Needing Prayers and a Miracle

We didn't receive good news yesterday about Chris's Mom. We're hoping for a miracle and need all kinds of prayers. The left side of her heart is no longer functioning properly which explains the extreme fluid build-up. She's very critical. We're hoping she can be transferred from a hospital in Detroit to the University of Michigan Hospital. Josie had her open-heart surgery at UofM and we have the utmost respect and confidence in those doctors. Chris is heading back to Detroit today and I'll keep the girls home with me this weekend. I think Nana just might need some special get-well crafts/cards from the girls.

Please keep those prayers coming. We love you, Nana.

Trying to contain myself...

Ever see pink, green, purple or blue snow? Well I have. It’s called Martha Stewart fine glitter and it was discounted at my local grocery store at 75% off after Halloween.



Oops. I don’t think it was suppose to be part of the Halloween merchandise, but I wasn’t going to point it out. I have big plans for that glitter. It involves cardboard houses, bottle brush trees, handmade ornaments, vintage postcards and holiday party hats. This colorful snowstorm will hit sometime on Saturday.

In other crafting/decorating news, I picked up two of my favorite publications (sorry, Martha...you aren't included this time).

I've got BIG crafting plans this weekend. Ready for some holiday ideas???

Prayers for Nana & Meet our new baby!!

Keep the prayers coming for Chris's mom. The catheterization did not indicate any substantial information, but did indicate that one of the four arteries of Carol's previous bypass was showing more blockage than the last catheterization she had. As much as they are concerned about this, they are not sure at this point if the main culprit she is having such severe edema in her legs or shortness of breath. More diagnostics are necessary and they will be doing an ultrasound and an MRI within the next few days. We were all hoping for a magic solution or explanation for her severe health decline during today's procedure...sigh.

In happier news, Lindsey (the little girl we were sponsoring through Pearl River Outreach) has finally been united with her forever family!!


Meet our newest baby. Her name is Lian and she was born September 3, 2009. She has a tumor on her right leg which can hopefully be operated on.


Pearl River outreach is still hoping looking for additional sponsors for other children and you can find more information on their blog at http://pearlriveroutreach.blogspot.com

While I'm on the mission for promoting Chinese-related causes, just a reminder about Operation China Warm-up. See Kay Bratt's blog for more information.

Happy Tuesday. Stay healthy!

Let the holiday festivities begin…

Look what I recently found while exploring my favorite antique store!

Why put these things away? I'll only have to dig them out again after Thanksgiving, and there’s a very good chance I’ll tuck them away somewhere special and forget where I put them. I’m starting a Christmas corner in my house…don’t tell anyone.

And for those who keep asking what I'm working on for Christmas - here's a tease.
I just love Christmas villages. The cardboard made-in-Japan-kind are my favorite. I especially love ones that have seen better days. Any excuse to get out my glue, fine glitter and trim makes me happy.

Speaking of glitter and glue, Josie and I worked on another Thanksgiving craft.



Step 1. Recycle a glass jar.


Step 2. Coat the glass jar in glue (I diluted the glue with a bit of water and let Josie use my sponge brush).

Step 3. Press on a few fall leaves onto your jar and then brush another layer of glue over top of the leaves.
Step 4. Sprinkle a bit of fine glitter over the top of the leaves and let dry.


Step 5. Fill your jar with a battery operated candle or tea light candle and enjoy!


To all my prayer warriors out there, my Chris's mom is back in the hospital.

She's been in and out of the hospital quite a bit since August with complications from her diabetes and congestive heart. We are all worried about her. Any extra prayers would be welcome right now. She'll be undergoing a heart catheterization on Tuesday in the hopes that they can figure out why she is retaining so much fluid in her lower extremities. We're praying for you, Nana!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for a daughter who continues to practice the flute and ride the early bus (6:48am) to attend band 2-3 times a week. I don't know many sixth graders who would be willing to do this on their own without complaining.

Did I mention that Emma is using my former flute? We had it reconditioned and I'm a teeny tiny bit proud that she's using it again.

I'm also grateful for a daughter that finds absolutely JOY and ADMIRATION in her big sister.

They aren't always perfect, but I'm soaking this ALL in today.