Sad Update: Urgent Prayer Request

UPDATE :( 

Baby Max has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis.  The only way Max can survive is with a double lung and heart transplant.  There’s nothing else they can do for him.

Max is at Unviersity of North Carolina Children's hospital and is 15 minutes from Duke University Children's hospital so he has access to some of the very best care in the country.  Transplants happen every day, however I have a hard time praying for a donor as that would mean tragedy for another family.  Instead I pray that we are all able to accept God's will, and that God inspires us to provide the assistance and care that the Berrios family needs right now.    I just remember that all things are possible with God. 

Please continue to pray for the Berrios family!


UPDATE :)
Our prayers are working (I hate to say that as they always do, even though it is not as we might wish).  Max is hopefully getting moved out of the ICU today, although he is still frquently having episodes where he stops breathing.  The doctors are still trying to figure out what is causing his pulmonary hypertension as all tests are coming up negative for abnormalities or infection.  

Thank you all so much for your time, attention and prayerful intentions.  I will continue to try and recruit "Prayer Warriors,"  (I learned that term from Gmama) to help Max and his family.

Original post:
I have just heard that Max, the infant son of my friend, Gina, is in critical condition at the hospital.  After years of Gina and her husband trying to start a family, and suffering many hardships, Max was born in November.  Earlier this week, Max started to suffer from episodes where he just stopped breathing.   The doctors do not know what is causing this.  One doctor has already given up any hope for Max.

On behalf of Max, I am asking for your immediate prayers.  If you are not the praying type, any and all positive energy, well wishes, etc. Also, if you feel inclined, and could pass this message on, I would so appreciate it.

Once I have a picture of Max and/or any updates, I will post them.  Thank you in advance for your support.



--humbly, patricia

Three Little Birds

I finished a project that is near and dear to my heart.  Three Little Birds is named after my daughter's favorite song.  Yall might be more familiar with the chorus from this Bob Marley song:

Don't worry about a thing
'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright

Each bird represents one of my daughters. The leaves are outlines of their hand prints. 

This is a gift for their uncle's birthday.    He is a bird watcher and loves his nieces.  I thought the song would tie in perfectly as a gentle reminder to focus on what is truly important in this life.   Also, it is a snap shot in time, which is passing by so quickly.

A few things about these pieces:  First,  I wish that the middle bird would have had a bit more contrast, but I am going with it as is.  Second, I am an awful photographer.  Hopefully, I can improve with more practice. 

Hopefully he likes these wall hangings.  If not, I know my mom will grab them up in a heart beat.

piece peace

5

When I think about my life 5 years ago and my life today, so many things have changed. Five years ago I was an active member of the rat race. Platform power heels were on my feet unless I was asleep or in the shower. I thought taking good care of myself involved regular mani, pedi, and waxing appointments, and making sure I always exceeded my sales quota. I did not have a sewing machine or an inclination to sew. The thought of doing something so domestic would have made me laugh hysterically.


Flash forward five years: I have enjoyed being a stay at home Mommy and domestic goddess. I work just as hard, but I like my bosses much better. It would be hard to match the pay and benefits, too. About 18 months ago I started to sew and quilt. It has been a wonderful creative outlet for me. Thank you to all of you who have supported me in my creative pursuits. I wonder if you even know who you all are?

Taking care of myself now includes caring for my family, working out 3 times a week, and making time in my schedule to sew. I confess that I still proudly wear my platform power heels all the time, and still enjoy the occasional mani. Just because I am a Mommy does not mean I have to be frumpy, right? Plus, I just love them!


You may be wondering what happened five years ago to make a woman change in so many ways. The answer is: Valerie

Happy 5th Birthday, Valerie! You (and your little sisters) are the best thing that ever happened to me!

love,
Mommy

Back in the saddle

I apologize for not posting anything recently...recently being the last two months. For some reason, I was in a rut. First, it was the everyone in the family taking turns having a virus rut. Then, it was the I am completely overwhelmed rut. Finally, it was the creative rut. I decided that I was not going to think about all of the projects that I had to do, but rather what project do I feel motivated to do. That brings me to today.

This Anna Maria Horner velveteen fabric has been calling my name for over a year now. I had thought about making a dress for my oldest daughter, a skirt for me, a blanket for me, and probably half a dozen other ideas over that time. Still that beautiful fabric just sat there on a shelf in my sewing room, lonely and unloved.

Do you have a person in your life who makes you feel honored to just know him/her? I am fortunate enough to have a few. One of them in particular is a huge advocate for my creative side, and just about everything else I do. Today I knew what to do with that beautiful Innocent Crush velveteen fabric. Here it is, modeled by me (sorry but my husband would not let me take pictures of him wearing this), a Christmas gift for DP. (DP if you read this blog post before tomorrow night, pretend you have not already seen your presents.)

DP will probably wear this with the bill down in a way that will convey cool composure with a "don't test me" edge.

I am more of a bill up person. It looks like I am paying attention, but most likely I am day dreaming about something else. The matching scarf is part of the gift, too. I like accessories to match or co-ordinate.


Here is a side view.

Do you think I should make one for myself with some different fabrics? Is this something you think you would wear...bill up or bill down?

Happy 3rd night of Hanukkah! (I think it is the 3rd night. If it is not the third night, please forgive me.) A Very, Merry Christmas! Don't forget to leave some cookies and milk out for Santa. Happy Holidays!

patricia