Something New

Remember me?

It's been a while, huh?

Like a whole year.

I have more gray in my hair, more kids in my chaotic home schoolroom, and a year-full of stories. However, I seem to have less free time on my hands, so I'll have to fill ya in on the family stuff a little later. I did want to stop by and tell you about my latest adventure, though...

I started my own business~ Simple Whimsy Design

I tried out a few craft shows this past summer and opened an online Etsy store about two weeks ago. If you wanna have a peek at my shop, I'd love to show you what I've been up to! I'm also on facebook and try to update my page when I'm working on something new.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I've missed my blog friends!

 

Recent Randomness

I celebrated a birthday over the weekend. My terrific family insisted that I sleep in, and then they made me this...

Pancakes with homemade whipped cream and homemade strawberry syrup. 

It was sooo yummy.

And they made me this giant card...

 I think it's funny that they put their 'blog names' on it :)

This birthday was full of surprises...

We ended up having a snow storm...in October. 

8 inches of snow. 

We've had flurries in October before, but this was definitely a first.

And it was feeling so magical. Then, the power went out. For 17 hours. Now, let me just say that I feel super blessed that we were powered-up again after that point. There are many PA residents still without power. Trees were coming down and limbs were snapping off all over the place. The leaves are simply not supposed to be on all those trees when the snow comes around here!

Anyway, after nearly freezin' our biscuits with no heat overnight, we slapped on some layers, I pulled my hair in a ponytail, and we went out for breakfast around hour 15. Of course, that's when we see three different people we haven't seen since high school...when we're tired, un-showered, and sportin' layers...lots and lots of layers. Apparently, vanity is not part of the 32-year-old birthday package.

When we made it back home, I parked it on the couch. Our power was back on at this point, so things were looking up. Then, I opened my email and saw this in the subject line...

"You won the Silhouette Cameo on TT&J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I know, right?! I still can't believe it! I am SO EXCITED! What a birthday gift! It was a random drawing giveaway on Tatertots and Jello. I have absolutely no clue how to use it, so I really hope it comes with some good instructions. Any of you crafty ladies have any tips or ideas for my first project?

So, there it is. Some recent happenings around here. Other than that, it's been a lot of school "stuff", errands, and bracelet-making. Oh...and some treehouse progress... But I'll save that for another post ;)

Emma Update

 Ok...sorry it's taken me so long, but here's the update on sweet baby Emma:

Emma has had both her aorta surgery AND her esophageal surgery. She's doing great! She's remained stable as a rock and has been affectionately referred to as a "little monster" by the nursing staff. I LOVE hearing that! 

Her esophagus repair has been tested, and it does have a small leak, but we're all hoping it 'seals as it heals'. She will be tested again this Wednesday.

She has a feeding tube to her stomach, an IV in her foot, a heart monitor, a chest drain line, and numerous wires that make the simple task of changing a diaper quite the accomplishment. BUT...she's getting stronger every day. Little by little, she has less medical equipment to deal with and more simple-- but special-- mommy and daddy time.

She is now in a "family room" at the children's hospital (still 3 hours from home), and her mommy and daddy get to live with her. They change her diapers, soothe her when she cries, and hold her every chance they get. They long for the day when they are able to scoop her up and rock her whenever they like...but for now, they take it one day at a time and cherish every snuggle session they are allowed.

Emma and her family have been on this roller coaster ride for 19 days. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for them. But they are staying positive, and they are absolutely full of gratitude.

If you'd like to help take some of the financial burden off this sweet family, you can purchase an Emma Rose bracelet. My friend, Heather, and I are making them in honor of Little Emma and donating all profit to her family. They are $10 each, and you can buy one here: Prayers for Emma Rose

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Emma. She's a tough little girl, made stronger by the love and prayers that have blanketed her throughout this journey.

Heartache

 *updated with this absolutely adorable picture.*

Isn't she beautiful?!

Emma Rose was born at 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. She's a beautiful 3 lb 13 oz princess.

Emma needs our prayers, though. She has an under-developed esophagus and is being fed intravenously. She will need surgery to correct it, but a date has not yet been set.

Also, it was discovered that her aorta is too narrow. She has been transferred to a hospital in another state and will have that surgery as soon as possible. Unfortunately, her mommy will not be released from the hospital she delivered in until tomorrow. Even then, she's not cleared to travel that far away due to having a c-section. 

This is not how any of us planned for Emma to make her debut. It's heartbreaking. And yet, God didn't stumble. He's not surprised. He's right on time. I have no other words at this point except to say that once again, I find myself on my knees...asking you to join me.

This is an oldie, but goodie...and I heard it in a silent moment today...

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  ~Psalm 18:2

Full-Swing

Typical chaos is in full-swing at our house.
The mornings start off with lemon water or iced coffee.
The evenings often end with foot massages and heating pads.
Somewhere in between, we're soaking up life.

The boys are doing well with school.
Although, I get a bit of whining when it's time for Latin.
And Goober's most popular question with math is, "Why do I have to show my work if I already know the answer? It seems like such a waste of time."
My oldest is now taller than me...and he points that out every single day.
He seems to be enjoying science again this year. I never know what I'm going to find on my counter.

Tootsie finds things to do when I'm working with the boys, but she's asking to participate with school activities a lot more than last year. That means Mama has to step it up. I take her to story time at the library on Tuesdays, and she absolutely loves it. I can't believe she's almost through the preschool group, though. Not sure what happened to my baby.

I have painting goals and cleaning goals and sewing goals...
But for now, I'm living in organized chaos...
And I'm good with it.