It's been so long since I gave this little blog any attention. Ever since I learned of my dad's cancer diagnosis on April 14, it's been hard to enjoy the random daily stuff that I have always enjoyed blogging about. I cannot believe how quickly it took him and a part of my little-girl heart is broken... but I really do want to get back to some of the things I have been missing. I think it's time for me to get back to my blogging.
The card above is a really quick one I put together for Jolie's birthday this weekend. She turned nine! Oh, my. The "wish" tag on the card is from Every Jot and Tittle at ETSY. I love her little tags and cards. I used a whole bunch of them on a little book I made this weekend at my mom's house...I can't show it yet, though.
I have some news. It's cool and fun and I have not shared it yet because my excitement conflicted so much with the grief I have been experiencing since my father's death. But now I'm ready to share: I have been invited to join the Fiskars Top Ten Design Team! What a huge blessing and a gigantic surprise for me. I am thrilled to be working with Fiskars, Heidi Grace Designs, and Cloud 9 Design. This weekend I opened SIX boxes of cool, new stuff from those three companies...talk about overwhelming and thrilling! It's a bright spot in a dark time for me, for sure.
Oh, and I apologize for not keeping those faithful, praying girls posted on Darlene, Angela's mother. She had her double lung transplant and is experiencing no signs of rejection. She experienced a stroke during the surgery, so they are working on getting her left side working again. If you would still lift her up to our Lord, please pray for her pain to decrease and that a place would open up for her on the rehab floor at the hospital so she can get stronger before going home.
So the world continues to twirl...even though I have almost wished it wouldn't at times in the last couple of weeks. I miss my dad and it hurts my heart to watch my mom face her new world without him. I know God is sovereign and his timing is perfect, whether I can see it or not. I am not alone.
{Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1}
Happy birthday Jolie! We'll be celebrating turning 9 here soon too! Oh my is right!! LOL
Congrats on the dt! Can't wait to see all your amazing contributions!
And . . . you're right . . . you're not alone Stacey . . . He will carry you all through.
Posted by: Tina | June 13, 2007 at 08:59 AM
been thinking of you and your mom...
what wonderful news about the DT! here's to wonderful big stuff, and wonderful little stuff...
Posted by: marie | June 13, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I ran into your blog, through another blog so I thought I'd say "hi!" I'm sooo sorry for your loss and pray that your heart is lightened. At the same time, Congratulations on your wonderful news! Take care and Be Blessed!
Posted by: Robyn Weatherspoon | June 13, 2007 at 12:05 PM
congrats stacey...still thinking and praying for you...
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | June 13, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Congratulations, Stacey! P&PT heading out....
Posted by: slammie | June 13, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Happy B-day Jolie!! I LOVE your sweet card for her! :) You always make such fabulous cards. ALWAYS.
AND...HUGE congrats to you Miss Fiskateer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Leslie Ashe | June 13, 2007 at 02:07 PM
(((HUGS))) stacey!
and prayers.
and CONGRATS!!!!
seriously awesome---enjoy the ride on your new team!
Posted by: tania | June 13, 2007 at 02:41 PM
Good news indeed. Hang in there, the healing takes some time. Lucky you, you have Him.
Wishing you blessings and comfort.
Posted by: Susie | June 13, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Cngratulations on the deisgn team. I'm looking forward to seeing all that you will be making. It's good to hear from you again. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Hebe | June 13, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Stace, I am so happy to hear from you again...
Congrats on the new dt you so deserve this!!! I will continue to keep you are your family in my prayers!
Posted by: Kristy | June 13, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Huge congratulations on the DT...fiskars has some very cool products...lucky you! (and them, because you ROCK!)
I'll be praying for your friends mom, and for yours too. It takes a long time for the heart to heal.
I love your verse...need to remember that one. Faith is so hard sometimes.
Posted by: Laura Fiore | June 13, 2007 at 05:16 PM
good to hear from you... we have missed you... you, your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
AWESOME NEWS on the DT... CONGRATS!
Posted by: lyneen | June 13, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Glad to see you back here my friend! I've missed you. Big, huge congrats on your happy news. Praying for your tender heart to be mended.
Posted by: kendra | June 13, 2007 at 07:58 PM
you deserve all good things! glad to hear things are looking up.
i don't even know you (was in a class with you in SA) but you, your mom, and your family continue to be in my prayers.
Posted by: natalie | June 13, 2007 at 08:46 PM
Oh, wow...congratulations on your big news, Stacey. SO happy for you. What a fun, bright spot. :)
Happy Birthday, Jolie!!
Love you,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | June 13, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Happy Happy Birthday Jolie! Stacey...my heart is with you.
Posted by: Suzan | June 13, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Happy Birthday Jolie!!!
It's amazing how quickly they grow up, isn't it? My middle daughter will be 8 this month.
Congrats on the wonderful news with the design team and cool boxes of goodies to work with! I can't wait to see what you do, as well. I'm also going to continue to keep you and yours in my prayers.
Glad you're back, by the way!
In His Love,
Delaina
Posted by: Delaina | June 14, 2007 at 07:46 AM
Happy birthday Jolie! My oldest is graduating form our homeschool this year...just where does the time go?!! I remember the day after hea was born, laying him on my hospital bed, taking off his little blankets and marveling at the wonderful gift I had recieved from our Heavenly Father!...counting all the tiny toes and fingers...looking at every precious part. And now...graduation! It seems but yesterday!
I'll continue to pray for you, your mother and your family in this difficult time. So glad you have the Father to lean on...
And congrats on your new dt assignment! You deserve it and Fiskars will be blessed by having you! Can't wait to see more of your awesome work! Blessings to all!
Posted by: tammygraves | June 14, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Hi Stacey,
nice to see you posting again and scrapping. I just saw a few things of yours on two peas. Congrats on the Fiskars opportunity.
Still praying for you!!
Posted by: Sarah Eberle | June 14, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Congrats on the Fiskars gig, my friend, that's awesome!!!!! I ADORE Heidi Grace, her products will be a blast to work with.....heck, they ALL will be fun to work with! I'm thrilled for you.
Posted by: Jana | June 14, 2007 at 08:12 PM
Stacey~ I lost my Mom very quickly after a cancer diagnosis too. It may be hard to focus for a while and I had to lower some of my expectations on myself (to not do too much!!). May the Lord grant you the supernatural peace that only He can. He will use your father's passing to strengthen and help others going through similiar trials. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Noreen | June 15, 2007 at 06:22 AM
Big hugs Stacey. I'm so sorry about your dad and can feel your love and pain for him. I'm so glad he was so special to you---that is wonderful and important in itself. Lots of happy memories and big, happy congrats on joining with Fiskars---what a perfect match!
Melis
Posted by: lilybeanpaperie | June 15, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Stacey, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's death! I've been laying low due to dealing with some of my own issues and did not see this until now. I am so so sorry. I wish I had known sooner what you were going through. Hugs!
Huge congrats on making the Fiskars team. You are one very talented lady and I so admire your work, I look forward to seeing more of it!
Posted by: pam | June 19, 2007 at 11:03 AM