Learning To Live

Every day I sit to write a post... an update so to speak in this fairy tale life I often joke about living here.  So many thoughts rush through my mind but jumble as my fingers type them into words.  Since October 10th, the day hubby was diagnosed with Cancer, my entire world has changed.  Our whole family's lives have tumbled and twisted down the rabbit hole.  Nothing seems real and nothing feels familiar anymore.

I've been very depressed.  Guess that's only natural when the man you love and chose to spend the rest of your life with is diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Lung Cancer.  When the realization hits; when it really sinks in... the floor beneath your feet drops.  The tumor that was lodged deep in his brain is now gone thanks to major brain surgery and Cyberknife Radiation therapy yet the 2 and a half inch tumor that sits high in his lung is inoperable.   We are currently waiting to start 3 treatments of Cyberknife Radiation on the lung tumor, then chemo...

did you catch that?

"We"...  I always say that... "We".  Jim has the diagnosis...Jim has had the surgeries, the radiation and he will sit in the chair while the chemo meds pump through his body- but WE both are learning to live with it. 

I cry.  Not a day goes by in which I do not shed at least a tear.  That horrid feeling when you find your mind has drifted into that place in which you realize you will probably not get the chance to be that sweet old couple enjoying your children's children together.  That this time next year he may not be with me and the kids.  Panic sets in.  I realize that these thoughts that race through my mind and cause me to lose my breath do me NO good... but I don't know how to stop them from coming. 

With the love of family and support of friends, through countless prayer, lots of shed tears and oh just a smidge of anger... We as a Family are learning to live with Cancer.  I do not want to spend the rest of our precious time together... waiting... waiting for Jim to die.  I want to live every second and celebrate each moment of every day we have left.  The past few months I have honestly been in that waiting mode.  It is not a pleasant place to be.  This is hard... I'm not trying to fool myself that even harder days may be lurking around the corner.  What I am trying to learn is that God has given us a life to live.  A second chance perhaps to show each other every second of every day how much we love each other... Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, we will not exchange any fancy gifts, roses or even dinner at a posh restaurant rather we will vow to show each other through words, actions, and expressions how much we love each other every day.  I hope you all get the chance to do the same.

I'm slowly trying to place the shattered pieces where they belong... I've finally started to paint again.
I will slowly begin to integrate myself back into the blog.  For now, I have re-opened my Etsy shop and will focus a bit on getting that back to 100%.  To many of you, I apologize... Many of your beautiful comments went unanswered to do a glitch in my email (and my negligence in checking the blog)- I appreciate every word of encouragement sent.  Hopefully it has all been resolved and I'd love to hear from you!

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Making a Comeback very SooN!

Hi Y'all!

 I'll be coming back really soon, so very much to share with you!

 I've missed my little corner of blog world so much and I've missed you most of all...

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Thanksgiving Blessings!

Where has time gone and where the heck have I been?

This will be mighty quick today, but I wanted to pop in and let you all know I haven't stopped thinking of you every single day...

On October 10th, my husband was diagnosed with a golf ball sized tumor in his brain above his left ear and another 2 inch mass in his right lung.  During my absence from blogging he underwent a very scary Craniotomy to have the brain tumor removed.  He has been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and will undergo radiation therapy to hopefully zap anything left in the brain, them chemo for the lung mass which is inoperable. 

Our family is beginning to regroup but would still benefit from your continued prayers.  I'm not sure when I will get back to blogging but I'm hoping to very soon... I need some normalcy back in my routine other than Doctor visits. 

Love and Blessings !  

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A rough morning

This morning has been rough.

Jim's surgery was postponed til next Wednesday, which is Halloween Day.  Great way to ruin a holiday for the kids huh?  Not much we can do about that though... that darn tumor must come out!

When Jim was diagnosed 2 weeks ago now, he was placed on a hefty dose of steroids to shrink swelling in the brain and slow the growth of the tumor.  That med is both a blessing and a curse though as it has shot his blood sugar thru the roof and causing a bad case of thrush in his mouth and throat.  Surgery was then postponed because he cannot be intubated until that clears.  We will meet with our Doctor today to see about getting him on insulin shots as the pill he takes to lower sugars is not working.  He cannot have the sugery until the sugars are under control as well.

Our children have been holding up pretty well, although their anxieties are starting to take over.  My youngest does not want to go to school and cries every morning... which is ultimatley breaking my heart and causing even more stress.  It's so hard to know how to handle him... as my own anxiety is hard to handle.  Right now, my legs feel like jelly and my body is trembling.  The thought that my child is feeling the same way is horrid. 

I have so much to say... to share with you... it's just so hard.  As I sit here I find it's too hard to open up and let the emotion flow.  I will post frequent updates as I can and I'm still trying to get through many many emails, so if I haven't gotten to you yet, please know I am trying.

A fundraiser has been set up to help us provide the meds Jim needs until insurance comes thru, a link to that is in the upper right hand corner if you would like to help in any way. 

Much Love to you all... hug your loved ones today.  

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This Post SUCKS!

This post really sucks... its does.
A new chapter has opened in our twisted fairy tale and I've been unable to find the words to share with you what is going on... so I'll just jump and hope the parachute opens...

My husband was diagnosed and admitted to the hospital with a very large tumor in his brain a week and a half ago. That same afternoon, he was diagnosed with a 2 inch mass in his lung.

The first biopsy was unsuccessful, so we can't be 100% sure it is cancer even though the Docs are sure it is... I'm praying for a miracle.

Time is not on our side... he has no more time to wait and the brain tumor will be removed tomorrow at 8am. It will then be biopsied. 

God willing he will make it through the risks... the tumor is ping pong ball sized and sits in his language communication center... we are frightened as he may lose his ability to speak or understand speech... losing all cognition.  We have placed this in God's hands and need prayer...

The kicker is... we have no health insurance like so many others...
The hospital is holding off billing us for all of their services as insurance paperwork is pending...
BUT the medications he will need will be many and costly...

If you find it in your heart to donate to Jim's Medical Fund, a fundraiser has been set up {Link below- Click crowdfunding until I can figure out why the widget is not showing up}.  Even just small amounts of $5 and $10 will add up so that when he makes it thru surgery I can bring him home. 

                                                                   Crowdfunding

 

I'll write more soon to keep you updated and OH if you could share this I would be forever grateful.

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Tip Toe and Features

hello lovelies!!  Welcome to tip-toe thru tuesday co-hosted by myself, Andie from Crayon Freckles, and Christy from Christy's Cuties! 

I wish I could say I've gotten sooooo much done with my few days away from the blog... and I have gotten quite a bit done, but it's never enough.  My family is dealing with a few issues these past few weeks {and I don't see a quick end in sight yet} so bare with me... I'll be back later this week.  I hope you kinda miss me!  I'll be popping around to see what you've been up to!


thanks to everyone who linked up to last week's party!  here are the toP 2 pOSts from last week plus one of mY faVEs.  don't forget to check out Andi's Fave and Christy's fave. if you're featured, grab a featured button from my button page!

 

Witch Lamp from Meeha Meeha

 

Easy Folded Wire Ring Tutorial from the Jewelry Making Journal

Ruffle Scarf from Mellywood's Mansion






 

PoST aNYtHiNG you've created (show me some etsy shops and giveaways!)

Feel free to share several posts

Link back to my page somewhere on your blog

Stay around and check out a few other links. wE aLL LovE fEEdBaCK!

 

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finding the time...

If you're there...
I just wanted to let you know, I'm desperately needing to step back from the blog for a few days.
I just can't seem to find the time to complete a sentence,
much less a project.
Appointments, sickness, paperwork, responsibilities have become more than I can handle...
if you could see my home, you'd agree... I need to find time... to get my ducks in order.
Prioritize.
Take care of me.
I'll be back... I'll still be visiting your wonderful blogs and projects
simply because they make me happy.

Source: justbesplendid.tumblr.com via Kim on Pinterest

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Tip Toe and Features!

hello lovelies!!  Welcome to tip-toe thru tuesday co-hosted by myself, Andie from Crayon Freckles, and Christy from Christy's Cuties! 

The other day I wrote about the Pay it Forward project...about doing a little something nice for other people, there's still time to help me spread some joy... check it out {here} it wouldn't take much of your time!

thanks to everyone who linked up to last week's party!  there were 88 wonderful entries.  here are the toP 2 pOSts from last week plus one of mY faVEs.  don't forget to check out Andie's fave and Christy's fave. if you're featured, grab a featured button from my button page!

Melt in Your Mouth Homemade Biscuits from Imprintalish

Pumpkin Baby Photo Shoot from Violet Imperfection

Vintage Rustic Wedding bu Fancy Frugal Life



PoST aNYtHiNG you've created (show me some etsy shops and giveaways!)

Feel free to share several posts

Link back to my page somewhere on your blog

I'd love to have you follow along but not required
I follow back too.

Stay around and check out a few other links. wE aLL LovE fEEdBaCK!

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Sweet Blast from Halloween Past!

Thought you may enjoy this sweet blast from Halloween past today!
 My son has been ill this week so I haven't been too creative or attentive here on the old blog but I miss you all!  This little candy corn couple from last year still brings a smile whenever I see them.

 I'll be back this week with some new stuff for you!

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Spread some Joy- Pay it Forward!

The other day I read a post about Paying it Forward by Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk from this weeks Tip Toe Thru Tuesday link up... As I was reading I was smitten with the idea... and just had to respond to her post and I'm hoping YOU will want to play along, spread some joy and Pay it Forward too!

Here' How it works!

*  The First 3 people who comment on this post will get a small handmade gift trinket from me especially for you!   I promise it won't take a year {he he} you'll receive it within a month or 2!

*  In order to receive this gift you must play along!  What you will need to do is help Spread The Joy about Pay it Forward on your own blog - promising to send a little something special to the first 3 people to comment on your blog post. 

*  Your post must go live within 72 hours or I'll unfortunately have to choose someone else to send a gift too...

* I will ship internationally- but you do not have to if you choose not to.

* Please only comment if you are willing to pay it forward.

* Also, leave your email address so that I can contact you {especially if you are a no comment blogger} and leave your blog URL so that we can all visit you!

  Ok, that's it in nutshell... go ahead and leave your comment!

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Tip Toe Thru Tuesday & Features!

hello lovelies!!  Welcome to tip-toe thru tuesday co-hosted by myself, Andie from Crayon Freckles, and Christy from Christy's Cuties! 

I've been asked to come out and play with Emily at Insanity Rules today!

Stop by and see the cute and quick holiday blocks I've created!

thanks to everyone who linked up to last week's party!  there were 88 wonderful entries.  here are the toP 2 pOSts from last week plus one of mY faVEs.  don't forget to check out Andie's fave and Christy's fave. if you're featured, grab a featured button from my button page!

 

5 DIY Manipulatives from Train Up a Child




Ice and Goop from Creative Playhouse

I Made a Coat from While Wearing Heels

 

PoST aNYtHiNG you've created (show me some etsy shops and giveaways!)

Feel free to share several posts

Link back to my page somewhere on your blog

I'd love it if you followed the blog, but not a requirement

{I follow back baby!}

Stay around and check out a few other links. wE aLL LovE fEEdBaCK!

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Finding Balance- My Well Being

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Well-Being Powered by Humana for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone's idea of the perfectly balance life is different, a sense of well being and contentment vary from person to person.  Financial ease, contentment at work and home, social time, health and wellness are all factors at play in our day to day life.  When one of these areas in our life go "out of whack" our sense of well being can be disturbed.  I know for myself that juggling everything can be difficult; changes in my family's finances or health can upset my proverbial apple cart affecting every aspect of My Well-Being.

Scouring the internet and reading self help books for advice can be so time consuming not to mention the advice is often so far fetched that it has little to do with your life.  Wouldn't it be great to have a source of information devoted to all aspects of your well being all in one place; right at your fingertips?  

I'm so excited to tell you, I found it!  My Well-Being powered by Humana.

About MyWell-Being from mywell-being on Vimeo.

I've been exploring the My Well-Being website all weekend.  It's chock full of articles to help improve every aspect of your well being.  You can even take an assessment to evaluate your well being and find the tools you need to improve it!  There are videos and games, even money saving perks and discounts for it's members.   My Well-Being by Humana is FREE, create your own website full of information that's important to you and when you sign up.

Join me and become a member of My Well Being, by doing so you'll have access to so much wonderful information to help improve your life and a FREE gift, a  FREE Dummies book just for you!

 

More Fall Color- EZ embellished candleholder!

This morning as hubby handed me a mug of coffee {what a great guy huh?} he told me he wanted to get a vitamin B shot... so that he could keep up with me.  He hasn't been feeling the best, but Oh I've been so energized!  So unlike me really.

It's just that I love Fall!  I love everything about it... cooler temps, sunny blue skies, pumpkins... color!  I know, fall is not usually the season that comes to mind when we think of renewal but it seems to be that for me... a sudden desire to renew my space and my life attitude has been taking place!  Today I'd like to share with you another simple and CHEAP way to brighten your indoor fall decor with candles and candleholders.

 

You saw this arrangement the other day... my lanterns...oh, love the floral embellished lanterns.  You can transform a simple glass candleholder into a vibrant accent with nothing more than some pretty ribbon and small snippet of faux fall berries.  I started with a candle holder that's been roaming around the house since last year when I glued a tall hurricane type glass container from the Dollar Tree to another Dollar Tree glass candle stick... you know the DIY ones that were all the rage last year, nice but kinda plain.  Add some bling with shimmery poly mesh ribbon!

 

I am in love with poly mesh ribbon... absolutely smitten with this stuff, so of course I had to use it again here!  Simply add fall texture by wrapping and layering 3 different widths and colors of ribbon around the gass and adding a leaf and berry sprig tucked inside!

Yep, told ya it was easy... I simply used a small length of clear packaging tape to hold all of the ribbons together in the back!  Easy to interchange for any season- no hot glue to blister the fingers either!

 

Pop a candle in it and there you go!  A bright textural pop of fall color for your home!

 

Are you craving the rich colors of fall like me?  Want a few more fall treasures to add to your stash?  Pop over and visit my newest friend, Maggie at One Pink Chic and Her Decor - she has an awesome giveaway collection this week for us fall lovers!    I am in love with that cute little owl and OH My Gosh, swooning over those adorable acorn shaped pillows!   What are you waiting for?  Go on, Get going over there... tell her I sent you though!  You'll see why!

 

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Welcome Fall with Rich Colorful Outdoor Flowers

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've been so busy adding color and ambiance to the inside of my home, I admit I havent' given much thought to the show before the door!  That surely needs to change as I do not find a stark baren front walk and porch a very welcoming site!  Sure, we could throw a pumpkin on the stoop and call it a day... but I'm a girl who wants, no, needs color; to  Find beauty in the Fall.   Something elegant and classy yet bursting with fall color like this front door flanked with urns full of beautiful mums, asters, and a foam pumpkin!

Source: dreamingofafarmhouse.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

 

This look should be pretty simple to recreate by simply spray painting some empty pots already on hand.  By adding the jewel toned fall mums and asters to the painted pots, I'll be on my way to a colorful and welcoming entry!  Two foam pumpkins attached to a wooden dowel or stake and inserted into the centers of the pots of flowers would add that touch of whimsy I love so much!

I've had issues in the past with Fall gardening though, I always wanted that festive fall pop of color, hauled in my mums in every shade of yellow, orange and purple... only to find them brown and dying within a week.  Who wants to spend time and money to beautify your surroundings only to have them wilt away so quickly?

I don't!

That's why I've learned to rely on Miracle-Gro Products whenever I plant- spring, summer or fall!

With Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix, I know my mums will have an excellent chance of surviving until the end of fall. I know that they are fed for up to 6 months with the rich organic materials contained in the soil.  It's safe and ideal for all kinds of container or potted plants including those asters... perhaps a few fall pansies too!

Don't panic if you have a brownish "green thumb" like me when it comes to fall gardening!  Visit and "Like" the Miracle-Gro Facebook page to talk with other gardeners there, get advice... share your fall gardening stories and tips! 

How do you plan to Welcome Fall with Color?

Embellished Lantern Swag- A How To!

It's Official-- It's the last day of Summer!
I know, I know it's sad... but let's choose to look at the bright side of things.
Tomorrow is the First Official Day of Autumn!

Let's look forward to those crisp fresh air days spent in the pumpkin patch,
the aroma of fresh apple or pumpkin pies baking, 
the scent of an apple spice candle burning in our homes.

Let's welcome and feast our eyes on the fresh warm colors of fall.
Oxblood
Plum
Ocre and Pumpkin Orange.
 We can celebrate the season by inviting all of those rich colors and textures back into our homes!

Yesterday I shared the idea of adding ambiance into our homes with lanterns.
Embellished Lanterns and Candle holders to be exact.

 

Let's make one today, mmmmkay?

The Lantern Swag

Oh, you may have recognized my lantern- a little something from Pier One... {only paid $15 for that little piece of Moroccan happiness missing a glass pane in the back, yeah me!} but any lantern will do... even an old antique rusty one would look lovely with a bit of embellishment!

All you need to make your sway is a few feet of beautiful ribbon {I found this to die for Owl print in fall colors}, a few feet of Poly Mesh Ribbon {my new obsession} a floral sway {pre-made or feel free to use your own arrangement of flowers}, and a bit of thin floral wire!

I don't measure.
I work by what looks good to me.
That said, begin to make a 4 loop bow with the poly mesh ribbon-
 be sure it's slightly larger than the floral spray you have chosen.
Gather the center of your loops and tightly wrap with the wire to secure. 

Next, make a 6 loop bow out of the smaller satin ribbon and wire that onto the poly mesh bow.

Be sure to trim the tails of your ribbon with an inverted 'V'~ just looks nice!

Next grab the main stems of your floral swag and loop a long length of poly mesh ribbon through,
make sure you use a very long length of ribbon for this step, probably more than you think you'll need as the tails created are used to attach your swag to the lantern later.

Knot it tightly.

Tie the swag to the center of the bows you made earlier.

Since poly mesh is so wide, I like to slit the tails lengthwise right up to the knot.
I just love how this stuff curls up and looks so sparkly fancy...

Using one length of the split tails from each side, attache your sway to the lantern simply by tying it on.   Simply work the other side of tails through your arrangement.
Fluff your bows a bit and viola!

 The Floral swags look great on lanterns indoors or out.

If you don't have a lantern, 

you could also use them to dress up a lamp base, or a tall candle stick... tie it to anything 

for a beautiful fall touch!

*Don't Forget*

Head over to Cardstore

to receive your FREE card!

Use This Code at Checkout:

 CCL2673

                                                Free coupon code good until Sunday 9/23
                                                   *click on the pic - it'll take you there!* 

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