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... 

Busy

Today was long.  I took the car to get fixed.  I went to the bank - three times.  I went to the post office.  I had an appointment and took Miracle to her appointment.  I picked up the car.  I went to the store.  I held a sleepy baby.  I did dishes.  I am thankful I was able to accomplish so much today. (#396) I am also beyond tired.  Tomorrow is only the second long day in a very long week.  This whole month is busy.  Please pray that I have endurance for the weeks ahead.  

My Day - #394 &395

Today I had the privilege of going to a Senior piano recital and graduation party. (#394) I also had the opportunity to talk to some friends. (#395) Then I came home and napped for three hours before stuffing envelopes with graduation invitations.  Now it's off to bed because tomorrow and all of next week is crazy busy.  Hopefully I will have the health necessary to accomplish all that must be accomplished this next week. 

My Day - #388-393

Today was good.  The weather was nice. (#388) I was able to help a friend. (#389) The girls and I all accomplished quite a few chores. (#390) Angelica finished her homework early enough that we were able to sit together and watch a favorite show. (#391) I thank God for the little moments that make life good (#392) and for the perspective to see them. (#393)

Smiles

Today I am thankful for smiles on both my girls' faces.  (#387)

My Day - #382-386

Today started with Angelica taking Miracle to two appointments while I rested. (#382) I don't know what I would do without her help.  Then she took me to an appointment and both girls did some grocery shopping. (#383) Sounds like I have two amazing daughter's doesn't it? I am truly blessed. (#384) After coming home, Angelica went downstairs to watch the little girls and Miracle kept working on her dress while I rested.  I talked to the insurance adjuster today and the final settlement for the accident should come within the next week or so. (#385) We also received word that Miracle's doctor has communicated with the DMV who approved her petition to drive! (#386) The girls may go in tomorrow morning to get Miracle's licence.  While I was napping, Angelica left for class and Miracle went down to watch the little girls.  Then I traded places with Miracle so she could work on her dress some more.  Now Angelica is finishing up the babysitting and Miracle and I are finishing up the changes to Miracle's dress for tomorrow's formal.  Please pray that I have the physical strength to face tomorrow with two girls getting ready for Spring Formal and watching the little ones until late. 

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)