TERESA COLLINS

Heads up family and friends-

 

Well, I did it again... in less than two weeks I somehow managed to break another cell phone. The timing could not be worse. I opened a cabinet door above our desk in our kitchen yesterday...Thanksgiving... and a stapler fell and landed right on the edge of my new cell phone and shattered the screen. Anyway, I was in disbelief. I think I am giving some big lessons lately for some reason. I had not even called my family and friends to wish them HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I had  texts that I had got in the morning that I had not responded to yet. I'm sorry!!!! The phone is completley BROKEN.

Well, I guess... all you can do is-

Devan, Gentry and Taylor came over and spent Thanksgiving with us. This year, I actually for the first time ordered our dinner. Honestly, it was the best idea for us. We ordered from Cracker Barrel and it was fabulous and only $59.00 and we had lots of food left over. Now that is crazy right? We picked it up and it was hot and in containers and ready to be served. It was a blessing to not to have to worry about all the food prep and cooking right now. I took photos (on my broken cell phone) and we went around the table 3 times and talked about ONE thing that we are thankful for right now. Tears were shed and it was very sweet. The feelings of love and gratitude for God in our life is evident. Each of the children at one time said they are thankful for our family. That always makes me happy! We sure missed having everyone with us. SO HARD.... SO HARD..... to not have Ty, McKay and the rest of the kids here. 

Well, let's just say as far as a update, they said it would not be easy and they were not lying. I am taking it literally day by day and am constantly praying for strengthn. I am really tired from trying to do everything and always feel like I should be doing more. I hate to complain because Ty is enduring so MUCH more. It breaks my heart to the core to see what he is enduring each day. He has chemo twice a day right now. I don't know how he is doing it. I am trying really hard to be positive and keep him encouraged. I can really see especially this last week how much it has effected my two boys. I keep busy and that actually has helped me a lot. I know that there is always things that are good and blessing to be grateful for. I am especially remembering that right now. I hope you each had a wonderful THANKSGIVING with those that you love!!!!!

Oh, in getting the house ready for Ty to come home, I have been purging, cleaning EVERYTHING like crazy. Taylor found a few class kits from 2013. We had them all sold- but four are left from people who never paid so we are offering them again. If you want one- first come and if you pay today or tomorrow- Taylor said she will get in the mail that day. 

*this is the only kit that I have any left. ONLY 4- it comes with clipboard, all papers, and stamp set, chipboard set, and so many extras. NOT pictured!!! HUGE kit. $70 Free Shipping within USA. (email [email protected])

 

THANKFUL banner- free download

Just in time for THANKSGIVING. Here is the banner free PDF from my show segment this week from MY CRAFT CHANNEL. You can see the shows at www.mycraftchannel.com.

Download TC-Craftwell-Thankful

He is packing... TOMORROW is the day

Today we are packing and preparing for Ty to go to Huntsman tomorrow. My heart is full. I can't tell you how much love is exploding in my heart right now. I just feel like God has blessed me so much through this journey. I am a stronger, wiser and hopefully better person from this experience. I hope to learn and grow more. I have been blessed with loving family and friends who are carrying us. I know so many people who are facing trials right now. We all have battles that we are facing, some BIG and some small but we all face them every day.

I am so thankful today and everyday for those of you who have reached out to me and my family. The support has been so huge. I am full of FAITH and HOPE that all will go well. I know that Heavenly Father does not leave us in our time of need but he carries us. I know many of you are facing trials and he is doing the same for you. He is mindful of each of us. Yesterday in church our lesson in Relief Society was on enduring trials. I sat and absorbed the lesson like a sponge. I knew it was just what I needed and wanted to hear. I have seen our family grow even closer and blessing from Heaven have been in our home as we have taken care of Tyler. 

Today I got to email with my sweet daughter Sister-McKay Pier. Every Monday I love that we get to email back and forth and I get to hear how her week has been. She is loving her mission. I sent her a photo of Ty and Seth that I had just took and reassured her that he was going to be okay. She loved the "instant" photo that I emailed her. My heart was so touched at this last comment she sent me: "Love you so much Mommmy!!! Have a good week and know that I'm so so so grateful for you! And like the Army of Helaman I can say that I dont doubt that my mother knows it. You taught me and still teach me so much and I know i'm who I am today. Here serving a mission because of you!" 

It's hard having her away but WOW am I proud of her for serving a mission and helping others. If I in any way influenced her to go... well, I am thankful. I just wanted to do a little PRE-THANKSGIVING post and say...

I AM SO THANKFUL. I want and need each of you to know that I am so THANKFUL for so many things. Even now... I think most people would agree that growth and development usually involves some degree of pain, and so challenging situations are opportunities for such growth. Yesterday, a cute lady commented that during her times of challenges and greatest trials in life that those are the times she remembers the most and gained the most change personally from. I am THANKFUL for each day we have GOOD and BAD and I am just so thankful this year especially that we have each other as a family to help Ty in this fight. 

I really appreciate EACH of you. I feel like I have world wide friends, love and support. I am very thankful for each of you. xoxo

Is this really happening?

I have been having a really hard week. I think it hit me hard this week. I came home from Canada with many things on the to do list. I now had to face that in one week Ty was going to be admitted to the hospital.

Okay... I had no idea that I would have a melt down this week. I have not wanted to blog. I have went into shut down mode. I did not want to come on here and be a downer. Yes, this week, I have cried way too often and I have been more emotional than I expected.

Yesterday, I had a company come in that will be coming in to deep clean and filter the house to clean the germs that exists (air ducts)etc. The lady was going over the process I started to cry. Then I was at the bank going over the  accounts and transfering money and I felt the tears coming and I had to hold it together. Or the time my neighbor called and asked if they could bring us dinner next week and the tears just started pouring out and all I could do was thank them for helping us.  I am so thankful and so humbled right now. My heart is so tender as I prepare to take my husband on this journey. I have been emotional... so overly emotional this week.... 

 

We had to buy a new bed and mattress for Ty when he returns home. It has been a lot to get done. I have been cleaning my house like a crazy woman. I am purging and trying to get rid of things to have a cleaner house. There is so much to get done. I have so many things that must get done while he is in the hospital. I know I can do those things. I am fine with all the "to do" lists and getting the house REALLY clean. I have no idea how many weeks he will be in the hospital. They have no idea how he will respond to the BEAM chemo and then the transplant.

I know I am rambling.... The thought of what he is going to face and endure is what literally BREAKS my heart. I know he will feel alone and endure so much pain. This is hard for me to think about. He will be fighting for his life and I am going to have to be really strong for him. I cry because I love him so much. I hate what CANCER has done to Tyler and to so many people in this world. It is a HORRIBLE battle for any person to go through. 

In a few short minutes we go to the hospital again this week for another appointment. We have his port changed and cleaned today and meet with the bone marrow specialist- Dr. Boyer for the final time until he is admitted on Tuesday. We have so many questions. So many concerns. I just wanted to let you know why I am not really ONLINE and not around as much. I am just focused on Ty and my kids. 

GLENDA KERR you won the SPOT in the 12 ARTSY ORNAMENT WORKSHOP- please email me!!!!

THANKFUL- free download

On my show today on MY CRAFT CHANNEL- www.mycraftchannel.com

I shared how to do a THANKFUL gratitude book and so I designed and created a FREE PDF for you to print out and use to create your own. I hope you enjoy it!

 You can have all the sentiments that I showed on my show as print out. I cut all the die cuts and embossing on the show today with my machine- the TC ebosser by Craftwell.

 I hope you like today's show!!!!!

Here is the free PDF:

Download Thankful

OKAY the class STARTS tomorrow... but you can sign up anytime. I wanted to share Christy Tomlinson's blog post...

This first sneak peek is the projects I will be sharing with you! Transforming spoons of all varieties into adorable little ornaments, gifts or accents for your home!

(also includes downloads of clipart you can use for your spoons as well!)

Alisa Burke  will she will be showing us all of her FABULOUS background techniques for creating our own handmade wrapping paper!

 

Ms. Amy Tan will be sharing with us her love of sewing & crafts with these beautiful and SIMPLE embroidered Medallions! Perfect for tops of gifts, the the tree or even to use as part of a garland!

 

DIY girl, Chrissy Gardner, who always brings us thrifty ideas.. is sharing with us how to make these awesome stars made with found objects, thrifted objects and even simple yardsticks from Home depot! SO easy and requires NOT nails or Nail gun! ANYONE can do this! what a way to make a HUGE impact on your Mantel or lawn!

 

Ms. Jeanne Oliver.. oh we just love you! LOVE this beautiful woodland girl painted on simple birch tree pieces! She shows you how to do an ornament size and a large wall size!

(good news is we will be carrying these birch pieces in our Scarlet Lime Store! store! )

 

Teresa Collins will be showing us how to make some adorable Joy, Snowflake and Start garlands, using simple paper techniques!

 

Ms. Tamara Laporte will be sharing with us her artsy techniques on making this beautiful mixed media angel! SO simple and easy.. but such wonderful results!

 

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is getting SUPER artsy messy with these adorable Grunge Paper Ornaments! She shows us how to use a gelli plate and several fun techniques to create one of a kind artsy ornaments!

 

Ms. Jenny Doh is going to show us how to create these fun chalkboard ornaments using old story books, a little bit of chalkboard paint and Yarn! ADORABLE! 
(and don't worry! If you don't know how to Crochet, she will show you an easy way to get a similar look which is simple and easy!)

 

Vintage Girl, Margie Romney- Aslett will be showing us how to make these CUTE vintage houses out of paper and fabric! SOOOO easy to do with beautiful results! oh these would make such CUTE GIFTS!

 

Ms. Maggie Holmes is bringing us these ADORABLE handmade snow-globes using household canning jars and a few simple craft supplies! I have to tell you, I made these last year and I WISH I had seen her video first! She shows you a SUPER cute way to make them, but with a cool twist! I am SOO re-doing mine this year to incorporate her fun techniques! Even if you have made these before, your gonna want to redo yours as well! lol SO FUN!

 

and last but not least.. we have our ever creative.. Junelle Jacobsen! Of course you know, she will be sharing with us a artsy creative project, as she always does.. and this year she will be showing us how to sketch and paint these fun canvas covers for jars, candles or even to use as a gift! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

so there you GO!! Such fun stuff huh?? I am SOO excited for tomorrow to come!

You still have time to join us before it starts!! Simply click on the button below and register!

2013 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas Workshop!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP and JOIN IN ON THE FUN:

CLASS SIGN UP HERE

 POST BELOW I AM GIVING AWAY ONE SPOT IN THE CLASS TODAY FOR FREE. I WILL PICK ONE WINNER TO GET TO TAKE THE CLASS FOR FREE!!!!!!!! 

I'm in Canada

I am in Vancouver British Columbia right now. I am getting ready to teach two more workshops today. I am at clipper Street scrapbooking and I am going to tell you now if you are anywhere close to the store you have to come here. I am simply blown away!!!!!! She has the most beautiful store that is stocked full with the latest and greatest product for all your crafty needs. Deanna carries every single one of my lines. She carries all of my product lines- she has all my paper collections and my stamps with Fiskars, Xyron... all of my products like the new stapler, chipboard punch, and the adhesive tool kit!!!!! They are flying off the shelves. She brought in my new TC EBosser Craftwell machine and it has sold out about three times now. She has more arriving daily due to demand. If you love to die she has the most extensive line of die-cuts that I have ever seen in a retail store. She does classes every day at the week and these classes are truly amazing. I am telling you you need to come visit her store if you're thinking about coming to Canada and you want to great place to come and be inspired you will simply love this store. I've already confirmed yes I will be coming back next year!!!!!!! I just want to think Deanna and everyone for coming to the classes. All of the classes sold out and we had a time of kit only for those who did not get in. I am truly looking forward to the two classes today. The ladies here are so sweet and I couldn't pick a better place to be at and end my teaching year at. Can you tell I'm blown away????? Thank you Canada girls I love you all so much and I'm so thankful to be here!!!!!!!

REMINDER- SIGN UP NOW!!!!!!

Super excited to announce what I am doing with some amazing designers for Christmas this year.... I even designed exclusive PDF's for those of you that join and take the workshops that match my project.

The 2013 Twelve Artsy Ornaments of Christmas Workshop

 

 Tuesday November 19th

 

It's a Five day mini workshop that include 12 fabulous artsy teacher!  Each day for five days (Tuesday- Saturday) 3 new ornament/holiday projects will be posted by 3 of our fabulous teachers!  We will have all sorts of fun projects including ornaments, holiday decor, gift giving projects and more!  

 

This workshop will include the following teachers: 

Amy Tan,  Jenny Doh, Julie Fie-Fan Balzer, Margie Romney-Aslett, Maggie Holmes, Junelle Jacobsen, Tamara Laporte, Jeanne Oliver, Teresa Collins, Alisa Burke, Chrissy Gardner & Christy Tomlinson

 

 The workshop will all be hosted on a private website and all instruction will be in video form and include up-close pictures of each project and supply lists and PDF"s where needed.  Supply lists are ONLY available in the workshop, once the workshop begins. We will have a private facebook group page for those in the workshop as well. to share photos, get to know each other and the teachers better. We will also have instagram and twitter hashtags that students can use to share their work as well!

 

   When you sign up... you will receive a confirmation email FROM Paypal that states you have paid for the class.  THIS WILL BE YOUR ONLY receipt of confirmation UNTIL the day workshop begins. A welcome email and an email containing your password and log-in will be sent out around 10:00 am MST on the day CLASS BEGINS on November 19th.

 

Many students who are new to Christy's workshops, wonder why she doesn't post supply lists ahead of time or why they don't have access to the workshop before it begins. The first answer is because they teach so many projects, and a lot of times the same project can be made with different types of materials, Usually things you have on hand. If students were to go purchase all of the supply listed they would spend $$$ just to begin the workshop. Christy always encourages her students to WATCH the video first and then decide which supplies they want to try, which ones they can substitute for something they already have on hand, etc. That is why she doesn't have them availble before the workshop. 

Remember, you don't have access to the workshop until the day the class begins, because the workshop is not available until the day class begins.

Cost:  $24.95. 

This workshop is open for an ENTIRE year! You can access the material, night or day.. from any computer.. for an entire year! Class is NOT live, so you won't miss a thing if you can't be there right when it starts. You can watch the workshop at your own pace.

 

CLICK BELOW TO SIGN UP-

SIGN UP FOR WORKSHOP HERE

ONE MORE TRIP to CANADA.... update on McKay

I am down to my very last trip in 2013. I am headed to Vancouver Canada this Friday for a two day event. I am excited to finally get to visit my friend Deanna and her customers. Its always hard for me knowing this is the last time I will be teaching with Santa's List. It's sold out and well, it's Christmas but I still love it. ha!

This project has been so popular and it comes with the clipboard. I love flip ups for Christmas. Anyway, I would love to see you in Canada. Clipper Street Scrapbook Company | #105 - 6360 202 Street Langley, BC V2Y 1N2 
(p) 604.514.2229 | (e) [email protected] 

I know that two of the workshops are completely sold out, but I told Deanna I could kit up more of the Santa's List clipboard class kit yesterday but I only have a few clipboards left so if you want to come please let her know right away. 

I am going to be taking a few weeks break from Canada until CHA Jan 2014 in Anaheim. I don't know if you can call it a break but I will be home and tending to Ty in the hospital, the children and two holidays. I have lots of store events planned for 2014 and will be sharing them when the stores are ready for sign ups. So today... I can share one with you.

Heads up... I'm headed to GEORGIA in 2014. Sign ups start TODAY!!!! I am going to Cummings GA- just outside Atlanta Georgia to teach on March 21/22nd. Excited to once again (it's a yearly tradition!!!) go to EMI Scrapbooking Store. Call Susan to sign up at 770) 888-2417- the two day event sells out and we would love to see you there. You can take one class or sign up for the weekend. I will be teaching all BRAND NEW projects from my new CHA JANUARY releases. PS if you are planning a girls trip- they have the BEST antique shops right by the store.

I am so excited. Once a week I get to email with McKay on her mission. They get to get online and we email back and forth for as long as she can. Normally it is Monday's but due to the holiday it will be today. Oh my... I just feel so blessed to have her in my life. This girl is in Seattle sharing her sweet and kind heart with the Spanish community. She loves it and they love her. My heart is tender for the missionaries that are serving in the Phillipines and the people in that devastated country. I can only imagine the heart break for those who have lost a loved one. I know many missionary parents are praying to hear that their son or daughter that they send on a mission is safe. My heart is tender at the thought of this great loss.

Right now, McKay is not in the best area of Seattle. About a week before McKay got sent into this area a missionary was held up at gun point. Oh my... yes, she did not tell me. I found out from my son. I pray daily for her safety and the missionaries around the world. No matter what faith you may be, as Christians we are here to help and serve as God would want us to do. I looked up the definition of what it means to be a Christian.

Chris·tian   (krschn) adj. 1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. 2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings. 3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike. 4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents. 5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane. n. 1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. 2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.

I just am so thankful that McKay is wanting to be like Jesus. I have taught her from the time she was a beautiful little baby that she needed to be more like Jesus and help others along the way. I have watched her grow into a beautiful 19 year old woman who loves God and wants to be like his son Jesus Christ. I firmly believe our  family is being blessed because of her willingness to serve others. She tells me that her Spanish is coming along well and she can talk and communicate. She loves Seattle and loves her companion. She never says one negative thing because she is so happy to be there. 

Yes, this is her. She did her name in Spanish in her alphabet soup. 

This is the missionaries that she is serving with. She plans to see many of them again when she starts college again at BYU. She has made many lifelong friends.

I could not be proudier of her and yes, I do miss her terribly. You see alot of missionaries at the SLC airport and I have to fight back the tears as I see them. I am grateful to have a daughter worthy to go and serve. I am so excited that she will be able to call me and the family on Christmas day. I thought I would share about what I have shared with her about Ty's condition. After we found out the diagnosis we contacted her mission president. We let McKay know what was going on. She was very troubled and concerned and always wants to know how he is.

Each letter and each email to her, I do share with her but I keep it very positive and I don't share all the "hard" details. I know it would make her really sad to know the pain that he has endured and so we simply share just what we feel she needs to know and keep it as optimistic as possible.

Wow... long blog post. Have a great day! 

Update on treatment- transplant later this month

I am home after a GREAT one day event in Searcy Arkansas at The Scrapbook Attic. This is the last of three amazing workshops. Over 42 students took ALL three workshops in the one day. Many more girls just took one or two classes so we have a FULL and sold out day. It was so much fun and honestly, I love being in the South. As a Southern girl, I feel like I am home. These girls showered me with cards, gifts, love and friendship. I felt so uplifted from their hugs of support. Denise has a LARGE event every November. This is the coolest event. There was at least 400 people in attendance. They take classes or crop for three days. They even get to order lunch, take ala carte classes and more. I was loving watching everyone. My one day workshop was a BONUS- sign up if you want to class or day with me. I was blown away and we SOLD OUT!!!! (over sold out). THANK YOU girls for signing up. I have to thank my friend Teresa Wilkins who came and helped me the entire day and picked me up from the airport and took me back after the last class ended at 11pm at night. The workshops were so large that I could not have done it without her help. I am teaching with my favorite machines and tools- TC ebosser machine, TC chipboard punch, TC Stapler etc and I really appreciated her help. We did not even have time to stop!!!! ha- The girls who came were just so sweet to help us, bring us a little food and took care of me. THANK YOU! I love you cute girls. So I can officially tell you all now that YES... I am going back to visit Denise at The Scrapbook Attic.  Mark the dates and sign up if you want to come JULY 18th and 19th 2014. All classes will be brand new collections. Join me in Searcy Arkansas!!!!!!!

Now I got home to be able to spend yesterday and today home with my family. Gentry came up for the day yesterday and we watched HALLMARK movies. My favorite and she loved it. Devan and Gentry have choosen not to have a TV so they can save the money. Such smart kids!!!!! Anyway, I loved just relaxing after a quick trip to Arkansas and being home. I wanted to share a little update on Tyler.

Tyler had surgery this past week to insert a triple lumen port into his chest. This port in under his skin and will be there for the next few months. This was necessary to harvest stem cells that he will be getting back during the transplant process.

Ty has been having to inject himself with a drug that stimulates stem cell production for the last week. Then on Friday night they had him come in and get a different shot (they said it was about $25,000 for the ONE shot) that would help him be ready to harvest the stem cells.

It caused severe bone and muscle pain. They started the harvesting process on Thursday and he is has now completed harvesting the stem cells that he will be receiving after the big chemo that will destroy all of his immune system. This was a really hard journey in the process and Ty is very weak and they had thought today he would need a blood transfusion and platelets.

Now that they have his stem cells (yes, thankfully he will be receiving back his own)-they will give these to him in the hospital in the bone marrow transplant unit. Ty has a bunch of tests to complete before he gets admitted to the hospital. We have so many appointments and things to do to get ready for his transplant. I just say... day by day and focus on the little wonderful things that surround us each day.

 

They believe he will be admitted a day or two before Thanksgiving for the transplant. This Thanksgiving I will be with my kids and we will most certainly be THANKFUL that due to this impending transplant we can the blessing of knowing it can save his life. We are focusing on this miracle and blessing of modern technology.

Most likely Tyler will be in the hospital for 4-5 weeks, but that can vary depending on the patients recovery. He will be losing his entire immune system. Therefore, he will not be having any visitors during his hospitalization. Honestly, I hesistate myself to go, but he wants me there and of course, I NEED to be able to be there for him. If everything goes okay, he will come home and be quarintined for 100 days. 

 THANK YOU all for your continued love and support. We are so appreciative for the dinners, the items in the LOVE BOX, the emails, the cards, we just can't thank EACH of you enough. I love you sweet friends and family so very much!!!!! 

 

The 2013 Twelve Artsy Ornaments of Christmas WORKSHOP... join me!!!!

 Super excited to announce what I am doing with some amazing designers for Christmas this year....

The 2013 Twelve Artsy Ornaments of Christmas Workshop

 

 Tuesday November 19th

 

It's a Five day mini workshop that include 12 fabulous artsy teacher!  Each day for five days (Tuesday- Saturday) 3 new ornament/holiday projects will be posted by 3 of our fabulous teachers!  We will have all sorts of fun projects including ornaments, holiday decor, gift giving projects and more!  

 

This workshop will include the following teachers: 

Amy Tan,  Jenny Doh, Julie Fie-Fan Balzer, Margie Romney-Aslett, Maggie Holmes, Junelle Jacobsen, Tamara Laporte, Jeanne Oliver, Teresa Collins, Alisa Burke, Chrissy Gardner & Christy Tomlinson

 

 The workshop will all be hosted on a private website and all instruction will be in video form and include up-close pictures of each project and supply lists and PDF"s where needed.  Supply lists are ONLY available in the workshop, once the workshop begins. We will have a private facebook group page for those in the workshop as well. to share photos, get to know each other and the teachers better. We will also have instagram and twitter hashtags that students can use to share their work as well!

 

   When you sign up... you will receive a confirmation email FROM Paypal that states you have paid for the class.  THIS WILL BE YOUR ONLY receipt of confirmation UNTIL the day workshop begins. A welcome email and an email containing your password and log-in will be sent out around 10:00 am MST on the day CLASS BEGINS on November 19th.

 

Many students who are new to Christy's workshops, wonder why she doesn't post supply lists ahead of time or why they don't have access to the workshop before it begins. The first answer is because they teach so many projects, and a lot of times the same project can be made with different types of materials, Usually things you have on hand. If students were to go purchase all of the supply listed they would spend $$$ just to begin the workshop. Christy always encourages her students to WATCH the video first and then decide which supplies they want to try, which ones they can substitute for something they already have on hand, etc. That is why she doesn't have them availble before the workshop. 

Remember, you don't have access to the workshop until the day the class begins, because the workshop is not available until the day class begins.

Cost:  $24.95. 

This workshop is open for an ENTIRE year! You can access the material, night or day.. from any computer.. for an entire year! Class is NOT live, so you won't miss a thing if you can't be there right when it starts. You can watch the workshop at your own pace.

 

CLICK BELOW TO SIGN UP-

SIGN UP FOR WORKSHOP HERE

Home from the ISLAND

What a fun weekend at Scrapbook Island. I did not take ONE photo. I "borrowed" these from the girls there. I just can't even believe how fast it went. I was flying to LAX first on Friday and when I arrived they informed us that ALL flights were being cancelled. I was so stressed. I needed to get to San Jose for workshops on Friday and Saturday. 

I got off the plane and a one flight was boarded and was allowed to leave to go to San Jose. I could not believe that I got the last seat but had to leave right then. I even got ONE suitcase (that happened to have my class supplies/kits for that night). What a blessing!!!!! So many miracles happened that day and every day in my life.

 

So loved Nancy and that is bought every one of my tools and adhesives... plus the TC ebosser that day. She is so cute!!! She is a big fan and I'm so flattered. 

 

 

 

 

We had three really fun and busy classes. I worked the girls!!! ha. The TC ebosser was a HUGE hit and they sold out and Laurie ordered more. The machine was going nonstop. Laurie's store carries the most fabulous product. If you are in San Jose you HAVE to visit her store. I bought so many new dies to use in my machine. I love them!!!!!

 

I need to thank the girls who came. I just feel so much appreciation. All the classes/kits sold out and I loved talking to each of the girls and Laurie. I have to say that Florence.... thank you! She gave me a card and told me to open it on the plane. She made me cry by her sweet words and then she gave me a spa gift certificate. I was so touched by her kindness. Janet gave me a beautiful project. I just felt so much love and support from everyone. I really appreciate the kind words and hugs. Laurie takes care of me and always just goes above and beyond to make me feel special when I come. THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

On the home front, we are facing some tough days right now- Ty is taking the shots in preparation to harvest his stem cells and be hospitalized. He is very weak and trying to recover from chemo #4. I just have to take it day by day and just try to count the blessing and focus on the good things.

 

I think the thing that I focus on the most is the HUGE OVERFLOWING love that is constantly felt between Ty and I. We have always had this but WOW... now it's just on a deeper and more cherished level. I always thought we were close, but had no idea that through this trial of cancer we could know he other on a deeper level. I am most struggling knowing that he will be in the hospital so long and I can't be there with him and have him with me. I know I will go crazy cleaning our house- that is what I do whenever he is not home. This is a good thing since the house needs to be free of germs when he gets home. 

 

Okay... tomorrow I am announcing a ON LINE special class that I am participating in. It's a special Christmas workshop and I'm honored to do it with some amazing artist. Watch tomorrow for more information!!!!!!!