Hard to believe that my last post was in December. But, to say I have been busy would be an understatement. I thank all of you that have stayed folllowers. I thought through all of this that I might lose readers, but in fact have gained quite a few .... so ... welcome!
What have I been up to? School. This semester has been insanely busy for me. I am finishing up a nursing degree, and this semester has been nothing but tests, papers and more tests. I feel as though I never have a moment to just sit down and be. But, I keep telling myself that this is only temporary, and after this semester I will only have 2 left, and then I can finally become an RN!
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| Nursing School Embroidery Pattern |
But, I have also been busy for another reason .... I have been helping my mom and step dad out a lot too. Right after Thanksgiving my Mom found a lump in her abdomen, and we later discovered that she has stage IV colon cancer. It was a shock ... my mom is only 53, and very healthy. To be healthy and perfectly fine one day to having stage IV colon cancer the next day, really scared us all, not only for her sake, but our own. Really makes you think about your own mortality. My mom has been having chemo every 2 weeks, and is really hanging in there. She has a large mass in her abdomen with metastasis to the liver and lungs, by all accounts she has been responding really well to the chemo. The masses have all shrunken, and her symptoms have improved along with her energy level. The picture at the top of this post is of me and my mom when I was a baby back in 1980. If you can, will you say a little prayer for my Mom?
Anyhow, between helping my mom, and school the blog has been quite neglected. And when I have had a chance to make anything, I have made stuff for my mom. I just can't stop making her stuff.
Check out these cute slippers ...
I used Anna Maria Horner little folks flannel, and a pattern by winter peach . I also made my mom a quilt, this pillow, a springy table runner, and a mug rug. I did not get pictures of any of those, but my Mom has really been enjoying them all, and when I think of it I really should get some photos to share with you all.
But, one more month of school to go and then I will be on break for 4 months ... yay! I have a whole list of stuff I want to do with the blog, and have been getting excited just thinking about all the crafty goodness. In the meantime though if you are looking for springy projects, don't forget to check out my tutorials & patterns tab -- I have St. Patrick's Day & Easter goodies galore.
And, speaking of St. Patrick's day .... did I mention I am doing a give away? That is right, over on Purely Handmade I am giving away 2 patterns. You can check out Lindsay's post right HERE. If you recall, Lindsay was one of my awesome stitching angels and did a fabulous job stitching up my Irish Icons pattern set.
And that is right ... I am doing a sale too! 20% off of all patterns in my BigCartel shop and Etsy shop with the code "BLOGREADER". Just my way of saying thank you to all of you who have stayed followers despite my lack of posts over the last few months. This offer will expire on 3/25/2012.
What have you all been up to?
Sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she beats this.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I think it's a blessing you are becoming a nurse at this point in your mom's life. I'm praying for you both. I just started my very own blog this afternoon and hope it will grow...wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I can very much relate to that shock about your Mom you have been hit with. I lost my first baby at 5 months and then got pregnant again a little more than a year later and during that pregnancy my Mom, who was very active in her community things and her own garden was walking downstairs to do laundry and evidentially got an extremely sharp pain in her side. That sent her to the ER and after a few more doctor visits after that day, she also was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. She had multiple surgeries, and the cancer treatments but given that I'd lost my first baby, no one would tell me how bad she actually was. I knew in my heart because I could see how she looked but she was strong and made it until 2 months after I had what was her first Grandchild she could hold. It was so hard to watch. Anytime I see someone speak of their own mother going through this I feel just horrible because I know the emotions you have in your heart and those in your mind as well as the fear. I will send lots of prayers that your Mom kicks this and continues to get good test results. I'm sorry for the stress you are going through too with all the added nursing school stresses too. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Mom -- my Mother had colon cancer but was diagnosed at age 75 so she had quite a fight on her hands. Her colon actually ruptured while she was in the hospital being diagnosed. She had several surgeries and radiation but we lost her in 2008. She lived a good life but the pain of losing her is with my sister, brothers and I to this day. Will pray for your Mom and your family!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sending good thoughts out to you, your family, and especially your Mom. Hang in there, friend. I love the slippers you made her and I'm sure she loves them as well! Hang in there with nursing. You will be an RN soon! I've got 4 semesters left compared to your 2, so you're doing good! xoxo Kim
ReplyDeleteFirst, the slippers are quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteNext, it's wonderful to see an update from you, even though it contains news of difficult things.
Finally, praying for your mom! This is quite timely, as Sundays are currently set aside for prayer on my blog. Your mom, and your entire family are now on my list.
Wow!! So good to see you back!! I was just looking over some of your older posts and thinking" boy is she talented!!" Your work is wonderful....I love your style...just my cup of ter. It is a lot of hard work to get a nursing degree.. So glad for you too that you got a little you time!! and .....LOVE the slippers...I think you are going to get a lot of feedback on those....I so want to make a pair ....in every one of my favorite fabrics!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back! And I've already said a prayer for your mom. Wishing your family the absolute best, and I look forward to all the crafty goodness to come!
ReplyDeleteprayers of strength, love, and healing are in order! It is good to hear that your mom is responding well to the chemo! Hang in there and be blessed!
ReplyDeleteYour Mom and your entire family are in my heart and prayers. Colon cancer runs in my family,too. Your Mom must surely be adoring every gift you make for her and every bit of time you find to spend with her. Praying that the treatments are very successful and she returns to good health soon! You'll be a wonderful RN, knowing from personal experience what families go through when a loved one is seriously ill. Thank you for allowing us to pray for you and your sweet Mom.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes to you and your mom, especially! I'm new to your blog, so I can't say that I've stuck around, but I will. Love your patterns and all of your bright colors. Thanks so much for the discount in your shops :) Hope better days are ahead for you.
ReplyDeleteThank-you to everyone for your kind thoughts, prayers, and wishes .... I cannot tell you how much they mean!
ReplyDeleteSara, I too am a cancer survivor and it was the constant love and support that I received from my own children that carried me through. Your mom is in my prayers.
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