your family as you heal and begin the next journey of meds, appointments etc. Prayers are coming your way.
hugs!!
Lori (lorirn)
Posted by: lori | 08/05/2011 at 05:39 PM
Janelle--your positive outlook is just so inspiring. I love your smile, and the fact that through all this, you are still excited about your Papertrey package. What a sweetie you are. Those gift tags and bags look incredible. What energy you have!! I will be sending you hugs and positive thoughts all the way from San Diego.
Posted by: Joyce M. | 08/05/2011 at 05:42 PM
Great photo of you and Ken....It's so good to see you smiling! I was honored to have received one of your 'goodie' bags from last weekend and the carmel popcorn lasted approximately 7.5 minutes from the time I opened the bag. I also love Britt's tour guide too. I'm saving those places for the next time we visit Raleigh.
Love, Margie
Posted by: Margie Nance | 08/05/2011 at 05:48 PM
Oh Janelle! I was so happy to see you were able to post! And I'm thrilled you might get to go home tomorrow! Don't worry about replying individually to all our comments--we all want you to feel loved and supported, not burdened with having to answer.
You were so sweet to make all those cute tags and bags for the wedding guests!
What would have happened if people had asked for ketchup with their hot dog? (I think ketchup on a hot dog is weird--I like mustard--but is that a regional thing?) Well, there after I said don't worry about replying, I went and asked a question--sorry! :) Anyway, feel better soon--we're all pulling for you!
Posted by: Sharon D | 08/05/2011 at 05:53 PM
Your tags are beautiful... as are you! I love you and think about you all day long!! Praying for complete healing!!
Posted by: Kelley Eubanks | 08/05/2011 at 06:09 PM
I'm just finding out about your stay in the hospital! So sorry to hear of this but glad to see the doctors know what you have and can help! What wonderful gift bags you had for all those guests. With all the power of the prayers worldwide being sent to you, you will definitely be strong and come through this! No need to respond, just get well and enjoy your new stamps!
Posted by: Carol R | 08/05/2011 at 06:09 PM
Janelle you are amazing! You also look so beautiful, that is all I see when I see you. You are and inspiration!
The gift bag and tags are wonderful . We did a similar gift bag because our guest had a 45min drive from the church to the reception.
I love it that Ken knew you would enjoy getting your Papertrey box, and brought it to the hospital. Makes me smile. That is one of the common bonds we have I guess, that and our Faith.
Take Care.xo
Posted by: marybethL. | 08/05/2011 at 07:08 PM
Wow. That photo of you and your hubby is amazing - you see all the love and faith you have for each other. And those amazing goody bags! I've never even heard of any of those local treats.
I'd added your blog to my Reader to make sure I don't miss any of your journey. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Bernadette L. | 08/05/2011 at 07:22 PM
What a beautiful picture of you & your husband. And the smiles too!You are amazing. Prayers continue to go out your way.
PS: You did an amazing job with the wedding tags. I think treat bags are an extra sweet thought for those who travel far for a wedding.
Posted by: carol aka krillsister | 08/05/2011 at 07:35 PM
Good to see you up and around.
Just keep taking one step at a time.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Posted by: GinnaG | 08/05/2011 at 08:28 PM
You are amazing! We can certainly see where Britt gets her cheerful attitude. You will always be in our thoughts. We love you!!
Posted by: Emily and Rob J. | 08/05/2011 at 08:34 PM
Janelle, just needed to see your beautiful face today! Thanks for posting the picture with both you and Ken smiling! I wrote a comment on the adorable butterfly wrap you created for Britt's North Carolina glasses and cannot see it on the blog so may have forgotten to push the post button. Love that Nora Grace wore the butterflies on her dress! Priceless....guess she was the "Pink Butterfly Princess" or perhaps the" Pink Butterfly Fairy." You will have to ask her! Love you sweet sister! This battle belongs to the Lord!
Posted by: Kristine | 08/05/2011 at 08:44 PM
Janelle - you look amazing and bright. Such courage. Your upbeat way of handling your situation is inspirational. I will pray for yours (and Ken's) continued strength as you face this challenge. Know that you are in my thoughts from the other side of the world, which really means that you have prayers going up for you 24 hours a day! Can't beat that!
Posted by: katevdp | 08/05/2011 at 08:52 PM
Love seeing your smiling face. Stay strong!!!
Posted by: Rhonda H | 08/05/2011 at 09:04 PM
Dear Janelle,
I just recently started reading your blog. I found it on a Papertrey hop. I am so impressed with your stamping ability. And now I am so impressed with your ability to cope. The fact that you can find so much strength from prayer, from the positive thoughts from your friends, as well as from so many strangers, should be an inspiration to us all. I have added you to my prayer list...every little bit helps! I'm wishing you all the best!
Posted by: Theresa P. | 08/05/2011 at 09:05 PM
Janelle, prayers are continuing for complete healing and for strength...for you, your family, and your friends. Also, guidance and skill for your doctors and nurses. Blessings, Janelle. You are an amazing woman.
Posted by: Susan Raihala | 08/05/2011 at 09:59 PM
you amaze me!! so glad to see you smiling and love the pic with you and ken.cannot beileve you still find time to blog thru all of this!!! love the gift bags ...always so thoughtful and amazing talent !! will be delivering your pinkberry tomorrow...enjoy it!!love hugs and prayers and hope to see you when things get back to somewhat normal!dont hesitate to ask for anything!!
Posted by: susie p | 08/05/2011 at 10:01 PM
I love you Janelle! You're in my thought and prayers. Best wishes!!!!! I've been SLACK on my blog reading lately... I haven't written on mine in months and months. I've been busy busy. I hate that we used to communicate via blogs almost daily and now it's slowed down :( I'll be back more frequently to check in on you. LOTS OF LOVE!!! Amy
Posted by: amy | 08/05/2011 at 10:06 PM
Look how awesome and beautiful you look!! Seriously. Oh, I was so glad to see this update. I'm thinking about you all day long and praying for you just as much, too. I love this photo of you and Ken. What a wonderful couple you are. Loved all of your photos. The bags are so much you. Caring. Thoughtful. Fun. Lots of people are praying for you. And you know God hears and ANSWERS every prayer. Sleep tight tonight Dear Friend.
Posted by: SueB | 08/05/2011 at 10:28 PM