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Live Well and a HOP

Hi friends!  Long time no post!  Life has been crazy busy.  First off I want to say a big thanks to all of you who sent such sweet cards for Trevor & Kellan. They boys are home now and making all sorts of mischief!  {grin}

I can't believe it's already April and time for the Diva Inspirations Hop.  Be sure to hop around to the list below to see what inspirations the girls have for you this month.  One lucky commenter on one of the posts will win a $30 gift certificate to Verve.

1. Betty 5. Lynda
2. Jen d. 6. Sony
3. Jen T. 7. Susan
4. Julee

The card I'm sharing today was one I made a couple weeks ago and just haven't had a chance to upload.  I just love the phrase, live well from the Dream Big set.  It's such a reminder to me that even though days don't go perfectly or as planned, to just keep trying my best.


The flowers from Dream Big were embossed in Cherry Cobbler onto cream cardstock and then I sponged Spiced Marmalade ink over them to bring in some of the colors from the BasicGrey papers I chose.  The stem is stamped onto a wavy rectangle and the sentiment in the corner, before sponging with some Antique Linen distress ink.  The flower layers are hand trimmed and I coated them with a mixture of diamond glaze and glitter before adding a center button.  A twine bow, some cherry cobbler seam binding and liquid pearls accents finish things off.

Okay, if you're hopping along, next up on the hop list is Lynda Benden.

Personal Update:

A few days after my last post, I became very ill and ended up being rushed to the emergency room at 4 in the morning with a severe case of pancreatitis.  Apparenly my skin had turned yellow (I was too sick to notice) and my lipase levels were at an alarming 20,000 when I was admitted (150 is the normal level).  After an endoscopic procedure to remove a gall stone from my common bile duct I spent a couple days on an IV with no food or water until my levels could come down enough (to 300) to be able to perform a gall bladder removal.  During the surgery, they also found a hernia in the back of my c-section incision that had to be fixed, so needless to say I've been through the ringer and am so ready to be done with hospitals!  The boys were released from the NICU the same day I was discharged, and I've been slowly trying to get back on my feet while attempting to get the hang of taking care of two screaming newborns.  Some days are much harder than others, but we're all managing to survive so far.  {grin}  Thanks to all of you for your prayers and the beautiful cards you showered on the boys!

Enabler's List:
Stamps:  Dream Big (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler (SU!), Cream, Picadilly (BasicGrey)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi (SU!), Antique Linen, Spiced Marmale (Ranger Distress)
Accessories:  Wavy Rectangles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), cherry cobbler seam binding, linen thread (SU!), buttons, liquid pearls, diamond glaze, glitter, clear embossing powder

65 comments

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

This is so beautiful. You poor thing! C-section, twins, and a gallbladder/hernia surgery! Wow. The most important thing is taking care of you and the boys. Let all the other stuff fall by the wayside and heal. This too shall pass, but also try to enjoy some part of each day with them and take lots of pictures so you have the extra memory.

craftymom205 said...

Lovely card. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

Beverly said...

Gosh, you really have your hands full and I can sympathize. I ended up back in the ICU after our first and had a c-section also. Just take it one day at a time. Your card is stunning by the way... stamping is what kept me sane while my kids were babies. I needed just a little "me" time. {{hugs}}

Dawn Easton said...

{{{Julee}}}} sending big hugs your way!!! Hope you have a full and speedy recovery and don't have to visit the hospital ever again!!!
I'm thrilled to hear that the boys are home!!! YEAH!!! I'm sure you all are adjusting and getting into a routine. How exciting!!!

Your card is awesome! Love your flower!!! It's soooooo pretty!!!

Joanne G said...

Your colors are bright and beautiful! I am usually a pastel kind of gal but your card has given me some great ideas! thank you!
If I was closer I would scoot right over to help you! I loved helping my cousin with her triplets! Take care!

Melissa S. said...

I am so sorry to hear about all your pain. I'm also happy to hear you are on the mend and the boys are home. This is a beautiful card for the hop today. Love the red flower.

Ravengirl said...

What a gorgeous card! You have been through the ringer. I hope you take it easy. The demands on a Momma are great, but manageable. Everyone will survive and thrive. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Tricia T said...

Bless your heart! I can feel for you, too. I had the c-section / gall-bladder problem as well. It takes so much out of you. : ( Be sure to keep up your strength by eating right, accepting help, and resting as much as possible. (Ha!!) "This too shall pass" - as my mom used to say. I would reply with, "And I will, too!!!" LOL

I'm so glad you found time to stamp. Your card is beautiful. I love mustard and burgundy together!!

Tricia

wendy said...

so thankful your recovering and that the boys are home safe and sound..blessing all around..and your card creation is beautiful

Wanda Cullen said...

Wow, what a trying time for you! Praying for fast healing for you and sending praises that the boys are home! I was happy to see your blog update in my inbox...such a beautiful card! Wish you all the best!

Miriam Prantner said...

Holy cow! Being a first time mother is hard enough, throw in twins, and then being in the hospital yourself....but thankfully the boys are home, and praying that you recover quickly and everyone gets SLEEP. This card is so beautiful! I love the colors, the ahngles, and the great dies/stamps. Don't know how you even found the time to create it!

Ally said...

Bless your heart, girl. Sending prayers and get well wishes to all of you, but especially to you for a speedy recovery and good health. Take care of yourself!

Love your beautiful card, too. ;-)

Maureen said...

so glad to hear you are on the mend and everyone is home :) I can only imagine how busy you must be and I'm sure there are moments, however, when you look down at those sweet little miracles with a melted heart :) What a stunning card to remind us all to Live Well...it's a state of mind and heart :)

irishgalkelly said...

Hi Julee! So happy to hear that your boys are home. What a blessing. You must be a true survivor to withstand all you've been through! Having twins is challenging enough on it's own let alone your surgeries. Praying for you Julee and hoping for quick healing.

I love your card. I'm so drawn to those colors. Love those the beautiful flowers! Wishing you some quiet nap time with the boys and a very Happy Easter!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a time you've had. Praying that you have a network of loving people around you to help out, and quick recovery for you and your boys. The flower on your card is awesome, and that sentiment is meaningful and cute!

Tammy said...

Julee!!! Wow this is uber impressive!! I love your color combo, the way you used diamond glaze and glitter on the flowers:) it's amazing that you even have a post!!! I was just introduced to you----I will be praying for y'all---what the enemy meant for bad the Lord will turn around for good of those who love HimL) Huge cyber {{{HUGS}}} be blessed
~Beyond Measure
Tammy
www.urbeyondmeasure.com

Luanne said...

I'm so glad you are doing better! How scary for you (and Mark!) I hope you've had lots of help so you can fully recover. I'll be praying for all of you! How wonderful to have the boys home! I don't know how you find the time to be creative, but I'm glad you do! I love the card! The cherry cobbler looks great with yellow! Take card ~ :-)

MelissaS said...

You really have been through the ringer, and yet still produce a stunning sample card! I admire your stamina! Great job, and a reminder that we should all Live Well. Thanks for sharing :)

Marisa said...

Love this flower (dies to follow soon hint, hint LOL) and the shimmer on it is fabulous. Lovely colour combo and fabulous design as always.

So sorry to hear all you have had to go through!! Oh my! Not fun and amplified with newborns in the house! Just glad you all got discharged on the same day. Hugest of (((hugs))) to you and to Mark too. Have a blessed Easter.

Anonymous said...

very pretty.

scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...

Beautiful card!
What a journey you have been on lately, but I have faith that it will all work out. As a mom to twins I will pass on the best advice that was given to me...laugh when you feel like crying :>)

Sherry said...

So sorry to hear you have had such a rough time get well soon. The card is lovely thanks for sharing it

Anonymous said...

Wow....you've been through lots Julee! So thankful to read that you and the boys are home now! Praying for renewth strength, health and energy!!!!
Beautiful card you made!!!
xxx
Dutch Tulip
Marja

Lynda said...

Wow, Julee, so many things going on...glad to hear that you and your beautiful babies are doing well now! Love the depth of color in your flower!

Vickie Z said...

Om my word.....I had been wondering if things were okay!!! Thrilled the boys are home-they'll stop crying so much soon and so sorry to hear everything you've been through but, glad you're better now!!!! Take it o e day at a time!!! BTW....wonderful card as always!!!

Darlene Gabriel said...

Oh Julee, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that - so glad to hear though that you are home and the boys are home - yippee! I've been praying for all of you and will continue to pray now for a speedy recovery for you, for continued good progress for Trevor and Kellan and for much happiness for all.
Your card is gorgeous. I love this set too. Beautiful papers and colours you've used here.

Linda Carson said...

Bless your heart! I'll be praying for your recovery and strength to care for your precious sons! Your card is absolutely stunning!

Michelle said...

I love your card. I can't believe you still have time to make them! So glad you're little boys are home with you, and I wish you a speedy recovery too.

Nancy said...

Julee, I was suspecting something was not right with you being MIA...sooooo sorry you have had such a hard time but so thankful you are home and on the mend! My My what a lot you have had to deal with!
Thanks for the update and so good to hear from you!
Hugs and Prayers
Nancy

scrappingnana said...

OMG Julee, you sure have been through the ringer. So glad the boys are home and you are doing some better. I will continue to keep you, and the boys in my prayers.

scrappingnana said...

Ooops, I forgot to mention how pretty your card is. TFS

Unknown said...

Wow Julee that is insane, was getting a little concerned when you were MIA from your blog :)
That is awesome the boys are home, hope you're feeling better every day.
The card is gorgeous! Nice to have you back :)

Unknown said...

OMGoodness Julee, so sorry to hear of all the trauma but grateful that you and the boys are home and I'll certainly be praying for things to calm down. You have screaming babies and I have parents and in-laws that all have dementia/Alzheimer's and I just told one of the caretakers today "old people are babies on steroids" LOL, what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, Amen.
BTW your card is beautiful as always. :-)

Christine said...

Can't imagine a c-section and twins. I am so impressed by your card and am glad the babies are well.

Paula said...

So happy you're feeling a bit better... at least well enough to do this hop! :)

The card is lovely and I think I just about love that sentiment as well! TFS :)

Cyndi said...

So beautiful! Love all the details!

Heather said...

I'm so glad to hear that your boys are home! I can so sympathize with having two screaming newborns. Make sure you except help as it is offered. Your card, of course, is gorgeous! Love those flowers, so stunning! Rest, rest, and more rest as much as you can.

Paper Sewn Visions said...

Beautiful card. So sorry to hear about all your troubles. Glad that you and the boys are home now. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Hope you have family close to help you.

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Lovely card Julee.
I am so sorry to hear that you have had so many problems on top of all the worry with your precious babies. I hope you are much stronger now and that everything goes well for you and your family from here on in.
All the best Linda (UK)

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Beautiful card!

Ashley Newell said...

Fabulous card and I'm glad you guys are all home!

MarvA1ix said...

Julee,
Your card is beautiful, bright and full of life. The extra touch of glitter on the flower makes it extra special. Why do hohumm when Wohoo is possible with just a few extra touches.
Take very good care of your self, and the babies. Accept help when offered, ask for help when needed, and set limitations for yourself. When people ask, what can I do, say bring a meal, do some laundry, clean the kitchen or vacuum, cut the grass. Friends want to help. But discourage "visitors".Last bit of advice is "don't get dressed". Live in your pj's/loungewear. Take naps when needed, shower when you can. You only need to do this for a few weeks, but I am sure you've heard this before. I have been in your shoes, and I pray for your speedy recovery.

Riet said...

What a gorgeous card Julee.

Hugs Riet.xx

bristowmom said...

I cannot believe everything you've been through! And yet you're still blogging and crafting. You must be one amazing woman.

Your card is beautiful. Love the colors and everything about it.

KanataNewf said...

oh you poor dear. But it sounds like your spirit is getting you through everything. It is nice to see you back to posting!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Lovely card. Love that huge flower!

Laraine R said...

Lovely card!

StephG said...

this is an adorable card..love the bright colors! The flower is so pretty...love all the details!
hugs,
Stephanie

seamom said...

Your card is beautiful, and I thank you for the detailed explanation of its creation!
Glad you are OK after your health issues, and that those little guys are home, too! ENJOY!

Heidi said...

Oh my goodness Julee- sorry to hear that you were soooo sick. I am thrilled everyone is home but I am sure that hospitalization did not make it any easier. You take care.

This care is so sweet- love the sparkle girl.

Janine said...

God bless and don't overdo it. Get well soon.

~ Jo ~ said...

This card is just beautiful!!! Love everything about it. And so happy to hear the boys are home!

Linda Callahan said...

Take good care of yourself and those babies....I can't believe what you have been through but I think there is light now at the end of the tunnel :) Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Crestajune said...

Julee,
So sorry for all you have been through. I am glad that you are all home now. I will keep praying for strength for you.
Your card is beautiful, as always. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Marlena M. said...

Bless your heart Julee! I pray that life gets back to as normal as possible.
I bet those babies are SWEET SWEET!
Your card is OUTSTANDING gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card. You and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy those boys and take care of yourself. You and those precious twins are what is most important. Thanks for inspiring us with your awesome talent!!

Sue D said...

Beautiful card and praying for you and your family.

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

This flower is beautiful!!! Love how it shines!!! And oh my do you have your hands full! Sorry to hear about your latest trip to the ER, my goodness that sounds like quite a fright! And congrats on your babies being released, many positive thoughts for all of you on your new journey!
Lisa

Jan Garber said...

Oh, I only wish you were drving distance from me! I would love to come help with the babies and take some stress off of you! My family and friends call me "everyone's grandma" and I'm only 56! Guess that's a compliment! So happy to hear you are now all under the same roof! Here's to a quick recovery, cuz you're gonna need it! Your card is beautiful, as always! Take care!

Radha said...

This card is WARM and welcoming the Summer... I love the verve flower and red warms up love it

jennifer mitten said...

What a stunning card! I am amazed you had time to post it with your busy life right now....hope you and your family are doing well.

Suzie said...

beautiful card so sorry your've had such a hard tuff time,I wish you a speedy recovery,enjoy your little boys

Mary-Anne V said...

Love your layered flower and the colour combo on your card.

Lillian Child said...

Love the affect the diamond glaze has on those delightful flowers! Really lovely card creation!

rlovew said...

Beautiful card! I love the sparkly flower.