A Gentle Breeze

Easter Play at Church

2011-04-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

I won't waste our time writing about how much has happened since my last post... ~sigh~

There is much happening right now. Probably at the top of my list is the Easter play at our church. My daughter, Rachel, is directing the play and I am taking care of all of the background stuff... like the stage setting, props, costumes... I am not DOING it all myself, goodness, no! But I am trying to see to getting it done.

The backdrop will consist of 2 scenes. Each scene will be 24' wide. We are painting two 9'x12' cotton dropcloths for each scene, so there are 4 panels total. I have had help from several artists within the church already, and they are coming along beautifully! So far we have 2-1/2 panels done.

In order to make the tomb, my son-in-law, Patrick, built a wonderful frame out of 2x4's. He developed a fantastic hinge system to keep the pieces together, and we will cover them with chicken wire to frame the "rock", then papier mache it. We will also do this for 4 or 5 rocks that the women can sit upon to rest.

Still need to make a cross... I was thinking foam rubber. Since it is a children's play, we will not actually have Jesus up on it, so that makes the foam a viable option. I just have to figure a way to support it so the angels can dance around it...

Costumes are the typical period tunics, with a handful of Roman Soldiers thrown in for good measure :) My husband is helping me with the armament there...

So it's a big project, with a few weeks left. I am totally enjoying myself, and so glad to have the help of my brothers and sisters in the church!!! They are *amazing*! I am looking forward to a fantastic performance, with many coming to know Jesus as a result of it!!!

Halfway through November - ALREADY???

2010-11-16T21:53:00.001-08:00

In my mind, time truly does have wings. There is no other explanation, except maybe the fact that we in this day and age tend to have far too many things on our itineraries...

On the knitting front - I finished my Dr. Who Scarf. (Season 12.) I took it to church and this fine TALL young man wore it around - totally perfect! Let me see if I can find the pic...

So the scarf came out great! Very happy. Now I'm working on a sweater for my mother. Of course, I got 8" into the cabling pattern and realized I had made a mistake 4" back. I finally settled on frogging it (rip-it, rip-it,) and when I took the needles out to begin ripping, I decided I needed to make it in a smaller size. So, I ripped it all out and started over. Kinda lost some momentum at that point, but I'm working on getting it back.

On the classroom front - Ugh. *Too*much*stuff* I still have too many books, so I'm going through them to see what we can live without, lol. It's so hard to let go of books!!! On the brighter side, though, I recovered all but one of the chair seats that go in there and they look fabulous!!! One of the seats was particularly difficult to get the old layers of fabric and plastic off of, though, and I ended up wearing a blister into the palm of my hand - right in the middle. OWIE! So the last chair will wait until tomorrow.

On the family front - Becki is coming to visit on Friday, and I am anxiously awaiting her arrival! It will be so wonderful to see my babygirl. I know Rachel is excited, too!!! She will stay through Thanksgiving, and I suspect there is Black Friday mayhem in store for us.

Have I ever mentioned that I *hate* to go shopping? I also *hate* crowds. Going Black Friday shopping is 100% sacrifice for me, but I will do it for them :) I won't have any money, though... Is that weird or what?!?!?! (Note to self: take your cell phone this time!)

On the church front - I have played the bass guitar during worship for the past few weeks, and it is coming back to me. Hallelujah!!! I totally LOVE doing this! I'm severely out of practice (it's been about 5 years since I played last) but it is coming back. YES!

On the home front - our new residence is feeling like HOME now. I do love this old house - I feel like it was made for us. I don't know how long we'll be able to stay here, as is true whenever you rent someone else's house, but I am quite happy here. Thank God for a new lease on life, and for giving me the opportunity to take my life back! Feels like healing to me...

Happy Anniversary to Meeeeeeee

2010-10-25T19:55:00.001-07:00

My husband and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary on the 23rd of October. Childcare was not to be found, so we decided to take the kids on a daytrip down Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had a LOVELY day! I took photographs of the colorful fall leaves (my favorite thing about Skyline Drive, next to the bears.)

The color was amazing. Looking up, you could see the canopy of bright reds and yellows...

There were several places along the route that touched my heartstrings... park benches, unique tree groupings, plants... Jon and the kids worked on their orienteering skills and we had a picnic at Elkwallow Picnic Grounds. It was wonderful.

28 years. On one hand the time has flown by, but on the other, we sure have been through it! I am glad to have my honey and am looking forward to many, many more years together with him.

Thank You, God, for my husband and my family.

Still getting moved in

2010-10-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

It is really taking a long time to get unpacked. I'm not enjoying this part anymore. I really only have one more room to unpack, but it's a really intense room: the classroom. It will double as the craft room on occasion, but its primary purpose is school. I am SO looking forward to having the kids back in a classroom setting rather than crashing in the living room... Unfortunately, the hardware for the table was misplaced during the move and I am gonna have to go rig it somehow. I'll figure it out; I always do.

I picked up a new raw foods book at Borders this weekend. It's Ani Phyo's (latest???) book and I *love* it. The book is downstairs and I am not. I don't remember the name of it, other than the fact that "Raw Foods" is in the title. Sheesh.

My van is in the shop and it needs serious work. Honestly I wish I could get a newer van, but that does not seem to be in the works for right now. Maybe it's time to talk to my Daddy about that...

Dr. Who Scarf

2010-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Netflix instant stream, I have rediscovered the Doctor.

Thanks to my knitting friends, I am now knitting a copy of his scarf.

I am just over 1/3 of the way into it, and already it is over five feet long. I'm just over 5 feet tall (5'4") so you can just imagine how totally yummy this scarf is going to be when it's finished! It is 14" wide and wonderfully squishy. To top it off, it is a simple garter stitch, no thinking required. Nothing but pure kniting therapy.

Ahhhhhhh.

I'm lovin' it!

2010-10-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

What a tremendous difference it has made restoring routine in our new home! Wow. The kids have settled down drastically.

Here are some of the things we worked over:

Chores: All of us have to work together to make and keep our home comfortable. I am asking the kids to take care of their own breakfast and lunch dishes - from counter to cupboard - and have split them into teams of two for dinner duties. We no longer have a dishwasher, so each night one kid will wash and one will dry/put away, while the other two clean up the dining room. Jon and I will obviously be helping out in both areas. We also agreed to split the living areas of the house into 4 zones, and right after school is done the kids will devote just 15 minutes each weekday to their zone for the day. On Saturday it will be 1 hour each for a thorough cleaning (although I doubt it will take that long in the zone.) They are all responsible for their own living space in their rooms, which they can tidy up in a few minutes before going to bed.

Play time: After the 15 minutes chore time is done, they can play indoors, outdoors, whatever. this includes computers and Wii, board games, etc.

Reading: mandatory 30 minutes per day, after dinner/before bed. We'll be working on rotating kids through showers during this time.

Laundry: we are continuing with assigned days for laundry :) Loving this! The kids all do great with their laundry.

Personal care: stepping up on this one. Some of the kids need reminding and prodding in this area, and we are hoping that having a set time for it will help.

There are other areas we discussed and are working on, but those are the biggies.

Another area of change is that the kids are now doing scouting. It turns out the boy scouts and cub scouts meet across the street in the Methodist church, so they can still go even if their dad isn't home from work. I like this alot! I sent a message to the girl scouts leader for Lydia but haven't heard back yet... We'll see about that.

Having a sense of routine has made so much difference in the kids' attitudes already. I am so grateful! I woke up the other morning, and the first thought that came to my mind was that the kids were missing the order we had finally established before we moved. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for that breath of inspiration. I may be really dense sometimes... Glad I heard this one!

Monday, Monday (dah dah, dah da dah dah)

2010-10-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's raining this morning. Welcome, refreshing rain! Clear out the dust and the pollen and the stinkbugs, and let your gentle rhythm soothe the tensed up soul today.

I feel SO stupid sometimes. My kids have been driving me crazy since we've moved with all their fighting and strife. It only NOW hit me that - DUH - they need their days restructured. The classroom is still a horrid mess since I am not done unpacking (hard to do it all by yourself when it seems there is a house full of crazy people demanding your constant intervention.) So homeschool has been off-kilter. Time to set up the new regimen.

I really believe the kids will welcome this. I know I will.

What a Ride...

2010-09-30T11:38:00.001-07:00

I've been on a really wild ride lately.

I am finally coming through!

I love it that darkness cannot abide the Light, and that God's thoughts and plans toward me are for a future and a hope. I really love that!

We have moved, after losing our home to foreclosure, and we are definitely in a new season. This has been severely humbling, and yet amazingly enlightening. I feel like ten thousand pounds of weight has been lifted off of me!

God has refreshed a vision in my heart, a dream of ministry. I had backed off from my dreams when my son had cancer, and when our precious little friend died, and when I was in so much pain for so long that I could barely move. When you back off of your dreams, they shrivel up and die. When I realized that I had let that happen, of course I wanted to shrivel up and die... but God has re-energized me. How can I possibly thank Him enough for that?

I have several dreams. Closest to my heart is to worship Him in song and bring others along for the ride... next is to begin a mentoring ministry within the Body of Christ. Teaching the younger women what just isn't being taught anymore: How to become intimate with God and build a successful home and family. I am finally stepping out in this, knowing full well that I am not the master of it all, but pulling together resources and starting on lesson plans. I am very excited about the potential here and look forward very much to seeing what God will do when I let go of myself and allow Him to work.

A Creating Mommy Is a Happy Mommy!

2010-07-20T13:07:00.001-07:00

I don't get to pull out my loom as often as I would like. It is huge - over 4 feet wide and about 2 feet deep when it's folded up. It opens up to a depth of nearly 4 feet, and you add to that the space it takes for the weaver to sit on her bench while she weaves. My precious friend who blessed me with this loom said that she was tired of having it take up her livingroom. I can see why, but I don't mind. I'm grateful to have it!

My loom sits in my livingroom, too, so I can always be inspired to use it. I am always inspired, but it is not always possible to do anything with that inspiration. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to bother anyone else in the family to have the space taken up in this way. They love the things I make, and know beyond any shadow of a doubt that a creating mommy is a happy mommy!

Prepping the loom for weaving can be a daunting task if you are not totally in love with your craft (we all know how difficult tasks become so much more enjoyable when you love what you're doing!) The very first thing you must do is the math, calculating how much warp yarn you need -how many strands to cut and how long to cut them. The warp is the yarn that goes from fron to back in the loom, the stationary yarn. Knowing how long you want your finished piece(s) of fabric to be, you must calculate how much yarn to have ready for the weft (the yarn that you weave side to side through the warp.) Once your warp is measured, you need to string each piece of warp yarn through the beater's reed and individual heddles in the appropriate harnesses. The warp needs to be wound onto beams and kept at a consistent tension across the whole width. After all of that, which takes HOURS, you might be ready to start weaving.

My loom currently has a scarf and some placemats on it. (I haven't been able to weave in a few days, so it sits...) I figured I wanted to use the same yarn in pretty much the same configuration of colors for both projects, so I strung up the loom to do all of these pieces on the same warp. It saves yarn in the long run, and it definitely saves time, since I don't have to go through beaming the warp the second time.

Can you imagine cutting 160 pieces of yarn, each 9 yards long? I am so blessed to have a warping mill to make that task so much easier! You cut a piece of yarn the length that you need and wrap it around the mill however many times it takes and anchor each end of the yarn on posts. This creates sort of a trail to use to measure the remaining pieces, spinning the mill back and forth while wrapping rather than standing there measuring piece by piece. Thank GOD for warping mills!

The weaving is generally the easy part. You get into a rhythm, rocking back and forth with each shot of of the shuttle through the shed (the space between the raised warp yarns and the lower ones.) You watch your fabric grow, and in almost no time, you have a finished cloth.

The fabric shown in these photos is my current project. It is woven in a simple weave using a linen/rayon boucle. In this photo, the fabric is approximately 12 feet long. The warp is initially wound around the back beam, and as it is woven, the fabric is wound around the beam in the front. When it is finished, I will cut the warp strings approximately 2" from the edges of each of the placemats and 4" from the edges of the scarf, then tie them into a nice fringe. I have not decided whether the scarf will be worn or become a table/dresser runner. We will see!

I've Got Three Words For You:

2010-06-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Cherry. Banana. Smoothie.

Eat to Live

2010-04-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

I found and tweaked new recipe:

I saw a casserole recipe on vegweb yesterday and loved the thought of the combination of flavors it could contain, so I made a soup along similar lines. This was the first time I have ever tasted or used dark miso (barley miso) and I absolutely loved it! It is a COOKED soup. It would not be too difficult to convert this to a raw recipe!

Let's see if I can remember how I did this:

vegetable broth

a couple tbsp dark miso

small amount of olive oil or grapeseed oil (I used olive this time)

1 onion (it was all I had! Next time I will use a couple of onions)

2 ribs celery

2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced

1 can organic red beans. drained and rinsed

about 1-1/2 cups raw cashews (these were halves.)

1 can petite cut tomatoes (I was out of fresh.)

Heat some water to boiling. Remove from heat, pour about 1 cup of it over the miso and stir gently until mixed well. Set aside.

Chop onion and celery; cook gently in olive oil until the onion begins to go transparent. Add crushed/minced garlic and heat, stirring, until onions and celery are tender. Stir in cashews, cook a couple of minutes. Add beans tomatoes and enough vegetable broth to make the soup (I used one quart this time. Next time I make MORE!) Cook over med heat until heated through.

Stir in miso and remove from heat. As I understand it, you don't want to boil miso.

This was amazingly delish! Jon said it was perfect :) Next time I will definitely add mushrooms and probably more garlic. I might also add some bell peppers and zucchini, some thyme... who knows! The kids really liked it, so I know they'll eat it when I make a larger batch.

I got some new toys:

I have new toys in my kitchen, thanks to our tax refund! They are used every day, and I feel they will pay for themselves in absolutely NO TIME whatsoever.

The first is a dehydrator. I got the Excalibur 9-tray dehydrator and I now feel like the opportunities for raw vegan deliciousness are totally unlimited! I have made sunflower seed burgers, nut loaf, eggplant and zucchini chips, dried apples, and KALE chips (which are out of this world!) so far. It would be very easy to keep it running 24x7. I am gearing up to make some raw bagels and some raw corn chips in it over the next few days. YES!!!

The second is a Blendtec blender. It is super-powerful; in fact, it is so powerful I was really afraid to use it at first. Oh, I love this machine! You can do so much with it, and it is much easier to use than I initially feared. I now use it every day, so I am creating a dedicated space for it on the counter. The kids have their own smoothie machine and cups, which they LOVE, but this thing outdoes it by far. I have no problem drinking green smoothies made with it, since there aren't leaf shreds left floating in it when the cycle is done. YES! It also seems to attack raspberry seeds with a vengeance, so I can throw berries in my drinks, too! I have always had a severe aversion to foods with bitty little seeds in it. My daughter loves my Blendtec blender so much she got one yesterday, too.

I guess I've gone on long enough... I guess this one's all about the eating. Maybe I'll dedicate the next one to knitting... or spinning... or weaving... or something crafty! Then again, maybe not...

Oh, and I am down 22 lbs now :)

I'm a new Me!

Feelin' Groovy, Baby!

2010-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

I really need to get on here and write more often. So much happens every day, and even if no one ever reads it, it would be helpful for me to have a record for future reference.

Feelin' Groovy - Health

I * Feel * FANTASTIC!

I am so excited about how my body is responding to the raw vegan way of eating. Like, WOW!. I have been eating this way for 4 whole weeks now, which sounds like nothing, and in the grand scheme of things probably IS nothing. Still, in this 4 weeks I have not been hungry, nor have I been weak or in any pain (other than when I bump into things!) I have had no cravings other than for particular vegetables or fruits, which I find amazing. I am drinking much less coffee, although I haven't given it up completely. I am not missing the meat at all!

To top it all off with a sweet avocado and grape whipped "cream," I have lost 14 pounds so far. I am totally thrilled!!!

I had the most wonderful wraps for lunch today and want to make sure I don't forget about this combination:

whole grain tortilla (raw is best)
romaine lettuce leaf
zucchini strips
fresh guacamole (avocado, lemon juice, garlic sea salt, cilantro was all I had in it today)
alfalfa sprouts
tomatillo style taco sauce

Layer the ingredients in the romaine lettuce leaf and roll up in the tortilla for a totally DELISH treat! I ate two of them and Danny had one. YUM!

Another super yummy treat recently was "stir-fried" brussels sprouts. Yes, I know, they were cooked, but I can treat myself to some cooked foods once in a while. (I am aiming for 85% raw foods in my diet.) I used a green pan and carmelized some onions, added in the brussels sprouts, garlic, Tamari soy sauce, fresh ginger root, and a few drops of sesame oil, once the sprouts were crisp-tender. YES! A definite keeper. Even Jon loved them! He has referred to brussels sprouts as "elephant boogers" for as long as I've known him. Score!

Feelin' groovy - Textiles

I got my hands on some linen/rayon blend yarn (approximately dk gauge, but it is actually much lighter. This will have a lovely drape to it.) I got a tremendously fabulous deal on these cones and they are calling out to me, "Weave, Baby! Weave!" I think I will break out the loom this week and weave up a nice wrap (or two or five...) I will take some photos of the yarn and upload them into this post later. I also have a hankering to build a triangle loom and make a shawl. That will be fun!

I am still loving my spinning wheel. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to make yarn and fabric in so many ways! I don't remember the exact words, unfortunately, but I saw a quote by President George Washington on a placard at Mount Vernon that described the vitality of textiles and textile artisans within a country. A group of people who cannot make their own clothing must rely on other groups of peoples and will never be truly free. Now, I know that some folks would use this as an argument for national nudity, but we all know that would be the end of this civilization, wouldn't it! Anyway, I pray we don't forget the importance of textile skills!

I have really been thinking so much lately about the Scripture in Titus that says that older women should mentor the younger... I would love to put that into action. I wonder if there would be ANYONE who would be interested in learning? Apathy and an attitude of just depending on everyone else to give you what you think you deserve seems to be the reigning attitude of the times... I'd love to mentor young women - Not just the textiles, but cooking, relationship building, child-rearing, housecleaning (as soon as someone teaches me!!!) gardening, decorating, etc... God, can You use me in this area? I'm not old, but I'm oldER... I love to teach, I love to make, I love You... Let me know if this is what You have for me.

Feelin' groovy - Music

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE to worship God in song? Of course, I have! It is one of the greatest joys of my life! This house was far too silent for far too long, so the kids and I are putting an end to that! We've been turning the keyboard on each day now and I am starting to teach them how to play. Lydia and Stephen are learning keyboards, Danny is learning guitar, and I'm not sure what Zack is going to do. I've offered to teach him the bass guitar - or whatever he wants. Maybe viola? He strikes me more as a bass player. I don't think he strikes himself as a player of anything musical, yet, so I'll wait on him. Too bad I don't have a sax! I bet he'd really dig that! (Plus I'd have to learn how to play it to teach him! :D How's that for an angle!)

Feelin' groovy - Wrappin' it up...

Life is good. I am the healed, and it is SO WONDERFUL to finally be walking in the manifestation of that healing! I love taking walks each day with the kids. I love eating fresh fruits, veggies, grains and nuts and seeds... Lovely stuff! I love having music back in the house on a daily basis - thank You, LORD for that! I am rejoicing, because God's word of Victory in my life is being fulfilled on a daily basis now! I really do want to do a better job of documenting this, so I will try to write more often. I just have a feeling that if I do, it will become more of a recipe book than anything else, lol! That's okay, isn't it? Sure!

Lovin' life, feelin' groovy...

The times, they are a'different...

2010-03-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings from someone who is feeling FANTASTIC! I have been doing very well ever since "meeting with God" while writing my New Years Eve blog post. Awesome stuff!

On the HEALTH front:

Who'd a thunk it! My husband and I have gone vegan. Yep, you read it right - vegan. Truthfully, my husband eats vegan at home and whatever he wants during the day at work, but his at-work eating has improved drastically!!! I, however, have dived in, face-first. I have not only cut out everything that came from something that either had a face or a mother, but most of what I am eating is raw.

What? Did you say that it sounds terribly BORING? Salads, day in and day out? Ah, not so! If you know me, you know I love to cook. Okay, it's mostly "Prepare Food" now. I am not about to get bored. There is so much I can do, and I am stoked. I am also juicing several times a day. My favorite blend so far is carrot, broccoli and apple. Totally delish!

The best thing I am going to do is get better!!! I truly believe that this will be my answer to kicking fibromyalgia and arthritis and depression and high blood pressure to the curb. You heard me - OUTTA THERE!

The sites I am visiting most so far are:

http://www.hacres.com (Hallelujah Acres)
http://vegweb.com
http://goneraw.com

These are great sites which are all building up databases of vegan recipes. They are also inspiration for me to create recipes of my own to share. That will happen soon enough!

On the KNITTING front:

I've been a busy little beaver with my knitting and spinning. What a blast! I just finished knitting an Olympic Reindeer Hat. The pattern was on Ravelry (must get the link and post it here - oops). Here's a pic:

The hat took me just a few days. Thank God for that Fair Isle class I took last year!

I now have a favorite designer! :) Tabitha's Heart considers herself a novice designer, but she has come up with some of the most beautiful designs I've had the privelege to knit. I also get to test knit for her once in a while, which is totally bonus! Of late she has been designing items inspired by the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I recently finished her pattern, "Aragorn Scarf," which I made for Patrick. I am working on another one for Jon. Here's a pic of it blocked:

You can see the beautiful pattern moving up the length of the scarf. Totally gorgeous. I am in the process of knitting what started out as a mystery knit-along (KAL) and has now been revealed as a Sargassum Scarf, patterned after some seaweed. (Told you she is talented...) Here's what I have so far, although I must admit I think I will frog it and start over with some more appropriate yarn:

It's the first time I've done any knitting with beads, and I am enjoying it!

There is a new sock book out, and the beautiful thing is that it is a book on CD - computer CD - called "50 Socks for 50 States." It has patterns of socks for each of the 50 states, plus Canada, Mexico, and US Territories. I recently finished a pair of "Two Season Boot Socks" (the sock for Michigan.) I wear them all the time and have started a second pair. Not a great pic, but here they are: (One day I will learn to use SOLID colored yarn for patterns with any motif in them...)

Last, but not least, did I mention here that I got a new spinning wheel? I got my settlement from my car accident, and what didn't go to my recovery went to paying bills and buying me this AMAZING spinning wheel. I haven't named her yet... any suggestions? She's a Mach II by SpinOlution. Love, love, love! Here she is:

and this is some of the yarn I've spun with her:

I passed my old wheel on to a precious friend, and she is spinning away! Now THAT woman spins some *beautiful* yarn!

So that's it for now! Blessings!!!

Write It on the Wall

2010-01-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am beyond thrilled to be able to attend church more regularly now. I have to give God the glory for taking my pain away New Year's Eve!

Pastor Carlton has been preaching about changing our attitudes: developing a WINNING attitude. As I was writing my 'year in review' blog post, I sensed God telling me that this is going to be a year of Victory- I think I even wrote that in there! I love it when He tells me something that He is telling others at the same time. The confirmation is SO uplifting!

Okay - back to the sermon this past Sunday. It was awesome, as it usually is. I thought I would record the parts of it that really jumped out at me here so that I can find it readily for review.

First and foremost, the best way to change for the better is to spend time with God. Dwelling in His presence changes me! He renews my mind, through his Word and His Spirit.

Pastor talked about Caleb (Numbers 13 and 14, and Joshua 1,) and how he had a RIGHT attitude, a WINNING attitude. He saw the giants just like everyone else, but he also saw the milk and honey, so to speak - the amazing land and produce. He knew that with God, they could take the land. Forty years later, when Israel finally entered Canaan, Caleb spotted the land he wanted for his family and took it. He had a winning attitude! Caleb had a can-do attitude!

When God looks at me, He sees every potential He created me to fulfill. He sees Himself in me. In order for me to walk in that potential, to fulfill the purpose He has for me, I need to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit, and meditate on the Word day and night.

What vision has God given to me? How many of His visions have I let go of simply because I don't remember them, or don't set out to walk in them? What am I believing God for in my own life and that of my family? Pastor's message was this: WRITE THE VISION! Write it on the walls!!! Keep the Word in front of your eyes. Then it is up to you to go in and possess the land. You will make your way prosperous, you will have good success! (Joshua 1)

Here are the six steps to success:

1) Have goals. What are you asking God for? What has He told you He has for you or wants you to do?

2) Write them down!!! Put them in the open where you an see them regularly - keep them in front of you. Write the vision!

3) Spell out a plan of action. Include a timetable! Set cumulative goals... this week, this month, this year... Your plan will, if you use any wisdom, dictate your choices.

4) Surround yourself with the right people. Successful, wise - bigger than you! Then, be teachable.

5) List the benefits and rewards that you will get as you press forward. In 1 Cor 16:9, Paul said that a great door [of opportunity] was open, but that there would inevitably be many adversaries. Have a Caleb spirit!

6) Talk about it! Praise God for it!

The whole goal-setting and planning aspect of success has been absent in my life. THIS is something I will change. Thanks, Pastor, for this amazing insight!

Home Cookin'

2010-01-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

I love it when I have dinner ready for my honey when he gets home from work, and even better, so does he. No matter how hard a day he has had, the smell always cheers him up, and he heaps praises on me for the rest of the night. What a great way to end a day!

Lookin' back....

2009-12-31T15:50:00.000-08:00

I make a point of not writing about bad things, bad times, bad attitudes. Those are easy enough to remember without having a permanent written record. This year has been...

Okay, so in order to leave any kind of review of my year I will have to write some things I wouldn't normally write. I feel it is important, for my own sake, to do so - this time. I am extremely grateful, though, that there were at least a few events of this year that have totally blessed my socks off! While this year has been truly horrible in so many ways, between physical pain, depression, and certain individuals who have sought to try to destroy our family, it has had some sweet moments. I think for my own healing I need to reflect on this year, including its horrors - partly to move beyond it, and partly to NEVER allow it to happen again.

I came into this year wounded from a car accident that I had just before the previous Thanksgiving. Yes, Lord, I thank You that You guarded my life in that accident! I don't really understand why the pain, but we do rise above when we have to, right? Right. I began physical therapy in January. My spine was twisted, I had ribs severely out of place, my neck was locked up and still had the after-effects of whiplash. I could barely walk. I found out I had scoliosis. Fibromyalgia was making things worse, and for the first time in my life, it began to affect my upper back and neck. All this because a man who wasn't licensed to drive and had had few drinks was driving a company van, and decided to drive across my side of the road even though I was there. It was awful. I thank God for my physical therapist, Rachel. She worked and worked and worked for 8 months this year to get me beyond the effects of that accident, and taught me much about how to care for my back.

One of the most precious events of this year was the birth of my granddaughter, Isabella Rose, in March. She is truly precious to me and makes me so happy. What a great girl she is! Very quick to learn, very agile, very happy. Truly a precious baby! I believe she is a gift, and I do cherish her, and I thank her precious mommy for letting me have so much time with her. She is good for my soul! :)

One of the horrors of this year has been an inability to get out to church. I think I have only been able to make it about 7 times and that is devastating. Now if you really know me, you know that I believe God is my Healer, my Strong Tower, my Refuge. My trust - and my HOPE - is entirely in Him. Still, something happens when you can't fellowship with His people... it's like you have to work harder and harder to remind yourself of His promises. Then you begin to doubt yourself and your ability to shine with His light and love. You get lonely, even though you are never alone, and it is horrible. You become convinced that everyone else thinks you have turned your back on Him, and when you feel like you are clinging to His neck with every ounce of strength you have, it cuts you to the core. Very few people call to see how you are anymore, and those who actually do call tend to say things like "you don't have to be sick, you know..." Yes, I know! I know, I know... I am the healed! I am the whole! Body, catch up with this Truth! Truth trumps facts!

The fact was that I was hurting and growing more tired and that is an awful place to be. I still had to run to others' rescue on a nearly regular basis, yet I found no rescue of my own. I guess you can tell I sunk pretty low.

Then something new came up, something exciting, something creative, something fun. My daughter has a photography business and she and I began to work together to photograph weddings. I had helped with a few weddings last year, but this year I became an integral part of the company. I cannot tell you how very much I LOVE it! I feel useful, and even though it can be exhausting, it is so rewarding. We have photographed some of the most beautiful weddings you can imagine. How refreshing to have this outlet! My sweet friend Yvette also sat as a model for me so I could learn how to work with Rachel's fancy camera. That was so much fun! I have a vision for down the road to run Naturally Captured Photography for Rachel, doing portraits, weddings, whatever! THAT will be FUN!

I spent much of the year knitting. It's one of those things that I can do to distract myself from whatever else is going on. I got so depressed because of the constant pain and my inability to get to church... Knitting truly helped me get past that! I have been truly blessed to make friends through the knitting experience. There is a local group of knitters whom I had the distinct pleasure of meeting through a website called Ravelry. They are such unique and wonderful women, and I loved the few opportunities I've had over the past year to get to meet and know them. There are also a couple of women in particular whom God has used to brighten my life significantly. I am so grateful! I call us "Evil Triplets." We are totally NOT evil, of course, but we sure do all think alike and enjoy similar things. It is so odd to forge friendships through the void of internet... You have to be so careful! I know, though, that these girls are a Godsend. And I thank Him for them!

In July, just as I was finally able to start using my TENS unit less (electrical pulses that help block pain signals) I had a huge setback. I went to pick up a cup of coffee off of the table and blew out two discs in my lower back. The pain was down both of my legs and was excruciating. Again. I had my physical therapist begin to concentrate on that instead of my upper back. I was sent to a pain center and took a series of shots in my back that were supposed to help the pain go away. After all these months I am glad to say that the pain has decreased a good deal, although I still feel it every day. I am looking forward to complete relief in that area!

In October I was in another car accident (not driving this time.) I ended up breaking several ribs. We were on our way to photograph a wedding when it happened, and I could not bear to ruin the bride's special day, so rather than go straight to the hospital, we went and took care of the wedding first. That was a unique experience! I praise God that my ribs have pretty much healed up.

I need to brag on my grown daughters for a minute. I am so proud of them both - they are amazing young women! Rebecca is the worship pastor in a church in Cincinnati, and she is the creative director at a Christian radio station up there. I am often stunned at how much she does, and how well she does it! God's hand is strong on her, and it is beautiful. Rachel, who had a baby and found it absolutely necessary to have to leave her husband this year, has continued to do very well in school. She has been accepted into the pre-med program at Shenandoah University and will be starting there in about 2 weeks. She is studying to become either a physician's assistant or a doctor, and I know she will succeed at either one. I am so proud of her!

I do have to say that Thanksgiving, my second favorite holiday of the year, was so nice. We had a peaceful day, I didn't go super-crazy cooking like I usually do (although it was still amazing!) We enjoyed each other's company so much. I loved that! Also, Christmas, my absolute favorite holiday, was wonderful. This is the very first year in a very long time that we were able to buy gifts for our children.I know, it's not about gifts, it's about the Giver of Life. We honor Him at Christmas before all else! It was still nice to be able to get the kids gifts. Also, we had a terrific two-foot snow storm that week, so our Christmas was white! We haven't had that in many, many years! It brought everyone in this house a great amount of joy!

There have been some very serious heartbreaks and betrayals this year that I cannot write about because they involve other people and their bad decisions, attitudes and actions. I can't bring myself to spread other folks' business, or gripe about their evil deeds in writing or in public... We'll just leave it that this year has not just been hard for me, but hard for all of us. Still, deep inside us we are convinced that God is greater - bigger - stronger - more loving... Nothing can take that from us!

I need to mention one other thing. I have the most wonderful children, like EVER. Oh yeah, they have their typical rotten moments (don't we all,) but I stand amazed at how dear they are, and how much (and how often!) they show me that they really love me. A game, a smile, a song, a picture they drew, a surprise breakfast in bed, a joke, a cleaned up room... these are some of the precious ways they try to cheer me up, and it works. Some of my favorite memories of this past year of horror have been those times that my kids have spontaneously come up to me and laid hands on me and prayed for my healing or for my heart to feel better.

I wish I had done a better job of blogging this year! It truly is easier to remember the negative stuff. I know there have been positive things, but I am still somewhat overwhelmed by all of the physical pain of this year that i am having a hard time pulling the good report together. That is so disheartening! Although, Rachel just stopped by, and I asked her to help me remember the good times of this year, and she drew as much of a blank as I have. It has been a horrible year for us.

*BUT*

We are determined that we are victorious (because Jesus causes us to walk in TRIUMPH according to His Word!!!) and that 2010 is going to be a whole lot different! How can we say that??? Here's how:

1. Ask, Believe, and you shall receive

2. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God - I bought myself a new Bible, since my dog decided that my old one made a better bed than book, and I am digging into it! My Bible says that I am more than a conqueror, I am FRIEND of God, I am healed, whole, prosperous, inspired by Him! It says that when praisers have led the way into battle, the battle was won! I AM A PRAISER! It says that when you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you have all that you need! It says a whole lot more, and I believe it.

3. New beginnings. Each new day is a new beginning.

So, 2009 - you stunk. Royally. I'm glad to see you go away! 2010, I have high hopes for you. By the grace of God, you will be awesome!!! And, Lord, I know You will never, ever leave my side. I love You with all of me!

Moms can be Patriots, too..

2009-10-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law is an amazing, smart woman. I treasure her influence on my life! One of the influences she has had is to get me to think more about my role in this country. I have a voice and have never bothered to use it, save for elections days. I have come to realize that if I want to raise Patriots, children becoming adults who love their country and will fight to guard their freedom, I must set the example.

I am not about political brow-beating. If you know me, you know that. I hate debating, arguing, politics... but I do love this country and will fight to keep her "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." If you agree, check out this awesome site:

http://asamom.ning.com

God bless America! (He certainly has for so long...) and AMERICA! Bless God!

Happy Monday

2009-02-09T11:04:00.001-08:00

Hello, Monday, How've you been? I'm not dreading you today; instead, I choose the greet you with a smile and hopes for an awesome week!

5 Things I'd Like to Accomplish This Week:

1. file taxes
2. Knit some socks
3. Clean my craft room (ACK!)
4. Enjoy my birthday for a change
5. Have some special one-on-one time with each of my kids and my honey.

I had physical therapy this morning and my ribs are actually starting to move back into the position they're supposed to occupy! I have hope of becoming pain-free soon! YES!

A Great Way to Dye - Finale

2009-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Drumroll, please - We have YARN! I took some pics of it, and I'm sorry the indoor light isn't great for this. There is beautiful color in the yarn that I am not sure will show up here, but we'll give it a shot.

I am so pleased with the results from this experiment. Given the four colors I used this time, I can see many different combinations I would LOVE to have. Then to think of all of the other colors that are out there - I am giddy!

The top picture shows the gauge I chose to spin this yarn to start with. After I had two bobbins each half-full (or is it half empty?) I plied them together onto one other bobbin (middle photo.) I think you get a good idea from this middle photograph how the colors play in the yarn. Maybe it was a bit much yarn for one bobbin- all said, it comes to just over 4 oz by the kitchen scale.

The final photo shows the end result: a lovely skein of colorful yarn! (Too bad the colors don't show so well in this pic.) I spun this a little thicker than my usual, and i love it. I am going to make some toe-up croc sox out of it. There are about 330 yards of 2-ply yarn to work with.

I have almost 4 oz left of the roving. I think I will spin it about the same and use it, single-ply, as laceweight for a shawl or scarf.

I am so pleased with the results. I will definitely use the Wilton's icing coloring to dye more roving, once this is used. I am trying not to become a stash-aholic; I will use what I have (or at least have it on the needles!) before I go investing in any more.

A Great Way to Dye, Part II

2009-02-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! There is SO much more color than I anticipated! I can see things I will need to work on, such as keeping extra dye from pooling in the bottom of the roll. The final colors are really more like the colors on the bottles of dye rather than what it looked like as it was applied, too. I will have to remember that next time, because I wasn't sure when I was putting it on.

Check it out! The first picture is the roving (coopworth wool) right after I unwrapped it and put it in its first bath. The colors are so vibrant! It makes me think of hippy tie dye shirts!

The next picture is the second bath, and you can see it didn't spill much dye at all! I expected to see alot of color in the water, but it looks like it took very well. To be honest, I looks like alien snakes in my bathtub!

The final photo shows what the roving looks like as it is hanging to dry. Honestly, it reminds me of the tie-dye shirt still, so I am going to call it Hippy Daze! :)

Now I can't wait to spin it up!

A Great Way to Dye

2009-02-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Over in Ravelry Land I've seen so many folks who are dyeing their own fiber or yarn. I bought some recently that someone else had dyed, and it spun into such *lovely* yarn! ==>

I have been itching to try my hand at dyeing my own fiber, so tonight I am giving it a shot. I wanted to try for some greens, browns, purples and blues, with alot of white left in it.

I am finding much conversation about dyeing yarn and fiber with Kool Aid, mostly because it is so much safer to work with. I don't have KoolAid, but I have a ton of Wilton's icing colors left over from the many wedding cakes I've done. I'd MUCH rather dye fiber with it!

With my handy tutorial from http://gfwsheep.com/rov.inst/rov.inst.html, some Wilton's icing dyes, some vinegar and a syringe, I got started. I wanted to keep lots of the natural color mixed in with the dyed areas, so I decided to basically drip the dyes in rows over the coopworth roving.

I am using violet, delphine blue, leaf green and golden yellow.

I am hoping that the yellow and violet will make some warm brown in some areas... We will see!

After I got the dye splattered all over the place, I rolled the roving up in plastic rolls and put it in a steamer. The roving should just about be done with steaming now, so I'll go take care of it. I'll post the results, good or bad, later!

If I Am Not Careful...

2009-01-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

If I am not careful, the fear that gripped my heart at hearing the election results could wrap itself like chains around my heart...
If I am not careful, the complaints I hear about our economy could control my thinking all day long...
If I am not careful, the cares of the world could run me and ruin me...

I must be careful!

Like I read in DarthKnitter's blog this morning, Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but I will trust in the name of the LORD! The astronomical number of heart attacks and other stress-related illnesses and injuries is a really big clue that our thinking has gotten us in trouble - as a nation, as a people, as a race. Stress, fear, and depression are without any doubt the largest contributor to ill health and early mortality around us. They are the biggest and most effective weapons that the kingdom of hell has to throw at the human race in order to distract it from God.

We have the capacity to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." I look at Jesus' example: He knew what was going to happen to Him, yet He consistently was the example of grace and mercy and love to all around Him. He didn't walk around depressed, drunk, fearful or neglectful; rather, He witnessed the love of God to all around Him! He fellowshipped with His brothers and with those who were rejected by the masses. He brought joy and hope to all around Him who would receive it. What an awesome example! I have the ability to measure every thought I think to see how much it allows me to live the Kingdom life. If it does not, then I should choose not to allow it any more time in my life!

Jesus is my joy. He is my hope. I trust God with all of my heart, no matter what the world says or does.

I will be careful! I will pray for our new president, that he listens to the voice of God Almighty and develops a personal relationship with Him and breaks ties with any false gods he may have ever known.
I will be careful! I will show the love of God to those around me however I can.
I will be careful! I will pray for the heart of this country to turn back to God without having some horrific act of terrorism instigating it.
I will be careful! I will guard my heart and give thanks to God in every situation, because I ALWAYS have something to thank Him for: His love and my salvation!

I will be careful!

So Grateful...

2008-12-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

... for my Savior, my Friend, my First Love Jesus Christ
... for His gift to me, named Jon
... for my children and grandchildren and their health and happiness
... for my precious friends
... for dreams and the hope and potential to fulfill them
... for my home and divine provision
... for gifts and talents and the ability to use them
... for the purifying that comes out of each trial

Thank You, Jesus. I cannot imagine what You endured for my sake...
Happy Birthday!

Dare to Dream?

2008-12-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

I read only a few lines of a magazine this morning and I was completely shell shocked. I still haven't read the rest of the article because I've been chewing on this:

"If you feel stifled because you don't have any dreams or goals in life, you're probably living on memories of what you've one in the past. That's no good. Don't give up on life. There is still more for you to do and see. Are you still breathing? Then you still have the potential to dream."
-Voice of the Covenant Magazine, Dec. '08 issue

At one point I know I felt the CALLING of God on my life. I seem to have lost that. That scares me... I know at this point in my life, my calling is to raise God-fearing children in the knowledge of Him. But looking ahead, what do I see? It is blank in this mind of mine, and that has to change.

God, give me vision. I have lived so much in this life so far. I have fought hard, winning some and surrendering others, I know. Now, though, all I seem to have in my head is the battles we've fought in the past few years and I have not been able to rise above that. I don't want the rest of this life to be based on what I'm going through now. I want more. Lord, Help me dream. What do You have for me? What can I do for You?

Colored Leaves are Falling Down

2008-10-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

The weather here lately has been absolutely amazing! Fall colors have stormed onto the landscape, and it just makes me feel so warm and peaceful inside. I love the fall, can you tell?

We have had a wonderful fall season so far. For the very first time, the kids and I have participated in a soccer league. I am coaching one of the U8 teams, so Lydia and Stephen are both on my team. (Can you say *challenging*? Who would have thought that my own kids would end up being my biggest challenge when coaching a soccer team for the first time?!) It has been so rewarding, though, and all of the kids are having a blast. Me, too! We have also been taking drives down Skyline Drive to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the scenery. Cabin fever can come on quickly when you are homeschooling...

I did finish my classroom; did I post that yet? Gosh, I am a pathetic blogger! Having the dedicated classroom space has made a fantastic difference in our homeschooling efforts! WOW!

A big change in our homeschooling style has come about because we have learned that Zack has Asperger Syndrome. His teachers in the public school (back in 2002) told me they were sure he had it, but we were not able to get him evaluated at the time because of Stephen's cancer treatment. Now he is seeing a therapist to help him learn to deal and she says he meets the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's. So I now know that he processes things differently and can gear my own teaching style to his learning style. I have much to learn, but the both of us are happy that we are figuring this out. Yay for us!

On the craft front: I have not tried to do any business in well over a year, so I closed down the website for now. This past year rocked me pretty bad... but I am better and I am crafting again. I learned to knit this year, and have been making all kinds of things! My daughter is expecting a baby (due in March) so I am knitting baby stuff of late. Right now I am knitting a bunny toy, found in the book "Knitted Toys" by Zoe Mellor. I love it!

This past Sunday we took the day of rest very seriously, so I relaxed and spun up about 4 oz of merino wool. It is really pretty! It is still fairly inconsistent, but much better than my last effort. I will use it to make Jon a hat, probably. I really love spinning, and i know it gets better and better each time. It is so fulfilling to make something out of yarn you have spun yourself...

I have started making jewelry again, too. Just a little here and there. I am going to build up an inventory of jewelry and textiles, and just see what I enjoy the most. The beauty of having a "Handcrafts" business is that you are not limited by media!

One last crafty note: I have fallen for podcasts. I have found some through iTunes on spinning, knitting, and weaving and they are like brain candy for me. I want more.... Anyway, one of the benefits i have found through the podcasts is a site called Ravelry (http://ravelry.com) Since over 200,000 people have registered there before me (!!!) I know it is no big secret, but now I know about it! WooHooooooooooooo! It is like crack for the yarn crafter, let me tell you! Patterns, blogs, forums, contests and challenges, info info info! If you enjoy knitting, corcheting, spinning and don't know about it yet - check it out.

School Is Back in Session!

2008-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

It makes such an incredible difference having our own classroom! The kids are so much more cooperative wtih their studies now. Wow, what a blessing! We got the classroom and tv areas set up downstairs. We don't get any TV channels, but we do like to watch videos sometimes. All that's left to do down here is to put in the bathroom (which entails busting up concrete to move the toilet - NOT a pleasant undertaking!) and a play area on the other side of the stairs. These last two rennovations will have to wait a while until we finish paying off doctors and hospitals.

Stephen (who now likes to be called Steve...) is doing so very, very well! He does not have to go back to oncology until next June or July, and at that point he will attend a different clinic. This one is not so worried about recurrence of cancer, but they will monitor his growth to look for any effects of the chemo. Not worried! He also sees an orthopedist who is monitoring the curvature in his spine. He has to go back in December because his last xrays showed increased curvature. I think he was just leaning... Anyway, if the increase remains, then she will put him in a brace. I don't think it will be an issue! Steve is doing *great*! You should see him play soccer! Wow!

All of us are doing soccer this year, except Jon (who has to work, of course.) I am coaching one of the U8 teams and I LOVE it! Lydia and Steve are on my team; Danny and Zack are on different teams. We all practice and play at the same times at the same fields, so Wahooooo! No typical soccer mom stress!

Okay, time to get back to kiddies. Thought I should update for a change! Y'all be blessed now, ya hear? :)

I Am Sick of Being Sick!

2008-03-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have spent such a huge chunk of my life being sick as I have this winter. With very few breaks during this time, I have been down since Sept/Oct. ENOUGH!!! I know that I have been healed; it is time for my body to get the message!

On the family front, we just got back from visiting my daughter out in Cincinnati. We celebrated her and her twin's 25th birthday. Amazing... We played alot, probably more than we should have, but it was a glorious time.

During this visit, we went to the Answers in Genesis Creation Museum in Kentucky. Wow, what an awesome place! I plan to go again, and this time take every opportunity to sit in front of each display and learn. It was wonderful, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented at every turn. Powerful stuff!

I have had a few new additions to my crafting family this year... One addition is a floor loom (which I have probably already mentioned here.) I have woven rugs and table runners so far, and it is wonderful! The second addition is a spinning wheel. I have wanted one for quite a while, but they are expensive and can take up alot of room. I got a Louet s10, a more modern looking wheel with a really small footprint and double treadles. It came the day before we left for Ohio, so I have only gotten to spin a few ounces of fiber, but it is GREAT!

On the house front, Pat just poured a front step for our porch yesterday. It is lovely. I hired my brother to install the ceiling sheetrock downstairs so I can finally have a dedicated classroom, family room, and game area. I think he is done, but Jon needs to move some stuff so the drywall can be put up around the ductwork. I'm fine with it being left open, but whatever... The point is, I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and for once it is NOT an oncoming train! I hope to have the classroom painted this weekend. ~praying~

Off to do some dishes and get ready for our Easter dinner, which we will hold tomorrow since we were traveling Easter Day. Blessings, y'all!

Spinning, Weaving, Knitting...

2007-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I did not realize how long it's been since I've been online! My mother went through some health issues and I spent August through the beginning of November helping her out. She is doing great, by the way...

And now CHRISTmas is almost here! What a blessed time this is for our family!

So, I GOT MY LOOM and Wow is it wonderful!!! I have woven several projects... rugs, dresser cloths and dish cloths. It is SO COOL!!!!! Alas, I am running low on fiber to weave, so I have directed my attention to knitting, with fits of spinning thrown in here and there.

We have no money to buy presents for CHRISTmas, which is hardly anything new. This year I actually got started making presents early. Wahooo! I need to take photos and post here... I will soon!

I have knit some ponchos, hats, scarves and SWEATERS! I actually made myself a sweater from a Family Circle book I found at the library. I also knit my daughter a lovely sweater that she will get for CHRISTmas. She knows about it, though, because I asked her to pick out the yarn. :) I have two more hats to make before Christmas... I hope I can do it!

I got some lovely fiber several months ago from FrogEye Emporium in Winchester. It's a moreno blend, dyed in rustic blues and tans. g*o*r*g*e*o*u*s. I can't wait to make something with it after I am done spinning it! (My spinning is still limited to using a drop spindle until I can save up $$$ to buy a wheel, so it takes a while.) I have actually been working on plying, and so far so good! I got a sample of alpaca fiber from a fellow down the street. It was not carded well at all, so it was pretty hard to work with, but once I got it done, it was beautiful plied! I love alpaca...

Family wise - everyone is doing well. I miss my daughter in Cincinnati so very, very much, but I don't forsee getting to go out there to see her for a while yet. I want to very much. I will definitely go for her birthday... I would like to go before then, though.

Off to have a rather late lunch. Kids are restless... time for a writing assignment!!! Blessings... May the joy of Jesus flood your soul this Christmas season!

Dream Weaving

2007-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! I just got word that my friend is giving me her loom -- an honest-to-God floor loom!!! I can barely contain my excitement! She said it makes cloth up to 40" wide. She is bringing me a video and book on Sunday and the loom will arrive next week. It takes up alot of space, and I think she wants her livingroom back, but I will be thrilled to make room for it!

Other news on the textile front: my neighbor who owns alpacas is having an open house next month, and I fully intend to participate however I may. I am hoping he will let me set up a little area with some drop spindles and some "spare" fleece in order to introduce folks to spinning. Alpaca is harder to spin than some of the sheep's wool I've done, but it sure feels lovely when it's done! I am hoping my friend will bring her spinning wheel (I haven't really talked to her about it yet) and set it up. We've been looking for any excuse we can find to sit and spin together. I haven't done a whole lot of spinning, though, since I hurt my hands... I haven't done a whole lot of anything, really.

On the hurt hands front: I have FINALLY gotten in to see an orthopedist (that only took 4 months and lots of rescheduled appointments since our area is really short on orthopedists.) She immediately sent me to a hand specialist. He told me what he thinks is wrong, and there were many things he mentioned, and he asked me to be patient with him so he can get it all figured out and fixed. I go to a neurologist on the 4th for some testing, and I'd appreciate prayers. I seriously NEED to be able to create and have really been struggling the absence of creativity in my life.

August First

2007-08-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's the first of August! Part of the Wow Factor is because the summer is really flying by, but the main part of the Wow is because of the importance of this date as a birthday for so many of my relatives and friends.

My grandmother, Helen, (we always called her Gram Pat) was born on August 1, 1910 in Jackson Springs, NC. She was a wonderful, strong woman, one of 14 kids. She was the last of her siblings when she passed. Oh I love her so much... I know she prayed for me every single day. Whether I blessed her or worried her, she prayed! My mother has very different memories of her, since she had to work nights when my mom was little, and I just can't imagine it. My father left us when I was 2, and Gram moved in to help take care of me and my little brother. She left her house, her belongings, everything. In fact, because she was staying with us and not using her house in DC, the pipes burst there and she ended up moving in with us for good. She was strict and loving. I am so blessed to have had her in my life! I still can hear her telling ghost stories over a little tea party in my bedroom... "Who's got my golden arm.... Whoooooooo's got my gooooolden arm... YOU DO!"

Gram's second son, Jon, was born on August 1. He was my "Uncle Sooey." He was one of my favorite people on the planet. He would come by for a visit on his Honda motorcycle (which I loved!) and as he left, he would always say, "Bye, Sweetie!" I tried and tried to say "sweetie," but the best I could come up with was "Sooey," so it stuck! Poor man was labeled Uncle Sooey for the rest of his life. Good thing he didn't mind - that is, as long as it was ME calling him that! Sooey died of lung cancer almost two years ago. There is definitely a hole in my heart that only his memory fills...

Sooey's second son, Chuck, was also born on August 1! How cool is that! (Happy Birthday, Chuckie!)

My father-in-law, Howard, was born August 1, 1923. Have you ever seen Everybody Loves Raymond? If so, Howard was Frank. Born in Queens, he had the same accent and mannerisms, attitudes and much of the same history (except he fought in WWII, not Korea.) He was a tough man to deal with sometimes, but in the end I was so glad to have gotten to know him. We got to spend lots of time together during his last couple of years on earth, and I am grateful for the experience.

Oh yeah, my Gram's best friend, Mrs. Blackmon, was also born August 1. I think she was one year older than Gram, and she was a neat lady who taught me to love to work with yarn. She always had something going on!

There are many more, but these are the folks in my family that I either wish a very happy birthday to, or am honoring their memory on this, their birthday.

All's Well

2007-07-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about different things about each of my kids that makes me happy and thought I'd write some of them down. I *finally* have a notebook by my bed (out in the open!) so that I can record moments as they happen.

I love how Becki writes songs, everything about it. Beautiful instrumentation, beautiful words, beautiful voice, excellent message. I am amazed by the obvious supernatural favor bestowed on that kid! And when she dances before the Lord, I literally stand there with my jaw dropped watching her. I've never seen anything like it.

Rae's photography is amazing. She has quite the gift. It's breathtaking watching her at work, so full of confidence, so inspired in her sets, and it is amazing to me how well she deals with her clients. She looks very professional (she didn't get that from me!) yet when she is on a roll, you can see the little girl in her coming out to enjoy the fun of it. That's how I want to be when I grow up!

Josh is adorable. That young man is silly and sweet, and stronger than he thinks he is. He has an amazing heart. He actually brings me breakfast in bed on occasion! (He works nights.) There are so many precious things about him; today I am inspired by his way with animals. I have not seen an animal that has not just gone straight over to him and sat at his feet. It's like they KNOW he's safe and loving.

I am seeing new sides to Zack lately. He is really starting to take the "older brother" role a little more seriously, and is trying to prevent or quickly resolve arguments between siblings rather than causing them. He is blossoming, and is finally starting to relax and enjoy more of life. I love to hear him laugh!

Danny = fireball. He is a bundle of energy and strength. He runs around all day like the Tasmanian Devil, then all of a sudden comes over to cuddle time. Then he runs again. I love the spontaneous hugs! He is creative and is now keeping a sketch book. It's wonderful to see his mind at work in drawings.

Speed Racer, I mean, Stephen loves riding his bike and tending to his garden. He's alot more willing to try vegetables that HE actually grew! (Read: picky eater.) He is very strong on his bicycle, which I still consider miraculous. Now if I could just get him to be more faithful to wear his helmet. While I love seeing that bright blonde hair zooming around the yard, I'd rather see the blue helmet. (Yes, I do make him stop and put it on.) Ahhhh... boys.

One thing that has caught my attention lately about Lydia is that she sings alot. I haven't seen that in my kids for a while and I love it. She really blasts it in the shower (you GO, girl!) and makes up alot of the stuff she sings. She dances and spins and it makes me want to be 4 again. What a sweetie!

To sum up:
Becki worships
Rae shines
Joshua comforts
Zack laughs
Danny hugs
Stephen rides
Lydia sings

Life is Good.

2007-06-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

We have been busy little beavers in this house. The bathroom is finished, praise God! Homeschool is almost done, although we will actually continue schooling through the summer. We've had lots of little events, some miracles, and lots of blessings going on.

I guess the event I should cover first occurred on May 20th. I had my booth set up at our town's festival and all was going well. I had my son, Danny, with me, and he was having a blast playing with another child. I heard a loud sound and lots of screaming all at once, and when I got up, I saw Danny in the middle of the road, lying in the fetal position. I got to him first and checked him out... he was unconscious, totally unresponsive. It was horrible, absolutely horrible. He had taken the brunt of the collision on his face, and his legs had been run over. Those were the facts, but I've been learning that Truth trumps facts. The Bible proclaims that his healing was already paid for, and that God desires that we walk in health! After I did the quick head to toe check and swept broken tooth particles out of his mouth, I laid hands on him and prayed. I prayed in the Spirit first, then I prayed out loud, proclaiming health and wholeness over this child who Loves his Jesus... I knew that I knew at that time that he would be completely fine! Within a minute he started to regain consciousness (unconscious for about 2-3 minutes total.) In the ambulance, facts said that he couldn't move his eyes to the right, but Truth said that he was healed and whole. During the ride, he called out to me and asked me to pray with him. I took a knee by his side and asked if he wanted to pray or he wanted me to, and he said he wanted me to. so I did - I proclaimed the Word of God over my son, and thanked Him for healing him. We prayed for peace and for comfort over everyone involved, and for joy to shine through. When we got to the ER, they moved him straight into the resuscitation room (trauma room.) He had xrays of his head, neck and chest (for some reason they did not feel it necessary to xray his legs.) They also did a CAT (or was it CT?) scan on his head. The miracle is this: No broken bones, other than a broken tooth, no internal bleeding, no intracranial bleeding. He stayed in the hospital overnight and the next day to get him through the effects of the concussion.

End of the story: Danny is doing great. He has to go back to the dentist in a few weeks to have his tooth fixed, but most of the scabs have already come off of his face and legs. I have a few pictures of him in the ER that I was thinking about posting, but I think that's just too much to have to see unless you're absolutely ready for it We have our own personal issues about how the town police handled the accident, but like I said, they are our own issues and I don't need to vent them here. We think often about the woman who hit him and pray that she is doing well. We know that she probably could not have avoided hitting him, because he didn't see her coming. I thank God that it was a festival setting and she couldn't drive very fast through the crowd! I can't imagine what higher speed would have done. We pray for peace and blessing over her and her whole family, with all of our hearts!

There were alot of awesome people at the festival who, once they found out it was Danny who had been hit, sent presents to him. For example, one of the vendors was selling these puppet dragons. Danny mastered the working of them, and went over there OFTEN (bless their hearts for humoring him!) to play with the demo puppet. It was great - he wanted one so badly... Anyway, when they found out it was him that had been hit, they sent one of the large dragon puppets to him. He had it in the hospital and it really encouraged him whenever he was awake. Another vendor had jars with sand art in them, and Danny had planned to go get one of those as well. They sent him a beautiful sand art jar which Danny now has in the china closet to keep it safe from littler hands. The mom of the little boy he had been playing with came to the ER and brought him a bag of gifts and a card. The vendors in the booth next to mine, GREAT PEOPLE, took over my booth and ran it until my husband and son got there to break it down. I will find their website URL and post it, because they really had some beautiful pottery. She also offers classes for children!

Our other time-consuming event, rather, ongoing project, is the garden. This year we planted a garden out back! We are using the square foot gardening approach, except that I didn't really measure. Next year I will... Each of the kids has a 4'x4' garden plot in which they have planted whatever veggies their little hearts desired. Lydia also has zinnias in hers :) we have 18 of those plots altogether, plus a row of zinnias and a row of sunflowers (paired with pole beans) at the north end. It is such a joy to watch things grow, pull obvious weeds, wait for seedlings to appear, etc. The kids are taking it seriously (but not obsessing) and are totally enjoying this project! Personally, I can't wait for the fresh veggies that I won't have to pay an arm and a leg for!!!

I have been working on jewelry, and selling it :) I have been in one festival so far this year, and look forward to doing more. I have not been able to get any more work done on the website, and as it is I need to swap out photographs of pieces, since so many have sold. That is a project for this week! I am hoping to get a lightbox so I can take better photographs of each item, and I want to get more of the non-jewelry handcrafts represented on the site. Lots of work to do... I'm breaking into a sweat thinking about it! Too funny!

There has been much more, but this is obviously longer than any blog post has a right to be. I will try not to stay away so long... Until next time, blessings to YOU!

Under Construction

2007-04-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for a very good reason - several, actually. For one, I have been quite busy building myself a bathroom. There is only one bathroom in this house, and it has been a bathroom in name only. The toilet has never worked properly since we've owned this place - you had to pour a bucket of water into it in order to flush its contents. The bathtub has had holes in it, and the faucet and drain leaked terribly. The sink was falling apart, and it also leaked. The floor was rotten - quite literally. Several years ago I bought tiles, a new toilet, cabinetry, paint, and everything else I would need to remodel it, with the exception of a new bathtub and sink. (I did have them picked out, though!) The real holdup has been getting my husband to do the plumbing. I don't know why the project has frightened him so, but he has resisted me the whole way. I finally couldn't take it anymore, and when my daughter came out to visit, we decided that enough was enough. My other daughter's husband agreed to help me with anything I couldn't do, and he loaned me the money I needed to get the greenboard, bathtub, sink and backerboard. For kicks and grins, we also bought new lights and a new exhaust fan! By God, we were going to have a REAL BATHROOM in this house!

Becki and Patrick set about ripping out the old bathroom. My husband set up a temporary toilet downstairs... it is not very private, but it works pretty well. We have been bathing the kids in the kitchen sink for the past few weeks while the work has been going on. They LOVE it! Back to the remodeling: The kids ripped out the old bathroom, all the way down to the studs and subflooring. Becki had to return home that day, but it was cool that she got to help get it rolling. We ended up replacing some of the subflooring. The previous owner had allowed a leaky toilet to go untended for apparently a very long time and the subfloor was damaged severely. Jon taught patrick how to weld/solder/braize, so Patrick fixed some seriously flawed water pipes. They redesigned the drainage pipes, adding in a more appropriate vent access, and installed the new center valve for the tub.

Then I got to do my thing. I put in new walls and a new floor. I now have ceramic tiles on the floor and greenboard walls and ceiling. Pat put in the new exhaust fan and lights after I painted the walls, and a new WORKING toilet and sink after I tiled the floor. It is so nice to have a toilet that actually flushes! I have cement backerboard installed around the bathtub waiting for a tile surround, but I have injured my hand pretty severely doing some catering, so Patrick is going to finish the tile work for me. I am SO excited!!! Within the next few days the work will be complete! All I have to do after the tile is put up baseboards, towel bars and a new door. The door may actually be a little while, but I'll set up a curtain until we can buy one.

During this time I have also been involved in two weddings. One was for a friend of my daughter's, and for that one I just made wedding cakes. The other was for one of my dearest girlfriends, and I had the joy of catering that one, in addition to making the wedding cake and jewelry for the bridal party. That was fun! I overdid it a little, though, between the weddings and the constructions, and have apparently blown out a tendon in my hand. So I'm not doing anything for a little while, so I can give it time to heal.

I guess it's obvious that I took pain meds tonight. I'm rambling like crazy. I don't think anyone even reads this blog, and that's okay, but I really wanted to make sure I got on here and documented why I've been MIA for the past several weeks. I am hoping to be able to get online everyday again... I missed this creative outlet and look forward to start journalling again.

And the doctor says...

2007-03-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

The news wasn't all that bad! Thyroid, kidney, liver functions all great. Blood sugar great. Potassium, calcium, chloride, and the other one were great. Blood pressure was the best it's been for a while!

As far as the cholesterol numbers go, they need help but overall weren't too bad. My mother's total cholesterol was over 300 for a good while and she has been taking meds for years. The numbers I got back today were:

triglycerides: 127 (should be 0-149)
HDL: 45 (should be in the 50's to 60's)
VLDL: 25 (should be 5-40)
LDL: 127 (standard is 0-99, but with high blood pressure and meds, aim for 70's to 80's)
Total Cholesterol: 197 (should be 100-199)

The HDL is the 'good' cholesterol, and it is rather low; the LDL is the 'bad' cholesterol, and it is high (not soaring, but still of concern). We're pretty certain that the cause is genetics, since I have been focusing on my eating and exercise for many months and am already doing the things that are suggested as the first steps in lowering cholesterol. We discussed the possibilities of medications and vitamins and fish oils... Since I have been through so much in the past few years (hysterectomy, severe allergic reactions, hernia repair surgery, more anaphylaxis to name but a few...) we agreed that we will not be passive, but will work to get it under control NOW. I expressed my concerns with the statins (and lack of education regarding them), and figure that is probably how we will end up going. We're going to add more fish oils into the diet, and make sure I'm getting my B vitamins. It is a hard decision, but I feel I have to give serious thought to the lipitor or zocor (since there is a generic available and our insurance is SO lame in what they will cover if it isn't generic) In any case, we are monitoring this closely now, as well as the metabolic panel, and I am bound and determined to get healthy!

blah blah blah... enough of the medical stuff. This afternoon I intend to make lunch, clean up and do some crafting. I will also do some more descriptions for the website, but I want to have something created today. That always inspires me to keep on going!

Have a blessed day!

A Silver Lining

2007-03-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Today I torch-fired my first PMC (silver clay) piece. This clay is wonderful: it is tiny, as in microscopic, pieces of silver in an organic clay. When you fire it, the clay burns off, leaving fine silver. This piece is a pendant with a cross cut out of it and a notched frame, so to speak. Since it is my first piece, I figured I'd ruin it with the torch, so I didn't do my best work in shaping it, but it still turned out beautifully! *Doin the happy dance!* Oh, the possibilities this brings to mind!

I have been working on my website. I uploaded photographs of many of the pieces of jewelry that I currently have in stock; now I am working on writing up all of the descriptions and prices. I really do wish I had access to storefront software, but this will do for now!

I heard back from my doctor today. I had blood tests done last week, checking cholesterol etc. since I'm on blood pressure meds. They called to say that I needed to come in tomorrow morning to discuss the results with her. She had warned me in advance that if the results were unfavorable, she would call me in to discuss options. So, I have an appointment for 9AM. I have been on Weight Watchers for 5 months now and am eating properly. This makes me think that dietary control is not going to be an option. I am praying for wisdom, and, of course, for full manifestation of the health Jesus purchased for me at Calvary!

Weighing In

2007-03-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

This past month has been awful as far as weight-loss goes. Obviously, I gained. Lots of reasons/excuses, like the prednisone I had to take for so long, and the trip to Ohio, and dealing with the bladder/kidney infection. Truth is, ups and downs to happen. The question is, how am I going to react when the scales read heavier?

In times past, the numbers on the scale would have been devastating. I would have reacted by - can you guess it? - running to the fridge for some "comfort food." That is the wrong reaction if I want to get back on a losing trend! Old habits die hard, but they CAN die. The right response is to settle down after the initial freakout and continue to eat correctly. If I have fallen off the wagon, then I must stand up, dust off, and jump back on.

I gained 8 lbs over the course of the past month, most of that from the prednisone, but some of it from not eating properly on my trip. At this point I am down 5 of those pounds and looking forward to getting the rest back off! I CAN get below 170, and I fully intend to!

This experience has reminded me of how so many people react to mistakes we might make in other areas of our lives, especially in our relationsips with God. If (when) we do make a mistake, are we going to try to hide from Him, claiming that He couldn't possibly want us around anymore? Are we going to run? Are we going to become belligerant? Do we just give up and sink lower because we don't want to have to start all over in our walks with Him? Or do we go to Him, confess our mistakes, purpose to turn from the mistakes and pick up where we left off?

So many people don't know it's an option. I John 1:9 says that if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jesus' sacrifice was once, and for all. You can't take that away! We are restored to right standing with God - righteousness! - and are able at that point to start growing in Him again.

So whether it is spiritual or physical, I purpose not to run to the fridge for comfort, but rather run into the open arms of my Loving Father. Here I come...

What a month!

2007-03-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

It has been some kind of month. I had been missing my daughter so much, so I took her younger siblings on a road trip to go see her. (This was at her request, too, so it's not like we imposed or anything!) Don't you know, the day I was supposed to leave, I woke up to over a foot of snow on the ground! I was so bummed, I stayed in bed most of the day. Making a long and depressing story short, I decided to leave that night and drive all the way through til sunrise. Most of the time that would have been foolish for me to attempt, but it worked out beautifully since I had moped for so much of the day, and expended very little energy doing so! I was fully awake for the whole night.

Honestly, the visit didn't go that well. I loved seeing my daughter and enjoyed my time with her, but the little ones were awful for pretty much most of the time. My daughter also had to be on the phone or the computer with work-related issues much of the time, too, and I think I only saw her husband for about 1-5 minutes each day. That was a shame all around.

Even the most pitiful travel still must have some sunshine somewhere along the way... besides seeing it in my beautiful girl's smile, I saw it in a quick visit across the state line to visit a friend. We had actually never met before, other than through a cancer-related internet discussion board and many emails. She is a Christian who is battling the same kind of tumor my little Stephen had. We have been emailing for a couple of years, and I finally got to meet her! She is precious. She also introduced me to a woman who heads up a foundation which raises money for research on spinal cord tumors, and that was a fantastic meeting, divinely orchestrated. I am looking forward very much to working with Malia's Cord Foundation. Check them out at http:www.cordfoundation.org

I am really glad I got to go out and see Becki, Carol and Cara. Three very precious women who definitely brighten up my life! Please keep Carol in your prayers, as she started a new chemo recently and should be having another MRI anytime now to assess the effectiveness of it. I trust God completely for her healing and pray that she sees evidence of it on this next scan!!! Pray for Becki as she is at a crossroads with her business and definitely wants to do as God wants her to do. And pray for Cara and Malia's Cord Foundation, that their efforts will ultimately greatly contribute to finding a cure for spinal cord tumors.

Busy Day Today

2007-02-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

I'm downstairs in my special place trying to sort out how this day should run. I know a few facts, like the allergy appointment at 11 and the kids BookIt lunch shortly afterward. I know I need to go get some PJ's for Zack, and some groceries and batteries and pay some bills and sort out the medical bills better so we can attack them better when the tax refund comes... But what I really want to do is stay down here in this little room, my craft room, and play.

The first craft show I intend to work this year is in May. I have some jewelry ready, but I need to do alot more. I have not mastered time management yet (praying for wisdom and understanding, though, so I WILL get it!) I haven't figured out how to school the children and keep the house really clean. Anything beyond those two has eluded me completely.

I want a solid quiet time with God every day. I NEED it.
I want some craft/business time several times a week.
I want to have a spotless house, but I have been ever so willing to sacrifice the spotless part for the sake of the kids' schooling. It needs to be cleaner, though...
I want time to play music every day.
I want to finish my basement so I have a nice, consistent classroom and access to the craftroom, and so my husband can have a space of his own to sprawl over without taking up my craftroom!

These are strong desires and needs. I will find a way to have better quiet times with the Lord, that is a must, but the rest are desires that I will just have to figure out and not obsess over. My first priority is my First Love, Jesus Christ, followed closely by my second, my husband. After that, it's the kids, training them, growing them, encouraging and allowing them to blossom. The rest may come - I hope and pray that it does come soon, of course - but it pales in comparison. I do know, though, that I am beloved, bought and paid-for, and that my desires matter to my Father in heaven. That gives me hope!

A Rough Weekend, to be Sure

2007-02-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

This was a rough weekend indeed. I had another anaphylactic reaction, but this time I was home alone with the kids. I had shown my sons Joshua and Zechariah where I keep my epipens and how to do it, in case of emergency where I am not able to do it myself, just a few days ago. Then on Saturday, it started up. Most likely this reaction happened because of two reasons: first, the blasted doctor in the ER last week did not give me credit for knowing my own body and medical history. I told him that before, when I had the reaction to the crab and shrimp, that I had been put on prednisone 60mg for 4 days, and when it was stopped suddenly I had another anaphylactic reaction, and my doctor had suggested that it was probably a rebound reaction. He insisted that it was very rare and would not happen again. Guess what... The second reason this reaction probably happened was because when the prednisone was stopped from a high dose suddenly, a small allergen became a big one for the moment. I had brushed my sheltie, Charlie, about twenty minutes before my breathing became compromised. My hands had been itching, and I had not heard back from my regular doctor about whether I should risk taking benadryl or not.

When the itching started in my mouth and throat, and the tightening sensation started around my chest and neck, I called my dr on his private number (bless his precious heart for answering) to ask if I could take benadryl. He heard my breathing go from bad to worse and advised me to use my epipen and call for an ambulance. He said to tell the ER doctor to fax him a copy of the report and to please write the prednisone prescription as a 12 to 16-day step down. The ER doctor said NO. Fortunately, my husband called our dr back and he called the pharmacy directly with the step-down prescription.

Why do ER doctors so often refuse to HEAR what their patients present them? For example: Last week when I had the reaction, my heart started beating in a bigemini pattern (a PVC every other heartbeat) as the benadryl was being administered. I had not used my epipen before hitting the ER because we were close by (and BOY did I get read the riot act for that one!) so they gave me epinepherine when I got there, along with some strong steroids and benadryl. As the benadryl was being administered, I suddenly could taste it, then the sensation traveled to my heart and it started skipping beats. It might have been the epinepherine, as it does affect the heart, but given the physical trail that it took, it was most likely the benadryl. Perhaps it was administered faster than I can handle it. So when I got to the ER this time, I made sure to let them know about that reaction and the doctor told me that it was not the benadryl, but rather the epinepherine that caused it. He didn't say 'not likely,' but 'not.' He then proceeded to tell me that I should not use the epipen so quickly. Hmmmm... My throat was closing and I was having a harder and harder time breathing... when should I have used it? After I passed out??? (This is not even considering the fact that my own doctor told me to go use it, and I live at least twenty minutes from the hospital...) He said that I was not even wheezing when I got there. Let's see... The epi started wearing off in the ambulance, enough that the techs got REALLY nervous and wanted to administer a second epi. They called the dr in the ER and he advised them to administer an albuterol neb treatment instead, which did the trick for a while. Hence, no wheezing... Anyway, I asked the doctor, "Okay, then. Would you please advise me as to when I SHOULD use the epipen?" He said, "No." I reminded him that my throat was closing and I was having a hard time breathing with 4 small children in the house, and he would only say "It's different for each person."

Even though he doesn't believe the benadryl was the cause of the bigemini, he did order a slightly different antihistimine, and a lower dose of it, and it was administered by IV over a ten-minute period. I was not watching the nurse, but I could tell every single time she pushed some in. I could taste it, then I felt like I was going to vomit. It got to where I had to close my eyes, because looking around made me feel like I was going to faint. After about 10 more minutes, those sensations lessened to a tolerable level, and I thank God that my heart only skipped a beat here and there rather than going into that awful rhythm!

I did my very best the whole time I was there to be calm. I used relaxation techniques to try to get past the freaky stuff. I tried to breathe slowly and evenly. I spoke kindly with the doctor and nurses (those nurses were wonderful.) But now I am honestly perturbed by the whole thing. Is it the ER doctor's version of pride or arrogance? I mean, this guy is supposed to be great. I had a similar situation in a different ER, more than once, during Stephen's treatments and on my own visits. It's like they don't give me credit for having a brain, or for knowing what I am talking about.

Hello, I've been here before! Hear me, Okay???

Date Night

2007-02-02T16:49:00.001-08:00

This afternoon I was downstairs working our our taxes. Stephen came into the room and said, "Mom, I love you! Can we have a date night tonight?"

I love date night with my boys! It is generally an excuse to treat one of them really nice, and allow them to treat me nicely, too. They get to practice their manners and etiquette, and we get to eat really good food. Among seven children, individual time is at a premium! This is the way we've been able to make it happen over the past few years. It is not a frequent experience, but always a pleasant one.

Tonight, though, we honestly don't have the money for a date night. Still, I couldn't turn him down. I mean, I treasure every single time one of my children wants to spend time with ME! So I asked if we could have a date watching a movie together and enjoying some snacks. He was thrilled with that idea, so we are going to go watch RV (again) and enjoy some fruit and cheese and crackers. This is going to be wonderful!!!

Major Victory! Redux

2007-01-29T21:19:00.002-08:00

Hmmmmm... Somehow my entry posted twice. What's up with that? LOL...

My husband and kids have been fantastic to me, allowing me to rest up after this weekend's episode. I'm still sore and tired, my chest is somewhat uncomfortable, and unfortunately I threw my back out today (UGH) loading the washing machine. The nurse at my doctor's office told me I couldn't take anything for it because I am on prednisone for the anaphylaxis. She also advised me not to take benadryl for the hives since I had that bigemini episode in the ER... She was supposed to consult the doctor and called me back, but alas, no call. So I am taking it easy, watching movies, trying not to be grumpy. Trying REALLY HARD. Doing okay at it, too. I am so glad that we have been told in the Bible that we have the ability and directive to take every thought captive! Thank God! That means that not only is it desirable, it is totally possible. I have the ability to measure every thought against the Word and Will of God and see whether it is worth pursuit. If not, pitch it! I pray for the wisdom to do this on a regular basis...

Something I am really working on/dealing with: I KNOW that I have authority over my body, thanks to the blood and suffering of my precious Jesus. At times I remember this and take authority over the symptoms or pain, and they go away. At other times I fail to even consider the precious price paid for my healing, and I suffer. WHY????

Major Victory!

2007-01-29T21:19:00.001-08:00

Several years ago, my children managed to destroy my viola, one that I've had since my twins were young and learning to play. At least I thought it was destroyed. The bridge was not only broken, but gone; strings were busted and I thought the tailpiece was broken. The finish was damaged, and on and on... so I had, with many tears, packed it up in its case and buried it in the basement, thinking I would face it sometime when it stopped hurting my feelings so badly.

I guess that time came, because I was at a music store and found a bridge for it. It's not exactly the right size, but really close. I figured it would not hurt anything to try it. I got the bridge and a new set of strings and today I fixed my viola! It sounds so good! I don't necessarily sound so good, but after a few days I will again. I'd love to be able to add it as a highlight in our worship, both at home and at church.

One day I will get a really nice bow.

Oh, What a Night...

2007-01-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

I ended up in the ER last night. Apparently I had an anaphylactic reaction to some nuts I was eating...

It was a wonderful day yesterday. My friend is getting married in April and we were looking for bridal party dresses. We had a fantastic time together - us, her two daughters, and another precious friend from church. On the way home, the other lady and I were talking about healing, and how God heals us in different ways. Sometimes He tells us something He wants us to do in order to facilitate the healing, as when Naman was told to dip in the river, and she feels strongly that God has told her that laughter will bring her healing. Now, I'm not talking about cultish, frantic laughing that I've heard about, but laughter, as in "a merry heart works like medicine to the bones." She has a hard time alowing herself to laugh even when the whole crowd is enjoying something funny, because it has caused fits of coughing, and it frightens her.

While we were discussing the issue, I was snacking on a nut mix. Don't you know, I started to feel my chest and throat starting to react as we were talking. It was just like when I had the reaction to the crab legs in June. I had very strong pressure around my chest and up my neck/throat and face and around my head, and I was starting to tingle severely, as though I had hyperventillated (but it was obvious that I had not.) I made myself stay calm and kept driving for as long as I could. I rebuked it outright, and even had my dear sisters lay hands on me and pray. It was not letting up, though, so we ended up stopping at the emergency room. I was so miserable, but I had no doubt that I was going to be okay.

The nurse got an IV started right off, and the doctor had him administer benadryl, epinepherine, solu-medrol. As he was administering the benadryl, I suddenly could taste it (YUCK). I mentioned it, and he said no one had complained to him about that before. Then an awful sensation went down my neck, and when it hit my chest, my heart began to beat improperly. Truth: I was frightened. It felt like my heart was trying to jump out of my chest. The doctor later told me that this pattern of arrhythmia was called "bi-Gemini" (may not be spelled correctly.) Basically, I was throwing a PVC every other heartbeat. It lasted almost two minutes - a very LONG two minutes - and subsided. The very best part, though. My mom had come to the ER to sit with me. When she saw me going into crisis, she grabbed my hand and prayed for healing over me.

I have never heard my mom pray before. I LOVED IT. I will never forget it. Ever.

Over the next two hours I got much better. I had a ton of epinepherine and steroids in me. The nurse came in and told me that he went back to the books and double-checked the administration recommendations for benadryl by IV. He had delivered it as they recommended, probably on the one-minute side of the one-to-two minutes recommended. He said that he asked around, and one other nurse said she had seen it happen like that one other time and has since changed her delivery method so that it is administered over five minutes. He said he would do the same, and he recommended that if I ever have to have it done that way again, to be sure and let them know about this episode. He gave me a printout of my monitor strip to give to my doctor so that he is aware as well.

I am fine today. Rather sore in my chest and neck, and really tired, but I am fine.

Church was wonderful this morning. I took my guitar and have begun playing and singing with the praise team again. I NEED to be there... God gave a hard-of-hearing child the gift of music and she needs to use it!!! I also made a sign for the pastor out of oak, and I got to give it to him. They polyurethane was still slightly tacky, and still STUNK to high heaven, but my heart was in it.

I am blessed!

2007-01-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

I went to Weight Watchers meeting tonight and was very happy to see that I lost 3.2 pounds this week. WooHooooo! Last week I had my follow-up with my surgeon and he released me to start exercising again, and I think that has made the difference. I had been sitting at a plateau for weeks on end. Thank God I've broken through! WooHooo, again!

A Feast Fit for a King

2007-01-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

I have been working on making a plaque for our church, so tonight my husband offered to make dinner and let me keep working. The kids decided to set up a "cafe" in the livingroom and let dad and Zack be the kitchen help. Danny and Stephen decided to go all out - they even made menus!

Danny: Dad, what's on the menu for tonight?
Dad: Spaghetti.
Danny: That's not enough, what else are we offering?
Dad: Well, I'm not sure.
Danny: Mommy said there's french fries in the freezer.
Dad: Okay. Spaghetti a la carte, and french fries.
Danny: What else can we offer?
Dad: Green beans???

Spaghetti, french fries and green beans were served in a little cafe in our living room this evening. A few of the patrons passed on the green beans, but the spaghetti and french fries were enjoyed by all in attendance.

Snow, at Last!

2007-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Much of the country has had so much snow and ice over the past few weeks, but here's it's been unbelievably warm - until now. We've finally gotten our first snowfall of the season, and it is entirely welcome! I thoroughly enjoyed watching my kids playing outside in it. The boys played pirates (don't ask me!) and Miss Lydia had the best time going down the sliding board and landing in the snow. Adorable! Even the dogs got a huge kick out of the white stuff. I built a fire in the fireplace and cooked a huge pot of chicken chili soup, then I went downstairs and worked on an ongoing project. It was a lovely day! All of the kids and dogs are now sleeping quite soundly, totally worn out from the excitement and adventure.

It's Sunday, so we were in church this morning. I had the opportunity to sing in a trio during worship. We sang the song, "My Beautiful One." Our pastor was totally pumped up and gave a tremendous, albeit short, sermon. God has given him a prophetic word that 2007 is to be a year of increase in our lives. It doesn't come without warning - if we walk in disobedience we can expect the repercussions of that to increase as well... Anyway, today he went through the Scriptures that showed different ways that God has brought increase in the past, and ways He promises to do so today... Increases in strength, knowledge, wisdom, love and opportunities to love, fruits of the Spirit, prosperity, health, years... I plan on reviewing the Scripture references tomorrow, and probably several times in the near future to get the full impact. I do treasure the Word of God!

I should really get off to bed. The roads are icy, so I do not expect to go anywhere tomorrow. I hope we will be able to get lessons done in short order so the kids can enjoy what is left of the snow. Here's hoping...

A New Day

2007-01-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

I love it that every day is a new day. What a relief! I have the opportunity every day to do better at something, to try something new, to either forgive or correct the wrongs of the past, to bless somebody, to make a fantastic memory. Each day I have the opportunity to assess how well I am walking the Love walk, and usually to do something to make it better. Each day I have to opportunity to reach out to God and thank Him for the day He made, and to ask Him to help me live it the way I should.

And each day I usually miss so many of these opportunities.

Knowing that God knows me better than I know myself helps, of course, and I never want to take His grace for granted! It wouldn't be grace, then, would it? Still, having experienced His amazing grace makes it a whole lot easier to come to Him whenever I discover I have missed the mark (or when I'm finally ready to face up to that knowledge,) to ask forgiveness, and start moving forward again. How awesome is that! I do not take this lightly! This is the confidence that I have, that He created me, that He knows me, and still He loves me. Thank You, Lord!

Not sure why I wrote this... just soaking up the Love of the Lord, I guess!

2007-01-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've been blogging at another site for several years, but I feel like it might be time to change it up. I will post on both for a while, then choose whichever one I like better to take over :)

I wrote this introduction to Me about three years ago. It still applies, so here I am...

Who Am I?
I am Child of God, woman, wife, mother.
I am musician. I am artist.
I appreciate the silences as well as the shouts.
I love tiny kittens
and big old dogs with floppy ears.
I am voyeur in a sense...
I love to watch my children when they play
or when they concentrate on some new problem.
I love to watch my baby struggle to stand on her own,
like her bigger brothers and sisters did before her,
appreciating how different it is with each one.
When I was a child,
I never dreamed I would marry or have babies or love to cook.
I never imagined how much pleasure I would get
out of making a quilt with my own hands
and scraps of fabric,
or the joy that would shine from the face of the person
who just received that quilt for their own.
When I grew up I began to understand
that I can do anything I set my mind to.
What I become is up to me.
What I fail to do
is because I have chosen not to do it.