A big thank you from Debbie

In case you’ve been wondering how the Nelsons are getting along, here’s a little update. Three of us CraftGossip editors were able to make it to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the ribbon cutting on Debbie and Richard‘s new home last Saturday. Here’s the place all decked out for the party. You can see the spectacular deck running the full length of the home with an awesome wheelchair ramp. The decorations–as always at functions involving Debbie–are pink and purple to honor breast cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Here’s a peek at Debbie’s craft room in progress. It’s being added to the rear of the home.

Look at Richard and Debbie cutting the ribbon to their new place. It is so good to see them joyful.

Here are three Nelson nieces who traveled from Illinois to spend spring break helping to get Aunt Debbie’s house in order.

TV news anchor Matt Mosler (center) organized the Beautiful Feet Ministry team to provide the labor to stabilize the home and make the additions. While the rest of us partied, he and other crew members worked up a sweat adding a screened porch to one end of the massive deck.

I don’t know what Debbie is saying, here, but it’s cracking up Sewing Editor Anne Weaver.

In these shots by Jewelry Making Editor Stacie Hooder, Debbie is opening your gifts–craft store gift cards from some readers, boxes full of craft supplies from others. You all were so generous, we should have brought a wheel barrow to haul those heavy boxes up the hill to Debbie’s house.

See what I mean? Every time we thought our friend Lisa had emptied the box, she put her hand in there and found more supplies! That’s me juggling stickers and stuff on the right.

Debbie asked me at least a dozen times to give you her thanks. Please allow me to give you mine, too. Your kindness has left me in awe.

And thanks to the CraftGossip editors and dozens of other friends who posted photos of Saturday’s celebration, which I’ve borrowed here.