Sunday, March 27, 2011

Got Milk? Fair Oaks Farm Cow Scrapbook Layout and Cow Embellishments

First let me send out a warm welcome to all of the new followers and a special thank you to Momo for her great jump start for new bloggers. It has been fun checking out every one's blogs!

I  am so sorry I have not been around a lot lately. One of the symptoms of Behcets is eye inflammation and it has been a real challenge lately. I have also been dealing with an insurance company that refuses to approve Remicaid that was prescribed by the National Institute of Health. This is an expensive chemo type infusion drug that has been working miracles for many people with rheumatory arthritis. However, it has not been approved for Behcets, but many people have had success with it. NO DRUG has been approved for Behcets. It is an "orphan disease" which means that because it is so rare it is not worth the drug companies' time to investigate possible cures. So while we watch other people with other  autoimmune diseases have opportunities for drugs to work we are at the mercy of insurance companies to decide whether or not we are allowed an opportunity to try a drug that may help. So far the Behcets/Lupus and medicine side effects have caused seizures, diabetes (from steroid use) 13 miscarriages, cognitive loss (my IQ dropped from the superior range to borderline), chronic gall bladder inflammation which cause the removal of my gall bladder, surgery on both knees, neuropathy, destruction of my female organs causing a hysterectomy, cardiac disease, a heart attack, chronic urniary tract infections, internal bleeding of uknown cause, eye inflammation, tinnitus, blood clots, balance issues, skin rashes, GI issues, painful mouth and genital ulcers,  parathyroid disease, hypercalcimia, vitamin D deficiency, severe headaches that make migraines seem like hiccups and language issues that come and go that make people think I have had a stroke and make writing difficult some days. But the thing I am most afraid of is losing my eye sight. As an artist I just can not imagine my life not being able to see all the colors of the world. And it is frustrating indeed to have an insurance company be able to over rule the National Institute of Health. So now we have applied to the drug company and holding our breath, praying they will have more compassion than my insurance company. Please keep this need in your prayers:)

I do have a scrapbook layout to share today.

Growing up I had family members who were farmers. So I spent my share of time helping with bringing crops in and on occasion milking cows on my Great Uncle's Diary Farm in Chesaning, MI. And having my fair share of milking cans kicked over! LOL

However, my boys are true city slickers. While we have had an occasional small garden, they certainly have never experienced a dairy farm. So we took a vacation day and stopped by Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Indiana. What a day we had! The boys loved the interactive displays that taught them all about milk, but they especially loved watching calves being born. And it was really fun to go get a cold glass of chocolate milk with our lunch afterwards! Somehow it tastes better on the farm!

Here's a video of the Fair Oaks Farm, before you take a peak of our fun on the farm!

For more information on Fair Oaks:http://www.fofarms.com/en/visit_us

Here's my layout of our vacation fun!





I made the cows out of mulberry paper. Please contact me using the button at the top of the right hand side of the blog if you are interested in purchasing a set. (Cows vary, please let me know if you are interested in whole cows or peek a boo cows. Cows are $10.00 for a set of three.)


The ribbon was purchased at Hobby Lobby. The paper unfortunately has been discontinued. The sign was done with a  retired Sizzix Sign  die.


The only place I will go to purchase my mulberry paper is http://tear-bears.com/
Tara's paper is consistently thick. If it is not thick enough it will not fluff. She also sells patterns, accessories and more. She is awesome to work with and very reasonably priced. After I move into my new studio in the fall, I will do a video on how to make tear bear animals:)



Have a moo-tivating day filled with lots of moo-memorable scrapping moo-ments!

Elizabeth





16 comments:

  1. So cute! Love the fuzzy cows!

    Sending prayers up that you can get the drugs you need!!
    Hate insurance companies!

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  2. WOW! another superb layout. I just love the embellies you use.

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  3. what a wonderful LO. love the cows. stopping by from momo's, and am a new follower.

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  4. Glad to see you enjoying some craft time today.
    Great layout and oh, my, what an interesting video. Unbelievable... I have been on lots of farms but nothing like this one.
    Take care of yourself.

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  5. super cute cows...i hope your feeling well soon. I've been sent by MOMO, isn't she fabulous. Love your blog. I'm now a new follower. Would love if you dropped by mine. www.canadiancraftcorner.blogspot.com

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  6. awww! These are some really cute layouts! I am a new follower, sent by Momo! Isn't she awesome for doing this!
    I would be blessed if you would pop by my blog at www.scrappingmamahen.blogspot.com
    Kristin

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  7. Super cute layout!! Love cows!! good luck on everything you need
    Momo sent me and now your new follower
    cecy

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  8. This made me miss my gpa and the good ole days of bringing the cows in to milk on the dairy. :) Great times! Spent loads of summers there (TN) growing up. :)
    I hope the drug company pulls through for you. That is a shame about your insurance co. Ergh!
    I came over from Momo's and became a follower. If you would like to check out my blog and become a follower I am at:
    http://myneed2craft.blogspot.com
    ~Terri

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  9. Hi Terri,
    Thanks for stopping by! I am already a follower on your blog. Love your stuff:)

    Elizabeth

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  10. Love the layout!! I am a new follower!! I have a blog award waiting for you on my blog!! You can pick it up here:
    http://pigtailsandpapertrails.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-blog-award.html

    Tonia

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  11. this is so fun!! lovely layout!

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  12. I really hope that you can get the drugs you need, and that you find solace in crafting. I will say a prayer for you. I'm a new follower...Momo sent me...I would love for you to stop by my blog as well :)

    http://indymermaid.blogspot.com

    PS - I love the layout! The cows are sooo cute :)

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  13. Elizabeth - wonderful LO.

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for leaving a sweet message. Hope you enjoyed the "hop".

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  14. Elizabeth,
    Thank you so much for becoming a follower on my blog. I'm so glad that Momo has given all of us the opportunity to meet and share our creations. I just love this lay out and I've enjoyed looking at all the wonderful things you've done. I also wanted to say that I think you are an amazing woman. I've read many of your posts and it seems that while you and your family are faced with many challenges you do whatever you have to in order to make it work. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

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  15. Awesome lo! thanks for sharing!

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  16. This is the cutest layout ever. I just love the cows! I am a new follower and thanks for sharing.

    callahancountrybugs.blogspot.com

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