Well, I made it through a really busy last week. I was on HSN (the machine SOLD OUT) and now they ordered MORE. If you want one you can still order online. www.hsn.com. I am very thankful the machine was so well received. It embosses and you can use your die cuts (all of them)from all your fave brands as well. All in large format 8.5 x12".
HSN was a whirlwind. I flew directly from Florida to my event in Vegas. Oh I have so many fun photos but just honestly don't even have the time to share them.These girls are like family to me. I laughed and cried and prayed with many of them. I shared from the heart and truly LOVE each of the girls that come each year. This is hard to not blog more and share more. I don't have time for alot of things right now. I just have to remember that I can only do so much and family is always first.
I flew thorough the night to go to Scrapfest. I had taught 18 hours in the two days at IU and went directly to the airport after the event was over. I was able to sleep 2.5 hours and arrived in Minnesota at 5:35 am. I could not check into the hotel and was so tired. Thankfully a sweet girl offered to pick me up and made sure I got to the Mall of America by 10am. She let me "freshen" up at her house.
I was tired and emotional but I was honestly so appreciative for the girls at Scrapfest. My classes sold out (over sold out) and EVERYONE surrounded me with love. I arrived to find out that flowers had been delivered for me. I cried... so touched. Many many girls gave me cards and gifts at IU and Scrapfest. Oh how my heart is tender. Thank you Jami and Jean for these flowers. It was such a thoughtful and kind thing to see when I arrived. I taught two classes and felt so uplifted by this and the girls there.
I am home now. I am with my best friend Tyler and my kids. I just want you to know that my mother in law is really amazing. She cooks, cleans and goes above and beyond to help our family and her son right now. I could NOT do this without her. She inspires me to be a better woman.
Okay... I am super sad. I can't sugar coat it. As I boarded my flight yesterday to come home I got a text from my son Zach. He said our dear friend Craig had been killed the previous night in a biking accident. I was in shock. I texted him back... ARE YOU SURE???? This can't be. I got in my seat and cried. I just keep crying silently and the man beside me noticed I was upset. He helped distract me and I talked to him for the 3 hour flight home.
Craig and his family have been a part of our family for 17 years. When we moved here to Murray, they befriended our young family immediately. Craig has the most beautiful family of four children and now grandchildren. I have loved this sweet man and family so much. Our children grew up together.
Teal and Gentry were "best friends" since Kindergarten and his wife took my 4 children in when I had my stroke. I mean literally took my children and helped raise them for me.
Craig was our home teacher and Ty was their home teacher over the years. So many memories. Just over a week ago, Craig came to my house to talk to me about Tyler. He was so concerned for Ty and our family. He was a GIANT of a man. He was only 58 years old.
When I say this man was the best father I have ever met, (other than Ty... I'm biased)I mean it. If there was a guide book on how to be a dad/father- he would be the photo and inspiration. I had to share because I don't think he knew how much I admired him. I wish I had told him this.
When he came over recently, he told me... "when he heard of Tyler that he was sick over it... and he was thinking... "live every single day and cherish it, because you just don't know what is ahead." Well, Craig... YOU are forever in my heart and our family. I will be there for your beautiful wife and my friend.
I went to her house yesterday and just cried and shared my love with her. I wrote a letter to her and kids of memories of Craig. I know she will one day appreciate the letters.
So last night, I got my phone out and uploaded my 4x4 photos to get printed. THIS is my life. I will cherish the good and bad days. I will be HAPPY and know that EACH day is a gift. Even though Ty is really struggling right now... we will do it in faith.
We never know what the next day (next hour) will bring. I am going to find the good in the bad. I sent the photos to McKay today. She loves seeing photos on her mission. THIS is what she asks for EVERY WEEK. This warms my heart! Take more photos... capture the love, the feelings and moments of your life.
Ty is having lots of bone pain and very weak right now. He is between chemo treatments and his counts are extremely low. He has now had two chemo treatments. I rub his lower back and he tries hard not to take medication for the pain. At times, he just has to so that it is bearable. He is so strong so when he does take morphine he just hates it. He is up every hour through out the night. I am amazed at this strength. Ty has lost 35 lbs now. He is positive and inspires me to be a better person. It is day by day and I am thankful that I am blessed to be with him and help him. I would do anything to help him and ease his pain.
