Fresh Air and Days of Grace

I was asked to blog about The Fresh Air Fund. They sent me a link and some info and I think it cant hurt to pass it along. It looks like a great idea and it helps many kids to have wonderful experiences that some of us take for granted. My sons spend time at their Grand moms farm every Sunday. Even at our home we have lots of acres for them to run and play. Unfortunately some kids aren't so lucky....some never get to hang on trees or feel grass in between their toes. So if anyone feels called to check out this cause go HERE. I'm sure there will be lots of kids that Thank you.


I am also doing my Days of Grace early today....I plan to spend the evening Computer free and focus on my family a little more. Here is what I found Grace in today....

-Getting the results of my EEG. I passed and am allowed to drive again (limited driving but STILL!!!)

-R is doing very well potty training. He even Pooped on the potty today!!!

-Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls. YUMMY! I got the recipe HERE.

-The heat is gone! Temps are closer to 60 today. Woo Hoo!

-And Blogs that make me think.....there were several I read lately that have helped me to put things into perspective. Thanks Bloggers!!

2 weeks to go?

Here are my plans for today.....
dishes,
put laundry away,
take a nap
and make dinner.

Please say a quick prayer that I can handle all this. Ugh.

P.S I have a doctors appointment thursday and another one on monday and next thursday. Where things stand right now, if I get cleared next week to start Methotrexate then I should be starting it within the next 2 weeks. I think being off my meds for nearly 2 months have helped my reservations about taking the methotrexate. Im feeling so crappy I am willing to try just about anything now.


Links....
Sjogrens
Fibromyalgia

Days of Grace

Hello Friends. I was a total waste of space today. I did practically nothing. Unless you count taking a shower and throwing chicken in the crockpot. Aside from that I rested until it was time for T-ball. Even with all that resting I still dont feel good. I really kicked my own butt yesterday. I know, I know....so many people warned me to take it easy but I (at the time) didnt think I was doing too much. Next time I will try harder to listen. I promise.

On to my Grace list for today....


-This picture... (I needed this picture yesterday)

-The flowers Hubby planted for me (the top picture)

-Having to dump the potty several times today....it is still an uphill battle but I think I will win.

-Air Conditioning. How can you not find Grace in that when it is nearly 100 outside???

-As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life. Proverbs 15:4

-and one extra one just for Jaime......Book 2!!! I cant wait!!

The Good, the Bad and the Funny

Today started out great. I won Mimi's giveaway! I won a Mom's Devotional Bible, two Joyce Meyers books (Love Her!!!), and handcrafted note cards with Beautiful pictures that Mimi took herself. Check out her Etsy shop. Thank you so much Mimi...you are a great bloggy friend!!

We stopped to get ice cream tonight and when the boys were done they ran around blowing dandelion puffs and making wishes. On the way home Ray told me his wish.....He wished for more diapers. That boy cracks me up!

Today I over did it. So I am in alot of pain tonight. I just took a second percocet and am impatiently waiting for it to kick in. Want to know what I did today? I made breakfast, picked up the living room, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, washed the remaining dishes, played with the boys, went up and down the stairs too many times to empty the training potty, and made dinner. Ouch. Tonight I am boo-hooing because I should be able to do so much more. But I cant. And may never be able to....and that is making me very down tonight. I want to be healthy, I want to be normal. I want to take my boys for a bike ride or a walk. I want to vacuum my house. Sorry about the whining....but I needed to get it out.

Today I found Grace in...

-Winning Mimi's Giveaway

-Cute wishes

-Percocet

-A Happy Hubby

-Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Psalm 51:10

Sunday pictures and Days of Grace

Today was a busy day for Hubby and the boys. After making breakfast hubby went outside to do some yardwork and the boys went outside to swing and play in the sand box. When it was naptime J went out to help hubby do his yardwork so me and R could sleep. Then it was time to head to the farm (my MIL's)
After lunch the boys played on the slip and slide. They had so much fun! And it was so stinking hot I wish I could run across the yard and slide too. WOW...thats a picture no one wants in their heads. (Check out the pic to see cows in the background along with a Nuclear Cooling tower....reminds you of the Simpsons, huh?)

These pics are of the boys helping Hubby plant some Sunflowers, beets, lettuce and radishes.

Today I found Grace in...

-watching J and R learn some lessons in how to grow a garden.

-Finally getting home and showered after being so hot all day.

-Very tired little boys falling asleep quickly.

-Hubby making a yummy steak for dinner. I made freshing cut asparagus and baked beans. Sounds like a summertime meal, doesnt it?

-Knowing I have no place to be tomorrow until after dinner. Sounds like my kind of day.

Happy Sunday

It was over 70 degrees before we had breakfast so you know its going to be HOT today. They are calling for 85 but I believe it will go way over that. It is so nice to be able to push the boys out the backdoor right after breakfast and let them play like little boys should play.

Here are a few verses for such a beautiful sunny day.....

God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. Luke 18:7

The things impossible for people are possible for God. Luke 18:27

I hope someone out there can find some peace in those verses. I know I do.

Days of Grace

First I want to start with what I did NOT find Grace in today.....

-Ants. In my kitchen. Big ones. Go away ants!!

-A stupid headache. Thankfully that went away but my body is hurting bad enough to make me miss having just a headache.

-Being woke up from my nap before I was rested. That makes you feel crappier than if I didnt take a nap.

ok, Im done whining....now on to my Real Grace list....

-Warm sunshine.

-Boys playing outside ALL DAY.

-Hubby not having to work today

-C spending the weekend home. (even if he is out with Sam tonight....thats ok, Sam....I will share him)

-Rebecca Jo finishing her mini-marathon. Yes Rebecca...I found Grace in you today. You Go Girl!

Days of Grace and Tball pics

I am on hubby's computer so I have a chance to load some pics from t-ball. He took a much better picture of the boys sitting on the bench. I just love how they are all lined up in numerical order and how J is looking back at us. and here is J kicking at the dirt...

and hitting the ball...

and posing for daddy...

and little man R. Who was VERY excited to see his brother hit the ball and run to first base.

Speaking of R, I gave him two big glasses of iced tea this morning and he peed and peed and peed. He peed IN the potty 7 times and had one accident. He sat on the potty to try and pee at least another 8 times. I am starting to think going cold turkey off the diapers was the right way to go....and I have high hopes that maybe by June we will have us a fully potty trained 3 year old.

Today I found Grace in....

-Hubby having work to do at my MIL's after his bad mood this morning. Sometimes it is good to get them out of the house :-)

-C coming to visit for the weekend. I just finished watching a movie with him. Plus I sent him on an ice cream run after the little boys went to bed. I am starting to think that having one child who can drive just might be a blessing.

-My mom. She is so loving. I can't ever begin to explain how much she means to me....and how sweet I think she is for leaving such great comments for me. Thanks Mom!! Your the best!!

-Ice cream. I know, I mentioned it earlier in my list but it deserves its own spot. Don't you think?

- Lord, remember your mercy and love that you have shown since long ago. Psalm 25:6

Pray about Everything

Today is a beautiful day. Sunny and warm. I sent the boys outside to play right after breakfast and will send them outside again after naps. No reason to be indoors when the weather is this nice.
I mentioned before that I am reading the Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with Devotional writing by Max Lucado. Every thing he writes seems to speak to me....and some days even more than others. I want to share the message he wrote for April 23rd. It is an excerpt from his book "Come Thirsty". I hope you find grace in this....

Want to worry less? Then pray more.
Rather than look forward in fear, look upward in faith. This command surpirses no one. Regarding prayer, the Bible never blushes, Jesus taught people that "they should always pray and never lose hope" (Luke 18:1). Paul told believers, "Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God" (Colossians 4:2). James declared, "Anyone who is having trouble should pray" (James 5:13).
Rather than worry about everything, "pray about everything." Everything? Diaper changes and dates? Business meetings and broken bathtubs? Procrastinations and prognostications?
Pray about Everything.
(Come Thirsty by Max Lucado)

T-ball Cuties

I'm not sure if you can see it very well but the team was lined up in order tonight while waiting to bat. I loved watching the game. These little boys are adorable. Especially mine!

Today I found Grace in....

- R peeing on the potty twice today

-Chocolate covered peanut butter rice krispie treats.... I made them last night and they are YUMMY!!!!

-Watching J play T-ball

-Having another EEG. If I "pass" then I can start driving again. They said I should hear from the doctor in the beginning of next week. Keep your fingers crossed.

-What you say can mean life or death. Proverbs 18:21

Just call me Your Royal Highness!

Yay! I got a new award. Jamie at Kids and Me Raw III gave me this brand new spankin' sparkly high falootin award.

Seems that she thinks I'm Royalty! I just wish I could convince my family....maybe then I would get a little more respect, lol.
Here are the rules of my sparkly new award....


List 7 things that make you Awe-Summ and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.
Make sure to tag your recipients and let them know they have won!
Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.
You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole world know.....
YOU are The Queen of Alll Things Awe-Summm!

My list of Awe-Summmm things about me:

-I am very good at finding lost items. Which is a very good thing since I live with all males who couldn't find a burning building if they were sitting on top of it. They are ALL lacking in that department.

-I have an amazing sense of direction. Which causes me to have a pet peeve against people who get lost easy, or cant find their way to a place they have been to several times. Sorry Mom and Hubby.

-I am overly optimistic. about everything. I believe this is because of my next Awesome fact...

-My faith is unshakable. I love the Lord and know that everything I have is a blessing from Him.

-I am a very caring person. I even took care of Poppop until he got too weak to live at our home.

-I have an awesome family. and some pretty awesome friends too!

-And Amy says I have great hair....but I think that is still up for debate.

Now I get to pick 7 bloggers to add to the blog-royalty....

Rebecca Jo at Knit by Gods Hand

Deb at Dirty Socks and Pizza

Kristin at The Way it is

Mimi at Screaming Mimi

I know that is only four....but I have to sign off and this is only as far as I got. Sorry....but you guys can pick 7....go ahead....do it!!!

Help!!!

I have a long to-do list and a very uncooperative body. Im stiff, sore and just cant get moving. My house looks like a disaster area, mainly because the last week we have been very busy. And I cannot do housework on days when I have to leave the house. I just dont have the energy. So today was supposed to be a chore day, since we have no place to go. I was told yesterday that t-ball would be cancelled because of all the rain we got, and the field is so muddy. I am actually happy about this today.
So far today I have filed some paperwork. Thats it. My mind is swimming with thoughts of what I would like to accomplish but it is just not happening. Can someone send over a maid? I promise to send her back once I am done with her....Honest.

Days of Grace

Today I found Grace in....

-Rain. I am tired of the rain just like everyone else. But I still find Grace in it...since I know that it is needed to make the flowers and veggies grow in the garden.

-Bedtime. The boys bedtime did not get here soon enough.

-a 3 hour nap. Enough said.

-A friend making me laugh

-When their enemies hurt them, the Israelites cried for help. So the Lord felt sorry for them and sent judges to save them from their enemies. The Lord was with those judges all their lives. Judges 2:18

Yep, you read that right....even though the Israelites strayed from God and did everything He told them not too, he still answered their cries for help. He Felt Sorry For Them! God is Good.

Saturday in Pictures

The little league Opening Ceremonys were this morning. Here is little man R waiting for J and his team to be called.

J's team in in green.

We had a family get together this afternoon and this is a pic of my nephew and my boys. They spent alot of time coloring and playing with Monster Trucks.

When we got back, and I parked my butt in a chair to watch the boys play in the yard.

Batting Practice

Playing Catch

Crime scene....ok, not really. I had to trace J's shadow for him, LOL

The next two pictures are of paper flowers that we made for mommom's birthday. We are taking them to her tomorrow. I saw these adorable flowers in a magazine and then forgot which magazine. So I ended up making them up as I went and I think they turned out really cute. The boys were having some trouble and needed alot of help, but we still had a great time making them. I plan to put them in an old vase or an old Mason jar. Monday is her birthday and what is better than homemade gifts?? Nothing!



Today I found Grace in....

-Sunshine and warm temperatures

-Family get-togethers

-Little League

-Tired little boys

-Chocolate :-)

Spring Spring Spring....I love it!

Today the sun was shining and the temperatures were warm. Wonderful!! J had his t-ball pictures this evening and I have to say that they are MUCH more organized than the soccer league pictures. But anyhoo.....here is what I love about Spring.... (this is also my Grace list)

- T-ball cuties

-Fresh picked Asparagus from our backyard. (and before I start getting veggie hate mail....unless you have had fresh asparagus you havent had good asparagus. The canned stuff ought to be illegal. yuck.)

-Little boys playing in the yard. (even if I hear "I'm NOT your best Friend EVER AGAIN", does anyone elses kids yell this multiple times each day??)

-Another sleepover in the backroom with the boys. Wish me luck =D

-He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart. Isaiah 40:11

T-ball and Days of Grace

It is T-ball Season!! A Swing and a.....

HIT !


Today wasnt J's first practice, but the first one that I have gotten to attend. He is doing great (for a first time player) and is very excited. The team was given their uniform shirts and hats tonight and tomorrow night is picture day. Then on Saturday we go to the Opening Day Ceremony. His actual games start next week and I am really looking forward to them. I love watching little kids play sports and it is even cuter when they mess up. Watching airplanes instead of the game, running the wrong way, etc.....all adorable in my book.

Today I found Grace in....

-Cute little boys playing t-ball

-Seeing an old friend at t-ball

-electric carts in stores (I am having a rough day and am hurting alot so walking was nearly impossible when we went shopping today)

-Hubby taking us to Applebees for dinner

-A friend loves you at all times. Proverbs 17:17

The call no one wants to get....

When I woke up from my nap today I saw that I missed several calls on the home phone and cell phone plus there were 3 messages. I just knew SOMETHING was wrong. And it was. Seems that C had an accident in his car after school today. He said he hydroplaned and lost control. He also ran into the electrical box that sits by the road, controlling the traffic light. I wish I had seen pictures but I was told that the box was pushed off its pedestal and crushed. There is some damage to his car, but we don't know exactly how much yet. C and his passenger (he was giving a friend a ride home from school) are both fine, just shook up. Especially C. Poor kid. He is going through a rough time right now and this just adds to it all. Please, please keep him in your prayers.

Now I want to list my Days of Grace. I know I have missed quite a few but I will try to keep up with it from here on.

Today I found Grace in....

-No injuries from C's accident. Thank you Jesus!!

-Eating the last Cadbury Creme Egg. Maybe now all my temptations are gone. Maybe.

-My parents getting home safe and sound from their trip to TN (to visit my brother and his family)

-A nice hot shower, after the kids are asleep. That means No Interruptions and I don't have to hurry.

-The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God, and he saves them. Psalm 34:7

Goodnight!

Hubby just left for work. The boys are asleep.

I'm thinking I should go to bed early and sleep in the middle of the bed and wrap up in all the covers. I might even sleep on his pillow. Maybe.

Free Labor

Anyone want to know an easy way to get those pesky chores done? You know, the ones that get put off and put off because NO one wants to do them. Well I have the perfect solution.....

Teenage Punishment = Manual Labor

Here is the list so far....and it keeps growing

1. Clean the icky cabinet under the sink. Pull everything out, sweep it out, wipe it out with Clorox wipes and put stuff back neatly.

2. Scrape paint off garage door, all trim, front door and all its trim.

3. Sweep and mop kitchen and bathroom floor

4. Any Suggestions??

Updates- twister, stairs and eggs

My parents are visiting my Brother and his family this weekend. Besides being Easter weekend they are also celebrating my nieces birthday and on Sunday they celebrate their 40th wedding Anniversary. Way to Go! Leave some comment love for my parents if you feel like it. And speaking of my parents and Brothers family.....they live in Murfreesboro, TN. If you havent heard, a tornado hit there today and killed 2 and wrecked lots of homes. Thankfully my family was all safe....about 3 1/2 miles from where it hit. My prayers go out to the families in all the towns affected by the storms.

My day was good. I am feeling better and can go up stairs now. Ok, ok...Im not technically supposed to go up them yet but I feel well enough to do it. So I went up and took my first shower since last Sunday night. I smell and feel MUCH better. And C is here this weekend which is great. Hubby had to run out today and shop for Sunday because even though I am not feeling well enough to throw together an egg hunt....my little ones are expecting one. I have to say that Hubby has gone above and beyond this week. He has handled working and taking care of all the cooking and laundry all week. Plus he has had a great attitude about it.

I doubt I will be posting again until at least monday. So I hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter weekend. And please remember the meaning of Easter...not just the chocolate :-)

Good Friday

After spending this week whining and doing nothing after my surgery I want to spend today doing something more important. I want to think about what Good Friday is about. About how Jesus spent his last human day. How awful it was, and how much pain and disgrace he felt to save Us.

Yes Us.

You, me and everyone else.

He was up on that cross thinking of each and every one of us. If you were in an accident and someone rescued you, you would spend the rest of your life being thankful to that person, right? But so many people dont feel the same about Jesus, when they should. If it wasnt for his self-sacrifice we would all face a long painful eternity in Hell. But now we dont have to. We can choose to love and follow Him and live for eternity with Him in Heaven. Which is WAY better than saving us from an accident here on earth.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for sacrificing yourself for us. We fall so short of deserving such an awesome gift. Help us all to do a better job of living to glorify you. In Jesus Name...Amen

Coffee

I am 37 years old and have been drinking coffee for as long as I can remember (decaf for the last 8 or 10 years, but that still counts). Every morning I put the water and coffee grounds in my coffee pot and turn it on....then wait to enjoy my first cup. Nothing extraordinary, just an every day morning. But occasionally, like today, my husband will make my coffee and brew it before I get to the kitchen. On those mornings I am transported back to when I was a child and spent the night at my Grandparents house. The smell of coffee brewing ALWAYS takes me back to their house.....with my Grandmom smiling and cheerfully saying "Good Morning". My Grandfather usually had coffee breath too. Not that that is a bad thing. I don't quite understand why I don't get those "flashbacks" when I make the coffee.....only when I catch a whiff when someone else has brewed the pot. Weird, I know.

I am not very close to my Grandmom and Grandfather.....and they live in FL now so I haven't seen them in years. Even as I child I wasn't that close to them....not like the closeness I share with Poppop. But I still love them....and love my coffee flashbacks. Do you have any memories that are associated with particular smells? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Yesterday I had outpatient surgery. Everything went well...actually a little better than expected. The worst thing is that I am not supposed to go up any stairs for a week. We live in a split lever house so this is posing a lot of problems. But hubby got me all set up with a small refrigerator and food for the kiddos.....and he will be home from work before 3. So I think it will all work out. I am in a serious Fibromyalgia Flare which is making everything worse. But I have found out that if I stay under a heating blanket I don't hurt nearly as bad. I have been sweating and wishing it was cooler, but if it helps the pain then I gotta do it. Thanks again for all the prayers. I know they are helping me and I appreciate all of them.

Thank you

Thank you all so very much for all the prayers yesterday. They worked. I was feeling much better when I got up this morning. I was able to walk and get around...and I know it was because Jesus heard your prayers.
Today I spent all day taking it easy. I stayed in bed late, while hubby made breakfast for the boys. Then laid down for awhile with R. At 1pm, Hubby took the boys to my MIL's while I took a nice long nap. They came home a little before dinner.....and Hubby cooked tonight. I have to say that he is doing a great job helping me right now. Yay Hubby.

Tomorrow I am having outpatient surgery.....and Im asking for your prayers again. And could you say a few for Hubby too....he has alot on his plate right now and with me being unable to do much his load just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I really appreciate it. Thanks!!

Hanging on....barely

I think I am turning into a complete whiner. That or my Rheumatologist is trying to torture me. Either way I hurt. I can only explain it this way. Imagine the worst pulled muscle, muscle spasm and muscle exhaustion all wrapped into one. Then add horrible joint pain and stiffness. Then put that all over your body. And yes, I mean EVERYWHERE. This morning I could barely move. This afternoon I am a little (tiny) bit better. Better enough that I managed to throw a cake in the oven for Amy. Yesterday was her birthday and tonight she is bringing a movie over for a GNI. I thank God for Amy everyday. Besides my parents she is the MOST supportive person when it comes to my illness. At times I feel so guilty, that I dump so much on her. She is an awesome friend and right now I would be lost without her. Thanks Amy. I wish I could do more than give you a cake....you totally deserve more!

I need to hobble over to the oven and take her cake out. She will be here at 7. Yay!

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
1 Cor 12:9

This is all I have today....

The Lord your God will prepare you and your descendants to love Him with your whole being so that you will live.
Deuternonomy 30:6

On my prayer list

I found a few blogs that are written by other Sjogrens sufferers. One in particular is really sticking out in my mind. It is written by a woman named Vicky who, because of Sjogrens attacking her kidneys, is currently on the Transplant List. I would like all my bloggy buddies to please pray for her.....for a new kidney, for healing and for comfort. Thanks!

days of Grace

I had planned to skip blogging today. But it ended up a good day (with just a few exceptions) so I wanted to list my Days of Grace.

Today I found Grace in...

-A trip to the Custard Stand for dinner and ice cream with Amy, her son and my boys. I am still stuffed. Yum!!

-An ER recap show....even though I am sad that ER is ending tonight. Im really going to miss this show.

-Knowing that tomorrow might be better (or might be worse....but lets hope for better)

-With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. Luke 1:78

What do you get when you combine a mid-week visit from C A bucket of homemade kettlekorn
And a movie?
A wonderful family night. Even if the movie was more for the little guys, we still had a good time.

Sorry I haven't been around lately. I haven't been feeling well. And most days are a struggle so I barely read other blogs or do much of anything. The next few weeks wont be much better so I will only be on here hit and miss.