Dear Friend & Gigi Update

Today's card is the one I made for last month's CCC. I'm just now getting around to posting it because I've been so wrapped up in Gigi's ADHD diagnosis and treatment (see end of this post for an update).

Here's the card:

I wish I'd stamped the sentiment further to the left because the balance would be better had I done so, but that's life!

I N S T R U C T I O N S

1. Make 4.25" x 5.5" card base from Vanilla Bean cardstock and round corners.
2. Cut 4" x 5.25" panel from Pool cardstock, round corners, and adhere.
3. Stamp in order: vase, (using Gathered Twigs) flower stems and leaves (using Bundled Sage), flowers (using Festive Berries).
4. Add some depth to the stems, leaves and flowers with your colored pencils (this looks better in person than in the photo).
5. Stamp sentiment (using Gathered Twigs).
6. Lightly trace random bits of the leaves and stems with Stickles.
7. While Stickled bits are drying, adhere clear buttons to patterned paper with Glossy Accents (see tip below).
8. Once buttons have dried, trim from paper and pierce holes.
9. Thread buttons with embroidery floss and adhere to card using glue dots. 
10. Adhere pearls and give card to a dear friend!    

T I P

Coat the button's back with Glossy Accents and then press it into the patterned paper so the pattern is showing through the clear plastic button. Let dry for about 10 minutes and trim from paper. Then poke out the button's holes with a needle, etc from the front of the button to the back. (This keeps the face of the button's holes "clean.")   

S U P P L I E S

Cardstock: Memory Box; Patterned Paper: Sweet Day (Echo Park); Stamps: Blooming Button Bits set (Paper Trey Ink), sentiment (Nina B); Distress Inks: Festive Berries, Bundled Sage, Gathered Twigs (Ranger); Other Mediums: Prismacolor pencils; Adhesives: Glossy Accents, glue dots, Stickles; Accents: pearls (Kaiser), buttons (Autumn Leaves), embroidery floss (We R Memory Keepers); Tools: Crop-a-dile corner rounder (We R Memory Keepers), needle (Bazzill) 

InLinkz.com

And now for a Gigi update!

We started her on a very LOW dosage of medication last week while she was on fall break. Although I couldn't gauge how effective it was in a situation where there was a lot of external stimuli, she was calmer until around 3:00 p.m. each day when the medication had dissipated. 

Then we were back to the non-stop chatter and the I-just-drank-12-cups-of-coffee-Mommy! freneticism that makes it impossible for the poor kid to sit down and focus on schoolwork.

One thing I had been worried about was whether the medication was going to turn her into a zombie and rob her of her personality. I'm pleased to report that this is not the case at all. She's still herself with the exception that she's just calmer - more like someone who is drinking decaf rather than strung out on caffeine. Her wit, playfulness, etc are all still there. If anything, we're enjoying her more because she's not speaking so fast that we can't understand half of what she's saying.

Today was her first day back to school, and her teacher said she did much better - was able to focus, etc. He said he could tell when the meds were spent because she turned into a whirling dervish at about 3:30 p.m. during aftercare. So we're going to see if she can have a second afternoon dosage so she's able to focus and do her homework. The medication process with ADHD patients is a trial-and-error procedure since each person is different, so we may have to tinker a bit before its "perfect."

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their comments, emails and messages. I've missed blogging and commenting on favorite sites, and it really has meant so much to me to receive support from everyone. I really just cannot tell you how much it's helped boost my spirits when I was feeling worn out. 

So THANK YOU ALL!!! You're the best, and I thank God for all y'all every day!

Have a blessed day.

Comments

[Dawn T]

gorgeous card Deborah. So glad that things are coming along so well with Gigi. I'm sure she feels better about life too... being able to deal calmly with things will help. Take care of all of yourselves.

[Linda C Baker]

so glad your daughter is doing better and you are finding some solutions. Take care.

[Sandi]

We are and went through this same issue with Kaitlin. If you want to talk let me know.

[joy]

Hi, Deborah! I love the ccc card you made - so pretty! Glad to hear that the medication is helping your daughter to be able to function a little more normally. I'm sure you will be able to get it "just right" for her little body. It is amazing how far they have come with the treatment for ADHD.

Looking forward to next month's ccc!

[janet aka swanlady21]

Love the button flowers!
You can only go one step at a time - may you have steady progress. You're in my thoughts.

[Cat Craig]

Great flowers. Love the buttons. Hope your progress with Gigi's concerns continues.

[madcat2002]

So happy to hear the early results are positive. Fine tuning is the key and things will change again as she gets older, but this is awesome news!!!

...and it's a beautiful card, but the way. Love the added accents of stickles and colored pencil shading.

[Judy1223]

I love this card, Deborah! Great flowers and beautiful subtle sparkle accents on the leaves...love that! So glad to hear things are going well for Gigi, I've been thinking about her (and you)! Thanks for the update!

[Deborah]

Y'all are THE BEST! (I can't say it enough.) Thanks for the love and support - it's so appreciated!

[Pam]

I am glad Gigi's first day back to school went well! Lovely card.