I married my husband when I was 31 and became a stepmother for his 2 wonderful children. We struggled with the typical blended family antics, but with God as our leader we have become close and very blessed! My stepson and stepdaughter have brought us 7 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Our holidays are filled with lots of love and laughter.

I worked as a communication coach before I gave birth to my first child. My younger children both struggled with confusing health issues. I became a stay-at-home mom (thank you to my husband for this blessing) until my two young children were in high school. I made wreaths and home floral off and on for many years to decorate on a tight budget. My youngest son had constant ear and sinus infections from 2 weeks old, and was on allergy shots at 18 months. He was diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Syndrome at 3. Learning was difficult for him, but we were blessed to have a special neighbor (who has become family) in our lives that stepped in to pull him up. He did well in a diagnostic instruction center with her and her best friend for 2 yrs., then we tried putting him in public school. There, they wanted to teach him below grade level. We had worked too hard to watch him fall behind, so I brought him home and homeschooled him for 4 yrs. His test scores came back up again. He finished high school as an Eagle Scout and a Black Belt in Taekwondo. He is now has a bachelor degree in Business Management and a master degree in Administrative Leadership.

My 2nd daughter was a natural social butterfly, leader, and talented musician. She was active in so many things we worried about her stress level. At the age of 8 she began showing signs of obsessive compulsive disorder (the perfectionist type). She wanted to excel at everything, and for the most part, she did. At 16 yrs old, she began to get sick and have unexplainable pains. It took 3 yrs for a doctor to run the right tests for her. She was diagnosed with lupus and unspecific immune disorders. It was difficult because doctors did not understand her symptoms, and many would not acknowledge she needed care. After 8 yrs of pain and sickness for her and finally losing her beautiful singing voice, we were able to get her to Mayo Clinic. There we learned about POTS, fibromyalgia, central sensitization, and autonomic disorders. Finally she had some answers, but no easy cure. She is now 26, working again, and not at home in bed. Praise the Lord. Her struggle is ongoing, but she is a fighter, and she never gives up. Slowly, her singing voice is returning. She is also a songwriter, and has several songs copyrighted.

Our older son, daughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law have also been a delight to us and have given us 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Whoopee! My oldest daughter is a breast cancer survivor, and we have God to praise for that.
Proud mama here!!! UPDate: Our oldest daughter lost her battle this May with metastasized breast cancer. She is in Jesus' arms now. She is known for making everyone feel loved. We miss and love you Joyce!

In my time at home again, I decided to pick my artsy talent back up. It became my best "therapy". I love making wreaths, cards and tags that are beautiful and expressive (one of the words of my shop title).

Despite the trials my family has dealt with (and I know we all have trials), I have a great joy in my heart that never leaves. I want to give that same joy to all I meet! I hope I can display something here you want, or make you what you wish.

God bless you!