My Mom

My mom departed her earthly home 2 years ago today.  She was diagnosed with angio sarcoma (sp?) on June 11 and lived 9 days!  Whirlwind, shock, head spinning....yes...and there are many more adjectives to describe those 9 days.  The  main word that comes to my mind is 'grace'...God's grace! 
Oh, do I ever miss her...many, many long telephone conversations.  My mom's love for her family was so strong and in fact sometimes even 'choking'...because you were never an adult you were always her 'child'.  My mom was not perfect but she was forgiven.  She may have made choices to hold onto things from the past....Praise Him who does not...they are washed away.  Do you hold onto past things?  I know I sure do...you know what that hold does it can make you doubt yourself..your inabilities...your shortfalls. 
My Jesus forgives 70 x 70.  Where would I be if He didn't?  We are human and we hurt.  We want to change things that we cannot.  So thankful that the way to Jesus is not based on living up to man's standards. He chose me!  I am so unworthy...but He knew this..
Mom, I sure do miss you!  It has been a bittersweet 2 years.  We took care of dad and he missed you so much! He loved spending time with his family and friends, but boy did he talk about you a lot and oh, was that tough. 
Thank you Lord for my mom

Your daughter!

Childhood Friend

Wanted to share this very simple card that I have made for a sweet family!  This family has been the victim of cancer.  My childhood friend, Kelli Lamp Fraley, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor around the holidays of 2011.  She if fighting this cancer with prayers!  I have been blessed to be able to connect with her and visit her.  Please keep this precious famly in your prayers!
Thanks,

Willa Jean Coates

Card Challenge 39/356

This card is for the sketch challenge at http://365cards.blogspot.com/. Pretty self-explanatory:) Products used: Marina Mist SU DP, MS Punch, MME DP, Sentiment Stamp from K & Company, Real Red Stamp Pad SU.
Thanks for looking:)
Willa Jean

Card Challenge 40/356

This challenge is #40 to make a card talking about 'chatting with a friend' (#40). These challeges can be found http://365cards.blogspot.com/.

Thanks for stopping by:)

Willa Jean

Getting Healthy

Where have I been? The last two weeks, I have been focusing on getting healthy. My track record is not very good so I am quite hesitant to even discuss this on my blog. Anyways, I have been keeping a food journal and using my old Weight Watcher's books and have been walking 2 miles/day. Have tried 4 miles for 2 days, but it was way tooo much for me to start out with. I did not do the weigh/measure b4, but have seen improvements (yeah).

So, here's to another week of improving my health.

Have a great week!

Willa Jean

Friendship

When I saw this 'kite' stamp set from SU, I knew I had to have it. There are things in our life that reminds us of certain things...be it friendship, loved ones, etc. Well, this card that I made is going to a special friend of mine. We worked together at Temple for many years and every March she would decorate her door with kites that the 3 year olds would color. Of course, it had to have a title:) My friend is very quick-witted and wanted to say, "Go, fly a kite"! Well, she just couldn't put that up there...hence my card to her:)

I sure do miss you, Ruthie! We def. have to get together and maybe 'fly a kite'!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a gorgeous day:)

Willa Jean

Baked Spaghetti

That is what we are having at the Coates Castle for supper:)
Not entirely sure as to why I am extremely tired today:( Feel like I can hardly move...
Praying for a better day tomorrow:)
Enjoy your evening with your family!
Thanks for stopping by the Castle:)
Willa Jean
http://www.life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/baked-spaghetti.html