Wow clean rooms x3

What ever got into me left three bedrooms clean! The kids rooms looked like a war zone. Each kid went through all of their clothing and each filled a large lawn and leaf bag FULL! This is something that I have wanted to do . It was today that I felt well enough to do it. My Master suite was well cleaned two weeks ago but was beginning to slip. So it was not too hard to do. Just wiping down the bathroom and vacuuming and dusting it.
But the kids oh oh oh oh!
Dash got on board when he saw me getting set to help him. I could tell he really wanted to be with me. He had come into my room ( after I was all but finished) and asked if he could help. We finished up and headed to the combat zone. MERCY! I do not think that there was a toy in it's place. All toys were set off floor into a big box. He did all of that, then the papers and trash. He had to empty the recycle can two times! We went through all of the clothing he had in his closet set to grow into. We have been so blessed with hand me downs or overs for the kids. Now he fit into several of the things. New to him he was having a pretty good time for a boy trying on clothing. He is VERY conservative and shy so I set the closet up as a dressing room. It was like we were in a store trying on clothing. Only two pair of pants were too large and set again aside for him to grow into. The rest JOY he found another pair of jeans. This may sound strange with him being 10 but this is the first year his little hands can manage a jeans button. Now the snaps he can not work yet. But a boy in jeans for the first time...he is growing up and his hands are working better for him. Fine motor is one of Dash's special needs. They have always given him trouble. So with his sheets changed we were set and I rested some.
It was then while resting I realized that Dove was longing for me. She will need to be 'fished' out. I have learned to read the signs. It is a little tag and then quickly goes to start something else as if she did not really need me. After going in to her at the computer and saying to her  "I want to be with you, I waaaant to be with youooo...
She took the hook, but did not move. Going into her room was overwhelming. Thinking of her heart the work began. As I was working something caught my eye under her bed. You see Dove is so good about cleaning her room...so I thought. As I grabbed the thing under her bed along came 10 other things one dangling...then grabbing it it just kept coming! So gently very gently (I just had the second set of knee injections Thursday) managing to get down on the floor I laid on my back reaching behind the under the bed drawers...well by the time I hit about half way I called Steve in. We called her in and gave her the 'what for about deception. He took off the mattress and the base board only to find so much more including Steve's bible that had gone missing. Then began the hard work and together we spent the late afternoon well into the evening sorting and cleaning. Needless to say the laundry will be mass Monday morning.
Well now understanding about all the missing stuff. 'She rat holes' stashing things weird things. Its the reactive thing in part that she will keep things that are important to us. It makes her feel connected some how. She is not malicious with it, just makes her feel good. Sorta cool it was our bibles.  Daddy man had her open the tupperware container ") haahaa try to pull that old trick and you can puke after the smell. So with clean sheets on both beds all the things in the rooms that are really wanted. The things that are finished being of use in the garage sit I with my leg elevated and a contentment that is like a great balm.

Now tomorrow 

'A day of rest' 

iced with mission competently accomplished!

Friday Funnies

"Mom you make the best egg salad sandwiches"

"oh"

"ya, everyone thinks so"

"everyone?"

"ya mom, Mark from the other night said it was awesome, and Brendon was so amazed how good it was too"

"Dash what did you eat for lunch?"

"Well I got to have half of it cause I shared a quarter with each of them."

(mind you it was one slice of bread with the egg salad in it)

"Mom, can I have another one for tomorrow? 

Could you use two bread slices each folded in half?"

Today I cut those two folded single slices in half.

Now he has four little sandwiches. I wonder how much of it he will get to eat.

He is such a giving kid.

He was so hungry after school yesterday that he ate a man size plate of spaghetti and sauce.

Hundreds believed sickened by tainted eggs!

A total of 380 million eggs have been recalled since last week because of concerns they may be tainted with the potentially deadly salmonella bacteria, the Egg Safety Center said.

Salmonella, which is generally contracted from contaminated poultry, meat, eggs, or water, impacts the intestinal track.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, which typically begin within 12 to 72 hours, according to the CDC. Vomiting, chills, headache and muscle pains may also occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms last about four to seven days, and then go away without specific treatment in healthy people. Antidiarrheal medications may help with cramps, but they may also prolong the diarrhea, the Mayo Clinic said.

To Read More about it click here

So anyone else want to have a few chickens?
Mass production creates mass epidemics. The old agrarian culture has a lot to say for itself. The indulgence of ease can often place us in a dependent position to our own harm. We have 5 chickens was six but lost one. We have had almost 1200 eggs over two years. Do I need to purchase feed? Yes at $14. a bag for a month. They also eat kitchen scrap, fertilize my garden, entertain and educate my children. They are pets that produce. We need no rooster for the girls lay without. The only need for rooster is if chicks are desired. In the city we can not have one. They tend to be ornery things anyhow. Some folks like to eat fertile eggs. Well not I. The eggs are a deep yellow almost orange yoke. Although my little bantam (breed) chickens lay eggs that are only half size they are so nutrient dense it is like eating two eggs. They are filling. The hutch was a bit of an investment. We have a tractor hutch now under a canopy. The girls are not free range due to the hawks. One sat on the hutch one day not 3 feet away on the outside of the widow I was sitting near. Good warning.

So learn more about having your own chickens. Gain some independence . Begin to be more dependable toward your own needs. Who can you trust more? If there is not a way to do this then be sure to get farm eggs if your able. If this is yet not an option take your health into account and perhaps just use a powdered egg product for cooking and baking.

What does LOVE look like in your home?

heat beads 

glisten 

corners into pearls

peaceful face

greetings 

dawn

see me

feed me

love me

out the door

silence

fur against me

ball in mouth

feathered

egg in hand

stoppin' by

saying hi

washing cleaning

beauty

life in pots

kissed by rain

ding ding next

fabrics warmth

illuminated eyes 

forward

braced

words 

within without

fondness

resting

creating 

concepts

living

thrill of day

ever flowing 

growing

content

knowing

pleasure 

work play 

day dream

cooled

present

captured 

clarity

here

now

Sunshine award

Thank you E-Mom
:)








You all go visiting her over here at Chrysalis
And join us all for Marriage Monday.

Tackle it Tuesday *education*

~Join us here~

A huge part of homemaking for me is continued education. Today there is the opportunity for me to learn about a new appliance. For several years this uncommon kitchen has longed for a food dehydrator. Or better said this woman has. With a garden and the desire for ease in the kitchen I began to study dehydration for food stores last year. This is not the top of the line unit but it was FREE!

Yes free. The fellow who blessed me with so many many things this month also gifted me with his food dehydrator. It was set for the thrift shop, "if you can make use of it" said he

OH YEA!

So today's tackle is to research this unit and learn about it.

The internet is an awesome tool for such things. By identifying the unit and setting to search for it often the manual can be found on line. We have found even one for my 1950's sewing machine. It is really amazing what you can find. So never decline something just because you do not have an instruction manual for it.

Today is also a day of data entry and check writing for bill payments. I do not believe in letting ANY institution EVER into my checking accounts. Well I do let the mail order pharmacy automatically refill and bill me. However they DO NOT HAVE AUTOMATIC access to the funds.

Writing checks seams to be a lost art. However it is like holding cash, in that you are very aware of how much you are spending. It is a 'in you face' accountability (in so many ways) of all of your funds. What are you spending this month on utilities on a  daily basis? Do you know? If it is auto deducted do you ever really stop and look at the bill? Who is the person working for that utility? Do you know them personally? Then why do you let them have their hands on your funds? 

Convenience?

At what cost?

With identity theft at an all time high think about it.

Hand writing can really be a wonderful artistic art. On your bills when you send a check write the account number on the memo. I have a little smiley stamp that I use. A paid in full stamp is used on the bill ONLY after I have reviewed it. That is how I know how much is spent daily for a utility. Keeps the habit of lights off. Think of it, if you are aware of just how many dollars your shelling out a day wouldn't you stop someones hand from taking your money out of your pocket.

By...say... 'turning the lights off'?

On the outside of the envelope use a sticker offer that poor old discouraged employee who is opening hundreds of envelops a day at minimum wage a little beauty in their day.
Your kindness will be remembered.
Often it has caused favor to come upon me.

Well happy day to ya!

Meal Plan Monday

Happy Monday

I hope everyone had a nice weekend

This week for meal plan Monday

A simple easy week due to three days labor four days rest.
Each Thursday for 2 more weeks knee injections  (synvisk) will put me on my fanny for a few days rest. It is really a few days out of a whole year not too bad really to avoid a knee replacement.

Last week found us with a good 6 dozen quality eggs. The date on them nearing the end makes them perfect for boiled eggs. Tip here never use NEW eggs to boil. The shell is set to membrane inside the shell. So as they age the air is escaped (eggs are porous except those that are covered in wax as in store bought commercially grown). So farm fresh or organic eggs are the exception. The other eggs sit so long it makes no matter.

So for you who raise chickens let your eggs set at least a week before using them as boiled.

With this find menu was set over egg dishes. Deviled eggs, egg salad (kids love it) a high protein after school snack with crackers. Also a Egg based breakfast with bacon and fruit.
Speaking of breakfast the cookies were due. Each day Beloved eats these with an Orange Juice on the way to work.

click here for a former post of on Breakfast Cookies
B
Breakfast Cookies

By cooking up sausage patties breakfast muffing are an early morning sinch

Morning prep done for the week

Hope you all have a wonderful week

Craigslist Reduce~ Reuse~Recycle for free

Every Morning first thing and also throughout the day we check the Craigslist adds for FREE listings.

Looking for the East Valley or at least a reasonable drive and calling if it is something we can well make use of.

Last night Steve came in to ask me about a portable neutralizer if we were interested I jumped on it. Dash and I both have Asthma. Now Traveling will be a 'breeze' ha pun intended. Now mind you this was free it is a rather costly thing to purchase. Note also it had been requested some time back with a "hay God it would be cool if..." .

Having new gardens The need for good planting and potting soils is a constant. Last week we got a garden sink and several hoses, a pork roast, a whole turkey and this...a long bed pick up fill of  quality soil. Now this is soil that the fellow got while working at a home store. It is all Miracle Grow. High end stuff. The man was moving and had to get the rental back into original state. He had four raised beds full of it. We made friends and his darling four year old wheel chair bound child and my kids really hit it off. With my knee injections there was a concern I would miss out on it. This kind soul had it all loaded including the big black pots. ALL FREE  More wonderful was the interactive humanity.
His wife was already in Texas so I sent along two pair of earrings for her that I had made.

There was enough potting soil to fill this pot. I had been wanting to do that but was low on the list to purchase potting soil.

All three of these large black pots were full of potting soil and then some.

That bald spot in the yard is calling for a tree.

He gave me this bench last week and the broken pot is a gift many many years ago from my SILove and her family as a house warming gift.

It is also filled with the potting soil.

The soil also filled the arbor bed a good 4 inches more. 

Now that flower bed is a good 6 inches deep of high end miracle grow.

Think of the cost if we purchased it.

Just one black pot is a good 50 pound bag.

Ready now to be leveled and planted in 3 weeks.

In three weeks it will be perfect time my knee shots will be done for another year, and the next infusion will be over as well. I will be set just in time to plant the fall crops.

This bed has settled by half. It was straw based last year and I had to fill it to use it this fall. Look at that it is all but ready once we add the compost. Now that is some happy soil.

We were also able to fill the Iris bed. 

Craigs list Look under free

I also look under wanted and find things that might be bartered.
Looking under wanted you might just find something another needs that you now longer have need of.
Reduce~ Reuse ~Recycle

Fearless Friday

 

 Today I could sure use your prayers and thankful hearts for I know I am blessed. Every trial is a blessing and a gift to gain a greater capacity to love my self so that maturity to be able to love others likewise might develop.I know this .Praise is coming hard when pain and sorrow come to challenge me.  I saw a shooting star this morning. It had been my prayer to get to see the meteor shower. At 5 a.m. I awoke and thought to get outside. No easy task for I can barley walk.I was standing out in the grass. Felt so wobbly and my lab kept leaning on me and doing my best to steady myself I stood and watched.  You see even in that moment I knew that it was that my desire was heard and I awoke in time to see one last shooting star before the dawn. 
but...I sat on the sofa and nodded off for a very few moments to a dog (the golden) barking at the doggy door too unwilling to push the flap. I had to get up twice and by then I was angry, pained so that it frustrated me. I did not want the dogs to disturb my beloveds last few minutes of sleep.
Counting it all joy has not meant being happy, or unafraid, or not even being angry. I know I am so blessed to have the interventions of all these needles piercing my body. I know that there are so so many who suffer, truly suffer daily with the bones that hold us in this rheum.In this gratitude I am sad not really feeling sorry for myself but sad for my family, children my beloved husband. He stands beside me watched me cringe as needles once again caused a pain before the gain. I am told by a relative that it is to be stoic a matter of not entering into self indulgence. Yet I am not a woman of masks. As ugly as it might be freely said this is lonely.I know I am not alone.
This morning unable to help the kids much even in that I can see that independence is a good thing for them. Thinking though of life in their shoes so to speak again sorrow touched me. Counting it in all things that God is for me, us.  It is coming harder today as I sit here. Sit and enjoy a cool home, a full belly and the privilege of a nice computer and those who are around me both physical and in the midst of the shadows surrounding me. 
It is that my heart desires to hold fast to gratitude and praise fondly embracing He who is embracing me. I want to cry I want to be sad yet I do not. The suffering around the world is fierce and tremendous. This my meager pains pale but yet they are mine to experience. Just sorta wish they were not.
Please stand with me as it is my heart not to crumble but to stand within my heart for this is only a tempary pain. This whole of life is only temparary. I wish it could be longer than that. That time were a vacant threat. Children grow so quickly.
Today my son said..."I wonder what heaven looks like"?
"it is I believe not only a place to go but a place within me" was my reply.Please support me in this that the place within me remains a heaven in His presence as I struggle to simply abide.

 

Thankful Thursday

In the month of October of last year I was just returning from Florida. Now eight months later here we are again. How blessed I am. The lame walk well at least set at a computer tonight Ha!

Today I had the first of another series of three Synvisk injections on my knees.

Just a glutton for punishment!

These images are from last year see all the chigger bites from walking in Florida with the most wonderful women I have ever met.

So today My sweet heart of a husband actually took off work and drove me.

Such a sweet sweet friend. 

So only two more Thursdays of this to go.

I am thankful that I am not giving in to the temptations to be overwhelmed.

I am slowed , grateful for the 'temporary' halting of motion. How blessed am I that this is an option to keep me from not fully living and having such great motion. In a few weeks it will be as if nothing happened or was the matter with my knees. Now ya know that makes me really blessed. Yep it hurt and still does. However tonight I am able after a day of ice and elevation to sit here and visit many of you.

I have been re reading the novel I wrote in 2005 and doing a bit of editing it has long needed. It is a novel based on a woman who is clergy in a large hospital. A woman with a mystery of life that sets her on a course to her true self. Reading it is fun. I have forgotten so much of it. Someday yes Michelle (see her here)  I must self publish like you. Inch by inch.

Common Variable Immunodeficiency IVIG

   Defined here

 Once every four weeks added to my life will be infusions.
This I am told is to be just looked at as such. An addition to my life. It does not have to take over my life. So as a gift for the greater community at large a window into the process will be opened up to give encouragement to those newly diagnosed that it is not so horrible a thing to experience.

This was a post of my very first infusion. I was scared and did not know what to expect. 

This post has been modified
It is my effort to inform and support. 
To encourage others. 
I found NO such information when I was to face this the first time.
I was scared but after the 4th time it is now routine.

My arm is readied for the needle by using a numbing agent that takes a good hour before use to work. This did not work for me for due to my tolerance to analgesics it is hindered.

by setting up the table before my nurse gets here the process was expedited.

Last month my other arm was used so we have to use different veins each month in order to keep my veins from scaring. The pump in forefront, all these supplies are sent to me overnight. My infusion is mixed by the pharmacist for I am low in IgA a subcategory that is a bit more involved

Before we begin we both wash with surgical soap to keep a very clean process. I am subject to weakness with bacteria. This a precautionary procedure.

After the vein is found the process begins. I am blessed with a nurse who is a specialist at IV. This is her line of work and only IV so she is really good at it.

Now turn your eyes if you need to.

:)

Being allergic to latex we have a special glove, band and all else.

On my little cart I purchased is a pan to use if needed.

In the cart will be kept the supplies at her ready. I set this up with ease of use in mind. At the end of process it is kept in my bedroom closet.

Flush is done over and over throughout the process. Once established the flush is done then she draws up the anti nausea medication and injects it into a flush syringe. This keeps the med at a slow rate and keeps it from burning. Tell them you want it done this way. She tells me they don't all practice this. 

The anti nausea med is the one that hits me like a truck and gets me real sleepy real fast. Benadryl and Tylenol is also given to me 30 minutes before the process begins. I am trying to avoid the Benadryl for it knocks me out as well.

Yes it hurts but only for 10 seconds or so

It bled a bit this time. She knows she hit a good vein

:)

Then first flush, then another with the nausea med

This is done slowly

The infusion is the large bag, flush is the syringe see the tree set out many many will be used in the process. The line is set through the pump at a VERY slow rate. Six hours to go.

Note the crackers. The medication for nausea makes me well...a little nauseous at first.

The stress does it too.

Once the flush is set the infusion begins. NOW every time the anti N. meds go in the infusion stops first flushed then meds then flushed then the infusion restarts. Do not let them do other wise it can scar your veins.

I am allergic to latex and this sock is a wonderful tool.

I am able to rest, walk to the bathroom and generally use the arm lightly.

Sleep however is the calling at this point.

My blood pressure is checked over and over. That is not the accurate measure it was in process here

By now it's all good.

Due to my low sub category of IgA I am watched carefully for Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening type of allergic reaction). The concern is alleviated by a kit on site so I am covered. Not all CVIG patients need be concerned of this at all.

So I sleep and go to the bathroom. every so often given more nausea medication that makes me sleep some more. My face=no glasses.

Sleep more and I also spent time in my own bed too.

Eventually the pump indicates that the bag is empty

All the stuff is removed.

We use a latex free bandage on my arm.

The IV is not a needle left in, it is a little silicone tube in the vein.

The needle just inserts it. 

Hence the original discomfort.

Once it is in the arm is safe to move gently around.

click all images to enlarge

So I hope that this knowledge helps remove any fears you might have about your infusions.

Once it is done and the nausea meds wear off life is good.

Sleepy for the rest of the day and a bit lethargic by the day after just try and hold me down.

This is a real lease on a healthy life.

Post Script to Anonymous response.

The effects of the anti-nausea meds are better now. The dosage is being gradually lowered. The benadryl is being reduces as well. It is not my intention to hinder anyone.

First day of school a sucess!

Homework table

It is so important to have the congruency and consistency established straight off.

So today a table was set up in the living room for the kids. 

This is the same table used for gaming this summer.

It is set up with both college and wide rule paper

as well as spelling sheets and math practice sheets, sharp pencils and a stapler. 

They will leave the planners on the table to be signed when the assignments are done. 

This way it is a new routine that will continue the good success and mindless morning rush.

When finished back packs by the door.

Every day the same way.

The kids were directed right to it when they came in. Paper task and hand writing task finished straight away. The Grandmother of a kid that is friends with Dash asked for help so I had two extra kids this afternoon. Both of mine had a good report of their first day of class. Both really like their teacher. The bus was very late and there was a line up in the office to call home for rides. The principal saw my two waiting and offered them to use HIS office phone. While Dove was calling he asked Dash if he knew the capital of Cuba..."Havana" answered he. Then he was given a highlighter for his reward. He was very proud of it. Dash did his reading after the boys left. That kid is in 4th grade reading ...Lord of the ring! He finished 50 pages in his half hour reading time. Dude! Wow I am impressed.

I'll have them get tomorrows clothing out. It was so awesome to have that all set this morning. They love school! oh how wonderful a blessing this is for us, for them. The peace was so wonderful. There was only a 5 minute stress moment for Dove. It passed quickly however for she actually improvised and used a different belt. That is huge for a teen to be able to let go of what they want to use.

WOW a 13 year old and a 10 year old up and ready before breakfast with 15 minutes of sweet play together before and after breakfast. I love being a mom. These two played so wonderfully and silly tonight. The break from each other really made for a nice evening of enjoyment. They even ate all their supper and thanked me for a yummy dinner.

Canned chicken, rice with some frozen mixed vegetables. Added was some of the dehydrated mushroom powder and herbs. It was simple with raw orange bell peppers on the side. Plates were clean! Dove then served us some desert and picked up all the plates after!  She was telling me about a friend who has 12 chores to do every day. She was stunned at how much her mom made her do. Now she is doing it as well as her other chores all on a voluntary generously kind manner...Without even being asked!!!!!!!!

I am blessed. Today the fellow loaded up the truck with a FULL bed or rich garden soil. Tomorrow my knee shots. The EEG went well this morning. I'll learn results on Monday morning. It is routine so no real concerns.

First day of school

Good Morning!

Oh their off

The first quiet morning since the end of May.

It is so nice to see them in good spirits about starting school. Lunches made bellies full. Last night I cooked up a big 5 pound roll of sausage into patties and some crumbles. So with an English muffin and mayo, an egg cooked within a stainless steal ring Dash had a home made sausage Mom muffin. Baked up a fast batch of blueberry muffins for Dove. Juice and the vitamins, calcium 'C' and omega supplements the little bodies are ready to learn and have this adventure called the first day of school.

The infusion went better than the first one. It is our hope that eventually the IV anti nausea medication can be dropped for it knocks me out. My strength is returning. Overdoing it yesterday did not help but the energy was there to do it. It, being grocery shopping for a month. The last big shop was in May. I don't shop much in the summer. With our heat it does not make good practice. The pantry and freezers were emptied of the old fodder. So now it will all be new. Non to fast we were down to the last roll of toilet paper. I get it at Costco in a 36 roll industrial size. I had to get it accomplished for the morrow brings the first of three bi-lateral knee injections of synvisk. One series a week for three weeks in a row. Then the next infusion will be the last week of the month. A three week interval as to get a schedule set that works with my life. That way I will not be forced to miss the American Sewing Guild meetings. It is a thing I do just for me to keep my skills up and for fellowship of like minded folks.

Today an EEG will be done at 10 a.m. to keep watch on the spots on my brain. The neurologist just wants to do that once a year to watch for any changes. My speech patterns are getting a little strange at times. Very often many many times a day I will use a visual word of something I am looking at when efforts to share thought instead. The kids are beginning to get used to me doing it. Although I offered to help in the class rooms I think I might just back out. Stress just seems to exasperate it.

The sweet Lord provided a load of FREE quality garden soil from the fellow that I got the garden sink from. I was to go help load it today but my back is angry at me over the grocery shopping yesterday. With kids in tow (shoot me!) and the lead in adds $130. was out of pocket and $140 was free. Over 50% off for the coupons were doubled and also they honored competitors coupons. Then I went over to the Costco and got $300. worth of papers, can goods and freezer foods for easy preparation over the next month. Readied the house for the next 20 days of inactivity from me. Steve will easily be able to heat and serve. I was made able to accomplish it all. Ya!

So today the EEG and with gooey hair (hat required) I'll drive over to load the dirt. The fellow has a wheel chair bound little 4 year old boy. Calling him this morning I found out that several of his buddies went there last night and he put them to work loading all the garden soil from his raised beds into barrels and tubs. Bless God with an angry back I was sweating it a bit this morning. He is a renter and has been transferred to Texas. He will be fined if he does not return the property to original state so we each benefit. It all works out and everything matters to God as it should to us. Then home shower the goop out of my hair and rest until the kids get home. Although my strength was returned pacing it is in order. With the first injections tomorrow rest is best so it responds easier. Steve is taking tomorrow off! Bless him he is exhausted. Last three weeks his two bosses over him were on vacation. He needs a rest too. So he will drive me two and from. I was wondering how that was going to work. I thought that I might have to drive myself home. Oh it is such a sweet relief to know that will not be the case.

  With the kids back to school I am hoping to have time to blog again.

As you all know the kids come first.

Summer is about being there for them first.

checking in

Hope you all are doing well and finding peace and pleasure in the work of your hands
I'm doing good just real busy school starts on Wednesday

CVIG primary immune , I.V.gamma globulin

Tomorrow 8 a.m. the second infusion will begin. It will be 6 hours out of the day.  Blessing flow in this difficult process. Up until three days ago I was like my old active self. When the gamma globulin wore off it was very noticeable to say the least. So the therapy is working. Bummer just for the IV.
I have found very little on line on this journey so I will try to take some images along the way. With low IgA levels there is a greater risk of anaphylactic shock. I may or may not be able to document the process. It is my hope however to encourage others. The first one was well I do not remember much. Tomorrow the numbing ointment should help with the pain in insertion of the large bore IV. Sorta hurts a lot to start.
I sure would appreciate your prayers. Last time I vomited and slept through it or was drugged through it. If I sleep I need to use the CPAP mask you can imagine I really do not want to loose my cookies in a mask. my hope is for first stick with no complications. We have IV anti nausea meds that were used last time. This time I will not tell her just a moment I dont want anymore. It was not even two minutes later that I heaved. So I will do my best not to neglect it no matter how stoned I may feel. We are going to try to avoid the benidryl this time. I has benefits though that are important regarding allergic reactions to the globulin.

I know who holds me in HIS hand and I practice courage. Pray for my nurse Ashly, that I might make a positive difference in her life. It is my desire to bless her. Pray for the kids they will be at their Aunts all day starting 7:30 yikes I hope we can wake them up. Pray for my sister that she will have the stamina to enjoy the high energy of the kids. That she will have insight to respond according to their abilities. It is so easy to forget that Dove is special needs. Sweet Dash got hurt TWO times today both accidents both forgiven, both times Dove was heart broken she hurt him. I am teaching her to stand up to the fight flight thing and just to speak up. I was harsh with her when the boy got hurt again. A bloody lip. I just sent her to her room before the investigation and it really hurt her feelings. Tomorrow I trust them to GOD and to the hands of another.

See you all on the flip side.
Thanks for your prayers and rejoicing over this amazing chance at a life of health.

post scrip...slept most of the time. The anti-nausea meds make me very sleepy. It went well.

Fearless Friday Preparing fot the first day of school

Getting ready for school.

join us over here at

free spirit haven

Please let me know in comments if your longing for intercession.

Standing in the gap

 Because the Lord God did not find anyone to "stand in the gap," to intercede for the land, He was requited to pour out the judgment due its disobedience.    

                    Ezekiel 22:30-31

Sounds real rash doesn't it

The very first assignment every school year is to write a paper on 

What I did on my summer vacation.

Dash was grumbling over a boring summer. Well an idea came to mind so it was walked threw.

Calling the kids into the kitchen they were each handed writing supplies. Week by week we went over the calender for the summer months. Each child made the bullet point to remind them. The process was two fold. One they were reminded that summer was really not so boring after all. That the grumbling was not about the summer but about going back to school. We went week by week page by page until all the things we did were made note of. Each kid making their own personal list. Then they were placed in page protectors so they would not get lost easily.  Placed in the back packs ready for the first assignment when every kid is wide eyed with the startling new room, kids and teacher. This gives them focus. It also impresses the teacher. First impressions really do matter.

EVERYTHING MATTERS

Then they were each handed the letters from the teachers that introduced them. Each kid read aloud the letter. They spoke of how cool Dash's new teacher would be. Dove was thrilled to see that this is the year she will get to go to science camp. Do you see it playing out :)

I had each of them go get their back packs.  Dove received hers as a birthday gift. It was a thrill to have it. Now Dash got a VERY nice pack at Costco for only $15 this is a $45 pack at least. Very padded and well made. Dash then recalled how uncomfortable his last years pack was.There it began the exchange of gratitude for murmuring.

Then they each were to look at the supply lists on the letter.

Dove began a bit of a panicked look. "Mom what about the supplies?"

I told them I had a surprise for each of them.

Then I pulled out the supplies found at a Walgreens last week (only $33 spent and $25 savings)  purchased last week.

Each kid took a turn reading off the list and I pulled out the item. I had already separated them when I got them home. I hid them so they never knew they had been purchased. Kept them from getting scattered.

Each kid then given a perma-marker to place their name or initials on each and every item. This not only stops argumentative scuffles but helps the kids not to have the supplies pilfered by other kids. Trust me this happens more than once. Often when volunteering at the school fights would start over something so trivial. This is a preventive measure serving many levels.

With all in piles and marked they each had the joy of packing it all up for school. It begins in 5 days. With the infusion tomorrow it seemed a good time to establish a bit of security. No better security for a school kid than to have all their needs at the ready on the first day of school.

Now the knowledge of what is missing and yet to be acquired.

• zippered pencil bag for Dove
• lunch totes
• scissors for Dove

• They will each make a list of their favorite things to pack for lunch.

Now the first day of school is not so scary it is 

FEARLESS!


“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads, declares the Lord God.”  Ezekiel


I remember all of the people who prayed for me; taught me; corrected me; and most important, encouraged me. You see, I am a product of those people who took time for me. They stood in the gap for me and for a whole lot of other people. Now it is my time to stand in the gap for others.

Thankful Thursday

 Monday's battle over the 'bad guys' with Dash.

Addressing the RAD is a challenge.

Simply playing army with him really helped him calm.

Good morning!

Wow yesterday was a day! 

After taking the kids school shopping on Monday from 10am-5pm then a special needs neighbor kid over night. Tuesday evening after supper every cell in my body just ached for rest.

Yesterday(Wednesday) NO energy.

Tuesday night  I woke up in an asthma attack bummer...My next infusion is Saturday so it is wearing off. This morning however I do have some strength a lot better than yesterday. I slept almost all night with the cpap on Ya that is hard to accomplish with that mask on my face.  Dressed upon waking this morning and even hosed off the front porch and swept the rocks off the path. Feels real good. Just have to pace myself. I so hope it last longer today. Kids are yet asleep. Nice quiet morning and the dishwasher is hummin'. Dogs are at rest after I gave them an apple halved. They do love that. Besides the stink (they need a bath) it is really nice to have then in. The old girl, my golden she has a hard time yet getting through the dog door unless you tap the opening for her. Our lab  leads her in or shows her out. It is really sweet. Just wish he smelled sweeter. With nice clothing on and little reserved energy I am hesitant to start a dog bath on him. Just don't know if it will spend me. The day is so new I want the feeling to last.

Today Today I am thankful for today.
(Hours later)

My little darlings are feed french toast, a better friend was made in a sibling, Good foods offered mine own body. This is the work of my hands I find satisfaction in it. My day is enjoyable and peaceful and the kids play and enjoy the few days they have left here at home all day. School begins soon.

Well peaceful till they got carried away in the other room with a pillow fight. Dove is with sensory integration stuff unable to tell when she is over exerting her strength she does not get that she is going over board and brother always gets hurt. He was falling off the bed and she did not hear him ask for help. He hit his head. Dove is mortified that she hurt him, Dash is mad and angry and blaming. So the day goes on. When he calms he remembers her heart is not full of mean and remembers that she did not mean him any harm in any way.

Dash I say "I am sorry you got hurt"
He said " she did it on purpose it was her stupid moronic ridiculous stupid idea to play!"
I reminded him "I am sorry your hurt, right now your angry cause you lost out on the fun you two were having and now your blaming...cause that's what you do..."


Dove did you hear him asking for help? "no mom" She is sad and tries to give Dash an ice pack and he throws an army guy at her.
He refused any comfort. I tell him son your rejecting the very thing you want. You want to have attention and yet your pushing it away. I will not get angry because I know you want me to get angry at you so you can feel punished. I will not buy into it. If you want to be angry be angry I will not get angry with you.

She said "he threw it and I don't care if he did"...to which I say
"Well Dove you do care that he did or it would of not upset you. You are pushing it down inside and not owning how bad you feel about the accident and how upset you are that when you tried to amend then he threw the guy. You must learn to own it and never stuff it down inside."
"OK mom"
She nods her head in agreement. Smiles hidden hurts bubble up and she smiles in relief of the exhale.


Five minutes latter...
Dash is no longer angry. Invites me to watch a movie. "I will not watch a movie with you until after your able to have peace with your sister"


They are once again playing with abandon while watching a movie. I was invited to watch with him now there is peace so off I go. I think it is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Man I wish I had some candy now :) ha

Ecclesiates

^{2: 24} A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? ²⁶ To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

^{Ecclesiates 3:} 

²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

^{Ecclesiates 12:13}

  Now all has been heard;
       here is the conclusion of the matter:
       Fear God and keep his commandments,
       for this is the whole duty of man.

 ¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment,
       including every hidden thing,
       whether it is good or evil.

Save on shopping for school clothes

With this little idea we saved not only $$$ but a lot of grief and frustration shopping.

The kids were told to look through some fliers from the Sunday paper. They were told about discovering their own look and as long as it was appropriate I had no issue with it . They were also told that I wanted for them to begin thinking about who they are , how they wanted to express their sense of self. You see many many a adolescent/teenager will struggle and grate against a parent simply because they must do this. So without the battle and offering the experience I pick my battles and they feel very confident by achieving a mission. This not only for the sense of self but also the mission ending in accomplishment. Mind you we did not purchase these images at these prices.
However we had a base line. The t shirt  of 14.99 was found for 6.99 by hitting the clearance racks first!
Now you must know that in this image she shared what she liked and I told her MY boundaries about and why I felt that way. I listened to her opinion and we opted for a compromise. We found a shirt and the 2nd stop (Burlington coat factory) a shirt  $9.99.
The boots NO WAY SAY I, why they are not age appropriate and they look hoochy. Not the image you wound want to display if you want to be respected. The leg warmer I have no issue with. Those pants limit NO WaY ON this earth will I pay for a new pair of jeans all torn up. Might as well use an old pair and do that however you will not ware them to school that way. Teachers deserve respect.

We hit a ROSS and did NOT look on the regular racks! We gleaned the clearance and found a t-shirt for $3.99 was was similar. We found some jeans that were on a clearance that were "cool" for 

$9.99. Now you know that she will not carry herself that way.

She was happy.

She felt powerful.

Shoes for Dash were hard he tried and tried ending with a pair of Vans slip on that were checkered. HE LIKED THE IMAGE. 

He felt confident.

We found high tops for Dove and I will tell you she did not let her emote rule her, either one of them did. They had a mission. The retailers had little chance against these two. YA that was my goal.

Budget, Happy kids who learned a skill of mission success= competence= a good feeling about who THEY chose to be.

Tackle it Tuesday *coupons for lead in adds*

Good Morning!

There are so many of you who do amazing community service sharing the news of who has what on sale. Here I'll attempt to share my method.

Perhaps there is something to glean.

On Sunday we visit the Grand parents. While we sit around their kitchen table they gift me with the Sunday newspaper coupons. It is then that I will clip only the items I might purchase. I ONLY clip those items that would be considered a common purchase., NEVER do I bother my self with the clipping of the things that are not a normal thing to buy. Now this does matter for if we touch it, it is 80% sure it will be purchased. This is the same as when you are in the store. Make it a habit to NEVER handle things unless you intended to purchase or your checking the ingredients. Teach your children this too. Teach them about the 'snakes in the grass' when they are young. They will be wise and even critical of the attempts made by the advertisers. Advertisers KNOW that this is a physiological response that is why packaging is so textual visually and tactically. If there are any lead in add pages the coupons will be matched and stapled to the add. Then all of the stores are separated. Now there are unique times of the year to make certain purchases. NOW is the time to replenish any underwear for the kids or yourself for that matter.

Also foods associated with kids back to school. Now my kids only like one or two cereals. They have been taught to be critical of the ingredients and if it is a 'desert' it is not breakfast. They know to fuel their bodies appropriately this was intentionally taught. If by chance a sweet cereal is purchased it is only eaten at breakfast like a desert after the main meal.

Then I take the grocery add 'lead in' adds and glean them for ONLY the items we normally use. Or those that are similar that there may be a coupon for.Rarely do I purchase anything not on a lead in add or in the clearance section unless I have too.

My list is then color coded per store and filled in like wise When the list is made the items are noted in cost and if a coupon is in hand. It will also be noted it double coupons apply. When purchased I know it is the best value I can get.
I normally pay no more than HALF price for groceries. Note also I glean the clearance racks, and the meat section. With a deep freezer meat is purchased in bulk if on a sale. If on date line beef is fine to purchase on date then promptly used or frozen. Beef is particularly good to do this for aged beef is a better beef. I never do this unless same day cooking for chicken that is a whole different story.

I hope this helps someone. It sure has help keep my homemaking days free of outside employment for 25 years now.

A study in Socialism

An  economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never  failed a single student before,
but had once failed an entire  class.
That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that  no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The  professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on  Obama's plan".
All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive  the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A...
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied  little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who  studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided  they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test  average was a D!

No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled  around, the average was an F..

The scores never increased as  bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one  would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great  surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately  fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but  when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to  succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.

Remember, there is a mid-term election in  2010!