Aunt Wednesdays

OUR FAMILY TREE - Transverse Myelitis Awareness

2012-04-18T18:57:00.000-05:00

My Wonderful Niece Riding her Hand Bike and sticking her tongue out! Gotta Love that Face!

In April 2010 My beautiful niece became very ill and was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM). TM is a neurologic syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. TM is uncommon but not rare. Conservative estimates of incidence per year vary from 1 to 5 per million population.The term myelitis is a nonspecific term for inflammation of the spinal cord; transverse refers to involvement across one level of the spinal cord. It occurs in both adults and children.

For Mackenzie, within hours of pulling her little brother around the yard in a wagon, this active 7 year old girl was fighting for her life. TM symptoms develop rapidly over several hours to several weeks. Approximately 45% of patients worsen maximally within 24 hours.The spinal cord carries motor nerve fibers to the limbs and trunk and sensory fibers from the body back to the brain. Inflammation within the spinal cord interrupts these pathways and causes the common presenting symptoms of TM which include limb weakness, sensory disturbance, bowel and bladder dysfunction, back pain and radicular pain (pain in the distribution of a single spinal nerve).

Almost all patients will develop leg weakness of varying degrees of severity. The arms are involved in a minority of cases and this is dependent upon the level of spinal cord involvement. Sensation is diminished below the level of spinal cord involvement in the majority of patients.
Transverse Myelitis may occur in isolation or in the setting of another illness. When it occurs without apparent underlying cause, it is referred to as idiopathic. Idiopathic transverse myelitis is assumed to be a result of abnormal activation of the immune system against the spinal cord.

My Darling Niece and Beautiful Sister at the celebration of Mackenzie's 1st Birthday after Diagnosis of TM.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of every day and birthday since then.

As you can imagine, this child has a very special place in my heart and family. I have watched my dearest friend, my sister, work so very hard to care for her only daughter, while being a loving wife, devoted mother to her sons, and a Child of the King! As busy as Casey is, she still finds time to plan fundraising events for Mackenzie. There has been a Movin' for Mackenzie Fun Run, complete with pony rides for the kids. Movin' 4 Mackenzie community wide yard sale. There are Movin' 4 Mackenzie Cookbooks, T-shirts, and plans for future events. All proceeds from these events help to pay for the therapy equipment and medical supplies needed for the daily care of this little princess.

As a member of The indiExhibit, I have met another family dealing with the daily effects of TM. Robert and Betty Thomson, owners of Natures-Free-Spirit Have been dealing with TM, for more than 4 years now, when Robert was suddenly struck by paralysis from the waist down. A year later, Robert lost complete use of his entire right side during a second attack.

In thier own words from their website, here is a brief description of their art:
                                Robert and I have been doing Lapidary Arts for over 30 years.
                                We specialize in; Gem Trees, One of a Kind Jewellery PewterDesigns,
                                Pendulums, Sun-catchers, Book Ends and Table Knife Holders and teaching the
                               use of Lapidary Arts and the use of machines

"We create one piece at a time with love.
That makes each piece special in it's own way"

Family Tree

Mother & Child Tree

If you are interested in purchasing one of these awesome trees, custom made from the gems you select, please visit Natures-Free-Spirit,They also have items dedicated to Transverse Myelitis and with the sale of each item they donate a portion of those sales to TM Research Also, please visit their SCI (Spianl Cord Injury) Page and help them raise money to support Spinal Cord Injury . If you would like to learn more about Life with TM, visit Robert's (Co-Owner of Natures-Free-Spirit) Blog:My Life Changed Overnight

Life Before TM

Life With TM

Notice how bright and beautiful her smile is. This is a true picture of God's Grace!

If you would like to help my neice, Aunt Wednesdays is donating 5.00 of every TM Awareness Bracelet sold to Movin' for Mackenzie: Buy Bracelet Here!

Buy Transverse Myelitis Awareness Bracelet Here

For more info on Transeverse Myelitis please visit: The Mayo Clinic and The Transverse Myelitis Association,

If you are looking for the latest advancements in Treatment and Therapy, please visit:The Kennedy Krieger Institute and John Hopkins Institute

Model Life Magazine: The Daily Treasury

2012-04-05T09:33:00.001-05:00

Our Ernest Hat is Featured in this Wonderful Treasury Created by Model Life Magazine

Model Life Magazine: The Daily Treasury: Today's treasury was curated by MLM and this is what we had to say about this collection: Our "Rubber Ducky Shower Gifts" Treasury feature...

If you are interested in purchasing this hat or one of our other hand made items please visit AUNT WEDNESDAYS!

What's New at Gothic Toggs: My products went to the Oscars this weekend!!

2012-03-15T16:51:00.001-05:00

What's New at Gothic Toggs: My products went to the Oscars this weekend!!

My Snarling Darling

2012-02-29T11:24:00.003-06:00

My welcome home committee consists of happy faces and one snarling darling... My Tommy. He is a little GROUCH! I dream of the days when he was little and he would let me snuggle him close, play fetch with him and dress him in cute little outfits. Unfortunately those days gave way to the cantankerous, grouchy old man/dog, he is today.Yet, I still dream of the cute little t-shirts I could buy or the sweaters I could crochet.... sweet, sweet thoughts...

These dreams led me to Deborah Mazarakes Designs and these adorable t-shirts...

Then I remembered Tommy's personality... which led me to these Designs By Hafapea

If only Tommy were still willing to get dressed up! I would definitely add all four of these to his wardrobe! There are so many more to choose from at each of the above shops.All Fantastic!

Lastly, I dream of putting him in his very own Grouchy Oscar Hat custom made by me, a.k.a. Aunt Wednesdays.

I like a bit of mongrel myself, whether it's a man or a dog; they're the best for everyday.

~George Bernard Shaw

Tommy is growling, I guess it's his snack time... Happy Shopping!

Trinkets Of Fancy™ 's Blog: Check these great artists and creatives!

2012-02-28T11:48:00.000-06:00

Trinkets Of Fancy™ 's Blog: Check these great artists and creatives!: These pages belong to some of the most creative women I know. All of my IE peeps inspire me almost daily, but these are a few that I would l...

Featured on Hafapea!

2012-02-17T13:41:00.002-06:00

Pictures of our Leprechaun Line - featured on Hafapea

http://hafapea.posterous.com/the-leprecaun

Gothic Rag Doll

2012-02-17T13:27:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure that you can get much more fun than this skateboard deck...

http://www.zazzle.com/pink_gothic_rag_doll_skateboard-186089702933366458?gl=Hafapea

So many fun designs to choose from!

The indiExhibit: Weekly Wrap Up!

2012-02-16T15:22:00.000-06:00

The indiExhibit: Weekly Wrap Up!: Welcome to a special edition of "The indiExhibit Weekly Wrap Up"! Today we not only post our wrap up on a different day, but we are also loo...

modern and retro designs by deborah mazarakes: Modern and Retro Designs for Throw Pillows

2012-02-15T22:56:00.000-06:00

modern and retro designs by deborah mazarakes: Modern and Retro Designs for Throw Pillows: I am so happy that Zazzle now offers custom designed throw pillows. It's not always easy to find the perfect throw pillow to accent your cou...

David Gray - This Year's love

2012-02-15T01:23:00.000-06:00

2012-02-15T00:04:00.000-06:00

Ways I saw love today, Valentines 2012…

1. A mom rushing through the store, with 2 toddlers, to pick up cupcakes to take to her older daughters Valentine’s party.

2. A gentleman showing off a text from his grown daughter that said: “Daddy you are the most important man in my life- Happy Valentine’s Day … I <3 U

3. Dear friends, who have been struggling, announce that they are going to save their 20 year marriage.

4. Flowers being gifted

5. Balloons being shared among friends

6. Cards received

7. A grandpa buying candy for his grandkids

8. A dad surprising his daughter at work with chocolate covered strawberries

9. Emails exchanged

10. My personal favorite- a love letter that said in part:

“You place the worth in my walk. My uniqueness keeps me endeavoring goals, but your involvement makes all of them so fun and exciting!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUY7KYeWGzc

Trailing the Truth-Fairy

2012-02-10T21:42:00.001-06:00

Brooke Hogan, an American singer, actress, model and the oldest child of professional wrestler, Hulk Hogan, is pictured here holding the book-
"Trailing the Truth Fairy" Written by: Noelle Dunn.
This book is a AWESOME! Aunt Wednesdays owns a copy and we LOVE it!
(Melody smiles in the background as Brooke graciously shows off this wonderful book!)

Trailing the Truth-Fairy: A Poetic Journey; written by poet and elementary teacher, Noelle Dunn, is a GREAT BOOK!

I received this wonderful book for Christmas 2011. It is a must-have collection of original poetry brought to life by a very gifted Lady!

One of my favorites lines from Trailing the Truth-Fairy: A Poetic Journey...

“Hope floats above the shade of the old evergreen tree

Fueling the wish, the dream inside of me” –Noelle Dunn

Noelle has published two books-

A Portrait of the Human Heart: A Collection of Poetry (2009)

"Trailing the Truth Fairy: A Poetic Journey (2011)

Noelle’s work is available in print and ebook formats on itunes, bn.com, and lulu.com.

You can learn more about Noelle’s work by following her blog, and liking her page on facebook www.collectionofpoetry.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/NoelleDunnPoet

To Be Me Jewelry: I Won a Mohair Scarf from Aunt Wednesday's!

2012-02-10T20:26:00.000-06:00

To Be Me Jewelry: I Won a Mohair Scarf from Aunt Wednesday's!: A couple of months ago I won a beautiful tan mohair scarf from Aunt Wednesdays . April Robinson is the founder of Aunt Wednesdays and a fant...

Josh Sussman and Aunt Wednesdays

2012-02-04T19:10:00.000-06:00

Josh Sussman with Aunt Wednesdays Miss Melody Doll at the 2011 American Music Awards

Eeeeeee! According to his twitter account - Josh Sussman will appear in a 2012 Super Bowl Ad, this Sunday!

Josh Sussman (featured above- holding my Miss Melody Doll) is best known for his role as Hugh Normous on Wizards of Waverly Place and Jacob Ben Israel on Glee. Josh will appear in the 2012 Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial with Sir Elton John and The X factor Winner, Melanie Amaro! I’m totally watching the Super Bowl!

Miss Melody is one of our TabbyAbbyz™ Custom Made Dolls. She was destined for fame when she made the trip to Hollywood (via www.theindiexhibit.org) for display at the 2011 American Music Awards GBK Gift Lounge. She appeared in pictures with Jasmine Villegas, The Situation, Brooke Hogan and many others. Check out our new Hollywood page created by www.bgstudiosphotography.blogspot.com to see pictures from this event.

TabbyAbbyz™ dolls are fully jointed and their heads turn. "Melody" is not intended for play with small children, because of her small necklace and hair accessories. However, the fun thing is that you can order you own TabbyAbbyz™ doll with all of the following choices:

SKIN TONE: Porcelain White, tan (pictured), brown.
EYE COLOR: Blue, Green, Brown, lavender (or any color you want)
MAKEUP: bright pink (as shown), tans, blues, earth tones, red
HAIR: pigtails, curly, short, long, medium, braids, buns
CLOTHING: Tutu, Sweaters, shirts, pants, pantaloons, corsets, slippers,
JEWELRY: Necklaces, Rings, Earrings, lip ring,

You get to decide exactly what you want your TabbyAbbyz™ Doll to look like. You can also decide if she will be made with the intention of safety for the littlest hands or if she will be ready for the red carpet with her very own Swarovski Crystal Jewelry.

For more information about our products, please check out all of the new features on our blog and visit our Etsy Store. Happy Super Bowl Weekend!

Public Service Announcement!

2011-10-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

People who hold grudges and hate their whole life (or a good portion of it) are ridiculous! GET OVER IT! To the ex who is still looking for ways to justify cheating 3 times. GET OVER IT ! She is trying to move on.... Leave her alone!!!! To the daughter-in-law holding a vicious grudge against her mother-in-law for the grievous act of breathing... GET OVER IT! To the teenage girl who hasn't talked to her daddy in 8 months, because her nasty mom rewards such behavior, GET OVER IT! To the adult, who is holding a 20 year old grudge over something someone said in middle school to you ... GET OVER IT!

1. Cheaters always Cheat.... move on.... block them, don't believe they will change, THEY WON'T!
2. Life is much easier if you love your MIL and thank her for raising the good man you have married!
3. The time you held onto so tightly, being mad, is gone FOREVER!
4. Mom's should never keep good, upstanding, honorable daddy's from their kids, just to be STUPID!
5. You might as well forget whatever it was that someone said, because I guarantee, after 20 years, they have .

This has been a Public Service Announcement, please resume your normal activities, grudge free and learn to GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!

So Excited and BUSY!

2011-06-25T11:45:00.006-05:00

I have sadly ignored my blog as the business has grown, but here it sits waiting to assist me with the growth of my business.... IF i use it! Sigh

We have so many new items at www.auntwednesdays.etsy.com

We are sponsoring a 3,000 Fan Bash at Diaper Designs by Kim
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=229131580442554&id=188844011137978&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/pages/Diaper-Designs-by-Kim/188844011137978 Where you can win one of our Owl Purses with Matching Hat

We are also sponsoring a 2,500 Fan Giveaway at Purseonality Boutique.

You can enter to win an Aunt Wednesdays Watermelon Hat and Matching Mary Janes http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=229131580442554&id=188844011137978&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/purseonalitybtq

We are currently working with two Great local photographers!

Kristin Labotte Photography

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kristin-LaBotte-Photography/156633494350630

Johnna Watkins Photography Marion, IL

http://www.facebook.com/#!/johnnawatkinsphotography

Thank you, all of my great customers and friends, for your support, encouragement, ideas and orders! Love, April

When I Think I've heard it All........

2011-03-03T22:21:00.000-06:00

So I am not one to talk about my job but this was too crazy to pass up..

I'm at work and this guy walks in and says "excuse me, I was using the bathroom behind your building and I looked down and saw this set of keys" and then he proceeds to try to hand them to me!!!!!!!!!!

Background info- There is no "bathroom" behind the building (just a dumpster)

Needless to say, I didn't touch the keys!
Shocking to say, I didn't pass out from the sheer horror of what kinds of bacteria may be on those keys!
While the entire episode was absolutely disturbing, I have not stopped laughing all day! Even tonight while sitting here, I am still bursting out in giggles and still blushing!!!

No Smile Day!

2011-02-16T22:54:00.000-06:00

Picture Day!

Corde and I had a big day! My sweet pumpkin needed some new pics and I get to use them on my store, blog and brag about our little darling on Facebook! We started the day with Oatmeal and dry cheerios in the highchair while I blew dry and styled her hair (which never stays) She has so much hair – Oh My Gracious! When that was done Grandma put on her first outfit, then I packed her bags (yes, plural) and off we went! We went to Picture Me Studio in Marion Wal-Mart…. (I was skeptical). We had the best PHOTOGRAPHER!!!! Whitney was so professional and great with Corde. Our grumpy girl decided she would not smile today! Whitney worked with her for over an hour, took 70? pics, was extremely patient while I continually changed Cordelah’s clothes and chased her all over the studio. I brought pink tulips with us and she took great pics while our little angel peeled the stems apart and probably squished them into the backdrop. I would have loved to see Corde’s pretty mouth full of teeth, but she is obviously shy and didn’t want to show them. I have so many pics it will take me forever to load them so only going to post a few tonight. Corde must have been tired because she took a 4 1/2 hour nap when we got home!

And if you’re wondering, yes, the items Corde is modeling are available at www.auntwednesdays.etsy.com

Heirloom Quality Christening Gown

2011-01-31T22:38:00.001-06:00

It gave me such complete joy to design and create this beautiful christening/baptism gown for a newborn

To learn more about this dress follow the link www.auntwednesdays.etsy.com

Aunt Wednesdays Wednesday!

2011-01-29T00:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know its is Friday! But Wednesday was a good day that deserved to be shared. I dropped mom at the dr and took Corde shopping with me. My little sweetie is growing up to be like her Aunt! She LOVES yarn! I went to our local Hobby Lobby to pick up a few skeins for some special orders. Corde was in the cart and I would push her to the section of yarn i wanted while she proceeded to pull skein after skein into the cart in the colors she liked. She picked up a pretty plum, for the hat Harmony ordered, wrapped her arms around it and squeezed then she gave it a kiss! she rode all thru the store holding that shein of yarn and cuddling and rocking it like it was her baby! Finally I said to her that we needed to go look at buttons (for christening gown) she gently sets her yarn aside and said "no! me button!....... belly button!" and laughed and laughed . It was so cute to see her make a joke!! Later that evneing one of my friends stopped by and we went and had a cup of coffee at the bookstore, so relaxing, i skimmed through some new pattern books, hoping for ideas, lots of beautiful new things out there to make! Another day of being reminded once again that the biggest gifts, best joys, come from our Loving Father.He is not just the big picture, but also in the small details! The gift of watching a little one learn to love soft yarns, learn to tell jokes, the relaxation offered over a cup of coffee with a friend..... Thank you Lord for Wednesday and also for today!

Blessed!

2011-01-23T21:55:00.001-06:00

What a crazy day this has been! I have had a terrible migraine, but have had a seriously blessed day! I have had so many wonderful orders today that I am still up, boxing stuff for shipping! Thank You, Jesus! I still have one more to crochet, then off to bed i go! Lots and lots of new listings! Check em' out! http://www.auntwednesdays.etsy.com/

New Raccoon Hats by Aunt Wednesdays

2011-01-18T18:32:00.002-06:00

http://www.auntwednesdays.etsy.com/

In Chicago? Carbondale? Herrin?

2011-01-18T10:27:00.000-06:00

Autumn Faivre & her sister Mercedes Dec 31, 2010

Autumn Faivre, Age 17, Herrin, Illinois

Last SeenOn January 8, 2011

If you have seen Autumn or have any info please contact:

Lula Boyd 618-889-7371

or the

Herrin Police Department 618-942-4132,

(or your local law enforcement, she is listed nationally)

Anonymous tips suggest Audy has been spotted in the Chicago area, Her hair color may have been changed!

Autumn, Honey, we love you, please come home!

Her parents, the police, family, friends and even complete strangers are looking for her! Please take a good look at her beautiful face!! If you see her please contact one of the numbers above!

Also, please note: if you know where she is and you are not telling, you could be facing legal charges! SHE IS A MINOR!!!!!!!!!!

Aunt Wednesdays Featured on Babies are Precious!

2011-01-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d33c43210768eef65a11dd4/babies-are-precious

New Listings/ Beautiful Photography

2011-01-16T23:54:00.001-06:00

Total Props to http://www.photographybyjessicarivera.com/ for some amazing photography of some of my items! She did a great job and the baby is soooooo cute!!!!

There are lots of new listings on the store! Ladybug, skunk, bumble bee, racoon, panda and my favorite the owl! We also have a small selection of headbands and hairbows!

COMING SOON: Preemie Daisy Crochet Headbands