Praising the Lord!!!

Mom Before Surgery

Mom came through surgery with out any complications. 

All the bone around the tumor was completely deteriorated and the doctor was able to remove it.

Screws and 2 rods were put in her bones  to secure her back.  The doctor had been very, very concerned that her bones were strong enough to hold the screws.

The cancer had not spread into the spinal cord, so there was no loss of spinal fluid or blood.  The first

quick biopsy indicates this tumor would not have responded to chemo or radiation, so he felt we made

the right decision to have it surgically removed.  He also said she could have had the tumor for 15 years or so, which means it is a very slow growing cancer.  They will be doing further testing to make sure this is the case.

We saw her quickly in the intensive care unit before we came home (which was 1:00 AM) and she looked so much better than I thought she would look.  They had already remove the breathing tube and she talked to us.  We certainly came home much more peaceful than we had the night before.

I can't thank you enough for your prayers.  God certainly heard them and I am giving Him all the praise!!!!

She still has a long road ahead of her and we pray that the wound heals and she does not get infection.

Thank you again my friends!!!

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Mom is having surgery today

Mom is scheduled to have back surgery to remove the tumor today.  I am not sure the time yet.
This surgery is extremely high risk and the healing process is extremely high risk for her.  My family has
all arrived.  She made this decision and I am so glad she has such a good mind to do so.  None of us are
sure it is the right thing to do, but if she doesn't have the surgery she will be paralyzed with in a very short time.  I am asking for all of your prayers today.  Thank you so very much! 

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Facebook

I am posting updates about Mom on my Facebook Page.  I am not sure how to add the link on my blog right now, but those of you who use Facebook can add me (Joan Fricker) as your friend to read the updates.  If anyone knows how to add the link, please email me.  This way I don't have to "think".  Thanks so much.
I truly appreciate your prayers!

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Update on Mom

A quick update on Mom:  She had a cat scan this morning, but they couldn't do a biobsy because the tumor is wrapped around her spinal cord.  They just took her by ambulance over to radiation to get her set up to start a treatment every day (except weekends) for at least 3 weeks.  This will be so hard on her.  She has to come to South Bend which is about 25 miles one way.  The doctor said they are hoping the radiation will shrink the tumor enough to give her some relief from the severe pain.  I left for the hospital this morning at 6:00 AM so I wouldn't miss the doctor.  He didn't come in, but left word that he would be in tonight.  I am not leaving until I get to talk to him.

I will be shipping your orders just as soon as I possibly can.  Thanks for your patience. 

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Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

Please e-mail me if you would like to order any of the following Cuttlebug Embossing folders.  If I don't have them in stock, I can get them for you.

Animal Prints

(4) A2 Size

$13.99 plus shipping

Art Decor

2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Cindy Loo

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Create a Critter

2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Freshed Picked

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Heritage

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Mini Monsters

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Once Upon a Princess

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Preserves

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Retro Kitchen

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes
$16.99 plus shipping

Rebotz

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Sentimental

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

Wall Decor

(2) 5x7 & (2) A2 Sizes

$16.99 plus shipping

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Lupine Flowers from my garden and Mom

 

I just had to show you my Lupine flowers that are blooming this morning.  I love this flower and have always had trouble getting it to grow. Two years ago, I decided after a few attempts that failed from the nurseries to plant seeds.  I soaked the seeds overnight because of their tough shell and planted them in several places.  As you can see this was very successful.  This year I have 3 more plants that self-seeded and one of those plants is already blooming a very deep dark purple.

I write this with a very, very sad heart.  I took Mom (who is 95) in for an MRI yesterday and they found a tumor on her spine.  Tomorrow she has an appointment with an Oncologist to determine what  her options are.

We are praying for guidance that we can make a wise decision.  She is in extreme pain and my heart breaks to see her suffer so much.  I know many of you feel like you know her as I have posted things about her many times.  Mom's flower garden has always been so precious to her and she is enjoying the bouquets I am picking for her each day.

So please bare with me if I am missing in action.  We are taking one day at a time. 

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Workshop Projects

Following are the projects we did for the Workshop.   Selma did a fantastic job at the workshop and it was such a pleasure having her for almost a week.  We learned several different techniques,  that were so much fun!

This box is made with the Webster Pages Paper.  It is perfect for a 6x6 sized box.  The flowers on the top right and green leaves are from England, the flourishes are cut with the Cricut, the leaves are a Martha Stewart Punch

More of the Webster Pages Paper. and May Arts Lace.    I so wish you could see this box in RL.  It is very hard to get the same feeling when I photograph it.

Since we used the 12x12 sheet of paper, we were able to cut out this design and glue to the bottom of the box.   When the box is opened it is beautiful on the inside as well.

This sentiment is glued to the inside of the lid also from the same sheet of Webster Pages Paper.   Beautiful inside and out.

This Shadow box has lots of beautiful details to it.  The Garden Trellis and Arch Lattice Martha Stewart Punches were used.  JustRite's Autumn Blessings and Breath of Spring Stamps along with the Victoria Cuttlebug Embossing folder made this card simply beautiful.  We also learned how to color using Koh-noor pencils and Gamsol.  The same technique was used on the card below.  Very easy and I think very nice.

This is a Gillian Roberts Stamp and a JustRite Stamp from Plant a Little Love Collection.

Selma showed us how to cut just a frame to mat without using all of the square underneath.  That was fun.  We also used the same colored pencils for both stamps.  Then she showed us how to use the Swiss Dot Embossing folder on the 6x6  card and then make diamonds with our Score Boards on the part that the CB folder doesn't cover.  The ribbon is a May Arts ribbon.

My Sale Post will be up later, hopefully tonight.

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Workshop Pictures

Wow!  We had a fantastic fun filled and creative day at the workshop which Selma Stevenson and I did this past Saturday.  Twenty five ladies attended and I think everyone had a great time.  I know I sure did!!!

This sign greeted everyone as they drove to the workshop. (my hubby is so wonderful, he thinks of everything)

We have a nice large field that Jon keeps mowed for parking.  This is the back of our house.

They were greeted with the view of my beautiful flowers as they walked  to the door of the workshop room.

We had 3 long tables of creative ladies.  Selma is standing at the end giving some instructions for the next  project.

A view of most of the ladies.  Can you see my new 8 foot long picture window that over looks my pond?  We just installed it this winter.  The weather was perfect; not to hot or cold and no wind.  We were able to open the garage doors and let the beautiful sunshine in.  The doors have screens on them and I absolutely love them.  It is like I am outside all day long.  This is the room I use for my craft room, computer room, kitchen and workshops.

We had ladies from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Some drove 4 hours plus to attend.  What dedication!

Darlene, Carol, Cathy and Mary came in on Thursday to help Selma and I set up.

I can't thank them enough!!!  What a blessing they were to us.

Another view standing at the screen doors.

Don't they look like they were hard at work?

Selma and I at the front of the room.  Selma is giving insturctions.  Jon is taking the pictures.

A fabulous creative day!!!!!

Jon worked very hard helping get everything ready for the workshop.  I am so very blessed!!!  And, he was so tired.

On a side note; we had to take Mom to the hospital Tuesday night and then move her in with us.  A lot of the ladies went in the house and talked with her and she so enjoyed it.  Also, my beautician called and wanted to come out and pamper Mom.  She gave Mom a hair cut and style, pedicure and a manicure.  She painted her toenails and fingernails bright red.  What a blessing to Mom as it really picked up her spirits.  I take her to a Pain Management doctor today and we are so hoping he can help relieve some of the pain she is having.

Thanks to all of you who have sent cards to her!  She loves mail and you should see the smile on her face when she receives a card!!!!

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The Black Boxes are here!

Selma made this black box using Webster's Life's Portrait/Lullaby Baby 6x6 paper Pack. These paper packs have two sided papers which makes it really easy to coordinate on your project. The piece used on the top of the box has the pattern from the backside of that page cut out and attached to the side panels. There are two sheets of each design in the pack.

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Spring Time in Indiana

It is Spring time in Indiana and that means Jon and I outside working every spare minute to get things in shape for summer. This spring we are working extra hard as Selma arrives on the 10th and the workshop is the 15th.  We would love to have everything looking as nice as possible. 

Thank goodness, Jon  has been on vacation all week and has helped me so much.  He has mulched everything that is ready to be mulched.  I just can't tell you how much I appreciate his help.

I took the pictures below a few minutes ago and as you can see not much is blooming.   I will try to keep things posted for you to see the progress.  I love the way it looks with the plants still small and not looking cluttered.  I garden like I make cards......everything is pretty uniformed and balanced. (smile)

We also have been doing some major remodeling in our house and we have been torn up it seems for weeks.
But finally, things are back in order and I love what we have done.  I will be taking some pictures for you to see soon.

On a sad note, my Mom isn't doing very well.    She isn't mobile at all now and she is in lots of pain.  She is seeing a specialist on the 17th and I so hope he can find some way to give her some relief.  This is a woman who has never taken as much as an aspirin during her life, so pain is new and very scary to her .

If you would like to send her a card, please send it to Ruby Salyer, 885 Queen Road, Walkerton, In  46554 and be sure and tell her you are my friend.  I will so appreciate it!  All prayers are appreciated too!

This is what is going on in my life, what about yours???

Pond and waterfall

Apple Tree

Another Apple Tree and Whiskers

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Pins

Karen Foster Design Page Pin Ups are a unique and elegant embellishment for cardmaking or scrapbooking.

Use with ribbon, journaling or charms to accent your cards or scrapbook pages.

Scrap Sticks

2 1/2 inches

$5.49 plus shipping

Karen Foster Design Scap Sticks add an elegant touch to handmade cards.

Use to accent photos, cards, paper, scrapbook pages or other embellisments.

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Roses

Made of high quality mulberry paper, with 3 color variances per package. Size approximately 3/4 inch diameter with 2.5" wire stem.

Mini Roses 24/Pkg

$2.99 per package plus shipping

 

 

Mulberry Tea Roses

1 1/2 inches

6 for $3.99

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