Oh my, it's old... but I do have a card to share.

Today's Shout Outs:

ShareaCard, Donna McE (2), Barbara Diane, Christi B

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Dear friends,

I am continuing to feel better and stronger each day.  I need to keep that strength up since I will continue on my chemo schedule and be in the infusion center this Thursday.  Lucky for us, Kevin's Mom is continuing to stay with us until we get over this next hump.

My Mom had a wonderful friend that was willing to drive her up here (3+ hour drive) since she just had surgery not that long ago.  We had a nice visit and it was good see her.

I had never in my wildest dreams thought I would be in such need of so many people at this early stage of the game called life but I am.  One of the things I can say though is that I am ever so grateful that I have so many friends and family that are there for me to be needful of. (phew... I thought I had edited...geesh! if you missed it thank Goodness)

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Oh my.... I do have a card to share with you...imagine.  It has been such a long time since I crafted anything (months) and this card was created months ago it seems like.  Still need to get down to my space and do stuff.

images: Papertrey ink

As you know... I do a lot of thinking and some of it is appropriate and some of it isn't, but it's funny and sad to me at the same time.  I promise I'll share these future musings and ask your opinions!

Thank you so much for visiting, sharing, and loving me here!

Until next time.

-Katie

You're just my type of holiday spirit

Dear friends,

I went in for blood work and I haven't heard from them which is good since they only call if there is a concern.  I am continuing to have stomach pain which unfortunately is radiating to my back... fortunately it's all manageable.  It's really a catch 22 right now.  Do I do chemo to get rid of the stomach pain and suffer from the chemo or skip the chemo and deal with the pain?  I opt to cope with the pain and skip the chemo as long as possible.  The chemo side effects are much worse and my Dr. did say it's really atypical for most to suffer as much as I do.  I guess if I'm going do something, I might as well go all out!!

Kevin and I have managed to ride the motorcycles the past several days which has been fun.  We've been riding to and back from my appointments and it's been fun.  I'm getting more and more comfortable with the bike.

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But, Kevin did push me to create some cards the other night... he's a good man.

(Stamps from Lawn Fawn)

(Stamps used from Justrite Stampers)

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Until next time.

-Katie

Little Angels

Today's Shout Outs:

Donna McEwen (x3), Jessica K and Kylie K

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Dear friends,

Today's post is one of those thinking posts because once again, I've been thinking.  But before I get into that, I want to express my great appreciation for a wonderful little girl who is going through her own medical battle.  It kills me to hear news and see children that have to battle diseases whatever that may be... to me that is the ultimate "not fair" situation!  Kylie was diagnosed with a children's disorder called Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) and thankfully, Jessica has shared some of what she has gone through since the diagnosis... Kylie you are a brave little girl and a trooper!

I want to thank this special young lady who made me the card below.  It was made using a stamp set that her Mom (There She Goes Stamps) designed and it honestly came at a perfect time and you'll understand why later on.  It's called Angel Mail and is truly a great little set that is so uplifting.

Jessica sent me a lovely gift and card using this set as well as the stamp set itself and I created this card last night.  Such a true statement.

So let met get to the reason why the timing was so perfect.

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As you know, I've had the month of July off from chemo and that has been wonderful, but today is my monthly appointment with my oncologist and we will of course talk about the "future" plans.

As I was reflecting on this past month, I've been rather disappointed with the way I have felt.  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing worse than the chemo, but in my head I thought this month would be so "freeing" from those physical torments, but in reality it has been bumpy.  Let's just say my expectation of what should have been was not met and I am disappointed.

I haven't consistetly felt good every day like I was hoping.  I didn't suffer from nausea for the most part, but what I did have was a nagging pain in guess where?  Yup, in the 'ole tummy.

Part of me was hoping that this chemo break would lead to time that was pain and discomfort free and don't get me wrong, it was a great break, but last night as I was contemplating this past month it really brought home the fact that yes, I'm sick and I'm still sick.  

I know it seems silly.  I know that the tumor is there and is fighting to stay comfortably lodged right where it is, but I was hoping not to feel it's presensce.  The afternoon and evening pains that I have been feeling are very similar to what sent me to the Dr in the first place last winter.  Clearly, I have evidence that my situation and my tumor are in much better shape than last year, but I guess I'm somehow disappointed that I can still feel "its" presence and realize that the cancer is fighting back.  I know what the inevitable would be if I wasn't on treatment and that is sad and scary to me. 

So, I'm back from the Dr's and yay, no scheduled chemo for most of August.  I go in for routine blood work tomorrow and then I don't have to go in for anymore until the 18th.  I have my next Dr.'s appointment scheduled around the 23rd and then more than likely I'll start back up soon after.

Of course everything is up for change if I start feeling worse for the wear or start having more consistent pain etc.  I will have another CT scan done, but  not until we get closer to chemo time.  

My markers from last week's blood work were again elevated, but once again, that may not be evidence of cancer spread.  At this point, we continue to wait and see how all the various components of scans and blood work keep telling us.  It is disheartening though to see my marker graph... it's definitely a U shape.

We also talked about if there is a future where the surgery option might be added to the table.  And as usual, it's an unknown.  Things would have to improve greatly and all the medical evidence would need to show a significant decrease in growth for it to even be an option, so we'll just live life as it comes at us.

Well, I think that's it for now!  All in all it's all positive!

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Until next time.

-Katie

This is just wrong...

Dear friends,

Classroom portion of my motorcycle endorsement class is done and over.  Tomorrow will be the practice on the motorcycles, but I don't have to be there until noon so yay to sleeping in (maybe).

So, today's post is really about something that keeps occurring down in my carft area which is in the basement.  I went down the other day and found out that "things" had been visiting the area where I take pictures of my cards.

Here is my card pre-visit.  Just something simple yet cute.

Here is my card post visit.  Can you see the slimy trail???

Here is the piece of cardstock I was using as my background.

Ok, I don't know about you, but these all look like slug trails to me.  Well, no sign of any slugs around and I didn't see trails on the floor... how the heck did it/they get on my counter.  I hate slugs, but if you think it was something else, please share.

I hope you have a fabby Saturday!

Until next time.

-Katie

Have a Sweet day

Dear friends,

Today I've got a card to share with you :)   Happy Friday... enjoy the day.

(images are Papertery ink)

Thank you all for visiting.

Until next time.

-Katie

Tidbits and Wedding Cards

Hi friends!

Wow... we made it to swimming lessons yesterday, but not without some angst!  So we get there and realize that Hunter and I did not communicate very well and we had no towels or goggles.  Then we get in there to pay and come to the realization that I had signed up for the 9:30am slot, but we were there at 11:00am - oops.  Luckily, they are very nice there and the boys went ahead and did their lesson, but I still had to race (and I mean race) back home for towels.  I didn't make it back on time, but was only a few minutes late, but when I got there the boys were all shivering.  Thankfully, there happened to be a friend there that was chatting with the boys.  When i first got there, I thought there was some strange lady probably asking the boys where their negligent mother was...

This next little anecdote is pretty funny and a reflection of our times.  I purchased some work books for the boys at the teacher store here in town and Nate was working on his but wanted me to "delete" a couple of letters he had written down.  I told him that it wasn't called "deleting", but "erasing".  Well, he continues to interchange the word "delete" for "erase"... quite funny!

And finally, my last little story happened when we were driving south over the weekend.  I don't know what the laws are elsewhere in the country, but here we have lots of casinos on Indian Reservations.  They are dotted quite extensively along the freeway and are quite conspicuous.  Anyway, there is one particular casino that runs quite a few commercials on tv, so as we are driving by one of them, Nate and Will pipe up, "is that Mukleshoot Casino?"  Kevin and I looked at each other and said, "nice, do you think they watch too much tv?"

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Now for the crafty stuff, here are the wedding cards that I've been working on.

(images from Papertrey ink)

(image Waltzingmouse Stamps and sentiment is Justrite Stamps)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tuesday!

Until next time.

-Katie

Baby cards

Dear friends,

Happy Monday!  Is there such a thing?  We are off to two more weeks of swim lessons for the boys and I'll be taking them every day which I'm grateful for. Interestingly enough, Nate was the only that got the "white" card after the last swim session.  He will be moving to level 3 while Will continues on at level 2.  This is the very first time that they will be separated, but both boys did really well with it.   Nate was excited to pass on to the next level and Will seemed quite satisfied that he would stay.

This fall when they start kindergarten, I opted to have them in the same class and that was really for our sanity.  It will just make life easier for us and then we'll see how they do this first year and think about it for 1st grade.  From what I've heard, if they happen to differ quite a bit in academics, it will separate classes for sure, but we'll just have to wait and see.

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So, I've been doing some card making and have a couple of cards to share with you today.  I've been focusing on wedding and baby cards.  I'll share the baby cards today and show you the wedding one's tomorrow.

(All images used are Papertrey ink)

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your Monday!

Until next time.

-Katie

Wedded Bliss

Dear friends,

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  I feel for all of you in the hot areas, it is raining here and a balmy 60 degrees - would prefer it to be a tad bit warmer though.

Things are continuing to go pretty well, although I can't help but face the reality that I have to go back eventually and continue with the chemo.  I HATE that knowledge, but for now I'll push that back to the 'ole brain as best as I can.

I am not all symptom free though, my feet are bugging the crap out of me.  We knew that tingling in the hands and feet were a side effect of one of the chemo drugs (Cisplatin), it was just a matter of time.  For me it did take a while though.  It started slowly, where the tingling was noticeable around chemo time and then it has progressed (about a month ago) where the tingling is 24/7 with it being the most annoying at the end of the day.  That part makes sense of course.  The tingling is strange... probably closer to the feeling you get when your feet fall asleep, but not exactly.  They aren't numb and I still have sensitivity, but the tingling is annoying.

Thankfully, my hands don't feel nearly as bad as my feet, they just tend to get stiff.  Unfortunately, we have read that the tingling can end up being a long term side effect and of course we won't have an answer to unless I come off this drug.  And of course, if it gets really bad in my hands I will definitely consider other drug options with my Dr.

The other issue is just upset stomach stuff... not necessarily nausea... just "off".  It's hard to describe and some of it may just be in the 'ole "head"... now I can add being mental to my list.  Kevin insists that there is a lot that I don't remember with my short term memory.  I guess I don't remember not remembering so I think I'm just fine (lol).

But I'll take all of the above considering that I'm not throwing up every day... so now...

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Here are a couple of wedding cards that I created for some friends whose daughter is getting married next month.  I wanted to offer a couple of different styles for them to choose from, but I enjoyed creating them both.

I don't normally do insides except for a sentiment but these are extra special.

(Stamps use on both cards are Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend.

Until next time.

-Katie

Clear Dollar Stamps new release stuff and more update

Today's Shout Outs:

Shell, Barbara Diane, Donna C, Kate, Donna McE (4), Sue C, Bill R, Nancy E, Jeanette Y, Kelly B,

 Donna V, Bobbi-Lynn,  Patricia (cardashare), Jan Y (entire box of goodies), Peg C, Sandy D, Saskia, Theresa M, Sue C, Candy F, Joan B

Edited to add:  
Slap me upside the head... just want to give a shout out to ALL my male craft/blogging friends too (lol).  You are definitely a minority, but you guys make a huge impact and I know I speak for all the crafty "ladies"... We LOVE YA!!!

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Hi friends!  I'm so behind with my shout outs... so sorry and I so hope I didn't miss anyone.  I need to take photos as well and add them to the gallery.  I'm behind in other things as well so you all will just have to be patient with me while I get things scanned and/or take some photos to share with you.

I've been feeling good.  Standard kind of huffing and puffing as I traversed from upstairs to downstairs etc, but not bad at all.  I took no medication today for nausea because I had none... I did have a headache and did end up taking some Tylenol though. Maybe tomorrow will be sorta medication free.  I have to be honest and say that I really dislike taking any of my medication and especially the nausea stuff.

My card ladies took me to lunch today as well and I seriously love these women.  They take such good care of me and treat me regularly.  Marsha is coming to visit tomorrow and is bringing treats and picking up laundry... again, another lovely lady to love!  I truly am blessed with all my friends and I really have to thank my lucky stars for such wonderful  support near and far.

It's funny because I still get e-mails and cards from you ladies that say that you are strangers, but you aren't.  I don't view any ONE of you as strangers at all... comments or no.

So, Kevin and I had a lovely weekend in Seattle.  He and a buddy got to go on a factory demo ride on a Ducati motorcycle which he enjoyed very much.  There were even "Ducati" girls to take pictures with and serve espresso... (lol)

Eden and I spent that time shopping around in downtown Seattle and got a quick visit with an old high school friend too!  Not bad at all.  It's kind of weird to think that I can be so ill feeling, spend Wednesday night in the hospital and then feel decent enough to travel down to Seattle by Friday (via motorcycle too).

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I also have some more cards to share with you super quick...  These stamps and dies are now available at Clear Dollar Stamps.. super cute I tell you!

  

Enjoy your day and thanks so much for visiting.

Until next time.

-Katie

Clear Dollar Product Parade (plus tidbits)

Dear friends,

Before I get to the crafty part of this post, I will share my physical update.  I continue to feel much better after my overnight stay at the hospital.  Water indeed does a body good, but only when it stays down.  It was clear that I needed IV fluids versus just trying to hydrate myself.  I also have a very nice glossy picture of my stomach tumor... I'll share I promise.

I met a wonderful young lady who was my hospital roomy for the evening and it was so nice to have to have a "fun" and "youthful" companion even though she was in post surgical pain.

I want to eventually fill you in on my acupuncture journey thus far, I've visited my acupuncturist 3 times now and will continue at this point.

I've made an appointment to visit with a naturopath who only deals with cancer patients and I'm looking forward to how that might help me along this journey.

I still have my motorcycle endorsement class to take (and pass) in just 2 weekends and I will eventually share a picture of a little surprise that Kevin "picked" up for me.

And finally, we are in Seattle right now enjoying a couple of days kid free.  He and his friend are off test riding some motorcycles for fun and I'm just relaxing here in the hotel.  I happy as a clam with my quiet and internet... what else does a girl need?

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And now, for my crafty post.  As you know I'm a big fan of Clear Dollar Stamps and it's owner Lori McCroskey.  She is a friend for life to me and she continues to send me new releases, but doesn't hold me accountable for them... she call's them my therapy which they are, BUT... I did make samples with them and they are finally available to purchase NOW.  The rest of the team has been "parading" them for you, but I have been lax but want to share with you what I created with them as well.  Head on over to take a look around because there are lots and lots of cute images for you, plus all sorts of fun dies and accessories to go along with them.

Here they are, the ovals coordinate with a new die set called Elegant Accent Dies.  You know, dies are all the rage... LOVE them all!

This card uses the new die and an a previously released die and stamp set.  You know new and old friends do get along.

I did a lot of combining of new stamps and dies so there is a lot to see!

Here are just a couple more for now and I'll share a few more tomorrow.  Aren't these the cutest and festive images?

Okie Dokie... all done for now!  Thank you all for visiting and go and enjoy the weekend!

Until next time.

-Katie

Let's Dance

Dear friends,

I've got another post for you today, but of course I had to make a card to celebrate.  So, my Dr. said that he doesn't really know what is up with the elevated tumor markers and that we'll continue to monitor those as we go along.  He said it was his job to worry about things if they continued to increase, but for me not too.

The key component in all of this is the scan of course and Friday's scan is essentially the same as the one 4 weeks ago.  There is some slight growth in a lymph node in my stomach, but again, my Dr. said not to worry that it isn't a significant enough of a change to bother with.

So... that means July break from Chemo is still on.  I will have my chemo this Thursday and then continue to go in every week for blood work, but hey at this point, blood work is no biggy at all!  I'll take it and a bag chips!

To celebrate, I made this card.  Isn't she a cutey?  This is my first stamp set from My Cute Stamps and I got her over at i{heart}papers.  Kate has been a great supporter of mine since the diagnosis as a person and not only that, she has some great stampy stuff at her online store, plus a great sale going on right now too boot!

PS... I know I don't write down the products I use, but if you want to know anything, just shoot me an e-mail.

(Stamps: My Cute Stamps)

Until next time.

-Katie

Love you

Dear friends,

I've got another card for you... just for fun!  Will be heading to the Dr.'s in about an hour, wish me luck!

Oh and if I confused you with my Tuesday Trigger card, sorry about that.  I was 2 weeks behind... I'll blame it on chemo brain!  Yikes... seriously, I used to be a pretty smart gal!

(Papertrey ink anniversary set)

Until next time.

-Katie

Tuesday Trigger: Rainbow Bright at Moxie Fab World and a sketch challenge

Dear friends,

I've got another card post for you today :)  I love Cath and her Moxie Fab World Blog.  Even though I don't get to participate that  often, I'm always over there when I can taking a gander at all the inspiration.  But, I did get to play this time around for last Tuesday's Trigger and here is what I have for you.



I also combined another challenge for this card too.  I followed sketch challenge #53 over at Waltzingmouse Stamps too.



And finally here is my card.

Stamp used:  Fancy Phrases

Thanks for visiting! 

Until next time.

-Katie

CIC Challenge #30

Today's Shout Outs:

Joan B, Donna McE, Tameko, Joannie and the twins

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Dear friends,

Today I've got a card to share with you that I created for Clear Dollar Stamps challenge over at Clearly iStamp.  Cassie has been doing a great job with the challenges and I wanted to participate with a card this time around.  This challenge is a sketch challenge and you have plenty of time to participate... prizes are up for grabs!

I used a wonderful butterfly set called Bold Butterflies for the image and the sentiment came from a coordinating set called Beautiful Butterflies.  I also used a cute little set called Bitty Botanicals to create the background piece behind the butterfly. The cool thing of course is that there are 3 dies that you can purchase that match up with these two stamp sets.  These are really one of my favorite butterfly stamps that I have.

That's it for today... it's a good day for me!

Until next time.

-Katie

All my love is yours

Dear friends,

I'm a day late, but wanted to share the card I made for Kevin because he is truly the best father for my children. His role has expanded to depths we had no idea were to come our way and there isn't enough that I can say to share the love that we all have for this wonderful man in our lives and especially mine.  I'm proud to know that my three boys has such a wonderful role model as they grow up.

I have wanted to use this heart from the Waltzingmouse Stamp set so I did.  Even though it's for a masculine card, I think it worked out perfectly!

Until next time.

-Katie

It's chemo #12 Today

Dear friends,

I'm writing (last) tonight because I'm in a "mood".  Earlier, I was browsing old photos and I have a love/hate relationship while I'm looking at them.  I love looking at my children and Kevin and on the one hand I enjoy seeing myself, but the hate part is that I miss the old "me".  I miss those times past and I find looking at them so terribly bittersweet to the point that it almost hurts.

I know we've had this disucssin before in regards to looking forward, but I try very hard to stay in the "moment" or in the immediate future.  Sometimes, all these moments seem to slip away.  Each Wednesday evening before chemo I always get emotional because I know the short term end is coming my way.  There is nothing I can do to stop it and I know that I will disappear for a little while and it makes me sad.  I know I will come back, but what can I say... it still plays with the 'ole psyche.

So many people tell me to take it one day at a time and that is a good philosophy, but "one" days at a time add up to an awful lot of days that seem to take an awful long time to add up. Living in the moment is a wonderful thing, but sometimes the moment just slips by without my realizing it ticked and without my hearing it.  But thankfully life is made up of so many moments that add up to hours that add up to days that add up to months and years.  I'm thankful that in the big picture there are so many other moments to seize and remember. 

Ironically though, in the same breath that I say these days add up slowly, I utter in amazement at how quickly time does pass us by.  Tomorrow is the last day of school and I know that the summer will pass by quickly especially with the blessing of my chemo free month of July.  I can't wait, but soon enough the kids will be in school and as the little ones keep saying, I'll be lonely all by myself.  More crazy yin/yang moments.  I'm literally thrilled at the idea of full day kindergarten for the boys.  I love the idea that they will have a regular schedule and that they will be productive.  I have felt so much guilt with all their tv and computer time.  Plus, I will have the opportunity to freely schedule my appointments and try and add other ways to cope with this illness without feeling the anxiety of finding care for them.  But,  ack... my babies going to kindergarten.  I'm very glad that they are terribly, terribly excited to start though.

Time is indeed a crazy thing, I've already considered the fact that next month is the hump before I start counting down to my one year anniversary for my diagnosis.  ONE year.  Did you realize that the average statistic for those with my diagnosis is 11 months?  What an odd number to have as a statistic, why not just even it up to ONE year?  I find it interesting.  Before you tell me to stop being melancholy, don't worry.  Most of those statistics are based on a) late diagnosis, which I fall into, but b) is where I'm doing ok.  I'm responding to treatment and many that don't make it just don't respond to treatment.  Trust me I'll be around for you to read whatever comes into my head!

PS... I wanted to let those of you that have mentioned it and pushed me a bit (yes you Mom) that I had my first acupuncture session today.  It went well and I liked my acupuncturist a lot.  I will definitely let you know how my sessions progress and if it helps me find some relief from my extreme nausea.  It did not hurt, but yes I did feel the needles when they were inserted, but it was extremely brief and once they were in - nothing.

And since we are on the topic of life, I have this very sweet baby card to share with you.  I finally inked up a long neglected uninked set.  I went with a girl theme this time around.

images from papertrey ink

I wish you all a happy day!

Until next time.

-Katie

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #51

Today's Shout Outs:

Barbara Diane, Donna McE (x2), Nancy E, Donna C, Peg C, Michele H, Lynn M

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Dear friends,

I hope today is treating you well.  I feel pretty darn good which is good since it is the day before a chemo treatment.  What can I say, I don't want to go, but life must go on! Tomorrow will be treatment #12.   I did make an appointment with an acupuncturist for today.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I have one scheduled for Monday as well and I'm hoping that it helps with my nausea.

I also signed up for a motorcycle endorsement class that I will take at the end of July.  I don't have any plans on getting a motorcycle (at this point), but I'm excited to try something different.  I am practicing on a little dirt bike that has a clutch for right now.  I didn't want to go into the class with absolutely NO experience.  I haven't made it past riding back and forth in my alley though.

Now, for the crafty business... I always try to squeeze in a lot of crafting time before a treatment so today I have a challenge card to share with you.  I am participating in the Waltzingmouse Sketch for this week.  It is a great sketch and I had fun "playing".  I love random stamping and creating my own background with stamps.

Stamps: Dainty Doilies, Say it Loud, Fancy Phrases (little heart image)

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.

Until next time.

-Katie

Moxie Fab Challenge

Dear friends,

Today, I've got a card to share with you that I created while being inspired by last Tuesday's Trigger over at  Moxie Fab World.  It was called Cosmopolitan Neapolitan.  Here is the picture.

 Isn't that yummy looking?  My card isn't so cosmopolitan, but it was indeed inspired by the "treat" aspect and of course the colors.  Here is my card.  I also based it on  this sketch from Mojo Monday.  It was last week's sketch.

Image from Clear Dollar Stamps (Sweet Scoops)

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Tuesday!!!

Until next time.

-Katie

I asked and you came

Today's Shout Outs:

Barbara Diane, Kathy W, Jenn E, Donna C, Donna McE (x2), Amy P, Rosanna B, Bill R

I thought I'd share with you all that I have received over 650 cards from all of you. Can you say

A M A Z I N G

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Dear friends,

Thanks SOOO much for all your support the other day.  I knew if I came a calling you would know just what to say.  It is a crazy thing how one day can be so different from the next and yesterday was much better than Tuesday and today appears to be going well so far.

I know I've said this before, but seriously, the consistency is the inconsistency in all of this.  Today, I'm just dealing with lower intestinal issues.  This unfortunately is a consistent pattern that I do have to cope with.  After not eating for days it's a bit difficult on one's system to start eating again.

I also had to make a quick visit to the dentist as well.  It's not so much the chemo that is wreaking havoc on my teeth gums but rather the way I've been unconsciously grinding and clenching my teeth.  I am apparently treating them as "fence posts" and trying to rearrange my teeth myself.  This is manifesting itself in more space around my roots to allow decay as well as bleeding gums, specifically around the front of my top front teeth.  Don't ask me why there, but that is where all the bleeding is occurring.  It has been disconcerting because it has been happening when I vomit and I didn't realize where the blood was coming from until now...  just add it to the list.

But... here are some pictures of what today brought... only smiles and warm thoughts.  Here are some cookies that were brought to me by Marsha Drain (one of many angels I know).  She also brought bread but I missed taking a picture of that... that is Nate's hand :)

This is the empty laundry basket because Marsha took my laundry with her.  I can't thank her enough for her kindness as well as to all of you who offered if you were close by.  I have now officially met Marsha in real life which is a wonderful thing.  The first time I "met" Marsha was through crafting and blogging about 7+ months ago.  Amazing huh?

And finally, look at this beauty.  This beautiful orchid greeted Marsha and me as she was getting ready to leave. It is from a lovely woman who is the grandmother of a friend of my oldest son.  I have never met her in person (yet), but I know she reads my blog when she can and I want to simply say "thank you" isn't enough appreciation.

And finally, what also makes me happy is this.  I created this card while Kevin's Mom was here and I dedicate it to you all of course!

(Image from Papertrey ink)

It takes time for you to take time for me and you deserve all the goodness that comes your way.

Until next time.

-Katie

Thinking about You

Dear friends,

I've got a card to share with you today.  Just having some fun.  This is a card that I created while Kevin's mom was here taking care of us, while Kevin was on his trip.  It was a lot of fun sharing all my supplies and goodies with her and we were able to spend some time creating cards together.

(Images from Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Until next time.

-Katie