Thanksgiving is a day to gather with friends and family and set time aside to be thankful. I do my best to be thankful everyday – my family, friends and my Stampin’ Up! business are just a few of the things I’m thankful for. And, despite my upcoming surgery on Tuesday, I’m also thankful for my health. I’ve come a long way in the 24 years I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis and I’m confident that next week’s surgery will be the final chapter.
And my thanksgiving doesn’t stop there. I’m thankful that my daughter, Gina, (fondly nicknamed “Boo”) who has been sick for months, is now recovering. She had been experiencing uncontrolled nausea and pain in her upper abdomen/stomach since August, in and out of the ER and doctor’s offices. She was finally admitted to the hospital on November 8th. After a myriad of tests, it was determined that her gall bladder needed to be removed.
To make matters more frustrating, her best friend got married the day before her surgery and she had to be the maid of honor from her hospital bed. Her heart is completely broken as she’s waited and dreamed about this day during the past 10 years of their friendship. Thankfully for technology, and the help of a friend, she was able to FaceTime during the ceremony to “be there”.
Special thanks to Finny Hill Photography who knew this special moment needed to be remembered. This photograph was taken (although this is a screen shot) as a keepsake of this special day.
Twenty-one hours after they said “I do” Taylor & Jaryd stopped by the hospital for a surprise visit. There’s nothing like a best friend! They shared lots of tears and “I miss you’s” but we all knew Boo was where she needed to be.
But the journey doesn’t stop here. Three days after surgery she had a new pain, this time in her lower back and right side. Having made numerous calls to doctors, we were told to treat her with heating pads, BioFreeze and medication to help alleviate the gas pains from surgery. Three more days passed and the pain only increased. Boo was readmitted to the hospital after another ER visit when a blood clot in her lung was discovered.
Although she’s taking large doses of blood thinners and has a long list of follow visits, I’ve seen a huge turning point in her yesterday. She’s more relaxed, eating and sleeping better and doing more for herself. I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s endured a lot, rarely complained and has been immensely compliant even through 23 sticks (yes, she’s kept track!). Your prayers, comments, emails and Facebook posts have been so appreciated! Thank you for your thoughtfulness, love and concern but mostly your prayers. We have certainly felt them!
Tuesday it’s my turn. The timing is not ideal but once again we will lean into God’s provision, grace and mercy. He’s certainly provided!
Basket of Wishes
Today’s card uses the Basket of Wishes stamp set for today’s card. This set can be found on page 125 of the annual catalog. There are numerous baskets and four different images you can place inside. Greetings range from birthday, thinking of you and thankful. I used the Stampin’ Blends to color in this image and I’ve noted the colors in the supplies listed below.
However you choose to spend Thanksgiving this year, I hope you’ll set time aside to remember all the blessings in your life and the people with whom you share it with.
Special Thanks to You!
I made a decision months ago not to attend Stampin’ Up!’s OnStage event so we could celebrate Gina’s best friend’s wedding. As you know, we were unable to attend the wedding due to Gina’s hospitalization and ultimately her surgery. Despite a very exhausting and worrisome week, I received amazing – and surprising – news that I placed #15 nationwide and #28 worldwide out of 48,000+ demonstrators during the company’s award presentation. I’ve been a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for 19 years and absolutely love what I do! But without my family’s support, incredible customers, my stamping team and fellow demonstrator mentors I would never be celebrating this achievement! Every day I’m get to wake up and work at a job that brings me so much joy! Here’s to rubber stamps, ink and cardstock and YOU! Thank you!
Online Extravaganza Sale!
From November 20th through November 27th you can enjoy tremendous savings on your favorite paper crafting products. There are two 24-hour sales plus additional exclusive deals.
- November 20th – 24 hour stamp set sale. Click HERE to see the list!
- November 20th – 26th – exclusive deals! Click HERE to see the list!
- November 27th – FLASH sale! Details coming!

Lots of luck Lisa with your upcoming surgery. You will be in my prayers. Hope all goes well and looking forward to seeing your blog posts again shortly afterwards. Please keep us posted on both you and Gina and your progress. Our stamping community is the best and everyone involved is family.
Thank you, Barbara! I appreciate your prayers. I will continue to blog during the days ahead. I’ve scheduled lots of fun projects and video to keep you all inspired. I hope you’ll continue to stop by. 😀
Dear Lisa, I wish you and your family a good health now. Odile.
Thank you, Odile!
You and Boo are in my prayers as you deal with surgery / recoveries. Keep your positive attitude.
And, of course, congratulations on your wonderful achievements!
Thanks so much, Darlene. We appreciate those prayers.
Lisa, I will keep both you and your daughter in my prayers. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving …
Bernice P
Thank you so much, Bernice. We appreciate it!
Hi Lisa,
I am so blessed to have met you. You are such a sweet loving lady. You and Gina are in my prayers and your husband as well. God Bless your family with our Thanksgiving holidays. We are so thankful for your online help. Please keep us informed on your families progress. ? hugs
Awww, Brooke, I’m the blessed one. You’ve brought me so much joy, as do all the wonderful people I’ve met while being a demonstrator! Thank you for your prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m so glad she is finally feeling better and recovering! What an ordeal for all of you.
Hope your surgery goes well with a speedy recovery. May your Christmas be healthy and happy with a prosperous new year! May God Bless!
Fellow Demonstrator
It’s been an incredible few weeks but God is faithful! Thanks for your well wishes!
So thankful things are looking up for Boo and now for your surgery. Continued prayers for you and your family. God IS good.
Thank you Doris for your comment. Prayers are certainly appreciated and yes, God is GOOD!
Lisa, I’m so blessed to have met you in Savannah. You are such a giving person who radiates the love of Christ. I did not know about Boo’s illnesses and your upcoming surgery, but you can count my prayers now among the ones you receive. God bless you and your family.
Dianne, I’m the blessed one – to be surrounded by amazing people like yourself! I appreciate your prayers, friend! Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless Lisa and so glad to hear they finally found out what was hurting Boo!! Our prayers coming out to Boo, you and your family…..Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thank you, Cindy! I appreciate those prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for sharing such a personal situation….you have been through quite a time. Wishing you both the best and will be thinking of you next Tuesday! Happy Thanksgiving!
p.s….love the card today as well!!
Hi Janice! Yes, it has been a difficult season for us but we see a light at the end of the tunnel and faith certainly carries us through. Thank you for your sweet note and your thoughts for our family. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa, I am praying for a complete and speedy recovery for you and your beautiful daughter! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration you share with all of us. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, here on your blog. Prayers and best wishes… Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Barb! I feel those prayers. Thank you! Although I’ll be in the hospital for a few days I have worked to schedule blog posts and videos to keep you all inspired. I hope you’ll continue to come by and check them out. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh my friend , I’m so glad things are doing better, hugs and prayers to you all, and have a blessed thanksgiving
To you all, more prayers your way,
Hugs Frenchie ??????????♥️♥️♥️???
Hi Frenchie! Thank you for your prayers! I certainly feel all those that are surrounding our family. Happy Thanksgiving, friend!