Forever Changed - July 13th

The morning of July 13th forever changed our lives. I took Macey to meet Brittany at Macey's doctor's office for what we thought may have been a milk allergy. As it turns out though, Macey was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Her glucose reading was 592. Normal is around 90. I remember the doctor saying over and over, "I'm so sorry."

Brittany and I had no idea how our families lives would be forever changed. The next thing we knew we were driving over I-84 to check our sweet Miss Macey into the hospital. This picture was taken exactly one week before her diagnosis. As we understand now, Type 1 Diabetes can come on quite rapidly.

Our lives now revolve around glucose tests, carb counting and insulin shots. It's been such a shock emotionally but we are trying to find our way and Macey is such a brave little girl. The good thing about being diagnosed so early is that this will become normal for her. Right now though, for the rest of us, it shatters our hearts that this sweet little girl will have a life of finger pokes and insulin shots four to five times a day.

I will get to those studio pictures. Life just threw us a curveball and I've been out in the cornfield trying to find my way back to the ballpark.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Moving forward one step at a time.

After what seems like it's been an eternity, we are moving on and building a new nest. Our previous home still hasn't closed. We are on the third, or is it the fourth, buyer. An all cash deal for the bank, this latest one. If they don't accept it, there is something seriously wrong with the banking industry. It's ridiculous!!
We've found a house to begin the rebuilding process and we're starting to feel okay. It's odd to rent after so many years of owning. Our landlords have been kind enough to let us make it our own by allowing us to paint rooms. I've only painted two so far. Macey's bedroom and my studio are a beautiful shade of soft pink. That's enough for now.
The cats seem to have weathered everything just fine and have found their favorite spots.
And would you look at our sweeter than ever granddaughter!! She celebrated her second birthday in May. Can you believe it?!! :)
Now that I have a studio in which to work and spread all my projects around, I'm back to creating again. I'll post tour pictures soon. For now though, it's enough for me to have a blog post up letting everyone know we are on the mend and have so very much to be thankful for. Thank you for hanging in there with us and cheering us on as we move forward.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Life changes.

This photo, taken of one of my favorite old dolls, truly shows the sadness and scrapes and scuffs Bill and I have lived this past year. You may have noticed from spotty posts since April of last year that I really checked out for awhile. The economy and housing crash took it's toll and despite our best efforts to hold on to our beautiful home the time came to let it go when the banks wouldn't work with us. Being self-employed has it's upside and downside. Losing one's home can only really be understood by those who've experienced it themselves.

So, we have put on our best smiling faces and we're moving forward. There are boxes everywhere waiting to be moved. Packing my studio and Macey's room have proven to be the most difficult in different ways.

Speaking of Macey, our most precious granddaughter, here is the most recent picture taken of her. This move hasn't seemed to have fazed her a bit so far. I have to tell you, if not for being her caregiver Monday through Friday, there would be many days I would not have even gotten out of bed. Macey has been a blessing in so many ways no one could have ever imagined. Hard to believe, she'll be two in May!!

I'm sorry this has been a real downer of a post. It's reality though and I know there are many others out there feeling some of the same types of struggles. My heart goes out to those of you who are.

There are bright spots on the horizon for us. We've found a lovely house to lease not far from where we are now. We won't have a beautiful pool and acre of ground but we won't have the maintenance or cash outgo either. We are in the process of rebuilding our lives and ourselves....home will come. We're going to be fine. Better than fine actually. We've got each other, family and friends and health. We have everything!

Warmest bear hugs,

Aleta

Yardley Featherbottom

Yardley Featherbottom will be available to purchase beginning November 20th promptly at 9am New York time at Teddies Worldwide Holiday Bear Show. I do hope you'll visit. Friday I'll pop in with another sneak peek!

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Online Holiday Bear Show!

I'll be there with bears in tow. I hope you'll attend! Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Four bears and a cat.

Meow! This pink kitten has just been listed on my website as well as three new bears and one who's been around the block once already. You can find them here. Bless you for taking the time to peek in. :)

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Distractions galore!

I've been celebrating life, family and birthdays.....
watching Macey become the most divine little pixie.....
and creating art!
I've also been nominated for a Golden Teddy Award bestowed by Teddy Bear Review magazine! What a huge honor!! It was so unexpected because although I LOVE this bear design, my collectors haven't been as keen. Life is funny that way.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta