Waiting game.

So I submitted a few jewelry pieces for Bead Trends May/June calls. Now to just sit and wait and see if I'll be called.
The deadline for submissions is Jan. 1st. I don't expect to hear from them for at least 2 weeks, and that's IF I am chosen.
It would be nice because I get more $$ to buy supplies.

And about the throat...
I'm not feeling quite as anxious about it right now. Some one must be praying for me. Thank you!! and ((HUGS)).

Not an upbeat entry...

Chris had to return to work the day after Christmas. He is now in Ohio. I wasn't ready for him to leave but life must resume as usual I suppose.


(Look away if you have a weak tummy before you read further.)


On Christmas morning I woke up and noticed that there is a lump, or knot, on my throat. It's not IN my esophagus but it feels like it's deep inside my throat. It's about the size of a jelly bean and it doesn't move around. It is tender but not terribly painful to the touch. I admit that it has me alarmed but I'm trying my best not to panic, though I do at times.

I had noticed a couple days prior that I felt some tenderness just under my jawbone, right side. And there was a bit of a different odor coming from my throat. It didn't worry me because I have had a cold the past couple weeks and I just figured all the coughing caused the tenderness, or maybe I developed a mild infection. After two days the odor went away. All seemed fine, and now this lump appears.

I know that I am not a doctor and I shouldn't be guessing and self medicating, but I have started taking penicillin in case it is infection. If I don't notice any changes or improvements by the end of the month I will call the doctor. I promise. If it does seem to clear up I will still discuss it with my doctor. I'm scheduled to see her Jan. 15th for my thyroid check-up anyway.

Nevertheless, if you wouldn't mind saying a prayer for me it would be MUCH appreciated beyond words. Pray that it's nothing serious and pray for calm nerves as I haven't slept since Christmas morning. I am constantly feeling of my neck, hoping the lump was just a dream. Night time is the hardest since I already have insomnia. I just sit up all night trying to think of ways to stop thinking about it, and hoping and praying that the penicillin is all I need. I did read that a lot of lumps are caused by stress or anxiety. It is highly possible that could be the case for me. I do stress quite a bit being here, being mom and dad. Hoping that I'm doing everything right by the boys, praying Chris stays safe out there in those strange places he's never been to before. Praying that he stays awake at the wheel when he's worked a 16 hour shift and then drives another8 hours to the next state and job site. Praying that we don't get any traumatic weather here and that the good Lord watches over us and the house, etc.


And... I really don't know why I'm even blogging about this except I thought maybe it would help me feel better to get it out there. I don't have Chris here to talk to and I don't want to worry the boys. I just need to stay focused and stay positive. Easier said than done!

Thanks Anne

I don't think I've ever been given blog awards before. Imagine that! LOL

We wish you a Merry Christmas...

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas...
and a Happy New Year.

I know it's a tad bit early to wish you all Happy Holidays but things are just too busy for words at the insomniac theater these days. I don't know when I might have the chance again before the holidays.

The stockings are all hung and the tree is up and decorated. All the greenery is placed in baskets with candles, and I even sprinkled some baking soda around on the piano and window sills to look like we got a light dusting of snow, since we won't be getting any of the real stuff.

Since Chris is the "big boss man" over his team of 7 now, we are doing what any good boss does. We have booked a chalet and are having the guys and their families over for dinner.
We went to town and threw together some pretty nice goody baskets for each family to take home with them as well.
I wanted to show my appreciation to the wives of these guys as well. Us wives don't get the recognition that we deserve. Our husbands, our children's fathers, are gone for weeks at a time. We are left here to hold down the fort, pay the bills and keep things running smoothly.
Keeping the kids in school, fed, bathed. We are left here with ALL of the household chores, vehicle maintenance, Drs. appointments, among other extra curricular activities.
The hardest part of being married to a man that is never home is probably playing the roles of both mother and father.
So, I wanted to let them know that they are appreciated. I put together some leather gift totes just for them filled with all the things a girl loves. There are candles, chocolates, something to make their home smell good, jewelry (that I made), and I forget what else! Hopefully they are well received.

Caleb, our youngest son, just turned 14 yesterday. He didn't want a party. He didn't even want a cake but we got him one anyway. Love you Caleb! Happy Birthday!! :)

We will be out of town a couple of nights during the party for the workers and then back home to do the Christmas thing here at home. I am going to try my best to leave it at the as far as Christmas is concerned. I just am not up to traveling out to the inlaws this year, but that's a whole other story.

After that I just have to get over the hump of New Years. I don't like new years because, to me, it just reminds me that I am getting older and older. I am not kidding you in the least when I say that I do NOT want to turn 35. I know it's not OLD, BUT it is older. I wish I could just stop right here at 34. LOL

And lastly...
How ever you celebrate. Where ever you celebrate. Make memories and hug the ones you love. Take time to reflect on what Christmas means to you.
For me it's is a time to remember Christ was born into this world to pay for my sins. He came knowing that he would be put to death, and he came willingly and prepared for it because he loved me. He paid the ultimate price so that I don't have to. If it weren't for that day, Christmas Day, the birth of The Savior, life for me would be hopeless. When I put it in the proper perspective I am able to also remember that all the gifts, be them good or (what were they thinking?), were given out of love and I was thought of. It's not about the latest gadget. It's not about the shiniest bow or the biggest box. Material things pale in comparison to the gift of forgiveness.

With that I bid you all good night. :o)

Thank You Ann!!! :)

From Ann, my stocking swap partner. :)

My HUGE box from Ann arrived today and I had to open it right away. The presentation was spectacular! The stocking is adorable!
(Now I think I may have a stocking collecting fetish in the works.)
Ann did such a wonderful job on every thing! I really mean it. It was like she called Santa himself to get the 411 on my Christmas wish list.

Ann, you had me pegged to the T. Your items couldn't have been more right on. Even people that have known me all their lives still don't have a clue what I am about, but you picked up on it right away. I am impressed. LOL

When I saw the little tin of candy with the snowmen ornies on it, it was love at first sight. I just love it to pieces! Not to mention those adorable salt and pepper shaker snowmen. They are now on my kitchen table next to the poinsettia.

Her little snowflake dangles. I LOVE it!

Ann is super talented and gifted! LOOK at these ornaments she made for me. The Santa one is red on the back side and glittery. Again, love'em to pieces!!! (no pun intended since they are made from light bulbs, lol.)

I am a gingerbread collecting junkie. As soon as I saw these I hugged them and cooed. LOL My Babies!! And OMGosh! Would you look at that tree. Ann made this for me as well. It was one of the first things I saw when I opened my box. My first thought was- that's it! If that would have been all she sent it would have been enough. I adore it and will cherish it for years to come.
Ann sent me handmade bath salts in the little stocking. They smell SOO good.

The snowman ornament is also right up my alley, as it the rustic star. I can not wait until Chris gets home and we can go get a tree! All the ornaments will be included on the tree and give me warm fuzzies every time I see them, I'm sure. They are just perfect!
(I usually have a tree up by now, but this year has been a little more busy and complicated. )

Mint chocolate candy filled tin- my FAVE guilty indulgence! Grubby candles! Be still my heart. More handmade lovies for my tree. I am in heaven.

Ann and I must be on the same wavelength because we sent each other teas to try. LOL It will come in very handy right now because I have a miserable cold. Warm tea is just what the doctor ordered. The water is in the kettle as I type this.

The candle in the little rustic base. What can I say...
LOVE IT!

And last but not least, a couple of over-all close-up pics of my stash.

Ann, I can't thank you enough. There wasn't a single item that I don't adore and cherish.

When I was first considering joining the swap I had two main reasons why I decided to.
First, was to get to know more people. After having "met" Peggy through her Etsy shop and then her blog, I knew I was amongst good people.
Second was because I love giving. I love sharing. I am so glad that I decided to go through with it. It really is about more than the gifts themselves, but ones giving of themselves, and hopefully spreading a little bit of Christmas cheer in the process. I for one know that putting my stocking package together greatly helped me get in the spirit.
I'd like to send thanks out to Peggy as well for orchestrating this swap. I've hosted my fair share of swaps and there is quite a bit of work that goes in to them. So, Thank you, Peggy. If you host again next year I will be thrilled to participate again.


That all being said, I am off now to decorate my house with all my new pretties.
To Ann and all who stopped in to read...

Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!