tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56022192244157339272024-03-13T05:22:23.132-04:00Sunflowers, Chocolate and little boysMy crazy life and all the things that make me happy....Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.comBlogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-4244874512949720002010-07-10T11:43:00.000-04:002010-07-10T11:43:53.779-04:00Summer so far....I have been MIA from reading and writing blogs. Life is crazy. Good stuff and Bad stuff has been going on and I wanted to get you caught up. Most importantly my Mom has been in the hospital for over 3 weeks. She has been in and out of ICU several times and has come very close to death on 3 occasions. We are so blessed to still have her with us. She was moved out of ICU into a regular room yesterday and we are all praying she is on the road to healing. Next in line is my Dad, he was also in the hospital. With Mom not home to care for him he had a bad fall. Ok, it actually several bad falls in a row because he kept trying to get up. He ended up with a concussion, 2 broken ribs (broken in half...not fractured....ouch!), bruised collarbones, messed up knee, etc. He basically hurt everything. Yesterday he was discharged from the hospital to a rehab to start his recovery. We are hoping that Mom will be well enough to join him at the rehab soon....and that they can share a room there until they are both well enough to go home.<br />
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A few weeks ago my oldest son graduated High School. Yes I am THAT old. Ugh. He is a <strike>smart</strike> BRILLIANT, handsome, honest, hard-working, young man. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see what the next stage of his life has to offer. He will be going away to college in the fall and majoring in Organic Chemistry. Yeah.....he didn't get his brains from me =D<br />
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We added a new member to our household. This is my new baby girl Molly. We got her last Monday and she is totally and completely spoiled already. I love her like crazy and she is filling our days with smiles and laughter. I would say she is perfect except she keeps peeing behind the chair. And she is allergic to beef. We found that out the hard way....ugh. <br />
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Hubby has been working like crazy. They are short-handed at work and have him running ragged. I'm not the smartest person in the world but if I had a company I would make sure that more than 4 or 5 people knew how to do each job. But what do I know! lol<br />
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We went on our first camping trip of the season. The weather was great, the campground was great.....but both R and J ended up with Pinkeye and couldn't swim for several days. Thankfully they handled that disappointment very well. Other highlights of the week were winning 2 rounds at candy bar bingo and going to see Toy Story 3D. It was the very first time they had seen a movie in a movie theater and they loved it. The movie was great and seeing it in 3D was pretty cool.<br />
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So what's new with you? Are you having a good summer so far??Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-27816123124269268572010-06-04T08:30:00.000-04:002010-06-04T08:30:46.724-04:00Anyone else ever felt like this??Almost everyday my husband bugs me about something. He wants to know if I have gone to the bank yet and if I have paid some bills yet. Everyday I say "not yet". The banking and bills belong to Poppop. I haven't done anything with his things since he passed. The checks are sitting here, the pictures we got together for his service, his flag, his bills, his clothes, EVERYTHING is still sitting exactly where they were 6 weeks ago. <br />
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Is this normal? I don't really know. But I can say that I understand why people leave their kids rooms exactly how they were. If you don't handle those things, if you don't finalize stuff...then part of them is still with us. I am probably weird, but that is exactly how I feel. If I go to the bank, show them his death certificate, deposit his checks and pay his bills....then I will lose another part of him. <br />
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Today I am going to force myself to gather up his banking and do that, hopefully without crying. No promises when I will take care of the clothes, pictures, etc. Right now I'm taking baby-steps.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-34053688052690687352010-06-02T11:06:00.000-04:002010-06-02T11:06:06.428-04:00Chore ChartSummer is coming. J's last day of school is in about 3 weeks and I have big plans for the boys. For starters we are most likely moving them back into the same bedroom then making R's room into their playroom. I am hoping this will decrease the messiness from the boys. Hopefully. Next up on the list is making chore charts for the boys. I am looking to the blogging community for help.....please give me ideas of age appropriate jobs for a 6 and 4 year old. Right now J knows how to vacuum, sweep, take out trash and recycle, and pick up. R can sweep with a dustpan, help empty the silverware out of the dishwasher, and pick up. I plan to include making their beds each morning, cleaning their room and playroom too. Any other ideas?!?<br />
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What are your plans for your kids this summer??Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-12364954326454118162010-05-28T09:37:00.000-04:002010-05-28T09:37:10.776-04:00Answered PrayersGod blessed me in a BIG way....head over to my <a href="http://praisinghiminthestorm.blogspot.com/2010/05/answered-prayers.html">other blog</a> to see how!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-34375736399709247962010-05-22T18:05:00.000-04:002010-05-22T18:05:45.409-04:00Want some?!?<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/strawberry%20shortcake" target="_blank"><img src="http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo142/HarleyD2000_2008/drinks/strawberry-shortcake-685x1024.jpg" border="0" alt="Strawberry Shortcake Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br />
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I love Strawberry season in the great state of NJ!!!!!!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-22928091203736852062010-05-19T08:24:00.000-04:002010-05-19T08:24:33.072-04:00A HUGE FavorI am reaching out to my Blog friends to please come together in prayer.....I need your help. Please read about it <a href="http://praisinghiminthestorm.blogspot.com/2010/05/needing-prayers.html">HERE </a>at my other blog. <br />
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I love you all! Thank you!!!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-73941712790279578562010-05-16T21:02:00.001-04:002010-05-16T21:02:49.676-04:00Blanket<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/crochet%20blankets" target="_blank"><img src="http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii345/VegAnne/HPIM0812.jpg" border="0" alt="0901 blankets Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br />
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Someone at the nursing home had given Poppop a handmade crochet blanket. It laid on his bed and he used it to keep warm on many occasions. That blanket was over him the day he passed away. The next morning when we went to the Funeral Home they gave me the blanket. I hugged it all the way home and for a long time afterwards. Now that blanket is in my bedroom. <br />
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After being with Poppop at the end I couldn't help but wonder about all the people who pass away in nursing homes all alone. So many have no visitors or family. I said to hubby that I wish I could do something for them, but with the boys being young I can't spend time with them like some of them need. The next best thing I could think of was to start crocheting blankets. I learned to crochet when I was a kid but it has been so long that I forgot. But thanks to Youtube I re-learned and am now working on my first lap blanket. I plan to make plenty of them to give to the residents of the nursing home. <br />
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Today J asked what I was doing and I told him about my plan. I said some of the people there don't have family to visit and I hope that the blankets will cheer them up. J said " So that means that now with Poppop in Heaven we will get a new one from the nursing home?"<br />
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Um.....no. But I guess it was a sweet thought.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-23074031661712453922010-05-13T09:06:00.000-04:002010-05-13T09:06:38.480-04:00MessSorry. My blog is still a mess. A real mess. I CANNOT figure out how to fix it aside from moving all my sidebars to the bottom. Which isnt really a "cure" but at least now the ppl using I.E. can view it. If anyone out there is a blog genius and thinks they can help PLEASE contact me.<br />
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Anyhoo...... I am asking you to please join me over at my new blog. My new blood, sweat and tears blog. The one where I tell my secrets and bare my soul. Yeah....it's a little painful but it is something I need to do. So please humor me and head over there......<a href="http://www.praisinghiminthestorm.blogspot.com/">CLICK HERE</a>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-38088749447340865472010-05-10T08:41:00.002-04:002010-05-10T11:33:00.028-04:00Of all the things I have lost....I miss my Mind the mostI hope everyone had a great Mothers Day weekend! My boys woke me up yesterday morning to give me a card and chocolate....and we had gone to lunch the day before, so I had an awesome Mothers Day.Saturday we took my parents to the airport but it wasn't as hard to say goodbye this time because they will be back in a month for C's high school graduation. I still have a hard time believing my first baby is old enough to graduate. But I am so proud of him! He did awesome in HS, and got accepted into several colleges. I am so thankful that he chose one that is close to home (that's the Mom in me not wanting my baby to go far away, lol) His will be majoring in Organic Chemistry......and believe me, he did NOT get his brains from me.<br />
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OK, here is the part where I tell you the incredibly dumb thing I did this weekend. I had gotten an invitation to a home party for 6pm on Saturday. I took a shower, got dressed and drove to my friends house. Only her and her husbands cars were there so I immediately figured I had screwed up. But I pulled into the driveway and got out anyway. Her husband was working in the garage so I started talking with him while their son when to get her. Of course she was clueless about a party....she wasn't having one, not even on a different day. Crap! So I apologized and we all laughed. Then I headed home embarrassed and certain that I have lost my mind. <br />
(I found my invite after I got home and saw that it was actually my sister in law who was having the party.....I hope she isn't upset that I didn't show up)<br />
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So what did you do for Mother's Day weekend??<br />
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And please go check out my <a href="http://praisinghiminthestorm.blogspot.com/">new blog</a><br />
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AND stop over to Ca-Joh's blog to help celebrate his 300th post.....<a href="http://cajoh.blogspot.com/2010/05/old-300.html">HERE</a>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-89957082759928297262010-05-08T20:59:00.000-04:002010-05-08T20:59:36.724-04:00I need help fixing my blog.....anybody?!? Please?!?!???1?My blog is screwy. Everytime I look at it, it frustrated me even more. My middle and right columns show up BELOW my left hand column. Does ANYONE out there know why that is? Or how to fix it?? Please help me!?!<br />
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Even if you can't help me fix it you can still do this.......visit my <a href="http://praisinghiminthestorm.blogspot.com/">new "other" blog</a>. <br />
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Thanks!!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-28297213222442550322010-05-04T22:08:00.001-04:002010-05-11T08:11:37.082-04:00My new normalThis is the first time I have felt like blogging. Life is settling down, returning to normal. Not exactly normal, but a "new" normal. This new normal includes lots of reality checks. I find myself going through my day and still including Poppop in my thoughts and plans. Like the other day when I rode past the ice cream stand and thought that I should get a strawberry shake for Poppop.....then corrected myself. It's like I forget for a split-second.......only a split-second. Is that normal? I start to plan my day thinking that I need to head up to the nursing home first, then remember that I never have to go back again. Does anyone else do that?!? How long before I don't include Poppop in my everyday life??<br />
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My parents are still here with me, which is awesome. They have been a big help to me. They help with the kids and with household chores. Most of all its nice to have them here just so they are here. You know, when you lose someone you love you want to pull your other loved ones closer. <br />
The boys are doing well adjusting. They know that Poppop is in Heaven with Jesus. I'm really glad my kids can understand that and be comforted by it. God definitely set things in motion within the last year to provide us with what we needed to get through this loss. He has given me a new church family and new friends that are here for me in amazing ways. <br />
So that's it.....my new normal, which looks a whole lot like the old normal. Its just empty in a few spots.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-14475325763409482112010-04-26T20:36:00.000-04:002010-04-26T20:36:09.576-04:00the blog where I whine and cryPeople keep asking me how I am doing. I keep politely telling them that I am OK, or that I'm hanging in there. Want to know the truth? I am not OK. I want to throw a temper tantrum. I want to kick and scream and yell and scream. I WANT HIM BACK! I know I am selfish but I want him back. I want one more day, one more hug, one more kiss. I want him to tell me he loves me one more time. To show me that ornery grin one more time. Or maybe a hundred more times. Everyone says it is OK, he isn't in pain anymore. I know he isn't, I know he is peaceful and happy and looking down on me. <br />
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But right now I want him back. I WANT HIM BACK!!!!!!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-34163091863133138222010-04-25T10:25:00.000-04:002010-04-25T10:25:08.904-04:00Rest in Peace Poppop, Rest in PeaceI lost my Poppop on Wednesday. He went home to be with Jesus. I was able to be with him for the last day of his life, and I sat with him and held his hand the whole time. It was a blessing and a heartbreak all wrapped into one. He was such a huge part of my life and I dont think anything or anyone will ever be able to fill that void. Thank you Poppop for being so good to me. I was certainly blessed by having you in my life. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQGvjGipI/AAAAAAAAA3A/YWzeMjoY3IQ/s1600/29++1943-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQGvjGipI/AAAAAAAAA3A/YWzeMjoY3IQ/s320/29++1943-18.jpg" tt="true" width="232" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQFf4HD0I/AAAAAAAAA24/UCJBi-8_8Ic/s1600/127++2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQFf4HD0I/AAAAAAAAA24/UCJBi-8_8Ic/s320/127++2006.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RP7uOJr7I/AAAAAAAAA2o/S6mriqzh3FQ/s1600/2+irv+%26+denise+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RP7uOJr7I/AAAAAAAAA2o/S6mriqzh3FQ/s320/2+irv+%26+denise+07.JPG" tt="true" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RP_G3Ng0I/AAAAAAAAA2w/VyPI0OAG3dY/s1600/27+pop+pop+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RP_G3Ng0I/AAAAAAAAA2w/VyPI0OAG3dY/s320/27+pop+pop+boys.jpg" tt="true" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQFf4HD0I/AAAAAAAAA24/UCJBi-8_8Ic/s1600/127++2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_COqjl4KmxTs/S9RQFf4HD0I/AAAAAAAAA24/UCJBi-8_8Ic/s320/127++2006.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-78895770007339370562010-04-14T22:33:00.000-04:002010-04-14T22:33:03.205-04:00Young Momma is.......<a href="http://perfectpen.blogspot.com/"><img alt="PerfectPen" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SuvejnhlNzo/SYPHCawxBpI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/6n_YkkfQb08/PerfectPen125x125.jpg" /></a><br />
The blogging community never ceases to amaze me. The friends that I have met are such a blessing. One of my very first bloggy friends was Young Momma. For about a 18 months I have "known" her, we have shared, laughed and probably cried for each other. But all this time I never even knew her name.....but guess what?!? She is coming out of the blog closet! She just posted her first Vlog....and it is all about her charity Kim's Angels. Think Jay + St.Baldricks, but pretty (sorry Jay!)<br />
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So go now! Check out her <a href="http://perfectpen.blogspot.com/2010/04/kims-angels.html">newest post, watch her Vlog</a> and check out <a href="http://kimsangels.org/">Kim's Angels</a> and see how they are raising money for Cancer research.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-71876525203624932952010-04-14T21:35:00.003-04:002010-04-14T21:48:00.167-04:00Where is that darn switch?!?<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/lightswitch" target="_blank"><img src="http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m265/chloe2707/lightswitch.gif" border="0" alt="lightswitch Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br />I really don't have anything important to say....but I feel like I should blog anyway. I seem to have gotten away from my old blog habits, reading and writing often. Part of that is because my life is busier now. I'm not sure if you are anything like me but when I have a lot going on in my life, I get very ADD-ish (no offense to ADD patients). I often feel like I can't concentrate, or focus on one topic. The thoughts and ideas I have are all floating around and banging into each other in my brain....all trying to be the first in line. That is exactly how I have been lately. There are only two things that calm my brain down enough to allow me to fall asleep at night. Xanax and reading. Not that all these thoughts are bad thoughts, or that I am upset...sometimes the info is useless shopping lists and goofy stuff.<br /><br /> Is anyone else like this? Anyone else need to read at night or do something else to get their brains to "shut off"??Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-91170012992933706062010-04-12T18:06:00.002-04:002010-04-12T18:28:50.803-04:00A Comforting verseI have a new Bible that I use to complement my NIV Bible. The new one is a Parallel Study Bible. It has 3 versions plus a study bible all listed together. Each 2 page spread lists the exact same verses and you can read them side by side to compare....then read the Study Bible column for a deeper explanation. I LOVE it! I waited and saved my money for awhile to get this book and I am happier than I thought I would be.....but this isn't a blog post about my Bible, it is about a verse I read.<br />Let me back up a bit. I read a Daily Bible, which gives me part of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs every day. I read through the whole Bible last year and then started over again on Jan 1. Aside from that daily reading I also try to read in my NIV and my new Bible. Some days I expand on what I read in the daily Bible, sometimes it has to do with the sermon I heard on Sunday and recently I started to re-read Revelations. (Stay with me Mom....you will want to hear this). Revelations is scary the first time you read it and even more so the second time. But it doesn't have to be scary.....because I found a verse that will take all that fear away....<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Revelation 3:10<br /><em>Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.</em> NKJV</span><br /></span><br />This means that if we are Christians, TRUE Christians, then we have nothing at all to worry about. The Lord will protect us during those times. Awesome, right?! I love that the Lord can always show us something new in His word, right when we need it.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-49480711980345314042010-04-11T20:09:00.002-04:002010-04-11T20:36:09.196-04:00Weekend/Parents<div align="center">Hubby took the cover off the camper yesterday and we slept in it last night. The boys were so excited, especially R because this was his first time sleeping on the top bunk. He felt like he was all grown up. From now on the boys have to take turns sleeping on the top bunk. J was NOT happy about this, I guess it felt like a demotion to him, lol Opening the camper is like our family's official start of spring. It feels good and it makes us excited for the warm weather. As much as we all love our camping trips in the backyard we love our "real" camping trips even more.....and we can't wait for the first one. Hurry up Summertime!<br /><br />My parents arrived safely in Florida today. They are exhausted but happy to be there. My niece is spending the week with them and helping them unpack.</div><div align="center"> And speaking of my parents, tomorrow is their Anniversary.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy Anniversary to the BEST Parents EVER!!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I LOVE YOU GUYS!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Leave some comment love for Mom & Dad...Thanks!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-14774888460865041952010-04-09T17:15:00.002-04:002010-04-09T17:20:33.038-04:00I'm NO Doctor BUT......I went to a new doctor today, an ortho. He was supposed to be checking my lower back, my hips, etc. No lie....the man had me undress, get into a gown, bend down like I was going to touch my toes, roll my head around then had me lay flat on the exam table. He grabbed my right foot, flexed it, bent my knee and pushed it towards the other leg. Then did the same with my left foot and leg. That's it. Seriously.<br />I am not a doctor and other than taking Anatomy/Physiology 1, I have no medical knowledge but I can GUESS that if you are examining a persons back and hips you need to physically SEE them and touch them!!! <br /><br />At least that is what <em><strong>this</strong></em> uneducated patient thinks. <br /><br />Ugh.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-83284707106532136442010-04-06T10:01:00.003-04:002010-04-06T10:15:57.246-04:00Tuesday ramblingI don't blog as often as I used to. This is a good thing and a bad thing. Good because I have some other things to do now that take up my time and bad because I miss it. I have been busy with Poppop, with daily work, the kids, etc. On top of all that I haven't been feeling well. My meds are not working very well. I went to my Rheumatologist visit last week. He said my blood work is showing increased inflammation and my joints are swollen. Duh! Thats what happens when you take half my Methotrexate away. So he increased my meth up to 6 a week and will be doing lots of blood work to watch my liver levels. If they increase again then we have to go in a different direction with my treatment. I may go back on Enbrel or I might try something completely new. He also changed my Percocet to Percodan, because the Percocet has Tylenol in it and that is bad for my liver. <br />I have several friends and family members who have been all but screaming at me that I need to find a pain management doctor. I know that I should. But there is a part of me that hates the idea. Goofy, right?<br /><br />Poppop is doing OK. He is stable and comfortable. Each day his mental status is different and we never know what to expect. Hubby and the boys went with me after church on Easter Sunday to see him. Unfortunately he was having a bad day and could barely stay awake. I just hope that he was happy on the inside to see us. <br /><br />I treated myself the other day. I stopped in a Christian book store and found some clearance books for the boys, a tshirt and ring for me. I LOVE my new ring. It is a mobius ring and it has this verse on it... <strong>Do Not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6</strong><br />I am facing a few trials and this ring will be a physical reminder to hand these trials over to God and to trust he will do what is best.<br /><br />I hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring day!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-26909886812598932552010-04-03T17:30:00.002-04:002010-04-03T17:41:31.689-04:00Today....the good and the bad<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cross" target="_blank"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx291/allwqfc/ceicross000.gif" border="0" alt="cross Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br /><br />This morning we went to the egg hunt at our church. The boys had a great time and got lots of eggs filled with candy, stickers and toys. The church did a Bible lesson and played games too. Then they served pizza for lunch. Afterwards we went to a couple stores and then home. Me and the boys took naps and Hubby has spent all afternoon working in the yard. The weather is beautiful and aside from one thing I couldn't ask for a better day. <br /><br />That one thing is pain. My pain level is through the roof this afternoon.....even after taking percocet I am still in severe pain. I know I did too much, and I know it is partially my fault. But I still want to whine a bit.....just so I don't whine to the family. We still have to have dinner (leftover chicken enchiladas and fresh baked beer bread) and dye Easter Eggs. <br /><br />Tomorrow morning we will have breakfast, the boys will hunt for eggs in the backyard and then we will go to Church to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus! After church we will go visit Poppop (I got him some Easter balloons....he loves balloons) and then to my Mother in laws for Easter dinner. I know it will be a great day.<br /><br />I hope you have a wonderful Easter too....and I hope you take at least a few minutes to praise the Lord and thank Him for giving us hope in our lives.Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-28255591910082548442010-04-02T09:04:00.002-04:002010-04-02T09:12:02.397-04:00AgapeParents can understand a little bit, but no one can fully understand what Agape feels like. Agape Love from the Father is an amazing gift that is available to us all. Agape Love is what held Jesus to the cross. Agape is the only way Jesus could bear to suffer the way he did. He did it because he loves us. Your name and my name were on his lips as he hung on that cross. <br /><br />Please watch this video.....listen to the song and watch the images. And when you see our Lord suffering on that cross please remember that He WAS thinking of you. He loves you THAT much.....THAT is Agape.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gj-3gQdBpxM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gj-3gQdBpxM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-91282531958261340642010-03-26T22:17:00.002-04:002010-03-26T22:48:28.482-04:00Here Burns My Candle.....a ReviewBefore I start I want to admit that I have not finished this book. I am on chapter 54 and very anxious to get back to reading but I knew I needed to post my review and didn't want to post it late. It is really no excuse but I with Poppop being sick I didn't start reading this book as early as I had planned. However, I CAN review chapters 1 through 53.....<br /><br />This is my first book by Liz Curtis Higgs, first book based in the 1700's and first book that takes place in Scotland. I didn't know what to expect other than the premise sounded very interesting. It took me a few chapters to get used to the old Scottish tongue, but once I got into it I am having a hard time putting the book down. The story, based in 1745, is about Lady Elizabeth Kerr. She was born and raised in the Scottish highlands as a weavers daughter but moved away to Edinburgh and fell in love with lowlander Lord Donald Kerr. Donald loves Elizabeth but not enough to stay faithful to her and Elizabeth keeps her pagan beliefs a secret as well. In fact, the whole family has secrets. There is drama at every turn and I really feel bad for Elizabeth, who just doesn't seem to fit into her Lowlander family. Her Mother in law, Marjory, doesn't care for her much, mostly due to her being a highlander. A war is mounting outside the Kerr household too. Prince Charles Edward Stuart is fighting to take his rightful place on the throne and when the Kerr men join the Prince's army the Kerr woman learn the hard way how hard things can get when loyal lines are crossed.<br />Reading this book has made me curious about Scottish history. I was thinking about looking online to see if this war is a true story and what the outcome was, but I didn't want to ruin the ending for myself. But trust me, I will be checking into the history when I'm done reading.<br />I am really enjoying this book and can't wait to see how it all ends. I still have quite a few chapters left and I know it could go any which way....which makes it a great book. I can't predict how it will turn out. If you like historic novels or romance novels I suggest you read this one, I promise you wont be disappointed.<br />To learn more about this book or to purchase this book, click <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070015">HERE</a>.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eGOeKWCS-zs&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eGOeKWCS-zs&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.</span>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-79054007343898006112010-03-25T08:54:00.005-04:002010-03-25T09:16:55.456-04:00ButtonsI met a wonderful blogger named <a href="http://becauseireallycantgetenoughofmyself.blogspot.com/">Melissa</a>. She is SO talented and was great enough to make a button for my Scentsy business. In case you arent sure what Scentsy is, they are Wickless Candles. The company is awesome and the products are even more awesome. They have over 80 yummy scents and tons of beautiful warmers that fit any decor. Anyway...back to my post. Melissa made a button for my Scentsy business and I <strong>LOVE </strong>IT!!! Check it out (and my products!)<br /><center><a href="https://deniseridgway.scentsy.us/Home"><img src="http://greenjellowithcarrots.com/images/stories/fruit/sunflowerchocolate%20button%20large.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />Great, right??<br /><br />If anyone is looking for a blog button, header or makeover I <strong>HIGHLY</strong> recommend you go visit Melissa. And dont forget to tell her that I sent you!<br /><center><a href="mailto:melissabastow@hotmail.com"><img src="http://greenjellowithcarrots.com/images/stories/fruit/melissabastowblogdesign%20button2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />My Blog has a Facebook page now...check it out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=107009412654821&ref=ts">HERE</a>Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-15979565349911063952010-03-24T15:45:00.002-04:002010-03-24T15:53:51.032-04:00Yes Utah....I AM talking about you!My parents are on a cross-country road trip. They are moving from AZ to FL and since they have already done a cross country trip across the southern states they decided to tour some cities further north. I don't think they will ever be the same.<br />I mean that in a good way, let me explain.....I keep getting phone calls from my Mom and they sound nearly the same each time. <br /><br />Mom: "WOW! OMG! I can't begin to describe how incredible this is! It's beautiful! I thought the mountains in AZ were beautiful but WOW!!! OMG!!! I....I....I can't even describe it!!!"<br /><br />Me: "That's cool Mom...take pictures. Hey! By the way, I have several Blog friends who live out there......<br /><br />Mom: "OMG! You should see it!! It's amazing!!! OMG OMG!!! AMAZING!!!"<br /><br />I am enjoying <em>hearing</em> her tell me about it as much as I would enjoy <em>seeing</em> it. I LOVE hearing her this happy. I can hear the amazement in her voice. And I can't wait to see the pictures!<br /><br />So to all my Utah buddies! Way to go....your state is awesome!<br /><br /><br />*Love you Mom!!!!Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602219224415733927.post-51783700828397955242010-03-22T13:29:00.003-04:002010-03-22T14:19:52.209-04:00Daydreams<div>Do you ever just sit and daydream about all the things that you would do if you had the time or money? Like vacations you would take or home improvements that are itching to get done? Sometimes I like to take a break from the stress of everyday life and pretend that time and money aren't an issue. Then I think about things that I would love to do, such as....<br />-Redo our upstairs bathroom. Its horrible. Pink tile. Ugh. And the plumbing needs work. Hubby says we need to gut it and start over from scratch. With my imaginary time and money I would like to redo the bathroom in shades of slate blue and lavender. I would love a big tub with jets. A mirror that is low enough for me and the boys to see into (I have to stand on my toes to see into the mirror now....I am only 5 foot tall). Of course this bathroom redo would also include all new fluffy, soft towels, new curtains and rugs. Maybe I could just hide in there for days. It's my daydream, remember =D<br /><br />-I would love to fix up our other bathroom. It is a small one with just a toilet and sink. I would love to paint it yellow and get a vanity. New floors would be nice too. And just like with the other bathroom I would love to get new towels, rugs, etc. Not sure why I want yellow....but I think it may help the room to feel bigger and brighter.<br /><br />-Our kitchen would be next. OK, to be fair we already remodeled our kitchen about 7 years ago and I love it. EXCEPT for our stove top, oven and the <a href="http://www.allbarstools.com/Counter-Bar-Stools-C134097.html">counter stools</a> at our kitchen bar. The stove top is old and I want a nice smooth top one. They look so nice and so easy to clean. Our oven is well.....small. Very small. And since I love to bake a small oven is a bad thing. Our stools don't quite match our kitchen. They were a cheap impulse buy and I would love have nice, sturdy stools. Ones with either a rush style seat or a wide wooden seat. And maybe they could be green to match my back splash.<br /><br />-The family room is next on my daydream makeover. I would tear off all the old ugly paneling in the family room and breezeway. To be honest I have a couple of ideas for the walls back there and right now I cant decide. But I do know the panelling has to go....and we need a new rug. Nice Berber carpet. And new furniture, of course. We have unmatching furniture down there and none of is all that comfortable. So add that to the list.<br /><br />-Our bedroom would look great painted Forest Green with white trim. I have always wanted to do that. I love our bedroom furniture so that could stay, but I would like to get a new mattress that would help Hubby's back. And someday I will own a real Amish quilt.<br /><br />-Lastly I would have the house either painted or get new siding. Hubby does an excellent job with the yard so that's all taken care of already.<br /><br />OK, back to reality. Thanks for listening to my daydream makeover. And someday hopefully one or two of these things will happen and I will share them with you!</div><br />Do you have any daydreams? Home improvments or trips you would like to take??Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699534143217246831noreply@blogger.com6