This is a rather difficult thing for me to write about, but I know how many people have had Madison in their thoughts and prayers - so I didn't want you to keep wondering what has been going on with her.

She's been fighting diarrhea, fevers and some as-of-yet undetermined infections for a couple weeks. Additionally, because of the weight loss, the port that is inside her chest (where they administer the chemo) had become problematic so she had to undergo another surgery a couple days ago to remove it and have a central line put in so she can get some of the meds and nutrients in her bloodstream.

Madison was doing fine when I spoke to my family yesterday morning, however late afternoon I got a call letting me know that she had been taken to the Intensive Care Unit. Out of no where she started having trouble breathing, shaking and spiked a 104 degree fever. The doctors have sedated her and things are not looking well. Her condition has not changed today.

There was a huge blizzard going on where they live (a four hour drive away) so we have not been able to go there - we're waiting for news from my family on the weather condition so that we can hopefully make the trip tomorrow afternoon. With two little ones of our own we can't risk geting stuck in a ditch in the middle of nowhere.

So, if I suddenly disappear for awhile - that's where I'll be - and without internet, so don't think I am ignoring you!

Thank you in advance for your prayers, thoughts, and words of kindness - they are greatly appreciated

Wow - this was one fierce competition! Nearly a six-way tie for one of the spots.... but I'm sure you are anxious to see who made the top three - so off we go:

FIRST PLACE


The Papilioneum by ~pfors

_{~pfors wins:
3 mo sub from `chasing-butterflies
Signed 8x12 print from `chasing-butterflies
Up to $25 of my (michelle batton) resources from MellowButterfly.com
3 mo sub from ^cosmosue
Free Commission from =cryingsorceress
Any two products of FrozenStar's resources from MellowButterfly.com
An exclusive stock pack from *ro-stock
Journal features from `chasing-butterflies, =cryingsorceress, `dudewithbraces, *Renilicious, *Healersmoon, =synconi, =UndomielArwen, =yanachan and *firheruwen}


SECOND PLACE


Wild Butterfly by ~SkyesFantasy

_{~SkyesFantasy wins:
1 mo sub from `chasing-butterflies
Signed 4x6 print from `chasing-butterflies
Up to $20 dollars of my (michelle batton) resources from MellowButterfly.com
Any one product of FrozenStar's resources from MellowButterfly.com
An exclusive stock pack from *ro-stock
An exclusive stock pack from ~ALP-Stock
An exclusive texture pack from =yanachan
Journal features from `chasing-butterflies, =cryingsorceress, `dudewithbraces, *Renilicious, *Healersmoon, =synconi, =UndomielArwen, =yanachan and *firheruwen}


THIRD PLACE

ButterFly In Rain part3 by =mattwatier

_{=mattwatier wins:
Signed 4x6 print from `chasing-butterflies
Up to $15 of my (michelle batton) resources from MellowButterfly.com
An exclusive stock pack from ~ALP-Stock
An exclusive texture pack from =yanachan
Journal features from `chasing-butterflies, =cryingsorceress, `dudewithbraces, *Renilicious, *Healersmoon, =synconi, =UndomielArwen, =yanachan and *firheruwen}


HONORABLE MENTIONS

I know there was no honorable mention section - but since there were so many that were just one tiny point away from making it - I thought you (and they) deserved to know how much the judges loved their works too!

I received lots of fun surprises in the mail this week - aww - thank you for the prints!



And another print by =sheispretty that isn't in her gallery - so I can't show you - but it is awesome!

I also received this pretty art gift from ^JunkbyJen for my birthday!