Giving Thanks In All Circumstances

Sorry for yesterday's gripy complaining post. I didn't feel good. No excuse, I know.....sorry!

A quick update and on to brighter things...

~Dr. appt today and my MRI showed no damage.
~He seriously suggested methotrexate before it's too late.
~I said ok.
~The lady who came in behind me was not much older than me. In a wheelchair with gnarled hands. Scared the daylights out of me. She has RA too. That sight strongly influenced my decision.

Now the brighter things! Paul is one of my heroes of the faith. And when he says, "Give thanks in all circumstances" I think I should listen, don't you? So here is a list of gratitude for this particular circumstance....

~I might not suffer the terrible side effects of a chemo drug. I might do very well with it.
~Modern medicine.
~My doctor is a christian homeschool dad.
~No damage on my MRI
~My husband's good insurance that pays for all this stuff.
~I'm not in a wheelchair.
~My inflammation markers are down. Meaning that my body has responded to something well.
~My attitude is coming around too!

A thankful heart is good medicine.

Not So Good

That's my answer today.

Well anyhow. Update: I think I'm gonna delete my RA blog. Too hard to keep up with 2 blogs and it wasn't really helpful for charting b/c I can do it easier on paper and see more of it at the same time. One blog is more my speed.

Tomorrow I go in for self destruction to my rheumatologist to talk about what else I can do. It's to the point of being too hard to deal with. When I can't tear apart squares of toilet paper, then I obviously have a hard time serving my family. As the day wears on it's better. But so hard to deal with.

I feel like a whimp. Like I should give it more time. Wondering if it's the busyness of VBS. Or ...or...or???? I have no idea. And I especially hate the fact that I just don't know what's best to do. Or not do. And for the record...neither does anyone else.

My attitude is terrible. I'm sorry! Just being real folks.

VBS has been a great distraction this week. And has made me push myself harder than I otherwise would. It is also a tremendous praise. I remember when I was first diagnosed 6 months ago crying over the fact that I might not be able to do VBS. But look! I've done 2!!

AND....maybe, just maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and feel tons better anyway and cancel my appt. (just kidding Honey...kinda).

A Few Minutes

Kiddos splashing in the pool. Dinner done. Nothing to prep for VBS.

What to do?

Make some gollum juice, heat up a rice bag for my puny wrist, and gather some good reads.

And prop my feet up on a coffee table full of knights in the middle of battle.

Awwww.....Summer.

Library Loot!

Wednesday is our regular library day but it's terribly crowded at story time with all the summer kids. So today, Tuesday was our new day and since there was barely anybody there at all it may stay that way til school starts.

My kids are having a blast with the summer reading program. It's really encouraged my boys to branch out and read different things. Almost all the younger kids have received at least one prize. The older kids have a drawing. Nobody's won yet, but we're hopeful!

See all the free girly magazines I got? I LOVE it when someone donates cooking magazines or Southern Living!

I also got some story book cds for my littlest ones to listen to this afternoon while my daughter and I are erranding. I think they'll love them!

VBS Take 2

This week is VBS at our own church. It seems like it has always been so far away and now it's actually here.

This has been a new experience for me b/c I've never organized something like this before. Today was especially fun b/c some of my older kids and I spent the morning decorating the church. They are fun to work with.

I have enjoyed watching our church come together to pull this off so easily. Everyone has been eager to pitch in and generous with their time. It's been great to be a part of it.

Tonight we had almost 30 kids. Most were church kids....either our church or someone else. But there was one family from the apartments where we did the cook out this weekend. Happy to see them there!

Great music, games, snacks, and a wonderful clown show from Fun In The Son. I loved hearing the chatter from all my kiddos at home taking about their class, their teacher, their friends, the Bible Verse they learned.

The only thing I would do differently is have my own class. I miss that. But I enjoyed listening in a bit on all the others....especially my son's PreK - Kindergarten class. Cutie Patooties.

No pix until the end of the week b/c they are all on Honey's camera. He's the official VBS photographer of the week. Then maybe I can share a little video thingy he's putting together.

NOT What I Had In Mind!

My rheumatologist ordered an MRI for my hand and wrist. Today was the scheduled day.

Hand and wrist. Can't be much of a big deal, right? Stick my hand in a machine thingy. 10 minutes and I go back home.

NO.

Imagine my surprise when the nurse told me to take off my clothes and put on this gown. ME? But it's just my hand and wrist.

Didn't matter.

Then it turns out it wasn't my hand. The order was only for my wrist. My doctor said "hand". The nurse said "hand" when she called me to set up the appt. But now it's only wrist. And since they are just the imaging center, they don't know. Insurance issues maybe??

So after waiting a good long time it was my turn. And I have to lay down and go through the MRI machine for quite a long time. Like 10 songs worth maybe....they put headphones on you w/your favorite radio station to drown out the sound.

Then I'm out and it's time for the contrast dye. Hmmm...my doctor didn't talk about this part. And I'm a little freaky about dyes anyway. Blue drinks? No thanks.

The nurse tells me it's a simple thing with a butterfly needle. And I'm thinking, "believe me Honey, it's never a simple thing with my veins...butterfly or not." She tries one site and digs around. I wish I had drunk more water at this point.

No go. So she tries again somewhere else. Meanwhile the first site is burning. I mention it and she says very matter-of-factly "Oh yeah we just blew a vein."

WHAT!?? Blew. A. Vein? .....Like it was the most common thing in all the world. And maybe if you've been a nurse forever it is a common phrase in your vocabulary. But not mine.

6 more minutes in the machine while I mull over the yuckiness of the dyes coursing through my body. :( And speaking of body...seems like for all this trouble it should've been my whole body instead of a tiny wrist. Wrist without even the hand, mind you.

I drive home 2 1/2 hours later. And NOT in the best of moods either.

But the second I walked through the door my mood did an about face. I was greeted by happy working kids. One running the vacuum. The washer and drying humming along. 2 kiddos folding and the amazing smell of a chocolate cake in the oven that Eldest made just because.

And the best part? An interested audience to share the woes of the afternoon!

Jesus said, "Come"

I've been thinking about my friend, "Sam".

Sam is a gorgeous little blonde love of a 4 year old. Always smiling. Happy boy. And you should see how cute he dresses for Awana sometimes in his little bow tie.

Friday was a special day for Sam. God moved in his little heart and said something like, "Come, follow me." And Sam did! With a clear understanding he came forward to accept Christ as his Savior and Lord.

But there was a problem.

Sam's momma did not agree.

She explained that Sam wasn't old enough and needed to be about 10 before he made such a decision. Sam did not agree. (And neither do I.)

You see, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. " Mark 10:14

Do not hinder them! Bring them! Let them come!

NOW is the time to come to Jesus. Whether you're 4, or 104. Jesus wants your heart and longs to welcome you into his fold.

The Grand Finale!

I forgot about the feel of the last day of VBS. It's different from all the other days. There's more of an urgency of the last time. And it's a bit exciting though also sad. A great week that's almost over.

Geo lays it on hard and heavy the last day. Anytime he's in the same room with a class, he talks about making sure they are right with God. I just don't see how any of them could miss it after the repetition of the week ....and the last day. Truth over and over.

10 of my boys were back for the last day. Most even had perfect attendance for the week. I loved meeting my new friends and I hope they come back next year.

Day 5 we learned about how God changes lives. We read about George Mueller and Gladys Aylward. We had crackers and juice and they tied up their feet with crepe paper like the little girls in China. And even though we had messy-ish stuff everyday, my boys were quick to clean up when told. Impressive bunch they are.

But the best was saved for last. There was a little commencement ceremony and all the kids got up on stage to sing some of their songs and get certificates while some of the mommas and g'mas came to watch.

An invitation was given. Straight forward and serious. All heads bowed. All eyes closed. Nobody coming b/c their friend did. Just between you and God.

And several come forward! I had the unspeakable privilege of praying with Bigboy's sister to receive Christ as tears were streaming down her cheeks. What rejoicing in heaven!! What rejoicing my own heart!

These kids have been faithfully attending Awana and VBS. Hearing the Truth week in, week out. And now responding in faith. Hallelujah!
Mayfee at craft time. My boys have spent the day playing with all their VBS stuff. We even had a little game with the coins before bedtime.

My cowgirls! Aren't they precious? They were our music leaders all week. Great job girls!

Me and my Bigboy and MJ

Meg and Jayden. This guy is precious! I met him last year but he was too young for my class. I sure enjoyed having him.

Me and my boys one last time.
This is our future worship leader. What do you think Misty??
Big long sigh........

I also forgot something else. The feeling I'm left with that I have too much and give too little.

VBS Day 4

So far this is my favorite picture of the week. My son with both arms around 2 of his little students. Pure sweetness.....

Aren't they cute doing their hand motions to the songs? Rock Of Ages is stuck in my head...probably forever.

Here's my group of the day. Just 8 of them. 2 were sick and I guess the rain kept the others away. The guy in the back is especially good looking, don't ya think?)

Today was our BEST day ever. They were calm and happy and interested.

We learned about Jesus' death and resurrection. We ate crackers and drank juice for the passover and went through the Resurrection Eggs. My Awana peeps have seen them before but the others had not. It was a hit!

I've loved this week....of course. But tonight was the first time that it really "hit" me. Just the whole mission of it. The love. My deep desire for them to know God. The fact that it's almost over. The idea that I might not see some of them again. And the "what if" I can't teach AWANA in the fall.

I feel so comfortable with them. Such an ease of connection. And like I was meant to be right here right now with these little boys.

And I wonder at all the ways it may be impacting my own family. Hopefully only for the good. My 10yo son told me this afternoon that he really hopes he can lead someone to Jesus someday. He's never talked about that before. All week he's been smiling at VBS, coming home with funny stories about his teacher and the fun he had in crafts.

Maybe you're tired of hearing this but....I'm so thankful.

VBS Day 3

Oh this week is flying by!! Here's some highlights from day 3...

Fun in the sun.
Munching on goldfish while we memorize our verse about being fishers of men.

My son's PreK class. Look how still they are!

And hard working!

Today I was down 1. Only 11 boys. And you really would've believe how good they are considering there are eleven 8 year old boys all in the same place.

We talked about the radical teachings of Jesus and I especially emphasized the "Don't pay back wrong for wrong", "Considering one another's interests ahead of your own." type teachings.

The next time we had to line up, I had 2 boys saying "you go ahead" instead of fighting over who got to be first. LOVE it!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

VBS day 2

My supplies for the day. Doesn't it look like fun?

Today we talked about Jesus' birth. We had a birthday party and what's a b-day party without cake? Little Debbie to the rescue. I don't know who Debbie is but she's a pretty fine cook I tell ya. I wondered if my class would think they were too old for this. But I shouldn't have worried. Boys and food go together quite nicely.

Day 2 was even better than day 1. Yesterday my class was full of 9 little boys. But today there were 12! This is Sufyon, one of my newbies. He's actually supposed to be in the younger class but he had more fun with the bigger boys. The more the merrier!

My group. And you can't see him in this picture but MJ was there too!

Remember him?!!

And remember I told you that Bigboy was away all summer?

Well he's back. Or maybe he didn't leave yet. I don't know, I couldn't understand the story his sister told me. But who cares because he's HERE!! Happy day. VBS just wouldn't be the same without my Bigboy ya know.

Our Verse of the day.
Playing on the new playground equipment.
Nice!

Can you tell he's having fun?
Well his mouth usually looks like this....but still.

I marvel at this past year. It's been about a year since VBS the most life changing event of my life. And while that sounds like an exaggeration , I asked Honey and he agreed. And obviously when one person is changed in a family it naturally trickles down in some form to everyone else.

It has been sweet to see my kids fall in love with children they don't even know. To pray for them. To worry over them. To get excited about doing something special for them.

My husband listens with great interest and full support and knows my kids' names while he stays home with those of us who aren't quite ready for such work.

It's hard to imagine my life now w/o my work at Immanuel. And the funny thing is that they are always thanking ME! HA! I am the one that is eternally grateful to them for the opportunity that God used to open my eyes and stretch my heart.

VBS Take 1 Day 1

Take a look at this good lookin bunch! 9 cutsie boys in my 1st/2nd grade class this year on the first day. And two of them bear a striking resemblance to my man of the house!

Some old friends and some new ones too. I missed my Bigboy and MJ though. Bigboy is away for the summer but I'm hoping to see MJ this week.

Today we talked about John 14:6. "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

This verse is so straight forward. There is NO other way to get to heaven except through Jesus. Not b/c you go to church. Not b/c you're a good person...or at least not as bad as some. Only through the blood of Jesus. No other way.

We did some sign language, played a game, and by the end most of them had at least the gist of it down pretty well.

We also learned about Jesus being the Creator. And the conversation turned to "HOW" did He create things. Like with His hands? And I was reminded anew of the amazing God who spoke the universe into being. AND I got to share it with my little peeps.

My 15yo son and his 13yo sister took a class of 6 four year olds. Eldest was in charge of music. Lane was sick...but hopes to jump in some time this week. And it was the first time the 5 youngest have ever gotten to participate.

Day 1 = Great success!

Are You Prepared?

A friend of mine told me a story this week about how s/he had the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. This person was desperate, in despair, and finished with life. But my friend froze. And instead of embracing the opportunity, she gave him her pastor's name and number.

I keep thinking about this story. About why my friend froze. About how many lost opportunities I've racked up myself.

But it has also created in me a desperate passion to make sure that my kids feel confident in sharing Jesus with someone. Do they feel that they have studied to show themselves as one approved?.... A workman that is not ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.
Are they prepared in season and out to give a reason for their hope?

Here's a story about LB when she was little. One of my faves....
She was 5, my nephew was just a bit older. They were sitting at my MIL's table and LB was presenting the gospel to him just as clearly as can be. My nephew was more interested in his lunch but LB was persistent. I listened quietly from the other room. Then when she was finished she ended it with , "A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears hers down. WHATEVER that means!" HA!! Apparently it was verse we had recently memorized and she figured it belonged in there somewhere!

Anyway, I wonder if she'd feel so bold and confident today at 13? What about Mally Bird who is 5 right now? And my boys who just bounce through life without a care in the world? I don't know.

Gotta ask...

New Space

I rearranged my laundry/storage room today! I wish I had taken some before pix so you could see the difference. Suffice it to say it's huge.

It was always a mess. And I was sick of it. So I went in looking around for more space to add shelves. I went in the garage to see if there were any shelves out there I could re-purpose. I contemplated materials and wondered if Honey would go for it.

Then the idea hit me.
How 'bout just cleaning it up?
Rearrange. Dejunk. Restack.
Worth a shot....
These are shelves on the left side of the room. They hold most of our bulk food and some foo-foo dishes that won't fit in the kitchen. I use those honey jars for so many things.

The blue bins beside the shelves hold grain. Oats, soft wheat, and hard wheat.

Then you have the dirty clothes.

On the right side is the washer/dryer and my basket of orphan socks and ironing. Just wiping these off made a world of difference! They get gross fast. See that closet on the end?

Inside is a little storage cabinet that holds this miscellaneous stuff. And you can't see it, but there is even an EMPTY shelf on the bottom!

Who knew? I should rearrange stuff more often.

Miscellaneous Monday

I bought a paper yesterday. And the Wednesday before. The kidney stone episode found me in Walgreens for the first time in about a year. Walgreens and I usually don't get along. But while I was waiting I picked up the sales paper and found a freebie on the contact solution that my man likes. And believe it or not, they actually had it in stock!! I know!

So I looked some more. And there right on the first page was a picture of the most expensive supplement that I use every month. Half off! And AGAIN, they had 4 boxes! Now everyone knows that Walgreens is way more expensive than Walmart (where I usually buy this particular supplement) but with this sale I save $40/mo over the Walmart price.

SCORE!

I bought them all. Then when I was in TX, I went to that Walgreens and bought all of those too.

So back to the paper. I stopped buying the newspaper when I stopped couponing. But now I'm gonna cautiously give it another try without setting my affections on success. We don't usually eat stuff that you buy with coupons, but I'd be thrilled with getting some free soap now and then. We just now ran out of all the free soap I accumulated in Colorado.

Boy that was a long story just to tell you that I bought a newspaper.

~Today was the first day back to school since vacation. I've been praying over our school for the fall. What to start, what to drop, what to try. So this week I'm slowing trying a few things. Today I worked with the boys teaching them to outline notes using our history lesson. We'll school all summer except for the days when there's something better to do.

~My man just got a new guitar. More like the guitar. So why is my music room so quiet? He just plays scales and practices lessons. No songs. Seems that I hafta go to church to hear him actually play. Just sayin Honey!

~Tonight I went for a walk. Nice night. A little sweaty. Wild and lush landscape, fireflies, bunnies in my yard, and loud mouth bull frogs. LOVE the south!

~I miss my walking buddy. I've been reluctant to handle the leash but I think I'm gonna give it a shot soon. He's a good boy so it shouldn't be a big deal.

~We learned a new phrase today. "Sowing discord". It's mentioned twice in Proverbs 6. There's been a bit of arguing around here lately and as always, God's Word is fitting.

~You should see my basil!

~Guess what? I'm fixing to give tofu another shot. I've got some ideas.....

Today's Meals...
Breakfast - oatmeal and blueberries
Lunch - leftovers
Dinner - Green pasta...My 10yo son's fave.
Penne pasta, broccoli, peas, green onions, and spinach tossed with olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, and s/p. DELISH!!

Our Saturday

~Have you been to the Farmer's Market lately? I missed 2 or 3 weeks in a row and WOW! there are so many more vendors and shoppers. As the weather warms up I noticed less lettuce but more of other things. I also got some yummy goat's milk lotion from the goat milk lady. I wanted to buy some last year but never did. LB and I had fun testing out the testers.

~These toothless smiles melts their momma's heart.

~Got a new kid's devo at the used book sale.

~Swimming! Every. Single. Day.

~Tonight my daughter is trying a new recipe. At the bottom of it it says, "Will keep in the fridge for 406 days".

406 days!? Who counted that? I guess on day 407 there should be a burial ceremony for the pineapple custard that has surely become part of the family by that time.

~Eldest and I went bra shopping today. Honey took everyone else to TKD so we took advantage of the time without boys.

~Summer reading program at the library! My kids love this! Those little prizes are great incentive.

Tonight's Dinner

Lasagna, salad, and bread. Oh yeah, and pineapple custard. We won't be keeping it for 406 days though. Honey and I are having spaghetti with rice noodles. And I think tonight I'll experiment with some apple lemonade. Doesn't THAT sound yummy??

Swimming!

After weeks of asking to fill up the pool, it's finally up and running (or full and splashing).
I'm pretty sure this will be his year to learn to swim. He loves the water.

This one does not. It's probably the only picture we'll get of her in the pool this year. Don't let that pretty smile fool you.

They've had so much fun together. They don't even have many pool toys or floatie things, they just make up their own games.

Look out!!

Sweet Bub.