A gift from my mother

I am finally home again.  I want everyone to know that my mother is doing better with each passing day and I am grateful.  When I arrived, the most shocking thing for me was how fragile she was in my eyes.  Those first few moments were so hard.  Yet, what came from that trip more than anything else .... was my mother was somehow softer, tender and gentle.  She was and is the mother of my childhood.  It hit me like a sledgehammer on the airplane while I was flying home ... just what had made this trip so different.  And that it what I realized the most.  Ofcourse, too .... most importantly .... she is alive.

I knew this was going to be my first wordart to all of you and to her.  I love you, Mom

grands9creations

You can download it at: 
http://www.4shared.com/zip/YDCm3Sp5/loving_arms.html

For all of us that are so lucky to have our mothers in our lives, I hope this freebie finds it's way to some scrapbook memory page on Mother's Day.

I also want to thank Meagan of Meagan's Creations for her wonderful element that I used in the creation of this wordart.  It is from her kit called "Free Spirit".  You can find her both at http://meaganswordart.blogspot.com and http://stufftoscrap.com.  She has many wonderful kits and wordart to offer. 

I am so glad to be back.

Hugs, Sue

I am home

I am finally home again.  I wanted to quickly create this little college to my mother filled with two of my favorite photos from the past and two from my trip.  The one of my mother taken at Christmas 2011 has always been one of my all time favorites of her.  The belly-dancer I added just for fun ... as during my childhood she was quite a dancer.

The two photos to the left are ones that were taken during my trip. 

Now, to share the news ... my mother's surgeon feels he got all of her mass.  It was Stage 1 (thank heavens) and she will require do chemo/radiation.  Unfortunately, there was a second cut made into her accidently that has caused her to continue having some problems, but surgeon is hoping that area will completely heal itself.

She has lost a lot of weight and easily fatigues and requires a lot of rest.  Just the same, I am so blessed.  She is doing so well and within that time I was there I witnessed how much stronger, how much more she can do and everything else.  She is almost like the mother I knew growing up ... gentler and softer.  All of my trips home ... this one was so special .... it was like being with my mother .... the one of my childhood.  And, I am so happy.  Yet, at the same time I have grown and realize just how precious life is.  I will always, always cherish more deeply my moments and days with her.  Should this visit be my last, I am okay with this .... I know this in my heart and I have found peace.

I have one more photo to share .... just to make you all smile.

Now, tell me .... wasn't I a little cutie at the age of eight.  My mother let me have this photo and everytime I look at it ... it makes me laugh!!!  Definately one for the records ... hee, hee.

My Mom, my Dad and I taken on my trip.
Got to tell you .... sometimes I feel like I look older than the two of them combined!!!!!

I will start posting daily freebie probably on Monday.  I want to spend the weekend with my husband, kids and grandbabies.  Because I SURE HAVE MISSED THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!

Hugs always, Sue

Watching Us

Many times when I have had a trip to the zoo, certain animals seem to really be able to look right into your mind.  For me, it is the birds .... especially the owls.  It is as if they know exactly what you are thinking.  Another bird that looks fierce is the hawk ... he looks like he'd like you for dinner!!!!

A closer look for you of the wordart:

What do you think??????  You can download at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/o3miiq7T/watching_us.html

This is probably my last free wordart for about two weeks .... I leave for my mother's on the 19th for an eight day stay.  I feel very blessed to know that this trip is a reality finally after a very tough six weeks for me.  Every day is a blessing and with the reality that my mother's days on this earth may be numbered, I will treasure this one deeply.  I want to thank everyone for all your support and prayers.

I would also like to invite everyone if you have time to go collect the post called "Cat's Personality" freebie.  I have added a layout that features one of my colored drawings in it.  For those that don't know, that is my God given talent.  I am able to draw.  This one is of my beloved Bastet.  Isn't he beautful with the most expressive eyes.

Do leave some love and let me know what you think of my beloved cat.

Hugs, Sue

The New Zoo Review

Children that go to the zoo during the school trip on a field trip usually have to write an article about the animals and what they saw.  This little cat couldn't wait to see what his favorite child wrote about all his friends.

You can download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/oEhZyN4H/The_New_Zoo_Review.html

I will be leaving for my mother's on Thursday, April 19th for a week.  So, I will be only posting probably one more freebie this week.  The week has finally arrived for me to finally see her in person.  I am both very excited and also a little apprehensive.  Just the same .... I am ready to see my Mom.

Hugs, Sue

In Love

 Oh ..... love is in the air at the zoo.  His heart is just about to jump right out of his chest and he is seeing cross-eyed.

You can download them at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/TCyi2yF5/zoopendous.html

Special thanks goes out to Kylie at Shabby Princess for her "chalkboard alphabet".  I thought they just made my "school boy crush".  You can find her site at:  http://shabbyprincess.com/.
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Hugs, Sue

A new giraffe

This little freebie continues to give me problems, so I am reissuing it again with additional changes.  I have added a brand new giraffe to it, along with a palm tree as he has one of it's leaves in his mouth.

You can download him at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/1juDoSuV/take_me_to_the_zoo.html

In error I used a giraffe from LDS Blog Train from Noah's Ark kit in error.  I do apologize to Jenn Graham that send me the comment.  Jenn, I have marked that kit accordingly and won't use it again in any of my freebies.  Again, I am sorry for the oversight.

I have removed the other take me to the zoo from my posts.

Hugs, Sue

Baby Cats

No matter where we are ..... babies always make us smile.

Baby animals at the zoo are no exception.  And if your lucky enough .... you just might get to be witness the the presentation of the newest member of the zoo.  I had that experience only once in all my lifetime visits to the zoo.  I was fifteen years old and I remember it like it was yesterday.  I saw my first TIGER STRIPED TIGER.  It was one of the memories that I will always treaure.  So, today my wordart is to honor that little guy from my past and his sister Wild Cats.

You can download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/BHUH5QyA/Baby_Cats.html
Have a wonderful, hopefully rain free weekend.  It's suppose to storm here like crazy our whole weekend in Iowa.

I also want to personally thank Dee at  "Dee's Delights" for the wonderful wish upon a star wordart that I used in this.  This came from her kit called "Wish Upon A Star", which includes five separate elements.  You can find it at:  http://dee-delights.com/.

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If this is your first time here ... do come and sit a spell.  I started offering daily free word art in the end of January and I have been going strong ever since.  And I love it!!!!  I have many, many freebies and I'd love for you to grab them all.  And, if you are of mind please leave me so love.  The comments always, always mean so much to me.

Hugs always, Sue

Welcome Humans

Have you ever wondered what the animals think about us?  I wonder if they talk to each other at night when we're gone?  Do they laugh at all our antics to make the monkeys do tricks?  Do the big cats chuckle about the little girl they could frighten?

Or do they get just as excited about us coming to visit them?

Here is a scrapbook quick page I made for you zoo lovers.

You can download it at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/AX8-WO-3/Welcome_humans.html.


Hugs, Sue

What are you in for?

Today my thoughts continue around those poor animals that are in cages instead of open environments at the zoo.  This little guy just captured my heart .... for he looks so sad.

My freebie is themed ..... "So what are you in for?"

You can download it at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/X6lyJ8K0/in_for_what.html


Hugs and happy weekend,  Sue

No Cages

Many times I wonder just what the animals are thinking as they watch us watching them.  Do they long to be free again in the wild?  Do they wish for more than a cage?  Many in our zoos are out in the open in a more natural habitat.  But, for others they remain caged.  This wordart is dedicated to the animals we view only in cages.

You can download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/PkdtxUJr/no_cages.html

I also want to thank Meagan of Meagan's Creations.  The "live free" wordart with wings" is from her kit called "Free Spirit".  It is such a wonderful kit and I have been looking for just the right time to use it.  This is the time.  She has many fantastic designs on her site.  You can find it at:  http://meaganswordart.blogspot.com.

Hugs, Sue

Be My Best Friend

Hello family ... I understand we are related to you humans.  Personally, I don't see the resemblance myself.  You cover your bodies with all those silly cloth things instead of being free like me. And, I understand your way to serious!!!  But, aren't you glad I can always make you smile and laugh ... especially for a bag of peanuts.  Love your bro, the monkey.

You can download me at: 
http://www.4shared.com/zip/XzU1XTEi/best_friend_peanuts.html

Cat's Personality

Now, for anyone that has the pleasure of owning a cat .... I must tell you they come with loads of "Attitude" .... where did it orginate?  Why of course  .... where else but from the wild cats EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!!!!

It is still my most favorite place in the entire zoo and of course, it is also the place my feet take me to first. 

Sometimes they roar, sometimes they purr, sometimes their indifferent and sometimes they just
 catnap.

You can download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/2x1pVy13/Cattitude.html
Have fun a the zoo!!!!

I also wanted to show everyone a colored pencil drawing I did of our cat Bastet.  It is an example of my other great love and that is drawing.  I do many colored pencil drawings of animals and portraits of people as gifts.  It is the only actually layout I have ever done where I combined both of my loves.

Hugs, Sue

A Zebra's Question

And do you?????

You can download another adorable member of the zoo at: http://www.4shared.com/zip/hQw2pbX_/zebra_talk.html
If you are new to my site ...... WELCOME NEW FRIENDS.  And, to all my regulars ... I am so happy you came by for a visit.

Hugs, Sue

Rock and Rattle

Do you have a spot at the zoo you don't like????  Is there a section that is just plain scary????  Are the creatures there scaly?????

My preview is about just this animal.  Can you guess yet who he is????

This little sweetheart won't hisssssss at you, though.

You can download her at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/sqse65Kk/rock_and_rattle.html
I will continue on my zoo theme for a couple of days.

Hugs, Sue

Be Kind To The Animals

To continue wih my zoo theme .... here is another one just for you. 

I believe my thoughts should not only apply to our pets, but especially all those wonderful animals of the zoo.  My little spokesman is just the most friendly little bear that has a little bee upon his nose.  This one won't sting him though .... because the heart at the end shows she loves him.

Here is my preview:

You can download at  http://www.4shared.com/zip/BsKpdL58/be_kind_to_the_animals.html






Hugs, Sue

Celebrate

You can download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/wJLHwBUH/celebrate.html


Today I am grateful .... my mother is going home from the hospital again.

Hugs, Sue

TAKE ME TO THE ZOO

ERROR ....  ERROR ....  ERROR ....  ERROR ....  ERROR .... ERROR ....

PLEASE GO TO APRIL 11, 2012 POST "ZOO WORDART" .... I MADE ERROR IN THIS WORDART.

SORRY FOR INCONVENIENCE. 

HUGS, SUE

Men Drivers

Download this at:  http://www.4shared.com/photo/zC9w73_Q/garmin_woman.html.

I couldn't think of a better way to start the morning.

Hugs, Sue

Easter Set 3

This will end my Easter creations .... with only a set of six.  I hope that you will find many uses for some of them in your Easter Creations.  I have enjoyed making each and every single one. 

And, if you would .... I am curious to find out which ones are YOUR FAVORITES.  Do comment me and let me know.

Here is a preview of the last words I created for you.

And again, this one is for you specially Sheryl of Granny Enchanted

You can download these at:    http://www.4shared.com/zip/JKHOm7hF/Easter_Set3.html. 

This has been a month of my joys and valleys for me.  On March 6, 2012 my ninth grandson, Ian was born.  I can only say ... I still marvel at the miracle of a new baby each time I hold him.  He is such a good baby and is just now starting to discover his world.  He is surrounded by two very, very loud brothers and doesn't seem to mind at all.  Other gifts include ... making a pillow with my granddaughter, Allison.  She is quite a little seamstress.  In addition, she made her very first "wordart" and I want to thank each and everyone of you that made this so special for her.  But, there has been a deep valley, too .... my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer also on March 6th.  My daily interactions long distance with her have been the hardest I've taken in a long, long time.  Many complications in the hospital and lack of communication.  My family have been my support through it all.  I became through stress very sick ... my blood sugars rose over 300, major migraines and some episodes of double vision.  Because of that and due to my history of a stroke when I was 50, my doctor right now makes me feel like he's opened his own personal medicine cabinet to me.  I am relearning to take a day at a time.  This blog and my forcing myself to do the freebies, in many ways were God sent.  And to all of you, my heartfelt thanks.

And last but not least, my mother is home again.  She left the hospital against medical advice .... but she was ready to be back in her home.  I not sure I blame her, because it seemed like it was one complication after another while she was there.  My step-dad says it's still tough, but just in spirit ... he says he knows she is more happy.  I had a long talk finally with her this morning (I wasn't allowed to talk to her for five days while in hospital) and she sounds relatively good.  I encouraged her to make sure she starts to eat to get her strength.  I know each day will get a little better.  And, I can finally begin to RELAX myself.

Hugs, Sue

Easter Set Two

Just another Easter gift:

Preview:

You can download at:  http://www.4shared.com/zip/oZONZQ3y/Easter_Set2.html.

Enjoy and TAKE LOADS OF PICTURES!!!!!!

Hugs, Sue

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here comes Peter Cottontail ,,,, hopping down the Bunny Trail ... Hippity Hoppity Easter's On It's Way.

What better way to celebrate the holiday sunshine, then a little girl in all her Easter best!!!

Here is the preview:

     http://www.4shared.com/zip/iPBmqebW/Here__comes_Peter.html.

To all of you .... thanksgiving is finally here in this family.  My mother has gone home today to her house.  I think just being in her own surroundings wll help her heal and become stronger.  She is still quiet weak, continues in much pain .... but she is HOME!!!!
 
May each and everyone of you have the most blessed Easter tomorrow.  Find plenty of chocolate candy!!!!
 
Hugs, Sue

Laundry Advice

Today I am in one of my spunky moods because I should be doing laundry instead of sitting here at my computer.   And, you can see which one is winning!!!!  Hee, hee.

Today I combined many kinds of humor .... starting with the definition of "Normal Family", added the spice of kids and their definition of "laundry" .... AND A CREATION IS MADE.

My idea was inspired by my grandson, Sean .... captured forever by his Mom.  This is one that should be shown on his WEDDING DAY.

My Preview Shows Sean In The Dryer

You can download it at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/3Sj8GIqu/laundry_advice.html.

I am also including just an image of the wordart cluster

This one was a lot of fun to make .... because I don't know about you Mom's and Grandma's out there,   But ...............

I SWEAR MY KIDS ALWAYS THREW AT LEAST TWO ITEMS EACH IN THE LAUNDRY BASKET THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HANG UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love, Sue

For A Special Friend

Easter Preview 

for

Granny Enchanted

Today I wanted to do something very special for one of my favorite ladies ..... yesterday she sent me a comment thanking me for one of my free wordart's that referenced "Our Savior, Jesus Hands".  I couldn't help but want to make a Easter Tribute to her for one of her holiday layouts.  Sheryl this one is for you with all my love.

Here is a preview of the layout .... all you need to do is put your favorite photograph in the frame.

                     http://www.4shared.com/zip/RqNn6_3Q/For_Granny_Enchanted.html.

                                  (please right click and highlight the above to download)

As always, if you haven't gone exploring on Sheryl site at Granny Enchanted, you just must go for a visit.  You can find her at:  http://grannyenchanted.com/.     You'll be glad you did.

Have a blessed day.

Hugs, Sue

Eggscure

Easter Time Has Arrived

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Easter? For me, it is CHOCOLATE bunnies!!!! When I was a little girl that was the first thing I wanted to eat .... my chocolate bunny.

My freebie makes my mouth just water .... yum, yum chocolate.

Preview is:

You can download it at: http://www.4shared.com/zip/mIC8VBqQ/Eggscuse_for_chocolate.html.


I would also like to send a special thanks to "Jabby" at Scrapping Delights for her wonderful "Chocolate Alphabet". I just absolutely love this alphabet. I think it looks GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT. You can find her at http://scrapping-delights.blogspot.com/. Her site has so many fantastic freebies for you to grab. Not just alphabets .... SO MUCH MORE. And to "Jabby" thank you so much for all your gorgious designs, I am forever LOVING everything.
I am offering this freebie in two different ways. One with the elements and one without elements. Here is a preview of both:

If this is your first time to my site .... welcome, welcome. Do come and sit a spell. Here you will find many other daily freebies. Just scroll down, and grab them all.

Don't forget to leave some love and do consider being a member.

Hugs, Sue

Dear Diary

I received the cutest photo from my granddaughter, Abby with her friend Megan a few weeks back. I have been waiting for just the right "elements" to do a scrapbook layout and today I found them.

I want to first thank Tony at Scrap Dot for her beautiful kit that she has offered as a freebie to all of us called "Girls Kit". It has some of the most darling elements and I just love it. I have done my scrapbook page around it and I have appropriately called it "Dear Diary". You must go take a visit at her site at: http://scrapdot.blogspot.com/. This is my way of telling her thanks.

Here is my scrapbook page:

My preview of my freebie is:

You can download it at: http://www.4shared.com/zip/PbIqQgaA/g9c-dear_diary.html.


Again, I want to thank Tony at Scrap Dot. And don't you forget to go stop for a spell at her site.

As always, please leave me some COMMENTS as that is the only way I really know if you like my work.

Hugs,Sue