My Day - #462-470

Miracle's home.(#462) Angelica went to pick her up before watching the girls this afternoon. (#463) The plan was for Miracle to stay upstairs and get some things done while Angelica babysat.  Busy Bee would have none of it.  Busy Bee wouldn't let Miracle out of her sight.  She was so excited to see her. (#464) So Miracle babysat the girls today and Angelica came upstairs.  

There were lots of bumps and bruises today.  First, all four girls went to the splash pad, which we do almost every day without incident now that summer is here.  Today, however, the little girls bumped into each other and Doc lost a tooth.  As in, came out of her mouth and we can't find it.  The good part is that it was a baby tooth, likely ready to come out. (#465) Doc was quite upset about it all.  Then they came home and watched movies before heading to the park to play.  I love summer! (#466) As soon as they came back in the house, Doc bumped into the wall and has a knot on her forehead.  She is a little wobbly but passed all the neurologic tests they would have run at the hospital. (#467) Both my girls having neurologic issues when they were younger came in handy because I have watched the doctors do a neurologic exam so often I knew what to do and what to look for. (#468)

Now they are both making lists for camp next week.  And enjoying each other's company. (#469) And Miracle is dyeing her hair again.  You would think after such a long week we would all be headed to bed.  But it feels SO GOOD to be together again. (#470) I don't think any of us want to waste a moment of this weekend.

Eye Spy

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Doc got new glasses and that I thought she would need them tinted.  Well, I took her to get tested and she needs a beautiful goldenrod color.  Her newly tinted glasses came today and she couldn't be happier!  (#461)

He mencionado hace unas semanas que el D necesitaba lentes nuevos y que yo pensaba que iba a necesitarlos tintadas. Bueno, me la llevé a hacerse la prueba y ella necesita un color hermoso vara de oro. Sus gafas tintadas recién llegaron hoy y no podía estar más feliz!

About Angelica

I realized earlier this week that I haven't posted about Angelica all month and asked myself "Why?"  So, here are the reasons:

1. I never see her.

2. I haven't quite figured out how to say in such a public format that she is going for the gold because it sounds so presumptuous to believe that my daughter, out of the thousands of figure skaters in the USA at this time, is going to make it to the Olympics in just under 4 years; my daughter, who is unknown on the national, much less international, circuit.  But I do believe it.  So there is the quandary.  

But mostly it's because I never see her.  She works 40 hours a week babysitting, she skates every time she can find ice time and an excuse to go into the city.  No matter how many times I tell her skating is a good enough reason to head into the city, she constantly thinks about the cost of gas and only skates if she already has a reason to go.  She has school and church.  She is insanely busy.  And she is happiest when she's on the ice.  So I decided to peruse her pinterest page and find things that she pinned to explain who she is.  Above each photo is the phrase she chose to describe that photo.  

Yep.

Best feeling ever!

Exactly.

I chose to give up the skating life for a social life at 14 and really wish I hadn't...

Needed this...

Figure skating practice...so true...

Love...

Definitely me...

Visiting Miracle

Yesterday was a good day. (#456) Angelica and I went to C to visit Miracle and celebrate her birthday. (#457) I had a few minutes to visit with my friend DP before she left for work (#458) and then Angelica and I got started making cupcakes and icing.

After that was finished, we went outside and sat with M and the boys.  

We had a delicious dinner of grilled steaks with squash and watermelon. (#459) 

Baby M was tuckered out by then and fell asleep in his highchair after a few bites of squash.

With cupcakes and root beer floats for dessert.

Nearing the end of the day, M and I went into the room she shares with the baby and looked through all the things I had bought to make organizing such a small space easier.  We sifted and sorted her few belongings as well as the baby's so that we could make space for both of them.  When we finished, it seemed as if a visible weight had been lifted off of Miracle. (#460) Having personal space organized in a house that is chaotic with the energy and love of four boys is important.  After that Angelica and I headed home and off to bed.  

Happy Birthday Miracle!!

I love this girl

with all of my heart. 

And I am so proud

of the young lady she has become.

She is an amazing person

and I have no doubt

that whatever path she chooses in life

she will succeed. 

Each day

I am overwhelmed with gratitude

that I have the privilege 

of being called her mom

and guiding her along life's path.  

Rainbows

Today was a good day. (#446) I was feeling a bit down because I wasn't strong enough to go to church and then a graduation party but then God used three separate things to encourage me.   First before Angelica arrived home from church and the celebration, ML asked me for a ride to C. (#447) It means a lot to me that ML felt the freedom to ask for my help.  I told her I couldn't drive her because I was too weak today but I would ask A when she arrived home.  Of course, Angelica said yes. (#448) Second, since Miracle is in C working as a nanny, I rode along and we had the chance to visit with her. (#449) Third, I arrived home and found an email from a new *friend* and in it she had mentioned two verses, both of which an encouragement to me. (#450)

2 Cor 4:16

Therefore, we do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day.

Hebrews 6:10

"For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones."

The verse in 2 Corinthians is a needed reminder that no matter the state of my outward body, my spirit is constantly being made new by the grace of God. (#451) Hebrews reminds me that even though I am not strong enough to physically serve in the church anymore that God has not forgotten all I have done for Him these past 20 years. (#452) It also reminded me of a conversation I had with a pastor friend years ago when he said that it is always easy to replace the acts of service done by the younger crowd - tangible things like scrubbing toilets - but the loss of an older servant who no longer serves in tangible ways but instead prays without ceasing was always felt and impossible to replace - that people don't stop serving the church but rather graduate to a more important form of service. (#453)

Plus, on the way home I saw this:

(#454)

It's not the best picture I know but you can just barely make out the faintest rainbow. Rainbows of course remind me of the promise God made that He would never again flood the entire earth at one time but more than that they remind me that God keeps His promises - ALL OF THEM. (#455) So today was definitely a good day.  :)

My Day - #440-445

Today was definitely productive. (#440) I scanned more than fifty photos into the computer and organized them plus added most of them to albums on facebook.  Today I am thankful for fb because it is an easy way to do things like organize photos and connect with people. (#441) I came across photos of several people I haven't seen in years and was able to reach out and send them friend requests. (#442) Ideally that moment of reconnecting would also happen face to face soon but with the hectic nature of people's lives and the unpredictability of this disease facebook often has to be good enough.  I also sifted through some papers, loaded the dishwasher, washed some dishes by hand, and folded three loads of laundry that Angelica had washed.  I am thankful that even though she wasn't feeling well, she was able and willing to do laundry today. (#443) I talked to Miracle on the phone. (#444) She is doing well at her new nanny job. (#445) I am thankful she has this opportunity even though I miss her.  

Buttons and Earrings - Who Knew?!?

There have been a rapid succession of long, albeit good, days interspersed with days I am too sick to be out of bed for more than a few minutes.  I promise I am still here and in a different way am still counting my blessings but I am also looking forward to getting back into a routine and finding health again and writing about all of that here.  

For today, here is something I saw on fb that I wanted to pin.  It's a brilliant idea really and in addition to keeping pairs together while traveling or even in a jewelry box, it would make picking up small earrings easier for fingers that aren't quite as nimble as they once were.  

Look Out World!

First she graduated from high school and now she has earned her licence - there's no stopping her now! 

 Way to go Miracle!  I am so proud of you and I love you with all of my heart!

It's Official!!

Miracle has graduated! (#437) I am so proud of the young lady she has become! (#438) God is going to do great things in and through her! (#439)

Random Ideas To Pin

A beautiful braided bun.  I might like to do this with Angelica for a competition or formal.  

A less messy way to enjoy caramel apples.  Cut apples in half, core them, balance on a muffin tin, pour in melted caramel, let cool, slice and serve.  YUM!

Handy pocket to place small electronics in while charging.  It wouldn't take up much space while traveling. 

How to check eggs.  I know this works as I've tested eggs this way before.  

Cute penguin snack. 

Fun idea for serving snacks for toddlers that eliminates the concern of giving them too much food.

OOPS!!

I was doing so good blogging every day until yesterday...  I didn't even realize I didn't blog until around 3:30 today.  Oh well.  It doesn't help that I fell asleep around 10 last night... barely an hour after we all got home.   Yesterday was busy.  Miracle and I left early in the morning to head to the city.  She had an appointment, I was meeting a friend for coffee (#431), and we had lots of errands to run in preparation of her graduation party.  I can't believe it is almost here!  Earlier today, I wasn't sure we were going to be able to pull everything together in time but it looks promising now. (#432) 

This morning I was able to take Doc into the city to pick up her new glasses! (#433) It is so exciting seeing the wonder on her face at all the detail she is aware of now. (#434) I think we will still need to get the lenses tinted to help with the letters that "move and swirl" when she tries to read, but having the corrective lenses is a big help!  Then M and I headed back into the city so she could go to an unplanned doctor appointment.  She fell on Tuesday and is experiencing increasing pain so I thought it wise to take her in.  After that, I had an appointment here in town and Miracle watched the little girls.  Angelica was already in the city by the time we got back.  I am thankful for two working cars to accommodate our often conflicting schedules. (#435) 

This evening, I worked on preparations for Saturday's party, mostly making signs of Dr. Suess quotes for decoration. I am about half way done... I made a total of four signs today, with a minimum of three to do tomorrow, preferably six... we'll see how many actually get made... if I just count the big ones, I made three today and have three to make tomorrow.... yeah... lets do it that way... sounds like creative math but whatever works... LOL

And now, it's off to bed.  Tomorrow is going to be another long day.  But before I go, one more thing I am thankful for: I am thankful that I have the health and energy to tackle all that I have these past few days. (#436)

Things to Pin

Frickles

1 pkg egg roll wrappers

1 jar pickle spears

1 pkg thin sliced ham, beef or turkey

1 pkg cream cheese

Heat oil in a shallow pan.

Layer an egg roll wrap diagonally with slice of meat, cream cheese and a pickle spear. Roll as you would an egg roll (from the diagonal, tucking in the sides as you roll.) Lay in pan, seam down then turning till cooked golden brown. 

A plan to garden in a small yard.  

A simple and neat(er) way to cut and serve watermelon.   

Yesterday - #426-430

I woke up this morning and realized I didn't blog about my day yesterday.  All in all it was a good day. (#426) It started early and by the evening, I was dozing off and on so I decided to turn in even before Miracle had finished babysitting.  I was able to take ML to a doctor appointment (#427) and the girls willingly watched Busy Bee without pay.* (#428) I had an appointment and ran a few errands.  I really feel like I accomplished a lot (#429) even though there's not much to show for it. 

*Years ago when I was a young single mom with no family and no local support system, I asked God to let me be the person I had needed to another mom later in life.  ML marks the 3rd family that I have been able to do that for since moving to this apartment.  Realizing that makes my heart smile. (#430) God is truly amazing!

My Day - #417-425

Today was long.  I enjoyed being with my girls throughout the day.  We went to church (#417) but I was too sick to sit through the entire service so I napped in the car.  Then we had a picnic lunch. (#418) I am thankful the weather was nice. (#419) Angelica skated. (#420) She is skating well. (#421) She can land her loop but needs to land her 1/2 loop for the next test level and is struggling to land it now that she has landed her loop. I am thankful that we have established a routine that helps us enjoy being together at the rink. (#422) When she was younger she would ask me to critique her skating and then get upset when I would.  Now I video her and let her critique herself.  Works much better with no hard feelings. (#423) After watching her for a bit, Miracle and I went to the store to pick up a few things before returning to the rink to pick up Angelica.   Angelica drove home while I slept. (#424) Then we all just relaxed and did our own thing for the evening. All in all, it was a good day. (#425) Hopefully I can get some rest this upcoming week in between appointments, babysitting, and preparing for the graduation party...

Happy Mother's Day to all my friends who are mothers in the USA.  

The Rest Of The Senior Pictures

We picked some of our favorites to print as wallets for guests at her party or to slip in thank you notes.  

Mom's Night Out!

After a hectic day, I saw an email from a friend asking if I wanted to go to Mom's Night Out - an event I had previously declined because I couldn't afford the tickets.  I picked up the phone and said Yes!!  It has been years since I have been out with a group of friends and tonight didn't disappoint!  It was amazing!  And I'm not just talking about the movie, which is also good and worth seeing.  I'm talking about the people I spent time with and the talking and laughing that we shared.  I'm so glad I got to go!! (#416) 

Productive

That is definitely a good word to describe today.  The day started with me taking M to an appointment before meeting A at a separate location for another appointment.  Then M walked to meet us and when I picked her up, I had to drive to yet another appointment.  Angelica headed to the rink and then to class.  Miracle headed home to babysit and I did laundry.  Lots and lots of laundry.  It feels good to get so much accomplished. (#413) Angelica said she was happy this evening. (#414) Miracle sorted through photos for her graduation party and we were able to talk about some people who have had a huge part in her life, some who have gone on to be with Jesus and some who are still here on earth. (#415) We both miss Jackie a lot right now.  Grief is always hard and sneaks up at the most inopportune moments.  

I am really tired and my body aches.  I am coughing and beginning to get a fever.  Not good.  Tomorrow I have to take M to see the cardiologist.  Saturday we have two graduations to attend.  I need to stay healthy and strong.  I can't push through illness like most people do.  When I try, the sickness that follows brings my contributions to life to a halt for weeks.  Such is life with this disease.  Today I am not so OK with the restrictions it places on my life.  Please pray for me - my health and my perspective.  

Hectic

Home (9:00 am) - ice rink in city to drop off Angelica (ours closed for the summer) - appointment for Miracle - bank - little girls' house - pick up M's edited photos - eye doctor - pick up A - dinner - church - home (9:00 pm)... 

Like I said, hectic... but still good.  

I am thankful that we have a car. (#405) I am thankful that Angelica can still ice skate this summer. (#406) I am thankful that I was able to take Doc to the eye doctor. (#407) She is getting bifocals at age 7... That makes my heart hurt a bit because of all that is wrong with her vision, but still thankful that we live in a country and at a time that the things she needs to see better are available. (#408) I am thankful for the privilege and opportunity to go out to eat. (#409) I am thankful that all four girls really enjoy going to church. (#410) I am thankful for much needed rain (#411) and a safe shelter to be in during the storms. (#412)

Photos!

Another long day - good - but long.  First, Miracle and I went to see an old  friend who has been learning photography and he took her Senior photos. It was a beautiful day - perfect for pictures (#398) and PK did an amazing job!  The cost was a donation to the building fund at his church.  Win for everyone!  He was able to gain some valuable experience, we came home with some astounding photos (#399) and Miracle was able to donate to their building fund. (#400) Then, Angelica met us at the church so we could trade cars. (#401) She had brought ML and Busy Bee in on her way to class so that I could take ML to an appointment. I enjoy spending time with ML even though we struggle to communicate. (#402) The doctor said ML is doing as expected. (#403) Then we headed home.  Miracle stayed downstairs and watched the little girls and I intended to rest.  My body definitely needed it, but my mind was so intent on accomplishing things that I wasn't able to rest.  The plus is that I was able to sort through a lot of paperwork and clean off a shelf of my desk. (#404) The minus is that I am tired and achy and need to rest whenever possible if I am going to be able to function the rest of the month.  Please continue to pray for my health, that I will stay strong and finish this month healthy.  

Here are a few of the photos PK took of M...