Toy's Haven

Hello, Friends…

Contrary to popular belief, I have NOT fallen off the face of the earth.   I have, however, been on a “walk-about” of sorts.

Over the last few months, many of you have been privy to my battles.   I hesitate to say the battles have been completely fought and won.   I’m still working on some areas and am keeping a positive outlook.   Our God is greater than any burden I bare.

The downtime is something I’ve fought tooth and nail.   My creative brain starts to power down if I’m not using it on a regular basis.   Well, I haven’t made a thing in over four weeks.   I am being given the chance  to learn the virtue of patience.

I’ve also had a chance to interact in amazing ways with my sons.  My oldest turned 29 yesterday.  I favor Josh in many ways as being the oldest of four brothers, he’s had to be a brother and sometimes a father.   I am so proud of him for moving towards his future, as he started college last year and hopes to be a chemist.

My second son, Zeke, just procured a new job.  He’s now working for Constant Contact.   He helps people with websites, e-mailers, HTML and such.   I’m hoping college calls his name soon as well.   He has way too much to offer to stop before he reaches his potential.

Noah continues to amaze me with his wit.   He reminds me of my Uncle Ben so so much.   He’s the tender hearted funny guy.  He is slow to learn some lessons, but he’s getting there.   Oh and he sings like an angel!

My baby is going to be 18 in a few months.   He started his first job (paying) a couple weeks ago.   He’s been have a difficult year in some ways, but he is a strong, smart boy and he’ll be fine.   I love that he is so close to his dad and I.  That’s not easy to find in a young man these days.

The boys and I were discussing our years of struggle as a family.   While we are in the fire, we don’t see the water, but it’s there.   For every toy I denied my kids, for every chore I made them do, and for every “no” I said out of love… they are better for it now.  They are compassionate, strong willed and resourceful men.    I guess I’m actually a little melancholy about that as it means my boys are starting to reach the point where they no longer need mama to tell them what she would do.

Meanwhile, their father and I are feeling pretty blessed.   So no complaining about my aches and pains and no whining that I can’t stamp just yet.   I’ll bare this cross with a smile.

I see an Orthopedic Surgeon on Aug 1st.   I see a neurologist on Aug 9th.   After that, I’ll have more answers to guide me.   I so appreciate all the message of support and offer of prayer.   Prayer is always welcome!!

Now, I have NOT been asked by anyone on my Design Teams to do this, but I want to do this in a thank you to Jessica Knutsen, Korin Sutherland and Sharon Jackson, owners of the teams I design for.

If you love what I post here and want to find where I get my stash… check out these online stores:

Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Sweet N’ Sassy Stamps

There She Goes Clear Stamps (and dies!)

You, ladies, are what friends are all about.

Hope to be back soon!

Hugs,

Holly