Works for Me Wedensday

Afternoon snack
This was very helpful, skipping it caused a hungrier tummy at supper.

Wordless Wedensday

It's Cotton Pickin" Time!

Arizona Snow

Tales from the scales Weel #7 +1

193 starting

191 week one

191 week two (at 189 on Friday) First Synvisk Injestion

193 week three Second injection

190 week four (189 peeked at me) Third Injection

192 week five

188 week six

189 week seven

My exercises have increased in weights and repetitions. I was not able to take as good of care of myself this week. I extended myself a bit far. That I think is one of my worse problems. Neglecting myself when I get busy and tired. I had a little to much at servings too. I did not take the time to make things just for me. I was careful however to avoid the things not on my plan. Except I did eat a bunch of candy this week.
189 still smiled at me. I thought it might be more.

November Write away contest due wen

Over at "Scribbit"

November's Write-Away Contest

We don't have snow yet but 2007 is nearly gone, something about coming to the close of a year and looking back at what I've accomplished, how I've changed or how I've stayed the same makes me feel the pull of gratitude. Not surprisingly, this month's writing theme will be on thankfulness but I'm going to be a bit more specific than that, the topic is: "My life is different because of . . ."

This doesn't mean this must be your title or that you have to start your post out with those words, it's more to get you thinking about something that made a difference in your life. It could be a person, an event, an opportunity, a lesson learned, but I'd like to hear about something that changed you or your surroundings in always-to-be-remembered way.

If you'd like to participate here are the rules:

1. Write a post or find one in your archives on the topic, "My life is different because of . . ." and email your post's permalink to me at: scribbit at gmail.com any time through Wednesday November 21st. If you fail to meet the November 21st deadline I will still happily publish the link to your post and include it in the list of entries but it will not be judged. I reserve the right to reject submissions if they fail to meet the topic or if they contain objectionable content.

I always respond to each submission once I have received it, just to let you know I've got it but I've had terrible trouble lately with gmail throwing legitimate mail into my spam box. I'm sifting through it daily (and let me tell you how pleasant that is) to make sure I don't miss anything, but just to be sure please look for my responding email to know that I have received your entry.

2. Publish a link to the contest page here at Scribbit in either your entry post or in a separate post.

3. Check back here on Friday November 23rd when I will post a complete list of the entries along with the Write-Away Winner and any honorable mentions our judge sees fit to award.

Our guest judge this month is Lucy from An Ordinary Mom who is one of my best blogging friends and will judge the entries based on the quality of writing, the applicability to the topic and the overall ability to engage the reader--for which I'm eternally grateful.

The prize you're writing for is a genuine, custom-made handbag. This seemed to be popular before and as I can't seem to give these things away that's exactly what I'm going to do. The picture and details are posted at my Etsy shop here.

But besides this the winner and all runners-up or honorable mentions (I leave that up to the judge to award them) will also get to take home this attractive Write-Away Winner button which he or she may display in their sidebar if they wish.

Good luck, I look forward to reading your entries.



"My life is different because of . . .

The path I have walked.

This is my story of a road less traveled.
The stones in my shoes.
Childhood kept me bare footed.
Stepping out into scattered glass that tour at my soles,
at my soul.
Deeply gouged with lacerated vintages of history retold.
Miles, Oh! the miles I have known.
I have traveled more than most in this lifetime.
More than many who have known my same road.
For I found it out of the vastness, a simpler dust to tread.
This dust under foot softened the blows
of all that was thunder from underneath my toes.
Childhood shod with anguish.

Adolescence bore not much better except then I could wrap my meat in some torn garment with hands made ready able for my own needs.
Wherry wounded tried sour feet.
Made to greet all those unsavory folk
who don't care what stones that may scatter.
Torn from my bandaged mind
the strips that would twine around these tired feet.
Survival of the fittest,
feet sore to numbness.
The road a drift in the thorns
scattered before and around me.
I pressed.
Tugging and pulling thorns along the road.
Depositing carefully those weapons .
With all hopes to guard others toes.

Womanhood youth young warrior bride.
The dust now softness in every stride.
Walking baron for years without end. I learned to pretend.
A great lavish closet full of every design gave bold colors to foot ware
and powerful strides over time.
Toes adorned with tenderness touch divine.
His hand in mine no lonely path now.
Yet often misunderstood. Rejected by religion a devils blind eye.
How people were absent from the roads that I traveled at times.
Yet always with me in the reflection of His sky.
He had given me eye for the frontier of restoration.

So many the mile, with a loving husband at my side.
Days when he carried me became years overtime.
Now beside him sure footed I stride.
Uniquely the road I have traveled the life I have known.
This life is mine only; to give or to hold.
I have given it over to the invisible guide.
Sheltered and nurtured all along my life's long road.
It is HE who holds my heart as his own.
My feet are beautifully empowered, stable and strong.
Delicately lovely to tread through the rest of this awesome lifetime.

Heads or Tails *road*

May road rise to greet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

The rain fall softly on your fields,

and until we meet again

May God hold you in the Palm of his hand.

Bodacious Award Dude! :)

My Sweet friend over at "In the life of a Child" Says I'm bodacious dudes!

She wrote:
Also I would like to pass this award on to Donetta at A Life Uncommon. Donetta is a totally bodacious blogger and a super fabulous person to boot. Plus, this is my one chance to pass on an award to her that she doesn't already have : )

Well now I gust got the giggles again. Only not so refined as a giggle a robust burst of belly laughter!
Good Medicine for my soul, I have been on high doses of laughter for a few days now. God's perfect medicine for a merry heart.

Bodacious dude!!!!!
hahahahahahhahhahahha
Thanks Honey for keeping my energies up!

Tackle It Tuesday

I am over whelmed!
I am feelin drained from yesterday...hahahah

I'll have to finish the Bathroom tomorrow or Thursday?

Beloved stands now at the kitchen sink under the
"No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes " sign.
Doing the dishes.

Look what beloved did!

I went and dropped Rena off at 12:30, I saw the fellow who made things hight at the Pets mart last time and told him how pleased I was with his integrity. I got the groceries for the party and spent $140. with a $40. savings on the items I needed!

matching socks
Two loads kids laundry 3 loads our stuff in the cue.
I got that laundry done. had Dash do his own socks!

I have far too many things to do!

P>T> on my knee at 9:15 that will take two hours at least. On the way a wonderful driver slowed freeway traffic so I could get in! How sweet is that!
I pulled into the parking lot and got the spot right in front of the door. Then when I went in they had had two cancellations in front of me. I walked in to a room without even waiting a moment. I got in and out in under two hours all exercises included.
The other Owner worked with me today He was great. God told me to tell him about how I recently received a little wooden vial of fish hooks that were my dads. We laughed about the appropriateness for me to own them "fishers of men". It is the only thing that I own of his now. The man and I are old friends but lately he has been sorta shut off. He opened up a little and it was so nice to see him smile. He worked out the knot in my calf and although it hurt, it is soft now! ya! He sold me this to help the pain at days end...

I got the patio hosed off., before I went to go get the kids..


We stopped at the post office to mail these.
Lisa B. I mailed your lanyard. They said that it would be there tomorrow.
Dee your apron is winging it's way to Minnesota! (3 days he said)



Beauty requested one of these sooo.. She has a little cough and a thought it would sooth her throat. I surprised them and pulled up to the curb and as we walked by the door they pined their eyes, I opened the door tho their Glee! The fellow gave me a large... He said" I just turned out big"... I told him "the Son just been shining on me all day!"

We picked up Rena, I found her with this cute bandanna and the grooming was free.

I still got Willy to bath. It is 4:30 an I am enjoying my Jamba with green caffeine. (spoiled myself still got a lot to get done today). I started the medication today for the swelling it is an antihistamine it did not made me sleepy! ya!

Well I got Willy a bath and while I was in the bathroom with him I heard the kids up to something in the kitchen.

When I was done. Dash ushered me off to the shower.
I knew that I was to trust of I showered and prayed over the children.
When I came out I smelled a little burned smell of food.
At first I had a mild panic yet then a calm came over me. So I let go.
I was then ushered to the sofa and told to rest a while..
I did so. All the while the sounds of supper in the kitchen. I thought "you know I am going to have to eat it????Please help them God"
The phone rang, and I was not allowed to get it. They brought the phone to me, hectic background.. then Beloved walked in and I told him not to go in the kitchen the kids were doing supper. They were both slain and devastated...so after we regained their joy we were led into the kitchen...

The aftermath :D

To find this....
It was GOOD! Very well prepared EGGS, rice crackers, and apple, green onions and red peppers and bread. Soy cream cheese too. Beauty made Fried cheese. Waters and a set table.


I sit here with wet hair and the children have the keyboard playing Jingle bells and as they run the loop of the house... They are saying OOMPA! at every turn. So fun!
They feel so good about themselves.

The Immunoligist gave His preliminary diognosis.

Hello out there. I got a good one for you today!

So I went to the immunologists and gave a total history asked/answered and scratched tested.
The good news is he thinks that I may not have the hereditary type of Angieoderma. This is GOOD news for there is no cure and only a study underway (at their clinic) that is using a cq1??? injection the only hope for this condition.
The bad new is ....
He stood across from me and braced himself very seriously
He said.. as I listened intensely...

Now let me tell you first that I have been married to a very dry humorist for over 25 years...

"Mrs. ... I believe that you are allergic to yourself."

I burst out in laughter just tickled he looked at me real serious... "your serious?, Excuse me did you say I am allergic to myself?"
He said that he needs to run the blood work. That there is an 18% chance it could be thyroid, if so I would just have to take a synthroid tablet a day. It may actually be a possibility that all the things that I am allergic to is actually my own body allergic to itself!
So he did a scratch test on my arm and one on my back. Left the room and returned to find my forearm fine. My back however was very raised and welted!
So then He tells me I need to take an antihistamine every day, he wants me to only take half of it due to all my allergic reactions to medications. I cant let it re-occur to the ER extreme. It is very dangerous.
So with all the things in hand and the three week follow up appointment set, I was off to the Lab.

At the Lab I checked in, and It took forever. The day had been very busy for the woman at the counter ,it being a holiday today all the folks had the day off and so a lot of walk ins. I watched as several kept going in before me who had come in after I had so after some patience, I stepped up to the desk and kindly asked if my stepping out to use the cell phone( Jaye loaned me hers for the afternoon) had messed her up. She said no she had actually been working on my order all that time then she showed me that the doctor had ordered 37 test on one form and 27 on another. She had been searching codes and printing out the slips that whole time. I stepped away and took a few drinks of water.
When I got called back the sweetest woman ( a fellow believer and friend of God ) Paused to ask me if I realized my Doctor had ordered several tests , I said I had just been made so ..."Why how much do you have to draw?"..

15 vials 8 large 5 medium and the rest small tubes.!!!!!!!!!
Say what!

I started laughing. I said" are you sure there is not a mistake? I have never heard of such things. She told me that once she had to draw 20 tubes from a 87 yr old. "Bless her heart!" (the 87 yr old) So I check again no mistake.
15 vials! I asked her if she handed out cookies and we both started to laugh.
She stick first time and use a nice little hose to needle to tube so it was easy.
She asked " so how long have you been married" I just started to crack up laughing ..."Why I asked will we have time for my life story?" ...We booth just laughed.
I told her of the adoptions and we spoke of church and faith. It was wonderfully provided me a great tech. to help me today.
I told her she was a delight and she mirrored it back at me.
She told me how to go down stairs to get a snack, I promised her I would not drive unless I felt better.
So as I left I thanked the front clerk on my way out .. she said" do you feel any lighter?" "15 vials!" I said to her and started to laugh again.. Have any cookies and juice?" I started laughing again just couldn't stop it
I started to head to the elevator but then realized that I had no money that it was gone from this morning. I thought I would go search the car. I told God I need food "How is this going to happen Lord?"
So I step out side and I must of been pale because a woman and a fellow asked if I was alright ,I was laughing so hard so I told them that I was just told that I was allergic to my self!
Now they were puzzled and said "What!" I told them all seriousness and just laughed. Then I told them of the blood draw and that I had to go search my car for some change. That I had given the money I had to my kids. Laughing the whole time. Then the Lady said here I'll give you a dollar!
I thanked her and got on the elevator and went to search for the vending machine. I found it but... It was out of order! The other machine only had things over $1. I said God , I don't have any other money! as I did so I hit my jean pocket and there was a couple of coin it (NO JOKE) I stuck my hand in it it was .32 cent. I had an option for 1.30 for licorice . I just stared to laugh out loud again! (I had done a load of clothes and put it in my pocket off the washer).

So I went back up and offered them each one and told them about the .30 cent in my pocket that made the difference and how the other machine was out of service. I Rejoice!
I'm gonna be just fine.

Besides who else would get that diagnosis but me!
You all love me but I'm allergic to myself....Hahahahahahhaha

Thank you Jaye for keeping the kids.

Hello

Good day!
I am home with my wonderful children today. We have had a nice stay at home and hang out time.
The kids had flames coming out of the pockets so we went to Walgreen's to get Beauty a "rubber duckies". She said she wanted to get it and then come straight home and take a bath.
When we got to the store Dash saw a box of toys that were a transformer thing. He declared I have $5. I had to point out it was $5.99 so really $6 for it...
You know what happened...
Beauty reached into her baggie of money and handed her brother a$1.!!!!
I told her how I thought that was kind of her to do.
Dash was delighted, surprised yet thrilled. He grabbed it , it was the last one and his sister rejoiced in that he got the last one and pointed that out to him.
She then went to the toys and found the rubber ducks. Asked me to hold them while she perused the choices. She battled it out between three things and then Dash went over to the ducks and said" this is your choice ducks or dogs choose which one"...
Beauty picked the dogs, then Dash holds his hand to a whisper of his mouth looks up at me and says"aren't I a clever boy"... (my thought was waxing on precocious...but I held my words).
I told Dash and Beauty that they had to consider taxes that the charges were to cover the costs of roads and schools and such in our community. Dash says..."Mom I think I like taxes cause I like helping other people" ?We could all learn from that statement! The book of Romans...

So she went to the register. (I had no cash only a few coins) she paid for the item with her $5.50 receiving her .11 cents back.
Now here I have to interject that God and I have this little game we play together. I used to find pennies at the most trying of times and they were a promise to me from God that he would meet my needs down to the last cent. Well then during a very hard (I do mean VERY) time in my life while I was learning trust He added a dime to the mix. So every time I would find a penny a dime would be next to it . I still can remember clearly the begining of it up in the mountains. He told me that not only would he meet my needs down to the last cent but ten fold that. That I could confidently rely on and trust in Him.
Walgreen's... So I told Beauty I might need her change to cover Dash's taxes. She hands me the dime and penny it gave me pause. I had just been praying over this purchase not knowing if I had the cash I needed to cove taxes. So Dash rings up , I thinking he has only the $6 to cove it asked the cashier the total overage it was >47 cents. I looked down into my hand >47 cents with the dime and penny with what change was in my purse. I laughed aloud and showed the clerk. She too was amazed.
Then Beauty says "remember Mom you owe me the 11 cents. I looked into my purse and there in the coin purse... 11. cents!

Manic Monday #27 GRAVY

Last year

On Saturday I will be making Gravy.
I am one of those old cooks who make a killer GRAVY! I will use the old slow cook method that drives the modern "gravy in a packet " folks crazy. It drives my MILove nuts every year. It is the very best gravy in the whole world but it takes time and long stirs over a hot stove and oven. I always make a ton of it for rarely are there left overs. Every year our favorite thing is left overs smothered in it. I always try to put up at least a quart of it, so I have to make up about 2 qt total .I use sea salts and the browned drippings. It is so yummy I could just eat it alone.
It is the best with corn and mashed potatoes.
I will spend almost 45 minutes slowly amending and adding the turkey juices and flour to the browned tid bits in the pan. I will very finely dice the boiled heart and liver into it (they must be indistinguishable but the flavor is out of this world. Intense and rich.
My husband stands guard over me for the gravy is the last thing to do before serving. Everyone is hungry and growing impatient. But when they taste the gravy all the complaint stops and the rave reviews begin after some long silence for the mouths are so full. Then the embrace happens the..."Oh Hun!you are awesome! thank you for taking the time to make your awesome gravy".
Happens every year!

Menu Plan Monday

I am so not ready!

Thanksgiving Decoration

I finished the formal table for the adults.

The cloth on the table is four fabrics. The main clothe has grapes on it so I got a few to add to the cornucopias. I tried to mirror the boarders of the ittle sayings on the table cloth.

The tea light holder sits on a candle stick. I got the two of them for .50 each at a yard sale today.

I finished this little shelf too. I made those stuffed pilgrims a few years back.

Beloved took the younins' over to the Grandparents.
I stayed home to tinker,decorate and clean house for next weekend and Thanksgiving day.
This is in the dining room.

I still have to dust the living room real well but here is a start.
I stoped by a yard sale and found a few more leaves and floral things.

I have had this wonderful old poster for many years It is a tradition.

I need still to do some paint touch up , but I used headless nails to press the floral foam into(on to) the wall

I love to decorate at kids eye level. Always have.

I filled this in a little bit more with some flowers under the candles. That one candle is giving me fits!

I think I'll add more florals on the shelf

Sunday Smiles

Good Day!

Well I awoke with a loving hand on my head, it was beloved "HI, its 8:10, that New Church you were thinking about starts at 9:00 would you like to get up and go check it out"? ...He said..." I'll go get the kids fed so you can get ready"...
WHAT AN EMBRACE!
IT WAS SO EASY AND SMOOTH! He fed the kids while I dressed quickly and did makeup and hair, He came in to me "They are fed...I need you to dress them..."
I went to tend to dressing them and the kids COMPLIED! Very little fuss from beauty then like a light bulb switched SHE BECAME COMPLIANT! Walking in amazement I simply continued as the entire family was fed, dressed and at PEACE as we walked out the door with my cup of tea in hand.
SMILE!!!!!!!!!! Now that was a Sunday SMILE to write home (post ) About!
The church service was a special called "Fire and Rain" I, attending a baptist church on the spur of the moment burst out in a rip roaring laughter at the thought of a fire and brimstone service got such a chuckle out of it that a belly laugh was just pulling up my toes inside out!
We were greeted and shown the children's rooms, however they choose to stay with us. I do not force my kids to child care.
The service was a special presentation of the teenagers doing a musical choir production and did bits of drama mixed in. It was delightful the perfect first timer service. The kids even enjoyed it. My very favorite song in the whole of the world was sung and I just melted "Amazing Love".
I just get spade open and wiped out clean with that one.
My sweet husband took hold of Leadership for our family this morning. God honored Him for it, and so do I.
We met up with a fellow who once went to Hubbies mens group. I saw the Mother who was here a few weeks ago for a play date. The children played a bit in the court yard and had a couple of cookies and lemon aide.
Next Sunday they have a 10 am service with a pot luck after. With all the work I have to do for Saturday it will be a treat to go and have a pot luck, Church even will start an hour late, that will help what might well be my tired bones after serving 12 adults and 10 children the day before.
I really liked that small congregation. it was very homey.
Beloved and I met over 25 years ago in a HUGE baptist Church. It felt nice to go back to a simpler time. These many years we have been going to a Bible type church. The church is very close to home and to the kids elementary school. Perhaps they may find several friends there. I saw a woman from the school office there. She is the one who always smiles at me and is so sweet when I am at the school, she shines(that is often with two special needs kids). That figures she knows the Lord, it show. I love people like that.

Saturday's Story...a special privilege

Sweet beauty had a very special privilege today. Her class mate invited her to go horse back riding. "Daddy Man" chaperoned.

It was a ride around an hour in length.
Daddy joined the band at the last minute. He awaited his daughters invitation. Several other parents joined. I wish I would have joined in to.

Well Dash and I made presents for the Dad and his Sister. We wrapped them and set them aside.
Dash desired a movie and a cuddle, it was sure nice to just hold my son. We cuddled for 2 hours time just enjoying being home with each other. He just likes to be home.

When the two horsemen returned with honor we all had a visit looking over the pictures that had been taken.
Then Beauty desired solitude, while Dash and the daddy man took to the garage and the automotive store.
I indulged in the self care of a spa day (2 hours in my bathroom with a locked door)

The Men folk changed the oil in my car, hosed down the engine and then washed and waxed it.
On my birthday, Beloved, in our frugal attempts, gave me a can of car wax as a gift. Stunned buy it at the time, it has since then often been a gift of quiet contemplation. At times hurt feelings. You see my birthday was in MAY!
The gift was a car wash and wax, his romantic attempts at a thoughtful gesture. However at the time it was not very well understood by me and it stung a bit to open a can of car wax on my birthday (it was my only gift). I suppose sometimes husband can get just a little too practical.
Now some SIX MONTHS later I have a beautifully washed and waxed car. Fresh oil and brake fluid toped off. Engine has been steamed cleaned and it looks pretty from the outside. I will need to vacuum the inside and wash the dash down and it will be like a new car. Except the spots on the seats from little feet.

This is "White Vail".
Once long ago I had a choice you see. A choice of two lives, two paths. I chose to adopt children and then we walked that path. The other path of a life of leisure, excess and plenty was a temptation that was pretty shallow and hollow. Boy! did I make the right choice. Well then it was that I let go of ever getting a pretty new car. We drive cars paid for debt free (always have as a matter of principle). So they have always been older. Well worn yet beautifully maintained (by beloved).
This car was what I received some three years ago after a accident that theft me embraced and many around me perplexed at Gods ways. They are much higher than our ways. So after surviving being hit by another car going over 120 mpr. This is what we used our severance package on. It was not a brand new one but to me it is a jewel. Never ever thought I would have such a privilege. Although I did have a fondness for the other Honda with its nearing 200,000 millage it was a beautiful car too(old but kept nice).

Now it is clean and new again.

Our lives so full it took 6 MONTHS to get to washing and a waxing.In all fairness in the summer here, you just don't go outside to do a wash/wax, or you'd get heat stroke.

Sideways problem oops!
This is the garage door into the Laundry room.
Well I did the door way today. It was in March that I stopped homeschooling full time. I had this area plied to the elbow with home school curriculum and books and used clothing the kids out grew. I need to do a yard sale or e bay some of the beautiful a beka books k-6, and Saxton math (k-2) and such to valuable to let go to naught. There are a lot of Hardy Boys and a few other reading books, bible study books too.
If any of you might like to buy them let me know.
Perhaps I'll list them on Cregs list for sale. Try to use the funds for Christmas.
Today I have my doorway clear. Well that has been 8 MONTHS like that! I am begining to get caught up. Hard to blame Hubby for the wax delay. It is just family life. Sometimes you have to put up with small annoyances to gain great things.
I called on Hubby to help me put a few things in the attic and get the Thanksgiving decor down.
It gets so full each day with new tasks and the list of old that lingers.
being patient and forgiving and just plain grateful for what we can do and what does get accomplished is the better road.
My birthday gift is beautiful and compels me to effort time for the vacuum and cleaning of the interior.