If you want to see what I'm thankful for, check out the pictures on the right-hand column. My brother-in-law and my sister-in-law arrived last night from Oklahoma bringing my neice and nephew, too.
I really love where we live but today, I am thankful for family who will come visit us!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A New Ride
A little known fact: I love amusement parks! I love the rides, the food, the smells, the people. It's a sensory delight for me!
Growing up in Texas, we went to Six Flags 2-3 times a year - as a family, with church groups - anyone who wanted to go! And I rode everything! I was 5'2" by the time I was in fifth grade and met all the heigth requirements so that never held me back. If my dad rode it, I was there. If a teen in the church rode it, so would I.
I love the feel of the wind in my face and the adrenaline rush in my veins. Standing in line with people from all over the world, meeting them and hearing the excitement in their voice. It was always a great time.
Our family has had many ridess - infertility, childbirth, moves, illnesses, surgeries. Maybe God prepared me for all of this by my love for amusememt parks!
Now we're on a new ride. It will be a long one - until God decides to stop the ride and kick us off!
This new park is called Sjogren's Syndrome. (SHOW-gren's)
Sjogren's is an autoimmune disease that attacks the glands in your body that produce fluids - eyes, ears, lymph glands, salivary glands, joints. It can cause fatigue (that explains alot!) and brain fog (really, how would I know?) My mouth has not spit - that makes it hard to talk, teach and sing! And the joints in my hands and feet swell and are painful. Sometimes more than others.
If you were in Passion Play, you may have noticed my dry mouth and sometimes I had trouble speaking because my tongue was swollen. That was some of the first symptoms.
My eyes have some damage so I have to limit my use of my contacts to 3-5 hours a day. Boo. I really don't like my glasses, but it's okay.
Cure? No. But, Yes!, there are treaments. Ready? Anti-Malaria medications! And eye drops that I drink! Prednisone for the joint swelling and pain. (The earache I've had for 3 months and they've treated for an infection? Nope. My salivary gland is extremely swollen and pushing on the ear canal.)
So this is our new ride! Let's see how God moves in this time! I've got another friend who was already on the ride when I arrived and she assured me we can make it!
I know that my God is here. He's always faithful. And though he made the amusement parks, not all the rides are His idea - but he does supply the safety gear!
This ride I'm not excited about. But I'm here. I'm strapped in. So, let's go!
But FYI, if I forget your name, a date, an appointment, where I am, where my kids are - I'll just blame it on Brain Fog created by The Ride! and we can both laugh!
Growing up in Texas, we went to Six Flags 2-3 times a year - as a family, with church groups - anyone who wanted to go! And I rode everything! I was 5'2" by the time I was in fifth grade and met all the heigth requirements so that never held me back. If my dad rode it, I was there. If a teen in the church rode it, so would I.
I love the feel of the wind in my face and the adrenaline rush in my veins. Standing in line with people from all over the world, meeting them and hearing the excitement in their voice. It was always a great time.
Our family has had many ridess - infertility, childbirth, moves, illnesses, surgeries. Maybe God prepared me for all of this by my love for amusememt parks!
Now we're on a new ride. It will be a long one - until God decides to stop the ride and kick us off!
This new park is called Sjogren's Syndrome. (SHOW-gren's)
Sjogren's is an autoimmune disease that attacks the glands in your body that produce fluids - eyes, ears, lymph glands, salivary glands, joints. It can cause fatigue (that explains alot!) and brain fog (really, how would I know?) My mouth has not spit - that makes it hard to talk, teach and sing! And the joints in my hands and feet swell and are painful. Sometimes more than others.
If you were in Passion Play, you may have noticed my dry mouth and sometimes I had trouble speaking because my tongue was swollen. That was some of the first symptoms.
My eyes have some damage so I have to limit my use of my contacts to 3-5 hours a day. Boo. I really don't like my glasses, but it's okay.
Cure? No. But, Yes!, there are treaments. Ready? Anti-Malaria medications! And eye drops that I drink! Prednisone for the joint swelling and pain. (The earache I've had for 3 months and they've treated for an infection? Nope. My salivary gland is extremely swollen and pushing on the ear canal.)
So this is our new ride! Let's see how God moves in this time! I've got another friend who was already on the ride when I arrived and she assured me we can make it!
I know that my God is here. He's always faithful. And though he made the amusement parks, not all the rides are His idea - but he does supply the safety gear!
This ride I'm not excited about. But I'm here. I'm strapped in. So, let's go!
But FYI, if I forget your name, a date, an appointment, where I am, where my kids are - I'll just blame it on Brain Fog created by The Ride! and we can both laugh!
Friday, July 17, 2009
The World as Our Classroom
Did you know that God can teach life lessons anywhere? Well, if you're a mom you know that. We teach our kids every moment of the day. In the car, at lunch, in the potty. God's pretty versatile too.
Today, Chris and I set off to WM for two prescriptions, one gift and two bags of ice. Two hours and 10 minutes later - yes, 130 minutes of our life gone! - we left the store. No, we weren't getting more things, we were just waiting. And waiting. We ate lunch. And waited. Visited with 4 different families. And Waited.
By the time we checked with the phramcy for the 7 time - they were ready!!!! Good thing they were considered "Critical!". (just label they dr. attached to help things along.) The sweet lady was checking us and started to apologize, we just started laughing. I threw my hands up the air and yelled, "We WIN! We're the Most Patient Customers of the Day!" They were all laughing.
Now, what did I learn? I choose my reactions. Being mad or mean would not have filled the order any faster. And I would have been teaching Chris that outside influences can control us.
Nah, make a memory. Learn a lesson.
So the next time your prescription is late, go to Blimpies, get a drink and a bag of chips. Go sit on the benches by the first aid aisle and wait. Visit with your kids or companion. Laugh. Visit with passersby. You choose.
Choose Happiness!!
Today, Chris and I set off to WM for two prescriptions, one gift and two bags of ice. Two hours and 10 minutes later - yes, 130 minutes of our life gone! - we left the store. No, we weren't getting more things, we were just waiting. And waiting. We ate lunch. And waited. Visited with 4 different families. And Waited.
By the time we checked with the phramcy for the 7 time - they were ready!!!! Good thing they were considered "Critical!". (just label they dr. attached to help things along.) The sweet lady was checking us and started to apologize, we just started laughing. I threw my hands up the air and yelled, "We WIN! We're the Most Patient Customers of the Day!" They were all laughing.
Now, what did I learn? I choose my reactions. Being mad or mean would not have filled the order any faster. And I would have been teaching Chris that outside influences can control us.
Nah, make a memory. Learn a lesson.
So the next time your prescription is late, go to Blimpies, get a drink and a bag of chips. Go sit on the benches by the first aid aisle and wait. Visit with your kids or companion. Laugh. Visit with passersby. You choose.
Choose Happiness!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
More Parade Pics!
He paid the price, He can protest. 
Tyler Saunders' poster with the Blue Star Moms.
Rodeo Princess
Parade Marshall - the car is really what we wanted a picture of!
Fourth of July in Colorado
We celebrated the Fourth of July by attending the
parade in Bayfield, Colorado. It was great!
Patriotism abounded. People were not ashamed to stand and cheer
for the neighbor, clap for soldiers and cry as the flag passed by.
parade in Bayfield, Colorado. It was great!
Patriotism abounded. People were not ashamed to stand and cheer
for the neighbor, clap for soldiers and cry as the flag passed by.
God Bless the USA!
Ashley at the Parade.
below: My Gang
. . .more to follow!
Summer Projects
Big Chris, Little Chris and David began rebuilding our deck this past week. They worked hard in the heat to reattach it to the house and lay new decking. Annie, the not-the-smartest-dog-you've-ever-met, attempted to jump for the stairs to a support beam and fell on the wood pile below. She was okay, but our schnauzer looked at her like, "You have got to be kidding!"
Ashley's garden she started with her dad on Father's Day.
Chris spent hours pulling nails for the old decking materials. He was a tired guy!
Adding the supports to the deck.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Yeah!! Classes for Fall
My three submissions to Fort Lewis College for Continuing Education classes were ALL picked up! Thank you, Jesus!
Now, please pray that I have at least 8 in each class so they will continue!
I'm so excited!
Talking With Teachers: Effective Communication for Successfuly Education
Tuesday, September 22 and 29
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Following Your Dreams!
Tuesday, October 13 and 20
6:00 - 8:00 pm
A Parent's Field Guide to the IM Generation
Tuesday, November 3 and 10
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Cost: $49 each class
Contact: Fort Lewis College / Continuing Education
970-247-7385
Now, please pray that I have at least 8 in each class so they will continue!
I'm so excited!
Talking With Teachers: Effective Communication for Successfuly Education
Tuesday, September 22 and 29
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Following Your Dreams!
Tuesday, October 13 and 20
6:00 - 8:00 pm
A Parent's Field Guide to the IM Generation
Tuesday, November 3 and 10
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Cost: $49 each class
Contact: Fort Lewis College / Continuing Education
970-247-7385
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)