I'll See You At The Gate

Yesterday at 5:05pm, after fighting breast cancer for 14 years,

my sweet Momma went to be with Jesus.

What an honor it was to be by her bedside,

caring for her in these last days.

What a privilege it was to hold her hand as she took her last breaths...

to be able to whisper in her ear, "I love you, best friend."

This is a post from some time last year

and in honor of my mom, I wanted to share it again.

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My mom recently wrote an article and it just got published in the paper.

I thought I would share it today:

One day peace, next day chaos.

One day denial, then reality.

Despair to Hope.

Sadness to joy.

Fear to strength.

Hopelessness to boldness.

Weary to courageous.

Death waiting behind the door.

Life waiting beyond the clouds.

A wonderful blessing to see how loved you are, and how much you love.

A piercing of the heart to have all that taken.

A gift of an ocean breeze, blue skies with white puffs of clouds.

A twinkling star in the night sky.

Your grandchildren’s laughter and innocence.

The bond of a pet that somehow knows.

Reality of love given and received.

This is the effects of cancer.

It may destroy the body, but builds the spirit.

Understanding when Jesus said, “My Grace is sufficient for thee.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. My mom has been battling for 13 years.

She told me two days ago about a woman who just got diagnosed and came in to get a tour of the clinic. The lady was obviously nervous while she sat in the chair next to her. She was shivering and cold. My mom was hooked up ready to get blood drawn, but got up and went across the room to get this lady a blanket.

Mom, I'm so proud of you for being a shining light in such a dark and sad place, giving hope to others who are suffering and sharing the Love of Jesus with them all.

You're my best friend and I love you, Mom.

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Thank you for all the encouragement, support

and prayers for our family during this time.

Every Day Is A Gift

blessed

thankful

sad

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When we asked my mom how she's feeling, she pointed to these 3 words on a piece of paper. I'm so happy that I'm able to care for her everyday...because every day is a gift. Thanks for continuing to pray and for your encouraging comments and notes.

xo

Twirl Skirtin'

Betcha can't guess what I got in this fun little package today?

My Twirl Skirt!

Amy's a talented mom of two who makes all sorts of twirly goodness.

Colorful cuteness stitched together and made into a skirt.

Bliss!

And then there's her blog.

You gotta check that out, too.

She also makes pj pants (my other favorite garment)

and just started designing her own line of t-shirts.

My Twirl Skirt matches my studio perfectly. It was meant to be.

Maybe I shall wear this when I'm "hard at work".

It's such inspiration...

{Can you tell I was a little excited?

I didn't even iron it before trying it on for you.}

Special Announcement

My shops are currently closed

as we spend

what time we have left

with my mom.

Thank you for your love and prayers

during this difficult time.

xo

I Wish You Rest

I found this in our bed this morning when I opened my eyes. Hilarious! All my boys can think about is their stomachs. I would just like to sleep in a little on Saturdays...like this guy.

Wishing you a restful and wonderful weekend...

Update

(my mom at age 5)

For those of you who have been praying for my mom and our family, THANK YOU! I wanted to share a little update to keep you informed. Please keep praying.
The results of the MRI were not good. The cyberknife treatments did not work to destroy the two aggressive tumors in her brain. In fact, the tumors grew 10% bigger in the 6 weeks between the last treatment and the MRI.
Her memory is quickly fading. She remembers people, but to carry on a simple conversation is almost impossible for her. As you can imagine, she gets frustrated and tires so easily. It's a huge strain to think clearly and to form sentences properly.
Her muscles are very weak and she can't shower without a chair, needs help getting in and out of bed, sitting and standing. She sleeps most of the day. She's too tired to do much else. Talking to me on the phone this morning, she said the phone was slipping out of her hand because it was too heavy for her to hold. A phone.
It is unbearable to see a person you love so much, stuggle.
I am continually amazed at the strength and courage she has shown during this 12 year battle. During this time, she has seen me get married and give birth to two of her grandsons. My husband and children have never known her "healthy".

I'm so thankful that her relationship with the Lord has grown and blossomed through this fight. With breast cancer, she has depended on Him so much and clung to Him so tight. For that, I'm thankful.
The doctors gave her 4 months to live back in May. Everyday with my momma is a gift.
I covet your prayers as you continue to lift up my mom and family.

Time Out

In between prepping for our first year as homeschoolers

and taking care of household duties (funny how it's called duty, huh?)

I've managed to squeeze in some fun.

These canvases are all available right now in my etsy shop.

What have you been up to lately?

hmm, what to wear. what to wear...

What are you wearing today?