some photos to share

Ed's scarf so far.

Cho-cho sleeping

a sample swatch of Kate's soon-to-be computer sleeveThe sleeve so far.

What do you see here? I see a purse. Can you see it?

Hope y'all are well.

happy new year?

Well, a new year has begun. Welcome travelers. Hope you remembered your towel. (If you get the reference, kudos! If not, maybe someday I'll explain.)

Not much creative going on. My energy has been going more into the family drama/trauma, so the projects have not really been noteworthy in my opinion.

Mom is back in the hospital for another holiday. After surgery, there was the Christmas Eve E.R. visit, since which she's been on an antibiotic and has struggled with nausea. Sunday she began vomiting, which led to another E.R. visit, which led to admission.

The theory as I understand it is that the combination of the gallbladder removal and introduction of food into her system caused the pancreas to flare up again. The current treatment is to go back to no food or fluids by mouth, only by i.v., possibly for up to six more weeks. She shouldn't need to be hospitalized the whole time; just until the fevers and nausea subside. We'll see.

So. Keep the good thoughts, prayers, and Care Bear stares coming. Cards and flowers welcome as well. ;) I have appreciated all your love and support through all of this. Thank you for sharing your shoulders and helping to bear the weight. I have faith that by next holiday season, this will be naught but a memory, but we've got a rocky road to go on for a while. If you're reading, Mom, remember that I truly do believe this!

Oh, and Ed: guess what I am working on?...

merry christmas to all;

and to all a good night.

p.s.- For those of you following the saga of my mom's wellness challenge:
Mom is back on the clear liquids for a few days after having some bad reactions to eating again. Bert will stick around for the time being. It's a setback, but this too shall pass, right? So, put the Care Bear stares back on again. I'll let you know when to stand down, 'kay? Thanks!

not 10/6

off without a hitch

Thus went the surgery. Thank you for all your support and care bear stares!

As I type, my mom is settling in at home with hopes of eating soon. What will it be? Steak and onions? In and Out? Baby food? Creamy rice? I really don't think it matters, considering it will be her first solid food since November 5th. Yes, it's true: since November 5th.

That's 46 days with no solid food. Just apple juice, fat-free chicken broth and sugar-free Jello and water. Forty-six days of Bert (my nickname for the iv-pump bag o' liquid nutrients). I'm amazed. I mean, Jesus did 40 days and 40 nights, but Betsy did 46.

You amaze me, Mom. Here's to a speedy recovery and continued healing of body, mind, and spirit. Love you!

tomorrow

is my mom's surgery to remove her gallbladder and repair the pancreatic pseudocyst that formed from the acute pancreatitis attack in November. The cyst has shrunk enough that they are going to do the procedure laparoscopically, which means the risks are lower. And yet, I'm nervous. So, for those of you who pray, be praying tomorrow at 3:30pm. If you don't pray, then just think good thoughts. If you don't want to do that either, then get your Care Bear stare on. Thanks!

another game of what's that craft?

mmmm. purdy.