!!!!! Forgive Me !!!!!

It's been a long time.

Too long.

But not my fault.

 

You see, we were without some things that are really important:

our television

and our landline (and sometimes our cell phones)

and our wifii connection

and our Internet.

 

For 17 days!

We're back up and running - for now.

The electricians put a bandaid on the issue so we're hold our breaths.

 

Now I'm going through over 1300 e-mails

that were sitting there waiting for a response!

(Only 174 to go.)

Of course, sitting at the computer isn't putting steps on my Fitbit!

 

In the meantime, here is what should have been posted

in a more timely fashion.

 

My cousin had a birthday and here's the card she received.

I know your birthday was special, Lois - just like you.

 

On that same day,

my friend's granddaughter, Domenica, celebrated her birthday.

 

Just a few days later, my cousin turned 18.

Happy birthday, Tyler!

A huge happy birthday to my former pen pal, Julia.

This little girl reminds me so much of her when she was much younger.

I cannot believe how quickly she's grown into a beautiful young woman.

What a difference a year makes!

When we spoke last year, she was shy and of little words.

This year, we chatted for a long time!



And just a couple of days ago,

my friend's daughter-in-law celebrated turning another year.

Happy birthday, Denise!

 

And somewhere in those lost days,

a "thinking of you" card went out to a friend.

I hope you were lifted by Julie's thoughtfulness, Leah!

 

Remember this?

Well, the remaining two boxes were finally delivered to our sweet children.

Uganda is a long way from Texas,

but it should not have taken that long

for them to get there.

But, we're praising God that the journey has finally ended.

Josephine has sent me about 100 pictures.

Just wait until you see the smiles on those little faces.

My heart melted as the tears streamed down my face.

As soon as I can go through some of the good shots,

you'll see them right here.

Please be patient.

 

I also have several cards that were sent to friends

to honor International Day of Friendship, which was a few days ago.
Maybe tomorrow you'll get to see those.



It's what we've all been waiting for ...

!!! PRAYERS ANSWERED !!!

 

Look what has finally made it to Uganda!

Here's Josephine posing at the back of a van with one box.

 

I am waiting for confirmation from her that all three boxes have arrived.

I'm hoping that they won't have to wait for more to be delivered

and that they were all in one vehicle.

 

I know the children are so excited - as I am.

When I received this picture from Josephine, I cried.

 

The box looks a little beat up

but hey! it's traveled half way around the world, right?

 

It's been a very long journey.

The gifts left our home on March 3rd.

It took them four months and one day to arrive at their destination.

They have made it through Customs

and the shrink wrap has been removed.

But it's there!!!!!

 

I cannot wait for the boxes to be unpacked

and all the goodies sorted through for the children.

Josephine has promised pictures - lots of pictures.

And that takes time.

I must remember to be patient.

 

Please stay tuned ...

Whoa ... I have so much to tell you so let's get started!

Yikkes ... it feels like it's been ages since I've been here

other than to post a card here and there.

 

I've been busy, busy, busy.

First of all, I'm so happy to announce

that our e-mail account has been restored.

Not sure if you all know this or not but ...

I somehow deleted the entire e-mail account.
 

Poof.  Gone.

And with it, all of my folders.

The account is back but the folders and contents are not.

I can't even tell you how much stuff is gone.

 

In keeping with my 15 for 2015

here is a thank you card sent to a blog friend.

Sandi lives in Michigan

but one day I swore I saw her walk through the door

at Joann's here in Texas.

Girl, you have a look alike!

This image reminded me of her decorating style so much.

Go ahead and check it out - I think you'll like what you see.

The reason for a thank you card?

She sent me some sweet felt hand warmers

(photo from her blog.)

 

You know when you say to somebody "let's get together?"
The intentions are there and you really do want to get together.
But you know - life gets in the way.
When I met Donna for the first time in February at the retreat,
she told me that her son lives not far from me.
(Donna lives in Stephenville, which is about a 90 minute drive from here.)
I immediately told her to call me when she next visits him.

Well, what a pleasant surprise when she called me!!!
She's in town and did I want to go to lunch?
Well, yeaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh.
What a nice day I had yesterday.
Thank you, Donna for calling me.
Now, are you sure you don't want to move here?

Thursday evenings have me at the fire stations.

I just love love love being a part of each new class

that's going through the academy.

It doesn't matter how many times I sit through each session.

I. keep. learning.

Thank you, Euless Fire Department
for allowing and encouraging alumni to sit in on the classes.

Tomorrow I'll be at the local wrecker company

watching the new students demolish a car.

THAT was my favorite class.

 

My daughter's friend recently married

and this card went to the happy couple.

 

A friend asked me to make a card for her friend that's battling breast cancer.

She wanted something pink and cheery.

The outside of the card isn't pink, but those pink flowers should cheer her up.

 

One more card for that same friend.

I think it would be perfect to send as a thank you note

to somebody that invited her to dinner!

My sweet friend, Marie, lost her father a couple of weeks ago.

This card went to her.

 

Yesterday, my 'little' Pen Pal turned sweet 16.
(She's been taller than me for about the past six years!)

I suppose now she wants to trade the bicycle in for a car.

 

This card was created for a friend
and she will send it to her aunt that's battling cancer.

 

See?

I haven't been loafing.  I'm cranking out cards left and right.

I've done wedding anniversary cards.

And baby shower cards.

And thank you cards.

And birthday cards.

And high school graduation cards.

And Mother's Day cards.

 

The Mother's Day cards have really been keeping me busy.

I still have many to share, but won't be able to until May 10.

One of the recipients won't be visiting this blog,

so it's safe to post this one now.

 

The image on this card is perfect.

It's going to be given to Lucy Scott!

I can't forget the tags.
The birds will be tied around the tissue paper
that'll be wrapped around the Beachcomber Nests.
The square tags will be tied directly onto the nests.
If you haven't done so already,
you might want to pop on over to Vicki's blog
and take a peek at all the beautiful nests
and vacation pictures.

Oh - and I've been checking with the freight company every few days.
Everything is still on schedule
and is expected to arrive in Mombasa on April 29.
Of course, more time for ground delivery has to be factored in
before they are delivered.

I keep in touch with Josephine on a regular basis
and she tells me the children are giddy with excitement.

You know those smiling faces will greet you right here
as soon as the boxes arrive.

That about wraps it up for now.
Thanks so much for your patience
and for following along with all of my creative endeavors.

My heart is happy ...

It is with much happiness, love and gratitude

that I can now tell you that the three boxes to Uganda

are GONE!!!!!!

They are no longer "in da house!"

 

I just cannot believe that this endeavor has finally come to fruition.

It was last July when Vicki called and asked me "how far are you from Houston?"
That question started the ball rolling and it hasn't stopped yet.

 

Late this morning, these two gentlemen

(Humphrey on the left and Vincent on the right)

came to pick up the boxes.

 

Just look at those happy faces!

They are two very strong angels and I'll never forget them.

Very professional, kind, funny - and did I mention strong?

Each box measures 48"x21"x24" and weighs well over a hundred pounds.

The first box they CARRIED down three flights of steps.

The other two boxes got a ride on a dolly!

 

Trust me when I tell you that the boxes were packed to the gills.

All with donated items that all of YOU shipped either to Vicki or to us.

The donated monies purchased so many needed items
as well as helped with the shipping costs.

How can we EVER thank you?

I wish there were more profound words other than just saying "thank you."

 

We were told that they would be taken directly to their warehouse

here in Grand Prairie, Texas,

and then loaded onto the truck with other boxes.

 

Tomorrow or the day after (in all the excitement, I can't remember!)

the truck will be driven to Houston.

Everything will be loaded onto the ship and soon the children

will have their much-awaited gifts.

 

Unfortunately, that won't happen until some time in May.

I'm sure they'll be counting the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes!

 

Please be patient - both Vicki and I will be posting pictures on our blog.

I can't wait until I see those smiling faces wearing their new clothes.

I wish I could be there when they open the boxes.

They've been praying that the shipment soon reaches them.

Prayers answered!

 

Once again, thank you to everybody that donated items for these children.

It's been so long since the packages started to arrive.
I wish I could remember where everything came from, but I can't.

(Thankfully, Vicki has a list.)

!!! Thank You !!!

In addition to thanking everybody that opened their hearts,
I must thank The Runner.
He shopped with me.
He carried all of the purchases up three flights of stairs.
He helped sort everything.
He packed all the boxes.
He taped and shrink-wrapped the boxes.
He added the address labels and packing slips.
He contacted the carrier.
And most importantly, he lived in all the chaos.
Thank you to The Runner. 

Shopping ...

I've spent the last several days shopping.  If you know me, you know this is something that I do NOT enjoy doing - unless it is for craft supplies.  Like it or not, that's how I've spent my time.  Shopping for Josephine's Children in Uganda.

I wish I could tell you everything I've purchased but I don't want to spoil it for them as I'm pretty sure they have visited here.  My wish is that we had more money.  We've collected a lot because of your generosity, but there's so much more that these kids need.  Just look at this child's torn shirt!  Tee-shirts - something that I didn't have enough money for.  But I must shake those negative thoughts from my head.  They are going to be receiving so many other wonderful items!!!

 

In between shopping, sorting, crossing things off my list and finding room for everything until I buy the boxes and start loading them up, I did manage to create a couple of cards and here's one birthday card.

Now it's time to get started on all those Valentine cards ... the heart-shaped boxes are finished and have a comfy spot on the sofa until it's time to get delivered.  Soon.  Real soon.

 

Wrapping Up Those Nests ... and much more!

I know it doesn't look like much, but trust me.  It's a lot!!!!!  Two packs, 40 sheets of tissue paper and 642 stamped nests.  And then 1,926 eggs needed to be colored.  See, I told you it's a lot!!!!!  If you are on the list to receive one of Vicki's beautifully knitted nests, they will be wrapped up in these tissue papers.  Why?  Because presentation is everything!

I'm not sure if she has yet revealed her upcoming designer nests so I won't spill the beans but I have two more packs of tissue paper she needs in May and then another three packs she needs at the end of the year.  And you know as well as I do ... those dates will be here before we can say "nests!"

What else am I working on?  The Runner and I have been hitting just about every store in the Metroplex shopping for Josephine's Children.  I wish you could see our house!  OMGoodness ... there are boxes and shopping bags lining just about every wall.  My goal is to finish shopping as soon as possible and then ship everything to these smiling faces.  They are so anxious to receive everything!

So many of you have opened not only your wallets but your hearts to these children.  My only regret is that I won't be there when they open the boxes of clothing, shoes, school supplies, craft supplies, toys and LOVE.  The love is what I'll pack first.  There may not be room in the boxes for everything they need, but there will be lots of room for all the love you have so generously given.

I've been in contact with Josephine and in every e-mail she tells me just how excited the children are.  She said, "The children are starting to count the days as I had told them that the things will be arriving in the new year..everybody is full of joy and counting the months, days and minutes...true everybody is very excited.  It is now the talk by the children; everybody imagines how they will be looking in the new cloths and shoes and how best they will handle and keep safe whatever will be given to them."

In another e-mail she writes, "... everyone here is already very excited about the gifts..we are very honoured to receive all that has been donated.  Be very sure that I will capture all the moments when the children receive the gifts..every step and every joy of having new things! from abroad and I will be delighted to send the photos to you."

Once those photos are taken and shared with Vicki and me, you KNOW that we'll share them on our blogs.  My hope is that everything that you have donated will put a smile on everybody's face.

Josephine tells me that they "... are very anxious and praying that everything goes on well."  She tells me that "Immaculate is telling me 'I can't wait to see them' ... and that the mood is anxious!"

Her last e-mail to me: "I appreciate all your efforts; may the Almighty keep you and your family in abundance.  We pray for your safety and good health because of the good heart you have for others most especially us who are so far away from you.  My love always to you and your dear friends."

And I echo her words.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to see that these precious children find joy when they see what you have done for them.  Thank you!

And speaking of love, coming up is the biggest Love Holiday - Valentine's Day and I am busy making paper mache heart-shaped boxes, tags and cards.  Amour, my friends.

The last day of the year

How are you going to spend your day today?  How about tonight?  Will you be celebrating the old and ringing in the new?  Yeah - the latter isn't gonna happen in our home.  Don't get me wrong.  We'll ring in the new but it'll be about 8:00, if we're lucky.

As I reflect back on this year, we were so blessed.

The Runner competed in four off-road marathons (three first places and one third place in his age division) and four off-road 50Ks (two first places, one second place and one third place in his age division) and one 55K (third place in his age division.)  He is a MACHINE!

We went to three parties, several city-sponsored concerts and celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.  The daughter visited from Chicago to celebrate Mother's Day with me.

I went on seven retreats and one all-day crop at a friend's home, five scrapbook conventions and helped two friends organize their craft rooms.  I work in my playground almost every day and I cannot even begin to tally up all the cards and craft projects I worked on or all the flowers I made.  Just know there were oodles!

I continued to enjoy volunteering with the fire department: Super Bowl Sundae, badge pinnings, retirements, monthly meetings, station tours, scholarship committee, bake sale, spaghetti dinner, TLC cards to honor firefighter's birthdays and anniversaries.  And I can't forget all the deviled eggs (in excess of 200) I made to take to different events.

I joined forces with Vicki to help the beautiful children in Uganda.  Can I just say I am in awe!?!  The generosity of so many will help these children tremendously.  We have collected over $2,000 in cash as well as over $200 in Walmart gift cards.  Neither Vicki nor I ever - in our wildest imaginations (and hopes) - expected to receive donations of this magnitude.  And the craft supplies - oh my goodness.  I have boxes and boxes and boxes stacked in two different closets.  Just after the first of the year, I will go on a shopping spree that will beat all others.  My cart(s) will be filled with clothing and shoes for each of these children as well as hygiene supplies, toiletries, book bags, school supplies and toys.  In about one month, everything will be shipped to them.  Josephine promised to take pictures - and you know I'll be posting them.

You know you gotta take the good with the bad, right?  Well, here's the not-so-good stuff:  Tendinitis in my ankle which meant wearing a boot for two weeks and three bouts of sinusitis.  But if that's all the health issues we have, I'll take it.  We are so fortunate!

As you look to the new year, hold onto what is GOOD.  Let go of what is BAD.  It is really just that simple.

Josephine's Children in Uganda

On the heels of Thanksgiving, we here in America have so much to be thankful for.  Things we take for granted and expect.  When I reached for my toothpaste this morning, I thought that some do not have that privilege.  Specifically, I am thinking of "the vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Uganda.  They are victims of physical and sexual abuse, children of young mothers and are living or affected with HIV and AIDS."  These children need our help!

I am hoping you recall reading this post right here on my blog.  If you are a follower of Vicki Boster's blog, you will have read all about this charitable opportunity here on her original post and again here.

A couple of weeks ago, Vicki mailed me seven - yes, seven - large boxes of craft items for the children that have been mailed to her.  I have not opened these boxes but the photos were shared on Vicki's post.  Since then, boxes have begun to arrive at our home.  From Alison in France.  From Pam in Georgia.  From Sheryl in Spain.  From Kris and Dolores in Florida.  From Janet in Nevada.  From Glenda in Wisconsin.  And Jennifer hand-delivered so many fantastic supplies.  My sweet friend, Marie, also contributed.  Some of these ladies have sent multiple boxes as well as envelopes with gift cards and cash.  Those children will be so excited.  I wish I could be there to watch all of them ooooh and aaaah over everything.

I cannot believe the generosity!!!  The boxes here are just bursting at the seams with yarn, beads, embroidery hoops and floss, fabric, thread, pattern books, reading books, coloring books and crayons, writing pencils and colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors, lace, fibers, buttons, underwear, hygiene products.  You readers are AMAZING - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  As of almost a month ago, nearly $1400 has arrived - in a combination of cash and Walmart gift cards.  I'm sure that Vicki has collected even more since then.

One day soon, I will be shopping for these sweet little angels.  I cannot wait to send clothing for them.  I can't even imagine the obstacles these children must overcome.  In some small way, I hope to make a difference.

Vicki has mentioned that the deadline has been extended until December 15.  Please, look into your heart and help these children.  Just one $5 Walmart gift card.  We also ask for just one dollar to help with the shipping costs.  PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.  I know that crafters have crafting friends.  We all have an overabundance of stuff.  Stuff that sits untouched and unused in our closets.  Stuff that these children can use.  I invite you to share this charitable project on your blog or Facebook page.  We need to get the word out there.  I know your friends would love to help, too.  Just make sure that any contributor's name is listed.  Why?  Because every single person that helps is eligible for the a chance to win prizes.  Good prizes.  Vicki and I will announce the winners on our blogs.

Vicki has knitted a "Colors of Africa Tapestry" knitted wrap and is in her Etsy shop.  The proceeds from the sale of this wrap will be applied towards the cost to ship the supplies to Uganda.

Vicki's friend, Marsha, has created this beautiful "African Dreams" necklace especially for this project.

Amazon has offered this wonderful Kindle Fire 8GW (Wi-Fi) to one lucky person.  Thank you, Amazon, for your generosity.

Also is Vera Bradley's beautiful "Abby" purse in the design of Safari Sunset.

All you have to do in send supplies, a Walmart gift card or a dollar to help offset shipping costs and one of these wonderful gifts could be yours.  If you are local, and would like to avoid shipping costs, please send me an e-mail at kosec@sbcglobal.net to schedule a time to drop off your items.  You can mail your contribution to:

Josephine's Children

c/o Sue Kosec

2525 Hwy 360 #1532

Euless, TX  76039-8505

Our goal is to send clothing, school supplies, craft supplies and health-related items to these needy Uganda children.  Please join us in supporting Josephine's children.  All it takes is a little bit to make a difference.

To those of you that have already contributed, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You have no idea how GOOD my heart feels and I am sure yours does, too!
  

"Letters from Africa"

"You have not truly lived

until you have done something for someone

who can never repay you."

~ John Bunyon ~

 

Today I'm going to give you an opportunity to do something for someone - and perhaps win one of the fabulous gifts being offered.  My sweet friend, Vicki Boster, has been contacted by Josephine, a social worker, in Uganda.  Josephine is asking for help for abused and/or ill children.

 

Vicki has stepped up to the plate and accepted Josephine's plea and has written a post on her blog asking for your help.  Here is a letter I've copied and pasted from her blog (with her permission, of course.)

 

Josephine,

After what seems like such a long time, in actuality, a couple of months,

I finally have all the plans in place for a charitable blog project that I hope

will bring help to your beautiful children.

Soon, I will share this project with my wonderful blog readers.

You and I will pray that they will be moved to help us in this most precious charitable cause.

Please remember this project in your prayers

as we go forward with this mission -- I send love to you and your children -- so very far away-- on the other side of the world. 

Love,

Vicki

 

I am so excited to tell you that the Runner and I have accepted Vicki's invitation to help these children.  Does your heart not melt when you see them?

As Vicki states:  "It takes a village." and I am inviting you to join Vicki and me to touch the life of a child.  All that is being asked of you is to donate one $5 Walmart gift card and mail it to:

Josephine's Children

311 West Main Street

Grayson, KY 41143

The gift cards will be mailed to me, and then The Runner and I will go to Walmart and purchase the items the children need for their schooling as well as some of the personal items they so desperately need.

As you can well imagine, shipping costs to Uganda will be very expensive (probably several hundred dollars.)  Vicki is willing to bear this cost herself but if you would like to consider sending just $1 to help, she will be extremely grateful.

In addition, we would like to send crafting supplies.  I have already collected some items from very generous friends and would love more.  If you could just please look through your supplies and share.  The children could use coloring books, crayons, buttons, yarn, stickers, flowers, inks, stamps, paints, scrapbook paper, envelopes for note cards, glue sticks, foam sheets, ribbons, lace, stencils and beads.  You know you have some of these items in your craft space that you haven't touched for years!  No?  You don't want to part with your supplies, would you like to consider buying new?  It's time to share with those less fortunate.  Again, if you wish, you may add a $1 donation for shipping.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE DALLAS-FORT WORTH AREA, PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DELIVER OR ARRANGE FOR PICK UP.  There is no need for you to mail these items to Vicki and then have her mail them to me.  Please help put a smile on these faces.

Please join us in this endeavor to send some love across the waters.  Besides the "feel good" part of helping, you will have the opportunity to win some spectacular prizes.  Should you choose to deliver supplies to me, please be assured that your name will be forwarded to Vicki to ensure that you are included in the drawing for the wonderful prizes (check her post to see what YOU could win!)

This opportunity is open to everybody ... it doesn't matter where you live.  If you would like to make a $1 or a $5 donation instead of shipping items or gift cards, you may do so by sending the donation to Vicki's Paypal account (vboster1@windstream.net) ... I highly encourage you to do so.

There are numerous ways to become eligible to win a prize.  I reiterate: visit Vicki's blog.  Also, please spread the word to maximize this effort to help these children.  This project ends on December 1 and we need all the help we can get between now and then.

I spoke with Vicki this evening and she said since August 19, more than $1,800 has come in from her blog readers.  I am hoping that I can touch a few more people - and that means you - that are willing to help.

I ask that you consider sharing this endeavor on your blog or on Facebook.  Social media is a great way to spread the word.

Vicki and I will share the winners on December 1 on our blogs.  Good luck to everyone that has opened their heart to these children.