Sunday, September 14, 2008

Walking By Faith


I am not even sure where to start since I have not done a blog entry since April. So, I guess I'll just jump in. As many of you know, on April 29th, my oldest daughter Ellie was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in her brainstem. You can imagine the devastation Pat and I felt after receiving this news about our precious girl, our fist baby. Both of us literally fell to our knees weeping and clutching one another. Never, ever, did we think we would be facing cancer; especially with one of children. Since that day, much has happened to me mentally, physically and certainly spiritually. I have discovered things about myself that I never knew, made friends that I know will last a lifetime and been witness to the amazing works of God through His people. I have never been this close to God; even though I wish this was not happening with Ellie, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace because I know how much He loves me. He'll never let me go.


Ellie is doing wonderful right now. Her determination and spunkiness brings joy to my heart and I am so proud of how she has handled everything she has to go through.She started kindergarten and loves it. I would write more about everything we have been doing with her treatments, but I would like to keep this blog as my creative place. Most of you who know me also know that you can follow Ellie at her own website. I have also added her link on the sidebar. I've added a couple pictures of Ellie from the first day of school.


My middle child, Desirae, started preschool this year. She still seems so little to be going to a "class", but she absolutely loves it and really likes the idea that she gets to go to school like her big sister. That's her in the red dress on the first day of preschool.


Since my last post in April, Pat and I also had a baby boy. Colson Patrick was born on May 27th via C-section and has provided us with hope, laughter and sweetness. He is a gentle reminder of just how precious life truly is.




With all that has been happening, my papercrafting time has been pretty limited. But I did get the chance to go away on a scrappy weekend in August and managed to create a few layouts. Cole provides a fun new avenue for me since I have never scrapped little boy pages before! The two layouts that I have uploaded are of his sweetness as he was brought into this world. The third layout is a picture that my good friend Dawn took of Ellie in 2006 when she was 3 years old. I finally got around to scrapping it! And the final layout is of Desi in all her cuteness. This one was actually done as part of my design team work for Making Memories For You. Unfortunately, I had to leave the design team due to what was happening with Ellie. I am excited to get back into doing some design work for the Scrapdragons challenge blog. Gabi and Laura have some great challenges planned for the remainder of the year so be sure to stop over to Scrapdragons and check it out! As I sign off for tonight, I want to take a moment to thanks all of you for your incredible kindness, words of encouragement, gifts and prayer. The scrapbooking community has reached out to me in a way I never even imagined and I am so fortunate to be part of such a caring group of crafters. Please continue to pray for Ellie and my family - God grants miracles every day; why not one for Ellie? Blessings to you all ~ Niki

17 comments:

Jayne said...

Beautiful Niki - so nice to see on eof your pages again - and one for Cole to boot! :)

Stacey said...

So glad Ellie is doing well. What fun both your girls must be having in school. Nice to see some scrappy pages! ::hugs::

ScrapAddict said...

Nice to see you scrapping again. Thougths and prayers.

Vicki

Angela J. Prieto said...

Hugs Niki!!!!! I am so sorry to learn about Ellie! I can not even imagine what you and your family is going through. I will be praying for all of you.

Also congrats on your baby boy! He is so cute.

Nicole said...

Niki so glad to see you scrappin' again and glad to see that the entire family is doing well. Elle looks happy and that new baby boy is so sweet.

Cheri said...

Niki, your creativity and knack for creating beauty are truly amazing. I love seeing your work, and I hope the opportunity to do it affords you some peace and respite during these challenging days.

Cheri

Colleen said...

Niki so glad to see you have found some time to let your creativity flow again.

Beautiful pictures and what a beautiful family you have.

I am so glad that you have your faith and most important the Lord to hang onto. I will keep your family in my prayer.

Maureen said...

Glad to see you were able to get some scrapping done. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Pamela said...

So sorry to hear of what's been going on with your daughter. She is in my prayers. I can't even imagine. On a happier note, I am so glad to see a blog post from you, and I love your LO's!

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

Hi Niki!
Living with faith in God is the only way to get through life! Your family is lifted up to him by the prayers of many.

Congratulations on your new arrival and renewed creative energy.

Please contact me when you get a chance about my designer search for Layers of Color art stamp company. We'd like you to consider being a part of our team.

Blessings to you and your family!

Creatively Yours, Laura

Anonymous said...

I have been following Ellie's story and left comments over at FH2S, and lots of prayers for you and your family!

I have to say that your pages are just gorgeous!!! Beautiful work...

Bethany E. said...

Niki,

I'm so sorry I haven't stayed in touch with you! This is the first I've visited your blog since closing my own down last March...

Your new baby boy is so precious! I want you to know I'll be praying for Ellie and your family. I'm a true believer that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. So glad you have found time to scrapbook and be crafty...your pages, as always are beautiful! Please, please e-mail me if you ever need to talk...bethanyengstrom@msn.com :)

david santos said...

Excellent creations!!!
The children are the future of the World!
Have a nice weekend.

Sophia said...

Hi Niki, so nice to see you are getting back into your scrapping a bit. I follow all the updates on Ellie on a regular basis, some days the articles make me cry...wishing I could do something for her.

Keep in touch

Sophia

deb famularo said...

Hi Niki,
OMG, you're Ellie's mommy! I read about you on Laura's blog and visited the website that day.
- My heart is with you.-
And your work is SO gorgeous, you inspire me! Thank you for saying hello. Stay strong and know that lots of us are praying for Ellie & your precious family. xOxO deb

Unknown said...

Oh Niki we love you and support you.
Just know we are all here for you. If you need anything or just a friend please let any one of us know.
I am here! all the way in TN but here!

ScrapAddict said...

May God be with you and your family in your time of need. I love you friend!