Crochet Princess

Remember Me????

2011-12-15T17:58:00.002-05:00

I'm still around! Going thru a very hard time missing my Mom as this will be my first Christmas without her. She was in the hospital last year this time and we all spent Christmas with her in her hospital room. I promised her that as soon as she got home from rehab, we would celebrate Christmas. We never got to do that. Just so quiet and lonely at home with out her and the kids. Guess I'm really going thru the "empty nest syndrome"! And I don't like it at all! Pete, my parakeet, keeps me company. But not like the the kids and Mom!

Anyway, I posted some pictures of things i have been working on thru the summer, fall, and now into winter on my Crafty Cupboard site. Will post more after the New Year!

As for Abby, she is 3 months old and doing great. I know Matt and Holli are excited about having their First Christmas together as a family. They are still in MN. Miss them bunches too! Can't wait till they move back to VA!

As for Colby and Clayton - the kids got a letter last week from Duke telling them that they do NOT have SCID's!!! They are healthy and thriving boys!!! They have to go back in May for more testing, but as it stands right now - they are SCID FREE!!! So Chris and Trish got the best Christmas present this year - along with the rest of us! I know Hayden and Mom are having fun together in Heaven and looking down on us all. We all love them and miss them so much.

Well, will close for now. Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!!! Stay safe and keep on crafting! Thanks for being my friend throughout the years and for being such support thru all my up's and down's. I cherish all of you!!! Until 2012 - Hugs and Love to you all!!!

Abigail Sylvia Louise

2011-09-05T14:37:00.000-04:00

Abigail Sylvia Louise

This is my grand-daughter's hospital picture. She is so precious! Nana loves you
sweetheart!!!

My Grand-Daughter is Born!

2011-09-01T17:28:00.008-04:00

Just wanted to share with everyone that my Son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Holli, had their baby at 5:05 am today, September 1, 2011!!! Her name is Abigail Sylvia Louise Rutherford (what a LONG name!) and she weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces, 20 inches long. She has a head full of brown hair....and even has a birthmark just like her Nana! This makes my 4th grandchild, but my first grand-daughter! The name Sylvia was my Mom's name and Louise was her Grandmother's name. I know my Mom would be so honored! Can't wait for them to come back home. They are in Winona, MN. Congrats to Matt and Holli! And to Uncle Chris, Aunt Trish, Uncle Steven and especially Grandpa Roger! His first grandchild!

2N1 Warm Hat Pattern

2011-08-30T17:05:00.005-04:00

Here is the result of 2 hat patterns that I really liked and wanted them both together. I did the math and here it is! That is why I called it the 2N1 Warm Hat pattern! It's a really quick, easy, and fun hat to make. I am making these hats for a very special project and the purple one above is made in Memory of my Mom ~ she loved purple. So I hope the lady that receives this purple hat will feel the love that was crocheted into it and will keep her warm this winter! Enjoy the hat pattern - let me know what you think of it!

2N1 Warm Hat
by Beth Parsons, copyright

Materials Needed: 4 ply yarn
K hook

Guage: With K hook, 3 dc = 1 inch

Round 1: Ch 4, 11 dc in 4th ch from hook. (Ch 3 counts as first dc). Join in top of 4th ch with sl st. (12dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each dc around. Join in top of 3rd ch. (24dc)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same sp, *1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join in top of 3rd ch. (36dc)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same sp, *1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join in top of 3rd ch. (48dc)

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in same sp, *1 dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join in top of 3rd ch, (60dc)

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, dc in each dc around. Join in top of 3rd ch. (60dc)

Round 7: Ch 3, *fpdc around next dc, dc in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join in top of 3rd ch. (30FPDC, 30dc = 60dc)

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in next dc, dc in each dc around. Join to top of 3rd ch. (60dc)

Round 9: Repeat Rnd 7.

Round 10: Repeat Rnd 8.

Round 11: Repeat Rnd 7.

Round 12: Repeat Rnd 8.

Round 13: Repeat Rnd 7.

Round 14: Repeat Rnd 8.

Round 15: Repeat Rnd 7.

Round 16: Repeat Rnd 8.

Round 17: Repeat Rnd 7.

Round 18: Repeat Rnd 8. At end of this row, join to top fo 3rd ch. You can end off if you like or place a reverse crochet stitch around edge of hat. End off. Work in all loose ends and cut off. NOTE: You will have 6 FPDC ridge rows down hat (ridge row = dc round and a FPDC round) Last row of hat will be a dc round.

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-08-25T00:50:00.005-04:00

It's my birthday, but it's also a very sad day for me. My Mom is not here with me to celebrate my birthday with me. She passed away in March. So this is one of those "firsts" to live thru. I miss my Mom so much. She was the best Mom. Always there for me, supporting me, loving me, guiding me, hugging me, putting up with me...the best Mom. She was the best Grandma and GG ever. Gone too soon. It's so hard. Just wish I could skip the entire day and move on to the 26th. At least for me.

On to other news and laughs for you! The EARTHQUAKE! You know, the one that has been in all the news on the East Coast! I went to my Mom's property to mow. I was taking a break and sitting in a folding chair in the front yard, by the front porch, talking to my son, Chris, on my cell phone. All of a sudden I felt my chair wiggle. I thought - it's not that windy out. Then I quickly thought, I'm not nervous...by then I heard the front door to the house start shaking and the glass in the door shaking...I yelled in the phone to my son "Oh My God, we're having an earthquake!" Well, he proceeds to tell me I'm crazy! haha By then, me and my chair were really rocking and I jumped up and looked at the house. All the windows and the door were shaking! I told my son what was happening and he didn't want to believe me. Then people started coming outside, yelling and asking what is going on and poor kids screaming and crying. It was alittle scary! Having gone thru tornadoes but never a earthquake, was just alittle scary! Especially finding out that the epicenter was in Mineral, VA, which was 72 miles South of us! So no wonder I was a rocking in my chair! My son called me back and said "You know, I was wonder why the ceiling fan was moving around" He thought it was his wife jumping around! hahaha They live in Martinsburg, WV, which is about 20 minutes North of Winchester where I live. So that turned out to be a very interesting day! I finally got the entire yard and garden mowed. I was tired when I got home!

So much for now...hugs and love to all!

Remember Me?

2011-08-16T12:44:00.006-04:00

Alot has been going on over the past few months. Finally getting around to updating my blogs and catching up on new patterns and visiting my friends!

Here is the latest picture of the twins - Colby and Clayton! They are just the cutest. They went to Duke in NC to be tested for SCID's and have to return on my birthday, the 25th, for more testing. Better safe than sorry. Chris and Trish both said the Duke is a MUCH better hospital and wished that Hayden could have went there. The boys are doing great and growing well. Clayton is just a happy boy! Colby is the serious one! I love them and miss them so much!

At one of my favorite yarn stores in Winchester, Never Enough Yarn, she had a contest. The person knitting the most drain bags for women who have surgery as a result of breast cancer, wins a $50 gift certificate. My friend, Chris, gave me the pattern and being a new knitter, I thought I would try it. I had a ball making these drain bags and couldn't wait to finish one and start on a new color! I ended up making 38 bags and won the contest! Chris came in a close 2nd, making 35, and she won a $15 gift certificate. I posted pics of the bags and what I got from my winnings on my Crafty Cupboard blog. Having fun knitting now, but I still love to crochet!!!

Matt, my youngest son, and his girlfriend, Holli, are expecting a little girl August 28th. Her name will be Abigail (Abby) Sylvia Louise. The middle names are after my Mom and her grandmother. I hope she is born on the 25th, that would be the BEST birthday present! But we will see!

Can you believe that September is just around the corner? Where has time gone? On one hand time has gone by fast. But when it comes to thinking of my Mom, I wish I could rewind time. But I can't. I miss her so much. Yes, I am having a very hard time dealing with her gone. She was the best Mom, my best friend, my support, my hugger - my everything. Just so hard here with out her. She loved seeing all the things I made. I really dread my birthday coming up. My day without my Mom. But I know she and Hayden are in Heaven having fun and making up for lost time! And I know she kept her pinky promise with me!

So...until my next post, hugs and love to everyone! I've missed you all!!!

I'm Still Here!

2011-05-11T12:00:00.003-04:00

I just wrote a big story and shared pics and the computer decided not to take it! So trying this again!

Colby and Clayton was born April 27th, 7 weeks early. Baby A Colby was 3 pounds 15 ounces and Baby B Clayton was 4 pounds 5 ounces. Trish had to have a c section and she is doing fantastic. Both boys are now over 4 pounds and last night they are in a crib - still in the NICU. But they are doing great! They will be taking a trip to DUKE in NC for further testing of SCID's. But this is a one happy Nana! They are so adorable! Just like their parents! I know Hayden would be so proud to have twin brothers! Mom couldn't wait till they were born too, and missed them. But they have 2 very special angels watching over them!

Will share more later when I can get to a computer. I miss all my blog friends so much - I missing out on alot! Everyone take care and hope to share more soon!!! Hugs to all!

Day for Beth

2011-03-27T14:53:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a Day for Beth. I went to the Green Valley Book Fair, which opened yesterday. They were really busy! And lots and lots of great books! I went for 3 things: the crochet books, Amish fiction and cookbooks. A little disappointed on the crochet books - nothing caught my eye. And the $1.00 pamphlets were ones from last year, and not that many. So on to the Amish books - I forgot to write down the ones I already had, but found 3 I didn't have for $4! I really love reading my Amish fiction books! Next - cookbooks! I found a casserole cookbook fix it and forget it (easy for me! hahaha) and a Amish cookbook with lots of good recipes in it! Can't wait to try them! Then I found a beautiful glass picture frame that has flowers on it and the words "Mom" etched on it. I got it and know just the picture I'm putting in it. So it was a nice time at the book fair!

From there, I drove to Luray and sat at my Mom's grave for over an hour. Sat and cried, talked to her, and scratched off 5 Lottery tickets. My Mom loved to get scratch off tickets and she ALWAYS had the luck! So I stopped at 7-11 and picked up 5 to scratch off at the cemetery. Well, she didn't leave me any luck, we lost on all 5 tickets! But I had fun sitting there! Before I left, I gathered up some of the rocks that were tossed around in the dirt. I spelled out "mom" over her name plate. It's something I had to do. I can't wait to get her a head stone. I hated to leave, but I left and went over to her house. More tears. Didn't stay long there, so headed back home.

Today....

A friend has been wanting me to go with her to Never Enough Yarn, here in Winchester. A wonderful YARN store for those with champagne taste! I have a water purse! hahaha People can stop in and knit on Saturdays and Sundays. So being a new knitter, I went today. They opened at 12 noon and I left around 3pm. Had the best time and met some wonderful ladies! Experience knitters across the board. Got 3 new patterns and learned some new stitches and techniques. Had alot of fun and just daydreamed looking at all the beautiful yarn. No, I didn't get any - can't afford it! But had a really nice time out. So glad I went. I wanted to stay home and cry some more. Just so lonely without Mom here and no man in my life. (My trust in men is just shattered right now.) But I had a nice time! Chris brought me some homemade veggie soup, so will have that for dinner tonight. I'm so blessed to have Chris as my friend. She a Joyce have helped me thru alot lately. Wet shoulders from crying and all!

So...piddling around the house this evening and off to my interview tomorrow. Fingers crossed and prayers I get it! It's a nursing job in Maryland. (They pay nurses more in MD than VA and right now I need every penny I can get! Mom only had a $1000 policy and I have a big bill to pay! I'm not complaining - she's my Mom! Anything for my MOM!)

Girl's Night Out!

2011-03-19T13:06:00.006-04:00

I was invited to a "Girl's Night Out" at a friend's house last night. She invited several ladies to crochet, knit, eat - whatever! I had the BEST time! We had the best food and then put on our jammies and sat and crocheted, talked, and listened to the 80's music. She had 3 baskets of yarn out for us to pick and choose what to use and make things with - didn't put a dent in it! hahaha When we first got started crocheting, Penny made Beer Bread for all of us. It was so delicious! I had a slice with spinach dip on it for breakfast! Yum, yum! Chloe and the boys kept us entertained, China stayed to herself (Chris's dogs). It was alot of fun and we got alot of things crocheted! Can't wait till we can do this again!!! Took pictures of the food and forgot pics of all of us working - was having too much fun!

10 Years and This Is All I Get?

2011-03-14T11:17:00.005-04:00

....a card...a simple card... that I did not open...

I spent 10 years of my life with this man. I loved him with all of my heart. I did what he wanted and asked of me. I never cheated on him, lied to him, stole anything. I was there for him.

My Mother had her surgery December 3, 2011 and he was not there for me. He was busy putting in a kitchen floor with a friend for a wife who can't stand him. She told me she "tolerates" him because he is a friend to her husband. All I got was excuses. No gas, no money for gas, don't get paid till the 15th. My Mom had a heart attack - didn't show up to be with me or Mom. She even asked about him several times. I wrote to him on the 15th to see if he was coming to visit my Mom. He was going to work late that day and going to NC to see his son graduate and wouldn't be back late Saturday. That is the LAST thing I have heard from him. I've tried several times to write to him, call him, text him, no reply at all. Just dropped off the earth as far as it comes to me and my Mom. Mom asked about us one time when she was in the hospital and I had to tell her he was gone with no explanation at all.

How can a Christian man, a Catholic man, do such a thing? I never did anything wrong to him or his family to deserve to be treated this way! I wrote to his Mother, trying to get her to see what was going on, hoping she would help him, knowing it would break her heart to hear and see what her son was doing - yet I am the worst person in the world. The entire family turned on me. He does no wrong!

I personally blame Facebook. He got on there and started playing games and then meeting women. He broke up with me twice over women on Facebook. Then the gambling at 8 different casinos. But he doesn't have a problem, so he thinks and tells everyone. Regardless what anyone says: He is a lost soul and he needs help. He needs lots of prayers. But they won't come from me anymore. I can't. He hurt me, my family, and my Mom. And he has to live with it and will face our Heavenly Father one day and be held accountable for this. No confession on earth will amend the pain he has caused to me and my family. Just as I will have to face my Heavenly Father and be held accountable for the pain I hold in my heart now. The anger I have inside over what he did to my Mom and my family. What I say and speak is the God's Honest Truth. I have no reason to lie. My trust has been shattered and I will live a lonely world to protect my heart from being broken again.

Yet today, I get a card in the mail. A simple card is supposed to erase the pain and show his sorrow in the passing of my Mother? After all that he did?

Why???

March 5, 2011 - I lost my Mom...

2011-03-13T10:11:00.002-04:00

Sylvia M. Parsons

Sylvia Maxine Parsons, 74, of Luray, died on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Winchester Medical Center.

She was born on April 14, 1936, in Stanley and was a daughter of the late Fred Lee and Lonnie Irene Taylor Seal.

Mrs. Parsons was a member of the Luray Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. She worked in the housekeeping department for Page Memorial Hospital for 10 years.

She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Irene Parsons of Winchester; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Seal and Thelma Seal; three brothers, Robert, Virgil and Orley Seal; and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Bradley Funeral Home by the Rev. Stan Peerless. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray.

The family was to receive friends from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, at the funeral home.

~My Mom had diverticulitis with a perforated bowel. She had surgery December 3, 2010. A week later she started having chest pains and was taken to the ICU. 36 hours later, she had a heart attack and coded. They got her back. She was a patient of the Cardiac ICU for a couple weeks and then onto the surgical floor. She was in the hospital for 6 weeks. She then went to rehab at Rose Hill in Berryville, VA. She had an infection was as being treated for it the entire time from her discharge from the unit to the very end. From there, was a roller coaster ride for my Mom. She was at rehab for about a week and went back to the hospital for GI bleeding. Stayed for awhile and went back to rehab. Stayed there for about another week and went back to the hospital with double pneumonia. Got her fixed up again and went back to rehab. Was there for about another week and then went back to the hospital for GI bleeding, this time was worse. Got her straightened out and went back to rehab. When she returned, she still wasn't feeling that well. Her stomach was bothering her and she she didn't want to eat. She then started vomiting and her blood pressure was really low. On Friday, March 4th, I received a call that they were sending her back to the hospital. She was taken back to the ICU. They put in a central line because she was so dehydrated. Middle of the night, they did a femoral line to monitor her blood pressure. I received a call at 7am from her Dr saying they were going to intubate her and take her to emergency surgery. The bowel was infected and they needed to take it out. The last thing Mom said to me in the ER was "I love you too". I was told she would not make it thru the surgery because of the infections she had. But she did. She was with us a couple hours and then the Pastor came to me and told me there was alot of activity in her room, they are doing CPR. They got her back again, but having a time with her BP. She was hemorrhaging and they were putting blood in as fast as they could give it. They said they could take her back to surgery, but she would die on the table. It was that bad...I told them to stop. I told them to stop....At 4:13pm Saturday March 5th, she passed away while I was holding her hand. I hate being a nurse in times like this - you know too much. And I know my Mom did NOT want to be like this. God love her, she told me to rip up the DNR in the ER Friday night.

She had went thru hell all because a Doctor would not order a simple test - a colonoscopy. She paid a very high price of pain and suffering in result of this. Yes, she had other health issues, but did not have to go thru all of this.

As for me, I would not have changed a thing taking care of my Mom. She has been with me for 6-7 years. She was my Mom. And she would have done the same for me. Because we loved each other. She was my Mom. But I wish I could have done more for her. She was my best friend and the Best Mom ever. I am so proud and honored to have her as my Mom. And I miss her so much.

At the funeral, I got to sing "Amazing Grace" to her before they closed the casket. It was shaky and thru alot of tears, but I did it. She loved listening to me play the piano, especially that song.

Thank you Mom, for being my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, the best Grandmother to Chris, Steven and Matthew, and the best GG to Hayden. I know you two are having fun in Heaven together making up for lost time! But most of all - thank you Mom for being my Mom! We shared alot of laughs and tears, went thru alot of good times and bad, but we were always together. I learned alot from you. Thank you Mom! I love you and miss you so much. It's not home here without you. And I sure am lonely without you. But I'll be ok, I hope! I love you, Mom, forever and always! 318

March 1st......

2011-02-28T23:15:00.004-05:00

The love of my life showing off his NASCAR pants -#24 car in front of him too!

My heart is breaking even more knowing that less than an hour it will be March 1st. Thinking what Hayden went thru these next 17 days just a year ago. I lost my very first grandson, the love of my life March 17, 2010. My son, Chris, and his wife, Trish, lost their child. My Mother and Father lost their first great grandchild. My sons, Steven and Matthew, lost their first nephew.

We were all placed into this "club" that no one wants to be in. Yes, we are in great company by other parents and grandparents who have lost a child. We all share a common bond of grief, loss, heartache, emptiness, and many tears. And all of our arms are empty. A club that others outside of us do not understand. For they haven't shared a loss and they can not comprehend the sheer devastation that each one of us carry deep within our hearts. Some stay, hold our hands, give us hugs, listen to us, dry our tears. Others, turn and walk away or even run. Because they are afraid or not sure how to handle the loss themselves. Adding another loss on top of a greater one.

I keep looking for those steps to Heaven to bring him back home with us, but I can't find them. I still have the plastic tub of cheese balls that we used to eat together at the computer watching CARS, Mater the Greater, and Wall-e.

As for me, I will continue to carry Hayden's love for his Nana deep in my heart. I can't wait till I get to Heaven. I hope Jesus doesn't mind my running past him to grab Hayden up in my arms - then I will let Hayden introduce me to Jesus and tell me everything!

I love you Hayden with all of my heart!!!!

I have no idea....

2011-02-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

I have no idea what I am doing! I am a new knitter and wanted to make the 5 Hour Baby Sweater. I just can't figure it out! I've tried so many times and just about gave up. So in the meantime, I found this 5 Hour Baby Boy Sweater by O' Gail Bable - just as precious! So this is what I am working on. I have NO IDEA what I am doing, but I'm doing it! Or doing something! hahaha It says to slip stitch the sleeves together - I know how to sl st in crochet! But in knitting? Well, I just grabbed my ole' crochet hook and sl st'd that sleeve closed! Then went on with the pattern - no idea if that is what you are to do but I did it! Looks good! Just have to figure out the rest of the pattern. This has taken me several days to work on - here and there. Would love to get it figured out so I can make the twins matching sweaters!

Go Steelers!

2011-02-06T13:52:00.004-05:00

Wishing everyone a great game day! Stay safe and may the best team win- that would be the Steelers! hahahaha

I'll be crocheting Valentine's Day blankets for the babies while the game is on!

Crochet Beret I Designed!!!

2011-02-04T12:20:00.000-05:00

I am so excited over my new hat pattern I designed! It's a crocheted V-stitch Beret. The rose can be left on or off OR changed to another color rose. I am having so much fun making these hats!

Keychains and Crochet

2011-02-01T10:44:00.002-05:00

These are the cutest little keychains I have ever seen or made! A friend gave me the pattern. I am taking orders for these and they are selling like hotcakes! If you want one or more, please let me know!

I posted some other pictures of crochet projects I've been working on while visiting my Mother on my other blog. Please hop over and take a gander at what I've been working on! I'm still making slippers too! I find a new color and think "Oh, wonder what that will look like?"...and I have to make them. They are a quick and easy pattern to work on while visiting or just waiting in the Dr office. Or even on a lunch break!

Hayden's Birthday Note to Nana

2011-01-24T14:39:00.002-05:00

Calling all the angels--
It's a special day today!
For Hayden's turning four years old!
Here's what he has to say:

"Grandma, please dry all your tears;
I know you miss me so.
And if it had been up to me,
I'd never have chosen to go."

"For I knew that you would miss me
And the things that we could do,
And I wish I could have stayed on earth
And lived down there with you."

"But, Grandma, now I'm well and whole;
I sing and dance all day
With all the angel boys and girls
Who've come to heaven to stay."

"Lord Jesus holds us in His arms
And tells us of His love;
He knew that we were hurting--
That's why we came above."

"I love you, Grandma, every day;
I send you kisses, too.
And some day you will join me here
And I'll always be with you."

"I've got to go--the party's on!
We'll sing and dance and play.
But I am always in your heart
And never far away."

"Please find a way to celebrate,
Even if you cry;
Perhaps you'll send me some balloons
Soaring to the sky."

"And I will know they came from you,
And I'll be flying near.
I send you love and kisses, too.
I love you, Grandma, dear

Event on 1/24/11 Happy 4th Birthday to Hayden in Heaven

2011-01-22T14:49:00.004-05:00

On Monday, January 24, 2011: This day is to celebrate Hayden Isac Parsons. This would have been his 4th Birthday. He passed away March 17, 2010. Please remember Hayden and his family on this day by lighting a candle, sending a balloon to Heaven, saying a prayer, doing something special for someone else in Memory of Hayden. He was taken from us way too soon, but Hayden will live in our hearts and our minds forever! Thank you for remembering Hayden on his Birthday! We all love you and miss you so much Hayden! Happy Birthday in Heaven Hayden Bug! (P.S. Give Bryan a hug for his Nana!!!)

To light a candle in Memory of Hayden on his Birthday, please click on this link to be taken to his Memorial Site. Thank you so much!

I'm still here....

2011-01-21T15:02:00.003-05:00

It's been a very busy and stressful couple of months here for me and my family. I apologize. I do go in and check out what everyone has been up to and how you all are doing. I may not post, but I do check on everyone! I'm still crocheting when I can or when I want to. My heart just hasn't been into anything lately. Worrying about my Mom, my family, and what Chuck has done to me (and my Mom) again. I will bring everyone up to date soon, I promise.

I have been keeping myself busy while visiting my Mom making slippers. Something quick and easy and not much mental thought into it. Too much stress to work on something with details or counting. I posted pictures on my other blog if you want to go check them out! Here's the link: Beth's Crafty Cupboard

Some good news to share: Trish is having twin BOYS! She found out December 20th. Their names will be Colby Warren and Clayton Axel. They are due in the middle of May. I'm so happy for Trish and Chris!

Also, my youngest son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Holli, are expecting! She is due in August. Great month - my birthday month! So it won't be hard for GG and me to remember birthdays of the grandkids - they will all be one, or two, or three... ha ha ha!!!

Will post more later - sorry for being away so long. Now to get back to my hot tea, Vick's Vapor rub on my chest and throat, rice bag, and my cough syrup. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt this bad!

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

2010-11-25T19:17:00.013-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Hoping everyone had a great day with family and friends!

We had Thanksgiving at Chris and Trish's house this year. I went to their house early this morning and got the turkey in the oven and then drove back home to work on the rest of the meal! My job was the ham, baked mac and cheese, Bourbon dogs, cheese ball and deviled eggs! I put the pumpkin pie in after we got there - I ran out of room in my stove! :)

My son, Steven, and his girlfriend, Ashley, brought her son, Austin. He is such a little cutie! He had fun playing with Hayden's toys! Made us laugh alot! Was so glad that Ashley and Austin could join us for Thanksgiving. Mom and Matt stayed home - Mom was not feeling too good. Hated to leave her, but Matt kept an eye on her. I fixed her a big plate when I got home.

It was a hard day to get thru without our precious Hayden. I ended up in his room before we left and hugged alot of things. Then cried all the way home. I'm sorry, I miss my precious grandson so much. I paint on a smile, but my heart is aching inside. My heart breaks for my son too. He misses him so much too. So does Trish.

But it was a wonderful day - just went too fast!

I am so very blessed and thankful for my wonderful sons, my daughter-in-law, my Mom and Dad, my precious grandson Hayden, my twin grandbabies to be and all my friends. I love you all so very much!

Baby Things :)

2010-11-23T18:33:00.005-05:00

Made this baby afghan, hat and bootie set for a friend. It was made from the Quick Stitch Preemie Afghan pattern. I turned it into a newborn afghan. I chained 91 with an I hook, which made 29 shells across, and then did 71 rows with the border added around it. I used a 4 ply yarn of varigated light blue, light green, and white yarn that I got in a pounder bag from A.C. Moore back in the day! It turned out alot prettier than I thought it would be! She just loved it!

ALOT going on here - My Mom was in the hospital around the first of the month with diverticulitis and a perforated bowel. Thought they were going to have to do emergency surgery, but they didn't. Pumped her full of double antibiotics and sent her home 3 days later. She has to have surgery on December 3rd. She is NOT looking forward to it - she tells me she is scared. I can't blame her. Who likes surgery? So we won't know till he sees the damage to see if she will need a bag for a short time or he can connect the ends of the bowel together. Please keep my Mom in your prayers - I see some big changes going on here. I pray for strength for all of us!

Trish was in the ER last week. She went to her OB/GYN appt. with right side pain. They sent her to the ER with possible appendicitis! I sat with her thru it all. The surgeon came in and did NOT want to do a ultrasound! He wanted to do a CT scan, but couldn't since she is pregnant. He told us an ultrasound is not a true test to see the appendix. (WHAT? You can see babies the size of rice, gallstones, etc., but you can't see an appendix to see if it is swollen or disformed??? No, I did not tell him I was a nurse - he made me mad!!!) He said they could admit her and observe her or go for surgery, but she would lose the babies. We OPTED for the observation. Her parents got there later and I told her to ASK THE OB/GYN Doctor to do the ultrasound, which she did! It wasn't her appendix! It was a big cyst on her ovary giving her alot of pain. They let her go home the next day and will be monitoring her with this. I got to see the babies! Seen their little hands, their feet, their little spines - so precious! So all is well with her - well, except for the nausea and being tired - they are really picking on her! :)

Back to crocheting.... :)

A new blog....

2010-11-03T16:40:00.003-04:00

I wanted to have a place to share just my crafty projects, so I started a new blog. It's called "Beth's Crafty Cupboard". It's in the beginning phases, but I hope everyone will like it!

So if you ever want to see what's inside my Crafty Cupboard, just get a cup of tea or coffee and take a look inside! :)

Baby A and Baby B!!!

2010-10-26T12:45:00.004-04:00

Trish gave me a copy of the ultrasound pictures. Baby A is 6 weeks 2 days and Baby B is 6 weeks 5 days. Amazing how they can pin it down that close! I just had to share with everyone! Especially when they are the size of a grain of rice!

Already thinking about what to crochet in doubles for my babies!!! :) I can't wait to find out what they are! 6 more weeks to wait!

I took Missy to Chris and Trish's house and buried her by Hayden's tree. That was hard for me to do. Not digging the hole, but saying goodbye to such a beloved pet. It sure is quiet in the mornings without her. Pete is so lost without her too.

Hugs and Love to all my friends!

Rest in Peace, My Dear Little Friend...

2010-10-24T19:19:00.003-04:00

Today, at 4:30pm, my bird, Missy died. She was 9 years old. She was the prettiest blue parakeet. She couldn't get up on the perch. She wasn't acting well these past few days. I stayed with her the whole time. I saw she wasn't going to be with me much longer. I told her it was ok, go fly to Heaven and have fun with Hayden. I told her I loved her. She then spread her wings out and looked up at me, closed her wings, put her head down and went away. How much more graceful can a precious pet pass away? It really broke my heart.

Why do pets tear your heart to shreds?

I went to Michael's and found the prettiest little wooden box with a latch. I decorated it with pink stone hearts and words to go on the lid inside. I even crocheted her a pillow and blanket. Yeah, ok, call me crazy. She was a very loved little bird. She has been there thru thick and thin with me. She reminded me every morning chirping that life goes on. I will miss her alot. My Mom's bird, Pete, knew something was up. He has been so quiet tonight. He is a motor mouth, but not tonight. It's way too quiet here tonight. I'm miss my little friend. My heart is broken again.

Been a rough year of losses for me so far.... sorry to ramble, thanks for listening. Hugs and Love to all.....

Prayer for the Death of a Beloved Pet
By Rabbi Barry H. Block

O Lord our God, we come before You this day in sadness. Missy, who brought us so much joy in life, has now died. Her happy times in our family’s embrace have come to an end. We miss Missy already.

Help us, O God, to remember the good times with (Missy). Remind us to rejoice in the happy times she brought to our home. Let us be thankful for the good life we were blessed to give to her.

We are grateful to You, God, for creating Missy, for entrusting her to our care, and for sustaining her in our love for a measure of time. We understand that all that lives must die. We knew that this day would come. And yet, O God, we would have wanted one more day of play, one more evening of love with Missy.

O God, as we have taken care of Missy in life, we ask that You watch over her in death. You entrusted Missy to our care; now, we give her back to You. May Missy find a happy new home in Your loving embrace.

As we remember Missy, may we love each other more dearly. May we care for all Your creatures, for every living thing, as we protected the blessed life of Missy. May her memory bless our lives with love and caring forever. Amen.

Thru the storm...

2010-10-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

Thru the storm, God is good!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`♥

I Have To Remember This...

2010-10-11T10:48:00.003-04:00

A very special friend sent this to me on Facebook. It brought tears to my eyes because it is so true and it says alot about me! I just had to share this with a picture of my favorite rose color: yellow.

"She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. She smiles when she feels like screaming and she sings when she feels like crying. She cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional. There's only one thing wrong with her - She forgets what she's worth! And Her Name is Elizabeth and I love u♥"

Catch Me If You Can!!!

2010-10-04T11:26:00.015-04:00

September was a busy month - let me see if I can get everyone caught up! This is a froggy I made and she is sitting on my piano I got for my birthday! Isn't she the cutest little froggy?

These are a set of slippers I crocheted for kids for the Slipper Project. I love this pattern - it's my favorite one to use when making slippers.

I made this crochet Angel for Trish to put in Hayden's glass hutch. I made 2 other angels and gave them to my friends who lost her grandson and her daughter. I also made the Mom angel and have it for sale on Zibbet. (Not happy with that one, may go to Etsy!)

A friend and I went to Ocean City, MD for the AutumFest. First stop was at my favorite restaurant, Bayside Skillet. I absolutely LOVE their strawberry crepes...don't they look so delicious!!!!

From there we went to Fenwick Island Lighthouse. In the past when I was there, they were always closed. It was nice to hear the history about the lighthouse and got my book stamped. You couldn't climb to the top, but it was still wonderful to see inside!

Then we went to the beach! We finally found a place to park and just started walking! The sky was filled with beautiful and unusual kites!

We passed the Sand Art. It's so amazing how artists can make such beautiful work in the sand.

We finally made it to the Craft Tents. Alot of neat and unusual items there. I was looking for one vendor from last year, but she wasn't there. It was alot of high end crafts. Had alot of fun looking! Nothing grabbed me to say buy me! Got some boardwalk fries - so delish! Gave the crumbs to the birds - fun to watch them swoop in to get them!

I got to walk thru Salty Yarns store and look at all the yarn, cross stitch, and other items in the store. Outside the store were rocking chairs - just calling my name! So I picked one, with my name on it - hahaha, and just relaxed, rocking away, watching the kites and the ocean. So relaxing.... can't you tell by my picture?

I hated to see the day end at the beach. I love it there. Alot of memories, good memories....all gone now.

Driving back over the Bay Bridge, the sunset was so beautiful. Just had to get a picture. It was a fun day - hated to see it end!

I found a pattern on Ravelry for the crocheted Sock Monkey Hat pattern and just had to try it. What do you think? I could see Hayden running around ina blue Sock Monkey Hat! :)

Trish and Chris got another dog, McQueen. He is a mini greyhoud. So precious! I went over to their house Saturday for dinner and crocheted a sweater for him. Eva just loves her new playmate!

So...busy month - one way or another!

Birthday Slippers?

2010-08-26T19:20:00.010-04:00

One of the things I did on my birthday was to pledge to make 3 pairs of slippers for The Pink Slipper Project Here are the 3 pairs that I made! I love this pattern. It works up so quick and it's really easy too. And they feel so good on your feet! Doesn't take that much yarn - so if you have some extra yarn laying around, why not make a pair or two for this wonderful charity! The pattern is called Bev's Winter Slippers. Just scroll down alittle bit for the pattern.

My Birthday, Balloons, and Prayers

2010-08-25T22:05:00.008-04:00

Today was my birthday. A friend of mine brought this big cake to me this afternoon - what a surprise! And oh so good too! My son's friend, Charlie, sang "Happy Birthday" to me on the front porch and that was a nice surprise too! Even watched my all-time favorite scary birthday movie "Happy Birthday To Me"...talk about an old movie, right? :) Even played "Happy Birthday" on my piano - my birthday present! But most of all, I miss my Hayden bug being with me today. How I wish I had just one more hug, one more kiss, or one more "Nana". I miss Hayden so much. Then I get this one certain email tonight saying "happy birthday" and it just tore my heart apart even more. Tears and more tears. I honestly hate carrying this lonely heart around. What an emotional end to my birthday. But I thank God for giving me this wonderful day! I went to the Adoration Chapel this evening and prayed for an hour. What a wonderful place to be on your birthday!

***Balloon Launch for Bryan***

In Memory of Bryan's Angelversary on my birthday, August 25th, I did a balloon launch this evening. I couldn't be there for Kim and her family for this event, so I sent hugs and love and balloons to Heaven for Bryan. I know Bryan and Hayden are having fun together in Heaven!

Angels...

2010-08-24T12:06:00.008-04:00

These are Angels that I crocheted for 2 very dear friends of mine who both suffered a loss. Bryan, age 3, is the grandson of Kim and Carliser is the daughter of Sheila. Bryan's Angelversary is tomorrow, August 25th, my birthday. I crocheted 50 white angels for Kim to give out to everyone tomorrow night at the candle lighting. I wish I could be there with her and her family. But she knows I will be there in spirit and in my heart! I cherish my friendship with these two ladies so much. It took a loss of someone we all loved so much for us to find each other and I believe we will be friends forever! Sending hugs and love to Heaven to Bryan, Carliser, and my Hayden bug!!!

I'll Be Missing You....

2010-08-17T18:53:00.005-04:00

5 months ago today the love of my life went to Heaven. My precious little Hayden. Oh how I miss you. I miss your smiles, your laughter, calling me "Nana", playing cars with you, playing on my computer, watching Cars, Wall-e and Eva, Mater the Greater, eating cheese balls, coloring, putting stickers all over my glass sliding door...I miss you so much little man! You were taken from us way too soon. But you are in the arms of Jesus and playing with all your new friends in Heaven. I hope you have met a new friend name Bryan. His Grandma and I are friends and we miss you both! Mommy and Daddy miss you really bad too. Uncle Matt, Uncle Steven and "GG" too! Nana is trying so hard to make it through each day without you, but it so hard. But no matter how far apart we are, your love gets me through! I love you Hayden!!!

Special Birthday Present

2010-08-15T13:23:00.005-04:00

Chris and Trish came by with my Birthday present from Hayden. (Early present - 8/25) What a beautiful gift it was! I miss him so much. Dreading my Birthday without Hayden. Here is a picture of what I got!

"She's Got You...."

2010-08-12T14:19:00.002-04:00

My best friend from High School sent this to me in my email this morning. I played it three times, it is so funny! I needed a good laugh to start my day! Wanted to share it with you all!

As for my surgery, I made out pretty good. My son, Matthew, took me and was such a trooper thru it all. I couldn't have asked for a better person to help me. I had a problem in the recovery room, had to stay alittle longer than expected, but everything turned out fine. My 2 week check up went well and the Dr. told me I can ease back into my every day activities. So things are looking up. Slowly, but Shirley! I know, my name ain't Shirley! hahaha

Here is a baby blanket I just finished for a friend to give to her friend for a baby shower. I just loved the teddy bear squares! I used the varigated pastel color yarn and white. Just too cute - she loved it!

Up she goes, Up she goes....

2010-07-27T17:35:00.008-04:00

Tomorrow I have my surgery to have my gallbladder taken out - I have gallstones. I was misdiagnosed back in November and been walking around like this ever since. Only recently was the pain too much to take and had to go to the ER. After 9 1/2 years with Chuck, he has finally left me for good. (I HATE Mafia Wars and the women of Facebook who take men away from other women!) Yes, I am heartbroken and will be for a long time. I loved him so much. But I guess I was not what he wanted after all these years, so I have to move on with my life, alone. So....

I wanted to do something totally out of the box for BETH before my surgery tomorrow. So I took a plane ride over Winchester. I had the BEST time! It was so much fun - awesome! I even got to take over the controls to fly the plane! I could have stayed up there alot longer!!! Tom took over the controls so I could get some pictures and a short video. It was just an awesome ride!!! I think I've been bitten by the flight bug! I felt like Rose from the Titantic - lol! Or Molly in "Looks Who's Talking" when she was in the plane and she says "I'm flying, I'm really flying"!!! (The second picture is flying over my neighborhood!!!)

Now...to get thru the surgery! My son Matt is taking me. We have to be there at 0530!! I'm the first case!

Love this new bag pattern!

2010-07-22T14:38:00.007-04:00

This is a new pattern that I found from another Blogger Friend! It's called
Waves of Color Tote Bag. It is a really quick and easy pattern and I just love the ripple pattern for anything! I'm on my third bag, and honestly have a 4th started! Making these for my craft show in the fall and for gifts.

My son wanted one of these backpack bags for the longest time. I bought one for him, but it didn't hold up too well. So I designed one and he loves it! It's made from the 100% cotton material and the best thing - you can wash it and keep on using it! I am typing up the pattern and will be putting up on Etsy and Zibbet.

Happy Birthday to my Son

2010-07-01T10:58:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday to my son, Chris. I can't believe it's been 26 years ago today. Where has time gone to? I look over your baby pictures and thank God for giving me a wonderful son. You grabbed my heart right from the start!

It's so hard to celebrate this birthday without Hayden. His first birthday without his son. A wonderful day to celebrate, yet his heart aches that his son is not with him on this special day. And my heart aches for him too. I know Hayden misses his daddy and loves him very much. And if he was here with us, Chris would be getting bunches of hugs and kisses for his birthday.

I'm proud of you Chris - I love you with all of my heart!

(Wonder who drew all over his picture??? Grandpa holding Chris at one week old.)

Look what I can do!

2010-06-25T12:49:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine told me about this really neat knitted scarf pattern and I just had to try it after seeing her scarves! LET ME SAY: I am NOT a knitter! I'm learning tho! I either get it too tight or too loose, but I'm trying! But this pattern is so fun and I think it's turning out pretty good! It is so easy and fun! It's called Farrow Rib Scarf (aka Magic Scarf). On #8 needles, you cast on 25 sts. Then *K3, P1, repeat from * across and K1 in last stitch. You repeat this pattern for the entire scarf. I'm using the Clover Bamboo needles and I love the feel of them. I see Christmas presents out of this pattern!!!

Here is a baby sweater I just finished last night. I used a pattern from Bella's and then used my own dc row and cross stitch row. I'm so used to making preemie things that I get so paranoid when making newborn items that they won't fit. Ok...I admit...I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my crocheting!

Lightning Bugs.....

2010-06-13T21:26:00.002-04:00

Chuck and I went out to get some ice cream this evening. On our way back to his house, I noticed a field FULL of lightning bugs! It was so beautiful to see the flashing lights across the field. I haven't seen that many lightning bugs in years. It was a beautiful show. I was in awe over watching all the lights. Chuck then said something about Hayden in that field trying to catch them. It broke my heart and more tears fell as I realized I missed my chance to share that moment with Hayden running and catching lightning bugs. Which one to catch first! He would have had so much fun! Then Chuck said he is probably catching them in Heaven....I'm sure he is!

Technical Difficulties :)

2010-06-13T17:10:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone in Blog Town! I am having technical difficulties... ie my computer, shall I say. So right now I am in MD using a friends internet to check on all my email, check all my blog friends, and then on to Facebook! I have missed so much - recipes, new crochet patterns, - can't wait to get back online! So everyone take care and I will check back in! Miss you all bunches!!! Hugs!!!

Video Tribute to my Grandson, Hayden

2010-05-30T13:23:00.003-04:00

This video was made with alot of love and tears in Memory of Hayden, my grandson. No grandmother should ever have to go through what I did, what our family did and especially what Hayden had to endure. We ALL love him and miss him so much.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers, support, cards, letters, gifts to Hayden, and hugs. We greatly appreciate everything! Thank you!!!

Craft Show - 2 Months - Contest

2010-05-19T19:05:00.005-04:00

It was a very interesting craft show! It started at 6am Saturday morning! Bright and early! I have NEVER done a show that early before in my life! And I only got an hour sleep the night before. Just couldn't sleep. A few people were shopping that early, but they really started coming in at 10am. It lasted till 2pm. They had the entire room full of vendors. I made my table space and just a little extra. It was their first show, so they were learning. But I had a nice day! I was wore out tho when it was all said and done!

During the show, there was a little boy that was crying "owie, owie..." and it hurt me so much to hear him. Hayden used to say that alot when he was in the hospital. I wanted to run to the bathroom and cry. But there was no one to watch my table. So I talked myself thru it. So hard. But cried on the way home. It was 2 months on the 17th and it still feels like yesterday. Still waiting to hear about the autopsy. We still don't know anymore today than the day Hayden passed away. I miss him so much. I still cry every day.

I signed up for a contest on Bella Bambina's site. Anything to help the babies! I just fell in love with her T-Shirt pattern and her shorts pattern. I'm making these for the contest. They are so easy and fun to make!

Bazaar/Craft Show Weekend

2010-05-11T09:47:00.005-04:00

This coming weekend, I will be doing a Craft Show at my church, St. Timothy's, in Walkersville, MD. They are having Walkersville Days in the entire town and I'm told this will be yard sale city on Saturday! At the Church, they are having a car show, along with the bazaar. I will be inside :) I'm really looking forward to this. The money for the table goes to the church for the new building that was really needed! I wanted to make some baby sweaters and couldn't find a quick, easy and pretty pattern to use. Most patterns I use are for charity only. So I got my cluttered mind going and designed this one! I think it turned out pretty good - IF I may say so myself! It will fit Newborn to 3 months. Well, back to work on crafting things for my show!

Cook Out Fun with the Kids

2010-05-03T11:43:00.006-04:00

My son, Chris, and his wife, Trish, invited us to their house for a cookout yesterday. They came to my house early that day and mowed my yard since my lawn mower decided to conk out! After that, Chris worked on my lawn mower, switched out some parts from another mower and waaa laaa...it works now! Yippee!!! So my Mom and I went to their house later for the cookout. On the drive there, it sprinkled. And the rain held out till after the cookout! We had a nice time there. Hayden's cousins were there and they are so cute. The youngest little girl brought over a handful of photograph albums of Hayden and we looked through them together. Eva was full of energy as always! She's getting attention from my Mom in the one picture. Hated to leave, as always. My Mom left her side of the car window down and my seat, floor board, dash and her purse were all soaked! So she had to ride home in the back seat. I felt like a chauffeur! hahaha

Firefighter's Parade for Apple Blossom

2010-05-02T23:10:00.012-04:00

On Friday, two of my friends, Dawn and Mike, and Chuck came to Winchester and we all went to the Firefighter's Parade in Winchester for Apple Blossom. We got a great spot - right at the beginning of the parade route! It is dubbed the "World's Largest Firefighter's Parade". We sat there for 2 1/2 hours! But it was so much fun. Especially when we all got to see "Johnny Gage"....Remember him? Randolph Mantooth from "Emergency"!!! Oh was he looking ever so good! I missed my chance to get a picture of him because people were walking in front of me. My picture was of his arm waving behind a flag! AGH!!! Dawn got the best picture and shared it with me! Thank you soooo much Dawn! I had such a crush on him back in the day. I loved to watch that show!

As you can see, I took a variety of pics. These are just a few to share. I could not get over the OLD ambulances! Wow - one reminded of The Ghost Busters vehicle! The pink Breast Cancer cement truck was just awesome! Everyone clapped when it went by! I took pictures of Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad - the vehicle in the green and white. I used to be an EMT/Shock Trauma Tech back in the day for this company.

Afterwards, we went to Ledo's to eat and then to Dairy Queen for ice cream. We got to see the lights from the carnival. Also, the fireworks were in pink, white and green for Apple Blossom colors! Really pretty - neat idea! It was a very nice time out with friends. I know Hayden would have loved seeing all the firetrucks, rescue squads, lights, sirens, ice cream, and the fireworks. I'm sure he seen them from Heaven!

Tea Anyone????

2010-05-01T12:02:00.006-04:00

On April 24th, I joined the ladies of the Gemstones for a Springtime Tea at our church, St. Timothy's, in Walkersville, MD. The Gemstones are ladies that support the Knights of Columbus. I am a charter member. Years ago, when our group first started, I was voted Secretary and then moved up to Vice President. I left the group for personal reasons. Then after my "dis-engagement" to Chuck, I never went back. I no longer had a "Knight" to support!

As for the tea party - I had the best time! It was my very first tea party I have EVER been to in my life! Fun, fellowship, laughs, and great food! Claudette L. was a guest speaker and I really enjoyed her talk. I hated to see it all end. Time went by so fast. My friend, Dawn, is the President of the group. She and the ladies did a wonderful job. Really made me think about going back...I've really missed the group!

Memory of HAYDEN ISAC PARSONS

2010-04-29T11:04:00.000-04:00

This video was taken at the hospital before Hayden started his Chemo and BMT. We were just having fun that night!Check out this video: IN MEMORY OF HAYDEN ISAC PARSONS. Nana loves you and misses you so, so much!

Prayer Shawl for WV Miner family

2010-04-27T12:17:00.004-04:00

One of the ladies at church wanted volunteers for people to make Prayer Shawls to be given to the families of WV Coal Mining accident. I decided to make one. I was trying to find a quick and easy pattern since they were in a hurry to get them made and sent out. So I played around with some numbers and came up with this pattern for a prayer shawl. I think it turned out really pretty. Every stitch was made with love. I even shed a few tears while making it, thinking about Hayden. So I hope it brings someone alot of comfort! I wanted to make more, but time wasn't on my side!

One month ago today...

2010-04-17T20:28:00.003-04:00

...Hayden went to Heaven. It's been a very difficult month...For all of us! I created a Memorial Website for Hayden Isac Parsons. It's a work in progress, but wanted to share with everyone. Just click on his name to be taken to the website. If you would like to visit and light a candle or share your thoughts, that would be wonderful - thank you!

In the meantime, I've been working on Apple Blossom items for the babies here at Winchester Medical Center NICU. Apple Blossom will be here April 23rd! The town is starting to look very festive in the pink, white and green colors! And Val Kilmer will be the Grand Marshall of the parade! I usually leave that weekend, but think I might stick around this year! Maybe one year I will make it to the Queen's Ball. Oh to get dressed up and feel like a Princess! hahaha :)

Happy Easter to our Angel Hayden in Heaven.....

2010-04-04T19:05:00.004-04:00

Today, Mommy and Daddy, Pappy, Me-Maw, Nana, and GG all gathered at Hayden's home to write our Easter wishes and thoughts to Hayden in Heaven. We decorated them with Easter stickers and Cars. We tied them to balloons and set them off to the wind to be carried to Heaven. One set got caught in the tree, but Hayden's Pappy worked so hard to get them free and off they flew too!

Happy Easter to our beautiful little Angel, Hayden, in Heaven! We all love you and miss you so very much!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T09:28:00.003-04:00

To all my family and friends - Happy Easter! And a special Happy Easter to Hayden! I hope you are having fun in Heaven with Jesus on this Easter holiday! Nana loves you and misses you a bunch! ^i^

Compassionate Friends

2010-03-31T14:12:00.007-04:00

Thanks to Monsignor Richard Murphy of St. John's Catholic Church in Frederick, MD., he gave me the name of this wonderful organization called Compassionate Friends. This organization helps parents and grandparents that lose children. After spending alot of time today talking and sharing my story of Hayden, I have signed up to do a walk on July 4th, 2010 in Memory of Hayden. Walk to Remember. This link takes you to my pledge page. If you can donate a dollar or more, it will be greatly appreciated. Our team is called "Team Angel Hayden Parsons"!!! All funds go to help families in need for grief counseling...myself included! I know that I am not alone, but it is truly comforting to know that other grandparents are helping people like myself with the losses we share. Maybe one day I can help a grandma with her loss and I was helped with mine!

A Special Poem

2010-03-28T13:06:00.002-04:00

This poem was given to me by a friend.

I'll lend you for a little while
A child of Mine, He said.
For you to love him while he lives
And mourn for when he's gone.
It may be 2 or 3 years, or it may be
Twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his wit to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search of teachers true
And from the crowds that throng life's way
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
And think it not in vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
Dear Lord, Thy will be done
For all the joy Thy Child shall bring
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay...
But should the angels call him back
Much sooner than we've planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to UNDERSTAND.

Torrance Harvey

Goodnight, Sweet Hayden....

2010-03-25T00:13:00.002-04:00

Nana loves you and misses you oh so much!

Hayden's Celebration of Life

2010-03-23T19:42:00.006-04:00

Today is the day we have all been dreading to come. To say goodbye to Hayden. To celebrate his life and remember ALL the fun, smiles, and happy times this little guy gave to all of us. It was a beautiful service. Father Andy Aaron spoke along with another Minister the family invited to speak. We later met at Baker Heights Fire Department, near Martinsburg, WV to eat and share more memories. Another day I hated to see end, as much as I hated to see it get here. Because now we all go our own ways to grieve and deal with the loss of Hayden. To wait for answers to many questions. Some we may get, some we may never get. If you want to look at more pictures of the service before it began, please check out the Picasa link on the right side.

Hayden is being cremated. The family wants everyone to remember him the way he was before he went into the hospital, not how he was when he left to go to Heaven. It was hard for us to see him, very hard. Hence the reason for ALL the pictures and we had more at the reception too!

Thank you so much to EVERYONE for all your love, support, cards, gifts, prayers, thoughts - EVERYTHING to help all of us thru this difficult time. We were all praying he would be back home with us. But I guess God needed Hayden more and took away his pain and suffering. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. ^i^

A poem to share by a friend who shared it with me:

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God

Was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone;

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

Your love is still our guide;

And though we can not see you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same;

But as God calls us one by one,

THE CHAIN will link again.

I miss my little Hayden so much!

2010-03-21T00:10:00.004-04:00

This is one of the pictures of Hayden before he got his bone marrow transplant. He wasn't allowed to play on the floor, so they had to put a mat down on the floor for him. He was hooked up to IV's, so he couldn't go far either! But that nite I came to visit, he had his pillow and blanket on the mat and wanted me to lay down with him and go nite nite. So I did! We laid there for a short time and then got up to play. I will never ever forget that visit. My heart is aching so bad. I can't stop crying, afraid to go to sleep. I walk into Wal-Mart and see things that remind me of him and I break out crying. I can't even look at a package of Oreo Cookies and I cry. We loved to eat Oreo cookies together. I'd tell Hayden "You know I'm going to get fat eating these cookies, right?" He'd say "yep!" I can't accept that he is really gone from all of us. It tears my heart up to see my son grieving over the loss of his son, Trish over the loss of her son and how she had to watch Hayden's health turn from good to bad the entire time in the hospital, my Mom over the loss of her great-grandson, and my other 2 sons over the loss of their nephew. All over the hands of one careless person. Took him from us, before his time. When I go to bed now, I hold his blanket near to me. It smells just like him. I know in time that precious smell will be gone. But it's all I have to hold onto now. Yes, I know I'm a grown woman. But that is all I have left of Hayden to hold onto...his Cars blanket. Forgive me Chris and Trish for taking it. I miss holding my Baby! I love you Hayden!

Hayden's Celebration of Life 3/23/10

2010-03-20T03:08:00.004-04:00

Hayden's Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 23rd at 3pm at Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, WV. Hayden's obit is listed online at the Funeral Home and you can write a note to the family!

Hayden has gone to Heaven ^i^

2010-03-18T09:41:00.001-04:00

Hayden passed away yesterday, March 17th, 2010, at 7:08 pm at Children's Hospital in Washington, DC. He had been in the hospital since January 25th, a day after his third birthday. I just don't know what to say right now except they took him from us. I'll explain more later, but they had to intubate him and when they did, they punctured his lung and he bled out. His vitals dropped and he coded. They worked on him for almost an hour and he was already gone. I got there 6 minutes after they pronounced him. Not fair. They took our baby from us. It was the worst ride home in my life. We had to clean out his room and we put it all in my car so her parents could take them home. To look in my rear view mirror and see his favorite cozy car - just killed me. I just can't stop crying. I will never hold my Hayden in my arms ever again. The memories are eating me up right now, but I know in time they will comfort me. My heart aches so bad for Chris and Trish. No mother should have to watch her child go thru that. She was the best mother. And Chris was the best dad. Hayden was very lucky and very loved by many.

I love you forever and always Hayden Isac Parsons. Eat some Oreo cookies with Jesus!

I GOT A JOB!!!

2010-02-24T00:13:00.004-05:00

I am so excited!!! I will be working as a LPN at Somerford Assisted Living in Hagerstown, MD. It's about 45- 50 minutes to work. And not far from my last employment. This Friday is my physical and drug test, then Tuesday, I begin Orientation. It's only part-time evenings, but I have my foot in the door! I finally got a job! My shoulders feel a little lighter now!

Hayden's bone marrow transplant is scheduled for March 5th...my last day of orientation. I promised I would be there, but Chris understands. Sure will be a rough day for me. But I told him as soon as I clock out - I'm heading to DC to be with them all!

My visit with Hayden!

2010-02-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

25 years ago, I SWORE I would never drive through Washington, DC. Well, I did yesterday - right through 5 o'clock traffic! Just to go see my Hayden!!!

I was a nervous wreck driving thru that garbage!!! I was 6 minutes from the hospital and it took me an hour to get there! I had the BEST time with Hayden! He has gained weight and looks so good! He's talking more and asking more questions too! :) We played cars, camped out on the floor with his pillow and blanket watching tv, ate Oreo Cookies... visiting hours were over at 8pm....I didn't leave till 10pm! Oops! No one said a word! But what broke my heart was when I was leaving he told me "don't go" 4 times. I got to the car and lost it. I finally made it out of Dodge and got onto familiar roads - took the long way home! I had the best time - just way too short! Got pictures and a video...just waiting on my computer to get fixed!!! Can't wait till Friday to see him again! Chris and Trish are going out for a while to give her a break from the hospital. They could stay out for hours, I wouldn't mind! :)

Update on Hayden

2010-02-15T10:50:00.002-05:00

Hayden was sent to ICU last week because his potassium level dropped really low. He's wasn't there but a couple days and back to his room. Yesterday, his other Grandma shaved all his hair off. So it won't be a shock when it does start falling out. Today, he goes to surgery to have a "stomach tube" placed into his stomach. Trish was told that this helps kids going thru this since they don't want to eat while going thru this treatment. They can feed him thru this tube so he doesn't lose any more weight and hopefully "fatten him up" some!

I'll be honest here, my heart is just breaking. To hear my son talk, when I give him hugs. He has to work and take care of his family. But he wants to be with Hayden so bad. We all will be so glad when this is all over with and Hayden can be a little boy again and doing what boys do!!!

Thanks to everyone for all your continued prayers!

Chemo for Hayden begins tomorrow....

2010-02-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

Trish had a meeting with all the doctors yesterday. They have decided to move ahead as planned with Hayden's Chemo and bone Marrow transplant. He will receive chemo for one week, take a break and then he will get his bone marrow. Trish says Hayden is in good spirits, flirts with the nurses, and has even gained 4 1/2 pounds! He ate his first hamburger the other day and loved it! (He never would eat them before!) The Dr's told Trish they feel good about the outcome for Hayden and looking to go home the first of April!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers - please keep them going!

One week in hospital for Hayden...

2010-02-01T19:21:00.005-05:00

....and he doesn't like it! When people visit, he wants to leave! Poor lil' guy. Before anyone can visit, you HAVE TO HAVE the H1N1 shot. So...I guess that means I need to go get my shot at the Health Department before I can visit. NOT looking forward to it! Chris and I had to wipe down ALL of his toys, books, etc. before Chris could take them to the hospital. He was so excited to have his toys in the room with him! Trish is decorating the room with all the cards he has received so far!

He was supposed to get his port put in today, but they are waiting for test results to come back. I'll share the final diagnosis when they get the results back. They re-tested all his blood work! And with what they told the kids last week - I'm glad they did!!!

The above picture was taken the last time Hayden was here visiting with me. We had fun on my laptop computer taking pictures of us!

Happy 3rd Birthday Hayden!!!!

2010-01-24T21:54:00.005-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Hayden!!!

Nana loves you with all her heart!

Hayden's Journey starts Monday....

2010-01-22T12:38:00.001-05:00

Just got word from my son, Chris:

Hayden's white blood cells dropped even more and now they are in a rush for time. He will go to Children's Hospital in Washington, DC on Monday, Jan. 25th. They will be inserting a port into his chest and give him his first dose of Chemo. He will be there for a week. He may stay at the Ronald McDonald house after or may come home for a short stay. Then he will return to Children's for his bone marrow transplant. I will keep everyone informed.

Hayden celebrates his 3rd birthday on Sunday!

Thanks to EVERYONE for your prayers and support....please keep praying for Hayden!!!

Amish reading anyone?

2010-01-21T11:42:00.005-05:00

I must confess, I am not much of a reader unless it is something that really catches my attention. To read in school or while I was in Nursing school was a chore for sure! But I have found several authors that have captured my interest and my heart with their books on the Amish. Several are now my "friends" on Facebook! To see the books I have read so far, click on the bookshelf. I haven't read a book that I didn't like yet. They are all my favorites!

While waiting on another book to arrive at the library, I came across the book "White Christmas Pie" by Wanda Brunstetter. A wonderful story that I couldn't wait to read at night! I love how she has recipes at the end of her books and how they work into the story. It's a wonderful book to read!

A friend of mine, Chris, gave me a book to read, "A Merry Heart" that her sister, Vicki, told her to give to me. I was so excited! Another book from Wanda! And another great story with another recipe at the end of her book! This was another great story to read and found myself anxious to pick up at night to see what was happening next! It is the first book in a series of 4, "Brides of Lancaster County". I'm looking forward to reading the next book, "Looking For A Miracle"!

So while waiting for my next book by Wanda, I got a book for Christmas I began reading. "SummerHill Secrets - 1" by Beverly Lewis. It's 5 stories in one book about a wonderful 15 year old "English" girl named Merry Hanson living in PA in Amish country and friends with Rachel Zook, her Amish neighbor. This is teen fiction, but it has been a wonderful present to read. AGAIN...I can't wait to pick it up at night to read!

I owe a hearfelt THANK YOU to my favorite Amish authors for catching my attention and my heart to read again!

***P.S. My son, Steven, was able to save ALL of my files onto a backup hard drive! What a relief! He is so good with computers! I told him he should go to college and get his degree in Computer Science - he says "Nah, I just like to play around with them!" :)

Crash, boom, bang....and alot of tears!!!

2010-01-17T10:59:00.005-05:00

My computer crashed last night as I was looking for a hat pattern online. My son told me he "thinks" he can save a few files, but not everything. All my charity forms and stuff, pictures, and PATTERNS gone!!!! I watched Steven work on my computer and when he told me the news, I broke out in tears like a little kid that lost their favorite toy. I feel like that song from Hee Haw "...if it wern't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all..."

Going away tomorrow on a bus trip to Atlantic City, NJ. It's a fundraiser for Walkersville Rescue Company. Go there and gamble for the day. Be nice to win something - but won't hold my breath! Mold will start growing!!!! hahahaha Will have my crocheting with me on the trip. Really glad yarn doesn't crash!!! I'd really be up a creek with no paddle! :)

Think Organic.....

2010-01-09T15:23:00.004-05:00

If you LOVE organic bath, body, and medicinal products, please check out this website Garden Acres LLC. She now offers mineral makeup! She is having a 15% off sale till the end of the month!

I met Lee at one of my craft shows. She is wonderful lady and of course, she has alot of wonderful organic products! If you love the smell of lavender, like I do!, her Lavender Body Butter is fantastic! It makes your skin so soft. I put some on my hands before I go to bed at night and the smell is so relaxing!

All of her organic products are made by hand on their farm, which is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. So you can't get any closer to nature than that!!!

If you check out her site and make any purchases, please let her know Beth sent you! You will fall in love with her products! I did!!!

WTG BUCKEYES!!!!!!

2010-01-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-01T18:54:00.004-05:00

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas....

2009-12-24T14:12:00.005-05:00

Wishing my family and friends a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! May the Peace of the Lord Be With You Today and Always!!!

I love you Chris, Steven, Matthew, Trish, Hayden, Mom, and Dad!

Merry Christmas to my little Angels in Heaven - I love you and miss you with all my heart!

My Precious Grandson

2009-12-17T18:44:00.005-05:00

Just got word from my son. Hayden went to Children's in DC today for his IV dose of IGg. They did blood work and found that he is not making any red or white blood cells. They were told his body could shut down any time. He now has a respiratory disease (Small Airway disease) and calling in a lung specialist for him. Monday he has to go back to Children's Hospital for them to take a sample of bone marrow to test for possible infection in his bone marrow. Please keep Hayden Parsons, and his Mom and Dad (Chris and Trish) in your prayers.

These are recent pictures taken at Chris and Trish's home. The top picture is me with my oldest son, Chris. The other pictures are my youngest son, Matthew, and his girlfriend and myself playing in Hayden's room. I love getting on the floor and playing cars with him! Hayden was having fun pushing the vacuum around the kitchen and living room. He is so full of energy and smiles so much. So hard to look at him and see that he is so sick.

I'm looking for a miracle this Christmas - for Hayden to pull thru all of this so we can watch him grow up to become a fine young man!

Nana loves you so much Hayden!

Big Hit at Craft Show!!!

2009-12-06T20:55:00.002-05:00

I did a craft show Saturday...and these Cupcake Purses was my biggest seller! I sold out! (These are just a chosen few I took a picture of!) Have had alot of people talking about them and asking for orders. So I wrote up a short note and sent an email out to family and friends to take orders. Since I am still job hunting, no job yet, I thought I could use my God given talent to try to make a few extra dollars to give my family Christmas this year! If you know anyone that would be interested in placing an order for these Cupcake Purses, please let me know!

They can be made in chocolate or vanilla base with any color for the icing and either color beads or white beads. I even have a purse with glow in the dark beads! Just too cute! They are $4.00 each. Asking for $1-2 for postage to mail them out. To place an order, just send me an email to etdprincess@cs.com with Cupcake Purse Order in the subject line. :)

Snowman Wish...

2009-12-01T15:43:00.000-05:00

Special Holiday Message

2009-11-25T18:03:00.004-05:00

MyHotComments

Wishing all my family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. If you are traveling, stay safe! I pray you have a very Blessed day with family and friends! I'm very thankful and blessed to have such wonderful family and friends!

Crochet to Share

2009-11-13T13:23:00.004-05:00

These are some items I have been working on lately. A friend of mine let me borrow her doily and I worked up the doily from hers. I was so excited to make it, I forgot to write down the directions when I was working on it! It turned out so pretty!

I made the sweater sets in the past two days. Keeps my mind busy at night. Seems to be the hardest time lately. And the weekends.

I have been looking for a baby earflap hat and can't find any! So I just made up my own! I'll post the pattern once I get it typed up. It was fun to make too!

The blue sweater set and earflap hat is going to my son's friends who had a baby just a couple weeks ago!

In Memory of My Uncle Raymond

2009-11-08T22:49:00.004-05:00

I was driving to MD to pick up the last of my things and I got a phone call. My Uncle Raymond passed away. He has been battling brain cancer for some time now. My Aunt Norma and Uncle Raymond live in Pueblo West, Co. Not far from my Dad. I wish I was there to help my family. My Aunt told me the above picture will be there with them all since I can't be there in person.

The above picture was taken several years ago when Chuck and I drove to Colorado to spend time with my Dad. We stopped on the way at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast one day. We had to get the "sleeping puppy". We played a joke on the family and everyone had a great laugh about it! Even my Aunt and Uncle's dogs had to see if it was real or not! It was so funny! So wonderful to see my family laugh. It had been MANY years since I was last out there to see them.

When I was little, my cousins and I used to roll tires down a hill...that is all I will say! :) Anyway, we got busted by my Aunt and Uncle. On my last visit, my Aunt Norma asked me if I wanted to roll some tires? After all those years, I was surprised she remembered! We got another good laugh!

I will miss my Uncle Raymond. I was happy that I was able to crochet him the lapghan to use while he was sick. (See Feb. 2009 for picture) I love you Uncle Raymond. Stay strong Aunt Norma, I love you and miss you alot!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:13:00.005-04:00

I dressed up as Raggedy Ann today and drove to WV see the kids. When Hayden came into the house, he didn't know who I was! Even my voice - he didn't know Nana! Once he figured it was Nana, he kept telling me to take my wig off! So funny! We had a great time playing. Went to K-Mart and Wal-Mart with the kids and everyone got a kick out of seeing Raggedy Ann! It was a really fun time! I needed to smile! And I got alot of hugs too!

I stopped at the Post Office to check my mail and a little girl yelled across the street at me "I love your hair!" (I crocheted the wig part and then latch hooked all the yarn tails on it!) Then as I was leaving, an older woman coming into the Post office parking lot, yelled "Love your Costume!". So here I sit at home, all dressed up and no where to go! hahaha But it was a fun, fun day with Hayden. He is dressing up as Woody from Toy Story!

Hayden's Bone Marrow Transplant

2009-10-22T11:48:00.002-04:00

Chris called me early this morning to tell me that Hayden goes for his bone marrow transplant in 3 weeks. He was crying when he called. We all knew it was coming in Nov. or Dec. But reality just hit us. So he will be in Children's Hospital (Washington, DC) throughout the holidays and staying at the Ronald McDonald House after his treatment. The Dr's want him close to the hospital. He's in Children's right now getting his IV dose of IGg. Chris, Hayden and I are taking a road trip tomorrow - so happy I get to spend time with my boys!

Thanks to everyone for all your cards, gifts, and prayers for Hayden. Please continue to keep him in your prayers! Thank you again from all of Hayden's family!

A funny to share...

2009-10-21T09:41:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine shared this on Facebook, just had to pass it on! So funny...

Happy "would have been" Anniversary

2009-10-20T23:34:00.003-04:00

Today "would have been" mine and Chuck's 9th anniversary together. It's been the hardest 10 days without him. 10 days of tears. But I'm ok, as ok can be. I went to the grocery store the other day and a song came on. The words hit me so hard. Trace Adkins - "Help Me Understand". I started crying in the store. I wanted to run out. But I paid for the groceries and left. People looking at me like I was crazy.

On our first date, Chuck took me to the Grottos. Because I love Angels. He said it was a test. That if I loved this place, we would be fine. It was a beautiful place. So peaceful. Our first kiss was by the statue by the entrance. Was so afraid the Nuns would come running after us - so funny! Then he took me to the Elizabeth Ann Seaton Center. Another beautiful place to visit. After our visit there, he took me to my favorite restaurant for dinner - Cracker Barrel!

Only memories now to hold onto now........

I thanked God everyday for the past nine years for bringing Chuck into my life, only to be gone in a heartbeat. I'm going to the Grottos today to visit memories and thank God for letting me have these past nine years with Chuck and pray for peace, healing, and understanding.

My family and friends tell me to let go, there's nothing more I can do. I will always love him. There will be no other. But my heart isn't ready to let go.

Happy "would have been" Anniversary Chuck - I will always love you!

Thru my Heartache, I'm on Cloud Nine!

2009-10-17T17:55:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow will be a week since Chuck broke up with me. Nine years gone over another woman on Facebook and those stupid games. It's been a very tough week. I'm trying hard to move on. But memories just eat me up inside. I lost the love of my life. His birthday is next Sunday and I'm already doing the "what if's"...

ANYWAY...

Today I received a letter from Virginia State Senator, Jill Holtzman Vogel, of the 27th District about my charity, HeartFelt Angels. I want to share this with all the members of HeartFelt Angels, friends, families, and hospitals we serve:

Dear Elizabeth:

I wanted to send you a note to commend you for all of efforts to help families that are in need. Also, I wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful article about you in the Northern Virginia Daily. I know that this is my second note to you, but you are a great inspiration and you are very deserving of the continued recognition!

HeartFelt Angels is a great project and I applaud all of the selfless acts you and others who support local families in need of infant clothing.

Congratulations again and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of help in any way.

Sincerely,

Jill H. Vogel

(Side notation) Congrats again!!

*** Can you tell why I'm on cloud nine? This was what I needed to bring a smile to my face and into my heart again. I bounced around the house like a little kid - "Look what I got"!

My charity needs me, my family and friends needs me, and I am appreciated for HeartFelt Angels and the work we do for so many people. So... back to crocheting for the babies!!!

A Beautiful Reminder...

2009-10-09T15:28:00.004-04:00

I had some business to do down town. When approaching the front doors to the building, something told me to look down. There at my feet was this tiny, yet beautiful leaf. I looked around and all the leaves close to me were old, crumpled, broken, scattered. I picked it up and carefully carried it with me. I shared it with the clerk and she said "How precious!" I told her I thought the colors were so pretty, I just had to pick it up! She told me "One of those stop and smell the roses moment!"

When I walked back outside, I looked on the ground and all the leaves were the same. Not one leaf had the beautiful colors as the tiny leaf that caught my attention. None of the trees around the property had this leaf either.

The picture doesn't do it justice - the colors are beautiful!

I soon began thinking that all the leaves I saw on the ground, each one held a different problem I am going through right now. In the center, was this beautiful leaf. A simple, yet beautiful reminder from God: that throughout all troubles, hope remains, and He is always with me!

Spaghetti Heart

2009-09-29T12:14:00.003-04:00

A while back - I was fixing spaghetti for dinner. I went to try a piece of pasta to see if it was done and hot water splashed up on my hand. I flung the pasta and it landed onto my counter top as pictured! I wasn't burned, but really surprised me to see the heart shape on the counter! The kids swore I put it that way - I didn't! I just had to take a picture.

MD Lighthouse Challenge - Completed!

2009-09-23T18:08:00.018-04:00

It was a beautiful weekend for the Challenge! Couldn't have asked for better weather! Our first stop was Turkey Point Lighthouse. After a bus ride to the park, you had a 0.8 mile hike to the lighthouse. Glad we got that one out of the way first! It had wooden steps and a wonderful view at the top!

#2 Concord Point Lighthouse: We didn't walk to the top of that one. Took pictures and enjoyed the view!

#3 Chesapeake Lightship in the Inner Harbor: After some confusion, we got a ticket and walked thru the lightship. Really interesting! Couldn't believe the tiny sleeping quarters they had!

#4 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse: It's on the Inner Harbor also. They had the top of the lighthouse closed off.

#5 Hooper Strait Lighthouse: It's like Drum Point Lighthouse.

#6 Sandy Point Lighthouse: This was a BONUS lighthouse! Sits out in the water by the Bay Bridge at Sandy Point State Park.

These are the lighthouses we completed on Saturday! Then on Sunday....

#7 Drum Point Lighthouse: This was dubbed "Party Central" for the challenge!This picture was taken back in March when we visited.

#8 Cove Point Lighthouse: Another bus ride to the lighthouse!

#9 Point Lookout Lighthouse: This lighthouse grabbed my heart and my interest! It has GHOSTS!!!!

#10 Piney Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse had the best view and most interesting information! The pipes off to the side of it carries oil and asphalt. There are tanks that you pass before you arrive at the lighthouse that house the oil and asphalt. On one of the tanks, has a HUG smiley face painted on top of it. It is in the Guinness Book of Records and the astronauts use it as a guide where they are!

#11 Fort Washington: Upon our arrival and completing our Challenge, they volunteers greeted us with bells, whistles, and clapping! It was so neat! We even grabbed a couple cookies! We finished the Challenge at 2:00pm on Sunday!

#12 Blackistone Lighthouse: This was another BONUS lighthouse! At the museum, you had to get tickets to take a boat ride over to the island to visit the lighthouse. What an awesome visit! It is a replica, but so beautiful. I even found a few shells on the shore. Wished I had more time to pick up more shells! :)

At each lighthouse, we received a baseball like card with a picture of each lighthouse and its time line on the back. On our 3rd lighthouse, we received a plastic card case to place them in.

When Chuck and I arrived at Drum Point, we saw a lady that we've talked to somewhere before. We got our Challenge t-shirts, changed in the bathroom. While waiting on Chuck, I mentioned to the lady that this was "party central" and she was so excited over my saying that! I was given a box of lighthouse tissues! She took the picture of Chuck and I holding my tissues, lighthouse candy, and the party bunny! She was the raffle - so pretty! When we took the bus ride to Cove Point, we saw her twin! It still puzzled us where we spoke to them before and decided it had to be Bodie Lighthouse in NC. Chuck walked over to ask the other twin and we were right! We couldn't believe they would drive to MD to volunteer for the Challenge - only to find out that they live in MD and volunteers in NC! So when we arrived back at Drum Point, I just had to tell the lady about our mystery we solved and had to get my picture with her. Such wonderful ladies!

So as you can tell - we had a great weekend! For more pictures, check them out in my Picasa Album! (Link is on the side bar to the right!)

P.S. While Chuck drove, I got 6 dishcloths done! :)

Maryland Lighthouse Challenge!!!

2009-09-18T16:48:00.005-04:00

2009 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge - Celebrating Maryland's 375th Birthday!

Celebrate Maryland's 375th Birthday and visit some of the most picturesque spots in the state during the 2009 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge September 19 and 20, 2009.

Challenge Lights: The Chesapeake Lightship, Concord Point, Cove Point, Drum Point, Fort Washington, Hooper Strait, Piney Point, Point Lookout, Seven Foot Knoll and Turkey Point.

***I'm leaving early in the morning to go to the Lighthouse Challenge! I'm so excited! I've been waiting for this for a LONG time!!! Making sure I have new batteries for my camera and space on my picture card! I'll have my crocheting to work on in between lighthouses!!! :)

Scarves, Sweaters, and Afghans - Oh My!

2009-09-10T13:26:00.009-04:00

The three scarves are for the challenge I am participating in on Ravelry "60 Scarves in 60 Days". These are going to The Bridge Project. I'm working on the 4th one now. The blue scarf is a pattern I put together myself.

The newborn baby sweaters and hats are what I made and sent to a friend of mine, Danette, for her charity, God's Tiny Angels.

One of my son's co-worker's asked me to make a baby afghan for her friend who recently had a baby boy. So I made this for her. I thought it turned out so pretty!

Other than yarn - I have been fighting a really bad case of poison ivy, it's all over me!!! I had to cancel my charity meeting this month because of it. Finally went to the Dr's yesterday, and I basically have to sweat it out now. They DO NOT believe in giving steroids because of all the side effects with it. So I was given a prescription for another cream to use. I've had this for a week and so miserable. I got it while working in my Mother's yard. I didn't think there was anything in the bush branches I was carrying - boy was I wrong!!!

Happy Birthday to ME! :)

2009-08-24T19:54:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow, August 25th, is my 50th Birthday! The day I have really been dreading! Just not ready to be 50! You should see the marks in my yard from my feet, digging into the ground, holding onto 49! LOL

One of my HeartFelt Angels members, Frances - age 92!, made this Birthday Cake for me and another friend picked it up and delivered it to me just an hour ago. What a surprise! It is made from scratch - no box mixes for Frances! It is a beautiful cake! I want to taste it - but hate to cut it! :)

Book Signing Event in PA

2009-08-20T17:40:00.006-04:00

Today was the book signing event at Rachel's Country Store in Newburg, PA with Cindy Smallwood. She is the author of "When the Heart Cries", "When the Morning Comes" and "When the Soul Mends". Her newest book just out is "The Hope of Refuge". I'm reading the second book of the series and they are so good! I hate to put them down!

I had the best time meeting Cindy and talking to her. She signed my books, poster, and even got my picture taken with her. Thank you Judy from PA for taking this picture for me!

The heat and humidity was bad, but it was oh so worth it! Miss Rachel was busy helping everyone and every where, and directing traffic! If you are ever in the area, please stop by and check out her store. She has gifts, candles, scrap booking supplies, books, toys, material, and hand made items too! Such a wonderful place to shop and visit! They were selling pies and I got a slice of my very first Shoo Fly Pie - CHOCOLATE! I'm not a pie crust eater, but this crust was delicious!!! So was the rest of the pie!

So this was my Beth Day out for my pre-birthday present to myself! It was the best day! Thank you Cindy Smallwood and Miss Rachel for being a part of it!

Trip to NC

2009-08-19T12:16:00.012-04:00

Last Friday, Chuck and I drove to Raleigh, NC to help his son, Chuck, paint his bedroom and bathroom in his first apartment! He is a student at NC State. So NO MORE DORMS for him! Good thing it was a small room! Chuck and I were so sore the next day! Muscles hurt that I didn't know I had! hahaha We stayed at Homewood Suites in Cary. If you ever get to that area, please stay there! It is a WONDERFUL place to stay! I had to get a picture of the duck in the bathroom - so cute! And the covered bridge to the hotel is so magical!

On Saturday, we didn't know just where to go, so he got his GPS out and chose a Casino in SC. Well, when we got there, it was on a RIVER BOAT! We both looked at each other and back to the car we went! So then we decided to go to Myrtle Beach. We never been there. When we got there, we left there too! Couldn't believe the high rises at the beach! We felt like we were in NY! So then we went to Wilmington and no place to stay there, didn't get to see Jeff Gordon :(, so we drove all the way back to Cary, where we stayed the night before. We ended up getting the same room!

It was a nice weekend getaway. Had fun painting and spending time with Chuck. Oh! I got 4 baby sweaters and hats crocheted while I was on the trip too! :)

Hayden's Prayer Bear and Blanket

2009-08-10T17:06:00.004-04:00

Elizabeth, at Shenandoah Storage in Winchester, called to tell me she had a prayer bear and blanket for Hayden. Her church prayed over them both. I went to pick them up and got to meet her Pastor. He was in tears. It really touched my heart to meet them and hear they are all praying for Hayden. I took his bear and blankie to him. He really loved them both! It was so cute seeing him try to read the card with it! He wrapped the blanket around him and walked around his house. Then he put his stuffed animals to bed, covered them with his blankie and said "night, night"! So precious. Hard to look at him and see that he is so sick. Thanks to everyone for your prayers!!!

Look What I Can Do!!!!!

2009-08-10T17:01:00.002-04:00

My very first attempt at freezing green beans! YEAH! It was fun! I should have done this YEARS ago! Another friend of mine gave me 2 gallon bags FULL of green beans. Her neighbor asked her if she wanted some green beans, if not, he was going to mow over them! She got all of them and shared with me! Not knowing what to do with them, Chuck and Joyce told me what to do. I got 8 quart bags - all in the freezer! Hummmm...what's next??? :)

Two Women Make a Swing

2009-08-08T11:17:00.012-04:00

My friend, Joyce, made a plant swing for her front yard. It is so awesome! She didn't have a pattern - she made it herself! I asked her when she had time, if she could make one for me and I'd pay her. NOPE! She invited me over to her house and we made the swing together! It was the best day! We went out to lunch before we got started. She wanted to take me to Friendly's and we passed the Pennsylvania Dutch Market. She had never been there before, so I talked her into going! I didn't know I messed up her plans - she was going to have them sing Happy Birthday to me! That will teach me to keep me mouth shut! :)

The PA Dutch Market was wonderful! Amish men, women, and children were working hard in there. The smell of wonderful food grabbed you as you walked in the door. I walked into another world in amazement. I ordered hot turkey and gravy sandwich with mashed potatoes. Definitely NOT instant potatoes! She PILED the meat on the bread! Needless to say, it was delicious and I had the other half of my meal for dinner later last night! We walked around to look at all the items they had for sell. The baked goods section made you pick up a few calories just smelling everything! Joyce picked up a pecan pie to have for desert. The furniture, quilts, dolls, kitchen items were all so beautiful.

From there, we went back to her house to get started on my swing. She had picked up the lumber days ago and couldn't wait for this day to get here! I put the back braces together backwards, so she had to correct my mistake! We just laughed and had the best time! I sure learned alot about woodworking! When we finally finished, we had a piece of pecan pie and sat out on the porch, watching the birds and neighbors....and admiring our swing we put together. It was the best day and the best birthday present! I really miss working with Joyce. But glad our friendship has continued over the miles that keep us apart. She lives in MD, about 50 miles away.

Our last laugh of the evening was "trying" to put the frame in my car. Wouldn't fit, so we had to tie it onto the back of my car. I took the back way all the way home to VA. My swing and I made it home safely! I hated to see the day end. Wonder what our next project will be? (Hope it's quilting!)

**For more pictures of our day, please check them out on the side bar in the Picasa photo album!!!

Update on Hayden

2009-08-05T18:48:00.005-04:00

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Just an update on my grandson, Hayden. Chris called to tell me that he went to see the Dr. at Children's Hospital in DC today.

One of his kidneys is smaller than the other. The Dr will begin blood testing family this weekend for the bone marrow match. If not, he will pull from the National List. The IV antibodies are not working. He wants Hayden to have chemotherapy with hopes it will help him when he receives the bone marrow transplant - with hopes it will stick! (Yes, he will lose all his hair.) He will have to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in DC for 3-4 months. He can't be no more than a half an hour from the hospital.

They are doing more testing today, and will be coming home tonight. So he will going back to Children's Hospital soon. I'll write more when I hear more.

PLEASE continue to pray for Hayden, please? Mom and Dad are having a really hard time accepting all this news. The rest of the family too. Hard to understand how a 2 year old can be so sick.

Thank you so much for all your prayers!!!

***I am having a card shower to fill Hayden's room when he is at the hospital. It will give him something to do and cheer up Mom and Dad. He loves Thomas the Train (his new bedroom is red and blue!)and Cars (Lightning McQueen!) He loves to color and write! He always gets GG's ink pens and writes for her! (I'm Nana and my Mom is GG for Great-Grandma!) He loves to blows kisses to everyone. If you would like to send Hayden a card, please email me for my address. Thanks again!!!

Mr and Mrs. Hillyard - My Neighbors!!!

2009-07-25T15:56:00.004-04:00

Today is the day - for the rest of your lives! Nate and Rhea got married today at 3:00 pm at Greenwood United Methodist Church in Winchester, VA. She has been thru so much and I am so happy for her! And Nate too - she got a good guy! The music was beautiful and her colors were peach and purple, with white. She was so beautiful! I got tears several times. My son, Matt, and his girlfriend, Holli, went also. It was a beautiful day for their wedding!

Look at my Mom!

2009-07-23T11:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was her last day at physical therapy. She had a Baker's cyst behind her right knee that was giving her problems. So the Dr gave her a cortisone shot and sent her to PT. I can't believe what she was able to do! She's 73! Puts me to shame! Her knee is much better. Thanks to Sandy! Mom and I both think she's the best therapist! (Sandy was my therapist when I injured my left shoulder) So now she is looking to join the Wellness Center to continue her therapy there and keep her busy! If I can just get her busy around the house! hahaha :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T10:11:00.001-04:00

My Charity in the Newspaper!

2009-07-21T22:23:00.002-04:00

Winchester Star HeartFelt Angels article

We celebrated our 10 year celebration this past Saturday! We had alot of great food, great music, and fun! I can't believe the photographer put that silly hat picture in the paper! He said "Let's do something silly!" So I said ok! hahaha

My Grandson - Hayden

2009-07-13T12:46:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know: My grandson, Hayden, was taken to Children's Hospital in Washington DC last Thursday. They were hoping he would come home Sunday, but it may be today. Just waiting to hear. But they are taking it one day at a time.

Remember the Bubble Boy? Hayden is very close to being him, as his Dr told us Saturday. Hayden has been trying for the longest time to get over colds, ear infections, his poor injury on his finger. They finally got a Dr to question what the heck is going on and found out. He was rushed to DC.

Hayden has almost NO antibodies in his body. His appetite is poor. So what calories he does have, his body is using to fight off infections. Part of the reason he is not growing like he should! Saturday, he got his first IV dose of IGg (antibodies) with HOPES and PRAYERS his body can rebuild his own immune system. He will have to have this done every week. IF this doesn't work, then he will have to be put on the bone marrow list for a donor. His blood isn't clotting like it should either, so they kept him another day.

My son and Trish are devastated, along with the rest of the family. Hayden is only 2 years old. He is in good spirits and still ornery! As you can see what he did with his chocolate milk! Poured it out into his lap, chair! :) But gets tired easy now.

This is one time I hate being a nurse. You know too much. The look on my son's face just crushed my heart. We have to wear gloves, masks and gowns to see him.

Please keep Hayden and his parents in your prayers, please?

Thanks in advance for all the prayers. I don't know how much more I can carry on my back and shoulders.

Another House Fire

2009-07-10T15:29:00.003-04:00

....right across the street from me again! In the newspaper it stated a TV was to blame for the fire. A lot of neighbors are a little uneasy right now. I had an interview at the hospital for my charity and couldn't go. I was blocked in my driveway, as you can see. So we will have the interview about my charity's 10 year anniversary on Tuesday! Everyone got out - no injuries.

Extremely Belated Preemie Items

2009-07-10T15:18:00.006-04:00

Here are pics of the items I made for a friend of mine, Danette. She has a charity called God's Tiny Angels . These little outfits will fit 1 pound preemies and 2-3 pound preemies. A much needed item for all hospitals.