tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19567439292657950812012-02-17T09:18:36.633-05:00The musings of a busy crafty mama to many....in the middle of chaos and funMahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.comBlogger1101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-11919804222012354432012-02-09T14:06:00.002-05:002012-02-09T14:10:57.347-05:00

Heard here today.... Me: “Here is ’N’ which makes the sound Nnnnnn.....” Lily: “Nnnnnnn.” Me:   “ Good job, Lily!  Now, here is a picture of a nun, which also starts with ‘Nnnnn’, right?” Lily:  raising her tiny foot up to my face, grabbing her toe, “Yeah, just like ‘and this little piggie has NONE!’” Oh Lord, send us some nuns in full habits, please!!!! Also, heard last weekend..... “Mommy,

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-63869913173534042732012-01-02T11:21:00.001-05:002012-01-02T11:46:37.723-05:00

 Merry Christmas, Everyone!! We have been having so much fun around here that I have neglected my tiny spot of the bloggosphere.  We made it through November and December without medical dramas....did you read that slowly? We have had an amazing time here of normalness....I just coined that word.  It is funny, though, that in the midst of normalness I am so busy, but it is a good kind of busy,

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-13631621925749184642011-12-12T12:19:00.002-05:002011-12-12T12:19:21.887-05:00

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!! She has been so good to our family! “Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-24990908178645512892011-11-21T10:43:00.001-05:002011-11-21T10:48:07.170-05:00

I have finally conquered a dress pattern.....I actually followed a PATTERN!  Now, I realize it is in the miniature, but Lily is thrilled with it, and wants me to “make more!” My gathering wishes to be a bit more even, but this was great practice, and it sounds like I’ll have more practice as Christmas is knocking at the calendar door. I would love to make Lily a bunch of dolly outfits, I

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-8427840637293772322011-10-29T18:41:00.002-04:002011-10-29T18:41:15.870-04:00

Well, it is Autumn for sure around here! That can only mean that you pay an exorbitant amount of money to get into the local orchard’s little Fall Festival, which than gives you the privilege of paying to ride a pony, pick a tiny pumpkin and grab a small bag of apples!  I can’t tell the girl “No!”  She has been talking about riding a pony and getting her pumpkin for weeks.  I remember last year

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-78322034157745901102011-09-21T11:34:00.002-04:002011-09-21T11:38:16.937-04:00

By the way, one fruit of the previously mentioned visit from my friends were the varied spiritual books we shared that we have read recently.  One mentioned was http://www.amazon.com/Fulfillment-All-Desire-Ralph-Martin/dp/1931018367  It is a powerhouse.  Ralph Martin has done a terrific job of guiding us to the saints....and all of their wisdom.  His writing is so approachable.  I highly

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-7792700174379442202011-09-21T11:28:00.001-04:002011-09-21T11:36:03.249-04:00

Just so you know that I still craft, and thus can still claim the word “craft” in my blog title....I am posting pictures of little gift bags I made for my girlfriends that came from my hometown to spend the weekend a few months ago.  I had a lot of fun making these linen drawstring bags that I put sample shampoos, tooth paste, etc....they loved it.  I free motioned embroidered their names on

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-46694639125978786462011-08-18T11:51:00.002-04:002011-08-18T11:51:22.161-04:00

In a tree, wondering how to be nocturnal. Lily has a real hard time going to sleep if she has had a nap during the afternoon....so at nearly Midnight, she is still up, and having a bit of a whiny session in the floor of her bedroom as I am sitting in her chair, trying to conjole her to sleep....Older brother comes in and says, with great compassion “Oh, Lily, what’s the matter??” She blurts

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-59824375684044623962011-08-12T15:58:00.001-04:002011-08-12T15:59:52.789-04:00

TattooWhat once was meant to be a statement—a dripping dagger held in the fistof a shuddering heart—is now just a bruiseon a bony old shoulder, the spotwhere vanity once punched him hardand the ache lingered on. He looks likesomeone you had to reckon with,strong as a stallion, fast and ornery,but on this chilly morning, as he walksbetween the tables at a yard salewith the sleeves of his tight

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-76246365081158943492011-07-16T16:19:00.008-04:002011-07-18T00:07:35.173-04:00

It isn’t often that I write poetry.  I love it when I do.  It is such a rush to put words together that stand off the page and paint a picture that, when I step back and look, leaves me quiet and thoughtful.  I am not sure if I write good poetry......but I write what I know. I showed the poem below to Peter, who you will recognize as the little man I was writing about.  He read the poem, started

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-58655169618655361422011-07-11T09:32:00.004-04:002011-07-16T20:09:55.475-04:00

This sounds like it will be a lot of fun.....an online crafting channel.....and the DIY DISH girls are going to have their own “show” starting this Fall.  Check it out, Crafty Girls! http://mycraftchannelblog.blogspot.com/

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-76774862038380447642011-06-29T07:32:00.003-04:002011-07-16T20:10:08.442-04:00

You are amazing, young man.  We love you and are much better for having you as our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin...friend.  Enjoy today, enjoy life, be brave, smile a lot, and know you are a special young man.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-89372325974852771312011-05-29T08:20:00.001-04:002011-07-16T20:10:29.977-04:00

Well hello there!  Yes, I haven’t posted forever.  Life has been going at breakneck speed.  We have had lots of developments the last few months.  I might do it in bulletin points. -Lily had a successful surgery on May 19th, they closed her stoma for good!  It went very well, and she was home the next day without the hole in her neck she has had since she was six days old.  -Our parish

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-69016489702577932192011-04-26T23:34:00.001-04:002011-07-16T20:10:52.680-04:00

This was heard during our fifth day of doing the Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet..... “For the sake of His sorrowful passion” --the response from everyone---“have mercy on us and the whole world” --tiny girl voice piping up at the end of the response--“have mercy on us and the whole Lily” Yeah.  Of course, we all crack up and laugh...which prompts Miss Lily to continue with her very

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-80082986180008105952011-04-16T01:17:00.003-04:002011-07-16T20:11:07.964-04:00

Just a few pictures of me trying to pretend to be an artist......okay, wait a minute. I AM an artist. No excuses.....just art. And then.....one of my best shared pieces.... Why didn’t someone tell me how absolutely fun it is to see little girls run around with sparkly butterfly wings.....so, so sweet! (and sparkles are everywhere in our house now!) Enjoy!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-59915867111430204752011-04-07T08:14:00.001-04:002011-07-16T20:11:25.154-04:00

I bet a lot of you eat bread most days....not a big deal right?  But when you are 3 1/3, have always been tube fed, and eating is sort of scary and not always pleasant.....bread is a big, big deal! Chewing is a new thing for this little one....most of Lily’s food that she has tried has been mushy puree.  She is always trying to “grab” things off of our plate these days, like rice and spaghetti

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-82886663544495610642011-04-03T21:10:00.002-04:002011-07-16T20:11:42.378-04:00

 I just have started working in an “altered” board book.  Basically, you take a children’s board book and do all sorts of fun stuff to it.  After you prepare the pages with a primer called “gesso” and place masking tape in the middle seam,  you can paint and do all sorts of fun things.  If you google, “altered board books” and mixed media, there is a whole world out there of videos and such.  

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-1087173709647427232011-04-03T00:01:00.000-04:002011-04-03T00:01:26.162-04:00

I have a few places I am doing my art journaling....one, is what you see below.  It is a mixed media notebook that I got at Michael’s and I love it. The other little fun I am having is with repurposed pieces of cardboard from Lily’s diaper boxes.  I think that is so funny!  I plan on doing several a week, and then at the end of the month, punching a hole through them and putting them together

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-46450258166782418482011-04-01T21:40:00.001-04:002011-04-01T21:41:07.494-04:00

Hi Friends! I am doing something a little new.  I have started a new art journal, and am finding it one of my favorite creative endeavors yet.  The best part is there are no rules.  Love it! Here is something I am working on right now.....I cut this piece of cardboard out from a box of diaper. Now, it is a piece of art!! I also joined a group that is doing a daily challenge of art journaling....

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-90805931732328211152011-03-26T20:03:00.001-04:002011-03-26T22:38:34.056-04:00

Okay, beloved Butler Bulldogs....did ya’ all hear us yelling and stompin’ up here in the Tundra for ya’???? So excited we get to see our favorite college basketball team next Saturday night in the NCAA Finals! GO BUTLER!!!! And I’m just telling you....don’t be calling us on the phone next Saturday night, unless it is after the game to yell with us. And one more thing.... if you are in Indy,  go

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-5057304999030340812011-03-22T20:12:00.000-04:002011-03-22T20:12:27.825-04:00

So we have been a little busy here....thus the quiet blog.  Here are some pictures of the glorious day we had a few days ago. It was over 50 degrees, and so nice!!  BUT....do you see that snow in the background?  It was almost gone until today, and now we have yet another layer of snow on the ground.  Winters are long on the Tundra. So, this is what we did indoors.....wash dishes.  Do you know

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-50889839593781208042011-02-25T09:59:00.002-05:002011-02-25T10:02:56.452-05:00

What I didn’t take a picture of is the artwork Lily did on that pretty blue wall you see in the background.....with that same red crayon...which in a crazy turn of events....was a WASHABLE crayon.  When does that ever happen in my life??  Washable??  It actually came off, the whole 4x4 section of scribbly red crayon.  I even got the old blue pen off as well with that white thingy, the ajax

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-17802127986658746612011-02-23T10:40:00.002-05:002011-02-23T10:40:04.753-05:00

is going to be on EWTN’s “The World Over” this Thursday night at 8PM.  If you don’t have cable, you can go to EWTN’s website and watch it in the archives.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-81151835886356214122011-02-23T09:23:00.000-05:002011-02-23T09:23:51.009-05:00

Yep....we are still here.  This has been a difficult winter with illness.  Where last year was the year of surgery, (good riddance), this winter is turning into a blur of fever, aches, chills, cough, and general malaise that lasts for nearly two weeks once it runs through everyone.....only to start over again in 3 weeks or so.  Enough!!!! I normally do not get as sick as the kids, or sometimes

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-83099181940123372952011-02-01T10:30:00.002-05:002011-02-01T10:31:12.366-05:00

So, this is what they do while we are at our Respect Life Meeting last night.....I guess it is better than poker or Wii, eh?? Gabe has a future in acting!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-34423050241767183752011-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:002011-01-16T14:30:52.897-05:00

Bangs....gone.... She is so, so proud of herself.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-56898002036368662872011-01-15T01:37:00.003-05:002011-01-15T01:52:54.633-05:00

 Fr. Frank Pavone is asking us to pray a Novena of Reparation for Roe vs. Wade. This was to start on Friday, January 14 and continue through Jan. 22.  Here is the prayer: God and Father of LifeYou have created every human person,And have opened the way for each to have eternal life. We live in the shadow of death.Tens of millions of your children have been killedbecause of the Roe vs. Wade

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-62788049006716579412011-01-10T16:58:00.000-05:002011-01-10T16:58:09.207-05:00

Go right now to: http://www.UnplannedWebcast.com Sign up for the webcast tonight at 9PM EST.....and hear about Abby Johnson’s journey from Planned Parenthood clinic director to pro-life activist.  She is amazing, her story is inspiring....check it out. Abby’s book, “Unplanned”, that tells about her journey, is coming out  tomorrow. God bless her!!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-38262154407769133212010-12-19T14:47:00.002-05:002011-08-11T12:58:26.360-04:00

I love to knit for babies....and it always brings me great joy to do so, new life, something to always celebrate!!  I have to share though...this sweater, so sweet, so pink, so innocent sitting there on my ironing board.....is a beast.  Don’t be fooled by her “oh, I am just all cute and sugar” look....don’t fall for it!!!  Maybe I think too highly of my knitting skills, maybe it was

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-201706922236511082010-12-12T21:38:00.000-05:002010-12-12T21:38:03.015-05:00

On this wonderful Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I give you a picture of tiny girl, in her big bed.  Notice there are no machines, no monitors, no tubes.....just tiny tired girl.  Thank you, Our Lady!! I want to show you some Lily Extreme Room Makeover before and afters from this week. Here is a photo of what Lily’s room looked like pretty much like all last week...and the week before....it was

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-8624851104326810632010-12-12T21:10:00.000-05:002010-12-12T21:10:09.725-05:00

So, for eight out of the last nine years, we have had a child with a tracheostomy.  There have been 28 surgeries in our family the last nine years, ten of those surgeries were in the past fifteen months.  Jim and I have not been out on a date, alone, in over three years. Dining in the hospital cafeteria while one of our young ones was in surgery does NOT count for a date. Seriously. It is

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-71115686034932158382010-12-09T23:25:00.000-05:002010-12-09T23:25:35.753-05:00

Here she is.....no trach! We are all smiling today!!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-30604935517178509972010-12-09T16:02:00.000-05:002010-12-09T16:02:50.476-05:00

Lily slept really well last night once she went to sleep....after 1:30am....she had fallen asleep earlier at 4pm-8pm, so she had quite a bit of energy to sing in bed and demand stroller rides around the unit until the wee hours of the morning.  The nurses were cracking up at her singing.....I am not sure if the other parents were as enamored with it....but Lily finally calmed down and slept until

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-68053993673631344152010-12-08T12:38:00.000-05:002010-12-08T12:38:00.894-05:00

Lily is trach free--tolerating it well--waiting for our bed in ICU for monitoring. Will update later.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-74624307108387317162010-12-02T08:53:00.000-05:002010-12-02T08:53:57.496-05:00

Next Wednesday, when Lily goes for decannulation,  it is Our Lady’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  I love it when our surgery and hospital days land on Our Lady’s feast days!  That has happened quite a few times in last several years. I feel a sense of peace that Our Lady’s hand is on this day.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-87871457128957972322010-11-29T14:45:00.003-05:002010-12-02T08:46:23.273-05:00

This week is rather exciting.  It could be the last full week that Lily has her trach.  That sounds so calm in bloggerville.....just to cooly write those words.  In reality, I am jumping up and down, praying out loud, “Oh, Please Lord....please, please, please???!!??” I am not sure how next week will turn out.  She goes in for a bronchoscopy next Wednesday, and then we’ll see how it all shakes

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-65411980400140722562010-11-27T11:00:00.000-05:002010-11-27T11:00:57.831-05:00

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo. I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing....this little sweetheart is something special.  Make sure you get the kids around the computer.....this is not to be missed.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-90142372916698235762010-11-23T10:16:00.001-05:002010-11-23T10:17:41.312-05:00

Sorry, deer.....you all should know better than to step out in front of an SUV going 50 MPH.  Really.  I see you left a little love on the left side there.....ugh. Thanks be to God my husband is okay after his first tango with a deer.  There have been a few fatalities in recent weeks with other deer accidents. Fortunately, we can limp through this week without a second car, and address the

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-29744187087543970942010-11-20T10:49:00.000-05:002010-11-20T10:49:28.288-05:00

Regina, the thirteen year old girl I mentioned in my last post is doing much better.  From the family: We cannot thank you all enough for your support and prayers!!!   Praise be to God, Regina is continuing to improve.  She has been off the ventilator for nearly 12 hours now, the feeding tube has been removed and tests for liver and kidney function are still consistently improving.  She even

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-23089612987659288582010-11-17T08:18:00.004-05:002010-11-17T15:13:24.164-05:00

A sweet family we know from back in Indy have a very big crisis on their hands.  Their thirteen year old daughter, who is one of a set of triplets, is critically ill.  Regina is in ICU, on a vent, in septic shock, with some organs having shut down.  She apparently had flu like symptoms that turned very scary, very quickly.   Regina’s family is a large, homeschooling family......very faithful and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-41450426243173497332010-11-03T22:05:00.000-04:002010-11-03T22:05:02.086-04:00

Friends, you have to go check this out....Amy Powers is amazing!!! So, here is the live link.....once you arrive, click on that same image you see above....lots and lots of pages, make yourself a cup of coffee! http://inspireco.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspired-ideas-christmas-issue.html Seriously, there is so much eye candy here...and some very easy looking crafts for the Christmas season.  I

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-15914720313211381432010-11-03T09:53:00.003-04:002010-11-03T10:08:33.133-04:00

Oh, these videos offer a glimpse into our life......most everyone thinks that having a little with a trach is our big deal.  It is....but we have just as big of a deal with food allergies. Pray for a cure!!!  This is so difficult, but there is so much hope that one day my kids can leave the home without worrying.....worrying about touching milk in a pew in church that dripped out of a baby

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-21843972393551982772010-10-27T23:05:00.000-04:002010-10-27T23:05:29.123-04:00

Here is Lily, showing off her cap on her trach.....this forces her to breath through her mouth and nose, just like everyone else.  I say she is tolerating it quite well. Her other talents are crossing her eyes whenever she feels like it. Her Fearsome Scary Skills--watch it!! Oh Brother, it is nearly a burden to be this cute!! Check out the rosy cheeks and lips with her trach blocked..

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-87693045992742731632010-10-24T20:41:00.001-04:002010-10-24T21:55:47.454-04:00

Yes, I am alive!  It has been a little while since I posted, it has been pretty busy around here.  Here are a few things going on in our life..... Lots and lots of doctor appointments.  Having five kiddos with a syndrome means lots of doctors.  Last week was genetics, pediatrician, and ENT.  We will be seeing a pediatric retinal specialist this week.  Five kids....five sets of eyes dilated...wow

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-46955882287692427292010-09-14T09:09:00.000-04:002010-09-14T09:09:51.258-04:00

My favorite DIY girls are back, with a new season of DIY Dish.  Here is their new episode, making a really cute owl cushion.  Go to their website and enter into a drawing for a rocking terrific embroidery machine, or a serger...or gift certificates to the girl’s sister companies for embroidery and sewing. Enjoy!!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-49800559549831920512010-09-07T23:57:00.001-04:002010-09-08T00:01:34.123-04:00

Lily had a very big day.....no more pins!!!! Her distractors have finally been taken out today!!! This was Pete and Lily before surgery. They don’t look alike or anything do they? AND NOW....drumroll...this is soon after waking up, she got dressed pretty quickly, but was very woozy. Here she is feeling much better this evening.  Lily has spent the evening dancing, singing, running, playing,

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-68979455569556673032010-08-13T19:26:00.000-04:002010-08-13T19:26:05.162-04:00

I am beginning to love estate sales and such. I love vintage linens!!  So, there is one little concern, though, with me and resale items.  Cats.  I am horribly allergic to them, crazy allergic, like, my airway is closing off kind of crazy allergic.  It didn’t use to be that bad, into my early thirties, I could at least be around them for a short amount of time, without respiratory distress.  The

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-14726085101418154012010-08-12T19:51:00.001-04:002010-08-12T19:53:02.553-04:00

Oh, check out this kitchen re-do.....it is so, so sweet!!  Kelly Rae has terrific taste, this is my dream kitchen, the light is amazing!! kelly rae: the kitchen: before and after: "this is a serious transformation. i'm so excited to share it with you guys! we can hardly believe this is our kitchen."

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-76746714419007445152010-08-12T12:25:00.000-04:002010-08-12T12:25:50.001-04:00

Hey, Friends!!  You have to check out Amy Barickman’s new book.....Vintage Notions  When you go to this link, click on the right side bar that says “The Vintage Notions Book”.   She has all sorts of lovely samples from the book.  Wouldn’t it be fun to do a book club with mothers and daughters with this book??? I can’t wait to get a copy!!!  I think it will be available in a few weeks.  I’ll keep

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-41307890274139304662010-08-11T12:12:00.000-04:002010-08-11T12:12:24.817-04:00

 I had to pass along this link to a wonderful site. http://www.wherewomencreate.com/ You will be inspired.....check out the blog along the top, the magazine is awesome....I just find it all very inspiring in a crafty creative sort of way. I’m trying to get my craft on,  I have started knitting a baby girl sweater for one of my husband’s nieces, who is due in November, but I have had to rip it

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-73231178177337247432010-08-03T14:20:00.001-04:002010-08-04T12:30:01.669-04:00

It has been a bumpy ride the last week.....here it is, presented in bullet format, because that is how I am thinking right now......on pain meds.... --Hysterectomies are serious business.  Even if your hotshot surgeon is touting his new and improved one incision in your belly button, “you’ll be a new girl by the end of the week everyone tolerates this so well” kind of stuff.....well, let say, I

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-25479286641746614802010-07-04T01:13:00.002-04:002010-07-04T01:17:34.794-04:00

Since I do have “crafting” in my blog title, I thought had better update everyone on my latest pretties.  Some of these things I have made over a month or more....I get rather manic in my creative spurts when under a lot of pressure.  Other than my increased chocolate consumption during heightened periods of sleep deprivation and stress, I do get rather crazed with creating. First, an aside.....

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-45209619270078278472010-07-02T11:08:00.001-04:002010-07-02T11:39:30.973-04:00

I LOVE this fabric!!  Check it out, Tasha is giving away some of her beautiful fabric.  Hurry, you only have until tonight!!  Tasha has my new favorite color scheme.....aqua and red....love it!! Also, she has four big boys like me....and a sweet little princess like me as well!! http://www.tashahorsley.typepad.com/  Go Craft Today!!! --Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-20577659201443971612010-06-30T16:44:00.003-04:002010-06-30T16:52:28.471-04:00

We have had a lot going on, but it has been mostly “busy” stuff instead of scary stuff.  I’ll take busy any day. Lily is getting her spunk back!  Lily is able to play and have mostly good days now, even with all of that hardware in her face.  The doctor was right, once we stopped advancing bone, her pain went down significantly.  It is still a big showdown and tearful, crying occasion every

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-44712666270321921782010-06-12T21:05:00.002-04:002010-06-12T21:11:50.970-04:00

Lily is doing so much better!!! No pain meds for nearly 10 hours!!  I bet she is wiped out tomorrow, but for today, we are so excited to see her playing, swinging on her new swing, drawing in the playhouse, going on errands.....she has been very busy! Thanks, Friends, for your prayers.....had to share with you the fruit of your faithfulness.  I am guessing we will continue to have up and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-51795618854561290232010-06-11T09:08:00.000-04:002010-06-11T09:08:45.990-04:00

She’s still sleeping....at 9:05am!!  Lily only woke up once last night at 4am, gave her pain meds and fed her (through her g-tube), and she went back to sleep....what an improvement!! Thanks to our good friends who had us over yesterday!!!  Lily had a great time playing with her “girls”,  A. and S., who were oh so sweet to her!!  It did all of our hearts good to get out. God is Good!!! --Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-18354813382048210502010-06-09T21:55:00.001-04:002010-06-09T21:56:52.585-04:00

Oh, be still my heart.  http://myloveforyou.typepad.com/my_love_for_you/2010/06/blog-tour-kathreen-ricketson-of-whip-up-mini-quilts.html That will take you to the sweetest quilts ever, these mini quilts.......I was oohing and ahhing over them like a baby.  Take a look and don’t be surprised if you see a few up on my wall the next time you are here. Also.......I have mixed news.  Miss Lily is

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-74558586122766386802010-06-08T13:00:00.002-04:002010-06-09T14:03:22.800-04:00

So, a lot has gone on the last few weeks.  Just one of those things would have been busy enough, but we have compound interest in chaos.  G. is doing great after his appendectomy, which is a blessing, because Lily has had a very rough few weeks. Here are a some peeks into our days: Oxycodone staggered with tylenol.....heavy duty for a 24 pound two year old, and it is barely cutting it. If you

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-68507763216550144222010-05-30T20:22:00.000-04:002010-05-30T20:22:53.201-04:00

G is home from his appendectomy hospital stay.  He is awfully sore, tired, and not eating much.....but we can do that here just as well as at the hospital! Thanks for your prayers!!  I’m so thankful he is home!!  Now.....if we could just get done with active distraction with Lily.  Her pain is ongoing, hard to manage, and she is not doing nearly as well as a few weeks ago when I posted the

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-88305045349048460872010-05-29T20:43:00.000-04:002010-05-29T20:43:20.257-04:00

While one child is actively distracting their jaw.....having another in the hospital with an urgent appendectomy is not so fun.  G decided to have a hot appendix, which they removed earlier today, after spending the night in the ER.   “DanTonTenSix, Nurse-- It’s an appendix!!”  (for your Madeline fans) I am so thankful he is okay, so, so thankful that he got through surgery just fine, has

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-54104624787473911332010-05-26T21:09:00.002-04:002010-05-26T21:09:19.649-04:00

Jaw distraction stinks.  The End.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-46184413431131143152010-05-24T16:54:00.002-04:002010-05-24T22:29:19.552-04:00

Can anyone email me some chocolate?  While you are at it, send me a tall soy decaf latte, okay? Lips...we are focused on lips, Lily’s lips.  Her bottom lip is apparently numb, from the surgery, and now she is biting her lip.....a lot....like, if my lip looked like that, I would need serious pain meds.  I am so sad for my girl, she is going through so much.  I am thankful Lily is so young, and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-73470574309598099732010-05-20T23:12:00.001-04:002010-05-21T08:12:08.990-04:00

So, after last post, you might have whipped out your scrap piece of paper and white crayon and tried to figure out how we went from “6-9 weeks” and after the doctor mentioned “a few more weeks of distracting”-- how in the world that got up to 13 weeks.....sorry.  I had a bunch of people swarming me like monkeys in the forests while I was trying to compose that last post. Here  is how it works.  

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-16819730763664651362010-05-20T19:52:00.001-04:002010-05-21T08:12:41.591-04:00

So, it has been a few weeks since surgery, and this is how she is doing.... Pretty amazing, eh?  Lily still has moments, but for the most part, is doing really well.  I am not sure, with six inches of metal sticking out of my head on both sides, that I would have any smiles.....whatsoever...ever. We saw Dr. B. today, my favorite plastic surgeon.  Ahhh, Dr. B.....I want to like this guy, and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-16470649051403337882010-05-14T21:53:00.000-04:002010-05-14T21:53:14.250-04:00

You know those two girls over there in my right side bar.....the twins peeking over their logo?  I love them.  I am now, officially, DIY dish’s biggest fan ever.  I want to fly out to Utah just to hug them both.   I WON THEIR GIVE-A-WAY!!!!!  Last month, their sponsor for that particular episode was ProvoCraft. Provo makes fun crafty things like the Cricut cutter and the round knitting frames.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-82900376933476194942010-05-10T21:32:00.000-04:002010-05-10T21:32:07.354-04:00

Lily’s pin turning went great!!  Well.....other than the fact the nurse was a tad confused and turned some of them.....the WRONG way.  I’ll save that story for another time, and then immediately go to Confession.  Anyway, Lily was a trooper as we messed with her pin sites, cleaning her up a bit, and as the nurse tried to figure out which way the pins turned.  Here is a hint.....lefty loosey,

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-33069200667026127992010-05-09T22:07:00.001-04:002010-05-09T22:16:54.513-04:00

This past week, my sweet Lily had major surgery.  She had jaw distraction, which is done to lengthen the lower jaw bone.  Then, Lily’s tongue will come out of her airway, and (choir music playing) her trach will come out soon afterwards!!!  No more trachs!! (chant it with me), No more trachs!!!!!  That, my friends, is the goal for this crazy surgery.  Jaw distraction link here--don’t worry, you

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-28483894392411494942010-04-27T10:34:00.003-04:002010-04-27T10:38:55.557-04:00

  Aren’t they beautiful?  We have been watching the plumpy robin building her nest now for a few weeks.  I was so hoping she would lay her eggs.....and here they are!!I’ll take a few yards of fabric in that blue, thanks, Mrs. Robin.  Enjoy!--Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-85798792116169264322010-04-23T09:47:00.003-04:002010-04-23T11:54:00.064-04:00

This beautiful blanket was knit by a very dear friend back in my home state.  This post is one to express my deep appreciation for a small act that has sent many ripples through many lives...because of one blanket.  Almost nine years ago, I had my little guy, P.  When P was born, we discovered he needed a tracheostomy and g-tube because of a syndrome called Pierre Robin Sequence.  Basically, his

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-65171846946324790522010-04-14T23:02:00.000-04:002010-04-14T23:02:50.620-04:00

At least, rice messes made from my sweet girl, who can’t play in sand due to her trach.....so I spoil her and she plays in rice.  Shoes make a nice rice strainer, don’t you think?  The best part was when she laid in the rice, and started swimming through it...sending it six feet or more away....into the cracks of our hardwoods. There have been a LOT of messes we have had to muddle through the

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-10363418784159460802010-04-06T09:56:00.000-04:002010-04-06T09:56:43.551-04:00

Happy Easter Octave, Friends!! We are nursing some sick kids, one with pneumonia, the same poor guy who had an anaphylaxis Palm Sunday and ended up in the ER after I gave him epi at home....scary.   I usually don’t make big plans for Easter....because our lives are always a “fluid situation”.....up to Saturday afternoon, we still didn’t know where we were going for Mass, and ended up having to

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-77145552612697990202010-03-23T08:47:00.000-04:002010-03-23T08:47:01.465-04:00

God did answer my prayers.....I now have my own personal advocate at the new DME provider, she is a nurse, and assured me that she will be the one “go-to” person I can call for any issues.  I also have one Customer Service person I can call that knows all of Lily’s needs.....in the few years since we have used this company, they have really improved, and I am not filled with dread now in dealing

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-89440887840726164322010-03-22T09:43:00.000-04:002010-03-22T09:43:01.728-04:00

The DIY Network......I am NOT being paid by these girls,  I promise.  I just think their latest video where they made cake pincushions is so cute and easy.  Gabe, my 11 yo, watched them with me, and said, “You would be good friends with them.”  He is probably right.

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-90730291836262840392010-03-22T09:34:00.000-04:002010-03-22T09:34:07.674-04:00

 The above is the back, it is sort of scrappy, but I like the colors.There was never any doubt who would win this battle of fabric, right?   I love the colors!  I am packing this up to send off to a beloved aunt and uncle of my husband’s, they are going through a lot right now health wise....I can’t cook for them, they live several hours away, so I made a quilt. This next bit of sharing is with

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-57991646593151318042010-03-15T16:31:00.000-04:002010-03-15T16:31:41.102-04:00

Do you know what DME providers do???  They drive me crazy, that is what they do best.  Wait....I’m hitting my head against the wall....ahhh, that feels better than the hours I have spent dealing with our two DME providers today!!! DME is “Durable Medical Equipment”.....they are very important companies that provide us with the equipment to take care of Lily, like: her trachs, her suctioning

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-89344642954572879512010-03-10T00:20:00.000-05:002010-03-10T00:20:46.716-05:00

I have always wanted to read something from Alice Von Hildebrand, so today when I saw, “The Privilege of Being a Woman”, I bought it.  I have only read a few pages, but it is a powerhouse.  WOW!!  I’ll check back in when I am done......has anyone else read it out there?? --Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-54886333720946098642010-03-10T00:04:00.000-05:002010-03-10T00:04:35.583-05:00

I have a new quilt that I am almost done with.....oh, it is a beast!!!!!  It will not behave while I am sewing...and I made a very big mistake.  The thread color that I am using for the quilting is not working....but I am committed to using it now......sigh......I can’t wait to be done with this quilt.  I want to make so many other things....but instead, I feel pretty compelled to just get this

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-23438660054029673232010-03-03T06:25:00.000-05:002010-03-03T06:25:42.709-05:00

   "Even suffering is part of the truth of our life. Thus, trying to  shield the youngest from every difficulty and experience of suffering, we risk creating, despite our good intentions, fragile persons of little generosity:The capacity to love, in fact, corresponds to the capacity to suffer, and to suffer together.”  Benedict XVI I am holding on to those words, Papa.  

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-64707496648262514102010-02-18T10:10:00.000-05:002010-02-18T10:10:55.190-05:00

 I have so much gratitude today.....the sun is shining, gleaming off of the snow, like a sparkly show just for us!  My girl is here, setting up her home office at the end of the couch.....the girl has some serious catching up to do of very important work.  Notice the pink sticky note there?  I am grateful for home monitors, that I can check Lily’s oxygen levels in the middle of the night.....and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-19388690481504714422010-02-16T21:10:00.000-05:002010-02-16T21:10:10.806-05:00

Here she is.....back on her own couch, after getting the “mandatory as soon as you get home from the hospital bath”.  Lily is rather pre-occupied with a nail or something, that is okay....better than messing with her IV’s at the hospital!  I realize she has Christmas jammies on, but she was so chilled out of the tub, I grabbed the first thing I saw, with purple socks.  We can handle it all when

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-85483455960721073852010-02-15T14:38:00.001-05:002010-02-15T20:18:56.226-05:00

Hi Everyone, Lily continues on in the hospital, on oxygen and IV’s.  They tried to wean down her oxygen late Saturday, but by yesterday afternoon, she was back to breathing harder and having a difficult time keeping her oxygen levels up.  So, they bumped her back up.....and that is where she is now.  The good news is, she smiled today after getting a bath in the bed and getting her hair combed

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-2152974451920041202010-02-13T15:03:00.000-05:002010-02-13T15:03:59.090-05:00

Hi Friends, I thought I would update Lily’s hospital stay from here......she has pneumonia, is very sick...but responding well to treatment.  They have her on IV fluids and IV antibiotics.  She has coughed so much for so many days, that she is utterly exhausted and has slept for over 12 hours.  Lily is keeping her oxygen levels up with a modest amount of oxygen, her cough has lessened

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-50340025299407972972010-02-11T07:44:00.000-05:002010-02-11T07:44:39.910-05:00

Lily is still very, very sick.  High temp....breathing harder...and now she has GI issues after taking the motrin for her temp.....she has old blood coming up out of her g-tube, and keeps retching with every feed of Pedialyte.  We are going back in for the second day in a row.....just to check in and see how her lungs sound and see about some GI meds for her poor belly.  Keep the prayers up, I

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-62602074939365900912010-02-10T10:06:00.000-05:002010-02-10T10:06:11.945-05:00

My poor little one, Lily, is very sick with a respiratory virus....one of her big brothers has had pneumonia this week....I fear this is where she is heading as well.  To be that sick is bad enough, to have a trach and g-tube makes it all a bit more scary.  She is coughing so bad, she can’t hardly take anything through her tube...please pray for her!!!!

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-64335307099227133332010-02-08T08:39:00.001-05:002010-02-08T08:40:41.930-05:00

If you are going to lose to someone.....I guess it makes it easier to lose to a class act like Drew Brees.  My boys were heartbroken for a while, but the older two rallied with “Oh well, it is just a football game, it pales in comparison to things like the Pro-Life issue.”  I suspect they still might be a little sluggish in getting moving with their day! --Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-29045634356583119592010-02-04T13:57:00.002-05:002010-02-04T14:13:49.275-05:00

Check out this new site...it is called the DIY Dish,  which is a series of videos on line these two ladies, Kim and Kris, are producing to show all of us different DIY projects.  To be included are embroidery, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, projects with kids, too many to name!  I believe it is starting this Spring. Here is a little preview....and yes...they are identical twins!!! Go to the

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-89478143925899460022010-01-28T09:07:00.001-05:002010-01-28T09:09:50.652-05:00

I just found this blog off of another.....and I am so glad!  Randi has a terrific Etsy shop for her fabric, I am so excited to see some terrific prints that are reasonably priced.  She has a few fabrics that are in my favorite color that seems hard to find.....I don’t know what the actual name is for this color, it is blue, but it has a brightness and richness that goes beyond “baby blue” or the

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-89690338739942796292010-01-28T09:06:00.001-05:002010-01-28T09:11:11.706-05:00

All of my boys and husband who participated in the March for Life were home, exhausted but very glad to have gone, on Sunday morning.  What a trip!!  I am so glad they went and participated. I will be posting my son’s You Tube movie he put together of the Walk experience.....very powerful.  I am heartened to see so many young people participating, thanks be to God. --Ma

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-74557307560367036472010-01-21T08:38:00.000-05:002010-01-21T08:38:16.566-05:00

I pray there will be a day when we march to celebrate our victory over the Culture of Death......by abolishing the heinous act of abortion.   I am one of those people who have looked at an ultrasound screen, and been told that there was something wrong with the baby.....and it makes me so sad to think that others would have aborted what would become this..... Both of these little people have

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-55515218877260720612010-01-05T09:00:00.001-05:002011-07-16T20:13:34.941-04:00

I have mentioned before that we have children with intense medical needs, and have for a long time.  Within four months of my second child’s birth, (he is now 15), we were thrown into the world of pediatric units in hospitals.  It must have been Divine Preparation (isn’t a lot of life that?) for having two children with tracheostomies.....I think we are up to 26 surgeries now between all five

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-27970704850706356972010-01-02T11:49:00.000-05:002010-01-02T11:49:42.824-05:00

I am finally getting to posting Lily’s dolly pictures.  I finished her little flowery smock in time for Christmas, but didn’t finish the cardigan until this morning.  I had started another sweater, but it didn’t fit....and I abandoned that one for this pattern.  It is actually a free knit pattern I found for preemies.....I made the arms longer. I am so happy with the way it all turned out, and

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-77421399892200702602009-12-28T08:59:00.000-05:002009-12-28T08:59:43.071-05:00

Well, eighteen years ago, I was frantically getting ready at my apartment.....eating the only thing in my pantry, a can of sweet potatoes, ( brides to be, don’t eat a half can of barely warm sweet potatoes the morning of your wedding, unless you put more butter and brown sugar on then I did) and feeling quite overwhelmed but very excited about this whole marriage thing. Fast forward through

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-38339673661747672762009-12-22T10:10:00.004-05:002009-12-22T11:13:55.036-05:00

So, you know we were sent home for the last attempt at surgery.  Our third attempt last Friday was successful!  Lily did great, and better still, there was a whole group of anesthesiologists in the room that figured out just the right way to get Lily to sleep so she wouldn’t bronchospasm the whole time.  It was miraculous, we even went home that day!!! Now for the fun stuff....arm restraints

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-80807131661431349452009-12-10T11:47:00.001-05:002009-12-10T11:52:52.692-05:00

Look at what I did on Wednesday to decompress after a very trying day yesterday.  I had started this doll last weekend.  It is my first, but I really didn't have to say that, did I?  You can tell, can't you?  It's okay, I am pretty fearless in my crafting,  I don't get so worked up over dolls who look like chimps....with abnormally long arms. I thought I had cut those patterns out right!!! You

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-83892370873106304502009-12-09T08:49:00.001-05:002009-12-09T22:28:19.381-05:00

Yep, they cancelled Lily's surgery, at 9 last night.  By the time we loaded up and got some diapers for the road, it was 10PM, and we drove up to our house at 2AM.  UNREAL.  What happened was they had an emergency liver transplant and another emergency surgery and she got bumped from her 2:30PM time.  They said they would get us in, no matter what, by 8 or 9PM.  At 9PM....they sang another tune

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-13964492818850721592009-12-07T17:03:00.001-05:002009-12-07T17:12:19.604-05:00

Miss Lily has her second cleft palate surgery tomorrow.  It is nicely co-inciding with Our Lady's Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Lily's surgery is also running right along with a big snowstorm we are having in the next few days....should be interesting, that three hour drive home. Please pray for a successful surgery, for great airway and pain control, and safe travel for all.  Lily is

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-61258981246305443042009-12-05T16:28:00.000-05:002009-12-05T16:28:47.958-05:00

Put those shoes out!!! It is St. Nicholas's Feast Day, tomorrow!  Here is a terrific website with all sorts of crafts and fun things to do and read.  http://www.stnicholascenter.org/  I love this website, and have used it for many years.  I have been in a Liturgical slump this year, it seems like everytime we get close to something big Liturgically, Lily is sick or has a big surgery scheduled. 

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-15392422233547383172009-12-05T16:22:00.000-05:002009-12-05T16:22:03.718-05:00

 While we gave it our all, and we have nothing to regret, (other than our children not eating and our husbands not quite understanding what had overtaken us for the week we sewed like crazy), our quilts did NOT make it to the top ten in the competition.  Take a look at the competition if you have a chance:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/  Go to the left side bar, and click on the "Quarterly

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-50922101001367099962009-11-26T22:06:00.001-05:002009-11-26T22:22:22.236-05:00

I made a quilt in a week....and entered the same quilt into a contest.  Isn't that nuts????  My life needs to be very measured at times due to life with a medically intense family.  That isn't a bad thing,  just a fact. There are times I get a tad impulsive,  like last week, like seeing a quilt challenge on this one magazine's website, and coaxing my sister into doing it with me, because you had

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956743929265795081.post-29204838783425653232009-11-19T22:23:00.002-05:002009-11-19T23:20:28.939-05:00

So, this is what we did today......travel three hours, sit in clinics for over three hours...drive three hours home.  Due to my children's syndrome, Pierre Robin Sequence,  they are followed by an ENT every six months.  Lily has a tracheostomy, and our lovely ENT is the primary doc for the trach.   She also follows P with his hearing and ear tubes.  Today was a big day!!  Here are some highlights

Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12422954437237474822noreply@blogger.com2