This is going to be a little long, but I really need to post today. I have had the past couple of weeks to sit back, relax, reflect and regroup. Regrouping is still an ongoing process but I am ready to post a bit about all of that.
But before I get into my deepest feelings today, I want to show you, I have been busy with my needles.
First up.............toe socks
I had a request from Tiffany for another Azel poncho
The buttons are so hard to see with all the fur. But she really wanted buttons with bling. Sewing these on was a challenge too. Not thinking I will be working with fun fur anytime soon.
It looks like a blanket when folded up. I will say, my legs stayed nice and warm while working on this.
I found something at Costco right after Thanksgiving that gave me great joy.
Remember the sea turtle blanket? Remember how I did not like the puffy turtle? I fixed it!
I don't know where the work 'throw' got put on this pattern as this fits my daughters queen sized bed perfectly! I really enjoyed making the blanket portions. Making the appliques was not too bad either. Sewing them on.............not my favorite project. Will I make another one? Probably not.
After all the 'commissioned' items were completed, I pulled out my shawl
Oh, how I love this pattern. It is the perfect shawl for our Arizona climate. This will be my fourth shawl in this pattern and I have the yarn to make a fifth one when this one is completed. I wore one of them yesterday during Mass. It kept the A/C from blowing down my neck. Yes, we still have A/C going here with our daytime temps still getting up near 80! No, this is not normal!
I have done a small amount of decorating for Christmas.
The tree is up and decorated. And, that is all I did on the inside of the house. Hubby has decorated the front yard but no photos of that to show.
We did have our front yard landscaped after Thanksgiving. We added 2 trees, 6 lantana and 10 bougainvillea. A watering system was added too, to make life a bit easier for my husband who goes out and waters our bushes every couple of days. When spring hits and our front yard is in bloom, I will take a photo and post it for you to see. I am so excited to finally have lots of color added to my yard. We now have 'curb appeal'.
Now, on to my personal life news. If you do not want to read it, that's ok. But this will give you a bit of insight as to why I have slowed down on blogging.
Jaxon is doing quite well. Her skin graft it healing nicely. She is going to have some nasty scaring on her leg, but at least she has her leg and her life. The same can not be said about her boyfriend who accidently hit her with his motorcycle. RIP
I was able to increase my injections for my RA! Since I have been infection free for over 9 months, she has allowed me to up my injections to every other week! What a difference that has made in my mobility and pain. She has also prescribed physical therapy to help improve my lower extremity strength, mobility and balance. I start right after the first of the year. Believe it or not, I am really looking forward to it. It has been way too long since I have been able to get on the floor and back up again. Or even get off of some sofas that sit too low. Climbing stairs is also an issue. I am just a hot mess when it comes to some of my mobility.
An now, for the news that is not the greatest.
Josh had another MRI this past week and there are 2 new spots on his brain. Until there is a biopsy we will not know if they are a recurrence of his cancer or radiation necrosis. This was not the news we wanted to hear the week before Christmas. Or anytime, for that matter. Thankfully, he does not have any new symptoms which gives us a little hope it is from radiation. But, with the type of cancer he has,(Glioblastoma) it could well be a recurrence. There are a couple of new trials he is eligible for if this is the returning of his cancer. This gives us hope. The last trial he had was last year at this time. It totally slowed the growth of his tumor down and even has extended his life past the time normally expected. It breaks this mama's heart to see her first born going through all of this. Watching his wife and daughter dealing with the fact his life is eventually going to be taken by this dreaded disease is gut wrenching. Seeing his siblings gathering for family days and photos worried it could be the last milestone for them to witness, hard to watch. This has all been heavy on my mind and heart. There are tears being shed in private as I try and be strong for the rest of the family. My faith has not waivered but there have been a few times where I just want to scream "why him, God". We just lost a very dear friend at Thanksgiving to this dreaded disease. A good man. A righteous man. A man of great faith. It all hit way to close to home. Yet, each day, I wake up, put one foot infront of the other and carry on with the life I have been given. A wise person once said, we only die once but we live each day. And as Josh keeps telling me, "I am not dieing of cancer but living with cancer". A wise son I have raised.
Josh had another MRI this past week and there are 2 new spots on his brain. Until there is a biopsy we will not know if they are a recurrence of his cancer or radiation necrosis. This was not the news we wanted to hear the week before Christmas. Or anytime, for that matter. Thankfully, he does not have any new symptoms which gives us a little hope it is from radiation. But, with the type of cancer he has,(Glioblastoma) it could well be a recurrence. There are a couple of new trials he is eligible for if this is the returning of his cancer. This gives us hope. The last trial he had was last year at this time. It totally slowed the growth of his tumor down and even has extended his life past the time normally expected. It breaks this mama's heart to see her first born going through all of this. Watching his wife and daughter dealing with the fact his life is eventually going to be taken by this dreaded disease is gut wrenching. Seeing his siblings gathering for family days and photos worried it could be the last milestone for them to witness, hard to watch. This has all been heavy on my mind and heart. There are tears being shed in private as I try and be strong for the rest of the family. My faith has not waivered but there have been a few times where I just want to scream "why him, God". We just lost a very dear friend at Thanksgiving to this dreaded disease. A good man. A righteous man. A man of great faith. It all hit way to close to home. Yet, each day, I wake up, put one foot infront of the other and carry on with the life I have been given. A wise person once said, we only die once but we live each day. And as Josh keeps telling me, "I am not dieing of cancer but living with cancer". A wise son I have raised.
And now to lighten the mood a bit...............................
I will be making Snickerdoodle cookies today for our Christmas gathering. Luckily my dog is to darn short to be able to reach them. LOL
Until Next Time.......................Happy Crafting, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah etc!
I wish the news had been better about your son - prayers are being sent. The news was much better about your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteCrafting news from you is always welcome and encouraging. I loved the funny you included. I have been lucky I have never had a dog that would get into things even though they were often large enough to reach the counter.
Marsha, I’m so sorry to hear this news of Josh’s latest scan. You are all doing so well to take each day as it comes and spend quality family time together. Josh knows how much he is loved and there are many who don’t have the love and support from such a loving mum and family. Treasure each day. I’m sure those cheery mice ornaments will help raise a smile to all who walk by. Have a love filled family Christmas. Best wishes Liz (Highlandheffalump)
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and you’re beautiful family! You’ve had a tough year. I don’t often comment but I always read. I’m amazed you’re crafting at all. Lovely projects, though. I especially like the sea turtle throw. ❤️
ReplyDeleteOh Marsha, I so wish it had been better news. I know you and your amazing family, will be making the most of every moment and hopefully will be able to annoy the festive season.
ReplyDeleteYour projects are amazing - I love the turtle blanket!!