~Email from Amy about her Chemo treatment~

Hello Gals! I just got in the door from work.
This email from Amy was waiting for me ..
Thought you would want to see it ASAP.

Mary, I did have a reaction to one of the medications and I have never seen doctors and nurses come running so fast in my life 3 doctors and 4 nurses WOW....BOB WAS EVEN IMPRESSED....they stopped my IV and started shooting all these shots into my IV to get me better....worked like a charm and I will just have to have it all the time now when I go in to chemo. I couldn't swallow...it was scary to me and I just couldn't swallow....I felt like I was choking. But they knew exactly what to do so that was great!!!!Starting tonight and over the next 3 days will be my nausea and vomiting stage.....and I got 4 of the RED Hair Cut Treatment Cocktail SHOTS so my hair will be gone in 2 days to 2 weeks......WOW...I never saw so much stuff shot into my veins in a day as I did today.I am going to go to bed....I feel like I am getting the flu and the veins in my arms are cold.....almost like I can feel the chemo moving thru my blood stream...it's weird.....hard to explain....I am weak and very tired....If you get a chance, can you post on my blog that I am doing great and the fear of the chemo is completely gone from me and every one's THOUGHTS and PRAYERS WORKED!!!! Please tell them THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU and I will blog as soon as I can.(Mary, feel free to cut and paste anything I said out of this email to make it easier for you.....LOVE YOU!!!! Amy)

~Thoughts of Amy today~

As Amy goes in for her first Chemo treatment at 9:40am cst today
she will be in my thoughts and prayers.
May her "Guardian Angel" stand watch over her!
God bless you Amy :-}

~Happiness is a friend like Carole~

"Yes happiness is a friend like Carole" Scoundrels And Rogues. She sent me these treasures! 2 books and fabric.. Plus some other goodies..The Five little peppers book was really for my Granddaughter Isabella.. But I love the book so much I can not part with it. So what I will do is Isabella & I will read it together here at my cottage.. Hope that's OK Carole. I will give it to her someday, its a delicate old antique that needs to be watched over..... And that fun little book "happiness is a sad song" made me smile & I needed that.. Yesterday was such a sad day due to the death of Jessie Davis. It upset me so bad my heart hurt.. So today I'm not watching the news.. Ok and the Victorian child fabric is darling!! Can anyone please give me some ideas as what to make this this adorable fabric? I thought about making pockets & putting antique sheet music made into stars or hearts trimmed with with Grandmothers antique glass glitter and some vintage buttons and trims maybe an "altered art" piece? What do you think?? Thanks again Carole you are such a sweetie!

~Very sad news Jessie Davis has been found ~

How sad.. Jessie is dead. Look at this lovely photo of this beautiful woman and her sweet son..

My Daughter called me this morning stating that her friends parents live on the same street as Jessie Davis. That gossip was going around that Bobby Cutts (father of Jessie's baby) had turned himself in that he had killed Jessie.. He was to lead the police to her body..I did not want to believe this.. It was not on the news so I believed it not to be true. Well the gossip was correct. I turned on CNN news and there it was. I'm so upset.. How can one human being kill another? And to kill the pregnant Mother of your child..This man must be a monster. I'm sick, sad and angry! How my heart goes out to this family.

My apron from "The Apron Book"

Mary from Crash-n-Smash sent me book "The Apron Book"
What a great book this is.. If you love aprons it is a must!
Thanks again Mary :-}
In the back of the book is a full size apron pattern.
With that pattern I made the apron above.
I used vintage & new cotton fabrics.
Added a large pocket to the bottom, it's divided into three.
And I fully lined the apron.
This is a very easy pattern to use.
I love wearing aprons! Especially full ones with pockets.
I use my aprons everyday when I clean,
do dishes (I've no dishwasher) oh yes I do I'm the dishwasher...
when I garden, when I paint, even when I sew..
The pockets come in so handy to hold everything I need.
I enjoy collecting vintage aprons and have a couple hundred of them..
I find that most vintage aprons are a bit to delicate
to wear for everyday use.
So when I make my aprons I try and find strong vintage cotton fabrics to use.
I use new fabrics on the ties and pockets for extra strength.
So have some fun get busy and make yourself an apron.
If only to hang on a peg rack to make your room look pretty..

~a week & Jessie Davis is still missing~

This beautiful 9 month local pregnant
woman Jessie Davis is still missing..
It's now been a week since she was last seen.
Today just a few miles away from here
1800 people gathered to search for Jessie.
Today a freshly dug area was found by the searchers
and is now being checked out.
How my heart goes out to Jessie family!
Lets all continue to keep Jessie in our prayers.

~Welcome Brandy our new blogger!~

Hey Gals lets give a big welcome to Brandy of StampWithBrandy she is new to blogging.. she's a stamper.. and very good at it too! She made my BEAUTIFUL Mary Rose sign and matching card below..

She is the daughter of Mary Crash-n-Smash. These are two very sweet Gals!! Stop by and say Hello to Brandy!

~birthday Gifts from Mary~

Oh my gosh.. look what I got for my birthday!! These goodies are from my friend Mary Crash-n-Smash . See how the card matches my "Mary Rose" picture..how sweet!
Her very talented Daughter Bee made the picture & card.. I LOVE them!!

The apron book is wonderful, it has a full size apron pattern in the back can't wait to use it.

And the adorable rick rack clothes pins. What fun they are.

Mary & Bee thanks so very much for making my birthday such a happy one :-}

~Local pregnant woman Jessie is still missing~~

This local pregnant women Jessie Davis is still missing. She is 9 months pregnate. This is so very upsetting! Please keep Jessie in your prayers for her safe return.

Ohio police are searching for a missing pregnant woman Sunday after her mother found the woman's 2-year-old son alone last week in her Lake Township, Ohio, home.
Jessie Marie Davis 26, of North Canton, Ohio, was last heard from Wednesday, when she spoke to her mother, Patty Porter, by cell phone, Stark County Sheriff Tim Swanson said. Davis is nine-months pregnant.
Authorities planned to canvas the neighborhood Sunday afternoon.
"At this point it's just very frightening because they don't have any actual suspects," said Jane Davis, the missing woman's sister. "They're just looking for any possible clues at this point."
Porter discovered her daughter missing Friday morning, when she found her 2-year-old grandson home alone.
"I said ... 'Where's Mommy?'" Porter said. "And he just said 'Mommy broke the table, and Mommy's in the rug.'"

~chest with vintage 40s fabrics~~

I found this small wood chest at a thrift shop for $2.50. I painted it white. Then with white glue thinned with water. I covered the drawers, sides, & top with vintage 40s fabrics. The fabrics have a bit of a story. I was at a sale a few summers ago and came across a box of old cotton fabrics. As I was looking through the box a sweet little old man came up to me. He sadly told me how his wife had passed away and that he was selling her things. With love in his eyes he told me the fabrics in the box were from his wife's old house dresses that she wore every day. That when the dresses wore out she saved ever piece of usable fabric. I told him I loved the fabrics and that I would make some very pretty things out of them. He smiled with tears in his eyes and said "thank you, enjoy the fabrics" he then walked away. Over the last few years whenever I work with these fabrics I think of this sweet little man & wonder how he is doing....

~Fathers Day~

Here are a few photos of my Father. He has passed away, how I think about him and miss him this day.. He was a good, strong, caring, father who worked very hard to provide for his family. He was born in Italy, came to the United States when he was 16. He met my Mother (also born in Italy) here and they were married. He was 22 she was 21.. They loving raised 4 children.

~Madonnas from Mary & Amy~

My sweet friends Mary Smash-n-Crash

and Amy FourSistersInACottage

sent me theses beautiful Madonnas.

The Madonna in the front is from Mary.

The two behind her on the shelf are from Amy.

They are a lovely addition to my vintage Madonna collection.

Thank you so very much ladies. I love them! :-}

~What wonderful news about Amy!~

Well yesterday was just the best birthday ever for me!
Finding out that Amy FourSistersInACottage is now
cancer free was wonderful.
I believe the thoughts & prayers from
all you Gals sure made a difference.
God bless you!
Amy thanks for your lovely post on your blog
about my birthday, how sweet you are.
How good it is seeing you back again blogging..
I'm still here if & when you need me.
Thanks to all of you for you wonderful birthday wishes.
What a great day it truly was.

~A birthday gift from Sam~

I wear this button proudly to my Grandson Sam's baseball games..

At Sam's game last night he got 2 hits & 2 runs!

The team awarded him the game ball.
I cried when this precious little guy hugged me & said
"Grammy I did it for you because it is your birthday"..
It was a great ending to a day I will never forget!!

~the little birdie told..yes It's my birthday~

~I LOVE IT!~

My sweet friend Mary aka "the little birdie"

from Crash-n-Smash

made the adorable card above for me..

I borrowed it from her blog

"Birthday Wishes for Mary"

What a very lovely surprise!

Thank you so much Miss Mary

You have made my day :-}

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,

Or tallying up the years,

Contemplate your blessings,

As your birthday nears.

Consider special people

Who love you, and who care,

And others who’ve enriched your life

Just by being there.

Think about the memories

Passing years can never mar,

Experiences great and small

That have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift,

So cut your cake, and say,

"Instead of counting birthdays,

I count blessings every day!"

By Joanna Fuchs

I've been tagged for "I Dream"...

My blog friend Betty has tagged me for 'I Dream'...

I hope I'm doing this right :-}

1. I dream of...my precious Granddaughter Isabella being free from the pain & suffering that Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoporosis inflicts on her little body.
2. I dream of...a world free of pain, pollution, war, hunger, child predators, & hatred
3. I dream of...a world free from all disease especially Amy, Solange, & Linda's cancer
4. I dream of...having enough money to help my daughters and friends
5. I dream of...a world that people think less about themselves and more about others!
6. I dream of...all of us becoming more spiritual, believing in God or a higher power.
7. I dream of...holding my Daughter Nikki's sweet hand just one more time..
I need just one more...Please!
*I dream of...the "Yard Fairies" coming each week to mow & trim my lawn so I don't have to..LOL :-}*

Now I tag Amy, when she's up to it..Mary, Carole , MaryB

~ GOOD NEWS from Amy.. yeah!!!!~

Hello! Hello! Hello! Amy FourSistersInACottage just called me.. It's 9:00AM est.. The news is GOOD! Yeah!!!! The bone scan was good, no cancer. The tissue taken from around the lump is cancer free!!! The only other test that needs to come back is from the lymph nodes around the nodes that had cancer in them.. Amy said she cried like a baby when she got the news about the bone scan.. Needless to say she is soooooo happy. She had 2 of her drainage bulbs removed & the tubes. She said she cried when the tube from the left said was removed, it was so painful.. She still has one drainage bulb left. It's on her right side (the cancer side) . She goes to the doctor again on Thurs. She is now able to shower. She is slowly being taken off her pain medication. She has pain. She was able to sleep 8 hours last night. She again thanks everyone. She still is unable to type so she said please understand. So a HUGE thank you to everyone.. Prayers do work!! I truly believe it. God bless all you caring loving supportive people.. Can you tell I am sooooooooooooooooo very happy! What a GREAT day...~Mary~
I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest! Thank you God :-}

~Amy is asking for your prayers today~

Amy FourSistersInACottage called me this morning
she asked that you please say extra prayer for her today.
She will be getting the results of her bone scan today.
God bless her.... she is scared.
So please find it in your hearts to say yet another pray for this precious Gal.
She still is not able to type but when she can she will be back on her blog and emails.
Her pain comes & goes...she is resting as much as possible.
Thanks again for the support you are giving Amy.. she sure is well loved!
God bless you all ~Mary~

Lets welcome Mary of ~Crash-n-Smash~ she's new to blogging :-}

Everyone lets give Mary of Smash-n-Crash a big welcome!!

She's just started blogging.

She is my friend and such a dear Gal, you will just love her.

Stop on by her blog and see her adorable photo of Yum Yum her cat.

Oh my gosh is Yum Yum a cutie!

Mary I'm so glad to see you are blogging. Hope you are having fun so far.

Take care your friend :-} ~Mary~

~Amy's says "There's No Place Like Home!"~

Good morning! Our Gal Amy FourSistersInACottage just called me and we talked and talked! It's now 8:00AM est..We laughed and had such fun!! She is doing fine. She getting lots of rest and sleep.
She said she's glad to be home
& that "There's No Place Like Home"
She truly is my hero.. what a wonderful attitude she has, we should all take lessons from her!
She says as soon as she is up to it she will be getting to her emails and blogs.
She again thanks everyone for their thoughts, prayers, flowers, and cards..
I too want to thank everyone for all their love and support for Amy..
She is an amazing Gal and so are ALL of you too!
Hope you have a lovely Sunday :-} ~Mary~

~~Amy's home!!~~ :-}

Hello again! Amy FourSistersInSCottage phoned me at 3:15PM est...She is now at home, how wonderful!!! Each time I talk to her voice gets stronger, she now sounds like the old Amy to me. She says she is resting and doing a lot of sleeping. Her pain is getting better. She said she would love to check her blog and emails but can't just yet. She sends everyone her love and thanks for the thoughts, prayers and cards that were waiting for her when she got home. Also thanks from me for the out pouring of love you have given Amy. She is such a sweetie! Again if anyone needs to email please do so at IsabellasCloset@aol.com God bless you all for your kindness:-} ~Mary

~a laugh from Amy! ~ :-}

I talked to Amy FourSistersInACottage twice this morning at 6:00AM est. Her voice was stronger and she sounds much better..What a difference a day makes! Her spirits are good. She laughed, I laughed and oh what a great feeling that was!! She said they will know the results of her bone scan on Monday. She is pleased that she will get to come home this afternoon...Thanks again and again to all of you for your emails, comments and prayers. Both Amy and I are so very grateful. Amy truly has such wonderful caring friends!! God bless you all :-} ~Mary~

~more about Amy~

Hello everyone.... I just got off the phone with Amy FourSistersInACottage at 10:30AM est. She told me she is in so much pain. I feel awful for her and so helpless! We only talked a few minutes. She could hardly speak. They found cancer in 3 of her nodes. Today at 2:00 she goes in for a bone scan. She asked me to please thank everyone for all their thoughts & prayers. If anyone needs to email me please do so at isabellascloset@aol.com. My heart goes out to Amy. I am in tears...She is scared and needs our prayers more then ever. God bless all you wonderful Gals & (Guys too) out there for supporting Amy... ~Mary~

~I just talked to Amy~

It is 9:00 PM est. I just got off the phone with Bob Amy's husband and Amy too. I was so very shocked to hear Amy's voice! Her voice was very weak and she said she is in a lot of pain. Bob said they will know more tomorrow. It was wonderful hearing Amy's voice. God bless her! What this dear sweet Gal is going through.... Please continue to keep Amy in your prayers! Thanks again for all your concern about Amy.
As I know more I will post it :-} ~Mary~

***Amy is out of surgery***

Just wanted you all to know.
Amy from FourSistersInACottage is out of surgery.
She is doing fine.
When I know more I will post it.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers for Amy :-}

Keep Amy in your prayers today :-}

Today is Amy of FourSistersInACottage surgery.
She will be having a radical bilateral mastectomy.

Please keep her in your prayers. Her surgery is at 1:30 CST today.

~~God please watch over my dear friend Amy~~

My wedding 1966 :-}

My wedding 1966. How young we were...

I was 18 my (x) husband was 19.

My Grandparents wedding 1926 :-}

My Grandparents wedding 1926. My Fathers Mother died at his birth, this was my Grandfathers second marriage. Louie and Lena. I am lucky to have their Marriage certificate.. Isn't it lovely!

My Parents wedding 1946 :-}

Since June is the month of weddings I thought I'd share some family wedding photos... Todays photo is of my Parents wedding in 1946. I think my Mother is so gorgeous! She looks like a movie star..Her name was Carmela my Father was Samuel. More photos to come :-}

Antique wash stand :-}

I've been wanting an old small chest or wash stand. I mentioned this to my good friend Sherryl.. She said "I think I have one you may like". She then treated me to lunch and then we went to her house. She lead me into her wonderful barn and said I could have anything I want.. Oh my what treasure she has in there! I came out with this sweet white wash stand and a bunch of other goodies too.. Bless your heart Sherryl you are such a doll! Thank you! Thank you! I love the way it looks on my deck.. Found the little metal sign at a store a few weeks ago.. Yes there is no place like home :-}

PS Oh yes and the green shelf above the wash stand Sherryl gave that to me a few years ago.. Isn't it great having a friend like her!