My Day - #376-381

Today I am thankful for Internet and Pinterest that are both helping me plan a graduation ceremony for my oldest daughter. (#376) I am thankful that she is graduating; that she is physically healed from the brain injury that threatened to rob her of this opportunity, (#377) that she is emotionally capable of facing the next stage of her life, (#378) and that she developed a love of learning by the end. (#379) 

I am thankful that I was able to accomplish quite a few things today. (#380) Specifically I spent about two hours on the phone.  

I am also thankful that I was able to nap twice today. (#381) Not so thankful that I needed to, but definitely thankful that I was able to.  Adjusting to my new normal with this disease is emotionally difficult.  It seems that each time I become accustomed to a new place, my health deteriorates a bit more.  Maybe that constant state of deterioration is what I need to adjust to.  Not being able to do much saddens me and I have friends that tell me this isn't what God wants for me but I'm not so sure.  I know that if He chooses to, He can heal me completely but I also know that He could have a reason for allowing this disease in my life, a means to bring Him glory that could not be accomplished in another manner.  Ultimately, I am thankful that I can trust a sovereign God knowing that He will do what is best for me. (#381)

My Day - #373-375

I saw the doctor today and she prescribed me antibiotics.  I am thankful for both and that I have insurance to cover them. (#373-375)  Honestly that and going to the store to pick up meds and a few groceries is all I accomplished today.  I am really tired of being sick. Maybe with the meds I'll start feeling better soon.  

Kitchen Hacks

Here are a couple of easy life hacks I came across on fb today and wanted to be able to pin so I can find them when I want them.  

My Day - #360-372

I haven't done a review of my day in a while... Today I rested a lot and cleaned a little.  Hopefully I will be over this bout of sickness soon.  Miracle got busy remaking her dress for this week's spring formal.  Angelica is the only one of us that was healthy enough to go to church and honestly she probably shouldn't have. She is battling something.  After church she did homework and I think is ready to start the next week.  The house is beginning to look better enough that the girls and I are seeing the progress without having to recount what was accomplished. I'm a bit out of practice... I guess I'll have to list my blessings one by one, not necessarily as they apply to my day.

I am thankful that I am not in the hospital. (#360)

I am thankful that Angelica has such a strong work ethic. (#361)

I am thankful that she desires to be with God's people. (#362)

I am thankful that Miracle is so creative. (#363)

I am thankful that we have a working sewing machine that she can use for her projects. (#364)

I am thankful for friends and gifts given so long ago that still bring a smile to my face every time I use them. (#365)

My goal for the year was 365!  I have reached my original goal and have no desire to stop finding and recording the things I am thankful for! (#366) God is amazing! (#367) He has used this as a tool to transform my life!  (#368)

I am thankful that I/we were able to clean a bit and are making progress. (#369)

I am thankful that my girls are helpful and don't present a bad attitude when asked to do things. (#370)

I am thankful that the weather is nice and our windows are open. (#371)

I am thankful that we live on the third floor and I feel safe leaving the windows open. (#372)

A Look Back - 1976

Can you guess which one is me?

The Painter Of Life

This drama was part of our Easter celebration at church this past Sunday.  It is worth taking the time to watch.
 2014 Easter Drama from Flatland Church on Vimeo.

Fruit Palm Trees and Teddy Bear Toast

Just a couple of things I saw on fb and wanted to be able to pin.

My Day - #355-359

Angelica took Miracle to one appointment and I rescheduled the other two.  I am thankful that A can drive and is willing to help out. (#355) I am thankful that Angelica can drive and therefore go to church when I am too sick to go. (#356) I am thankful that the little girls enjoy church so much and are always excited to go. (#357) I am thankful that I was able to sleep today, hoping that will help speed recovery. (#358) I am thankful that Miracle finished remaking her dress for prom this Friday. (#359)

Sleep

I've spent more time sleeping today than awake.  Hopefully all this sleep will speed healing of whatever this is.  I still feel horrible.  Tomorrow promises to be a busy day regardless of how I feel.  Please pray that I have the strength to face the day.  The appointments that are scheduled for tomorrow need to not be rescheduled again.

Is This What A Day Off Looks Like?

Today was supposed to be a day off.  What that really means is since we didn't have the responsibility of watching the little girls, I tried to stuff a weeks worth of appointments into one day.  I wasn't able to wake up and take Miracle to her first appointment.  Thankfully Angelica was able to do it for me while I slept. (#347) After that I headed off to my appointment, Angelica headed to the rink for a lesson (#348), and Miracle began working on her dress. After my appointment, I went to the rink to watch A skate for just a few minutes. (#349) She is getting so fast in her stroking and her spins. (#350) After that, M and I headed into the city for another appointment. We enjoyed talking and just being together. (#351) While we were there, I picked up my glasses (#352) and dropped off a form for Dr.L to fill out so that M can begin driving. (#353) I am so glad that doctors were able to figure out the problem [low blood pressure] and that it was easy to fix [medication]. (#354) Tonight the sickness that has been at the peripheral for over a week has declared it is taking up residence.  I'm not sure how much I will be up to blogging as the week progresses so if I miss a bit, know that I will be back as soon as possible.  

My Day - #342-346

This morning I was too tired and weak to be able to go to church.  Miracle and Angelica went and said the service was amazing. I am so thankful that my girls want to be in the house of God. (#342) I woke up shortly before they got home.  Miracle spent the afternoon working on her prom dress.  I always forget to take before pictures.  She took apart two average dresses and pieced them together to make one exceptionally pretty dress.  She is so talented. (#343) Angelica spent most of the afternoon working on homework. I am so proud that she has a good work ethic and knows how to budget her time. (#344) I spent the afternoon repairing a few books for the little girls.  It felt good to get something accomplished (#345) even though I am tired and not feeling well.  

Easter is here so lent is over but giving things away felt really good. (#346) I will continue giving or selling items away regularly and recording it here.  I need to simplify my life and declutter my home.  It is my goal to continue getting rid of an average of one thing a day and continue recording it here at the bottom of my posts.  

Because I'm Magic Like That ;)

Yesterday, I started to throw two water jugs away and then told the girls to keep them, that I could make Easter baskets out of them.  Doc heard me and said, "You can do that?!?"

 I said, "Yeah."

Her voice filled with awe, "Wow! Are you magic?"

"No."

"Then you CAN'T make Easter baskets from water jugs?"

"Yes, I can."

"Then you ARE magic!"

So today I made two Easter baskets for the little girls.  Then we hid eggs and let the girls find them.

Busy Bee found one that was camouflaged to look like a stone and asked, "¿Esta hegg?

"Si."

So she picked it up, looked at it more closely and threw it back down exclaiming, "No hegg!"

"Mira, " I said as I opened the egg to reveal the candy inside.

Every time she found the camouflaged eggs after that, she made me open them so she could see the prize inside.

After coming inside and emptying the candy into their baskets, Busy Bee said, "Abuela gave me candy."

Ayer, empecé a tirar dos jarras de agua de distancia y luego dije a las chicas para mantenerlos, para que yo pudiera hacer cestas de Pascua fuera de ellos. D me oyó y dijo: "¿Puedes hacer eso?!?" 

 Le dije: "¡Sí!" 

Su voz llena de asombro: "¡Vaya! ¿Eres la magia?" 

"No." 

"Entonces usted no puede hacer cestas de Pascua de jarras de agua?" 

"Sí, puedo." 

"Entonces usted es mágico!" 

Así que hoy he hecho dos cestas de Pascua para las niñas. Entonces nos escondimos huevos y vamos a las chicas las encuentran.

B encontró una que estaba camuflado para parecer una piedra y le preguntó: "¿Esto Hegg? 

"Si." 

Así que ella lo cogió, lo miró más de cerca y lo tiró hacia abajo exclamando: "No Hegg!" 

"Mira", me dijo mientras abría el huevo para revelar el caramelo dentro. 

Cada vez que se encontró con los huevos camuflados después de eso, ella me hizo abrir los para que pudiera ver el premio dentro.

Después de entrar a la casa y vaciar el caramelo en sus cestas, dijo B, "Abuela me dio dulces."

Today I am thankful for these little girls. (#338)  I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in their lives. (#339)  Mostly, though, I am thankful that Easter is so much more than baskets and candy filled eggs (#340) and I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to explain that to Doc yesterday. (#341)

Lent: candy, toys

Yesterday - #330-337

Last night I gave up on the plan to blog when it was 11:00 and I had been asking for access to the computer for an hour... I decided to go to bed.   

Yesterday was good. (#330) Angelica had to work and it was the last Freemont skate before the rink closes for the summer so I took the girls to the rink and let them skate. (#331) Doc loved it (#332) and Busy Bee preferred to run in the bleachers as usual.  That was good for me since I was tired before the day even began. (#333) We left the rink just minutes before a friend showed up there looking for me.  She had mentioned earlier that she needed a sitter and I said that I could watch the boys if she brought them to me - an hour drive each direction.  Initially she didn't take me up on it but thankfully I outlined my day so she knew where to find me! (#334) We then had the privilege of keeping her four boys. (#335) She met us at the house and Miracle and I took all six kids, age 6 mo to 12, to the park to play.  I'm glad it was a nice day! (#336) Being at the park makes things so much easier. (#337) The only negative is that I forgot that I have a reaction to sunshine so after three hours in the sun my body is achy, I am feverish and my joints feel as if they have been infused with poison.  I probably won't forget my hat again all summer.  

Lent: 3 games

Just Being Honest Here

Today I am sad.  There is no moment or reason that I can explain, it's just a feeling. There's a bit that I know about it, mainly that it is unusual for me to feel sad in this manner, but nothing concrete or definable; just sadness that swallows me whole. I could blame it on something physical: I'm tired, achy, have a migraine, and feverish.  All of those are true, but I know that's not the reason I am sad.  Rather than spending time figuring out why, I am just going to do the one thing that I know that combats it...

Today I am thankful for this - blogging that provides a space for me to express and a community to be a part of. (#313 & 314)

I am thankful for Easter and all that God gave to us in this holiest of seasons - salvation from sin, healing for our bodies, renewing of our minds.  (#315, 316, 317, &318)

I am thankful for the basics - my home filled with modern conveniences, my children.  (#319 & 320)

I am thankful for memories of people no longer in my life.  (#321)

I am thankful that my children have health and that they know to appreciate it and not take it for granted.  (#322 & 323)

I am thankful for the opportunity to rest and listen to my body, that I have the freedom to take care of myself.  (#324)

I am thankful for lists of what needs to be done so that I can be more purposeful and so that I can know what to say when someone asks if they can help.  (#325)

I am thankful that we have two cars and that Angelica can drive.  I am also thankful that the doctor gave Miracle the right to drive today.  (#326, 327, & 328)

I am thankful for the change in perspective that giving things away for the last month and a half has made in me.  Perspective to realize that I was already quite generous, perspective to realize the joy that comes of giving something that I still want and use to fill a genuine need, the perspective to realize that I was holding too tightly to some things.  (#329)

Sadness is an inevitable part of life.  What do you do to combat sadness when it comes?

Lent: book, stuffed toys, dolls, Easter baskets, clothes

A Better Easter Garden

Yesterday, I posted a purely secular, purely fun "Easter Garden." Today I came across a much better idea. (#305) I don't want to re-post without permission, so I just put the link.  I know.  I know.  It seems I can't go more than a few weeks without mentioning Ann Voskamp and referencing something she has written, but applying the concepts she writes about is changing my life and the lives of my children.  (#306) God uses her voice in a powerful way.  

As far as the rest of my day, it was uneventful.  Thankfully, I am beginning to actually see proof that I am being productive. (#307) Miracle has been quite helpful. (#308) My foot hurts a lot less. (#309) Specifically, I have only taken 1/2 of a pain pill today. (#310) Both girls were able to go to church this evening (#311) and they took the little girls with them. (312) 

Lent: dolls

Easter Garden

It's good to be home. (#299) I am thankful that the cough I had on Friday didn't turn into anything more. (#300) For Miracle and I, today was calm. (#301) Miracle didn't leave the house at all and I only went out to see my favorite chiropractor.  (#302) Angelica had to go to class and was a bit stressed because the events of the weekend didn't allow her time to complete an assignment.  Thankfully, she was given a reprieve from the professor and will turn it in on Thursday. (#303) I look around at my house and it looks worse than it did this morning rather than better.  What I see completely contradicts what I know to be true; namely that I accomplished quite a bit today. (#304)

And then there's this that I saw on fb and wanted to pin... 

Lent: bookcase, storage boxes, bandana

A Soft Place To Land

This morning, Angelica and I packed the car before heading off to the college to meet up with Miracle for the campus visit.  I should say, Angelica loaded the car while I sat in the lobby after paying the bill. (#288) She is always quick to help me. (#289)

After leaving the college, we finally found a Chick-fil-A and had a quick bite before beginning the journey home.  (#290)

Angelica drove all the way home. (#291) I am so proud of her and how well she handled the responsibility of driving this whole trip. (#292) She has grown and matured so much these past few days.  (#293)

This sign was a welcome sight... (#294)

I am thankful that we were able to make this trip, (#295) that travels were safe, (#296) and to be back home. (#297) Now it's off to bed for me. (#298)

Taking It Easy

Today started with us getting ready and checking out a church here.  Since we are moving here, we thought it would be a good idea to get a jump start on finding a church.  I'm not sure that church is for us, but it was a good experience overall. (#283) Among other things, someone prayed for my ankle to be healed and Angleica's allergy break out to be cleared up.  Both of those prayers were answered before the end of the day. (#284 & 285)  

Then we headed in search of a Target to pick up a few things we needed.  Finding it was easy enough.  After yesterday's attempt to find a restaurant that was a huge blessing. (#286) When we arrived at the shopping center, we looked for a place to eat.  Angelica walked ahead and asked if they served anything she could eat.  They didn't but were willing to make something fresh using only ingredients she could consume. (#287) That is not something a fast food restaurant typically can do, but this little Asian store did.  Plus the food was good.  Less "Americanized" than most.  :)  

After that it was time to drive Miracle to the campus for her overnight stay.  Angelica opted not to stay the night because the risk of encountering corn is just too high.  She and I will head out to the college in the morning to meet up with Miracle and start the tour of the campus.  

What An Adventure!

The plan for today was to spend the day at Mall of America.  It was overstimulating and they didn't have a place that Angelica could eat so we left after only a couple of hours.  It is HUGE and it is so much more than a mall.  Miracle and I both want to go back - just not this trip.  Angelica is so stressed from being the only driver that she can't imagine enjoying it - well, that and the reality that places that are that busy are not her cup of tea.  Still, going was fun. (#275)

We left with directions to Chick-fil-A and ended up driving for over 2 HOURS trying to find anywhere that Angelica could eat!  At least part of that time we were lost. I am thankful for public libraries with free wifi (#276) because that is how we finally found a restaurant!

We ended up eating at Ruby Tuesday. (#277)

Then we all opted to go back to the hotel to relax rather than try to do anything else today. (#278) I look up after a bit and realize both of my girls are doing school work! (#279) I LOVE homeschooling! (#280)

Now we are about to snuggle up and watch Frozen! (#281) Did you know that there is a site that has a plethora of kids movies online - FOR FREE? (#282) 

Road Trip!

I am thankful that we were able to take a trip to MN to check out a college both girls are interested in. (#265) I am thankful that Angelica was able to drive the entire way.  (#266) I am thankful that we made it here safely. (#267) I am thankful for nice weather. (#268) I am thankful for a nice hotel to stay in. (#269) I am thankful for compassionate people we have met along the way. (#270) I am thankful that I have a camera and the ability to take pictures. (#271) I am thankful for friends who help me when I get in a jam.  (#272) I am thankful that we had the opportunity to stop in Des Moines at the Ice Ridge where Angelica had the opportunity to meet Burton Powley. (#273) While we were there, he re-positioned her blades and sharpened them.  (#274)

My Day - #262-264

Emotionally I'm a bit off kilter today - agitated and struggling to find center.  Physically, I'm struggling to focus my brain which is just contributing to the emotions.  I purpose to think of God and His word and the blessings He has given but before I can even cement them in my brain, they have fluttered away.  Living with a debilitating disease is difficult some days.  These days serve as a preview of what's to come and that always sets me off a bit.  It also makes me thankful for the abilities I have now. (#262) Maybe I overdid it earlier in the week.  It felt so good to be able to accomplish things and focus my thoughts and I took advantage of the moments when they were there. 

I am also thankful for my daughter's relationship - how they love each other and enjoy being around each other and find ways to help and encourage each other. (#263) That might be 5 things, but I'll count it as one. 

I am thankful that the weather is a bit more temperate and I was able to air out the house a bit today. (#264)

Lent: stuffed lorax

Make Shift Diapers and Other Things :)

Today was good. (#257) There's nothing that stands out as making it good, but it was.  I was productive again, getting some paperwork done. (#258) Angelica was able to go to church and she took Doc with her. (#259) Doc is reading much faster and doing math without as much struggle. (#260) She also had to list as many words she could think of in 5 minutes for one assignment.  She came up with a sizable list and only misspelled one! (#261) I am so proud of her and how hard she is working to catch up!

Now for some comic relief...

Around 3, Miracle came upstairs with Busy Bee to get something and accidentally locked them out of their apartment so we all stayed upstairs this evening.  We had fun figuring out how to fashion a diaper from what we had on hand.  In the end, we used a t-shirt like they describe in this tutorial.  Ours didn't turn out quite so perfectly, but being as it has been 18 years since I last tried to "create" a diaper from things around the house, I think it turned out pretty good.  At least it did the job.  ;)

Lent: clothes

My Day - #251-256

I enjoyed knowing it was a nice day. (#251) Honestly, I didn't get outside to enjoy the weather until after dinner and by then it was chilly, but somehow just knowing spring is coming gave me a flicker of happiness. 

I accomplished quite a bit today. (#252) It's odd.  Recognizing that I accomplished a lot given the stage in life I am at and feeling content rather than comparing my now to my then.  I'm glad I am able to do that now, but it is still a bit odd. 

A friend stopped by today. (#253) I really enjoyed our visit.  Plus, she brought gifts! (#254) She brought me a toaster and a framed photo of her family. Both are cherished.  I have been wanting a toaster for almost a year. She also brought pants for my impossible to fit daughter. (#255) My beautiful Angelica has long legs, a tiny waist, and she is allergic to nickel.  It is difficult to find anything that doesn't have to be modified after purchase, but she did!  

And then there's Miracle. (#256) I couldn't put here what the struggle was and I therefore can't put here what the praise is, but I am so very thankful for the work God is doing and has done in her heart recently.  The scripture that says "he makes all things new" is truly being exemplified in her life before my eyes.

Lent: stuffed pig

Disappointment

Today I faced one disappointment after another and yet I was able to maintain perspective and know that God's right there with me. (#250)

I am tired and achy and have a long week ahead.  Please pray for me to remain healthy until Tuesday.  '

I have been unable to focus my energies to give anything away these past few days.  Hopefully I can get back on track tomorrow.

My Day - #248-249

I didn't feel well enough to go to church today.  That's becoming more normal than abnormal.  I am hoping that changes but am beginning the accept the possibility that it won't.  Miracle also stayed home.  She has had a headache for over a month and I'm a bit concerned.  She has an appointment the end of the week.  Hopefully her pcp will have some ideas.  I accomplished nothing today... well, that's not really true. I drove for the first time since hurting my foot.  Braking was especially painful.  I took ML to the store and a few more errands.  Both my girls agreed to watch the little ones at the ice rink and neighboring park while I drove ML where she needed to go.  I am so thankful for their willingness to serve. (#248) Both girls worked on school today.  Miracle worked on math and Angelica did an assignment for her ASL class.  I am so thankful for the flexibility that homeschooling provides. (#249)

My Day - #243-247

Today was more productive than I had planned.  We did go to the rink.  I sat and watched the girls skate.  M didn't skate much as her skate lost two screws and the blade wasn't staying on well.  A didn't skate much either; she has an infected sore on one of her toes, making skating painful.  The lack of skating was a disappointment to all of us, but there's always tomorrow. (#243) After going to the rink, we went to the grocery store.  We did a major grocery run which should make this coming week run more smoothly. (#244) When we arrived home, Miracle made dinner and cleaned the kitchen a bit (#245) while I rested and Angelica worked on schoolwork.  Then we all quietly did our own thing until just a bit ago when M and I had a serious conversation.  Miracle is reevaluating her college choices and may end up closer to home.  I am so proud of the young lady she has become. (#246) She is a joy to have around. (#247) 

My Day - #239-242

Busy Bee is feeling better. (#239) My ankle is healing nicely and I am more able to walk. (#240) Although I may have overdone it a bit today, as it is quite sore.  I am looking forward to tomorrow; (#241) the only thing on the agenda is to go to the rink to watch A skate.  Both girls seemed satisfied with themselves, knowing that they had accomplished a goal at different points today. (#242) 

Lent: book

My Day - #237-238

Busy Bee is still not feeling well and consequently took a 2 1/2 hour nap today, this time in Miracle's arms, who is also not feeling well  

B aún no se siente bien y por lo tanto tomó una siesta de 2 1/2 horas de hoy, esta vez en los brazos de Milagro, que también no se siente bien

  

Doc busy doing studies.  Everyday she practices math and spelling and reads for 20 minutes even if she doesn't have homework.  In the very beginning she sometimes complained about this, but has come to understand this is the reason she is improving so quickly and astonishing her teachers.  (#237)

D ocupado haciendo estudios. Todos los días ella practica matemáticas y la ortografía y lee durante 20 minutos, incluso si ella no tiene tarea. En el primer momento que a veces se quejó de esto, pero ha llegado a entender esta es la razón por la que está mejorando tan rápidamente y había engañado a sus maestros. (# 237)

Today I am thankful; as in a constant feeling of gratitude within me, (#238) but I am so tired I can't find words to describe specific things I am thankful for.  Maybe tomorrow.

Lent: today I tried to give away a stuffed pig but the person who said she would pick it up didn't show.  Maybe tomorrow.  As of today, I have given 35 items away and there are still 16 days until Easter, so I'm ahead and will not be concerned about today.  :)

My Day - #232-236

Tuesdays are long days.  They start early and end late.  Last night, all I could do was list the first thing that came to mind simply because I was so tired.  Here are a few pictures taken yesterday.

Busy Bee - apparently any day is a good day to be a butterfly when you're two!

B - al parecer, cualquier día es un buen día para ser una mariposa cuando estás dos!

Even a day that you're so sick you can barely stay awake.

Incluso un día que estás tan enfermo que apenas puede mantenerse despierto.

Doc practicing spelling.  I will try anything to make the words stick.  We made a crossword of all the words she missed yesterday.  I actually think this is one of my best ideas. (#232) She spelled about half of those words correctly today. (#233) She is such a smart girl. (#234)

D practicar la ortografía. Voy a intentar cualquier cosa para que las palabras se pegan. Hemos hecho un crucigrama de todas las palabras que ella perdió ayer. De hecho, creo que este es uno de mis mejores ideas. Ella escribe sobre la mitad de esas palabras correctamente hoy. Ella es una chica muy inteligente.

Doc is feeling much better today (#235), but Busy Bee is still so sick that she slept most of the day.  I love holding little ones while they sleep. (#236)

D se siente mucho mejor hoy, pero la abeja ocupada sigue siendo tan enferma que ella dormía la mayor parte del día.  Me encanta la celebración de los más pequeños mientras duermen. 

Lent: stuffed dog

Smile! :)

It's been a long day.  I need to get to bed, so I am only going to add one thing to my list...

When Angelica arrived home from class, she was all smiles.  It feels good to see her so happy.  (#231)

Lent: envelope