Thursday, May 3, 2012

Greenhouse pattern update

While I would prefer to keep my family situation much more private, it is affecting my business and  I am doing my best to keep things moving forward and keep you all up to date on the status of projects and patterns. In hindsight, I would do things differently and will do so in the future. (Trust me, no one wants this pattern complete and available more than I do!) My son is going through a VERY difficult time right now and the situation can change hourly. Add my daughters continued health issues, compounded by a medical system that is moving at the speed of most snails, and the end of my rope has arrived. I will NOT apologize for putting my children ahead of my business!

The Victorian Greenhouse pattern SHOULD be up and available today. (If it is not going to be up by tomorrow, I will again post about it here, but I don't anticipate that happening.) I am doing my best to meet the dates that I am telling you here on the blog. I would love to send out individual emails to all kit purchasers who are awaiting the Greenhouse pattern, but I can either spend a couple of hours sending out emails or I can announce it here and use the time to finish the pattern.  The angry emails do not help me to get the pattern finished and out to those have already purchased the kits. If you wish to return your kit for a full refund, please DO go ahead and email me and arrangements can be made immediately.


Thank you to all of you who offer your kind words, prayers, and support. The vast majority of you have been very understanding and supportive and more importantly, patient. It helps a lot. For those of you awaiting your pattern, you have every right to expect to receive what you have paid for in a timely manner. I am doing my absolute best to do exactly that.

Life sucks right now, but things will get better and it will all settle down. I just keep remembering that there are lots of you out there in much worse situations and my heart goes out to all of you that suffer on a daily basis. It inspires me to hold my head up and just keep plugging forward.

While many of you have told me to "just put things on hold for a while", that is not an option. If I had a   9 to 5 job, I couldn't just put it on hold and this business is no different. I am working hard to meet all of my obligations to those who have supported me by purchasing kits and patterns and I will not let you down....you will just delayed a short time.

Laura

78 comments:

  1. thanks for the update, laura. continued thoughts and prayers for you and your family. although i understand your committment to your customers and business, i am using this time to catch up on some 'old' kits. i finished up the 'follow your garden path' last week and started on the 'mariposa envelope mini album' a couple days ago. now those are some oldies!! ;D take care, laura in belgium

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  2. My kids are the most important people in my life. They are more important than anything else. I hate to see parents who think anything else is more important than their children. I applaud you in your putting your children first.

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  3. June-Marie (mermaid49)May 3, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    It is totally unbelievable to me that anyone could fault you for knowing your priorities!....when the patterns or kits are up or sent is when they are for heavens sake!....although we are excited and do obviously look forward to receiving them, we all know they will arrive in due course and for myself (and I would bet 99% of our regulars) I am not concerned about the delay.....I think most of us make the projects AFTER the show anyway, so not a big deal....hang in there Laura, take care of what needs to be, and DO NOT ever change your priorites....

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  4. I just started looking at your blog and all your wonderful things you have created. A friend of mine has purchased one of the patterns and it is beautiful. In my opinion your family comes first. Business can wait, if people can not understand that then they have a problem with their priorities !! I will pray for you and your family along with the others who have sent you negative emails...

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  5. Laura, if someone does return their kit - maybe I can get one - heh, heh... You are a small business - small businesses close the doors for emergencies all the time. Those of us who understand will still be here... hope your did get better soon.

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  6. We love and appreciate you, your creativity, and your willingness to teach us. The vast majority of us are endlessly patient. I will willingly wait for however long it takes for whatever piece of genius you are ready to share. All the best thoughts to you and yours.

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  7. so sorry to hear of the hurdles that you are facing right now. Rightly so your family come first, however, I can fully understand your reasonings why you feel that it is important to keep us informed and updated of you family situation. Hold on in there you are one very talented and creative lady and I know that when things settle down you will continue to inspire and encourage us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, don't forget to take time out for you though, we are all here for you and I know that we will all wait patiently as you have never nor will let us down x

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  8. Laura...you are an amazing artist and a GREAT mom to your children. Remember that life is to short to worry about the criticism of those who have no compassion or understanding of what your daily life is like. Just take it all with a grain of salt and ignore the negative...there are plenty of things to be positive about in life and it is sad when people get so negative. Well I guess I'll get down off my soap box now. LOL But I trully do not think you deserve to be disrepected this way...if anything you deserve an award for all you do for us and for your family..Keep up the good work. And get some rest..Hope things get better soon.
    Margie (fostmom51)

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  9. Laura, you take all the time you need. We are all praying for you and your family and will be here when you are ready for us. Those who choose to complain are not worth getting upset about. Think of it this way: you can handle the complaining because it will leave some poor soul alone who can't handle it! Negative people are very unhappy people and will drag you down if you "allow" it. The words for the day are "DON'T ALLOW IT"! Love you.

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  10. Kathy Simpson aka Girlygirl777May 3, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Laura, I am so sorry for anyone who has been less than kind to you through this tough time. To those who want to get angry about Laura needing this time to take care of her children, take it from a mother who has lost her son that every moment they need for support through life's trials comes VERY HIGH on the list of parenting. Life is tough as it is so like someone else already said, spend this down time on doing other projects and please be patient. You would like the same done for you if you were in such a position. We love our Denison family. Thank you Laura for the updates.

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  11. Laura...I'm new to The Paper Trail having just recently discovered your UStream classes. My prayers go out to you and your family. Please keep them always as your first priority. They are so much more important than anything else could possibly be. Shame on those who have sent negative emails. I hope they never have to go thru what you are obviously going thru right now. It appears that you have many faithful followers. Count me in as one of them. I will be Following Your Paper Trail for a very long time.

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  12. To all those people "hassling" you I would just like to say - as my granny taught me - PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE and ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT. Sending hugs and prayers Laura - as for the pattern - when its done - its done - and I know you will let us know. FAMILY is always come first - you have your priorities right - so keep right on girl!! (((Hugs))) and Bannaghtyn to you all. J xx

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  13. I am having a really hard time believing that there are some out there that are actually hassling, complaining or whatever else you want to call it, about your timeliness on these projects. I have only been following you since the last CHA, where I was totally blown away by each and every project that you created for the G45 booth. What's more, you continue to keep me awed by every project you have designed since. But not only have you drawn a fan following from your amazing talents that you so willingly share with all of us, but you share your sweetness as a person as well to those of us who have come to think of you as a friend as well as a craft mentor. Please do not feel the need or try to change anything that you are doing based on a few small minded individuals. Like it or not, life does happen for all of us!!!!!! They should just be happy for all you have done for us, and all that you time after time have so dilegently contributed to us. Shame on them and I hope they remember that what goes around comes around. You just take care of your family needs first and that you have your priorities in the correct order!!!!! Hugs,
    Marcie

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    1. I am with you. Laura, I love you, your family and your business! I know I am a stranger and you don't know me except that I order tutorials and kits from you frequently, but I have been following you for over a year and you and your family and animals have become a part of my life. I look forward to watching your classes and reading your blogs. Don't let those who give negative affect you. Continue to stand up straight and keep protecting and take care of your family. Tutorials and kits will come when they are meant to and not a minute before. I know I can wait and as far as the tag you were making for me, please give it to the impatient one. Though I would love to have a piece of Laura Denison art it's not worth beans if it causes you worry and aggravation. I want to see you smile. It's what shines through. . .love you, Spiritwind (Nancy)

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  14. Laura, Family should always comeFIRST!!!!! Don't these people realize that you are doing things out of the goodness of your heart. These Ustream and youtube things you do are FREE. People need to get over their selfish sides, I'm sure if they were to send back the kits back other people would be waiting in line for them. I know I would!!! God Bless you and yours. We have an autistic grandson and I know things can change from minute to minute and he's only six! I can't imagine puberty. God loves you Laura, and he doesn't give anymore than you can handle. Peace be with you. Hope answers come your way soon!!!

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  15. and ya know, Laura..even "9-5" jobs allow for a leave of absence.....we are hereby granting you one!

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  16. Laura,
    I am praying for you and your family. I feel like I know your children and I wish for only the best for them. I can't imagine what you are going through but I think your kids are the luckiest kids on earth to have a mother like you. I am rooting for you as you fight the good fight to get to the bottom of Sarah's problem. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.
    Maybe times like this will weed out people who really need to move on while the rest of us will continue to embrace you and your family.
    (((((HUGS))))))
    Queenbeeof3

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  17. thanks for the update...i can't believe you are being harrassed by some of your followers about the pattern....i am sure the majority of us understand about problems arising...YES YOU CAN TAKE A BREAK...FMLA!!! Most of us will understand. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tough time.....hugs

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  18. harrassing followers - get over yourself - Laura
    the paper trail has just hit a fork in the road - keep the faith and it will all straighten out - committent can and does change - raised 6 daughters and what was to happen at 5:00 would make a complete turnaround at 5:05 we just have to deal with all the changes - how boring life would be otherwise - God bless and keep you and your family safe and protected - just when you are ready please continue the super work - thanks for all your wonderful projects

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  19. Life happens and when it does, we are here to support each other. Hugs to you and the kids, and hope all is better soon!
    Nancy G

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  20. Laura, so sorry to hear that all is not going well with your family. Hope things will settle down soon. I wish you all the strenght to deal with the issues.
    Love, Suzanne

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  21. Laura, so sorry that your having to face so much right now. As it has been said before your family comes first.You do so much for so many. We are all truley blessed. Your an amazing women. Praying for healing and peace that passes all understanding.Love, Char

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  22. May I suggest you timetable in a break from the papertrail two or three times a year for a week or two as well as your family break. It would let you catch up or just catch your breath. You would get annual leave in a 9-5 I know I,ve got plenty to keep me busy not to mention I don't do as much scrapping in summer. We all go on vacation and come back when we get back so you won't lose anyone who matters if you take breaks too! I hope your family all feel better soon, including you! Best wishes x

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  23. Keep your chin up. Family first .. always remember what is most important. If someone is so selfish that they can't wait or be patient then I feel sorry for them. I wish you all the best and your kids for life to settle down.

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  24. We understand Laura you do the best you can do and if thats not enough for some people oh well. You must take care of your family first.I know from experience. My grandson who is 13 was diagnosed with ADD when he was 5 and we have really had our ups and downs with him.Hang in there we love you.

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  25. Laura you are an AMAZING mother!!!!! Family FIRST is my motto and it is awesome to see you keeping strong with your decision to put your family first..You continue to inspire and motivate me. May God bless and protect your family.

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  26. If someone thinks a pattern is more important than a family member (or a friend), then I really feel sorry for them. I, like others, get anxious for a pattern or a kit, but life will not end if I don't receive it on time. I PRAY, Laura, that you and your family get through this rough patch.

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  27. Your kids need their mom and you need to stop feeling guilty about what you cannot get done with FTPT. Your kids must know that you have their backs…that is the most important thing right now. The business will be here when you get back. Take a few week off- a LOA as someone commented above. Anyone who can't understand your priorities will be taught how by a person named Karma.

    As the medical stuff….ugh it is a mess in this country. Stay strong and stay on top of everything. It can be exhausting and frustrating. No it WILL be exhausting and frustrating. Stay strong.

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  28. What I want to write I won't :) But Laura, those who have a heart and care about you and your family fully understand. We know your work ethic. We know it does no good to tell you to take your time. Just know that those worth dealing with will be here whenever the pattern is done. Those that aren't, don't need to come back. My kit is sitting along with a couple of others of yours that I haven't gotten to. It will still be there and waiting when you are ready. (And most likely I won't be ready by the time you are either.):)

    All my best to you, Trevor and Sarah.

    Pam Davis

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  29. You are so right in putting your family first! Life does get in the way and does so often to remind us to cherish each moment on this earth. The quote " What won't kill you will make you strong" is so true. Hang in there and you and your family are in my prayers.
    Best regards, Kathy Bond

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  30. Family always comes first and work gets done when it can....you are doing a great job...I would send each email that is angry a notice...to send kit back for a refund and then delete their emails....you don't have
    to tolerate abusive emails....Blessings Sherry

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  31. Laura you are right life sucks sometimes. Since 2005 my husband is dealing with cancers yes 4 cancers. It's a rough time to both of us . The last one he was diagnosed with brain cancer . To make a short story my husband he's my priority .I have a rough time so i don't need people who will be nasty at me and alot are. It's like everybody wants you for everything but don't understand how busy we are and dealing with medical stuff. So if some people are not happy with this situation it's their problems . Your family is your priority and i agree with that .I'm sorry it make me upset to know that some people are so selfish . anyway Laura it feels good to talked about it. And all of us here 99% are really happy with you Laura and we love you. Enough now breathing lol. I ordered most of your patterns so alot on my plate lol. I try to make them between appointments to see doctors for my husband .I have a few peoples who help me through this rough time so i can sit and make them. You do a great job Laura and always grateful . I apologize if i make mistake in my writing but i'm still learning English. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Take care and thank you for everything. Hugs .

    France aka medania.

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  32. Laura,
    Thank You for keeping us updated. Sending you lots of prayers and positive energy.

    Sharon Y aka sharona62

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  33. Laura...you have dignity, value and worth whether the pattern is done on time or not. Poop ( the G rated word for something else heehee) happens in everybody's life....it's how you chose to deal with it...and from where I am sitting, you are doing it with much grace! God is God and you are not...YOU are enough and that's enough. Hang in there..this too shall pass!
    MommaB

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  34. I had to learn the hard way, that my children come first and what everyone thought about it didn't matter. Yes, this too shall pass and it will be just a great lesson in perservering and learning to trust that God will prevail and help you. Just worry about the people in your life and all the other stuff doesn't matter, people obviously don't have a valuable life if they are more worried about patterns than people. Those who care and understand will stand with you through anything, that is what Friends are for. Just stay strong and quit worrying! We, who really do care, will be here no matter what. Praying right now for all of you!

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  35. Life isn't an easy ride. If you don't understand get off the bus and give your place to someone else who has other interests at heart than their own self!
    I'm Following the trail!
    With you all the way Laura. thinking of you and the family.

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  36. I read your comment and all I could think was, terrible, terrible, terrible. I cannot believe what I was reading, I am appalled. How could anyone think that them and their pattern was so important that they sent you a negative email. Your family and their concerns should without a shadow of a doubt be the most important thing in your life. I have a good friend whose young son just died, for me,that kind of puts things in perspective. I know that people paid for a pattern and they should get what they paid for but, in the big scheme of life, your kids and their well being is what is really the priority. Those that have followed you for any length of time know that you are a very conscientiousness person, you will fulfill your obligations and people will get what they paid for.
    By the way Laura- in a regular 9 to 5 job there is FMLA, Family Medical Leave Act, that in the event of the illness of a family member, affords eligible employees the ability to take 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period. So you could get your time off without worries or concerns. All you are needing is a few days of patience, I think your followers should be able to do that with no problem. Please do not feel pressured, Your kids and their health is of utmost importance. My prayers are with you. Geeze people, have some compassion!

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  37. I understand where you are coming from. I can not believe that someone would be so heartless as to b---- at you for not having the pattern up when they know what you are going through. It would serve them right if you didn't let them get any more kits from you. Lets see how fast they complain them. I know we have all told you your family comes first and you have told us that its your responsibility, just know that there are a lot more of us that LOVE and respect you and will wait for whatever will come our way. You Rock and have given me so much more courage and confidence to try new things when it comes to paper crafting and i want you to know that I will be there for you when you can return. I am so sorry you have to deal with people that were never taught manners. Know that the ones that count will wait and be the first to yell Yippppeeee when everything is back to the way you need it to be for your family and us. Keep your chin up God has GREAT THINGS in store for you.

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  38. I have been following you since almost the beginning you started paper crafting and love you to pieces. Life does happen and that's called family. My family always comes first in my life, no matter what. All your true followers know this as well. Anyone who can pick a hobby over a family crisis needs to re-evaluate their values in life. My crafting is my time for relaxing, but would never put my love of scrap booking over my family. Laura you are truly a kind and gifted person and NEVER!!! Apologize for being a MOM, or a WIFE. True followers will still be here even if you need to take a break, I know all of have lives and families and we all take vacation and do thing aside from scrapping or our jobs. I agree with the others comments I read above, you really do need to allow yourself vacation times through out the year instead of always feeling like you have to be here for the followers of your blog and classes. Keep your head high, and know we are all praying for things to get better for you and your family. I have been and will continue to follow THE FOLLOWING THE PAPER TRAIL no matter if life happens. My mother always taught me, 'If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all'. Sending big Hugs your way, as 99% here feel like we are all family. God Bless

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  39. Laura, how sad that you are receiving angry emails. I wish I had a family to worry about and to care for. Self centered people are a sad bunch of people. Take care and it looks like you have many, many friends. Sue

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  40. I think it is human nature to remember the few incensitive comment and not the many supportive ones. Huggs and prayers to you and your family. Remember those who matter will not mind and this who mind do not matter.

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  41. jcquinn1030@verizon.netMay 3, 2012 at 4:49 PM

    Don't ever apologize - this is your 9-5. I agree with Mimi2six,you don't have the benefits of FMLA, sick days or paid vacation. Projects can wait - what's the difference if you do a project today or next week. It is not life & death and t is not as if it is milk and is going to spoil if you don't use by the expiration date. You don't even owe anyone the amount of detail you have already shared with us. A quick "Hey, taking a sick day or two" is all anyone needs to know. People having to wait to play with their scissors and glue should not in any way make you feel guilty. You have never-ever-ever not come through. YOU JUST GAVE US MORE TIME TO RUN OUT & GET MORE PUNCHES & THE NEW DISTRESS INKS WHICH WILL BE JUST PERFECT FOR THE GREENHOUSE. Relax & do what you need to do. Janet (Boo52)

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  42. Laura, you do AMAZING work and I look forward to your work each and every week. Sometimes, I think we take you for granted, that you will continually, week in and week out, create such wonderful projects for us. You have a small business that is very important to you, but life happens. I like one of the previous ideas of working in some break times during the year. If you want to keep working during that time, you could but if you just want to play and relax, you could do that too! I couldn't imagine trying to keep the schedule that you keep. As someone said in an earlier post, I'm using this time to get some other projects done.

    (((Hugs and prayers))) to you and your family during this time!!

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  43. Just wanted to say I echo everyone else's thoughts and to tell you to just hang in there. It WILL get better. We're all behind you!!!!

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  44. Laura,

    I agree with the comments above, I am happy to wait as I can work on my million other projects.
    I also have a 1 year old and agree that family needs to come first.
    I do not understand why people are getting angry given the circumstances.
    I emaied with regards to the refund of the tutorial as I then purchased the kit (as per your notes) but then I read your blog and I thought, it can wait.
    If people are having issues, they can just wait.

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  45. Laura, Thank you for your inspiration and creativity and for sharing it. I am also using this time to get caught up with other projects, i.e. making the bellows for the third time, making 4 Stack a Deck with pockets mini albums, finishing up the curio, etc. prayers for you and your family through this difficult time.

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  46. Your business seems to be a big part of who you are. You have poured your heart and soul into it and it shows. The time you are taking to care for your family may cause some setbacks but you are good enough at what you do to come through it shining. God bless you and your family.

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  47. !!!!Laura you dont have to worry about us your family comes first were like you family and we like updates on how your children are doing you give us a big part of yourself to us and were all behind you 100% were all mothers and we understand so dont get yourself all worked up we dont want you getting sick on us you take care of your babies we can wait love prays and good thought. bless you gracie:)

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  48. Big, warm, understanding hug! Hey, this is a community,your shows are there for us on bad days and we are here for you on yours! Hope the sun comes out tomorrow!

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  49. Good grief! I have neither thought about the greenhouse pattern nor the shabby tags. I myself have a full plate -- family, full-time job, and other priorities.
    I can't start the greenhouse anyway without the class first.
    I have to say I have a life, LOL, and so do you, Laura.

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  50. Laura, I am so sorry that times are tough right now. It is so hard to watch our children suffer and the answers don't seem to come quick enough to comfort the situation. Sending prayers and hugs for your family and look forward to anything you produce in whatever timeline. I love it all!!!
    BettyMae

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  51. While I am anxious to see what the Greenhouse looks like (only cause I know it will be awesome) I am way more anxious to hear Sarah is better and they have figured out what is going on, and that Trevor is doing better! As my dad says "a hundred years from now, is this going to matter?" Your family matters more than the pattern. Granted, you are a business, but this is not like we placed an order at Sears. You are one person, and a very kind and generous person at that. It makes me so sad that people are giving you such a rough time when you already have so much to deal with. I continue to pray for you and your family.

    Heather aka momofcody

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  52. Laura
    being a mom is NOT for sissy's!!! hang in there. Things will get better and you will be stronger because of this trial. So will your Kids.They will KNOW you were there for them. That they were more important than pretty paper. Take a few minuets to breathe deeply,ask for the Grace of God to sustain you and your family, and charge headlong into the fray, as all mothers do. as for work, being a business owner, well thats not for sissy's ether... chin up... WE love you

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    1. Ps... pray for those who despitefully use you!

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  53. Hi Laura,

    Hugs, hugs and more hugs for all of you.
    God is watching over you and your family.
    I know that you will always take care of you kids and family first. That is one of the things I love about you.
    It is important that your family knows that you
    are there for them. Even with a home business
    life happens. We all believe that it will work out and that miracles happen. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
    God bless,
    cheryl
    angelbug56

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  54. I can't add much to whats already been said, but I heard recently a phrase that has stuck with me, I think from Suze Orman, the financial planner "it only matters to those who don't matter." Or you can flip-flop it too, that the time off doesn't matter to the ones who matter. I thought it was a clever phrase, and have tucked it away in my brain. Do what you need to do, family is always first, hobbies last. Sounds like some of those folks need to make church a "hobby." Love, hugs, and warm wishes, Angie

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  55. Dear Laura, I'm Sandi, aka Southern Storm. I've been watching here as well as UStream to hear news of you and your little family. God has a plan for all of us. You are in the right place. Keep fighting and focusing on the end of the tunnel. You are doing a wonderful service to all of us, and even though I can't afford your kits, you have brought me so much enjoyment and happiness in my struggle toward paper art. If some can't appreciate all that goes with FAMILY, then they should go their way.. far, far, away from you. Don't look back and no guilt feelings!! Deal with today and tomorrow will eventually take care of itself. May God bless you and yours, Sandi

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  56. Sending you peace and positive thoughts to you and your family. You have brought me hours of pleasure and delight with your talent. Keep the faith.

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  57. Wow! Isn't it amazing how many supportive friends you have. It kind of makes the sting of those negative ones fade away. I ditto the sentiments of those who have written before me. Take the time you need. We all have projects we need to catch up on anyway. Goodness, I am still decorating my Halloween Mini.Our prayers are with you and your family!

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  58. Cathy Peters

    Please do take care of your family first, My husband and I traveled for 8 hours today to get to where his sister lives. She has just been told that she can no longer handle anymore chimo, so here we sit in a motel after our visit to the hospital, let me tell all of you who are being unkind to this lady, take a breath, and think of what you would do for a family member of yours in this situation. These are Laura's children and make no mistake they will come first. All I can say is it was a good thing I saw a picture of my sister inlaw yesterday before I seen her in person today. Cancer has taken everything from this kind lady who never hurt anyone and she will still gift you with smile when you walk in. She is 52 years old and was just loving her grandbabies when she got sick. Life is short so be kind and treat others with the respect you would wish to be treated with.

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  59. BIG HUGS to you, Laura, and to Rich, Sarah and Trevor, as well. Nasty nay-sayers beware!! Ever heard of Karma? What goes around, comes around. Laura, I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers daily. You have become like family to me as you have to many of your followers. I just know there are brighter days ahead for all of you!!! If you need to chat, I'm here for you!! Love ya!

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  60. If I were you I would tell the people who send ANGRY emails to take a flying leap!!!
    Family comes first, children come before all else!!
    In this high tech world of immediate gratification, people need to learn patience.
    All in due time!!

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  61. Laura, I just wanted to say I love you all the more for putting your children/family first! I'm sure you have a lot of people adding their prayers to yours...including me. I just wanted you to know I'm behind you, backing you up, with prayer.

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  62. Laura, I do hope that all these wonderful messages of hope and love fill your heart with joy today and in the coming days or months ahead concerning your children's health. Family must ALWAYS come first! Those of us who have followed you for awhile now know that you are a concientious and professional person who is not out to "stiff" anybody. We will be here for you. Take some time off if you need too---afterall, a 9-5 job would allow it as well. We'll still be here welcoming you back with open arms. Take care. Sending big (((HUGS))) your way.

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  63. I can't believe people are leaving you nasty emails. Although people have purchased something it is not life or deat if they have to wait. Sometimes things take patience. I would hate to think these people have children. Patience is a staple and necessary! But anyway I would like to say again I am so sorry that your children and you are going through such a bad time in your lives right now and hopefully good things are heading your way!!!!!

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  64. Laura - you are so appreciated and loved by many. Stay focused on your family, they can't be replaced or redone. Blessings to you and your family. Hugs
    joy2scrap

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  65. Oh Laura, I'm so sorry to hear that there are some people out there adding to your stress load right now by being impatient and demanding. I just wonder how they would be handling your situation if they were walking in your shoes.
    If anyone returns their kits and demands a refund, I will be in line to nab one of those returned kits. Let's hope they come to their senses and become understanding, patient and apologetic. I will pray for patience and understanding for your complaining or dissatisfied customers.
    Those of us who know you, either personally or through your blogs, love you and know that you are sincere and very dedicated to your followers and customers. We will be patient.
    Cheers to you for keeping your first priorities first, your FAMILY. Family especially kids always come first. They need to have that security of feeling the love you have for them by putting them first. You don't get a second chance to raise them to be safe, healthy and responsible individuals who feel loved.
    You are doing a great job Laura!
    Boo to the nay sayers.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for complete healing in every way.

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  67. Some people are just plain cruel! Do notlet them bring such a wonderful Lady down!

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  68. Laura,
    Actually federal law allows employees Family Medical Leave and you could put a 9-5 on hold.

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  69. Laura, Children are the most precious gifts we Moms have. Today and always I pray that your children get better because you are a great Mom and I know you will have no peace until you know that they are good and well. With such a large crowd sending you blessings, everything should turn out all right. Keep strong and trust that the Lord knows best. My best to the family always!

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  70. We all have to do what we have to do to make life better for those we love and who love us. Please do not apologize for doing what everyone of us would do to accomplish that. We all know that things will get better and we all will just have to be patient. All of my prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family right now!!

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  71. My Goodness! What happened between Tuesday and Thursday? Ditto ALL the POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE messages above! IMHO, angry emails NEVER get the response desired and just add an incredible load of stress and negativity to ALL. AND THEY DON'T HELP RESOLVE ANYTHING. GrrrrrRRRRR!!! I'm sending loads and loads of positive healing energies and prayers and LOVE to you and Sarah and Trevor and your Mom and your hubby. I'm amazed that you can continue to carry on with GRACE and dignity. As others have said, Family comes first. I applaud your commitment to your business BUT family comes first, period. With love, DoriG

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  72. Wish you and your family all the best right now, keeping you in my prayers.

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  73. Laura, when you open an email that is negative DELETE it. How anyone can put something as small as a pattern before children and family is beyond me ... don't let the negative in. You are amazing and all my love and prayers to you and your family.

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  74. Laura:

    If you had a 9 to 5 job you could go out on FMLA. Take care of you. The rest will be here when life settles down. As you see, I am but one who you have so inspired. We lift you up.

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  75. This is my first visit to your blog, but I assure you, it won't be my last. You do awesome work. (And while we love our craft, I know it is work.) I can't believe that anyone would be so unkind as to be mad with you. I hope that the situation at home will improve soon. But we can't change some things. I've always done crafting of some sort or another, but now at 59 my hands shake so bad that I have a hard time doing small things. Hang in there. Hugs, dj1952 (Debra)

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