More of Him - Less of Me
•
Oct. 29, 2009
-
Seasons of Change
I have been blogging here for over 2 years. Actually, longer than that. I used to have another blog that some of you may remember called Angelstar.
This past June I graduated my last child from homeschooling so my season of homeschooling is now over. I have continued to keep up this blog with what's happening in my life because I've made so many wonderful friends here and it's been a way to keep in touch. I actually have had 2 other blogs that I've maintained as well as this one.
I've decided that it is taking too much of my time to try and maintain three different blogs, so I've consolidated down to one and I'm hoping that you'll continue to follow me on More of Him-Less of Me. I know it's not always easy to jump from one blog to another, but I do hope that you'll come and visit me.
Also, remember that I have a website that has a lot of encouraging homeschool articles for you to read. I also will soon be offering my organizer I've created for sale as well as other things for homeschool Moms. I will have some of my creations that I've made for sale. Be watching for all these new things and while you're visiting my website, be sure and sign my guest book letting me know you've dropped by.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Oct. 20, 2009
-
A Look to the Past
This is a blast from the past - 1968 to be exact. I'm the little squirt in the front with the striped dress and hat. This is in the days when being dressed up really meant something. My leotards (that's what we called them in my day instead of tights) were lacy and white and I had on black, patent leather shoes. I also had a little draw-string purse that matched that dress and hat. I had white gloves, too, because no woman or girl who had any class would be seen out without gloves. I had so many pairs of gloves in different colors to go with different outfits.
Notice my sister on the right - now that's stylish! Purse, gloves, belt, hat and shoes all matched! Grey and yellow were very popular during that time - as well as grey and pink.
My Mother looks quite stylish and fancy, too, in her black and white outfit and white gloves. See those glasses? They were bright red! I remember how much she loved those glasses. She also had "cat-eye" sunglasses that were white with rhinestones. They were very cool.
My Dad is in his probably one and only suit. He was not the dress-up kind of guy. He worked hard and only dressed up when he absolutely had to. Did you see that skinny tie?
I'm not sure, but I think we were in Cheyenne for a wedding. I do know that we are in my Grandmother's house standing in front of her piano. That was the place to take pictures. I have many pictures of my family standing in the same spot over the years. Funny how we do that. I do the same thing now in my own home. We have "the spot" to take pictures! lol
I think what made me think want to take a look back is because of all the changes I'm seeing in our society. All the little niceties are far and few between. You don't see women wearing gloves and hats anymore, or matching purses and shoes, much. This is not a huge deal - in fact - I'm so glad we don't have to always wear a dress to church or dress up to go to the grocery store. I think what bothers me is the lack of respect, morals, and common decency that is so prevalent in our society. I see people on tv talking like guttersnipes (as my Grandmother would say, meaning a person of the lowest moral station) and I see commercials for things that are best left to the bedroom between married couples.
I may or may not be thanked for holding open a door for someone and I may or may not get the door slammed shut when I'm about to walk through behind a person. It depends a lot on the age of the person; older people tend to be more polite as they were raised to be.
It used to be that you were considered very immoral and not of good social or moral standing if you didn't worship at your church of choice on Sunday. I can remember a time when you were looked at sideways if you said you weren't a Christian or Jewish. It was expected that you were a believer in the one, true God or you were just not in the norm.
People knew that the communists and socialist weren't right. We knew that America was the greatest nation on earth and we were thankful we were born here. We stood and put our hand over our heart when we saluted the flag. We were patriotic and cared about our country - we weren't ashamed of it. We knew we were blessed and were so thankful. We treated our troops with the honor they deserved for risking their lives for our country.
Will we ever be able to go back to how it was or has too much been accepted in our society? I don't know but I have hope. I do know that without the Lord blessing our country we have no hope at all. Our young people don't understand what our country was founded on - the principles of the Bible - and they think there should be a separation of church and state. They don't understand that this isn't even in the Constitution. It's been used so much that it's just an accepted thing now by most people.
I'm praying for our country and our world. I hope you'll join me.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
2
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Oct. 17, 2009
-
Week in Review
It's been a crazy kind of week here. Earlier in the week, I had an appointment with my nurse practitioner and I came away very frustrated by the whole experience. I changed to her about 2 months ago after having my primary care doctor say just one too many dumb and irritating things. I couldn't take it anymore. He could be mean and petty and I had decided it was too much for me, but I digress.
I know I've been having thyroid issues. When you've gone through all the thyroid stuff I have, you know
In the interim, I'm "self-medicating". I have thyroid medicine from another time my levels went out of whack and I'm taking them. I started two days ago and all ready I'm feeling so much better. I mean, who knows my own body better than me, I ask you? I have to say, I miss my Endocrinologist because they understood so much and didn't question me when I told them I felt wonky. The blood test always proved my feelings and they didn't dismiss me and say I had to live that way. I wish they still took my insurance.
My back is feeling a bit better. I'm sleeping a little better and able to move easier. I'm SO thankful! I know that the Lord has heard my prayers and all the other prayers that have gone up on my behalf. I thank you for your prayers. Yes, it's still painful, but not like it was and I'm so grateful!
Tomorrow my nephew, his wife and their two little baby girls are coming to visit us! They were up this way and called to see if they could come by. Absolutely!! I can't wait to see them and those precious babies! I have been picking up cute little things for those girls and now can give them directly to them. I just love finding those things for them and they are not put-off by the fact that they came from a garage sale or thrift store. I always wash them up and they are just adorable. I find the cutest things!!
I spent the day grocery shopping because I knew I would need to feed them and then came home to clean and cook. I'm going to have a fruit platter to snack on, then I'm making my Barbeque Meatballs, my Baked Beans and either a salad or a green veggie to go with them - I haven't decided yet. I always love cooking for my family and including extended family is even better!!
I will be doing an update on the Studio with picture of how it looks now. I haven't been out there to do anything for weeks now because of my back pain, but hoping this next week I will be able to start working on my art/quilting/scrapbooking/etc., again. I sure miss it when I can't!
I'm so tired tonight and I need to get up and finish up some things before they get here, so I better head off to bed. Thank you again for your sweet comments and prayers- they mean so much to me!
God bless you - Julie
|
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Oct. 6, 2009
-
Fall has finally come
 I love Fall. Truly. After the horrid heat of such a hot summer, the crisp, cool air is SO welcome. I actually had to put 2 extra quilts on the bed last night because it got so cold. My poor cocker-spaniel, who didn't have a quilt, was sitting in my chair, shivering because he was so cold. I guess I'll have to cover him up before going to bed, or put his sweater on him. LOL It's tough living in a house with a woman who's thyroid levels are not quite right and is having hot flashes from it.
I'm not feeling well. I was so tired yesterday, I laid in bed for a long time hoping for a nap, but instead read a really, really good book. I really needed just to read a good novel that would take me away from everything and let me escape. I did sleep well last night, but still not feeling very good today. I don't know what the problem is. The flu, my thyroid levels, stress, or the fact that my back is still hurting me 24/7. I did do a couple things today, but not much. Mostly read and did some writing on my laptop while sitting in my recliner.
Speaking of my back, I heard my neurologist today. He told me the same thing my pain management doctor told me - I have a herniated disc. However, he also added that one of the discs is desenegrating and I have a lot of "wear and tear" on my lower discs. This was not happy news. He told me that he will send my MRI results to a neurosurgeon to see what they think. If surgery is not an option at this time, he will see about helping me to manage the pain better without drugging me completely out, which I hate. Me - I'm going to pray for a miracle. I'm going to pray that the Lord would heal these poor discs and make them whole again. I'm certainly coveting your prayers, too!
Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday. He will be 64 years old. So hard to believe. He sure doesn't look it, but I know there are days when he really feels it. lol Like me, he is dealing with his own health issues. My mother-in-law will come over and we'll probably go out for lunch and then have cake. That's her favorite part. The minute she hits the door tomorrow she'll be wanting to know when we're going to cut that cake! LOL She's so funny. It really is true that as we get older, we become more child-like. I definitely see that in her.
I have a new Bible study at my church that starts on Friday. I just got my book and haven't felt good enough to start the study. I'm hoping tomorrow I can sit down and work on it and also feel good enough by Friday evening to go. It's really neat because it's a once a month study. I have always done the once a week studies, but at this time of my life, I know that's not possible for me to do, so this study was a nice option for me. Next year, I'm hoping I can return to the weekly Bible study.
I'm so tired, so heading off to bed with another book. My youngest son came home tonight with some books I had on hold at the library and they are perfect for night-time reading. I'll snuggle under my quilts, put some jazz music on in the background and, hopefully, fall to sleep very soon.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Oct. 3, 2009
-
The little shed - part two
Remember this? Here's the inside of that little shed I was talking about. Not much to look at, but a lot of potential!
 Here's where we left off. The little shed all sheet-rocked by my wonderful son.
 Now take a look at this!! Isn't it gorgeous? My two sons painted the shed my favorite color (purple) and put the light up on the ceiling.
 The walls are a pale lavender color (it looks a lot darker in the picture than it really is) and the floor is a dark purple. These are actually some Disney colors by Behr. My sister's room was painted this beautiful lavender when she was young and I have never forgotten that gorgeous color. It was calming and makes me think of some of the best years of my childhood - when my sister was still home before marrying.
 Take a look at this!! It's my "Hobbit door". I wanted a really pretty doorknob on the door and was going to put it where the handle had been on the door - to the left. However, my oldest son thought I should put it in the middle like a hobbit door. Fit's me perfectly - I'm about the size of a hobbit. LOL Isn't that just too cute? The door is painted the same dark purple as the floor.
 Here's the view from my little building. Can you see the hummingbird at the feeder? Isn't that awesome? Look at the view of those mountains!!
Very inspiring and wonderful since this building that I've longed and dreamed about for years is going to be. . .
 MY STUDIO!!!!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Oct. 3, 2009
-
A little shed
Look at this little shed. It doesn't look like it, but it's an answer to prayer - a dream come true.
 My mother-in-law gifted me this shed when she moved from her house and didn't want to leave this little shed behind when it was something that would make me so happy.
Here's the inside of the shed. It had been used as a tool shed by my mother-in-law and sort of a catch-all type of building. It just has the insulation up and that's about it! But look on the
floor . . . is that sheet-rock?
 Hmmm . . . here's my son busy at work.
 Here's a picture of my hubby "supervising" my youngest son. Actually, he's just out there talking to my son. My son wouldn't let anyone help him. He took this project on as a sort of personal mission.
Let me add here that my son has NEVER done anything like this, but he researched it and figured it all out. He's very handy and can always figure things out and he is my "go to" guy when I want something made or fixed. He's a genius when it come to these kind of things!
Here he is putting the mud on the seams after taping them off.
Here's the shed all sheet-rocked! Isn't that amazing? My son did a fantastic job and it's like a real room now.
 However, it's not complete yet. Watch for more pictures of the finished room and what it's going to be when it's finished!!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Sep. 30, 2009
-
Unburdening :)
I thought it was about time that I bring y'all up to date on what's been happening in my little world. I have been okay, but have required a much needed break. Since I can't really do that in real life, I had to break away from something for awhile and that included my blog.
I really miss when I don't blog, but honestly, I've been so meloncholy about everything, I hate to just "put that out there" and bum you all out. I really don't like sounding like a "whine bucket" because, let's face it, we all have things in our life to whine about. Who needs to read about my issues?! However, I'm feeling the need to share. I know that if I share, then you all can pray for me. I need those prayers.
First of all, you know I had been hurt by my physical therapist. I have been hurting ever since that happened. My pain management doctor felt that I should have an MRI to see if there was any damage and since my neurologist was having one done anyway, I was able to send the report over to my pain management NP. She called today and said I now have a herniated disc. Yep - that physical therapist did damage. I'm in worse shape now than when I started on this journey of trying to get help for my back. I've had buldging discs, but not herniated. So, I'm pretty upset. They said I could get an epideral to help with the swelling, but like I told her, the side affects for me are so bad, I'm not sure I want to do that again. She said I didn't have to - it would just take longer to get better. I am not allowed to lift anything, I have to take it easy, and no swimming. In other words, I have to put my life completely on hold. Plus, now my back is worse. I'm very angry and want to do something about this physical therapist. No way should a person who is all ready in pain be subjected to more pain and damage. If anyone has dealt with this sort of issue, I would certainly like your recommendations regarding this.
Second, I still have the bladder infection from the pool at the physical therapy clinic. I mean, I've had this for weeks and weeks! It keeps mutating into something new and then I have to take a new antibiotic. I find this totally unbelieveable! Obviously, I'm pretty down on physical therapy!
We are still dealing with stuff with my hubby's Mom and her husband. I really don't want to get involved in what's happening, but suffice to say, it's stressful and overwhelming at times. My mother-in-law is doing really quite well right now, so we are thankful, and we do have things really worked out as far as taking care of her and all that. It's not a big deal at all and we feel privileged to be able to help her out. It's other stuff that's making things so hard - lets just say outside forces are making things difficult. Hubby and I are pretty exhausted with everything that's going on and, of course, me being in pain and him having his health issues, doesn't make it easier.
There have been other extended family issues, too, and, I guess, tonight I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself and just SO tired.
****************************************************
On a happier note, our weather is finally getting cooler. I absolutely adore Fall and the crisp, cool nights make me very content. Tonight, there is a scent of wood-fire in the air. Oh, the joys of the fall season-the smells, the cheerful colors, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Despite all my issues and all the stress we have been going through, I am thankful. Our Pastor was talking on Sunday about this very thing. He was sharing out of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. This is the passage of scripture where Paul talks about the thorn that Satan harrasses him with. He asks the Lord to take this from him, but then the Lord tells him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul then says, "For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamaties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
My pains - physical and emotional - are making me weak, however, this allows the Lord to work through me - to show HIS strength, HIS glory. Yes, it is difficult at times, but when I look at being a vessel that the Lord can use, it calms my heart and I remember that I am in the palm of His hand.
Am I praying for healing? You betcha! I, like Paul, would be so grateful to have this "thorn" taken from me. It's a burden - it's exhausting being in pain 24-7. However, as Jesus said, "Not my will, but thy will." This doesn't mean I don't covet your prayers - I do!! I would be so grateful for your prayers for my healing - for relief from this pain; in fact, God calls us to pray for one another. Knowing that you are out there praying for me, gives me strength, too. Your kind comments and emails always lift my Spirit. You all are such a blessing to me! How wonderful to know that we are praying for one another!
I will update you soon. I have SO many pictures and other uplifting things to share. I just really needed to share all this tonight. To share my burden, if you will. I thank you for taking your time to read this and to care. It really does bless my heart!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
3
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Sep. 12, 2009
-
An Up and Down Week
The week started out really nice. My oldest son cooked out on Labor Day and we had my mother-in-law over, too, as well as my son's friend. He cooked hamburgers, chicken, salmon and lots of veggies. It was excellent and healthy. Then the guys played horseshoes and batmitton and just had a great time.
Tuesday, I cleaned house, did laundry, and did things that needed to be done.
Wednesday, I went to the dentist (oh, horror!) and had two fillings done in my front teeth. I'm so thankful that I found those little cavaties behind my teeth. It was kind of a fluke that I found them and I'm very thankful that I did. I would have hated to have had those cavaties go into my roots. As it was, they were an easy fix and I don't have to worry about them now.
Here's where my day goes down the toilet. I went to see the therapist and they were really busy (as always) but they are also short handed. They put me on the bike (I had to remind them that I can't go all the way around because of my knee) then had me do leg lifts. Fine. Then the Physical therapist comes over and starts working on my knee! Okay - I'm there for my back!! I remind him of that. He asks how I've been, I tell him I've been in pain and he asks if I brought my pool stuff. No, I tell him. I keep getting urine tract infections from their pool. He looks at me really weird and then says no one has ever said that before. We were having this conversation in front of another patient. I could tell this upset him but we go on. He then has me lie on my back and he starts moving my right leg about. He pulls on it once and I tell him that it really hurts. He then moves the leg around again - back and forth, back and forth - and then suddenly gives it a HUGE jerk and I move about 6-7 inches down the table and feel a lightening bolt feeling through my lower back. I cry out and he stops. I then start crying. (I never do this unless it is very, very painful!). He wants me to turn on my side. I say, I can't because of the pain. He insists. I tell him, I can't. He insists. I tell him I can't and to go away and come back. I lie there and cry for a long time, but finally get moved over onto my side. Still crying. He came over and rubbed and had one of his helpers pull gently on my left leg. I'm still crying. He then puts the heat and the machine on my back. Everything is still painful, but not as much so - until I go to get up. I thought I would die. It hurt so bad. I had to have one of the guys come and help me down because I was afraid to get off the table by myself. I finally stand, but realize there is no way I can take a step. They grab a chair and I sit. After a while, I try again to stand and walk. It's very slow and I finally take the first, excruciating step. I am telling you, I thought I would collapse from the pain. The girl has to help me out and it takes me forever to get to my car and get it, at which point, I start to cry again from the pain. I have been taking pain pills like crazy ever since and sitting in my recliner with a heating pad trying just to not cough or move too much. It's horrible!! I called my Neurologist today about it, my pain management doctor about it and then the physical therapy place about it. I'm scared that he did something to my all ready damaged discs. I'm angry and upset with him for being so careless that he just didn't pay attention to my chart and be careful before he tried to pull my leg out of it's socket. I'm praying that I don't have a horrible weekend full of pain - or end up in the emergency room because of this.
I'm thankful for my recliner, my heating pad and Advil! I don't think I will be going back to this physical therapy place. I would never feel comfortable letting him work on me again. Prayers are very much welcome and needed!! I know that the hand of the Lord can totally heal me and help me. I'm also thankful that I have the Lord, Jesus!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
0
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Sep. 5, 2009
-
Surrender
We've been busy with life but do get some quiet days (like today) which are so wonderful. We have been busy with appointments, taking care of extended family, and just life in general. I'm reminded of what God tells us in the Bible. I have always understood this scripture, but now I really understand it to the very being of my soul.
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. 8a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecc. 3:1-8
I never thought that I would have so many responsibilities with my extended family members at this time in my life. Mind you, it's not a problem, it just takes some getting used to, especially when you've had your time and life all planned out. What is that old joke: "Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans." 
I'm in a place of surrender. At first, I balked, telling God, "Hey! I homeschooled my children when you called me to do that. I put my art business on hold and did what you called me to do. Now, I'm done homeschooling and you give me all this other stuff to deal with? What about ME?" After getting now where with that attitude, I'm now surrendering to whatever plans the Lord has for me. After all, if it had been up to me, I would never have homeschooled in the first place. I had to surrender to God on that and it was the best thing I ever did. I will surrender myself now to whatever God has in mind for me.
God bless you - Julie
|
Sweet Responses (
2
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Aug. 25, 2009
-
Book Review - "Robot Wars-Death Trap"
Last week, Tyndale sent me their book, "Robot Wars - Death Trap" by Sigmund Brouwer, and asked me to review it. Here's a little about the author:
Sigmund Brouwer
Whether writing youth or adult fiction, Sigmund Brouwer is a best-selling author of more than 40 fast-paced novels. Some of his works encourage young reluctant readers into the world of books, and others provide adults with riveting tales. His youth series include Mars Diaries; Short Cuts Extreme Sports; Lightning on Ice; CyberQuest; The Winds of Light; Dr. Drabble: Genius Inventor; and The Accidental Detectives. His adult fiction titles include Out of the Shadows, Morning Star, Thunder Voice, Double Helix, and Blood Ties.
Sigmund's diverse background surfaces in the characters of his books as he inspires kids to get excited about reading. He grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, and developed an early interest in sports like hockey, racquetball, and biking. His poor performance in high school English classes led him to receive a degree in commerce from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and not to pursue writing. When a professor in his undergraduate English course encouraged him to write, Sigmund did, and he eventually received a degree in journalism from Carleton College in Ottawa. After publishing several articles for U.S. and Canadian magazines, he turned to writing books for kids reluctant to read.
In 1993, he cofounded The Young Writers' Institute with home education expert and author Debra Bell and conducts writing camps and seminars for more than 10,000 children every year. His commitment to his faith is an integral part of his creative goals, and Sigmund cites C. S. Lewis as one of his greatest writing influences. Although there is no overt Christian agenda in his novels, the deliberate underpinning of morality and redemption make his books more than tools of escape. He quotes C. S. Lewis, "There is no Christian way to write, just as there is no Christian way to boil an egg."
Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan; the couple has two daughters. He writes five pages per day on his laptop, whether he is in an airport, hotel, or dividing his time between family homes in Red Deer and Nashville.
Robot Wars - Death Trap (Book One) is about a teen-age boy named Tyce and his life on Mars in an experimental community. Tyce is a virtual reality specialist in that he can play very well and has since he was very young. He also enjoys looking at the galaxy from the special telescope they have in the community. Soon these simple pleasures take a back seat to the life threating issue of the community losing oxygen - and fast!
I really enjoyed this book. It kept you guessing with each page and just when I thought things were resolved, another issue would crop up. There were also many surprising revelations in the book about Tyce and other members of the community.
I'm sure this book is geared more for the tween/teen set, but honestly, I really enjoyed the book and am anxious to read Book Two to know what happens next to Tyce, his family and this experimental community on Mars!
I also like that the book talked about God in a very real way. It's very real in it's sense of what God means to us and how we can turn to Him. The author made it a normal part of the story and it didn't feel forced.
I highly recommend this book to others. It's definitely a science fiction book, but I really believe that anyone would enjoy it, whether they enjoy the science fiction genre or not.
You can find a link to this book in my Amazon widget on my sidebar. I never put books there that I haven't read and truly enjoyed. You can click on the book and it will take you to Amazon where you'll find this book and others in the series. I hope you'll read this book, too. Trust me, you'll really enjoy it!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
0
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 17, 2009
-
Quiet Days
It's been a quiet three days here. I really needed these quiet days. It's such a relief not to have something happening all the time. I'm really a quiet type of gal and need that once in a while to refresh and feel better.
Hubby went to see his mom yesterday (I couldn't go because of my knees) and he said she's doing much better. He said she had a better attitude and was realizing that they are really helping her. I also think she's made some new friends and she probably enjoys that, too. I'm so glad that she was doing better. It's a relief to think that she is actually content there and is trying to get better instead of fighting everything. I'm very thankful and so is my hubby.
God is so good. He has seen us through so much in the past 4 years and I know that He will continue to be there for us. I'm so glad that I have the Lord Jesus in my life. He is my treasure!
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
2
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 14, 2009
-
God Is My Refuge!
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
God truly is my refuge and fortress - and I'm so thankful for that! I don't think I could deal with all the things we've been having to do, without Him! I am still feeling a bit over-whelmed by everything, but I was able to relax over the weekend and that really helped.
My mother-in-law had her surgery last Tuesday, was moved into the nursing home for rehabilitation on Friday morning, and is now recovering from her ordeal. We were concerned that they wouldn't be able to put her somewhere for the rehabilitation, but it all worked out. I knew my hubby and I couldn't take care of her because of our own physical disabilities. Also, we have no where to put her! We're not sure how soon she will be done with the rehabilitation, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it and pray that she is able to go to her home and have a visiting nurse. She is just chomping at the bit to get out of there. She was the same way with the hospital. She wanted me to take her out of the hospital the day after her surgery! LOL The day she was put in the nursing facility, she called me and told me to come and get her. It's really hard to tell her that I can't - she needs the physical therapy. She doesn't think about that - only that she wants out.
I am nursing my knee again. I was standing at my desk today and bent down to pick up a paper I dropped and felt my knee pop. I'm not sure why. I am always so careful not to put undo pressure on my knees or my back. I have been icing it and keeping it elevated and hope that tomorrow it will be better. If not, I will have to keep icing and elevating it until it's better. I go next week to have my first series of Synvisc shots again in my knees and they need to not have any swelling in them or it hurts like crazy. If it doesn't improve by tomorrow afternoon, I'll ave to call my orthopedic doctor and see if he wants to give me a shot to reduce the swelling. I hope not - I really don't like those shots at all.
I finished the baby afghan I have been working on for my new grand-nephew. He was born last week and his name is Daniel Thomas. I love that name - they picked one name from the Old Testament and one from the New. I think it's a lovely name. I also made the cutest (if I do say so myself) pair of baby booties for him. It's a pattern I got recently from JoAnn's and they came out just adorable. I will take pictures of the afghan and he booties and post them here for you to see.
I'm now working on a new baby afghan for my other new grand-niece! I will also make her a pair of these cute booties in pink! It's fun to be making some things in pink - the last two babies have been boys, so I was making things in blue. I'm just thankful that our family is being blessed with these precious babies!
Thank you for all your messages of encouragement as we go through all these things. I've been blessed by the emails of encouragement and the messages here in the comments. It's good to know that there are so many people praying and that care.
God bless you - Julie
|
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 8, 2009
-
The Hits Just Keep On Coming . . .
Just when you think things are going to settle down, think again! I know, I live it!
Monday, my children went to their Grandmother's house because we decided that she would enjoy DirectTV. She loves the Western channel and TCM, so we knew that would be a nice thing for her to have. My sons arrive and she's on a rampage to get out of the house. I'm telling you, this woman can't stand to be in her home for very long. She wants to go out to eat at McD's all the time and talk to all the people. It's rather disconserting because this particiular McD's is the 2nd busiest in our state and there are A LOT of transients that come in there. Hitchhikers abound in this particular restaurant and she tells them everything! We have even heard her telling perfect strangers exactly where she lives! Very frightening. Anyway, they tell her, "No, Grandma. We need to wait until after the TV guy gets here and finishes installing everything. We have to be here for him." He arrives and she again wants to leave the house, NOW! They tell her again that they have to wait until he finishes. My boys tell me she was just rushing around and wanting to leave RIGHT NOW! She was angry and having kind of a temper tantrum.
During all this, I return a phone call to my oldest son. We are talking and I hear him say, "Are you all right, Grandma?" in a very frantic tone. Then I hear him telling his younger brother not to move her. Oh, man. I'm trying to find out what happened and my son comes back on the line and says, "Mom, Grandma fell. We shouldn't move her, right?" Right! I tell him to call 911 immediately and not to move her. The EMT's arrived in 2 minutes, which was really amazing. They stabilize her and my son goes by ambulance to the nearest hospital - 30 minutes away - while my youngest stays and get the TV installer to finish up. X-rays are done and guess what? Yep - you got it - she broke her hip!
I guess what happened is she was just determined to go to McD's and so was going out to the truck to get her stuff in there. She was rushing around and turned around too quickly, tripped and fell in the gravel driveway. Remember, she's 85. She shouldn't be rushing anywhere. She wouldn't listen to my son's about the fact that they had to wait - she wanted to go NOW! I'm telling you, I have my tickets for Crazytown and I'm going to use them if someone doesn't stop me!
So - she is in the hospital - had her surgery on Tuesday (yesterday) and called my hubby today and wants to come home NOW!! Do you see a pattern here? *SIGH* However, she will be going to a rehabilitation facility after the hospital. She needs therapy and will need help with taking care of herself. The fact that I'm disabled from back and knee issues and my hubby just had open heart surgery a little over a year ago, does not make us candidates to take care of her. We could never bathe her or pick her up if she fell. Plus, we have no place for her here. Her home has stairs and one bedroom, so that's out, too. I know she's going to have a fit when she's told she will be going there. Frankly, I don't plan on being there when she's told. She will stay there at least 2 weeks and then we will see how she's doing. We are just taking this one day at a time, basically.
I don't think this would be so hard on us if we hadn't been through so much in the past 4 years. My cancer & 2 surgeries and radiation; hubby's cancer & surgery; hubby's open heart sugery; father-in-law going into the VA extended living center; packing up their home; moving her things to the smaller place; plus all the other little things we all have to deal with on a daily basis. We are just exhausted - depleted - physically, mentally and emotionally. It seems like we get through one thing only to be dealing with some major life-altering situation.
I know that God is in control. In fact, I couldn't have gotten through all these things without Him, but I feel so tired! I know that the Lord "has plans for my life" (Jeremiah 29:11); I know all these things, but right now, I'm just tired. My hubby feels the same way. He looks so very tired. He's not sleeping well and all this has been very hard on him. I feel very concerned about what this is doing to him, too.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I know I've share here before that my mother-in-law has nothing but scorn for the Lord and those who believe in Him. This is hard. She always tells me how much she appreciates all I do for her - that I take wonderful care of her - that I'm good to her. Where does she think I get the love to do all this? From Jesus! He gives me the love and care to share with her, even when my flesh doesn't feel like it. I wonder if she will ever understand that? Probably not.
Thanks for letting me share all this with you. We will go on - we will take care of her - we will do what we need to do for her. We will, with God's strength, do what He calls us to do in all areas of our lives. Just pray that we will be refreshed by the Lord so we can go on. We are so terribly exhausted.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 4, 2009
-
It's Out!!
The new Summer issue of "The Old Schoolhouse" is out and on the newsstands - with my article in it! I was so excited to see it! I had picked up my mail before going to physical therapy and had to take it in to show all the therapists! LOL
Here's what the front cover of the magazine looks like:
 I'm so happy with how it came out, although, I was shocked at how large a picture they put in of my hubby and I! LOL
Mainly, I hoping that my article will encourage others who have gone through illness or other hardships while homeschooling. I give the Lord all the credit for getting us through the hard times. Believe me when I tell you, without Jesus by my side, I couldn't have done it. That's the truth, plain and simple. Jesus gives me my strength and my confidence that I can make it through each and every trial that comes my way.
I have also updated my website and hope that you will visit me. Please sign the guest book while you're there, too! I'd love to hear from you!
www.JulieDanielson.com
Until next time, God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 3, 2009
-
Graduation - Part II
Here's the Graduate! Cody wore his tux to the Graduation and looked quite handsome, in my humble opinion.
 We had 5 cakes for the reception (which turned out to be way too much, but who knew?) and this was the one that was so special. They turned a photo of the Graduates into sugar and put on top of the cake. Isn't that amazing? Such a beautiful cake and the centerpiece of the food area.
 Here I am trying to gain my composure. I had been okay until I looked at my son and he had tears streaming down his face. That did me in. I had to stand there for a few minutes and then I could speak again. My hubby was no help. If you look closely, you'll see the tears in his eyes, too.
 Here we are handing him his diploma and his tassel. I got a beautiful diploma made and all the Graduates received a tassel. It was a very special moment.
 Cody performed at the Graduation. Here he is with my other son, Shane, on the left and Cody's best friend, Eric, on the right. They did two songs and Cody sang for one of them.
 Cody picking out his solo here.
 Another pickin' picture. :o)
 Here's the proud parents all smiles before the Graduation. I really like this picture of my hubby and me. I plan on printing it out and framing it. I think my hubby is such a handsome guy!
 Here's Cody and his best friend, Eric, who happens to be the son of . . . .
 my best friend, Kym. Here we are after the Graduation. I was so happy that she was there to share in my joy as I graduated my last child. She was a huge part of my homeschooling adventure. I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful friend.
Here's the family after the Graduation. That's me, Cody, my husband's Mother, my hubby, and my oldest son, Shane. We had a hard time getting pictures of Grandma as she kept talking about cake and wanted to get to the reception hall! LOL
 I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures. The Graduation was a lot of work to put together, but it came out so beautifully and it was definitely worth all the work.
My homeschool journey is now at an end, however, I am going to still be a part of the homeschool community. It was the greatest thing I ever did or will ever do. As I said as I spoke at the Graduation, "I always said that I would be a success if, when my children are adults, they both loved the Lord, Jesus Christ, and followed Him with all their hearts. I can honestly say that as I stand here today, I am success." Homeschooling gave me the opportunity to have the Lord in our lives every day and allowed my children to get to know Him on a very intimate basis. I'm very thankful for the past 10 years of homeschooling. It made our family better and made us all closer to the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for leading us to homeschooling.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jul. 2, 2009
-
Graduation - Part I
As promised, here are the graduation photos from my son's homeschool Graduation. This first photo is the church sanctuary. We had to set up the morning of the Graduation as they had a function in the church the night before. All hands were on deck at 9:00 that morning. We had to move more chairs into the sanctuary to accommodate all the guests that were coming. We also had to move things from the stage area.
 Thank goodness for my friend, Rose (shown here pointing), who was so organized about getting the sanctuary done. She wrote down where all the chairs came from and how many there were so we could return things to their proper place after the Graduation. She really was my right hand buddy throughout the Graduation preparation!
 Here's Cody getting his mike all set up for that night when he played his mandolin and sang. His friend, Josh, who was also graduating is an old pro at setting things up electronically as he's been doing it for his youth group for years.
 Here's a picture of the reception hall after it was decorated. The class colors were Royal Blue and Gold. We were very blessed to find those colors at the local party store and found some really nice things. I bought two air tanks so we could fill the balloons for the reception. Hint: If you do this, get some of the gel to put in the balloons before the air (I got mine from Oriental Trading) as this will keep the balloons flying high for days and days! We wanted them to stay nice for the reception that night.
 Here's another shot of the reception room. One of the lades made gold table runners from beautiful, gold fabric. They really set the tables off nicely and gave them that extra touch.
 I hope you enjoyed seeing the Graduation prep pictures. Stay tuned to see the pictures from the Graduation.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Jun. 18, 2009
-
Total and Utter Exhaustion
Oh, dear friends, I can't tell you how exhausted I am - physically and mentally. Just ready to drop. I asked my hubby this morning, "Is it possible to die from being so tired?". I know this sounds dramatic, but it's exactly how I am feeling. What's happening, you ask, that I'm feeling this way? Let me enlighten you.
First we had my son's high school graduation that I was in charge of. I had done this before so I thought it would be a cake walk. Not so. I had a low budget, no supplies from years past, and a couple of parents who made it their mission to make my life very difficult. However, we got through this and the Graduation was absolutely gorgeous (pictures soon, I promise!). During all this, my step father-in-law was put into the VA nursing home and we found ourselves taking care of my mother-in-law who is showing strong signs of Alzheimers. We knew she had been doing poorly in the memory area, however, working with her every day soon made us realize how really bad she is. So, the decision has been made to move her here to our home as soon as possible. This requires us to pack up her home and get things moved here. This is a woman who is 84 years old and a collector. A dish collector, to be exact. I have packed dishes, dishes and more dishes and, believe it or not, there are still some dishes left to pack! We don't want her to have to make the hard choice of what to keep or get rid of right now. She has enough emotional stress right now and her life is not what it was a month ago. We are letting her deal with all that first and maybe in the Fall, she will feel more capable of going through all these dishes and making decisions. I know how stressed out I am and it wasn't my husband who was put into a nursing home and it's not me who is having to leave my home. I am trying to make this as easy on her as possible, but it's making it harder on me because I'm bearing the stress of it all right now. However, this too shall pass and soon we can all take a break and rest (I hope!).
My hubby has taken my mil to the doctor because of our great concern with her mental failings. She has had her blood and urine tests done and this next week, she will go and do a memory test to determine how bad things are. If they want to ask my hubby and I how bad things have gotten, we can give them a book full of stories! We will tell her something and she will not remember it in 15 minutes. Or she will ask something, we answer her, and soon she is asking the same question again. She never remembers the answers until we say it so much - over and over - that it seems to penetrate this invisible barrier in her brain. She remembers (and tells) her childhood stories with great accuracy, but she can't remember what she ate for breakfast. It's really sad and hard.
In the middle of all this, we moved the shed that she had in her backyard to our yard. She wanted me to take it and make an art studio out of it for myself! Oh, my! This is really a dream come true! The moving of the shed was really quite easy - I thought this would be the difficult part - but the hard part has been in the electrical wiring of it. We asked a friend of ours to do the wiring but he was trying to be nice and help out a guy from his church that is out of work and needs money and suggested we use this man. HUGE mistake! This man is so crooked that our bill ended up being 3 times what it should have been. He padded the bill so much, it's laughable that he even thought we would fall for it! He charged us for wire he didn't use and then charged us for two outlets that were all ready in the building! He also charged us over $100.00 more to rent the trench digger than it actually cost to rent from Home Depot! To top this off, he charged us for 25 hours of labor when he actually worked about 10 hours. He tore up the insulation in the building when he said he wouldn't, and the zinger of all zingers, the wiring doesn't even work! There is a short somewhere because when we plug something in to use it, it trips the breaker - so it doesn't even work!! Yes, he had a straight face when he handed us this bill - and he actually thought we would pay it! So now, we have this new problem to deal with. Our friend, who recommended him, is feeling horrible about this but it's not his fault. I do have to say, though, I am actually afraid of this man who did the electrical work. I'm usually not afraid of people, but I am of this man. I didn't feel good about him when I met him (never a good sign) but now I'm just downright afraid! Until this is resolved, I will be looking over my shoulder and sleeping with one eye open, believe me.
I'm hoping we will have the house completely packed up tomorrow. That will be such a relief. I will have a mess to deal with in my own home, but that's something easier for me to handle. I can take a break when I need to rest my back and knees and I won't feel the pressure to get it all done quickly. I can take my time. I've tried to stay seated as much as possible while packing things because of my knees and back, but it's not always possible, nor is it always the most comfortable position. I'm having to take pain meds more often right now just to get through the days and nights.
I feel like I've done nothing but complain in this post. I hope it hasn't come off that way. I just wanted to let you know where I've been and what's happening. Soon, I will have happier things to report and will also have lots and lots of pictures to share of the Graduation and other things.
Just keep me in your prayers! So much is happening, I feel the need to hide under the wings of the Lord and allow Him to shelter me and give me strength. He has done that and more! I'm so glad I have the Lord, Jesus, to run to. Honestly, I couldn't do all this without Him - and I don't have to! Praise God!
God bless you - Julie
|
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
May. 11, 2009
-
Some thoughts
How was your Mother's Day yesterday? Mine was wonderful. It was a quiet day filled with the ones I love. What could be better? My hubby gave me a beautiful card and wants to take me out to get me something in the jewelry category. :o) What a guy. My oldest son gave me a beautiful card and a Nintendo DS game (yes, I have a Nintendo DS) that I have been wanting and searching for, "Professor Layton & the Curious Village". It's a riddle/puzzle game that has my poor 47 year old brain really working. My youngest son gave me a really beautiful card that he made himself and the first season of one of the great TV shows of all time, "The Dick Van Dyke Show". I've all ready watched 2 discs! Yes, it was a wonderful day - not because of the presents, but because of the thought that went into them and the fact that my children love me - just as I love them. It really is all about the love. The gifts are just a tangible showing of that love. They all put so much thought into their gifts. I love those guys!!
I did spend part of the weekend in my chair with the heating pad. I went out and pruned a rose bush (which wasn't easy on my back), but then I came in a picked up a heavy box filled with files and that did me in. I felt something "give" and knew I had done something dumb. The pain went down my right leg and I had to rest for the duration of the weekend. That's another reason my Mother's Day was quiet. LOL Today it's better, but I can tell I need to get into my physical therapy - and soon!
I've been helping my in-laws with their paperwork and bills. My poor mother-in-law came over to the house about a week ago all upset because everything was such a mess and the bills were either over-paid or not paid at all. She is getting more confused about things, so I had my son go over to her house with her and gather up all the paperwork, bills (paid and unpaid) and then we had to get them in piles and file them in a box (the aforementioned box that hurt my back). I have been making phone calls like crazy getting balances, the address changed so the bills come to our home, and getting past due things paid. I'm just so glad I can help them. I don't know what would become of them if I didn't. I was very concerned that there were a couple of utility bills past due - it would be awful for the power or water to be shut off on them. I'm relieved that my hubby and I won't have to worry about that now.
A final thought -
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16
Who do you say Jesus is? I say what Simon Peter said so profoundly and so accurately. He is the Christ - the Son of the living God. No matter what you're going through, remember that Jesus is there for you - remember who He is! Nothing is too big for Jesus.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
1
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
May. 4, 2009
-
Birthday Present
Remember when I told you that my boys got a fun birthday gift and I would have pictures? Well, here they are!
 What are they doing here, you ask? Why, boxing, of course!
 Isn't that just too amazing?
They pooled all their birthday money and got themselves a Wii. We've all been enjoying it, actually.
 One of their favorites is Raving Rabbits. Have you played that one before? It's hilarious and even this girl likes playing it. Fun games that everyone can do and silly Rabbits, to boot! How can you miss?
 They even got their Dad to play! You are witnessing a miracle here, folks! My hubby has NEVER played any kind of video game and has always been rather negative about them, but he actually liked playing the Wii bowling!!
 How do you like those slippers? Very stylish, don't ya think? LOL It was fun for us all to play together and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually glad they got a new video game system.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
2
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
•
Apr. 10, 2009
-
No Greater Love
 On this Good Friday, I am reflecting on the fact that Jesus laid his life down for me. The perfect lamb, who knew no sin, was beaten severely and then nailed to a cross to die a horrible, painful death. For me. For you.
I am so thankful that my life belongs to Jesus. I am so thankful that He cares so much for me.
No greater love.
God bless you - Julie |
Sweet Responses (
3
) :: Share a Sweet Response! :: Permanent Link
|
|
