My favorite cat

I am starting to already see the evidence of Halloween in our neighborhood.  It's a time of witches, goblins, batman's, starwar's, princesses, and sooooo much more.

It is by far the second favorite holiday for me.  And, one of my favorite creations from last year is one of a cat.  And, I am going to feature it again .... just because I love him.

Here is today's freebie:

 

You can download him at:

http://www.4shared.com/photo/YkuuC8d3/Are_you_a_scaredy_cat.html

 

I have been putting on my thinking cap and I will be creating some new Halloween wordart of this weekend.  So, do stop by then.

 

Hugs, Sue

 



Exercise .... hummmmmm

Now, for me I have been dedicated to walking daily for four weeks now.  And, I proud to say that I am accomplishing it.

Yet, I must say .... this morning almost became my moment to break my streak!!!  Do you know that it was 46 degrees outside this morning at 6:00 am?!?!  Now, I don't know about the rest of you ... but that made me pause just a little with the process of setting foot, much less two feet into the cold.  And, to think less than a five days ago the temperatures reached 98 degrees here.  Scary huh!!!!

So, I stuck my head out of the door, with my husband chuckling only to quickly reclose the damn door.  What this called for was a weapon and a prayer.  And proper equipment!!!  So, I pulled out my winter hat, a long sleeve shirt and comfortable sweat pants!!!  Unfortunately couldn't find my gloves ... or I'd been wearing them, too!!!!

I CAN FACE ANYTHING

So, for all of you "chick-a-dees" that

want to let exercise get the best

of you ...

THIS FREEBIE IS FOR YOU

 

 

You can download this one at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/Yf1t7FNo/exercise.html

 

Now, I hope that everyone doesn't mind me poking a little bit of fun at you.  It's called ...  to quote myself.

 "I just couldn't resist". 

 

And, for anyone who is new to my blog, I want to welcome you with open arms and a smile.  I have been away for almost three months due to a health issue.  If you want to know about it, you can find out about it, by looking back on June entries. 

 

I am so, so, so, so happy

 to say I am back, healthier and stronger.

 

And, I hope with just the right words to make you smile and send you on your way to the best day ever today.  I, personally have come to really understand the meaning of enjoying each and every single day that you are given.

 

I have taken on new things and now continue with some of the old things that made me happy.  I am walking daily, I am getting stronger by the moment, I am appreciating everything, I am learning to just find that silver lining no matter what.  I don't allow negativity to creep in and I just love more deeply.

 

And, I want to create for all of you, again.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by.

 

Hugs, Sue

We must never forget ....

Today when I went on my morning walk, my thoughts travelled back to memories that hurt me.

Today is September 11, 2013

and I can't help but

remember

 

September 11, 2001 

 

I know all of us can remember that day vividly as if it were only yesterday.  I still can feel the  unbelievable horror and pain.  For me, I felt and learned that evil had come to knock at our doorstep.  Prior to that morning, I had never experienced disbelief, mixed with sorrow and fear.

Like all of us though ... even with all the tears I shed that morning when the first plane hit.  I chose during that first week following September 11th, to reach for something far more meaningful.  I found out what is really means to be an American.  Our country became one, whole in every way.  We watched courage daily from our fellow Americans and we came together  "AS ONE PEOPLE" which is truly what I pray for today.  I think we have forgotten. 

Our country is very divided right now; all of us are fearful and weary of war as a community and Nation.  My prayers go out to our President, Congress and military because no matter what.  Our  world needs healing.  No matter what happens in Syria ... our world is effected.  Not just America or Europe or Russia or China or North Korea or the Middle East ... this is the only planet we have.  I just pray with all my heart that decisions are made to protect our humanity.

My freebie today is dedicated to that day, the memories it holds for all of us and our endurance as a Nation to stay STRONG and UNITED forever.

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/LXJ6gA_N/Remember_9-11.html

May each of you take a moment for reflection on this day.

With all my love, Sue

Hello again ....

I know that it has been such a long time since everyone has heard from me.  Before, I go any further I want to thank every single one of you that has come by for a visit during my absence of the past few months.

It has been a long road forward for me, and at the same time such a blessed one as well.  I have learned so much since June.  I have learned to have patience with myself.  I learned about limitations.  I learned about believing anything is possible.  I learned how lucky I really am.  I learned to appreciate each and every single moment.  And, I learned that the "moments" are just as important as the "days".  But, most important ... I learned about me!!!!

Yet, in all my moments, that turned into days which finally ended up totaling in months ... I have missed all of you.  There were so many days when I wanted to just come and talk.  Yet, I believed in my heart this wasn't really the place for me to burden my friends.  And, all of you ... are just that.  You are my dear friends.   I have valued your continued support.

I decided that it was important that the next time "I CAME FOR A VISIT", it would be to bring again a free wordart.  And, that day has FINALLY arrived.

So, welcome back ....

My freebie for today:

 

 You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/tU3GSPBH/Dream_impossible.html 

 

There is a story behind this wordart because about two months I set a goal for myself to accomplish on my 64th birthday, September 7, 2013. 

And, that was run in a 5K relay!!!

It is and was  my way of thanking my incredible and supportive family and God. 

Now, I have always, always been the spectator when it comes to running.  Running was for other people ... like my daughter, Angie.  The thought of just running ... that was plain tiring.  And, I wasn't the one doing it.  You see, I believed in WATCHING only.  Yet, one night ... COMPLETELY LOST IN MY BRAIN ... the thought came and I knew that I wanted to do it. 

 

Yes, I wanted this .... but I wondered if I could?  This was an "impossible achievable" dream and I went after it.  I started by walking 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and then one hour.  And, when the day finally arrived ... I was scared out of my mind!!!!  I even thought I was going to "throw up" before I even got started.  And, I just prayed .... I knew I'd prepared myself to the best of my ability.  I just really, really wanted to DO THIS!!!  I had to BELIEVE upset stomach and all that

 

I COULD DO IT!!!!!

 

Here is me at the finish line:

  

 

And, last but least I must share with all of you.

This is from the Cedar River Valley Association

Marion, Iowa

 

I just had to share with everyone. I got an email today from Aaron T. telling me I was featured on their site about the Swamp Fox Festival 5K. 

 

Their Comment: 

 

"AWESOME story about this runner. Her name is Sue B. If I heard her right through the joy and tears, she is recovering from a stroke. THIS is what a champion LOOKS like". 

 

What a unexpected surprise and added memory for my first 5K

that I got yesterday, September 9th .

 

So, you see my free wordart is dedicated to everyone's IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS because I am proof that they can come true.  I want everyone to know and realize that I believe with all my heart that anything is possible, no matter what obstacles may come your way.

 

So, happy .......

 

Love, Sue

What is the brain

Now, I must tell you .....

Like most of each of us, I took my brain for granted.  No matter what I want to do, it is already ready to go into action.  I want to get out of bed; it signals for my legs to just lean down and move.  When my stomach growls it tells me I am hungry.

But, mine is feeling so very out of whack ....

It's giving me a headache

I'd really like to go to Kohl's and just return it because it sure feels defective.  I even have a hospital receipt, bill unpaid for them to credit.  You see no matter what I want it to do .... it has a mind of it's own.

I want to spell .... it's the practical joker. 

I am a great speller

Try to think .... and I'm like where did that word come from?!?!?!  Not even what I was thinking!

Challenge myself and think slower

To only sound like Ms. Chop-chop-chop- and destroy the English language.

Just think I will come up with my own Sue-ism's.  Do you think I should sell them???????

And, then there's the 3-5 second pain that travels through the left side of my head that stops me cold; I can't move at all until they leave.  And, I am getting them about three every hour on the hour.  Doc says that's normal.

My entire family is freaking out .... daughter Christa is still staying with us, daughter Angie calls from Texas twice a day, my mother wants to know why I'm not calling her three times a day, my husband has become my shadow and my son, Drue keeps repeating as if I didn't already know .....

"Mom, you had a stroke"

 

 

I know they are all worried about me.  Duh, I'm worried about me!!!!  They keep wanting me to be the same and it's plain freaking them all out!!!!  And, all I want to do is go hide!!!!  Because I know and don't feel normal!!!

 

My husband is a man that only knows how to fix problems and this is sooo, soooo hard on him.  I know that he is feeling helpless.  He is a take charge kind of man.  He is a "let's find the solution" and work on it.  Solution, solution, solution.  He is driving me crazy, but I love him so much for all his caring.  So, then I get frustrated with myself.

 

 

 

 

I went looking for a painting that just describes how I feel.  And, this one fits it perfectly.  I feel like this brain doesn't belong to me.  I am just consumed by all my emotions.  And, I am feeling very confused.  I don't know which person I am going to feel next.  For days I have been so angry because I want to go watch Justin play in the All-Stars.  No one has been able to reason with me.  And, the person I am the most frustrated with is myself and my husband is running a close second.  I feel like a child just wanting my own way.  I know everyone wants what is best for me, yet I feel so frustrated.

 

So, I am trying to turn now to my faith.  I am trying to take the time to listen to Him.  It's really so hard because I know that I am angry and grateful with Him also.  I just feel like a contradiction in everything.

 



 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/R7VE8FbS/faith_set1.html

 

 

For anyone that has not been to my blog in a while, and has returned today I unfortunately had a minor stroke.  And, if you are new to the blog .... don't get scared off.  I don't usually sound this lost in myself.  I have asked to use my blog as a sounding board and so many of my friends here have told me I can.  It really does help me!!!!!

 

Hugs, Sue



Through the eyes of a baby

You can download at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/RM2AX9Og/mom_belongs_to_me.html

 

I had a reason for choosing this particular one because it does represent my grandchildren.

 

However, my thoughts are:                            

                                                                       HEY DOC!!!

 

what do you

mean

ABOUT

 

my grandson ....

he's calling me on the phone

 

HE MADE ALL-STAR

FOR THE CITY OF DUBUQUE

 

AND YOU'RE TRYING TO TELL ME

 

that I can't be

with my

munchkin

 

THIS DOWN RIGHT SUCKS!!!!!

 

 

 

Friday the doctor informed me I need to continue resting and that my activity is limited.  This is the latest news for me and I am miserable.  Actually, it has made me mad.  I don't want to take it easy .... I want to work my muscles, I want to talk properly again and I want to really work my body.

 

He does not want me doing anything yet with my grandchildren that's physical activity.  Like going to swim for an afternoon at the pool, he doesn't want me going walking with just them, he doesn't want me going to a baseball game, he doesn't want me playing video games and it just plain sucks, sucks, sucks and sucks some more.

 

I am actually very mad .... if you didn't get that yet.  That neurologist trying to tell me what to do!!!!  My grandson, Justin is representing the city of Dubuque, Iowa as an "All Star" player and I am not, I repeat not sitting my butt on the sofa just listening!!!!  Dr. Peterson says the four hour drive will totally exhaust me.  He has advised me about the heat, the noises, the activities ... he says I'll go into stimuli overload.   He doesn't want me over extending myself.  To me, he is just being plain hateful or stupid.  This man just doesn't know me!!!!

 

This doctor has no idea how important my family is to me!!!!  They are my biggest healing force.  John is trying to tell me he'll take millions of pictures and it will be just like I am there.  Not going to work!!!!!!  John wants me to listen to the doctor, Christa (my daughter) wants me to listen to the doctor and Justin and I have a pact ... I am going to be there .... somehow, someway !!!!!!  We'll figure out a way before July 12 through 14.  Or I better be able to watch Justin's every move live on a computer screen!!!  Talk and chatter .... have a hot dog!!!!  AND, CHEER!!!!!

 

Thanks for listening.

 

Hugs, Sue

 

I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOLD I WON'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE FOR SIX MONTH AND THAT IS BAD ENOUGH ..... BUT I REFUSE TO HAVE MY LIFE PASS ME BY AND BE A SPECTATOR, ESPECIALLY LOCKED IN MY HOUSE!!!!!

 

Thanks for listening, Sue

 

No one, and I mean no one is keeping me from that game.  I AM JUSTIN'S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER.  I even promise I won't utter a sound if John will just take me to the ballgame.

 

Hugs, Sue

Listening

First of all ...  I want everyone to know that I finished my homework "Banana Gram" in fifteen minutes.  Now, that is what I call fast!!!!  I just had to boast on myself (even though I had to go look up how to spell boast ... boost didn't look right).

Use all twenty-two (22) tiles

this time ...

 

W-N-D-E-D-T-G-G-R-E-S-G-E-S-J-U-Y-E-Z-F-U-A

 

I'm including a photograph of the mine

for you guys to get the idea.

 

 

Everyone's will be different because we all think of different words.

 

Just remember you have to use all twenty-two

of the letters

without using any one of them

more than once!!!

 

 

I do again want to thank everyone for all of your kind words.  Today I got up feeling so very low and just wanted to run away from all of this.  But, you just brighten my spirits and keep me fighting.  It's such hard work for me to write this, but I want it to be part of my therapy. 

 

The wordart will be words I've done right now in the past.  But, it forces me to continue to concentrate on finishing a goal.  That only helps me more.

 

Here is wordart for the day.

 



You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/DJnVzjWa/Live_Laugh_Love.html

 

 

I love you all.

 

Hugs, Sue

 





Thank You

I will be coming back later this morning.

But .....

Thank you

 everyone

from

my heart

and

my brain

 

This morning when I first woke up, I was feeling so overwhelmed by it all.  To be greeted by my husband, John is always the best part of my morning

 

but ....

 

this morning I just wanted to tell him to shut up!!!  To stop asking me how I feel, to stop looking concerned, to stop his continous chatter.  Instead, what I did is just go back to bed.  And, feel sorry for myself. 

 

I just seemed to lay there .... not sleeping and fighting with my thoughts.  Part of me just wanted to scream, part of me wanted to cry, part of me just wondered will ... I get better, part of me is so angry and then there is a part of me saying ....

 

you can do this ....

 

So, I got up and went to the computer.  What I found was so many words of encouragment that I now feel strong again.  So even though I don't feel like working on getting better, I will fight that feeling of "let's just go quit".

 

I am going to go get my homework done for my second day right now.

 

THANK YOU ALL OF MY CHEERLEADERS.

 

I'll be back later today.

 

Hugs, Sue

ps  for anyone coming to my blog today ... please read my entry from June 23-24th.  It will explain
      everything.

Learning Time

I want to thank everyone that has already sent me a comment on yesterday's blog entry.  I can't tell you what it means to me to have sooooo many people that will be my CHEER LEADERS.  I am often amazed at how much we all care about each other and somehow I wish that our connection with each other could be passed to the whole world.

I have made so many friends during the past two years that I feel so humbled by all of your concerns and prayers.  And again, you have brought such a feeling of "I CAN DO ANYTHING" that all I can say is .... thank you from more then just my heart, but also from my brain.  To know, that all of you will be my right hand makes this just a little bit brighter.  Please don't get me wrong ... I feel like I see my world through new eyes and I am so grateful.

Now, first on with my challenge to anyone that wants to join me on this adventure of learning.  Yesterday evening my husband took us to the book store and bought me two new books to help me try to make my brain work for clearly.  I have decided I must be a student again.  I will spend whatever time it take for me to complete one puzzle from my "Banana-Grams" word challenge book and read and complete whatever assignment in my "Painless Reading Comprehension" book.

Here is a pictures of them:

 

 

I am challenging anyone that wants to go on this journey with me, too.

 

Go Bananas!!

 

Use all 21 tiles in this bunch to create a collection of connecting

and intersecting common words in the grid below.  The words can

be horizontal or vertical, reading left to right or top to bottom.

 

Letters are:

 

W-N-D-E-D-T-G-G-R-E-G-E-S-J-U-Y-S-Z-F-U-E 

 

Use a grid that looks like a crossword puzzle page (blank)

and make your own crossword.

 

This first homework assignment

took one hour for me!!!!!!!

 

Just to give anyone new to my blog,  I experienced a minor stroke, called an Ischemic stroke last Thursday right after attending my grandson, Tristan's baseball game.  We had just gotten in our car to go home and I experienced double vision in both of my eyes.  Luckily we were within fifteen minutes of St. Luke's hospital.  The MRI showed a blood clot on the left side of my brain stem going into my brain.  TPA protocol was given.  To see me, you can't see any effects of the stroke and I am so glad.  To look at me, I look exactly the same.  But, I have some right sided weakness in my arm/hand/leg.  As a left-hander, I am so, so lucky ... but I have to force myself to use my right hand.  It is just automatic for me to go to my stronger side.  BUT, I AM WORKING ON IT!!!

 

The only place I am really effected is in the area of my thought process.  I have to really concentrate on what I think and to express myself.  Right now my words come out very fragmented or they just come out wrong.  It's hard to be understood.  But, it isn't just the speech ... it remembering things.  Like something as simple as getting milk out of the frig and then PUTTING IT BACK!!!  I feel like the Absent Professor!!!!  It's like my mind is in overdrive or it's asleep.  

 

That is why I want to really force my brain to work.  My books are my daily homework assignments now.  This will be in addition to physical, speech and occupational therapy.  I want to exercise my brain too, each and every single day.  It's called practice, practice and more practice.

 

Now, to talk about my emotions ... how I feel because I want everyone to know from my own experiences. 

 

First of all  ... learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke.  I actually only experienced one of them and that was double vision.  The others are sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes (for me the double vision was in both eyes); sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination and sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

 

I can't stress that enough!!!!

 

And, the next is should you have any of those symptoms do not hesitate to go straight to the emergency room.  I really, really believe that our actions not only kept me from having a worse stroke ... but, that I am possibly alive because of it.

 

And, lastly ... my thoughts.  Today I feel very determined.  I want to think, talk and feel like me sooner than later.  Even though it is hard to type this (I make so many mistakes) ... I want to do this.  It is important to me!!!  And, because of my scrapbook friends here ... I feel this strength today.  I know that it will be a roller-coaster for me, but I am willing to take the ride ... if you are.

 

      

 

And now my wordart for the day.  This one I have already done in the past, but I want to dedicate it not only to myself but to ALL MY WONDERFUL FRIENDS THAT COME TO VISIT:



You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/jpYo0ow2/5-2.html

 

 

 

Thank you all so much again.  I love all you guys.

 

Hugs, Sue

Continued Absence

Hi everyone,

It is with sadness that I write this entry.  As everyone that has visited within the last couple of months knows, my mother has been very ill.

I had been flying and spending approximately two weeks monthly with her for quite some time and spending the remainder of the time here at home with my family.  My mother continues to have health problems, but is one strong lady.  Against the odds, she continues to kick here on earth.  For that I am very grateful.

However, on Wednesday, June 19th following watching one of my grandsons, Tristan's baseball games ... I experienced double vision and my husband, John took me to ER.  In the CT of the Brain, it was discovered I had a blood clot on the left side of my brain stem.  TPA treatment was done because I came in within that three hour window.  For those that might not be familiar with this, it is a clot busting treatment.  I have been very lucky.  I have mild weakness on my right side involving both my arm and leg.  Luckily I am able to walk, I just have to concentrate more.

I WANT TO INCLUDE SOME PHOTOS OF MY FLOWERS AND CARDS.  This is the first time in my life I have ever gotten flowers from my son, Drue.  The cards were made by two of his sons, Tristan and Elijah.  Tristan is four years old and Elijah is two years old.  Yesterday, Tristan asked me ... "why are you in the hospital?".  And, I said the doctor had to fix my head.  And, he said ... "but, Nana you don't have a booboo for me to kiss!!!""

I came home last night and I can't tell you how good it feels to be in the security and warmth of my own surroundings.  The major difficulty I am experiencing at this time, is with my thought process.  It takes me time to express myself and at times I feel very muffled and frustrated.  I find that I seem to be having trouble spelling (which is obvious here) or not getting my words right because I have to keep going back and having to correct.  Outside stimuli is really hard on me, too.  I am not able to drown out all the different sounds and noises around me ... so for now, quietness is wonderful.

There is no way for me to do my creating now of wordart.  But, if it's alright I would like to write my thoughts down.  It is a way for me to work on strengthening my thought process and hopefully very
soon feel normal again.  I need this to be a place I can just talk.  My husband is worried enough about me and I don't want to burden him.

As I said earlier, I am so grateful that I did not have a major stroke.  Yet, I feel very overwhelmed still.  So much has happened these past few months.  I will dwell on the positives.  I am still here to be with my husband and my children.  They are the only people I really want around me.  My need for them is so great!!!  My grandchildren are important too, but right now ... their noise just bothers me, yet I miss not being with them.  So many emotions, I feel like I am on a roller-coaster.  So, this is where I have turned.

Thank you for listening.

Hugs, Sue  (and now you know ... my real name is Ursula  (Ur - Sue - La)

Just an update

It has been so long since I posted and for that I do apologize.  I have found that I need to just take a bit of a temporary absence from this blog.

My mother continues to have worsening health issues, with another visit to the hospital.  I am definitely gaining airplane miles!!!!  Right now my priority needs to be her.  The skies between Iowa and Virginia are definitely being flown!!! 

When I have been home, I find that I just can't seem to really find the time that must be invested into my blog in the manner that is important to me.  I don't want to just rush and put anything on this blog because I have spent to much time developing it. 

I just want to be with my husband, children and grandchildren and their worlds.  All of my hobbies are at a temporary stoppage.  I just need the "normalcy" of my loved ones and every day life when I am home.  Please understand.

So, if you could please bare with this time I need to take with my mother.

Hugs, Sue

Is it raining?

It's raining, it's pouring .... the old man is snoring!!!!

I don't know about anyone else .... but, I swear  that the state of Iowa is trying to float away.  Yet, it is time to put a positive spin on all this "wet stuff".  Now, they say ..... April Showers bring May flowers.  What do you think?????

Let's all join a "Sit In" and chant .... FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS.

Here's my freebie for today:

 

 

Plus, I am offering it just as words:

 

You can download both at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/LltEwCAq/5-3.html

 

I had just the best time making this one for everyone.  I just love this little girl with her umbrella.  Her smile just shows how much even all the "April Showers" keep her happy and just waiting you to make memories with her.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Hugs always, Sue

Determination

One of the hardest things in life is sometimes not to give up.  And, often when it seems like the obstacles stand in the way .... it is the most difficult.

That is a time of spreading your wings.  With that in mind, I do hope everyone likes the freebie I created today.

Here is my preview:

 

And, I am offering it .... as just the words:

 

 As everyone knows, my trademark and my love is faeries.  And, I wanted to do a new wordart demonstrating that.

 

If you are new to my blog, I want to welcome you with open arms.  This my home away from home, and it is place that I come to create.  I have always enjoyed photography and now I combine that love with my love of words.  If you have time, do come and sit a spell and visit all my many "LABELS" that are in many themes of words.

 

And, for all my old friends that visit, thank you so much for all of your support during my visit with my mother.  It meant so much to me, all of the kinds words I received almost on a daily basis.  The world of scrapbooking and card making have brought me so many dear, dear friends.

 

Hugs, Sue



Sunshine

I am finally home and I want to post a quick freebie from last year that I really love.  It represents everything that is special about spring.  And, finally spring is arriving in Iowa!!!!

Here is my freebie:

 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/R7kooXg9/sunshine_moments.html

 

I do want to tell everyone that my extended visit with my mother was quite a roller coaster and I am happy to say that she is doing so much better.  She has improved so much since she has returned home and with each passing day, a little more of her strength returned.  She is better, but I don't think she will now ever really return to even what she was six months ago.  That at moments, was very hard on me because the "nurse" part of me wanted a full recovery.  Yet, it  is that "nurse" part of me that has had to face the realities of just how much she can recover.  Just the same, I am so grateful for that time I was able to stay with her.

 

As for myself, it is SO GOOD TO FINALLY BE HOME AGAIN!!!!!  I have missed my own surroundings so much, that I think if I could have HUGGED my house .... I would of.  I have so missed my "normal".  Just to sit on my own sofa, watch TV programs I usually see, listen to my hubby talk nonstop about politics .... gee, it is like "heaven to my ears" and "love at seeing" again all those things I call home.  I've seen my son, his wife and grandsons.  I've talked for hours on the phone to both of my daughters.  I've gone to visit my friends.  And, I am going to Dubuque this weekend to watch baseball!!!  IT IS GOOD TO BE HOME!!!!!!

 

Yesterday, I had my appointment with a new doctor at the University of Iowa.  And, I just love this new doctor.  He listened to me and took about an hour with both my husband and myself, answering questions and making sure I understood his course of treatment.  I will be doing another set of tests the end of May that are called Hydrogen Breathing Tests.  He feels that my problems are actually food related and not stomach related.  Because there has been no set pattern as to when my stomach gives me fits.  I am already in the treatment regime for the erosions on my esophagus.  He said, that I am already doing everything that he would have advised as treatment and just to continue.  He has advised me to lose another ten to fifteen pounds ... so that is also my new goal.  I have already lost thirty-five pounds.

 

Well, I want to get this off to you guys.

 

I AM SO GLAD TO BE BACK!!!!!

 

Hugs, Sue

 



The Latest News

It has been an unbelievable long time since I gave everyone an update. 

My mother is a survivor.  She continues to have days in which are hard for her, but she has an amazing inner strength.  I find that every single moment is a blessing and that time is a very precious gift.

We are back home in my mother's house.  And, it is a time for me to give back to her.  I clean, I cook (when she lets me) and I tiptoe around quietly when she is asleep.  Our talks will forever be tucked away in my heart and it is great to spoil her and see her smile. 

At times I wonder where the mother of my childhood has gone.  My mother's house is so still now.  For back then she was filled with endless energy and a love of life that knew no bountries.  Today she is quieter, forgetful and falls asleep so easily.  But, just the same ... she is my mother and I love her very much and our moments of sharing are enough.

And, I am aware that this may be my mother's end of her life.  She does not talk of death, because my mother believes only in living.  She is very afraid of the next step.  And, I can't go there with her in conversation.  I wonder if that is the right thing.  But, she is my mother and I won't do anything to upset her.

It is not easy for me to admit this to myself.  Because I can't imagine my life without her here.  Soon, I will have to return back to Iowa and I worry ... is this the last days of being with her.  So, I struggle.

Hugs, Sue

I will be returning home on April 25th.

A Look Through My Eyes

Today I found a new blog that was such an inspiration that I just had to quickly try to create a wordart because it meant so much to me.  I have a firm belief that you are directed in daily life to certain things that you need at that moment.  And, that happened to me this morning.

Ofcourse, there is never anything fast about my wordart.  Especially when I want to pay tribute to someone that has inspired me.  And, that is the case with my wordart today.  So, before I go any further I want to thank Deb of "A Look Through My Eye". 

This is the first time I have ever gone to a new blog, where something has caught my eye and made me curious.  In this case, it was a section on her blog called "Word for 2013".   I had no idea what was in store and it was so wonderful.  I am not going to tell you anything else but that because I want to you visit Deb's blog and find out for yourself.

Here is preview of my freebie

DEDICATED TO DEB:

 

 

 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/hWXD7nMQ/4-8-13.html

 

You can find Deb's blog at:

http://alookthroughmyeye.blogspot.com

 

Life takes so many twists and turns and at moments we have to place our faith in something more meaningful then ourselves.  Deb helped me remember this and for that I am grateful.  I want to tell Deb in my own way .... I wanted it to be cheerful, happy and healing.

 

If this is your first time to my blog, I want to welcome you with open arms.  Our world of digital scrapbooking and cards bring us together to share.  In unexpected moments, friendship is the most powerful element of all.  And today, I found a new friend.

 

Hugs, Sue

Reason for my absence

I have gotten a number of comments, addressing the fact that I have been not posting for the past two weeks.

I would like to let everyone know that my mother is very sick and I flew to Virginia to be with her in March.  I returned home for Easter, but I will be again flying to Virginia on April 10th to be with my Mom again.

If not before I will be returning home before the end of April, as I have an important appointment for myself concerning my stomach on April 29th. 

Please understand that I will return to my blog just as soon as I can.

Hugs, Sue

Where is the golden egg?

Do you have any special traditions when it comes to your Easter Eggs?  Do you hide plastic ones?  Do you hide real hard-boiled eggs?  Do you hide money eggs? 

In my home, my children grew up with many styles of "Easter Eggs".  When they were really small, the Easter Bunny brought plastic eggs. 

Then as they grew ... the tradition of colored hard-boiled eggs became part of each Easter, with my children painting, coloring their own special ones. 

Then as they became pre-teen there was the start of money eggs.  I'd make a trip to the bank and get loads of change filling each plastic egg with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.  There was always a minimum of fifteen eggs for each one of my three and when they'd found fifteen that was it. 

As they became teenagers, the fun changed completely .... they still had money eggs but each had to contribute to the eggs if they wanted to hunt for them.  The requirement was $ 3.00 in coins and I hid three eggs with a $1.00 bill and one egg that said the word "Golden" inside and it held a $ 5.00 bill. 

This game has never stopped.  As they became young adults and they each got their own significant other the games continued.  None of their spouses had ever hunted for "money eggs".  Everyone had to contribute $ 3.00 in coins and I continued to add the one dollar bills and five dollar bill.  No one was allowed to play except the adults.  And, it was always John and I that hid the eggs.

As they have had children, if they do get together they like to continue this game among themselves and their friends.  No matter who plays $ 3.00 must be contributed.  It's funny, last Easter Drue(my son)  made me do this with his neighbors and I hid the eggs. 

And, ofcourse for my three even to today .... I always, always buy each of them anything made with "Reeses Pieces".

My freebie today is made for this tradition......

 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/yKICUiXx/Where_Is_The_Golden_Egg.html

I have done this two different ways for you.  One is just a wordart and the other is done with children, as that is my memory of the "Golden Egg".

Just the best feelings

Yesterday I found the cutiest free digital stamp and I have spent all morning coloring her and trying to think of the perfect words.  She is one of those big eyed beauties that just captures your heart.  I did her in my favorite colors as a tribute not only to Easter, but the colors of the Isle of Ireland.

Here is my preview:

 

Credits to:

Meagan's Creations her kit called "Free Spirit"

http://meaganwordart.blogspot.com

and

Craft Gossip for her simply gorgious digital stamp called "Girl with Bunny"

http://stamping.craftgossip.com

 

 

You can download her at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/xUF43qIA/best_feelings.html

 

 

Also, included are just three separate examples of the wordart for your pleasure.

Additional previews:

 

They can also be downloaded at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/xUF43qIA/best_feelings.html

 

 

I have had so much fun this morning .... it is not often that I just play and that is exactly what I did.  It is just like "tickling my brain" when I decide to just go with it.  Plus, I just fell absolutely in love with this sassy little lady.  I will send this as an Easter Card to my granddaughter, Abby ... who is thirteen going on forty!!!!  Actually, this will also be a new experience for me.  I am going to try my hand at making a card.

 

For those of you new to my site.  Welcome new friends.  If you have the time do come and sit for a spell and grab all my freebies.  I know that I have over four hundred of them for your pleasure.  My two favorite holidays are Christmas and Halloween, with Easter now coming up in third place.  Most of my freebies are around a special holiday, too.

 

To my "oldies but goodies" you are the silver lining of my blog.  It is always through your continued support that I am able to do something I love so much.

 

Don't forget to leave some love and if you should have any special requests don't hesitate to ask.

 

Hugs, Sue

 

 



The Little Things

I often find that it is the little things that we cherish the most.  It is those unexpected smiles that warm our heart.  It's that special moment which was captured behind a lens.  For some of us, we turn those into scrapbook layouts and for others they are turned into beautiful cards.  I am lucky enough to have both kinds of creators come to my blog.

Today my wordart is one of those.  But, I am continuing to make my wordart around the theme of Easter.

And, my preview:

 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/8jgwkSBp/Things_we_remember.html

 

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/photo/GpphANxd/things_we_remember.html

 

 

I find that this holiday in so many ways is as special as that of Christmas.  As I walk around the stores, my spirits become lightened with all the spring colors.  It really makes me believe that flowers, easter baskets, bunnies and colored eggs are just around the corner.  Are you feeling it, too?

 

I have left the tag blank because I wanted you to be able to personalize.  May the warmth of spring be a wink away.

 

Hugs, Sue