Shoal Creek Cottage

CALLING IN SOME PRAYERS

2009-09-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

Please keep our little Gauge in your prayers, we just found out that he has what they call total heart block. I am hoping that it sounds much worse than it really is. He is the sweetest little gift from God and I know that God will watch over him but all prayers would be appreciated.
Gauge is the son of my niece Jessica, who could use some prayers of her own, this has been very hard on her.. Hugs to all..

What a fun Idea!!! COME ON JOIN IN...

2009-09-15T14:08:00.001-07:00

I'm going tomorrow to have mine done, do you want to come????

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

2009-09-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. TIME FOR ME TO START PREACHING AGAIN HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY!!! THIS IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS, PLEASE PASS IT ALONG.. LETS SAVE SOME LIFE'S THIS YEAR... HUGS DEB

A Broken Heart!

2009-09-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

We lost Mandy last Thursday!! It was one of the saddest days of my life. I know my dad is lost without his best buddy. I imagine her in heaven with my mom, running and playing ball.. We miss you Mandy..

There are worse things than having Cancer!

2009-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

There are worse things! Like someone you love having cancer! I would have changed places with my mom in a second if God would have given me the chance. He didn't.
I have missed you all so much, I have so much to share like, My Dad is doing so much better, thank you all so much for you prayers.
Little LuLu has four teeth and is starting to crawl and Claire is rolling over.
Justin and Heather ( Lulu's mommy and daddy) got married, it was beautiful.
I did the Relay for Life for the second year, my team raised $1065.00 Yea!!! Team!!! Thank you to all of those who donated.
I made Jewelery to help raise money and Karen from Cotton Pickin Ranch let me use her angels. If you have not been to her blog, cottonpickinranch.blogspot.com make sure you stop by. She is an incredible artist with an incredible heart. I will be posting some of my Jewelery soon for sale to help raise money for the cause please come back and have a look.. Thank You So Much Karen for you kindness....
I held a female Cardinal in my hands, she had hit a window and looked to be dieing but after some prayers and lots of love she flew away. Thank you God.
I have been keeping up with nieniedialogues.blogspot.com. She is a beautiful and brave young lady from Utah that was in a plane crash with her husband, she was burned over 85% of her body and her blog is about her way back for her accident. I am not even sure how I found her blog but I just love her. I wish I could take her pain for even one day and give her a break. She could use some prayers if you have some extra.
I hope all of you have been doing well, sorry I have been so out of touch.. Big Hugs to you All. Back Soon Deb

Baby Feet, Make Me Smile.....

2009-04-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Lulu's little feet. How cute are these?

TWO REASONS TO FEEL BLESSED ON EASTER!

2009-04-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

O HAIL !!!!!!

2009-04-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Well last night was exciting, hail, wind rain.. You can not imagine the noise that hail this size can make hitting the windows in your home, it was so loud that you could not hear each other talking.
It got pretty intense , I grabbed JJ (my little love bird) rounded up the dogs, Dad and Glenn and was headed for the closet. No place for a man who has just had surgery but thought it was better than the bath tub!
Thank God ( again) it was letting up before I had time to shove Dad in there..Lol
Now today we have lots of broken things and dented vehicles, ANYONE KNOW A GOOD DENT REPAIR MAN!!!!!!
I hope you all made it through the storms ok.. Hugs

HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY SPRING, HAPPY HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!

2009-04-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Somebunny loves this little bunny...
I wanted to have both our little bunnys on here but did not get to see little Claire in time.
I hope you all have a wonderful blessed Easter... God Bless..

UPDATE ON DAD!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that my Dad did great today, surgery is over and he will be coming home tomorrow. Can you believe that? Aneurysm fixed today, home tomorrow!
Thank you all once again for all your prayers, you just can not know how much they mean to me. They were all answered. Thank you Jesus! Hugs to all..

My Dad And His Dog

2009-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my Dad and His Dog Mandy.. Not a real good picture of Dad but I loved it and wanted to share..

Dad goes in the hospital tomorrow and will have his surgery on Thursday. I am feeling pretty good about it, nervous but ok..

I hope you are all having a wonderful week, it is snowing off and on here today, funny weather, shorts one day snow the next..

Happy Easter and God Bless You All.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

2009-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

I just want to say thank you to all that sent up prayers for us, today was a awesome day! First the heart cath, the Dr came out and said well everything went really good, the blockage is minimal so we will not need to do surgery... YEA!
Then on to the I am not sure what they call it, thing to check the aneurysm.... The surgeon came out and told me well he has a big aneurysm buuuttttttt we can fix it with a stint.....YYYYEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Just what I prayed for... I love you Jesus.... Thank you all so much for all your prayers...
Dad will go in next Wednesday and Thursday he will have his surgery, all will be just fine.
More about my Dad to follow, and pictures of his carving...LoL... Hugs to you all... Love You!

Please Pray For My Dad

2009-04-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok I need some prayers here! I wanted to write a long post on how wonderful my Dad is, how close we are, how loving and talented he is, how much he loved my Mom and how he helped me care for her.
I wanted to tell you that he is a wood carver and attach some pictures of his carvings. But every time I started I would tear all up and could not finish. SSOOOOO
I am just going to say that my Dad is going in tomorrow for a heart cath, he has some sort of blockage etc that made his stress test come back irregular, he also has a abdominal aortic aneurysm that has to be fixed.. I am scared to death but I know God is watching over him, I also know that prayer works and was wondering if you were to have some extra time maybe you could ad him to your prayers.. Hugs to you all

Look Who Came To Visit Me!

2009-03-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

I got to keep LuLu for the first time on Friday, it was only for a few hours, but it was so much fun. And of course Grandma has a new camera.... The top picture I just love, LuLu with her beautiful mommy Heather. You can just feel the love..

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Hugs

Picture of the Day

2009-03-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of one of my favortie angels. New camera remember...LoL...

Something Funny Happened While I Was Bald

2009-03-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just felt tonight that I wanted to share something funny that happened to me on my journey, we all know the other side.
While I was going through Chemo, hair already gone, I used to go to Bingo with my mom at the senior center. She sure loved bingo and I love going with her.
The senior center was the first place I decided to remove my hat because it was driving me crazy and I could not take it, not one minute longer. As I took it off and put it on the table my mom looked at me like that's my girl.
I could feel the eyes looking at my shiny bald head but I set there, really wanting to put the hat back on but knowing I had come this far and was not going back.
Later one of my moms friends came up and told her that a friend had ask her " why would such a pretty girl do that to her hair" Now that was funny, I don't care who you are.. More later.
Come on share one of your funnies, we could all use a good laugh... :0)

WHAT I LEARNED HAVING CANCER.

2009-03-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

I learned that cancer does no care if you are a good person or bad.
I learned that under all this hair god had given me a perfect head.
I learned how many people in my life really care about me.
I learned that having a little extra weight on me was a good thing.
I learned that cancer is not predigest, it does not care if you are rich or poor, it does not care if you are black or white, tall or short, pretty or not so pretty, young or old.
I learned that six treatments go faster than you think.
I learned how good it feels to feel good.
I learned how remarkable my body is. Thank you god!
I learned that I am stronger than I would have ever thought.
I learned it is much easier to have cancer, than to watch someone you love have cancer.
I learned that all oncologist should have to have at least one dose of chemo to get there license.
I learned that wearing a wig makes your head itch really badly.
I learned that a bad hair day is better than a no hair day.
And last but not least I learned that I am a survivor and I want every woman that is diagnosed with ovarian cancer to be able to say the same thing.
Hugs Deb

Im Back! With A Brand New Camera

2009-03-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

You thougt I was going to say attitude. Same attitude, new camera...lol
Hi everyone, I sure have missed all of you, I took a break for a while but now I am back and ready to roll.. Its RELAY TIME!!!!! Relay for life, What is Relay for life? Relay for life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking around a track of path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event, Relays are an overnight event.

Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

No matter who you are, there's a place for you at relay. Please think about forming a team in your community.

Relay for Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

1 . Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
2. Remember loved ones lost to the disease, At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
3. Fight Back. We relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put and end to the disease.

Why Do We Relay???

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Now you say what does pictures of my bird JJ have to do with any thing, absolutely nothing! LOL But I did get a new camera and he is pretty cute...

This is my little love, JJ...

He was sick for a little while, but I loved him better..

ONE WORLD ONE HEART IS OVER

2009-02-12T04:42:00.000-08:00

This has been so much fun, thank you so much Lisa for such a great opportunity to meet some many new wonderful people. This morning I let my father pick the number, since this weekend he turned 79, you guessed it, 79 is the winner---ShellyRaeWood----you are the winner of my wing heart, congratulations. Thank you so much to all that have visited my blog and left so many wonderful comments, you filled my heart with joy. Big Hugs to you all.. Deb

ONE WORLD ONE HEART- HURRY ENTER NOW.

2009-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

It is Year 3 of One World-One Heart and I just found out about it two days ago. Bloggers from all over the world are participating. You can still Enter between now and February 12 ON THIS POST ONLY (above). Be sure to visit the One World -One Heart site to enter all the giveaways. Click on the button above. Lisa has listed all the participants on the sidebar.
I decided last night that I wanted to be a part of this wonderful opportunity so today I have put together a little something I hope you will all love. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, pretty easy. Be sure to go to the One world- One Heart site and enter all the hundreds of giveaways, lots of wonderful blogs you would never have found if not for this and you just might make a new friend and win something wonderful..
If you love this make sure you click on Lisa's blog and let her know, she has worked really hard to put this all together.. Hugs to her..
Now for my giveaway.
Angel Heart, this little heat is made from heavy fabric in a beautiful pink tone. I have added vintage lace and vintage pearls around the edge, then added pretty white feather wings, it stands in a rusted bed spring or has a gold cord on back if you would rather hang it. Thank you for coming by I hope you like my little heart.. Hugs Me

Claire's First Visit To The Cottage

2009-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when Jayson and Sara said they could come up this weekend, I have only got to see our little Claire once since she was born because of the darn virus, the never ending virus. Now it is gone and finally I got to spend the day with our new little girl. Just had to share some pictures of Claire in her new hats I had made for her.She is a little doll.

Baby's Got A Brand New Hat

2009-01-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Grandma made me a hat. Look at that big pink ball..

She needed a model for this one, I was just sittin around so told her I would help out.

So do you think I'm cute or what?

The Hen Hotel That Stole My Heart.

2009-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

A Special Gift
Have you ever been given a gift that was so special you do not even know how to thank the giver of such a gift?
Well for my birthday this year I was given such a gift.
You have heard me talk about Mike, my co-worker. He is the one that made the General Store for me to auction to help raise money for my Relay For Life Fund this year. How special a person to have done something like that. And by the way we raised $95.00 thanks to Mike.
I love making things for other people but very rarely do I get hand made things from others, and when I do It is so exciting I can hardly stand myself.
Every year for the last three years Mike has made something for my birthday, and every year I think it doesn’t get any better than this.
Last year Mike had heard me talk about wanting my Dad to make me a church birdhouse with stained glass windows, so on my birthday here he comes with his darling wife with what? An awesome church birdhouse, well it’s for in the house, its beautiful, with stained glass windows painted by Karen his wife, a pulpit and pews it is awesome. And It lights up.
As I shared with you earlier in a post, I found a wonderful new magazine this year. MaryJanes Farm. In the first issue I seen they had a Hen Hotel, well I feel in love with it. I love chickens, not sure why, but I want chickens. In Fact I know that I want six and I know what there names will be, Josie, Elsie, Twyla, Lilly and Ginny.
Well it said in the magazine that two farm girls could build this in just one weekend, so of course I decided that I was going to do just that in the spring.
During my excitement I just happened to mention this to Mike, wonderful, kind, good hearted, handsome Mike.
Well guess what Wonderful, Kind; Good hearted Handsome Mike brought me for my birthday this year? You guessed it, the cutest little Chicken Hotel you have even seen! Complete with a chicken and two roosters. You can not believe how much this looks like the real thing, nesting boxes, eggs and nests made by Karen his darling wife, by hand! Painted and distressed by his daughter Cass, with wall paper on the back wall, can you believe that. And It lights up. It just makes my heart want to burst to know that these three wonderful people
sat and worked on this little Hen Hotel just for me. I LOVE it and I feel so blessed to have people in my life that would do such a thing for me.
I had to share this with you, I hope you enjoy.. Hugs From the Hen Hotel

Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?

look at the detail. Cass is an artist,she did such an awsome job.
There is my one and only Hen. Josie, she is sooooo cute

Check out my nesting boxes. And the eggs in the basket that Karen made just for me...I am about ready to wet my pants......

And there are my boys.

A Bit Of Christmas At The Cottage

2008-12-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

One of my most precious belongings, my stocking knitted by my mama many years ago..

Outside little window box.

One of my favorite Christmas whatsits.

Two sweet little snow guys..

Just a corner in my back room

I just could not get him to stay out of things

I put my old sled on top of my old red cupboard and my little elf helped me decorate it all.. Cute in person, looks cluttered in the picture.

This is my little cupboard at my front door, it turned out really cute, the mercury glass canisters I just got today for my dear buddy Betsy for my birthday.. Which is tomorrow, Yes I am A Christmas Eve Baby.. Well this little sitting is so pretty but it just does not show in the picture, wish you could stop by and see it..

To you and your family..

Hope you enjoyed, Merry Christmas And God Bless You Every One!

Grandma's Little Peanut

2008-12-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

I finally got to go meet Claire and O my goodness what a beautiful little girl she is. I wanted to bring her home with me but have to wait until she is a little bigger, maybe a lot bigger as she is not very big, infact she is not big at all, infact she is tinny tiny, and cute as a button.

Now, could you just eat her up?

Grandma's Girls

2008-12-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Claire Francesca Dobson 1 day old.

LuElle (Lulu) almost 4 months.

Look Who's Here

2008-12-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful little Claire is here, thank you all so much for all your prayers, this is one special little girl. Merry Christmas to us..

Gramdma Got Some Drugs.

2008-12-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Yes I finally got some antibiotics. When I went last Thursday they said I had not been sick long enough. Well today when I called STILL SICK and with a grand baby coming any minute I guess they decided I had been sick long enough. Go figure.
Our baby should be here any time, they broke Sara's water and now we are just waiting, if you want to keep up with her look under my links , you can find updates and pictures there under Our Beautiful Claire Bear. They still need help with a middle name if you have any ideas. My vote is for Noel, Claire Noel Dobson. Tis the season.
Please keep our baby and her mama in your prayers tonight. We have waited a long time for this little baby girl. I love her already.. Hugs To all..

Baby Claire Is On Her Way....

2008-12-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

The kids went to the hospital about two hours ago, Sara has been induced and we are just waiting. Of course I can not go because I am sick, so I will be waiting at home for the news of her arrival. Merry Christmas to us.. Our little Claire if finally going to be here.

I Believe In Angels Do You?

2008-12-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

For the first year after my mom passed away these images appeared on the brick wall in my backyard four or five time. As hard as many tried to prove they were just a reflection I knew they were angels, as Deena would call them (God visits). They have not came around in a long time. I think they stayed long enough to make sure I was going to be ok. I want to believe it is because they are off helping someone else, like Deena.
If you have never met Deena or read her story you should. You can find her at Can I be pretty in Pink under my blog links, she is an awesome, brave, God loving, Cancer kickin woman and you will never be the same. Thanks for stopping by and seeing my angels, Do you have any to share? I have another to show you later. It is beautiful. Hugs Deb

Jingle for the Cure Swap

2008-12-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Deena from Can I be Pretty In Pink had a Jingle for the Cure Pink Ornament swap, My partner is Virginia from Love Is All There Is. I got my ornament yesterday and I wanted to share with you all, this was so much fun I love my little pink snow lady she is so cute, and the little Christmas balls are beautiful, Thank you so much Virginia you did good. Much love.

SOLD- The General Store Has- SOLD

2008-12-02T12:43:00.001-08:00

The little Store has sold, Thank You Betsy Schultz, you are now the proud owner of this darling hand made with love little store and I know you will love it. I now have $95.00 in my Relay For Life Cancer Fund.
Once again I would like to thank Mike for making this, what a kind wonder thing to do, I am truly blessed to have you for a friend. Big Hugs To You.

No Baby Today.

2008-11-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Just an FYI to let you all know that we did not have our baby last night, they stopped her contractions and sent her home, they want little Claire to stay in there at least one more week. Thanks for all your prayers. Deb

Breaking News.

2008-11-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Our Little Sara is on the way to the hospital to have our little baby Claire, please keep them both in your prayers. I am so excited, I can not wait to see her little face. I love you Sara and Jayson.

A Different Christmas Poem

2008-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, S

ecure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,

'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' '

It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'

Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'
' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'

'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, '

Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son.'
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

Look What I Got In The Mail Today.

2008-11-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Dec-Jan issue of MaryJanes Farm.. How exciting is this..

Here is a peek inside. Yum, lots of eye candy! Thought I would share with you all..
If you like Christmas, gardening, nostalgic crafts, Sweet Treats,And wonderful heart warming storys you will not want to miss this issue.. So come on Farmgirls run get yours now. Enjoy.

Holiday Apron, Yum.

Wonderful Christmas Santa Stars

Christmas Ruffle Mold Ornaments. O So Cute.

MaryJanes Farm limited edition teardrop. WOW I Want One.

AND THE WINNER IS???? "CEEKAY"! YEA!

2008-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

AND THE WINNER IS " CEEKAY". I WAS SO EXCITED, I HAD MY DAD DRAW THE NAME THIS MORNING IN HONOR OF MY MOM, AND WHEN HE CAME OUT WITH "CEEKAY" A TWO YEAR SURVIVOR OF OVARIAN CANCER I WAS SO HAPPY! YEA CEEKAY!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS, I HOPE TOGETHER WE HAVE REACHED WOMEN WHO WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN THE SYMPTOMS OTHER WISE.
CEEKAY, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT shoalcreekcottag@yahoo.com with your address and I will get your little snowman in the mail on tuesday. Congratulations I hope you love him.. Deb

Just A Few Things About Myself

2008-11-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

First of all I really am not comfortable talking about myself, I guess it is really not that I am uncomfortable more that I feel who wants to hear about me!
Well I have decided that I have to share a few things so that my post will make sense and not leave you wondering What! Or How?
You all know that I am a TEN year Ovarian Cancer survivor. I first lost grandmother to cancer back when I was only twenty years old; not really understanding what cancer was at the time and not knowing just how much Cancer would effect my life in the years to come.
Twenty five years ago I lost my father-n-law to cancer, then my other grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 83, she died at 95 not from cancer. Thirteen years ago I lost my husband to cancer, ten years ago I was diagnosed , then four years ago this Sunday I lost my mom. You see Cancer really does SUCK to me. Okay, I have to take a deep breath, because I am wanting to cry. I hate cancer, it's like having your family murdered and never finding the murderer.
Now for Happy stuff, three months before my mother's sickness started God brought a wonderful man into my life, the kind of man that every woman dreams of. I met this man in May 2002 and my mother got sick in August. Long story short he stood by me the whole time, from five weeks in the hospital, driving me every night, staying with me if I could not leave, to a year at home with hospice, never a complaint,, he was alway there. Most men would have ran, screaming down the road. I love this man. Thank you God.
Because I qualified for my husband's insurance when he passed away I can not remarry until I am 56 or I will lose that insurance; anyone who has had cancer knows how important having health insurance is, so we will wait.
Not only was I blessed with a wonderful man, this man came with two wonderful grown boys. How blessed am I. I have no children of my own so you can imagine how excited I was, first nervous but after meeting them so excited. These two boys are such a gift to me, I love them so much, and if that was not enough, Jason is married to Sara and they have a son Wesly who is 17. Justin will be married this May to Heather, not only two wonderful boys but now two wonderful girls and a grandson. I could not have hand picked five people that I could have loved anymore than I love these five. Thank you God again.
And now as if that was not enough, along comes baby LuLu. Oh be still my heart, me a grandmother of a baby girl. I know I am only a step grandmother, but I am a grandma, and I love that baby girl as if Justin was my own son, or Heather my own daughter.
Now that is not all, I have not talked about this as of yet but can not wait any longer. We are expecting number three, baby Claire any time, yes Jason and Sara are going to have a baby any time, due date is December 30th but they think she will be early. Can you believe it, two baby girls, I do not know if my heart can get any bigger with out exploding.
Jason and Sara have been trying so long to have a baby, after a miscarriage and lots of disappointments our little baby Claire will be here soon, and you have never seen any two people any happier than these two. Thank you God again.
Loosing my mom was the worst thing I have ever been through. Losing my husband was awful, but my mom, loosing her was like loosing my legs, I have had to learn to walk all over again without her. She was my joy, I have had to learn to feel joy again.
I am proof that when God takes something away, he replaces it with something else. I now have a new family to love. Soon TWO new baby girls to focus all this love I have not known what to do with since the loss of my mom, and a new lease on life, a knowing that there is life after such a tremendous loss.
Thank You God. Me

Comment From Melinda.

2008-11-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

It is true that Ovarian cancer is truly the silent killer of women. If Ovarian cancer could obtain the support and research dollars that Breast Cancer has, it too could be brought into the high survival rates that breast cancer patients now enjoy.
Help us spread the word!
This is truly a very ugly killer of women of all ages.
Melindawww.youknowjuststuff.blogspot.com

AWARENESS IS THE ANSWER.

2008-11-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

I copied this from Melinda's blog, Just Stuff. It is from an interview with Kathy Bates. I was not even aware that she had Ovarian Cancer.
Raising awareness about ovarian cancer on a national and local level is essential because diagnosing the disease is difficult. The number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in its early stages is so small that the survival rates continue to be low. In more than 30 years since the War on Cancer was declared, ovarian cancer mortality rates have not significantly improved. About 22,000 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and about 15,000 women will die from the disease.

Vacation At The Cottage

2008-11-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

Finally a weeks vacation, I have not spent a week at my Cottage since my mother passed away four years ago this week, I can not believe she has been gone four years..
I wish you could all come spend a day with me, it is beautiful up here, fall leaves cover the ground like a blanket, the sun is shining on the creek this morning and the air is cold. I love it up here..
We have some really cute shops up here in cleveland, I will be visiting them this week and will bring you along how fun. Hope you all have a wonderful week.. Hugs Deb

Did You Get This Email, It Will Make You Smile.

2008-11-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favourite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favourite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards .They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen All you are asked to do is keep this circulating even if it's to one more person. In memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer and in honor of those still living with it.

95 YEAR OLD THANKSGIVING POST CARD

2008-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am Thankful most of all for you...

This Thanksgiving card was sent to my grandfather on nov 25th, 1913. I just loved it and thought it would be fun to share. Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Do not forget my giveaway, Hugs Deb

12 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER- PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD THE WORD.

2008-11-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

You still have 12days to enter my Giveaway! All you have to do

is scroll down, find four symptoms for ovarian cancer and

leave a comment under the Giveaway post listing these four symptoms.

Please help pass this on, do you know there are women out there

that do not even know that ovarian cancer exist! Please help me reach

as many as we can.

Ovarian Cancer is called the silent killer because the symptoms are so

similar to other problems that they go misdiagnoised, passed off as other

problems, irritable bowel syndrome etc.

We can not let this cancer silently kill any more women.

I need your help. Please Spread the word.....

In memory of my darling sister-n-law that lost her life to OC last week.

Well miss you Karen.

HOW DID I MISS THIS?

2008-11-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

www.maryjanesfarm.com

Anyone that knows me knows that I am a magazine junky! I love anything cottage or country, flea market, old, new, yellow, blue ok you get the point. I love them all, everyone, and I buy them everyone, and then I can not part with them not one of them. But somehow I have missed MaryJanes Farm, where have I been? How could I have missed such a wonderful, yummy magazine. If you have not heard of it, maybe you had your head stuck in the sand with mine.lol. Go now, go fast and look, but I warn you, you will have to have it! You will be able to feel it calling the farm girl in you.. Heeeey Farrrrrrrm Girrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl.

Karen Lost Her Battle

2008-11-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

My Day started with some bad news. This morning at 1:10am I got the call, my sister-n-law had lost her battle with ovarian cancer. I am so sad, but at the same time more determined to get the word out. Karen did not find her cancer until it was in the last stages and had spread through her entire body. By the time they did surgery they were unable to remove it all . They had planned chemo but she was never able to build her strength and became infected from the surgery. She was a wonderful person with a big heart and she will be missed terribly, please add her husband and children to you prayer list. And please help me spread the word about Ovarian Cancer and the symptoms. Thank you so much Debra
I had to come back and add that Karen's cancer probably could have been caught sooner but she did not have insurance and could not afford to go to the Dr, she turned 65 in April and was able to go then due to Medicaid but it was to LATE!!! Makes me sick!

More Fall At The Cottage

2008-11-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

If you do not believe in God you must come to the
mountains in the fall.
What a beautiful sight, the colors, the crisp cool air, the smell of warm fires burning in fireplaces.
My cottage is ground level in the front but 17ft off the ground in the back by the creek, there fore you are looking into the trees when you are in the back room.
Yesterday I laid on the couch most all of the day. Not because I am lazy, but because I put my back out.
It was so beautiful to just lay and look out the windows. I have a lot of windows at the cottage
And outside of each one was something more beautiful than the other. I felt like I was the figurine inside
A snow globe, ( well I was on muscle relaxers) leaves falling all around me.
What a magical place I have here at
SHOAL CREEK COTTAGE.
How Blessed I am
To be
Me.

WOULD YOU GUYS PLEASE ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

2008-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am beginning to feel a little hurt here that no one is entering my giveaway, if you do not like the snowman, (cute as he is) enter anyway. Knowing these symptoms just might save your life of the life of someone you love, so come on what are you waiting for. If you do not want to enter, leave me a comment letting me know why, anything just let know that I am reaching someone. Thanks to those who have entered bless you.

GIVEAWAY-- PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

2008-10-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am so worried that I am not reaching enough women so today I came up with an idea.
IF YOU HAVE A GIVEAWAY THEY WILL COME. LOL
We all love to win something so I am going to give this little guy away. I made him
with my very own hands, and he is cute if I say so myself.
To win him all you have to do is read through my posts and in comments LIST FOUR SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER. I feel if you have to list them they will stick in your mind and maybe they will help
save a life. When you enter your comment I will enter your name into the hat, if you post this on your
Blog I will enter it two more times. So come on join in, lets get the word out.
Most women have no idea what the symptoms are and are being misdiagnosed.
It has to stop.

This giveaway will start now and I will draw the winner on Nov 23rd, in honor of my mom who

lost her battle with lung cancer on that day.

Little General Store For Sale

2008-10-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is Mike,

and this is the little General Store that Mike made for me to sell for my cancer cause.

How blessed am I to have a friend that would do this for me, he brought it to work yesterday and I was so excited. Of course there is one little problem!!! I WANT TO KEEP IT!!
Mike is not only one of the smartest men I know, like one of those people that can answer all the questions on Jeopardy, he also has a big heart and a great talent for making these little buildings. The detail is awesome, with the little feed bags, wheelbarrow with pumpkins and pickle barrel it makes you want to just go in sit down and have a soda from the old soda machine.
I am offering this little gem for $95.00, plus shipping. The store weighs about 5 1/2 pds, it is 14in long or deep, 11ins high to top of General Store sign and 8 ¾ wide across the front.
100% of the proceeds will be going to help find a cure.
If you would like to buy this cute, darling little General Store please email me at shoalcreekcottage@yahoo.com. The first email I get, gets the store. We will discuss the shipping at that time. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a blessed day.
P.S. I have some more pictures if you would like to see them just let me know.. xxoo

Halle Berrey joins Callaway Golf Foundation to Help raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer.

2008-10-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Callaway Golf Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation have launched a public service campaign with Halle Berry to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry has joined these organizations as the 2008 ambassador for Women’s cancer initiatives. Berry will be featured in extensive public service announcements this summer aimed to raise the awareness and funds to fight and find the cure for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer afflicts more than 22,000 women in the United States each year and claims the lives of more than 15,000.. That is why she has teamed up with Callaway Golf Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to educate women about taking care of their health. This is a very important issue for women to be more aware of ovarian cancer and how to protect your self.Through $2 million in donations of these foundations to establish a leading cancer institution nationwide, works to fast-track breakthrough treatments and tests to beat this disease. Donations to the Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative will also benefit the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. I find this extremely interesting as last year during my annual physical they discovered my Paps smear was negative. This is always a cause for alarm and I went through several more tests and they proved it was not cancer but it seemed to come up negative. So far from the last test it was positive.There is always a scare when you think you may have ovarian cancer but it seems they are doing more extensive testing of than in years past. At my age of 83 with all the usual questions from the gynecologist that I was sent to, it just did not fit me. She did admit that they have to do more extensive testing because of sexually transmitted diseases. It was a relief that they did not find ovarian cancer or could not explain the negative tests.Much of the research the Institutions selected for their work in ovarian cancer was the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Anderson Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution. This Women’s cancer initiative represents an undertaking designed to advance treatment of ovarian cancerGeorge Fellows, President and Chief Executive Officer of Callaway says he is so pleased that Callaway Golf Foundation is standing behind this cause to raise awareness of this cancer. We are very grateful to Halle Berry for serving as our ambassador and for leading the challenge to educate women to learn the risk for this deadly disease.The Callaway Golf Foundation will host this year’s celebrity golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15. Last years tournament raised more than a million dollars all benefiting Cancer research Programs. Many celebrities will be supporting this cause plus the Callaway Golf staff professionals. For more information or learn how to get involved visit www.calawaygolffoundation.org .The Callaway golf Company Foundation strives to support communities where company employees live and work. This 2008 Foundation will help raise awareness of women’s cancers, specifically ovarian cancer. Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf accessories in more than 110 countries worldwide. I am very aware of Callaway golf clubs as I have owned my Callaway Great Big Bertha II clubs for the past five years. You can’t go wrong with Callaway golf equipment at www.callawaygolf.com .The Entertainment Industry Foundation is committed to saving lives by raising awareness of early detection of breast and reproductive cancers and provides funds for treatment and supporting community programs. This foundation had a great track record of their fight against cancer. As a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry have distributed hundreds of millions of dollars for addressing critical health and social issues in the care of women. Check out their web site at www.effoundation.org .Nothing is more important than our health and we must always be aware of our life style, social activities, exercise and proper diet. With annual health check up it will lead us to a better and a more healthy life. Golf has kept me active, exercised and enjoying a competitive game always trying to improve my score. I am pleased that Callaway Golf Foundation is working on this worthwhile project and Halle Berry will be a great spoke person for this cause.

Its Fall Ya' All, Deena's Fall Open House.

2008-10-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well I am new to this remembe!, I stayed up until 12:00am last night trying to load these pictures, got them loaded and then wanted to put some captions by them, well I should have left well enough alone because soon after I had the whole blog messed up along with my mind and had to go to bed and start over this morning. SO I am not going to try captions this morning.LOL
I wanted to be a part of Deena's Fall Open House, but since I do not live at the Cottage full time I did not get as much done as I would have liked by the dead line. So I am just going to share what I do have. Hope you all enjoy. Have a blessed day and thank you for stopping by the cottage..Hugs Deb

CA-125 BLOOD TEST POST RETRACTED

2008-10-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have retracted my story on the CA-125 seems the article I had posted may not have been completely accurate, I will do more research and re post at another time. Sorry if this has caused anyone any inconvenience. If you have any questions please email me at shoalcreekcottage@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time.. Hugs Deb

I LOVE THIS. ENJOY

2008-10-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Someone had to remind me, so I'm reminding you too. Don't laugh....it is all true...Perks of reaching 50 or being over 60 and heading towards 70! Some of you are not there just yet, but you are oh so close...........

01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03. No one expects you to run--anywhere.

04. People call at 9 PM and ask, did I wake you?

05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07. Things you buy now won't wear out.

08. You can eat supper at 4 PM.

09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a
challenge.

12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

13. You sing along with elevator music.

14. Your eyes won't get much worse.

15. Your investment in health insurance is
finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends
because they can't remember them either.

18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

19. You can't remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

Forward this to every one you can remember right now!
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

THIS IS FOR YOU DEENA

2008-10-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cancer is so limited that:
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit

IF YOU HAVE NOT MET DEENA, PLEASE GO TO HER BLOG, http://www.canibeprettyinpink.blogspot.com/.
SHE IS A TRUE INSPIRATION.

YOU PROBABLY DID NOT KNOW THAT CLEVELAND GEORGIA IS KNOWN FOR THIS!

2008-10-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

BABYLAND, THE CABBAGE PATCH HOSPITAL, AND THEY ARE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF BIRTHIN BABY'S. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I CAN REMEMBER BEING IN ALASKA WHEN THAT ALL STARTED AND YES I WAS ONE OF THE CRAZY PEOPLE THAT RAN THROUGH THE STORE TRYING TO GET ONE OF THE FEW THAT THE STORE HAD IN STOCK.. I WAS WILD AND CRAZY BACK THEN, AND I WANTED ONE OF THOSE CUTE LITTLE THINGS. I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT! BUT I GOT MY BABY.

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIRTY YEARS AGO THAT I WOULD BE LIVING NEXT DOOR TO BABYLAND.

Prove to Me That I Don't Have Ovarian Cancer

2008-10-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well Lady's its Ovarian Cancer awareness month and time for me to remind you about the symptoms, PLEASE if you have any of these symptoms get them checked out.... Pass this on, lets save some life's this year... Hugs Me!

Prove to Me That I Don't Have Ovarian Cancer: "Overview
Symptoms, Risk Factors and Prevention
Diagnosis & Treatment
Scientific Advisor Journal
Prove to Me That I Don't Have Ovarian Cancer What to look for...
If any of these symptoms are unusual for you, can not be explained by existing medical conditions, and persist for more than two weeks, please be sure to bring this to the attention of a physician.
1.Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
2.Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness
3.Unexplained change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
4.Unexplained weight gain or loss
5.Frequency and/or urgency of urination
6.Unusual fatigue
7.Shortness of breath
8.New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

Ovarian Cancer: The Facts
Currently, there is no accurate test for ovarian cancer. The most effective way women can protect themselves against ovarian cancer is to learn the signs and symptoms. If these symptoms are unusual for you and persist, see a health care professional to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer.

Meet Kris from Blissful ELements

2008-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not already met Kris from Blissful Elements, let me introduce her to you, She is probably one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, and talent, well look for yourself. She has some awesome Halloween stuff on etsy at the moment, I thought you just might want to take a peek.. Hugs Deb krislhurst.blogspot.com

Meet Nimble Jack

2008-10-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Jack be Nimble, Jack be quick, Its Nimble Jack on a black candle stick.
Well believe it or not, I finally finished something, I was beginning to wonder if that was possible, but finally I have a homegrown to show you. Meet Nimble Jack, the first from my Chunky Punkin line. I am pretty satisfied with him, hope you enjoy.. Big Hugs Deb

Well I Just Could Not Say No!

2008-10-06T08:16:00.001-07:00

Well here is my new beauty in its new home, I just love it. Thank you Betsy for bargaining for me, and thank you Jody for the discount..I think it looks great in it new spot...
The Picture above it used to hang in my Dads aunt and uncles house, I used to pretend I lived in that old house when I was a little girl, It is one of my favorite treasures. The pumpkins are make from an old quilt, we found them at an antique store after the festival saturday. They are so sweet. Hugs Deb

Come On Lets Go To The Crabapple Festival!

2008-10-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Lets say I was just a little excited when my relief manager wonderful, kind, smart, good-looking, did I say wonderful Mike said that he would work for me so that I could go spend a wonderful day with my friend Betsy at the Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival in Crabapple Georgia. On Her Birthday.. A little excited I almost wet my pants. You see I work Saturdays so Fall Festivals of which we have a lot here in Georgia are usually not an option for me. And I love Fall Festivals. Although this one was not as big as Betsy and I had heard it would be we had a great time, I took some pictures so that you all would not miss out. Have a look.. Big Hugs Deb
I got Betsy this Santa for her birthday she fell in love at first sight.
The Broadwell Cottage. Cute,Cute.
This is Jody, one of the owners of The Broadwell Cottage. She was the sweetest, Betsy and I just wanted to move in and stay with her.

This was the darling Crabapple vinyard.
Wonderful old cupboard that I fell in love with at the Broadwell Cottage, I loved it so much that we left the festival and had to go back so I could look at it again, so call me crazy.. Check out the lamp!
We met some fun Ladys, this was two of them, Bev and Cute lady with hat, I did not get her name, sorry Cute Lady.. They had a wonderful booth and got lots of my money. But they did have free delivery.lol Thank you Bev and cute lady in Hat.
<
These sunflowers were beautiful.

We had a wonderful time. Afterwords we went to lunch and then did some antiquing, it was a great day. Hope you enjoyed the trip.. Hugs

CHECK OUT DEENA'S OPEN HOUSE

2008-10-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

www.deenasstory.blogspot.com

I HATE TO SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD BUT PLEASE READ THIS.

2008-10-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

HELLO EVERYONE I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL DAY, I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP BUGGING YOU WITH ALL THIS, WAIT, YES I DO, THAT IS WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. I NEVER WANT ANYONE TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT I HAVE GONE THROUGH, WE HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION, LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS AND GET HELP SO THAT WE MAY ALL BE SURVIVORS.
SO PLEASE READ AND IF YOU HAVE TIME LEAVE ME A COMMENT SO THAT I KNOW I AM REACHING SOMEONE OUT THERE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. HUGS DEB

Ovarian Cancer is a serious and under-recognized threat to women's health:

Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. Women.
Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 out of 57 women.
An estimated 14,000 American women will die from ovarian cancer each year.
Currently, about 50 percent of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die from it within five years. Among African American women only about 46 percent survive five years or more.
Three out of four cases are detected in late stage when five-year survival is about 25 percent.
Ovarian Cancer is very treatable when it is detected early, but the vast majority of cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

In cases where ovarian cancer is detected before it has spread beyond the ovaries, more than 90 percent of women survive longer than five years.
Only 25 percent of the ovarian cancer cases diagnosed in the United States are detected in the early stages.
When diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of five-year survival is only about 25 percent.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are easily confused with other diseases, and because there is no reliable, easy-to-administer screening tool.

Look At My Little Singer FeatherWeight

2008-10-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would show you my new baby. Have you ever had something that just makes you feel happy all over when you look at it? I love this little machine, its not only cute it sews like a dream, I am having sew much fun sewing with it. In fact I like it sew much that this is my second one.
I got on ebay the other night to find some parts for my first one and before I knew it I was bidding and bidding and winning this one..Not sure how that happened. Guess I just lost my mind. Well this little baby is going to be a big part of the Garden Of Hope and Chemohead Creations and I am proud to welcome it to my family.

Look At What I Won!

2008-09-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lori, Vintage Palette Arts.

2008-09-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Does that say Deb, Shoal Creek Cottage? I believe it does! Yea! I am a winner, My first ever giveaway win.. Thank you so much Lori, Vintage

WELL I CALLED LORI, PAM. JUST PART OF BEING A CHEMOHEAD I GUESS.

Palette Arts. Hugs Hugs Hugs Deb

You Gotta Love Martha Stewart

2008-09-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Stop by Martha's blog.............
Make sure that you stop by and enter Martha's Blog Contest. All you have to do is leave a comment on her blog then add her link for a chance to be featured on The Martha Blog

LADY'S PLEASE READ

2008-09-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Early Warning Signs, and Risk Factors
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMedical Editor: Dennis Lee, MDto tIntroduction text he patients story. This is her story... -->
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women in the U.S. with over 25,000 women newly diagnosed each year with this disease. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and frequently does not result in symptoms until the cancer has spread extensively. Less than one-third of ovarian cancers are detected before they have spread outside of the ovaries.
Ovarian cancer actually represents a group of different tumors that arise from diverse types of tissue contained within the ovary. The most common type of ovarian cancer arises from the epithelial cells (the outside layer of cells ) of the surface of the ovary. Other, rare types of ovarian cancer develop from the egg-forming germ cells or from the supporting tissue (stroma) of the organ. Benign (non-cancerous) tumors and cysts are also found in the ovary and are much more common than ovarian cancers.
The majority of ovarian cancers are diagnosed late, after the cancers have spread. Only about 20% of women are diagnosed early, when the disease may be curable. There is no definitive screening test for early ovarian cancer. Regular pelvic examinations, sometimes supplemented by ultrasound examinations or blood tests for cancer-related markers, have been routinely used for ovarian cancer screening, but none of these tests are specifically able to detect ovarian cancer. Traditionally, it was believed that ovarian cancer does not produce any characteristic symptoms until the tumor is widespread, and that early symptoms of ovarian cancer were not recognizable.
However, in June 2007, the American Cancer Society, along with other medical societies including the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, released a consensus statement about possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer. This statement was based on research suggesting that some of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer can, in fact, be recognized. In particular, possible early ovarian cancer symptoms include the following:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Urgent or frequent urination
Difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly
Learn more about ovarian cancer risk factors »
Top Searched Ovarian Cancer Terms:symptoms, statistics, research, survival rate, risk factors, CA 125, early warning signs, ovarian cysts, advanced symptoms

MORE FUN GIVEAWAYS

2008-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

MORE FUN GIVEAWAYS, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THEM OUT!!!!
FIRST IS www.fatjakoriginals.blogspot.com, THEN MAKE SURE YOU HEAD ON OVER TO
www.oldecolonialpeddler.blogspot.com, HAVE FUN..

The Garden Of Hope Is Growing.

2008-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Garden Of Hope is slowly growing, with a little more rain (time) we should have some homegrowns ready for you soon. Thanks for checking in. Hugs Tkotc

CHOOO CHOOO

2008-09-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

Is this the cutest? The other day my friend Betsy and myself went to a new store in town called the $99.00 store. It is full of antique furniture and every thing is $99.00, well some are two for $99.00 and some things are three for $99.00. Now they have some really cool stuff but they also have their share of real junk..
We were really excited this day as it was the first time we had been to this store and junk, I mean antiques were stacked to the ceiling. O how much fun can two girls stand.
Well we were wondering down each isle having to much fun when I turned a corner and, be still my heart there it was, I had never seen anything like it, it was, what was it? O my gosh it was a wagon train, or train wagon, all I know is that it was love at first sight and I had to have it, it needed me.
I had to share because somthing this wonderful should be shared. I think I win the best find of the month award with this one.. Now what should I do with it? Any ideas? Thanks for looking. Hugs tkotc

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Beings!

2008-09-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

JR PrINceSS SamANtha JoAnn

2008-09-17T11:58:00.002-07:00

Meet Sam , the Baby of the family, she really is not a baby anymore but she is my baby.. If you have never had a Boston Terrier you have missed out on something. They are a true joy..

THe PriNceSS of THe CoTTage

2008-09-17T11:58:00.001-07:00

This is Elly, my baby girl.. Elly was given to me for my birthday the year I finished Chemo by my buddy and caretaker Cheree. What a gift she has been.

WHAT IF IT IS THIS SIMPLE. I GOT THIS IN AN EMAIL AND THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE.

2008-09-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon & Honey .

Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on honey and cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age,=2 0the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins. ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of p ain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient were found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. (By the way. if you're taking cholesterol medicine STOP! They all contain STATIN which weaken your muscles...including YOUR HEART and none has been shown to stop heart attacks or strokes!!!! COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and al so clears stomach ulcers from the root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and prote cts the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural Ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on=2 0the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCE R: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily afte r brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
BAD BREATH: People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day. HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

Smelly Day In Paradise

2008-09-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well all week I counted the days, hours, minutes until this weekend. I had planned a weekend of creating, I seen pumpkins and witches and little candy corn mice dancing in my head.
I do not live at the cottage during the week, it is my weekend sanctuary, the place I go to rest my mind and nap. I love to nap at the cottage, especially in spring and fall when you can have all the doors and windows open, the cool air and the sound of the creek surrounds you and napping has never been so good.
So I load up all my crafting stuff, If you have read some of my other post you know that it has been awhile since my crafting stuff has been loaded up.. And off to the cottage for a wonderful relaxing weekend. NOT!
When we arrived you could smell this smell outside, as we entered the front door, o my goodness it was bad. So bad that I had to go back to my weekday home and come back this morning to investigate. Long story short we spent most of the morning looking, smelling until finally this afternoon we found the source. I am sad to say it was a dead raccoon up under the cottage, although I was so glad to find the smell, I am sad that it was a raccoon.
After removing the poor little guy from under the dinning room floor, and trying to deodorize, there was no time for pumpkins, witches and candy corn mice.. That will have to wait until tomorrow, but I did sneak in a nap. Life is good.
A special thank you to John, our neighbor who came over and actually pulled the raccoon out, it was not an easy or pleasant thing to do. Thank you John..

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY NEW BLOGGING BUDDIES.

2008-09-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

I JUST WANT TO SEND A BIG HUG TO ALL MY NEW BLOG BUDDIES.
ALMOST FOUR YEARS AGO I LOST MY BEST BUDDY, MY MOM.
THE DAY I LOST HER I ALSO LOST MY PASSION, I LOST THE JOY
THAT I HAD FELT ALL MY LIFE. HOW DO YOU LIVE WITHOUT YOUR MOM? FOUR YEARS LATER I STILL CANNOT ANSWER THAT QUESTION. ONE DAY AT A TIME I GUESS.
I STILL FELT THE CREATIVE SIDE OF ME IN MY HEART BUT IT JUST COULD
NOT SEEM TO FIND ITS WAY TO THE SURFACE. WITHOUT JOY THERE IS NO CREATIVE SIDE. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES TO HAVE BEEN BORN WITH A CREATIVE SIDE YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I GUESS WE’RE LUCKY, SOME MAY CALL IT AN ADDICTION, OR A SICKNESS..LOL. I CALL IT A BLESSING.
SINCE I STARTED MY BLOG AND HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY ALL THE TALENT AND SUPPORT, I FEEL MY PASSION COMING BACK, AND I HAVE ALL OF YOU TO THANK. IT HAS BEEN A LONG ROAD BUT I BELIEVE BY SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH ALL OF YOU I HAVE FOUND MY WAY HOME. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Grungy Old Witch Potion Bottles

2008-09-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Now these look like they came wright out of the old cellar at the cottage. I love the way they turned out. These were given for a hostess gift last night but I will be doing some more digging this weekend hoping to find some more hidden in that old dark cellar. Check back next week to see what I find.. Thanks for takin a peek. tkotc

(the keeper of the cottage).

p.s. the pattern came from Aunt Mannys Creations, thanks Aunt Manny.

MY CARETAKER MY FRIEND AND MYSELF ON A NO HAIR DAY.

2008-09-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

I do not even know where to start or how to express how much this person means to me. How do you express in words how much you love someone, or how much you appreciate what they have done for you. I do not have the answer to that question, all I know is that there is a special place in heaven for Cheree Martin.
From the time I got the call telling me that Indeed it was cancer ( thirty days from my surgery) Cheree was by my side, from the first trip to the oncologist and through all my treatment, (I was an inpatient so I had to be admitted into the hospital each time) Cheree was there, what I would have done without her I do not even want to think about. Cheree is also a RN, God knew what he was doing when he made her a nurse and gave her to me as a friend ( sisters we like to call ourselves). I can only pray that each and every cancer patient has a Cheree in there life. Cheree I love you with all my heart. Thank you again just for being you

Thanks For Stopping By To Take A Peek

2008-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

IN MEMORY OF MY MAMA

2008-09-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

My Mother's garden
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough--
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong--
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me

PLEASE PRAY FOR KAREN

2008-09-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

MY SISTER-N-LAW IN IDAHO IS GOING THROUGH SURGERY FOR OVARIAN CANCER AS WE SPEAK, PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS.

I JUST GOT NEWS THAT KAREN IS OUT OF SURGERY, THEY REMOVED TWO BIG TUMORS AND FOUND SEVERAL SMALL ONE'S THAT THEY COULD NOT REMOVE, THEY WILL BE TREATED WITH CHEMO. KAREN HAS A LONG ROAD AHEAD, YOUR PRAYERS ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED.

Thank You So Much

2008-09-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

I just want to say thank you for the warm response to my new blog. A big special thank you to Pam from SOFT IN THE HEAD for not only being my inspiration but for the kind words and link on her blog, I am so honored.
If you have never been to Pam's blog by all means go now, make sure you have lots of time because you will never want to leave.
The garden of hope is up and growing, I hope to be able to get out and work in it next week, please stop back by. We'll leave the light on for you!

NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER COALITION

2008-09-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

AWARENESS

Help NOCC Break the Silence About Ovarian Cancer. As part of our “Break the Silence” Campaign, NOCC commissioned a survey to gauge women’s understanding of ovarian cancer. The survey revealed that 85% of women did not know ovarian cancer’s symptoms and that 82% of women had not spoken with their doctors about ovarian cancer. Until there is an accurate early detection test for ovarian cancer, awareness of ovarian cancer’s subtle symptoms is an important key to earlier detection. NOCC has developed a number of tools to educate women about ovarian cancer and will provide them to you free of charge for distribution in your community. Below are some ideas for ways that you can raise awareness within your community. Have other awareness ideas that you would like to share? Please let us know by calling 1-888-OVARIAN or e-mailing us at nocc@ovarian.org.

Distribute Literature. Education can be as simple as passing out risk and symptom literature. You may want to consider distributing risk and symptom cards at health fairs, women’s groups, even your local grocery store. Libraries and bookstores are great places to handout risk and symptom bookmarks. If you would like us to send you NOCC’s risk and symptom cards or bookmarkers at no cost to you, please contact us at 1-888-OVARIAN or click here.

Presentations on Ovarian Health. NOCC has trained speakers across the country to present its “Ovarian Health … What every Woman Should Know.” This brief presentation can be given to groups of any size and can be made at the work place, clubs, health fairs, churches, or other special events. For more information or to arrange a presentation, please contact us at 1-888-OVARIAN or click here.

Volunteer for your local NOCC Chapter. NOCC’s mission is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. With a national network of more than 80 Chapters, NOCC has established itself as the leading advocate for patients and families struggling with ovarian cancer. Committed volunteers work together to advance NOCC’s mission through a toll-free helpline, comprehensive website, peer support, professional education, the promotion of research, publications and special projects such as “Break the Silence”, a national education program to facilitate greater awareness and dialogue about ovarian cancer. To see if there is a chapter near you, please click here. No chapter in your area? Please contact us at 1-888-OVARIAN or click here to see how you can help.

Run a Marathon. NOCC has a limited amount of charity waivers for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and 2008 ING New York City Marathon. Running a marathon is a great way to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and donations for NOCC. If you would like to run a marathon to benefit NOCC, please e-mail Barbara O’Brien at ma.nocc@ovarian.org

Ovarian Cancer Postage Stamp

Please consider signing the following petition for an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Postage Stamp:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ovca2008/?e