Memorial Day

What a beautiful day to reflect on the saying "Home of the free because of the brave." I awoke feeling a great sense of gratitude for all of the men and women who have died for our country and prayed for their families.

With my own son wanting to serve it moved my heart knowing that in months he might be in harms way. I am proud of Ash wanting to serve, as I’m sure all parents are but lately I have found myself praying in advance for his safety.

After planting some red, white and blue flowers on the front porch David and I placed an orange tree in the back yard near the garden promoting life in remembrance of those who have supplied freedom and peace on our soil.

The third time is the charm they always say so we replaced the dead blackberry and raspberry twigs with bushes that are 18” tall hoping they make it.

Over the weekend Andrew picked the first blueberries, tomatoes and peppers. Yummy. We are going to have more cucumbers than we can shake a stick at so if you have a good pickle recipe please send it to me. I have never made them before. J

After swimming with David and walking the treadmill I contracted a killer migraine so back to bed I went. I am praying today I make it going back to work for the first time in a week. When I’m out I fell quite guilty and miss being there.

Please join us in prayer for all those who serve in AmeriCorps, Coast Guard, the Armed Services and their families. They give us the opportunity to have fun and enjoy peace. We hope you had an amazing holiday with family and friends!

Rest

I’m still not feeling well. Thursday night when I came home I slept 10 hours only to get up for a Dr’s appointment Friday. I went for an oil change and was falling asleep at the station. So I came home and slept the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon venturing out only for groceries anticipating the kid’s arrival for the weekend.

Saturday my mom and I went out for a bit shopping. If you ever get to central Florida go to The Barn. It is a wonderful antique/gift shop in Lake Alfred 20 miles south of Disney. We had a blast. Then I took a nap. This sinus infection is kicking my behinds.

When I woke up I did a DIY. I put hooks on a board I bought and painted numbers and our initials to put above them to hang towels and bathing suits on. It looks pretty cool if I do say so myself.

While out my mom bought David a grill cover and told him it was an early Fathers Day gift. He loves it! He then asked when Mother’s Day is. Remember it was a few weeks ago? He didn’t. Mom and I recounted the day and it took awhile but he finally remembered. His memory is still spotty. It is hard to see the blank look on his face when he lacks recall.

Sunday was filled with church and relaxation. I painted a bookshelf that we have on the back porch for towels and toys for the pool to match the numbers above the hooks and doors. The matching baskets I bought the day before look sharp and are helping bring the lanai together. I love our home.

David and I played in the pool for a few hours and grilled. It was good to have a day alone with my husband where we enjoyed each other’s company being the kids were in Miami for the rest of the weekend.

Please join us in prayer for all of those with memory loss and those who take care of and love them.

A Dream Come True

Wednesday was an amazing day. I’m not sure if it was due to the meds or excitement but I was up at 1:30 AM wired for sound. Today is the day I fly to Phoenix to see Ash graduate was racing through my mind. Needless to say after I reached the airport at 4:30 I slept until my 6:30 flight and all the way to Atlanta.

After I changed planes and was in the air I was flooded with memories. My baby boy who has turned into a young man is graduating! It feels surreal.  When I landed in Phoenix and picked up the rental car the excitement grew. I miss Ash so very much. He guided me in by phone and met me outside his new housing development. As I pulled over to the side of the road to pick him up I could hardly contain myself.

I threw the car in park and just gave him a big hug not wanting to let go. I am in awe of God! How a little baby that I carried almost 19 years ago could be pushing six feet and is now an adult amazes me!

After going to his house and picking up clothes we went out to eat at Red Lobster for a celebratory lunch, Wal-Mart for socks and water (which I desperately needed since AZ is so dry) and finally to the hotel. We talked for hours nonstop. My heart sang as I listened and laughed! Ash hasn’t lived with me for two years. He made interesting choices growing up and it was a rough road but to see him mature and us enjoying each other’s company was incredible.

Before I knew it it was time to get ready for graduation. As I saw him don his cap and gown I couldn’t help feel a sense of pride. The ceremony was wonderful. I cried and smiled as I saw the door of opportunity open wide for Ash to become anything he wants to be.

After going back to the house for cup cakes we returned to the hotel and continued to chat. I didn’t want the night to end knowing I was going home in the morning.

Awakening before Ash I sat and watched him sleep and prayed, as I had throughout his growing up, thanking God for the miracle of my son.

I cried driving to the airport missing Ash already and being filled with gratitude that I was able to be there for my son on his monumental day. God is good!

Please join us in prayer for all of the graduates that their futures may be bright.


Blessing!

Beach Fever

Saturday we went to Cocoa Beach. It was in the 90’s and being brave (or is that stupid?) I didn’t use sunscreen. So Sunday I woke up with a grand fever and killer headache. I thought I had beach fever (also known as sun poisoning). By Tuesday I was coughing so bad I was gagging and getting sick when I coughed so off to the Centra Care I went.

It ended up being a severe sinus infection. Yeah me! I’m now out of work for a week and two days of that back to back are flying to and from Phoenix for Ash’s graduation. The Dr showing mercy gave me a bunch of drugs that are to help my head from exploding at 30,000 feet. Praise God for modern medicine. Praise God I get to spend time with my son!

100%

A few weeks ago Ash ran track at State. He came in 22^nd out of 23. He sounded disappointed. When I asked if he felt he did his best he said, “I don’t know but I think I did the best for that race.”

I don’t think he realized how profound that statement was. I might not always be 100% but can still give my all on that day or project. I am very proud of him. He has come a long way. 

Working Around The House!

What a wonderful Sunday! The rain let up around 7 AM and I sat by the pool to get some sun. Yuppie! Then I read for a while! It was good to relax, Finally! 

Church was about the sins that keep us from God. Today’s sin was gambling. I have never had a problem with that. I feel grateful that my only addiction at this point is working to hard. Okay so I’m a workaholic at home and work and it is not a good thing but at least today after copying the Proverbs 31 woman all week I modeled rest, for a bit.

David and George came over around one to help put up my mom’s new ceiling fan. They are so much fun! We put the light that was there up in the garage. We only have one florescent left. Yeah us. I put putty in the holes from the old fixtures, we reinforced the shelves in my mom’s closet...whew...I felt quite productive.

The pipe where the chlorine tablets go was leaking so we put a new one in and lastly the pool light. George and I took it out and put in a new bulb. Much to my chagrin it still didn’t work. We think it’s an electrical problem so in a few weeks we are going to switch out the GFI switch and see if that helps.

I am proud to say my David hung the flag out front on the pillar at the entryway. It means a lot for me to have a flag. My daddy was a Marine and although we didn’t have a flag on the house when I was a kid I have felt the need to have one for the past 19 years. After 9/11 I was glad to see them all pop up. I thought it was about time wondering why it took such a tragic action to get our collective act together.

For lunch we had tacos and Andrew picked his first tomato to dice up for our feast. He was so proud. It tasted yummy. So all in all it was an amazingly productive day.

Please join us in prayer for all those who are suffering from the floods, for the caregivers of Alzheimer’s loved ones and those in need. We are truly blessed!

Blessings!

The Blessings Of Every Day Life!

Friday night I got off early. I had finished all of my work and no one had anything for me to do. I had more than 40 hours in by 11 AM so my boss said to go home. I told her next week I would try to goof off and be less efficient. She laughed and told me it was all right and appreciated me not wasting money.

So I went to the bank, took David lunch, went to Walgreens, grocery shopping, and did my nails. After I made stuffed peppers. Boy, were they good. David said I should have taken the opportunity to rest. To me taking care of my family first is important and something I haven’t had much time for lately.

Ah balance…a delicate thing. I have been feeling really blessed the last few weeks. However God hasn’t allowed me to take any of it for granted. Constantly I am reminded that others are not as fortunate and David's memory is worsening.

It has been raining off and on for the past 16 hours. We need it so I feel blessed. Then I think of the people who are in floodplains and loosing everything.

I almost feel guilty we are doing well. Maybe it’s a deep thread of empathy not being far away from the fire and David’s illness. Things were crazy for so long I am forgetting how to relax.

I am proud of my accomplishments thou. Yesterday I cleaned the pool filter. Yuck! Did you know you have to do that more than once every four months? It hadn’t been cleaned since the first week of January. Okay so now I know. No wonder we were getting algae and the pump had moved to a trickle. Live and learn.

So I’ve been up since 3 AM. The taco meat and tomatoes are diced for lunch after church, the pumpkin muffins are in the oven, the sourdough bread is in the bread maker and my prayers and meditation are done. So I think today after church I’ll take care of myself. Ah the luxury of it all! 

Under Pressure

I have consistently put high expectations on myself since I was knee high to a grasshopper. While growing up I remember being told to whom much is given much is expected and I continue to hold myself to a high standard.

With my new job I have had to learn a new CRM. The only person who knows the program inside out and designed the content is the new girlfriend I told you about Monday. Her Mom died early Monday morning and the funeral is today. My heart hurts so badly for her. At this point she is going to be gone a while and I’m just attempting to keep the boat afloat while she is gone.

My boss is telling me I’m doing just fine but I have a maladroit feeling about me. Just put one foot after the other, right? Keep my head up! I just want to do so well at this job. As you know it is a dream come true for me. So I pray.

David is doing all right. We have a few people who feel the need to express doom and gloom telling him not to take the promotion if offered stating he might hate it. Really?

The job duties would be similar to what he did in the service. It would take the stress off if he receives it. Every night he studies up on coding so he can hit the ground running if he gets the job. I am so proud of him. To see him chase a goal is amazing and such a change from a few months ago. The new medications are doing him well, kinda.

So all in all we have healthy normal stresses of every day life. It’s a lot better than the death sentence we were given at the beginning of the year. So I am grateful.

Please join us in prayer for those shattered from the loss of a loved one, the caregivers who need to be refreshed, people who are suffering from the numerous natural disasters plaguing our country and the troops overseas. They are the ones who need to be uplifted. The rest of the day-to-day life stuff is peanuts.

Blessings! 

Mother's Day

Well, Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mommies out there. I know for some of you it was great being adorned with love from your children, flowers, church, breakfast in bed…ah to be loved.

For others maybe you have lost a child or your mom and the day was spent with a cemetery visit. I am sorry for your loss. Maybe you’re estranged and are praying for your prodigal son or daughter. You’re all in my prayers as well.

The children gave me flowers and I the same for my mom. I found out to late that David forgot to get them for his mom and so hers will be late. That kills me. I am sad when he forgets.


God tells us to honor our mothers. That is a straight forward commandment not something to be done depending on our mood.

A new friend of mine was not at work on Friday. I found out her mom on Thursday night had an aneurysm so she drove home to GA. Her Mom was not expected to make it through the weekend being in a vegetative state. My heart hurts for my friend loosing her mom at 27, let alone on Mother’s Day weekend. Please pray for her and her family.

So it isn’t a Hallmark day for everyone. If it was for you then count your blessings for you are truly blessed! Please join us in prayer for all of the mom’s out there and the children who miss them.

Blessings!

It's Getting Better All The Time

Green is good. Yesterday was a production day. It was amazing to be in the same sound stage with the biggest green screen on the east coast. I felt alive. This job is good for me. Please pray I continue to do well.

The in-laws and out-laws are still without power but Mom and Dad had their phone restored yesterday. That eased my mind knowing I can contact them again. 


Donna and Kenny have most of the trees cut down and they will have enough firewood to last them until 2020. Please join us in prayer that they get power soon and for all of those who have lost everything and loved ones from the storm.

David is doing better with his sinus infection. The antibiotics have helped. Please pray for his health and that his memory is restored. I know it's a long shot.

The kids are doing well. We are hoping they finish the school year strong. Seth is finished volleyball for the season, Ash is going to state for track and Andrew is practicing football for the fall. We are proud of them all.

So things are going well. Praise God!

Blessings!

Doctors Prescribe Medication For A Reason!

David and I were sitting on the back porch Sunday afternoon talking about the possibility of a promotion he is up for. It would significantly increase his pay and our ability to get back on track. He stated that he would like to take the kids on a nice vacation next year. With him out two months and me just starting a new job we are resigned to the fact that this summers vacation will be reduced to weekend trips and theme parks.

I reminded him we did take a very nice vacation last summer. His response was that we didn’t we just went to visit family in Alabama. So I asked him to think. It took him about three minutes with prodding and some frustration to remember we rented a cabin outside of Gatlinburg, TN.

It was a nice vacation. We went up a gondola, zip lined, white water rafting, the boys caught crawfish in the creek and cooked them up and my favorite was Megan and I had a spa day.

He also had a hard time remembering that last weekend was Easter and we didn’t clean the pool much to my chagrin. With the heat it was a mess and needed a good cleaning, shock and an algae treatment yesterday.

I found out Friday that he hasn’t been taking all of his medications. It is a family trait. His family doesn’t necessary believe in going to the doctors and taking medications much to my dismay. He did go Friday and got an antibiotic and some codeine cough medicine for his sinus infection, finally, after a threat from me to call 911 fro his excessive vomiting and lack of breathing soundly.

Anyway he hadn’t been taking what he needed so I went and bought two medication holders. You know the ones that go from Sunday – Saturday. With his kidney anti-rejection meds he needed big ones. One is for morning, I told him to think Christ has risen in the morning so it’s purple. The other one is for the sunsets and how mad I make him throughout the day so it’s red. :) Plus I picked up refills for what he was out of.

So, now I can keep on top of it. One of the medications had an immediate effect and he stayed awake Saturday and Sunday without naps. That is huge for him. He played with the kids and stayed on top of his sugars. Now maybe we will see the turnaround we have been praying for. I hope so.

Please join us in our prayers that David gets the job God has in mind for him, the children finish the school year strong, Ash does well in track and my sister-in-love, family and all get back to normal after the horrible storms in Alabama.

Blessings!

International

Ah...the wedding...it was lovely. I was up at three to watch the activities before the main event at six. I was so excited. Two kisses! I remember when I was really little my Nana had me so hyped up about Diana becoming a real princess. So by the time I stopped watching 20/20 on Friday night and wound down I had been up for twenty hours but it had been well worth it.

When looking at the stats for the blog I noticed we have steady readers from Canada, India, Russia and Singapore, as well as those in the States! Isn’t that cool? I would love to here from you if you wouldn’t mind dropping me a line in the comments, please that would be awesome!

It seems like a real international weekend. How fun is that!