I hope I can get through this post without bawling like a baby! We’ve had several “Miracles” this Christmas. You know who you are and we love you! Shane and I feel so blessed. But one I want to share with you has touched us so deeply I would feel wrong not sharing it.
Well…. as if we as a family need any more financial hardships and trials thrown our way right now eh? It seems like when it rains it pours so the expression goes! Early last week… our washing machine pretty much quit on us. This is not a good thing when you have 8 people in your family and the dirty clothes pile grows by the hour…. even minute! LOL I have been a wreck watching the “Mt. Everest” of dirty laundry get bigger and bigger feeling completely helpless knowing we weren’t getting a new washing machine anytime soon. We just cannot afford this right now. Things are still so tight there’s just no way.
Well…. finally after a week of watching it all pile up and having panic attacks over it (okay…. that’s not true but it’s felt like it at times! LOL) because I’m that person who does one or two loads a day in order to stay on top of it all….. I took it all to the neighborhood laundry mat. Bailee went with me to help which was awesome and made the time pass quickly as we got to have some mother/daughter time and she actually liked helping with it. I wish I would have taken a photo of it all in the back of the Tahoe! It was stacked EVERYWHERE! 3 hours and 22 loads later we were back at home putting it all away. I won’t even tell you how much money was spent on that many loads! Dude! It was sick! LOL
Anyhoo….. onto the miracle part! Over at my most favorite scrappy home on the web…. Create My Keepsake…. I had posted about how Bailee and I just did 22 loads of laundry in three hours and how crazy it was! And how grateful I was for modern conveniences now that I’m without a washing machine. Well…. this is the part that makes me bawl like a baby. Today my PayPal account has been growing by leaps and bounds as the “Washing Machine Donations” have rolled in. I am still overwhelmed with gratitude at the goodness and huge hearts of so many incredible women! You’ll never know how much this means to our family! I get to go buy a new washing machine tomorrow night after Shane gets home from work! I didn’t think this would happen for at LEAST several more weeks! Maybe longer!!
Thank you so much to my CMK Christmas Angels! The spirit of Christmas is very much alive and I’m not used to being on the “receiving” end of it. I prefer to be the one doing the giving! But the Lord provided through so many kind hearts and I love you each for it! My hubby & family thanks you too!
This is my very first Acrylic mini album! I had so much fun working on this! This is the Bo Bunny Clearly Mixed Up Holiday Album. So fun! Sorry you have to see my favorite Holiday recipes again but I wanted to create this and send it to a friend as a gift this year. Julia also worked with this album on the Bo Bunny Blog too! Love how these turned out! Just thought I’d share! 
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday season! We have all our girls with us through Christmas morning so we are enjoying our time together as a family while we can! Merry Christmas!
December 23rd, 2008
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 am
Meghan Says:
WoW!
I am so glad you had a “miracle”!!!!
Love the acrylic album. You are soooooooooooooooooo talented!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
Danielle Says:
What a GORGEOUS album and lovely gift that will be! Someone is so lucky to be the recipient of that! And I’m so proud of the CMK girls for helping out with your washer, it’s good to know there are still good souls out there. Merry Christmas, Shanna!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Diana Says:
What a beautiful miracle! Makes me so proud and happy to know there are still generous and loving people out there!
Merry Christmas and enjoy your new washer!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
LoRi Says:
Yeah, Shanna! Thank GOD for little miracles!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Melissa Says:
Thank goodness for so much good in the world. Gorgeous album BTW. And Merry Christmas!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Carolyn Says:
Bless your heart! So glad the miracle of Christmas landed your way. What an awesome story!
Love the album too!
Merry Christmas!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
Danielle C. Says:
What a miracle for you guys this Christmas! I am so happy for you Shanna! I love your mini, so gorgeous!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Liz Says:
Well deserved I’m glad it came thru for you…
Hugs
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:34 am
Kaelene Zapata Says:
I am so happy that a Christmas miracle happened for your family . . . especially in your time of need! I know that going to the laundromat is NOT so much fun!
Merry Christmas, girl! Gorgeous work, as usual!
♥ ya!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Katie Squires Says:
Thank-you, I happened upon your blog this morning while surfing scrap blogs and was delighted to find your Christmas Miracle post. God belss!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Teri Says:
Oh that makes me teary eyed. I love when the Christmas spirit shows up. That’s beautiful.
Merry Christmas Shanna!!!!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Leigh Says:
That’s so great, Shanna!
(I tried to contribute a little, but paypal was giving me grief! Grr… Sorry!!)
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Susan Says:
Shanna…congrats on your Christmas Miracle!! I love the Christmas spirit of giving!
You album is so pretty too!!
Merry Christmas!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Alison Says:
Shanna, I am so happy that you were blessed…that is such an awesome and inspiring story.
I also love your album…good job.
Enjoy the holidays.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Dianne Says:
Shanna, I have just sent an email to my friend saying that God is Great!!Her family have just received the results from the ultra scan done on her 4 year old Grandson, that he is now clear of cancer, he was diagnosed 10months ago with a tumor on his kidney, had the kidney removed and has had 9 months of Chemo. Yes Shanna, you deserved that washer, what with so much washing u should have 2 LOL. Enjoy your new washer. You have wonderful friends out there. Love the projects. Hugs
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Deanna Payne Says:
Wow, Shanna! That is one large group of amazing friends you have on that site. So glad you don’t have to keep going to the laundromat.
Your album is beautiful. You did an awesome job on it. I don’t ever expect anything less than awesome coming from you. You rock!
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Nicole Says:
Merry Xmas Shanna!
Love your album it is so cute! And enjoy your new washer!
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Hillary Says:
Oh wow! That’s a neat-o story! Glad everything worked out! Wish you guys were here for Christmas! Tell everyone I said hi! Love ya!
December 24th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Staci Taylor Says:
You deserve to be on the receiving end, girl! I’m SO happy to hear that you will be able to get the washer so much sooner!! LOVE your album too! Very merry christmas to you guys, shanna!
December 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Sasha Says:
Glad everyhing came through and you can get that laundry done, remember when you are a blessing to others you will be blessed .. “remember what I said in your pm” dont hesitate..
Happy Holidays .. love the AC Album boo
Sasha Holloway
December 24th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Wendy Kwok Says:
glad everything worked out. It is so heart warming to hear the miracle! God bless you.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Audrey Pettit Says:
Love ya, girl! Merry Christmas to you!
December 24th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Dana S. Says:
Sorry, a washing machine doesn’t exactly qualify as a Christmas miracle. Too many other people out there with REAL problems, a real miracle would be if you turned around and used that money to help others less fortunate, rather than yourself.
December 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
shanna Says:
I’m sorry you feel that way Dana. If you knew my family and our financial situation you would know how much of a blessing and miracle this really is. And that we as a family ARE constantly helping others less fortunate than ourselves. We’ve been paying it forward for a very long time. Not expecting anything in return. You have NO IDEA what our REAL problems are. And I’m sorry you weren’t touched with the spirit of Christmas by my story instead of a heart full of bitterness to leave such a negative comment. So sad.
December 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Julie Says:
Shanna,
I am a blog lurker over a CMK and found myself crying as I read your post…then I come here and see the comment from Dana and cannot believe that someone would post a comment like that. I don’t know you or her but feel sorry for her. Enjoy your new washer and have a great Christmas…it is a Crhistmas blessing!
December 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Brooke Brooks Says:
That is so wonderful that it all worked out. That sure does sounds like a Christmas miracle, no matter what that other chick says!
December 24th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Cheryl Says:
Shanna,
I am so thrilled and moved by your story regarding your WELL DESERVED Christmas miracle!
It seems we are always hearing horrible and sad stories on the news these days, it’s so heart-warming to hear your story. I don’t know you that well personally Shanna, other than through your blog (which I have followed for about as long as you have been writing!), I know that you have a heart of gold and are ALWAYS there caring and helping everyone others. You have inspired me in so many ways through your blog, I can’t think of anyone else that deserves a helping hand!!!! Please don’t let Dana’s comment bother you at all. She obviously doesn’t have a heart, much less any understanding of what others have to go through!
I hope you have a very blessed Christmas and enjoy the holiday with your beautiful family.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
TJ Says:
People like you who scam others are the lowest form of life. I feel sorry for those that got suckered into it. Shame on you.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Cheryl Says:
Wow…it’s really hard to believe there are such harsh people out there tonight making such hurtful comments to someone like Shanna….ESPECIALLY on Christmas Eve!
No one asked for help from anyone, especially not Shanna; However, people that know Shanna know what a wonderful person and family they are and wanted to help them in their time of need. Shame on you for not recognizing how deserving this family was and for your unkind words!
December 25th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Sheree Says:
Im so glad that there are some people in this world like you Shanna… you deserve so much more for the gorgeous person that you are… and im also glad that there are many people like the ones that donated the money for you to get a new washer….i wish you and your gorgeous family a very merry christmas….
hugs
sheree
December 25th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Amy W. Says:
Merry Christmas, Shanna!
No mind to those idiotic comments….they mean NOTHING.
Really, it’s just a little reminder that there are mindless fools still around. ha.
hugs,
Amy
December 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Ember S. Says:
SHANNA!!! I am THRILLED that you were able to get a new washer! AND I KNOW that you would never try to scam us or anything else STUPID like that! People are so IGNORANT and make RIDICULOUS comments about subjects and/or people and they really have NO idea what they are talking about.
I still love ya!! AND I hope you can just ignore all this CRAP and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS…with clean, fresh clothes!
December 25th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Janice Guazzo Says:
Pay no attention the the asshats that post stupid comments…you deserve anything your FRIENDS want to give you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family…the washing machine gods are on your side! Enjoy!
December 25th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
CindyS Says:
Shanna, PAY NO MIND to those people that find it in there very TINY, rock-hard, lump of coal hearts to be hateful to you at such a wonderful time of year.
I am sorry that they found their way onto your blog. I don’t know you personally but have seen NOTHING but WARMTH and kindness from you the whole time I have been with CMK.
HUGS to you and your family.
Merry Christmas!
I hope that this hasn’t ruined your day.
December 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Nicole Says:
wow! i am shocked at some people!! this is just crazy!! do they really hate life that much that they spend time reading people’s blogs and waste time posting negative comments to people they know nothing about?!! I’m sure all those who gave know you and your heart and did so because they know you were deserving because if you were all the things those horrible people said then i am quite sure nobody would have thought to give. I hope you and your family have a very merry christmas!
December 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Nicole Says:
and isn’t it so interesting that these people don’t have blogs or anything…. wow they are so brave!
December 25th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
lucy edson Says:
Shanna, I am so thrilled and excited for you!! Please don’t listen to anyone who would say otherwise! My heart was so touched by the group of ladies at CMK that showed what the Christmas Spirit is really all about! Merry Christmas!
December 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Jenny Says:
Wow! Some people!
Anytime someone gives from their heart…weather it be to an individual or to a church or to a charity…you trust that they do with that “gift” as it was intended…but churches and charities scam people all the time. So what does it matter if a person wants to give to someone to help them buy whatever it is they need in that moment? God sees into the giver’s heart and knows their intentions are GOOD! Obviously, those that posted negatively haven’t learned that lesson yet…
Enjoy your CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!
December 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Laura Stokes Says:
I found your site about two weeks ago as I was looking for acrylic storage. I have come back because you seem so genuine. I am so sorry for the washing machine situation and I’m even more sorry for those people who post with no heart. Obviously they don’t have family or friends or they wouldn’t be lurking around looking for a reason to complain and be negative! I found this story to be very moving and I cried! It was truly gifts from the heart and I don’t know, but it is a hunch, that you didn’t even mention the fact that you would like them to “contribute to your paypal account”. THAT is what Christmas and “GIVING” is all about. Giving to those in need. IT was a choice that everyone contributes. Jealousy from the nay-sayers with get them where they need to go!
December 27th, 2008 at 12:36 am
kateB Says:
I normally don’t say anything about negative posters, but I will say this to all the nasty people that have been leaving nasty anonymous comments…you are cowards…do you think if she was scamming people she’d buy a damn washing machine or dryer??? Those who are unhappy in their own life try to piss in other’s cornflakes; you all need a happy blessed “real” life; leave this chick alone; her good deeds probaly out number the small amount of brain cells you have. And yeah, I’m putting my REAL NAME on this post!
December 27th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Garsy Says:
I’m so glad you received your miracle! Some folks seem to have nothing better to do with their time then to make assumptions about your intentions when you posted about your laundry/washer problem. They obviously do not KNOW you or your family. They don’t KNOW the sacrifices you and your husband have made in this last year or ever for that matter. But you know what - it really doesn’t matter what they think. NO ONE’S arm was twisted. NO ONE told anyone that they HAD to contribute. Someone simply thought that YOU, Shanna, deserved a special blessing and decided to get others involved in helping you out. And many did! Out of the goodness of their hearts! It’s nice to know that there are people still like that in the world today! And I’m certain that if were someone else that needed the help and if you could you would be RIGHT THERE, giving of yourself, your resources and your talents, just because you wanted to!
Be blessed my friend, be blessed!
December 27th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Stella crupko Says:
I think this was a well deserved Christmas miracle. Forget these negative posters here. Jealousy is just rearing its head. They are just jealous that you have people that would do this for you and they don’t think anyone would do it for them.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:44 am
TJ Says:
Wow, how sad that you were all suckered in. I am a neighbor and I can assure you, she has done nothing but feed you lies and take your money. Sad.
December 28th, 2008 at 1:05 am
shanna Says:
I don’t even know any of my neighbors here in MS. And how come you haven’t replied to my emails TJ? I’ve replied to your comments yet you say nothing but lies on my blog. Why do you feel the need to be so nasty? You don’t even know me. Please do something more postitive and constructive with your time…. ick.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Emily Little Says:
Shanna, you are a beautiful woman, both inside and out. Your heart knows and tells you what is right. I am so thankful that we have friends out in our scrapbook communities that would lend a helping hand to your family. You and your family are in my prayers and I am so happy for you that all of your family got to be together this Christmas.
By the way, I love seeing all your work over at CMK and I really LOVE that acrylic album girl. I have always loved looking at your creations!
December 28th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Jaya Says:
YOU are pitiful. Everyone with a brain knows your game, girl. Give it up.
December 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Garsy Says:
Shanna - I’m going to suggest that you just completely ignore the naysayers.
The point is not if those that contributed were scammed or not. The point is is that there are folks out there that wanted to give and so they did. The funds you received were a gift. A gift from people that have gotten to know you and care about you and your family. Gifts are given regardless to if they are deserved or not. Gifts are given because the giver wants to bless the recipient. That is all.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Shara Says:
By the way, to the poster Nicole: to use your own words, you are ’stinkin’ ugly. But the dog is cute!
December 29th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Marti Says:
Shanna -
Keep your chin up. This was a miracle for your family and a blessing to those who were able to help. Ignore the negativity and have a super 2009! You deserve it.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Leslie Ashe Says:
Woo hoo - sayid’s the new word!
Shanna - I’m SO SORRY to just now be able to get here and post what I wanted to say! You know my crash & burn story….
Listen to me - you pay NO attention to those rudes who think they have to come to YOUR blog and post such nasty-ness!
You are the SWEETEST girl around. You and your precious family truly deserve all things wonderful!! May you have the Happiest of Happy New Years & just remember we LOVE YOU!
Hugs Shanna girl,
Leslie
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Nadine Says:
Shanna- I agree with everyone else who is not nasty on here. Anyone who truely knows you knows how wonderful you and your family are, and how deserving. Your spirit is always shining and you just keep it going girl!
January 4th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Mellisa Says:
I found your blog when I searched “Acrylic Stamp Storage” and decided to peruse it further after I sent some questions via e-mail. (it bounced back - ah well lol) I was so touched by what I read that I couldnt help but comment. You must be one special lady for that many people to reach out to you. I am happy you were one the receiving - it truly is a wonderful feeling.
May 31st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
HooperSusie Says:
I received my first lowest-rate-loans.com when I was not very old and it helped my family very much. However, I need the auto loan as well.