Pause

People that have seen Angelica in the last few weeks have commented either that she looks good or that she looks tired, depending on the day and the situation. 

The truth is, I have been struggling with anger and I didn't know how to write an update in that state.  First I was angry because I figured out about the possible problem with the antihistamines, not any of the nine doctors working with Angelica.  And then because I realized how much better her quality of life would have been for the past four months if anyone had figured this out sooner.  And finally because I so desperately wanted stopping the antihistamines to be the solution and fix everything. The truth is, the antihistamines complicated things, increased her symptoms; but they didn't cause anything. She still has all of the same symptoms just less severe. 

 Pause...

because as I was writing this on Saturday...

Miracle called...

to tell me that Angelica was crying...

because she had forgotten the lemonade...

and there was nothing at the party that she could drink...

so would I please bring the lemonade...

so I drove...

and on the way I saw this...

and I heard the gravel beneath my tires...

and the wind rustling through the corn...

it was as if I could hear them singing praises to God...

Nothing changed.  Angelica is still sick and we still don't know why. But everything has changed because I have been reminded that God can handle whatever this is and I have been reminded to praise Him through it all.

Simply Sunday

Isaiah 40:3-5

A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.  For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Snapshot Sautrday

Just plain fun!

Pool Fun

CH hosted another pool party for the high school kids.  There were a few different faces this time and a few kids missing, but still it was fun!  

At one point, they decided to line up the floats and see if they could walk across the water.  Miracle made it about half way before she fell into the water and a fit of giggles.   

The girls chatted in the shade for a bit.  

This is a great group of kids and I am looking forward to their next year of high school!

No More Braces!

My Miracle started the day with braces

And she ended it flashing the most beautiful smile I have seen in a long time!

Congratulations, baby girl!  

It Worked For Me! Wednesday

As you know, a few weeks ago, Autumn and her girls came to visit.  And, as I said before, I wanted to make the apartment as welcoming as possible.  Well, I was a bit concerned about six girls using one small bathroom.  Not so much about the primping because most of us are not big primpers.  Rather, I was concerned about the possible smell.  So, once again, I looked to Pinterest and stumbled across an idea.  

For the bathroom, I opted for the ocean breeze essential oils. That one smells a bit like soap to me. I put four drops in the cardboard tube of the toilet paper.

Every time anyone pulls the tp, a very slight scent comes out. The more you pull, the more you smell which seems perfect to me because it seems that the more you pull, the more you need a pleasant and clean scent to fill the room.

Again, this is one I will use repeatedly.  I love how it works!

Sleep Study

Maybe it's a waste of time… maybe we'll get some answers… either way we're here… we might as well enjoy some cuddle time.

Simply Sunday

Ecclesiastes 3:11He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

Snapshot Saturday

April 5, 2012

Joslyn Museum

Read the whole story here. 

Tim Kreider

Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets. The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration - it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.

It Worked For Me! Wednesday

I love shopping at Goodwill.

I like being able to get things cheap, sure. 

I feel like we should show some knowledge and accept responsibility where and how the things we buy new were produced. Buying used eliminates that responsibility since I am not supporting the manufacturer but the community where I live. 

I believe we should reduce our carbon footprint as much as is practical. Buying used items prevents those items from being thrown into landfills and they didn't have to travel far to get to my local store. 

But the main reason I love shopping at Goodwill is that it's purpose it to teach people who otherwise wouldn't be capable of having a job the skills they need to work. 

The most annoying part of Goodwill shopping has always been the stickers in odd places that don't always come off... not a problem any more!

Last week, I brought home three VHS movies and two 3-ring binders, all costing $0.99 each.  Instead of expending a lot of energy trying to scratch those stickers off, I just got out the blow dryer, set it on low, and held it against the sticker for a few moments. The stickers came off with no residue left behind! Perfect!

Simply Sunday

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

Snapshot Saturday

Today took an unexpected turn when Angelica developed a new symptom and landed us back at the ER. At least we're home.

50¢ Roses

Just because.

It Worked For Me! Wednesday

Not so long ago, I was introduced to Pinterest and immediatly professed my love. I have tried several things that I have pinned and thought it might be fun to put them here weekly. If you have had success with a project, feel free to let me know. :)

As you know, last week we had guests in our home.  I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible so I decided to try out the air freshener I had pinned. 

I used a decorative vase I had on hand to make it prettier since I wanted to place it on the TV.

I put a few tablespoons of baking soda and about six drops of exotic sandalwood essential oil into the vase.  It worked wonderfully!  

The baking soda does a great job of absorbing smells before they have a chance to accumulate and the scent of the essential oils is pleasant while not being chemically or overbearing.  

This is definitely a project that I will do again and again, making it a part of every day life in our home!

Journeying Once Again

A few weeks back, we went to the survivor's park again.  The first time we went was at the end of Angelica's illness and being there gave us hope and healing.  This time, we are at the beginning of an unknown.  When we left, we were filled with strength and determination.  Same park.  Same signs.  Same statues.  Different needs.  Different outcome.  God is good.  Enjoy the pictures.  

OUCH!!!

Last night, Angelica caught her finger in a cot and now it looks like this:

I'll spare you the gory images.  Suffice it to say that she has a fracture on her left ring finger, lacerations, and her nail was ripped out. Considering denailing is an "efficient and extremely effective form of torture" I cannot begin to imagine just how painful it is. She has stitches and her finger is purple under all that gauze.  Poor baby!

Simply Sunday

1 John 5:12 

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Snapshot Saturday

A few more random shots of MM from this past week.  

What A Week!

Our usual Monday of appointments and errands was made better by the anticipation that Autumn and her girls would arrive sometime that day.  We patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, waited for their arrival.  We were excited to see them when they got here but understood that they were tired from such a long day of travel so we showed them the sleeping arrangements and all soon went to bed.

On Tuesday, we picked up an old friend and we all went to the zoo.  It has been over a year since my girls and I have been to the zoo so everyone enjoyed themselves.  

While sitting at lunch, one of the teens asked MM what her favorite animal was.  She said a dog.  We forgot to ask at the end of the day.  I wonder if it changed after this zoo visit, being the first one she remembers.

On Wednesday, I took my girls and MM to a 4th of July parade in another town.  My girls had committed to sell lemonade that day to raise money for their upcoming nationals trip.  Autumn and Songbird opted to stay home for a more laid back day out of the heat.  

MM was excited to come along and became even more excited when she found out she could actually be in the parade!  She donned a borrowed Girl Scout uniform and joined the parade.

After marching, she watched the parade.  She said later that it was just like Halloween except it was a parade you just stood there and got candy.  Too fun!!

On Thursday, we opted to take it a bit easy.  Miracle took MM to a splash pad close to our home while the rest of us relaxed at home.  Then after lunch, Angelica and I went to a different splash pad with MM while the others went to run a few errands.  

The girls played in the water...

And on the playground....

Then back in the water...

And back on the playground....

And one more time in the water... 

before Autumn arrived to take us home.  

Then this morning we said our goodbye's and they started the next leg of their trip.  Today is back to usual life filled with cleaning and doctor visits and such.  We are already looking forward to our next visit with Autumn and her family!  I hope it's soon!!

Simply Sunday

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.