Sassy Cheryl's Daily Updates

Sally and another set of bugs. . .

2012-03-01T11:02:00.001-08:00

Ladybugs as this. There isn't anything sweeter.

Sally Kisses a Ladybug. . . .now available in Sassy Cheryl's Digis shop.

Callie and a Sweet Bluebird

2012-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Now available. . . .Callie Kisses a Bluebird.

Pirates treasure. . .

2012-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

in the bath tub!
Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop. . . .by request. Noah Plays Pirate in the Bath. He's a sneaky little thing. And check out the frog. Poor ladybug!

Polly, Noah & their bunnies. . . .

2012-02-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

Noah & His Bunny Bandit . . .AND. . . Polly & Butterscotch, have now joined the bunny group.

Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop.

Callie & Sally and their favorite bunnies.

2012-02-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Now available, by request in the Sassy Cheryl's Shop.

Callie & Her Bunny Bam Bam and Sassy Sally & Her Rag Bunny!

And then there was Polly

2012-02-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Polly likes to take a bath too, but she takes hers with her swimmies!

Now available at Sassy Cheryl's Digis. . . . Polly's Swim in the Bath.

Callie's Bath

2012-02-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

By request. Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop. . . .Callie's Relaxing Bath!
She didn't want to get her hair wet, so I pinned it up for her!.

Another sweet little Callie. . .

2012-02-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Callie & Her Ladybug Friends. Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop.

Loving Sassy Sally!

2012-02-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

I'm into drawing Sassy Sally lately and ladybugs too, so here's another little image for ya.

Now available at Sassy Cheryl's Digi's Shop. . . .Sassy Sally & Her Ladybug.

One more new and an Introduction. . . .

2012-02-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to Precious Callie. I love the name and when I looked it up, it means, Most Beautiful. I think it fits her perfectly. Don't you.

Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop. . . .Precious Callie.

ALSO

Here is another Sassy Sally for you. By request.

Now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop. . . . Sassy Sally Takes a Bath.

Another Sassy Sally

2012-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Well, Sassy Sally got a makeover since the SMThursday post was added.

She is now available in the Sassy Cheryl's Digi Shop.

Celebrating 100 Challenges!

2012-01-31T03:10:00.000-08:00

Hip-hip-horray! It's Challenge day. And today is extra special as we are celebrating our 100th challenge. Can you believe it? Where did the time go? I know a lot of people will say the same, but I have the BEST and most talented Design Team ever and I can't even begin to tell you how FABULOUS my DT Coordinator Peggy Marsh is. You just have no idea. She's just the best ever. I hope that you will share a little extra love with all of them for their amazing inspirational creations that they provide for you each week. Each and every one of them are AWESOME!!!

We have some great prizes, giveaways and a sale going on to celebrate.

For this weeks challenge Sassy Cheryl's is having a BUY TWO GET ONE FREE sale in both the Digi shop as well as the colored illustrations shop. Order as many or as little as you like. Just enter 100CELEBRATE in the discount box to receive the discount. This sale will run through February 6th. . . .so have fun shopping.

We also have some great prizes/giveaways as well. . . .Check this out!

1st Place Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to the Sassy Cheryl's Shop.

2nd Place Prize: The newly released EXCLUSIVE rubber stamp set Lovely Lulu , generously donated by Kraftin Kimmie.

3rd Place Prize: $15 Gift certificate to the Sassy Cheryl's Shop.

4th Place Prize: ALL of the gorgeous DT cards from this weeks challenge.

So come along and celebrate with us. I'd love to see you join in the fun to help me and the Sassy Design Team celebrate! See you there!

Noah's Big Heart

2012-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Sassy Sally has fallen. . . .

2012-01-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

. . .in LOVE that is.
Now available as a Digi stamp or Colored Illustration.

2012-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Sassy Sally wants to share her sunshine. You Are My Sunshine. . . .now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration with 'phrasing'.

Polly's Tea Cup

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

By request. . . . .Polly's Tea Cup. Available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

And then there was Lucy. . . .

2012-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Lucy has a heart to give away. I think she's in love.

Now available as a Digi stamp or Colored Illustration.

1st Valentine of 2012

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

First Valentines image of 2012. Hope you like her. Now available as a Digi image or Colored Illustration.

Poor Sally. . . .& a New Snowman

2012-01-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration. Sassy Sally's Weigh In.

AND

Coffee Break Snowman. Also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Fireman John

2012-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

First new thing added to the shops for 2012.

Fireman John. . . .now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

When I grow up . . . .

2012-01-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

I want to be just like this guy! And I'll tell you why. He has a PASSION for his art! Just watch these two videos and you'll see what I'm talking about. He is simply AMAZING! Over the Christmas holiday, someone posted the 2nd video, Moonlight, on their facebook page. The first time I watched it, I was hooked. The music is beautiful, but just watching him was so inspirational. You can't help but notice how 'into' it he is. Totally makes me smile! You can just feel the joy that he's feeling while playing both pieces. He inspires himself!

. . . . .And that's what I want to be like this year when I'm drawing. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, but I want that overwhelming passion like he has. To get lost in my art. To feel it. To be inspired by it. To LOVE it! Know what I mean?!

After watching the Moonlight video, over and over, I did a search and found many others. These are two of my favorites!!!!

Enjoy!

If you love Steven Sharp Nelson as much as I do. .. .here is a link to even more Piano Guys, videos.So, that's my New Years Resolution. Well, only one of them anyway. What's yours?

End of Year Sale

2011-12-31T04:52:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR. . . .well almost.

There's only one day left though. Where in the world did the time go.

To help you celebrate ringing in the New Year, I'm having a sale in both shops. Now through Sunday, January 1st, receive 30% OFF ALL digis and illustrations in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop and Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations. No need to enter any codes. Just add any items you'd like to your shopping cart and the 30% discount will already to applied. It's as simple as that. Have fun shopping and see you in the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let's Party!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Let's Party. . .Sassy Sally! Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

CYBER MONDAY SALE!

2011-11-28T03:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CYBER MONDAY!

Today is the busiest online shopping day of the year. So I'm joining in that famed tradition and offering 25% OFF in both the Digi Shop and Illustrations Shop.

Sale is ONE DAY ONLY! So enjoy!

Thanksgiving Day Sale. . . .

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

ALL WEEK LONG!

Now, through Friday, November 25th, all items in both the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop and Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations Shop are on sale. Take 15% off everything!

Have fun shopping!!!

Sally and a Snowman

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

Sassy Sally the Christmas Ornament. Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

And. . . . .by request

Hanging Star Snowman. Also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Just a sweet fairy. . . .

2011-11-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

Or, she could be an Angel. I'll let you decide.

Sally the Christmas Fairy. . . . Available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Santa's & Snowmen!

2011-11-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

You can never have TOO many!

By request. . . . .Cowboy Santa. Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND. . .

How's about another sweet little snowman?

Snowey & His Blue Bird. Also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Sally has a Favorite. . . .

2011-11-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

By request. . . . .now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration. Sally & Her Favorite Blankie.

She isn't being Very NICE!!!!!

2011-11-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Sassy Sally is up to no good. . . .but isn't she really cute doing it?!?!?!

Sassy Sally Plays a Trick. . . is now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Let's Skate!

2011-11-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Lucy Lou, Princess on Ice. . . ..Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Then came Polly & Noah. . . .

2011-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Sweet little Polly! Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Pretty Polly & Her Christmas Star.

AND. . . . .

Noah & His Swinging Christmas Star. . . . .also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

It's Lucy Lou & Sally too!

2011-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Now how's that for a sweetie?!?!?
Lucy Lou's Hanging Star. . . .available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND. . .

Sally & Her Hanging Christmas Star. . . . .Also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Noah & Polly the Christmas Elves

2011-11-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

As promised. . . .here are Noah and Polly!

Noah the Helpful Elf. . . .available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND

Mischievous Polly the Christmas Elf. . . . .also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

How about some elves. . . .

2011-11-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

By request. . . . .Sassy Sally the Sweet Little Elf. Available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND. . . .

Lucy Lou the Smug Elf. . . . .available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

And before you ask. Yes, Polly and Noah are in the works.

Honesty. . . .

2011-10-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

By Request. . . . A Scout Named Noah. Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Image.

Polly & Noah. . .

2011-10-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Polly, the Walking Birthday Gift. . . .or she'd be perfect for Christmas too.

Available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND

Noah's Surprise Gift. . . .Also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Celebrating a Birthday. . .

2011-10-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

. . . . .with Sassy Sally & Her Oversized Birthday Cake.

Now available as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

A Bear for Noah. . . .

2011-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration. Noah & Patches. What a great pair!!!

Bird chit chat

2011-10-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Noah, Tweety & Waldo. Priceless!

Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Meet Noah

2011-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Since the introduction of Sassy Sally, Lucy Lou & Polly, I have been swamped with requests for a little boy. So, I'd like to introduce you to Noah! I got the most requests for a boy when I drew Autumn Bench Sitter, so to make all of those who wrote happy, I did this one first. Hope you like him. There are more to come.

Noah & His Autumn Leaves is now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Lucy Lou & Sassy Sally's Gifts

2011-10-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sassy Sally's Secret Santa Gift. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND

Lucy Lou's Gift to Santa. . . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Let's see some snowmen. . .

2011-10-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

So, how about this little cutie.

Samantha Snowman & Her Special Gift. . . .Available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Polly & Buster

2011-10-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Polly & Her Bear Buster. . . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Now each of the girls have their own!

Oh, Lucy!!

2011-10-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

Lucy Lou & Her Bear Paddy. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Polly & Sally. . .

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Polly is a Perfect Little Angel. . . . available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

AND. . .

Sassy Sally & Her Perfect Teddy Bear Gift. . . .available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Meet Polly!

2011-10-20T03:43:00.000-07:00

Well it's official! This is Polly! I think the name suits her perfectly.

This image: Polly & Her Pumpkin is now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

And here is another. . . .

Pretty Polly & Her Star Balloons. . . .also available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

An Angel. . . or not?

2011-10-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm. That may be up for discussion.
Lucy Lou. . .the Falling Angel. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

A letter to Santa?

2011-10-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps!

Sally & Her Letter. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Let's have some fun. . . .

2011-10-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

With Lucy Lou.

Lucy Lou Plays Christmas Tree Dress-up. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Poor little Lucy!

2011-10-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Lucy Lou & Her Big Ornament Trouble. . . . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Gobble, Gobble!

2011-10-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sally and Her Thanksgiving Turkey. . . .Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

What's up?

2011-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

She doesn't know either!

Clueless Lucy Lou. The latest addition to the Sassy Cheryl's girls.

Available as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

Sally & Her Blue Birds

2011-10-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sally & Her Blue Birds. . . Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Farmer Sally

2011-10-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Farmer Sally. . . Now available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

I'm not going to mention any names, but I have had someone BUGGING me for this little farmer gal. I'm hoping to do a boy as well. . . .BUT NOT TODAY! :) hee hee! You know I love ya Dawn!

Candy Cane Sally

2011-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Candy Cane Sally

I don't think she's going to share.

Now available as a digi stamp or colored illustration.

Couldn't resist!

2011-10-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Forgotten Gift.

Not sure why I named her that, but I like her. Now available as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

By Request. . .

2011-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Autumn Bench Sitter.

Now available in both shops as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration. We had the Bear and by request, here is the little girl.

Sassy Christmas Decorator

2011-10-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

Sassy Christmas Decorator is now available in both shops either as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Two more sassy gals!

2011-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Curtsy

Sassy Angel

Both are available as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

This could be trouble. . . . .

2011-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Now available as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

Tangled Up Christmas Caroler.

Reindeer Sally

2011-10-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

Is now available in both shops, either as a Digi Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Oh wow . . . .

2011-10-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

That's One Big Christmas Star! Now available in both shops either as a Digital Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

Just Released. . .

2011-10-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Christmas Package Overload.. . .

Available as a Digital Stamp @ Sassy Cheryl's Digis or as a Colored Illustration @ Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations.

And available in both shops!

Now available in BOTH shops

2011-10-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Cheesy Surprise Gift

Now available as a Digital Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Autumn Bear

2011-10-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

"Autumn Bear"

Now available in BOTH shops as Digital Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Now available in BOTH shops

2011-10-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

A Special Birthday Cupcake. . . .available as a Digi Stamp or a Colored Illustration.

Now available in BOTH shops

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet Little Gift. . . . .both as a Digital Stamp or Colored Illustration.

Now available. . . .

2011-09-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Christmas Tree Dress Up!

Available as both a colored image or a digital stamp.

Bow Legged Cutie

2011-09-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

Bow Legged Cutie!

Now available in both shops, either as a digital stamp or colored image.

Here come the Santas!

2011-09-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

You'd Better Not Pout-Santa!

Now available. . . .in colored or black & white digi.

Buy Two Get one Free Sale @ Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations!

2011-09-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Now going on at Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations. Enjoy!

Poor little snowman!

2011-09-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Now available at Sassy Cheryl's Digis. . . . .Barrel of Shame Snowman!

Something different!

2011-09-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey girls. Thought that'd I do something a little different for ya. Many of you have written asking about my coloring and how I do it on the Wacom Cintiq. Well, here's your answer. It's a little 'lengthy' so I'm not insulted if you don't watch the whole thing. hee hee!

Let me know how you like it. I have another in the works, but have 'shortened' it. May be a regular thing. Haven't decided.

Snowman Winter Fun. . .

2011-09-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Now available at Sassy Cheryl's Digis. Snowman Winter Fun!

Buy Two Get one Free Sale!

2011-09-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Buy Two, Get one Free Sale!

Just enter

B2G1

in the coupon code area at checkout to receive the discount.

The sale will run until the end of the month. . . .and maybe longer. Haven't decided yet, but you'll have until September 30th FOR SURE!

Have fun shopping!

Happy Juggling Snowman

2011-09-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Happy Juggling Snowman. . . . .Awwwwh!

Christmas Elf

2011-09-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Upset Elf.. . . now available at Sassy Cheryl's Digis.

Poor little fellow. I wonder if he broke it or is looking for the culprit? Hmmmm.

And yet another. . . .

2011-09-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

A Sassy Christmas Gift. . . .now in the Sassy Cheryl's Digis Shop.

First snowman of the season!

2011-09-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Let's Have a Talk Snowman

You all know how much I LOVE drawing snowmen, so here is the first of the season. Hope you enjoy him.

Now available. . .

2011-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Praying for Peace. . . .as a little boy as well as a little girl.

Round up for Tripp Update

2011-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, they have continued the efforts in raising money for Tripp Oldham. I wanted to share this note that was received by myself as well as all of the General Managers of the stores participating. I thought you would like hearing the update.

Dear Both Inc. owners and employees,

I wanted to take a moment to extend to you my most sincere thanks and appreciation for your efforts in raising money to help my son, Tripp. I am absolutely amazed by the caring and concern you all have shown toward our family.

When I received the link to the lungs4life blog created by Mrs. Alger I was overwhelmed when I saw the amount of money that all of you raised in such a short period of time. This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to join in the efforts at the Charleston store and work beside the General Manager's Wife, Liz Pace. To see the employees excitement as they shared the information with guests was encouraging and uplifting in this time when the task seems so unattainable.

As a parent, my biggest fear was that Tripp would need his transplant before we could afford to give him that chance. With efforts such as yours, I have renewed faith that we will be able to meet the financial needs in time to give Tripp a second chance at life. The time is coming faster than we were originally told which is why your help at this time is making a tremendous difference in our efforts.

Again, please know that we are very thankful that Both Inc. and all of those who are a part of the company are compassionate, caring and willing to help us. Every dollar raised is one closer to a successful future for Tripp. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.

Sincerely,

Alana Richey

Tripp's Mother

Update on Tripp:

Tripp will undergo 4 days of intensive testing to finalize his approval as a transplant recipient here in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina beginning the week of the 12th. The test will be extremely invasive and taxing on his body. He has already finished 3 tests which he passed. He is trying desperately to gain weight and has been put on a 5,000 calorie per day diet. He weighs about 98 lbs. now and they need him to have extra weight since he will lose some during transplant. He is on oxygen at night and when ever he is doing any walking, exercise or just feels as though he needs it. He attends pulmonary rehabilitation twice a week which is a requirement for at least 12 weeks prior to transplant. He is in great spirits, learning about his life after transplant and making plans for all the things he will be able to do with his new lungs.

Stocking Full of Coal

2011-09-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

Looks like they weren't very good this year! Poor things! Stocking Full of Coal. Available as either a boy or a girl.

Birthday Leader

2011-09-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

New to the Sassy Cheryl's Digis store. Birthday Leader!!!!

Labor Day Sale!

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, this little girls face says it all! I think she's a little 'miffed that school will be starting soon. Oh well, that's life!

But since they are going back to school, if not all ready and since Labor Day is quickly approaching, I thought that I'd run a sale. How does that sound?

20% OFF

in both the Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations shop as well as the Sassy Cheryl's Digis shop until midnight on Monday, September 5th!

Enjoy!

Story Teller

2011-08-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Available as a colored illustration (Sassy Cheryl's Illustrations) or as a digi stamp (Sassy Cheryl's Digis)

Inspiration

2011-08-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you, I have had a very hard week! I can't get over this overwhelming sadness that has filled my heart for Cole and his family. It's just been wearing heavily on my heart! I don't know Cole very well, but I sat and spoke with both his mom and dad (Kelly & Clement) during the past two lacrosse seasons. Kelly is a live wire, but let me tell you, they are some of the best people that you could ever hope to come in contact with.

I think what I love most about Kelly, is that she always had us all laughing, and of course, I picked on her a lot. I'm sure that you ALL know that about me, so it doesn't come as a shock. And competitive, OMGosh! I thought I was bad! You have no idea! She's really a HOOT!

I said all of that to say this, Cole is leaving tomorrow for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta with his mother, so I wanted to share a couple of photos with you, so that you can see who this wonderful family is that you'll be praying for.

I have to admit, that I didn't ask for permission from the family to post these, so Kelly, Clement, if you're reading this, I hope you will forgive me.

The first photo is one that was taken at the State Championship game this past May. Isn't he just the sweetest young man! Remember this smile often and his love for life!

The 2nd photo is of the entire family. Starting from the left is his older brother Quint, Cole, Kelly & Clement. I wanted you to see this photo, so you would remember who you're praying for!

And don't let Kelly's smile fool ya! Don't mess with her boys! :)

And finally, below are 2 entries that were on Cole's site the last couple days and I have to tell you, I LOST it when I read both of them. God is working through him already and doing AMAZING things with him.

Please remember to keep all of them in your prayers and thank you again for the sneak peeks on your cards. They are really making me smile.

Saturday Night: Aug 20

Posted 14 hours ago

Well, let me first take the edge off this Update: Cole had a really good day! His ventilator weaning protocol is challenging but he's up to it and he did his 3 five minute reps without vent support successfully. We're still fighting fluid in his lungs which reguires "Chest PT"; this is where the bed vibrates for up to 20 minutes. However, on two ocassions I was called in to vigorously shake him while the nurse performed suction causing a gag reflex. All the while he's doing a silent cough and tearing up from the exercise - tough practice for a father - harder for the son. But I did say it was a good day! This morning, he started with about 8-10 friends visiting. Cole's friends are the most dedicated, loyal and caring bunch of teenagers I've seen. I've been duly impressed. It was a great visit, Cole smiled more today than he has ALL WEEK. And "let me tell ya' what" Cole's smile warmed my heart and brightened the room. I thanked those young people for that - it was they that brought that kindred spirit. Cole napped and was then transferred to "the chair". This "chair" allows Cole to sit upright and today he did so for around 7 hours - a really great effort! This helps his breathing, fluid, everything - so it's important he do this. Then he and his uncle Jon Paul watched a movie. This may sound like a trivial event but despite being in the hospital all week staring at walls, he has RARELY watched TV. Not sure why ... So, yes, this was significant.
Tonight Kelly, Jon Paul and I were able to slip out to dinner with some friends and leave Cole with my parents Kim & Anne. Yeah, they're still kicking it, live in the area on the Mattaponi River (Google: Mantapike).
After getting back to the room this evening, Cole felt compelled to spell something for his mom and me. So while Kelly wrote on the whiteboard, I worked with Cole in what he was trying to say. (We get better each day at communicating!)
And this what he spelled: "GOD SHOWED ME THE LIGHT TODAY" and he smiled.

Sunday morn, 9:09

Posted 7 hours ago

It's Sunday morning and I am rejoicing! Cole is truly doing better than I could have ever expected. It seemed he took a dramatic turn yesterday after fighting a high fever (103.2)from a blood infection caused by the main line used to administer meds, etc. His fever is down, for the most part...still fluctuates...but is manageable now that he is on antibiotics. This hurdle should be licked in no time. Most importantly, after working his "****" off all day (really, it is nurse Monika that kicks his butt for him!!!!) he was able to really clear his lungs and breath better. It was painful and exhausting, but he was a trooper and dug deep to fight through it. We have been able to get to great results off the ventilator (10 minutes straight!!!) because of the work Monika is putting him through. Woo hoo!!!

The best part of yesterday, though, was Cole's comment that really moved me and brought me the most joy I've felt in 9 days. When he spelled out "God showed me the light today" with the most unbelievable look of peace and happiness on his face I could hardly contain myself. I just gushed with questions like, "what was it like? Was it the most fabulous thing you've ever seen? I want you to remember everything so when you can talk you can describe it to me in detail...." and on and on. And then Cole said to me, "It was more like a feeling" and then he said it was awesome and he was no longer afraid. And then he cried lots of tears, but good tears, not painful tears. It was beautiful.

I then spent the rest of the evening acting as "scribe" for Cole, instant messaging his friends on facebook that saw the status update he wanted me to post for him. It was a really amazing evening; one I would never have wished for, but one that I would not have traded for the world. We love you all, with hearts that are full of hope and love. We are so grateful that Cole is fully aware that all of you are behind him in his recovery and strengthened in a mighty way that God has his back and will never leave him.

Study Buddies

2011-08-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Now available at Sassy Cheryl's illustrations as a colored illustration or at Sassy Cheryl's Digis as a digi stamp. Enjoy!

Cards for Cole

2011-08-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are not members or regular followers of my PCP, you may not know about Cole Sydnor, one of Zach's lacrosse teammates. Last Thursday, Cole and some of his friends were swimming in the James River here in Richmond, Virginia. Cole, dove into the river and hit his head on a rock. He fractured his spinal cord. The Lord was truly watching over him, as his friends quickly noticed that he had been injured and got him out of the river. Unfortunately, the injury was very severe and Cole is now paralyzed from the chest down. It is such a tragedy! I have not been really able to function normally since. It just upsets me so. You hate to hear of this happening to anyone, but it is going to be such a hard road for this 16 year old.

Zach is handling it well and will soon be able to visit. He had planned on going yesterday, but it just wasn't possible. . . .but for a VERY GOOD reason. Cole had his breathing tube removed. Praise God for that. Also, his mother, and I don't blame her, is limiting his visits as they don't want him to get too worn out. I know Kelly, and she certainly is a good watch dog to have around!

I am asking that you pray for Cole and the family and pray that as he heals, more feeling and movement will return. What I would like to ask, and this would mean so much to the family, is if you could possibly make a card for Cole. I do not know his room number so what I am asking, is if you would send them to me and then I will take them to the family when I visit. He has had a lot of friends and family visiting right now, so I am going to wait a while before I actually go. He needs his friends around him, so I will gladly wait my turn.

Please send all cards to:

Cheryl Alger

9413 Hope Glen Court

Mechanicsville, VA 23116

For anyone who would like to follow Cole's status and updates by his family, you may do so by going to CarePages.com and entering colesydnor in your search. You will have to sign up for an account to follow for security purposes.