I have not disappeared of the face of the earth.

Click picture to see full size!

I have not disappeared of the face of this earth, but I will tell you that I came very close once again. June the 8th, 2009 I found myself back in icu, after having spent since October 2008 waking up looking like the first photo in this picture composition.

Passing five kidney stones, in severe pain without medicine to reduce it...and 4 months of hell, finally a ct scan was ordered, the ct scan revealed, a golf ball sized septated cyst, on my right kidney, and a ademona on my left adrenal gland which further tested positive for cushings syndrome on May the 24th, 2009.

My bodies organs are all in failure, while I await to be tranferred out of here for medical care.

I honestly believe that the reason I am still alive is because of my faith in God.

Christmas Eve, around five oclock, I looked at my two boys and told them I am sorry, momma is not going to be able to give you christmas again this year and crawled in my bed, in my bed, I cried in pain and prayed to God, please take my life right here right now..or help my doctors find out what is wrong with me. My prayers were answered January the 7th, 2009.

But by the grace of God go I.

I have been undiagnoised with this dreadful illness..for 33 years, and worst is...there was testing done in my mid 20s when I was without my periods for 4 years and lost the hair on my head, that indicated back then I had this disease and should be checked further for it..but it was filed away and never done.

If I ever needed friendship in my life and understanding, It is now.

This is twice I have been on deaths door since my son was born.

I so look forward to having my life back

if you would like to learn more about this aweful disease feel free to check out the place I have found that offers so much valuable information and support.

http://www.cushings-help.com/intro.htm

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Some Scrap Soup for The Holiday Season

Thank you to scrapbrat for the lovely award of this blog has heart, you can visit her blog here. Thank you.

I humbly accept this award, from her, I am supposed to pass this award along, I cannot choose any one person to pass this on to, there are to many people in my world that are so deserving of it who do not openly express themselves as I can. In my heart, I felt the best person I could pass this award unto is someone who is no longer with us, but who had such a great influence on my heart when I first discovered him. The first book I read by him was Living, Loving and Learning.

A particular story comes to mind, from that book, a little johnny story.

Little Johnny, was in art class one day, and the teacher was showing the students how to draw a tree. She drew on the black board a trunk and colored it brown and a cloud like top which she colored green. She looked to the students and said now boys and girls, draw a tree. The children took out the crayons and got busy drawing there trees, while the teacher went up and down the isles viewing there progress, stopping and helping where she could, until she got to little Johnny, little Johnny was busy, with colors of purple, red, yellow, green swirling them over his paper. She looked and said to him, that's not a tree I asked you to draw a tree. To Johnny that was a tree with all the beautiful colors he had seen in trees in one beautiful place, on his paper, what that teacher forgot was..to tell her students to draw my tree!

Being yourself is a very difficult thing in a world that teaches us and expects us to do and be like the majority. So I would like to pass this award along to Leo Buscaglia, who is no longer with us in this world, whose lectures, books, videos are still here for us to be inspired from and to share.

My heart part of me is because of part of him, when I was looking, for things in life I was not even sure of what it was..in reading his books, listening to his lectures, that who I am now became to be, In a world where many question if speaking from our hearts is professional, I have only to think..if it was not why would the people who share from their hearts (such as the chicken soup books) make so much money doing so ..if somewhere underneath we were not all longing to hear..the realities of living, loving and learning and know that we are a doing okay.

I wish you all peace, joy, happiness, love..enough food to not be hungry, warmth from the cold and food for the soul. I will be back again with Christmas Goodies, I have been pretty sick since the 3rd of October and awaiting a cat scan to confirm what is going wrong, which may be kidney stones. The medical care system is slow..and I am still waiting and that is on a urgent consult, but I am hanging in there..even though there are days..when I feel like biting a towel, the greatest gift a person can have is there health..without it..you are almost powerless to change anything in your life and I am grateful I still have health of mind, for those not so fortunate in life to have health of mind and body..they depend on you, your heart, your kindness to ensure that those that will abuse the weak , and feeble to defend them and ensure they are cared for with dignity, I hope each of you finds someone special to care for in your life's this Christmas..
and all year long, it is only through our hands and hearts will we change this world and make it a better place for our children.

Please enjoy the video!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6741106990650052510
You can open up another page and continue browsing and making your rounds as you listen to it. My wish is that it will be ScrapSoup for your heart....love, Joanne

Something Special

This little sweetie is the puppy of our older husky Meikan, who sired the pups, playful as my son has named him arrived for Sammy's Birthday and has been growing like a weed right before our very eyes, My son is so in love with is new friend, he faithful trains him everyday for an hour....and playful can now sit, give both paws separately and sometimes will lay down. Sammy is very protective over him. We have had more then a few smiles..listening to Sammy being mom and dad to his new baby, hearing our parenting skills coming out in the talks he has with his pet.

This good natured little pup..is very much like his father and has a lovely disposition.

Father and son..play well together..and Sammy loves them equally with all his heart.

It was his birthday, November the 11th, and we spent the day making his birthday cake together, playing games, and having fun.

My boy is 13 now, a teenager, where do time fly..he is growing up before my eyes, taller then me now..and a real little gentlemen, he is doing well learning things and being home schooled has brought the joy back into his eyes and everyday you can see his confidence blossoming.

I will never regret the decision to home school him. I was worried at first, that I might not be able to get my little boy back to the same little boy I put in school, but I can honestly say now..that that fear is gone and that he is back and that I did pull him out of that place whereby he was so very misunderstood, just in the nic of time.

When I first took Sammy out of school, he was severely withdrawn, retreated to his room and had nothing to do with anyone, the shine was gone out of his eyes, and had absolutely no confidence in himself..he spent countless hours in his room not participating in the world around him..now it is the total opposite..its been so long since he spent time in his room, I am wondering if he needs one..smiles..he just loves being in the center hub of things around the house, he now greets people and welcomes them in..shows off his accomplishments and offers his opinions on things...He is just blossoming more and more everyday..right before my very eyes..

It was easy to focus only on him and not all the wrongs of what happened to him..and the seeing the reward for those choices of keeping focused on him..has been so rewarding.

He loves science, anything about animals, and how things work, he love to cook, and like every child..don't like the cleaning part..smiles..but he is even so much more cooperative about helping out then he was..he does what you ask now..with the usual mutterings of a normal teenager..

He was very proud of his birthday cake again this year..

when I get a chance I will post some pictures on his blog..

which I have lots of updating to do as well..

thank you for visiting, I hope to get caught up on a few more post today.

huggies, Joanne

Sweet Orange Blitz overlays..

good to use with all of your papers..

one with a floral border..one white vines..and the others a soft frost..and heavy frost..

4 shared link here

Rapidshare link here

Thank you for visiting.

I want to say a special thanks to all those that list me..and list all the freebies..it really takes alot of work, time and energy..and these beautiful people deserve a big special thanks for linking us all up in the digiworld..that is how we often find each other..get to meet each other and know each other..linking in from freebies list..and people who share information and knowledge about what each of us do in the digi community..

This is a very special thank you to each of you!

I think the very first freebie list..I seen was Ikea Godess..

who was your first freebie link blog!

Did you feel like you have discovered a treasure chest of wonderful surprises..

I do when ever I check with one of the awesome people who share the links to others blogs..

Thank you!

I received a new link to a new freebie list as well..

Suzie Q's Stuff ...♥"Link Love"♥...

The Truth (Vertigo)

Simple words

I believe very much in kindness.

I worry about the future for our children.

I believe that women can change the world we live in if we would only speak our truths that live in our hearts.

You have to watch this whole video to the end to appreciate it.

I added a link to the bottom of my blog that promotes kindness.

Kindness knows no religion it is universal.

It can change the world.

When it becomes a priority in our world.

Happy Valentine's Day

Two Gold frames for you..one with the bow and one without!.

Thank you for visiting my little garden of life..that helps me in so many way deal with pain..and gives me the opportunity in life to share and give something back to others that may some day give someone a smile.

I put this one on rapidshare..as 4 shared was not cooperating..sorry..

Please leave a little love..this week I could use a bit of encouragement!

Thank you Ida..you made the one post...that I needed to hear.

There is a book called living, loving and learning..by Leo Buscaliga..in which..I learned..the value of one smile..one word..in life.

Never put of saying I love you to those that you love and never forget the value of a kind word..or a smile..promote kindness and make the world a better place for each other and our children.

Happy Valentines Day!

Thank you to Marie who always list me..and to others who list me that I may not know about..

Hey and Congratulations to my dear friend Jannidee...she has her own...shop now..and she makes the most beautiful scraps...check her out in my side bar and I just love reading her blog..too..

my friend rosa has scraps up to..she is in my side bar she has some freebies as well..

Download Here!

How we met on this day!

It was 13 years ago on this day that I boarded a plane to travel overseas to a place I had never been before.

The Netherlands, Holland

What brought me on this exciting trip?

Well three bored women one labor day weekend had nothing to do..two of them were married..I was hanging around enjoying their company..when one of them..my makes me laugh all the time friend Stella..decided to call the party line..that was advertised on TV.So..1-800 here we go..and left a message!

We were taking turns as to who would answer the call..and just being silly girls, enjoying our day..

It was not supposed to be anything serious..!

From out of the blue .. comes the lovely accented voice .. of this man.
Hey, he did not want to know ... any of the wrong things .. He had such a sweet voice..

We chatted, exchanged addresses and promised to send each other a little bit of information..about where each other lived..

I had no intention of taking any of it serious..I had told a white lie..about my weight..and my age..of course..I made myself younger and weigh less...what women wouldn't smiles..
That was the end of the call .. so I thought.

Low and behold...I got a call again the next day .. just thinking about you..and wanted to chat again.
Well one call..lead to another call .. and big phone bills .. and letters daily back and forth to each other.
I was in love with a perfume .. called ombre rose .. and sealed the envelopes of the letters I wrote with it.

He carefully wrote each one to me in calligraphy..!

We sent each other little gifts..He sent me a tape of love songs..

Eventually the two of us..talked about meeting each other in real life..
exchanged words of love..and looked forward to each moment..we could talk or read a letter from each other..
We said I love you!

The country mouse and The city mouse

I live in the boonies..and him in the big city.
I had lived alone 8 years..been there done that and had made my mistakes in relationships..I knew now what I wanted..and he to had done the same..and knew what he wanted..we learned from each other..we had many of the same values and beliefs for a relationship..

He learned more English, I learned more Dutch..at least the words that mattered.

I decided enough of this..I was going..to see this man that I spent my evenings and nights listening to music he sent..dreaming of ...for the better part of 5 months.

I saved my pennies and dimes..ate next to nothing..I mean I had to loose weight..in order to meet him..after all I did tell those little white lies in the beginning..that I somehow could not get around to telling the truth about..so diet I did..and tell him I was gaining weight..all that time..my age..that was another matter, was not sure how I was going to fix that one..but did I ever have regrets..for having done that..We had pictures of each other..that left something to our imaginations..his when he had been working out..and in top notch form..and mine..hiding behind Santa..

I had lost a lot of weight..was feeling pretty good about it..when I boarded the plane..I was still overweight..but ..was happy with myself..he on the other hand..did not believe that I was really going to be there..when I told him a package would be arriving wearing a heart on her coat..for him..on Valentines Day at the Amsterdam airport..

So here I am ..boarding the plane to go meet him.

I had booked my ticket so I could spend three months there..had back up plans for almost every foreseeable event that could be less then what it was supposed to be..my minister thought I was nuts..one of my friends thought I was going to be put in a slave ring..and oh the possibilities of what could go wrong..all carefully gone over.

My mom..well..we had a little gig..set up to make sure I got there okay..she silently worried..but she never once said do not do it..if anything she trusted my instinct..and the fact that she knew me as a daughter who would analyze anything to pieces..one of my better qualities..and worst ones..at the same time..

As I neared..Amsterdam..my mouth grew amazingly dry...I could not swallow..and the person sitting next to me..gave me some gum..thank goodness..well I was here..and it was happening and there was no going back..

I got off the plane..it was so different..from the little tiny airport I had left..it took forever to travel that long belt..to where..I checked through with my passport..collected my luggage..there were no people around..anywhere..where were all the people..did I go the right way..etc..going through my mind..
Would I recognize him...would he see me..would he be there...so many questions..

He was my soul mate..I could feel it!

I went through the door to where the people were that had a corded of barrier rope..I was looking at where I was steering my cart..and heard my name....I looked up...oh my...he is so tall..and so much bigger then his photo..He is here, I am here!

We drove to Den Hague..holding each others hands all the way..once there we sat together chatting..he could not believe I was there..I was not in his apartment long..when a knock came to the door..and his father poked his head in ..to make sure his son..was not hurting from a girl that did not arrive..his father put the warmest smile on his face..when he met me..

I had the time of my life while I was in Holland..I felt like I was 19 all over again..but a better 19..a 19 that I had missed..I hopped trains..went to the efteling...bought salt instead of sugar..rode sneaky snakes..(the city trams..) and visited all his family and friends..then he asked me to marry him..and stay there forever..but I owned my own home back here..had commitments..I had let my house to someone while I was gone..and had to go back..in May..and I needed to know something more about him...could he do the same..be committed enough to come and see my world..!
Housing in Holland is not cheap..and giving up a house that is owned is never an easy thing to do..so I asked him to save his money and come and see my world..

Saying Good bye from Holland was not easy..for either of us..!

That September..he came here..and has been here ever since..we married..and the following November a little over a year later...our little miracle of life was born...neither of us..were suppose to be able to have children..
Last night after 12 we wished each other.. a Happy Valentines Day..and thought back to that first moment..when we physically met each other and what we first thought..
me..oh my he is so tall..him..oh my she is really here and some short..and after 13 years of marriage..I still have to get him to put things down on a level I can reach....smiles...we have been there for each other through good times and through hard times..we have faced the world hand in hand..what more could a girl ask for..!

I did within the first week of being there tell him..how old I really was...it was a very difficult thing for me to do..as I knew I was falling deeply in love with him..and one night..after he had brought belgium chocolates and icecream to bed, I knew I had to tell him that I was actually five years older then I had told him..that meant a 12 year age difference and that I was actually closer in age to his parents then I was to him..He sat stark up when I told him..looked out the window for a bit..no saying anything then turned to me and said..I still love you and know you must love me to..because that was not easy to do. We made a promise then to always be true to each other and me...I learned a life lesson..that even the smallest of white lies..can lead down a road that you may not want to be on..but will come back on you.

While I am not rich in Gold, I am rich in love and thankful for so many things.

I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy..but lost my health..and stength..and have not been able to walk proper since, but he has always stood by me. I think of our marriage vows..for better ....for worst..in sickness and in health..till death do you part and feel blessed in love.

Down in the River to Pray

Ashleys Polka Dot Christmas Memories
Merry Christmas Linda...
Thank you for sharing Your memories of Ashley with me.

It is an honor to remember her!

Downloads

This is the download for the two alpha's..so sorry I forgot it.

Alpha's

Make Your Own

Christmas Memories One (Tags)

Three (Word Art)

Four (Papers One)

Five (Bows)

Six (Elements)

Seven (Frames Two)

Eight (Frames Three)

Nine (Papers Two)

Ten (Ribbons)

Eleven (Ric Rac)

Twelve (Frames)

Frames Four

There are loads of goodies not in the preview..like a candy cane glass alpha..

ribbon wrapped frames, and lots of elements and frames, and a even make your own stuff file..nothing is drop shadowed..drop shadow settings for light paper..using psp are included..

an a stocking file..to make your own stocking in your own color..if you would like a tut..that I am experimenting with it on that..feel free to email me..my addy is in my profile..

Christmas is about Love, Kindness, good cheer..but most importantly about the memories we make...each and every moment is precious, anyone who has lost a child or a loved one is going to be able to tell you that. You can't go back, and what you have are your precious memories.

This Christmas..make those precious memories for yourself and for others..stop and drink a nice cup of hot chocolate..every time you feel yourself worrying you don't have enough..can't do it..

The smiles..we give each other...the fun in putting up the tree...drinking hot chocolate..being good to ourselves..and to others..and like the poem says..children live by what the learn..what they see us doing..at the Christmas season..and how we spend those moments together as a family...it is not about the presents..who got what..or how much something cost..but the joy of giving..from the heart...listening to carols..as we bake with someone Christmas cookies..making something special for someone who has less then us..taking that little bit of extra time to wish everyone you see a merry Christmas with a smile..on your face..
thanking those who work hard..to do for others..or have to work..long hours on their feet to make ends meet..
a time for peace on earth and good will towards all..

It is about making traditions....enjoying traditions..and each other..where ever we may be.
There is always someone in this world..that can use a little extra love, or kindness..Make beautiful memories..!

Merry Christmas ... Linda.. Merry Christmas .. to her Angel Ashley, who is not on earth with her...Merry Christmas...Mom and Dad...I miss you..so much...!

I believe in Angels..and a elf told me...that if you listen very carefully..you will hear them speak in your heart...and it is true.
Thank you to all of you who patiently wait for me to get things done..who forgive me when I forget..and for the sweet comments..I have not the time to answer to all of...them..but do appreciate and read them..and they do brighten my days..

I would also like to thank Jane from FolkArtTreasures..from whose site I have learned some of the skills,( Jane you are awesome..and still the best digital tole painter..around... I used skills learned from her tutorials in creating this kit..visit her site..here...try out her membership...if you like her stuff..and want to do her tutorials..!
also special thanks to atomic cupcake for the use of her actions in making an element of this kit..
to gmendes...whose..commercial use file I used to create the Ric rac..

Sharing a tradition..!
When Sammy was little, he would get way over excited about Santa coming to visit..he would not be able to sleep or rest well..so I started a little tradition..I gave him a huge bell...and told him a story about the Christmas elf..who visits each day in December..if you ring the bell once a day..the elf will come and leave a little present..because you have done a good thing on that day...The Elf had a bag of little goodies..like a pkg of smarties..a dollar store toy...
He would ..very carefully chose when to ring his bell..then ask momma..if the Christmas elf would come..oh...I see the elf Sammy he is flying around over there...and he would look with amazement in his eyes to see the little Christmas elf..I wonder what the elf will leave me momma...the elf is here..Sammy have a look around...to see if he left you something..today you helped mommy bring the clothes to the room..and that was a nice thing...
of he would go looking and find a little treat...he say the elf many times...each Christmas..little children..with the joys of sugarplums dancing in their heads..and the magic of Christmas in their heart..Making memories that last a lifetime...

To all a Merry Christmas, Peace and Joyous..Noel.. Joanne

Moms Little Bird

Please forgive the wall in his room are not finished yet..plastering and painting..have to wait awhile..until we can afford it..but I so wanted to share his world with you

This is moms little bird..at the airport when we went to St. Johns.

I am sorry I have not been around but have been busy working on a few special projects..

Moo Two has a charity kit for a little girl named Chelsey. You can read about Chelsey by clicking on her name.

You can buy the kit at Moo Two at the link Below

Designers and non-designer alike came together to create this charity kit which is called Sweet Butterflies...and being sold at Moo Two Designs Here

My contribution did not make it..so I will be uploading it here to share at a later date.

Sammy has been an angel..had a lovely birthday party..we made his cake together..and there is something to be said..about not having the money to go out and buy it all..because we actually had the best fun...making his cake together..for Sammy is about being the biggest cake ever..smiles..is that not just like a little boy...He wanted fireworks..and fire works he got..mom..bought a little at a time..so he could have a big show..

He only had two friends come..but that did not matter to him..He was the proudest...when the sky lite up and it was all for him..

You can see his you tube video of his cake and singing happy birthday

Here.

We finally have up his video of his dog talking..looks real good..like he is a real winner...smiles..but he is such a funny dog..He thinks he is a toy poodle..and at husky size that can be quite and not so quite amusing at times..but he sure keeps this family hopping..lol.

See Meikan talking here.

That is a big chunk of cheese he is getting..one of his favorite things..smiles..

He has chewed every pair of shoes I own..mitts..purses..and you just about name it and he has chewed it..

I made several years ago..a pair of beaded deer skin slippers for the winter..or if I had to go in hospital again..I put them away..and of course..one of my challenges is remembering I did that..let alone where I put them..until I look behind my computer chair..to see what he is chewing..and there are one of my lovely slippers I never ever wore...chewed..up..all I have is a photo left of them..I was so proud of all the beading..

Now..as if that is not enough excitement..try a husky and poodle doing a mad march chasing each other around the house...remembering now ..he thinks he is the size of a poodle..

they make this mad dash on to the bed..back out to the front door..and 15 minutes later..my sheets..have cuts all over them..from someones..toenails...I wonder who...

How are the cats surviving all this..well...lets just say...scarnose...is slowly not learning his lesson..Mr. Little, just enjoys taunting him...and getting him to chase him places..where he is just out of reach...from him..Pikachu..well...he is not going to play with Meikan..more likely he will eat him..that cat is not scared of anything and it is not unusual to hear the occasional yelp out of the dog that just won't learn!

Sammy has his little Christmas Tree up... in his room..a 3ft tree all decorated. Picture above.

I don't know how to get blogger to put pictures where I want them after my text..and have not been able to figure it out..oh well..this will have to do..

He loves Christmas..and is all smiles..and loves to help out with making things..and we are doing some food for the deer and cocoa pkg for gifts and a card for daddy...and some other things planned..

Judy guess what we got in the mail a few days ago..a beautiful post card...from Adelaide.He was so excited to put the first pin in his map..thank you so much for that..so he says you live very far away..and that I am wrong about kangaroos..there are pigs..on the farms..mom..that was just so cute of him..we had loads of smiles..thank you for making a happy moment for us..that was very kind of you...

My Perfect Little Pumpkin

Click on the image for the larger view!

He is so proud of his pumpkin!

You can tell by the look in his face.

I think digital cameras are wonderful..because somehow..you sometimes seem to capture those moments in time that you may be used to seeing or miss..and these pictures are one of the ones that will become priceless to me..we were so busy having fun..that I did not quite notice the gleam of pride in his eyes..as he admired his imagination coming to life.

Yep, he went out trick or treating, as spider man..of course..spider man was pretty busy..all over the world..collecting treats from far and wide.

He has to be a hero..to be in so many places and in the heart of so many children.

Sammy's Janeway trip..there was so much to process, when we got back..and we were both tired from the long distances from the hostel ..to the hospital..that had to be walked or wheel chaired..and Sammy developed bad blisters on his feet from all the walking..told me..all I want to do ..momma is rest my feet...they hurt so bad..

and that is what him and momma did..for the first few days..

I had lots of my concerns addressed re: my little sunshine..we did not get it all done..but got some major stuff out of the way..

I am not sure of my emotions..regarding some of it..I am not even sure why..but..

I do know that I am happy to know..that my concerns were indeed justified..

At the school they gave Sammy IQ testing..in Grade 5 and tested him as a 70..which is almost borderline..but it was a very big jump from the 5o he had a year before and I really questioned it......in my heart..I was reading reports..that stated he knew how to recite and sing his ABC's and 123's but at home..where he was more relaxed and more comfortable in his room I would silently listen without him knowing..and knew..what the reports said were not true..he was not able to do either..and I had been told that it was impossible for a child to have made such a gap...but they were telling me he could..and that his only problem was his behaviour...

His testing at the Janeway confirmed that he is indeed functioning at a 51 level..which is about a 5 or 6 year old level..and that I will have to redo his home schooling to a preschool level..

They asked my permission to contact the school board..

How I am feeling...? It is good to know..that my concerns were not just that of an overprotective mother..which I am sure..I would be or may have been viewed as..

It is sad..that I am back to where I was when I first sent him to school...

It hurts that those first years when his brain had the chance to recreate new neuropathways..up to the age of 12..was wasted...in his school time..

Sammy will be 12 years old in a few weeks..He looks like a 14 year old..He is functioning at a 5 or 6 year old level...I am so glad..to know..where he really is in his mind..and what he is really capable of..I am sad..that they expected..work from him at school that he was not capable of doing..and was damaging his self esteem and confidence..and did not give him opportunities to experience success..that really hurts..but I think what hurts even more..is that..they pushed at us so hard..that they actually distorted the way..we saw our child..by insisting..he could do better..and that he just would not cooperate...and that his testing they did proved that they were right..

I don't know..what to say..about that..

I really don't...and although..I know how dreadfully wrong it is..that I have to stay focused ...and move forward with it for his benefit..

So home schooling him is focused around building his confidence and self esteem..giving him opportunities to experience success..and restoring his confidence in himself..I know..it is going to be harder..though to restore his confidence in others..

He is busy planning his birthday party...

He wanted lots of fireworks..so each month I have been picking up a little bit ..for him..and this month..even though..it is not something I can afford..I picked up the big 100 dollar pack..this will be a birthday he will visually remember for a very long time..to come..

he is all excited about it..

and it gives me great opportunities to teach him little things...too..

He is in love with magic school bus games..to..

On the plane going out..I bought a comic..book..jughead..and you know what..he let me read it to him..it is the first time..he has let me read to him..in almost 4 years..I was so happy inside..and we had lots of fun..as mom..being jughead..when we spoke..

He loved the plane..was a gentleman..through the whole trip..

Each day at the end of the day..he crossed of the day on his schedule and would count how many more days until he would see his daddy again..

His father is his strength..his momma his heart..!

We are expecting..part of that storm..from the tropical storm noel..here in Labrador on Sunday.

My arthritic bones tells me it is coming..and only with real major changes in weather do I feel it in my wrists which I do tonight..so am going to cut ..my post short and give them a rest..in some nice warm heating pad..while I watch some of my favorite shows..

in a few days, I will post some more about our trip..some photos..we took..etc..

Have a great week..! Thank you for all the wonderful..support, guidance and kindness, you have so blessed my family with..

Inspirational Week

Click on Picture to view Full Size

Credits: Paper, Tape and Photo Frame from Lara Payton

available at DustyBear

Doodle Stars Freebie from Lisa Whitney's Yahoo Group

Visit here blog to join..

She sells at Scrap Artist

Font: Kgd Creative Scribbles from Kimberley Geswein

Kid...Proudly Mommas and Daddy's

It has been an inspirational week...

thank you for making it so special for Sammy and me too...smiles..

Sammy for a few days..was checking his comments..ever few seconds..but like most kids..after a few days...he slowed down with it..but we saved them and will print them off..from both 4 shared and blogger to put into this years scrap book...Thank you so very much for those beautiful special moments of happiness and excitement in our garden...

How Beautiful is That...

See how inspirational that was for him..and me too!

Okay that was the first inspiration this week..

Absolutely Beautiful You all Are so Special

Thank you.. Silvia and to Ikea Goddess for being so special to bring folks together to enjoy each other...that in my book is pretty cool..and if I missed someone..please forgive me and just let me know..as I would not want to miss thanking you.

Inspiration Two

The Amazing Paul Potts

Hear him..Here

I am like Paul Potts..with my art..his words are really my words in with a different..passion...maybe that is where we go when it hurts and we are little children..

I think God watches over us...somehow...Sammy too!

Sammy loves to sing...will sing in his room..and his momma..silently listens to him..and he don't miss a word...but he can't say his alphabet..or a nursery rhyme completely..and I blame the school for that..you see my Sammy is a diamond...but the people who work with him have written him off as not being able to ever succeed in life..accomplish anything..they don't believe in him...

So Paul Potts..you are our hero!

Inspiration Three

A special Friend sent me this ..

and I thought it was so special...I wanted to share it with you too.

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my "Dollar Store" run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox.

So off I go. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" "My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal." "Hal like Halloween?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?
"How old am I now Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someones attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?" Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion," but I sure love living in God's garden.

Pastor Hal Steenson - This real life story took place July 12, 2006

Now awhile back I promised a freebie from my post Cat Attack

which is just about down to the end of the page at the moment..or click on Cat Attack to view it..

I put the items in the pkg...seperately...as ..a tab, wordart, ribbon groupie, paper, accent and tag.

They are 300 ppi and in psd format .. created in psp so will open in psp..as well.

Hope you like them and have fun creating with them when you need them.

We have been following Paul Potts news stories and what ever we can find on him..and watching his blog..for updates as they promise them first..

we are loving it..man he has the voice of an angel..

I will be back in a few day...

Happy Father's Day...to all our wonderful men..who stand by us..as we cherish the most precious moments in our life..

I have to say...I am very lucky..for Mario...he is the best father..and his son adores him.

Happy Father's Day...Mario..

Download Cat Attack Here

I will be back soon..have some year end meetings this week..and we are making...small progress...which is a good thing...oh my why do I think of Martha when I hear myself say that.

Thank you for Your patience and a grab bag freebie

You can rest assured when I am gone for a little bit like this..that I am busy doing something..to improve the quality of life for my child..in some form of letters or phone calls in hopes to improve his chances at growing up to become as productive member of society as he can be.

In Labrador..that means many changes have to happen within the health care system and education system in order for him to have those opportunities to do so...leaving here is not a financial option for us.

There are no charity groups or Groups to compensate in a rural area..like in major centers.

There was a recent story in our local paper ..one that in my opinion told it like it really is..for children facing mental and physical challenges..You can read about the story here..and what the family talks about is the truth...Compared to other parts of Canada and the world..what the special children of Labrador get is almost comparable to a third world country. Provincial cut Backs in Health Care and Education are severely having an impact on the future of our children..and they are growing up not being given the opportunity's to become productive members of society..and a future burden to a already over burdened social care system..and will become resented..for being such a burden...(update, the original article has been removed from their site I am planning on emailing them to ask permission to put it on here.

The Labradorian

I was approached by a reporter to do a story regarding things that have happened and are happening to my boy..after hours of reviewing..reports and documents I have written in the last years..I felt so deeply saddened by it all and felt as though I had failed to protect him from people I should have been able to trust.

It was very difficult and painful to look at the battles we have faced..I sat with the reporter..for a few hours..but later that night declined to do a article as I felt it was not in my child's best interest..and the article would not depict the whole picture..which is far greater then just the school board..but lack of funding to attract professionals to work in a rural area.

We are in desperate need..for speech pathologist, educational specialist, nurses, doctors..and there is not enough money going to these things to attract them to come here, which is very sad. There is a need for missionaries and Charity's to get involved, a big brother organization and many many other things..such is the way of rural living in Labrador and Rural Northern Canada.

I opted instead to write yet another letter to the school...At first I thought it would do not good...but when I looked back at a twenty one page report I did..two years ago..when my child went missing in -28 degrees of weather..in February month...from school...with no hat, coat, mitts on..and I was called at my place of work and told he was missing from school..I realized that I had indeed made small changes and showed I was trying hard to communicate with them in a positive way despite the fact that my child could have died..that was very hard, to tuck away the anger I felt at that time and be positive.

When he went missing that time..and they called me..at work.

I asked where is he..they told me that they did not know..that he was off school premises and not there responsibility, now how a nine year old child with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy gets off school premises, who cannot walk very easy when he is supposed to be with a student aid at all times is beyond me but only an indication of the quality of care he gets in school.

We took him out of school after that for over a week....and that was the last time he went missing from school.

Prior to that when he was seven, there were more incidents with him going missing - one time he was found him on the bridge trying to find his way to his mommas work and a young girl in town found him there and took him to me. He was supposed to be on the special needs bus coming home...it has been a long hard experience...his education is sub standard compared to the capital of our province or the rest of Canada .. small .. success's have been made.

The school now has a special education and life skills room.

They are still not wheelchair accessible..but there to...are our hopes for future change...but when I go missing this is what I am at.

Sammy is my first priority.

I let Sammy pick out what to share today...and did a grab bag of what he picked..you won't be disappointed..he likes bright colors..and says all women like flowers momma...

You can download Sammy's Grab Bag of Goodies Here

Thank you for all the lovely comments..you are appreciated and give me happiness and sunshine....and make life easier just by being in it..thank you so much for that...

Thank you to Silvia for listing me.

Thank you to Ikea Goddess for listing me.

Thank you to Selena for listing me

and to others who may have promoted my blog spot that I may not know about..

My Mother's Hands

My Mother's Hands

Template from Hilma Rose.

Kit Abiding Memories from Designer Lara Payton available

at Dusty Bear

Lara has some new beautiful kits out..in case you have not been there in a bit..her new cookery set..is my favourite...Abiding Memories I have really enjoyed.

Font Duality from Larabie Fonts..in my side bar.

Mom is the little girl on your left..and with her sisters.

thank you all for your kindness, patience and understanding while I get myself up and running about again..Your comments have truly been appreciated..and have touched my heart...

It is nice to know..such kind people and have people in your life that still believes in kindness..and caring..you are treasured..more then gold in our changing world.

Thinking Blogger Award

Thank you to Jannidee..my long time scrapping friend and a awesome creative scrapper..for nominating me for the thinking blogger award.
She shares wonderful freebies..and every time I visit her site..I am inspired..and also go away wishing I could be at the cabin with her and one of her wonderful home cooked meals..Thank you Jannidee.
I wish, I could pick five..but I can't pick just five..because there are just to many lovely people out there that inspire me..and during this last month..I have to say..that comments I received here on my blog and in 4 shared have dearly touched my heart in so many ways and helped me so much during this difficult time in my life..so I nominate all the people who took time to leave comments and take the time to leave comments..For their thoughtfullness..and I bet you I spelled that wrong..smiles...Your kind words..have been dearly appreciated and treasured in my heart. Thank You. I also nominate all the girls who take the time to list my blog and allow you to visit and for us to meet, all the wonderful people who inspire each other and share and care..for there really are so many kind and wonderful people in this world..and it is a privelage to give something back..I hope to have my freebie post coming soon..thank you...

Thank You For Your Gentle Kindness

I wanted to say thank you for your gentle kindness, and prayers. I made it back Saturday..from my moms funeral..and have just been resting up...my mother had a lovely service...and I feel my mother with me...now...and it brings me much comfort...she is in everything I do...I went home on angel wings...I know that..as well like most of us..I did not have a dime to my name..I was crying and mario told me to go out and visit a friend...2 hours later...he called me at my friends house...and said come home..you have an hour to pack...he had gone to all my friends and collected from them enough money to get me out on a plane...such gentle kindness..of others will be never forgotton...when I got there I told my mother...mom I told you I would be here and I prayed..and the angels sent me here..I really got there from angels..earth angels who love and care....so much...


I got to spend 12 hours with her before she passed on...that night, I woke up and went to the sink to wash my hands..and as I washed my hands..It hit me ..these hands last touched my mothers face...and as I washed I asked myself what was the greatest thing she taught these hands...and then sat to a table and wrote this poem for her..

A Mother's Prayers Remembered...

I hesitated.
As the water flowed - over my hands.
These hands, these hands,
that last touched my mother's face.
These hands, in whom God had placed.

How they held me the day I was born
and nutured me through life.
My Hands
touching her face.
As the water flowed
from his hands
to her hands
to mine

As the water flowed and washed
these hands
that last touched my mother's face.

The greatest gift she taught these hands
were how to fold in faith.

Then the prayer...of Our Father..was said.

Thank you for your gentle kindness and prayers...with warmest regards, Joanne

Just a quick note

This is just a quick post to say a warm and kind thank you for those who have kept me and my mom in their prayers..I am going home and getting a chance to be with my mom...and be there when the time comes...through the kindness of others..around me...God saw a tear and kissed it away with the smile of a friend..Thank you so very much with all of my heart.
When I am back home, I will post the next parts of the kit.

Circle by Circle

Click on the picture to view full size.

I am so please that I finally got a layout done, I have been wanting to try something in basic black and try my hand at journaling. My son is the love of my life - the sunshine of every minute, he is so innocent and so loving. Font is Elante which came with a program I purchased called Print Artist Gold from Sierra, which is no longer available.

It is pretty simple, I know but I like how this turned out and have uploaded the drop shadowed frames I made to make it to share with others. Feel free to use as you wish. no credit needed.
If I have made spelling errors, please forgive me, I have not been the same in the past few years and they really need to put a spell checker in psp...smiles...

You can download it here.

My sister enjoys singing and several years ago when a family member of ours was overseas wrote a song about it. It is a lovely song and I have permission to share it with other mothers who may have children who are away fighting the war. I am sorry I cannot preview it...but you are welcome to download it here . It is called a Soliders Mothers Prayer.
Thank you to those that have left comments, they truly are appreciated and bring me pleasure.

To the person who inquired about the bow template, I will try to upload in the next few days some bow things I have been working on. Again, thank you.

Just Playing Around

My Celebrity Look Alikes

I was just playing around today, nothing serious in my mind, visiting a few of my favorite blogs..when I visited this blog here by Shabby Grace . Okay, I admit I got distracted when I saw what she had done and decided this looks like fun and just had to give it a go. I was looking at my old passport photo today and scanned it and thought what a perfect project to use it in..So here it is...my celebrity look alikes. The only one I felt was a good match was Kathy Bates. Not to sure what I think about the rest...?
To see your own celebrity look alikes visit here at MyHeritage . They do require you to sign up.

Forever A Mother's Love

Forever is a Mother's Love
This layout was done for a challenge at Lara Payton's new site... you can find a link to her challenge here. The template and flourish was provide by her for the challenge..I am sure you would enjoy her lovely site as much as I do..The kit is Abiding Memories by Lara Payton available for sale here. This is one of my most cherished moments with my son..he lives in my heart always.

The Story of Sara's Garden Kit

I thought I would post one of the kits I did before I set up my blog.
S is for Sara. It also stands for Saving. I must tell a story about this kit. For a long time there was this old rusty trunk, in the basement of this home, after a women died, her friends were given the chance one by one to go in a pick through the things she had that they could use for themselves. Each went in and picked what they best thought they would be able to use. Every one by passed the old rusty trunk in the basement. The last person to visit looked around with fond memories, she saw a picture on the wall, it was not a real nice picture, but the frame was beautiful and she thought to herself, I can recycle that nice frame with a print I have that will make it stand out and look just right, she added the frame to the pile of stuff she was collecting and putting in a box. She saw a little tiny piggy bank..very small about 2 inches,not a very pretty thing but she thought it was just the right size to give to a small child some day and that it would bring much happiness.
At last going to the basement, which looked old and dusty, there was still all kinds of things all over the place, this lady saved everything, believing it all had a purpose to someone someday.
She saw in a corner - in the dark light of the basement a rusty old trunk, she looked inside to find old blankets, and she thought to herself..these blankets once washed can be made into warm quilts for cold nights. She brought the trunk upstairs and placed it with the box of things she had collected. Looking on the counter, she saw and old tea pot, carefully she placed it in the box, thinking to herself that I will always be able to sit down and have a tea with you and remember you.
At home later that day, she went through her box of treasures that were given to her by someone special that had passed on from sickness in life. Carefully she examined the frame, gentled cleaned it and found the print she long saved of women gathering up small grains of rice from the leftovers of rice harvest to feed their families. It was perfect for the frame..she removed the back and discovered under the old not so pretty picture that was in there..a beautiful limited addition print..worth money. She carefully stored the print and put in her picture of the women gathering rice to feed their families and hung it over the table...After washing the tea pot she made a pot of tea. She sat to the table with her tea, and proudly looked at the picture with it's new frame. It was so perfect, for it would remind her, always to be thankful for the little bits of rice that could feed the world...and to be thankful for the meals and food God so Blessed her with to feed her family.
She quitely enjoyed her tea and reflected on the moments she had once shared with her friend, proud to have have had the opportunity in life, to have been able to meet and share with such a wonderful person. While sitting and reflecting, she played with the little piggy bank, it was so small it would most likely hold only about 20 pennies, just perfect she thought for a little one some day..while she played with the bank..she heard it jingle, there were several small coins in there, she managed to shake them out. Here on the table sat two very valuable coins. Carefully she took them and placed them in her bible.
Having finished her tea, She went to take out the blankets from the old trunk so she could wash them and make sure they found a good home. As she took out the blankets she noticed that the stickers on the trunk were very, very ,old and belonged to someone very special,who had made many advances in medical care, she realized that this ole trunk was indeed just the greatest of treasure of all for the right person. Carefully it was stored for the day when it found where it would belong.
Feeling tired from her day, she fell fast asleep. She was not well and even though she tried to say how sick she was and how tired she was all the time no one could see past how she looked to notice that something was wrong with her..She silently accepted being sick and resolved that someday she would just die as she no longer could stay awake or do anything and her body was sore and tired. She grew sicker by each day...and almost died.....Until one day in her garden, she had the chance to meet Sara. Sara saw more then the rusty old trunk of a body that layed before her,and because she did she was able to listen without judgement to her and see what had made the women so sick all those long 9 years and she was able to help her get better. For the first time in years the women was able to stay awake in days, she was able to really sleep and not walk around in life like she was a zombie and so she was given a new chance at life. After she spent 3 days in ICU and 3 weeks in hospital she came home and she cried, finally someone knew what was wrong with her, finally she was going to get a chance to get better. She sat on the edge of her bed and tears softly fell from her eyes as she was crying she noticed the old trunk by the foot of her bed and she knew ..where the old trunks home was meant to be. That christmas, thankful to be alive ... she placed the old trunk on the door of the young doctors step, with a big red bow on it..
For having seen more then a rusty old trunk.
So S if for Sara...one of the most special people in my Garden of Life..as she gave me back my life...for which each new day that I am here is appreciated.
Each of us has the chance to be special in someones Garden if we choose to be. Thank you for being one of the flowers in my Garden.