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.

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.  

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)

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)

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.  

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... 

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.  

Skating!

Angelica wanted to skate today and I wanted to watch.  Miracle came along just for the fun of it.  I am truly blessed to have such amazing daughters. (#225)

 Lent: toys

My day - #185-197

Spending my day hanging out with this cutie. (#185)

Meanwhile the girls are at Nebraska's Fine Arts Festival.(#186) Angelica uploaded a video of Miracle singing "Need You Now" by Plumb. (#187)

A neighbor was over helping me fix a bottle for the baby (#188) when I was watching the video and I told her that Angelica had posted it.  She said that she would like to hear it. I said it was playing but that I could start if over if she liked.  Her response? "That's Miracle? I thought that was on the radio." (#189)

Miracle also prepared a short sermon.  

I am thankful that God used writing this sermon to teach Miracle and to heal her broken heart. (#190) We were both disappointed that she didn't make it to nationals, but in the end all that matters is that God changed her heart and hopefully touched someone who was listening. 

The girls also sang together.  There were some issues with the sound system, but if you can hear past that, they sound pretty good together.  (#191)

I am thankful that they stepped outside of their comfort zone and decided to do a duet. (#192) Every time they choose to work together on something like this, their bond becomes stronger. (#193) That is an immeasurable blessing.

Angelica did an ASL solo.

I am thankful that through this festival she found her calling so many years ago. (#194) I am thankful that she has continued to grow (#195) and improve (#196) and that each year her desire to bridge the gap between the hearing world and the deaf among us and bring the preChristians within the deaf community to Christ increases. (#197)

Finally, Miracle entered a pencil drawing in 2-D art.  The photograph doesn't do it justice.


Lent: card

A Look Back - This Past Week ;)

Since I have been too tired, sick, stressed and achy at the end of the day to give a proper update here, I thought I would post pictures from Wednesday.  Angelica had to work all week at the ice rink.  Since there was free ice skating Wednesday through Friday, I decided to take the girls to the rink and let them have some fun.  Angelica's job on Wednesday and Thursday was skate guard meaning that she had to be on the ice, making sure everyone was following the rules, putting away unused walkers, and assisting anyone who fell.  Friday she was at the skate counter distributing skates and disinfecting returned skates.  Busy Bee used a walker and could get around pretty good on the ice by the end of the week.  Doc was already a pro on the ice because the school here offers skating lessons to the second grade children.  Miracle mostly helped Busy Bee on Wednesday but had a few minutes to skate around the rink on her own when Busy Bee wanted to get off of the ice.  On Thursday, Miracle chose to spend time at the library and on Friday she was elsewhere in the Y except for a few minutes. Thursday and Friday, Busy Bee wasn't very interested in skating.  She much preferred running and climbing in the bleachers!   Doc on the other hand has the skating bug and can't get enough time on the ice.  

I know I need to post what I am thankful for but I'm struggling to do so.  There are so many things that I can't write about and my heart is heavy.  That is precisely when I need to post.  Could you please pray for me?  If you're struggling and leave a comment, I'll pray for you, too.  If you are doing well, maybe reading a comment of what you are thankful for will be the boost I need.  

Miracle's Spring Recital and My Day - #115-122

I missed posting the verse yesterday... I'm a little behind on memorizing anyway.  (I'm still working on John 1:14.)  If you are looking for the verse, don't forget to check out Ann Voskamp's blog this Wednesday.  We had a very busy day.  Well, sort of.  

Yesterday started with Angelica heading to church alone because I was too sick to go.  Then Miracle had a recital and I learned a long time ago that sick or not I will make the effort to show up to these things.  I missed one when the girls were 8 & 9 and it made me so sad for so long that I vowed to never miss another if I had a choice.  So, Angelica drove us back into the city for Miracle's recital.  She performed beautifully.  ( #115) I am so thankful that she has had the opportunity to study under the tutelage of Rachel Scott these past few months.  (#116) 

This morning, I was still sick although not as bad.  I rested, went to an appointment, talked with Angelica's coach and then came home to babysit for Angelica so that she could skate some more.  I am thankful that she is able to skate again (#117) and that she has a coach.  (#118)  After Angelica arrived and took over her job, I was able to come home and rest for the remainder of the evening.

I am so blessed.  I have a warm home.  (#119)  I have friends and family that I love and that loves me.  (#120)  I have two beautiful daughters who are growing into amazing young ladies eager to serve God.  (#121)  I have a good church home.  (#122)  God is truly good to me.  

A Look Back - October 2013

The girls went to a costume party in late October.  Angelica was dressed as Periwinkle, Tinkerbell's ice skating sister.  Miracle went as a shadow.