I won't lie to you. I woke up this morning to the little ones in bed with us which seems pretty common these days. There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping child's face and as parents we know this based on two facts... 1) they are just darn cute and 2) they are silent as a church mouse!
But then I started to cry. I turned over and snuggled up to Kevin and the tears silently fell to the bed. I immediately felt my throat start to clench and tighten because I didn't want to cry and then my nose started to have that stuffed up congestion feeling. You know, it really isn't fair because if you think crying is ugly (which I personally thought I have always been an ugly crier)... you know if you are a pretty one or an ugly one, don't lie... well, trust me crying is even uglier when you have no eyelashes to support those tears and no nose hairs to help your nose from running! Ahhh... the indignities of it all! Fist pump for me... I managed to contain it and second fist pump becuase there was no one to witness it... ooops... except now, of course since I just now shared it all!
I started this post right after this incident of course and now the day is almost to it's end and I am again amazed at the amount of things that have occurred today, some things funny, some things sad, some things icky, and some things bad... but really what it is, are all the big and little things that happen in the every day that defines what LIFE is all about, in all it's beauty and ugliness.
*********************
Now, part of life is my creativity and I have to share it because the deadline is coming up (and oops, I just realized I missed it - but that's ok) I have this need for pretty right now and that is what this card represents to me and as it turns out it is of the same style as the last card I created, but I just love these stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps. Here is the sketch I followed that Clare Buswell created and click --->HERE<--- for the sketch challenge blog.
And here is my card.
Large Doily Stamp Set
PS... do you see my new flower frog? I couldn't help but follow this trend that I've seen by so many to use these... they do hold the cards quite well! Thank you MIL.
Until my next story... it's a cute one trust me.
-Katie
94 comments:
Your last sentence said it all, Katie. Life is just a combination of all the little things (from cute kids cuddling to crying snot all over the bed ;) ). And really, would we have it any other way? For us Christians, however, the end of this one... is just a closing of a chapter, with chapter two being eternal. Thanks for sharing your life with us. :)
your card is gorgeous! So glad you can still create through all the fear and pain. And so glad you can find reasons for double fist bumps. Tough weekend, I know. We are all pulling for you and thinking about you and your family. Those boys? too cute!!!
Well let me say hello...I'm just a new visitor. love reading how beautifully you put it...a bit choked up but yeah its beautiful...
and love those gorgeous bows that you made on the card..sigh!! can never get those done!
sending you loads of hugs across the miles! -Tejal.
Really beautiful card. I love the doilies that are so popular these days. When my kids were little I used to love to snuggle them in bed. There's no doubt about it - you are traveling a rough road. You suffer things that we, your readers, cannot comprehend but can only visualize through what you so aptly describe in words. You are one brave woman. Fist-pumping for you here in Illinois.
Sending you a big cyber hug! Your outlook is truly inspiring, we can learn a lot from you! Your card is beautiful!
Katie, you are growing more beautiful everyday. I picture your family all together I am crying.. (I could win an ugly crier contest any day of the week).. because of the beauty and because of the pain.
Please try not to focus on the outward appearance, but on the inner beauty and courage and strength that you have..it speaks louder!
You are all in my heart and in my prayers!!
Love the greens on your card - it has a real summer feel to it as everything is green here.
Gorgeous card! And you're simply amazing - - not only can you tie a fab bow, but you so beautifully talked about your feelings and your snot. Here's hoping your days ahead have many more fist pumps.
Your card is beautiful, from those gorgeous doilies to that fabulous bow! I wish I had a magic wand to wave and make everything alright again for you. Your courage and fortitude are inspiring and my heart goes out to you. Hang in there, enjoy every moment, good and not-so-good, and remember that we are all rooting for you! Big hugs to you and your family.
Your card is just stunning! I love the monochromatic look and that gorgeous bow. You truly are an amazing and inspiring woman, and your family is in my thoughts.
Thank you, once again, for sharing little glimpses of your world with us. Your perspective is so beautiful, and I pray for you to have more glad than sad and more good than bad. You are such a beautiful person, and you will never know how many people that you have touched with your candidness and your amazing spirit. HUGS.
What a gorgeous card, Katie! I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. I think of you often and pray for your healing. xxoo
Your creativity is beautiful! Thank you for sharing all of your passion. I pray for you every day. I had to send a fist bump to you to let you know that You are amazing and I pray for you and your continued healing. God Bless.
Being brave is hard work and not for the faint of heart. You're a brave girl. I know given a choice you'd hand this assignment back but we don't always get to decide our curriculum.
As bad as it looks right now, remember that appearances can be deceiving....and that the outcome doesn't always depend on us. There will be times when all we can do is just muddle through as best we can, hanging on, hoping and praying for the best until we reach the culmination of our journey.
For you I am hoping and praying for complete cure. I believe it is possible. So I whisper in your ear 'there is hope, there is hope', like a ministering angel. Let that whisper resound in your thoughts, drowning out the fearful negative ones.
You may be an ugly crier, Katie, but you have a beautiful way with words! Life is a soup with everything thrown in the pot, isn't it? With hopefully enough good stuff to mask the taste of the yucky stuff, most of the time. HUGS and positive energy being sent your way!!!
Gorgeous card, just love the doilies! Katie, it is wonderful that you can appreciate the humour in your daily life - sometimes that's hard to do in such circumstances. You are truly an amazing, creative woman, and I pray for you every day (adding fist pumps today!)
Your card is stunning. I love the Waltzing Mouse stamps, but you have created a perfectly crafted and beautifully executed work of art!
While I was reading your post it struck me that the moments in my life, that pass by as 'unimportant' or 'inconsequential' are the very ones that have become so very important to you. The way the wind moves the leaves, the interaction of children, sunsets. You post have given me pause to stop and notice these things. Perhaps take a moment to read the Happiness Project and make positive changes to my life.
I am so glad to have happened by your blog and had you bump up against my life.
Hi Katie,
What a beautiful post - your strength is amazing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Heather J.
Wish I could give you a hug. Your card is lovely and I'm glad you have a creative outlet during this difficult time. Hang in there!
What a gorgeous card! I love how the shape of the multi-loop bow echoes the white doilies on the card. So pretty!
Re your brave struggle, it feels awkward to comment on that, but I will still voice my support, firm in the belief that no man (or woman) is an island, and where one struggles, we all struggle with them. So even though we've never met, we have in common a love of stamping, a link to Joan B, and motherhood. I will say a prayer for your continued courage and grace, and for your family and loved ones who struggle most closely with you.
Thank you for sharing some of your journey. The fact that you are still being able to find joy in the simple things. I hope that you will always be able to find those as you continue your journey. I really hope the best for you and your family. Having a father that's survived 2 bouts of cancers (colon & prostate), I can only wish & hope good things for you!!
This is my first visit to your blog. Your voice is so eloquent--I feel for you in your struggle. You sound so strong to me. Your card is absolutely gorgeous. I love the ribbon, and the way those doilies nest together.
What gorgeous cards, Katie.
Thinking of you over here in Walla Walla and wishing my arms were just a little bit longer so I could give you a hug. One of these days that will happen.
Donna C.
As we battle the challenges that come our way, taking every moment to capture the breathtaking moments that are in our reach. Snuggling with the children is one of those moments...thru the tears, smiles, and hugs. You are an inspiration...reminding all of us to cherish the moments we have, and sharing with us, your creative outlet. Prayers are with you and your family...Patti H.
Hi Katie--
Davis, CA is holding you in love & light.
your friend, Joan, sent me over to check out your blog today... and it was just the inspiration i needed!thank you.
beautiful card too, by the by!
You are in my thoughts daily, Katie, although we've never met. Sending you a hug for today...
Awww Katie. I too love having my boys in bed with me. I have trouble sleeping, but once one of them comes in, I feel at peace right away and sleep comes easy.
Thank you for inspiring me to get up from in front of my computer to enjoy the day with my boys.
Ugly crying - maybe it takes ugly to get the ugly feelings out. You are such a strong and amazing woman - thank you for sharing your life and your talents with everyone. Beautiful and soft card.
Love the greens you chose and the lacy stamping!! Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us...may your days be filled with blessings and renewed strength!!
Good afternoon,
I a am a new visitor to your site. I remember my kids in bed with me too, such great memories. Your card is lovely, I am a real fan of the greens myself. I also see on your page the cancer hats. Are you making these too? They are beautiful.
I have sat here at my computer this afternoon and lifted you and your family up in my prayers. I am praying that God will give you the sense of comfort and confidence that you need. The feelings of insecurity, worry, are nothing God given, He provides peace and assurance.
Thanks for sharing your talents
What a beautiful card! Simple and cute.
My prayers are with you and your family. You've given me a reason to pause and thank God.
Hi Katie!
Well, this truly is pretty!! I came to your blog via a link from Joan's blog and it's such an honor to read your stories, you are so open in your writing! I'm sorry to read about that you are so sick, but I was also happy to read about how you enjoy the little things and how you really appreciate life! And love that you are so happy with your creativity and what better way than to make one of Claire's gorgeous sketches!! Love how your card turned out, the green is gorgeous!!! Pretty card, Katie, and all the best to you!!
Hugs from Holland!
Wendy
I tell you...you are amazing...fist pump for YOU:)
I am sorry that you were feeling sad, Katie! Oh I can't imagine how hard it all is for you! But I sure am glad that you had so many sweeties to snuggle up to this morning!
On a differnt note, your WMS card is pure loveliness! Be sure to put it the gallery ASAP as you may have missed the challenge, but you could be the BIG CHEESE this week!
Hi. I came over from Joans blog. You are such an amazing person. Although I have not had cancer,it is close to my heart. My sister has beast cancer and just got done with all treatment....now it is wait and hope it is gone for good. I think that it is great you have your creative outlet to keep your mind on other things. Prayers to you and your family!!!
K - those doilies are so very pretty, and how lucky you are that those bitties come get in bed with you! Prayers were offered from my house for you today.
Hi there ... I also came from Joan's blog. I obviously dont know you, but I already think you are an amazing person and my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. Love love love your card - stunning!
Debby Watkins
Your card is so elegant and beautiful! Thanks for sharing this.
I was reading your post, and I can't help but admire you and wish you strength and hope during your bump in the road. I wish I were as brave as you; in my case, I couldn't help but cry. Cherish those moments with the kiddies and keep this amazing attitude you're displaying.
I love your card! I am saving up to buy some Waltzingmouse Stamps. I think you did a great job with the sketch.
I'm sorry that you are having so much difficulty. I will keep you in my prayers. <3
While I love your card (green has always been my favourite colour), I love your spirit more. You are a pretty amazing lady and your family is your greatest success. Embrace every day, keep your fighting spirit and look ahead. God Bless you!
Katie,
You are such a beautiful young lady and I'm so glad you can enjoy your craft - making cards! I looked at all the lovely cards that everyone sent you (saw mine in there too!) I loved your strawberry story - your kids are so cute! Hugs to you!
Sandy
Beautiful card Katie! I love that WM doily set! So very versatile!
Thanks for sharing your stories with us. You are so very courageous. Many good thoughts to you and your family!
DeniseB
I continue to pray for you Katie! I am so sorry that you're having an unexpectedly tough weekend. It is great to see that you don't let it consume you and find the time and energy to create such a beautiful card...love those gorgeous greens!! Lots of love and hugs to you!!!!
Katie, you have been in my thoughts this weekend. I have been following your blog for months and am amazed at your honesty and strength. You have obviously learned what many of us never will. We all need to appreciate what happens in life, whether it is big, small, beautiful or ugly. It all matters, we just need to slow down enough to notice it and appreciate it. Thank you for the reminder. Keep fighting, we are all here for you.
I am sorry to hear that you received
this unsettling news. I hope it is
just a fluke and will keep you in
my thoughts and prayers. Good to see
you are still creating--lovely card!
My heart goes out to you and your family. I think you're so courageous to share your feelings and I'm sure it has helped many people not feel so alone in their own suffering. I'm glad you're still able to enjoy stamping and making beautiful cards such as this one! You're in my thoughts and prayers.
It's a terrific card. The doilies are so pretty.
We celebrate with you your creativity and the prettiness it brings. We remember too that life isn't often pretty or easy and I send your my love and prayers.
Your card is just beautiful! I loved having my little ones in my be with me, too. I think of you all the time, and hope each day that your day will be a good one.
Thanks for being so real as you share your journey. Tears and laughter are good things.... Love the greens in this card. Nice flower frog! Blessings ~ Tameko
Hi Katie,
Thank you for sharing your fight against cancer. I've been reading your blog since your initial diagnosis and can't imagine how hard this must be for you and your family. You are fighting so hard and continue to keep your spirits up. I pray that you can continue to keep that positive attitude and get through these bumpy patches quickly. Bumpy doesn't do it justice...crappy, sucky, etc. seems more appropriate. There are a lot of silent observers out here in blog land and hopefully you feel our prayers for you Katie.
Loved the card, got ideas from it. God bless you in your struggle against Cancer...DAY by DAY!!!
Keep the good attitude, even through the off episodes!!
Kate, I visit your blog often, not always do I leave a comment. I admire your strength and pray for you & your family as your go through this journey.
I recently lost my mother after a 13 1/2 year battle with various cancers. You remind me so much of her with your determination & strength. How well you take the good & bad in your treatments. I have shed many tears reading your entries.
Your card you made is beautiful!! Love the colors!!
Hugs to you!!
Hi Katie!
Your card is Gorgeous as are you and your family!
It takes so much strength to write these things!
I am praying for you always and for your family. And my Mass tomorrow will be offered for you to find strength ,courage,peace and healing! There is always hope,no matter what the stupid tests say!
Blessings and Hugs,
Mary
Hi Katie,
You certainly have a wonderful way with words. Despite all that your going through you have a great attitude. Your honesty is refreshing.
I love your card! The bow that you made is gorgeous! I'm so glad I found your blog.
Mary
Katie, the sharing of your soul in a quiet moment leaves me thanking God for each and every day!
Fist bumps to you girl.
Your card is lovely and that bow is beautiful!
Keep bumping and know that God IS with you through your journey!
Hi Katie. I am new to your blog and just want to say I admire your fighting spirit. As a breast cancer survivor since 1998 we need all the support a loving God, family and friends can supply. Hugs to you and your family from a cyber friend.
Lovely card and glad you have this craft for release. My release was my love of gardening. Digging in the dirt sure helped. :>)
You're so brave. I admire your attitude. And your card is so pretty. Stamping is great therapy, right? Thanks for sharing your life and your art.
Very emotional read. I am so sorry to hear that you are so sick. Hugs to you. It is nice to see you can still be creative. Your card is gorgeous.
I don't often comment here, because you don't know me, but I do often come by and admire your strength and the way you have been handling this rotten luck. I am saying prayers for you and your little family and I hope God grants you the wish of these prayers - to be healed, to be given the chance to enjoy your family. You've been tested enough and have blessed us all with seeing your Flying Colors!
you're an amazing woman and amazing mom! you go girl. praying for you and your dear family RIGHT NOW! loved the card and the bow. oh yea... you are a talented woman as well!
jackie from MO.
You're such an inspiration! Your stories are proof that life can be too short to enjoy every moment we are here. I'm glad you found some time to be creative because your card is wonderful!
Joan B. sent me to your blog and it is so nice! Here is a teddy bear cyber hug! I love your cards and the colors in the last card is so gorgeous. Making cards is such great therapy even tho you are in pain, etc., you can lose yourself in your little haven of paper work!
You are an amazing person and a wonderful mom. Everyone cannot be strong all the time and there is no shame in sharing your fears - it is what makes us all human and you are such an inspiration! There are miracles and we will keep praying for you! Your card is a beautiful inspiration to us all and we appreciate your creations despite your situation! Thanks for sharing your amazing life words and creative talents with us :)
Hi Katie,
I'm new to our blog. I really like your use of green on this card. It is so refreshing like your honesty about your fight with cancer. It brings back so many memories as I too have gone through this, and I feel I am going through it with you now. I will pray for healing for you. You have so much to live for.
thanks for sharing your life with us.
Claudia
I'm so touched and inspired everytime I come to your blog. I know I don't comment very often, mostly because I don't know what to say. You constantly remind me to live life everyday, really live. Embrace everything, the good and the bad and to be grateful...For everything. I wish you nothing but good things, love, and unending peace.
Katie
I love your blog and visit it when I can - you are an amazing artist and I love your attitude about what is going on in your life right now.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rachel
Joan sent me to your blog. . .so wish I had seen it sooner. May God poor His many blessings on you and may you continue to be grateful for each and every day. I shall keep you in my prayers for what is God's will. You sound like an amazing person with great spirit and I am grateful for getting a chance now to see your blog and be exposed to your great strength and kindness. Blessings for a beautiful week. ((HUGS))
Love the card, the colors, the bow but even better, love your way with words. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us once again. Wishing you a very, very good day.
Hugs to you from Round Lake, IL
Evelyn
I am very moved by your post and your beautiful card, but without eloquent words to express how your journey affects my being. I am amazed at your courage and your outlook on life.
God bless you and your family.
Jo
Pretty card! Treasure the little things - they're what count! Good luck and hang tough!
I had already read your blog post after seeing your thank-you post on the PTI forum, but Joan's post encouraged me to actually comment on what I'd read.
I thought it was amazing that you, engaged in such a battle, would take the time to come say thanks on a board you don't usually frequent.
Peace to you in your struggle against the disease. The sweetness of Jesus shines through you & your words.
Tremendous card creation today Katie. I love those doilies and this layout is brill.
Never thought about the logistics of crying with none of those little hairs in the way. It's funny how sometimes stories like that can make cancer more real than the story itself (it is hard to relate to the enormity but the logistics that come with it are readily identifiable). So relate to the enormity of events in a day. I find that my emotions can flux that much in a day too and I don't even have something to transfix me the way you do.
Anyway, have those better moments when they come. Since my blurfing is next to nil lately given my job and three children, I do look forward to seeing your updates on FB (especially when you have a good day!).
What a beautiful card. I am amazed and inspired that in the midst of all you are dealing with you are still sharing your love of this craft with us.
Today's devotion had this verse:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
It is my prayer that whatever your needs that God will give you rest.
I don't know you personally so I cannot attest for what faith you do or don't have but I know that God does care.
I was directed here from Joan's blog. I have been reading about your battle, you are an inspiration. Thank you for reminding me it is about the little things.
Joan sent me to your blog. What a wonderful blogger you are. I love the greeen color you used in your card. It is beautiful. I dont really know waht to say, but I have said a prayer for you.
Joan, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. You are so beautiful and I know that God has a purpose for you. Your card is gorgeous also. Keep fighting.
Dear Katie, first of all consider yourself hugged. They always make me feel better even if they change nothing. I periodically visit your blog and your honesty is inspiring. Your words are beautiful prose and your cards are lovely. From what little I know of you they seem to reflect an inner beauty. Your family has been graced to know you. My prayers continue. Peggy
Hi Katie - I, too, was sent here from Joan's blog. Thank you for your truthfulness. It isn't easy to be transparent to strangers. But those of us who would like to "help" but don't know how appreciate it. Cry all the ugly tears you need, we're sending hugs and praying.
Blessings to you, Katie! I'm praying for you now. Your card is lovely, and your strength is an inspiration. You might think you're an ugly crier, but I think you're a beautiful person!
Beautiful card, Katie! You always do such a wonderful job creating backgrounds! And I love the fresh green color.
You have been in my thoughts often this weekend. Your open honesty touches my heart and your strength amazes. Sometimes the tears just need to flow. You are in my prayers.
Katie, I love your card. I love your lease on life. Remember whether you think you can or think you can't you are right!! Your optimistic spirit is infectious!!! Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Katie,
I know that I have said this before, but I admire your courage and "fight" so much. I struggle every day with the fact that I am childless-not-by-choice. I know that I am lucky in so many ways, but I am still so sad. Then I read your blog, and I think about how you are still managing to make cards, and deal with all that you do, and still have such an amazing attitude.
I hope that the blood test is some random fluke, and it does not mean any of the negative things it could mean.
Katie,
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! I'm praying for you! Love the beautiful card that you created! Isn't that what life is about???? Making it lovely and joyful while we can?
Sending cyber-hugs!
Shawn K.
Beautiful card Katie! You've been in my thoughts since your battle began, but a lot more since your last post. Sending good wishes your way...
Katie, this is my first visit here and I came over from Joan's post. Your post touches my heart. I am so sorry you are having to take this tough journey. Sending hugs and prayers. Your card is beautiful!
My heart is aching for you. Remember how many people are thinking of you. What Joan is doing for you is spectacular. Will be following your blog to keep updated. Love the card.
Thinking of you Katie. Being a breast cancer survivor myself, I understand all the emotions that one goes through when battling this dreadful disease. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Stay focused on the good things and the things that bring you joy and you will get through it. Your cards are beautiful!
This card is gorgeous!!!! Thank you for sharing!
Even though we don't know each other, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am sending my strongest healing vibes your way. Wishing you health and many long years!!!
from another ugly cryer!!!!! lol
Your card is SO gorgeous, Katie!
and I find all crying rather beautiful, eyelashes or none ;)
Sending prayers and smiles!!
I really believe in the power of thoughts, so here goes mine - of never loosing hope and being loved! I just know that all these good thoughts and words counts!
And I do love your wonderful card!
BEAUTIFUL card! I especially love the bow/ribbon. I am totally big bow challenged...so when I see something like this..and it's perfect i EVERY WAY...I just toss my hands in the air and think "why is it soooo perfect on ALL cards except mine?!" LOL! Thank you for sharing your creation...and for sharing your good/bad/ugly for the day. (((((Hugs & Prayers))))))
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