tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39174821088256905862023-11-16T07:14:11.943-08:00today is the Presentenjoying life's giftstoday is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-87203984484320441862009-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:21:54.163-07:00que sera sera<span style="color:#006600;">Whatever will be, will be....</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">How I have learned to live that way~!</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Today I am going to share more health stuff. I no longer read much about my "issues". I have a forum I visit from time to time but for the most part I</span> <em><span style="color:#000099;">try hard to pretend there is nothing going on.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Every now and then I need to talk to someone so I chose you this time (you who still check in). I am past frustrated, I am numb. I can only live as if nothing is wrong until my leg or my body collapses. A little over a week ago I was told by my neurologist that he and my other neurologist (the MS specialist) feel that I have primary lateral sclerosis. Yes, I should have capitalized that but why give it any more importance?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">In a way this would be better than the other stuff. However, there is no cure. Progression can be slow or fast and basically what happens is that you lose your ability to move your limbs adequately. Eventually it can affect your mouth. I won't bore you with my own physical challenges but I will say that it is already affecting me from head to toe and from time to time I have parkinson like symptoms. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">My cardiologist asked if I would consider going to the Cleveland Clinic. There are a lot of them but this one is actually in Cleveland, OH. So if my insurance will pay, that is where I will go. He (cardiologist) also has me on another med and says eventually I will need even more. I have autonomic dysfunction which typically accompanies ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) and ALS and PLS are both motor neuron diseases. As long as there is little pain and I can function "enough" then I am happy! And if that changes, I will still be happy! Happiness is a choice and I chose it!!</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">My life is good. I am so happy to have my wonderful children, friends and a flexible schedule. Money is very tight, sometimes I wonder how I will pay the bills but all I can do is turn it over to God and work hard. Balancing parenting, work and my own needs (and limitations) is a challenge at times but I have such great kids (yes, I am bragging) that it makes it much easier!!! </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Thank you so much for visiting!</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-2603384956000601422009-06-27T16:07:00.001-07:002009-06-27T16:07:29.566-07:00"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway."– Mary Kay Ashtoday is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-24985275625763806192009-06-27T15:45:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:22:36.138-07:00tree climbing should be an olympic activityLife changes so quickly. There is loss and there is gain and there is a gray area in between that I have the most trouble with. Lately I have chosen to view it as a cloud...not really gray...just a cloudy sky with a lot of sun and an unpredictable forecast.<br /><br />I haven't been here lately. I am only posting now because I noticed that there are still actually visitors!!! I have started a blog about my growth as a Christian. I plan to continue this blog as a Mother but no longer as a Wife. Yes, we are divorced. Life changes so quickly.<br /><br />Have you ever noticed how different perspectives can be? For example, take a tree. I loved climbing trees as a kid. My favorite was a tree that I could not even give you a name for but it was a lot stronger than it looked and my favorite branch was the most dangerous and yet strongest one...it went ACROSS A ROAD....Yes...I climbed across a branch that went over cars and I SAT there!!! It was rare but sometimes I invited a friend or cousin to join me but it was mostly a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">solitude</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">activity</span>, one that I preferred to keep that way.<br /><br />That tree felt and looked so strong from that perspective. I truly felt invinicible. I had tree climbing down to an absolute art and knew so well which were reliable and which were not. BUT when I went for a walk (for example, to see my Grandmother), that tree did NOT look strong. It looked so helpless and weak, yet it held me up------ and others, too. I hope that I can be that tree.<br /><br />Pretty much sums up how I am feeling today. Humans are merely humans and only God is God...He is God and I am not...I think that is EXACTLY why we turn to God as humans...we know we are NOT invincible...we know we are weak....we only have a certain level of strength we can attain....today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-81426022409838787642009-05-02T06:18:00.000-07:002009-05-02T06:28:40.532-07:00Life is crazy.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I haven't posted in so long!!!<br /><br />Here is why...<br /><br />1. I am going through a major life change (WE are, not just me) that I will share soon.<br /><br />2. I have heart problems again. Nothing major, just have to take a beta blocker twice a day to keep from passing out and because they had to do a sternum rub on me in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and those are PAINFUL (so I want to avoid that)...It was the only way they could wake me up when I passed out. It's really bizarre to open your eyes and find someone sitting on top of you digging into your chest with their knuckle...<br /><br />3. I am on a spiritual quest.<br /><br />4. Blogging has not been appealing.<br /><br />So there I am. If you feel motivated to pray, thank you.<br /><br />jennifer</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-90227529198531999152009-03-11T06:43:00.000-07:002009-03-11T13:58:04.466-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYise6hYLQe26VfH6tLoPw2NW1XVNzREYca7dTVMBD2b1kGLoTq85Y_HzY470HPtrGWajyZ0LmIS1jqEZ-B2SI1ucq8V8-RSWs08XQKEMJ09dqyRD6ReDAEMYoVey_LJuhmU2AUWLX1yg8/s1600-h/DaddyMommyMarleigh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYise6hYLQe26VfH6tLoPw2NW1XVNzREYca7dTVMBD2b1kGLoTq85Y_HzY470HPtrGWajyZ0LmIS1jqEZ-B2SI1ucq8V8-RSWs08XQKEMJ09dqyRD6ReDAEMYoVey_LJuhmU2AUWLX1yg8/s320/DaddyMommyMarleigh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312035484165727746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">There is a little girl, very little. She is actually only 6 lbs and 12 ounces and she has us all wrapped around that teeny little pinky. She is BEAUTIFUL. Even the nurses say she looks like a baby doll. And sweet!!! She didn't even cry when I changed her very, very messy diaper! She just looked at me with one eye, like "what are you doing??" or "wow! that was a load off!" haha.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8SU4hj3C9Yz9WAEk1X6915Lo3bm8AvZWHwt50ohqKTafLnMHXat-vkET-cLZcid_ZgWCeQUO7QRcfQf6UYxEDWjmkmoFgpZmGcpN8BVpWd14BD7CQ33WY41T6Nz1avoYrd00j9GTwLcR/s1600-h/1Marleigh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8SU4hj3C9Yz9WAEk1X6915Lo3bm8AvZWHwt50ohqKTafLnMHXat-vkET-cLZcid_ZgWCeQUO7QRcfQf6UYxEDWjmkmoFgpZmGcpN8BVpWd14BD7CQ33WY41T6Nz1avoYrd00j9GTwLcR/s320/1Marleigh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312034315906748386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;">Anyway, she has wisps of blonde hair on top of her head with a little dark mullet in the back (which her mommy has already contemplated a haircut on) and dark blue eyes, perfectly symmetrical features and a little mouth that can change into adorable little shapes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;">She loves to suck on her little fists and fingers and gets quite mad when she can't figure out where the food is.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">She reminds me so much of her mommy. She's strong like her mommy (who walked at nine months) and she is sweet like her mommy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Oh and she also has a wonderful daddy who is very supportive of the wonderful mommy. Can you tell I am proud of all three of them?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">I am the Mimi. Mimi means proud grandmother in denial of her age ---or so I think ;)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzzOHP93eK4wqkLvtmFB_AVHZ9CePpC6mth9_ecH9TuYCLn8bdOtIctdWx0XcHpxrnubo8BpGlRNzlXj7177t8b7ST5kBTJ14teDme4lx3jViuaD72gh0-g9Cp5Vq8bBHo5G4wAT2BW0o/s1600-h/grandparentswaiting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzzOHP93eK4wqkLvtmFB_AVHZ9CePpC6mth9_ecH9TuYCLn8bdOtIctdWx0XcHpxrnubo8BpGlRNzlXj7177t8b7ST5kBTJ14teDme4lx3jViuaD72gh0-g9Cp5Vq8bBHo5G4wAT2BW0o/s320/grandparentswaiting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312035288452129362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Pictured: Top left: Proud parents with precious baby Marleigh</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Right: Marleigh Elizabeth at just a few hours post birth..very alert and very content</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Bottom-Two of the grandparents :Emily's Dad Doug and me watching Emily :) and eagerly anticipated Marleigh's birth.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">More Marleigh pictures coming soon!<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-91133859313609429322009-02-17T17:29:00.000-08:002009-02-17T17:44:30.673-08:00<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today was one of those rainy and dreary days. Tomorrow I have more tests. This time it is in regards to memory issues. Hmmmmm ....just because I left my keys in the door two times...well, and I lost my cell phone..oh yes, and because I keep asking the same questions only to be told that they were answered but I didn't remember. I kept my nephew for a few hours last week and at 21 lbs and only 1 year old, he is quite heavy. My left arm couldn't hang and it felt so awkward on the right side. My husband said "this is so unlike you". He knows how completely frustrated I am. That was Friday. On Saturday my left leg was back to aching. I am afraid I am going to have to be honest with my sister-in-law and tell her I cannot handle it. I worked hard on getting him to sleep only for her to call and tell me to wake him up fifteen minutes later so that she could get him in bed at his usual bedtime of 6ish (?). To each his own but I just cannot handle him physically right now...although he is adorable.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">On the sunny side of things, I enjoy being home so much! I've accomplished organizing a few rooms and I have a lot more to go! But the best part of the whole thing is being with the kids. John is playing the guitar he received for Christmas and doing a great job and so is Josh on his keyboard. I am amazed and overjoyed at the time they spend on it and am looking for teachers for both of them. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Randy and I are leading a Venturing Crew (through the scout troop) for teen girls and guys. So far Liz is the only girl but last night we met and planned some future activities. They are funny and sweet kids and I enjoy watching them interact.<br /><br />Rachel's schoolwork is coming along so well. Some days she doesn't want to do it but just a few minutes into it she gets so excited and enjoys learning! One day she told me that the reason she loves me being her teacher is because I think of fun things and that I keep it from being boring by thinking of fun things :) <3 That did my heart a lot of good.<br /><br />Liz has been working ahead on her lessons. We move to another grade level on Monday so she'll begin Algebra.<br /><br />I also love when I get to see Lindsey, Emily and Mark which isn't often enough but never will be, I'm sure. I am glad they are living fulfilling lives and I do see them every other week at least.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">On a sadder note this Saturday is one year since losing the baby and my tube. I guess I'll never forget February 21st. I think this year I WILL plant a tree in memory of our angel. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Thank you for continuing to stop by! </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-12863383439657916852009-02-09T06:45:00.000-08:002009-02-09T06:53:32.293-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;">This past week has been insane. My Daddy (yes, he is still my Daddy as my brother likes to point at, even though I am in my FORTIES)....well, he has cancer. Kidney cancer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;">It was a bad experience all the way around. The doctor was a jerk. We had been waiting for two days to find out what was going on. Dad was inpatient for pain and we knew there was a lesion and cysts on the kidneys and cysts on the liver but Dr. Ojerk, one of the partners, had to be paged. Mom and I had just left. 11:00 at night (!) when my dad was ALL ALONE (!), Dr. Ojerk came in and told him that they would have to take the cancerous kidney out!!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am still in shock and I think it's a good thing because when I start feeling the shock wear off I have a huge lump in my throat.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;">There will be no not me's today but I have a ton for next week....like no way, not me, I would never tell all of the nurses AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE HOSPITAL who would listen, how mad I was at Dr. Ojerk.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: trebuchet ms;">We are going for a second opinion at a teaching hospital on February 26th.</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-86131066667829587872009-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:002009-01-20T07:20:33.313-08:00Please stop by and visit this family......<span style="font-weight: bold;">This family's story has really pulled at my heart strings. Please go by and read what has happened and if you can spare a few minutes, please post to the "Extreme Home Makeover" request by their friend.</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;" href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com"><span>http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/</span></a>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-75687908410111411082009-01-16T05:19:00.000-08:002009-01-16T11:38:42.596-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">I have very few heroes in life but one contacted me the other day, me personally and made a request. <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://thejeffreyjourney.com/">HELEN BALDWIN</a> contacted me about my blog the other day and I want to pass along a request to sign a <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://www.petitiontocuresma.com/">very <span style="font-style: italic;">important petition<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></a> to help cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy-the number one killer of children under the age of 2!!! Before my nephew was diagnosed I had never even heard of it.<br /><br />I've been such a bad blogger! I have ideas in my head but they slip through the crevices and then I get busy and don't post.<br /><br />I just want to save some things that have happened. Elizabeth and I are starting a new tradition of a once a month "escape". I won't go into details but I'm sure most of you can figure out what happens once a month and why it might be good to escape----good for everyone :) We do a little shopping, a lot of talking and we eat something yummy.<br /><br />John and Josh are preparing to begin their Eagle project. I am so proud!!! And Randy and I are going to be the leaders of a Venture Crew which is for teens. We'll hike (I will hopefully be able to hike some), camp, and teach/learn life skills. It's part of boy scouts but it is for girls and boys!<br /><br />Lindsey is taking a lot of classes and hopes to graduate in May! She is planning to go straight to grad school! There again---I am so proud!!<br /><br />Emily is at the uncomfortable part of her pregnancy with my granddaughter and I am so looking forward to holding that baby girl!!!! Liz is making her a blanket and I am cross stitching a picture for her. Emily is still working at present.<br /><br />Oh how I miss Lindsey, Emily and Mark!!! I try to see them once a week. Lindsey drives right by here so she stops from time to time. I get Mark to come home by offering him driving practice!<br /><br />Cute things Rachel said this week: "Mommy, here is your sew" as she hands me a cross stitch thread :)<br /><br />She also set the table last night and when we wondered why we each had two forks she informed us that it was in case we dropped one on the floor, so we wouldn't have to get another :)<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-38693193732066544452009-01-08T18:01:00.000-08:002009-01-08T18:14:43.659-08:00A Brutal Killer of Children - Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I<span style="font-weight:bold;">My nephew, David, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I (also known as Werdnig-Hoffmann disease) at the age of four months and passed away at nine and a half months. Most everyone who knows me knows that. Tonight I want to attempt to raise awareness by sharing about it.<br /><br />SMA basically causes muscles to waste away and robs people of their ability to move and eventually, breathe. Their minds are just as strong as ever, but their bodies fail. THERE IS NO CURE. It is best defined by going to this site: http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-sma-qa.html<br /><br />Tonight I want to pay tribute to another little boy who passed away yesterday of SMA. Here is a link to his caring bridge page:<br /><br />http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corneliusbrewer<br /><br />Please think of and pray for this family as they grieve. Please ask that they are enveloped with a peace that passes all understanding.</span></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-27931232703703864572009-01-04T20:19:00.000-08:002009-01-07T07:10:59.099-08:00Not Me Monday Fun!<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg"/> </a></center> <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">More fun sharing things I would NOT do! Right?!<br /><br />I did not drag my husband (making him drive) to six Targets in a two day period in several separate cities looking for tablecloths on clearance for $2.71. I did not sew aforementioned tablecloths into curtains for my dining room, front and back foyers (side panels to doors), and two living rooms! I am not that cheap!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I certainly did not lose track of how many tablecloths I purchased and am now making throw pillows, too!<br /><br />I did not feel sad about Christmas being over and have postponed putting away all of the signs of Christmas until today---except this blog of course...not?<br /><br />I did NOT have a super humongous margarita on New Year's eve!<br /><br />And I did NOT check on Stellan and <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corneliusbrewer">another sweet baby</a> several times this week, waiting for blog updates and worrying!</span></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-2092757782880721572008-12-24T06:28:00.000-08:002008-12-24T06:32:49.102-08:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" >Thank you to those of you who have checked in to see what we know about whatever is wrong with me. I met with the neuromuscular specialist yesterday and heard the excellent news that it is not neuromuscular so that rules out ALS, PLS and MDA (SMA).<br /><br />The bad news is we still do not know what is wrong.<br /><br />However, the good news is a wonderful Christmas present as that was my greatest fear.<br /><br />We will continue to wait. Upon seeing my records I learned that there are strong suspicions on the part of my neuro that this is Multiple Sclerosis and if so, time will tell. In the meantime, I am thankful that I can still walk :) and do not have a neuromuscular disease!<br /><br />Many thanks and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!! We plan to have an awesome one here!!</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-60826962896617215302008-12-22T15:40:00.000-08:002008-12-22T15:49:23.134-08:00Not Me! Monday<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg" /> </a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">This week I most certainly did not tattle on a rude clerk to a manager in a store, especially not in front of my six year old. After all, I tell her not to tattle so much all of the time! I also did not consider finding the rude clerk while she was at her lunch break (in the mall food court) to share my thoughts on her poor customer service skills.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I did not "lose" my temper with several people this past week during the PMS week from h*ll, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And I did not tell my mother that I was wearing a hat in a restaurant because my hair needed to be washed and was stuck to my head. I also did not tell her no when she told me to take it off and comb my hair and then proceed to tell her that I LOVE my hat and this is my style. She did not look at me like I'm a nut :) I'm in my early forties and very mature, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And my daughter did not request a cookie cake for her birthday instead of one of my delicious homemade cakes (see previous "not me" Monday posts in my blog for pictures). I did NOT feel great relief upon hearing that I didn't have to bake it, either, right? Further humiliation is always fun...not...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Thanks for stopping by!!!! And click the "not me Monday" above to read more not me's and visit the home of not me's :)</span></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-8330106543312063872008-12-20T05:42:00.001-08:002008-12-20T05:50:40.877-08:00insensitive?<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Next week I am planning to post pictures of my children "then and now" and do some real blogging on the loves of my life but today something is just crying out inside of me to be shared. I really do not mind if no one but me ever reads this but I need to get it out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I am a sensitive person. I have been told this all of my life. How do I overcome that or should I? Isn't it sensitivity that helps us become in tune with other's feelings? Contribute to our sense of altruism? Keeps us from become selfish and uncaring and <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span>sensitive? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">But being sensitive has not helped me in many ways. When in a job and I find out that co-workers are talking about me, it hurts and is hard to ignore and yet almost impossible to confront in a professional manner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In families, little things are said or done and it sticks with me. It hurts. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">With friends it is the same way and sometimes I find myself ending friendships because of it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I am sure that I have wounded, especially with words. I am also quite certain that most of the time it was completely taken out of context and I probably do the same exact thing.<br /><br />So IF anyone reads this and has some ideas on how I can overcome this overly sensitive personality/disposition, please share.<br /></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-74398579889590461342008-12-18T05:33:00.000-08:002008-12-18T05:37:31.914-08:00Christmas shopping-gimpy style<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I have lost track of how many times I have attempted to finish my Christmas shopping but my legs do NOT cooperate. After hearing from several relatives that I need a cane, I am finally convinced I will try it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I am officially stubborn.<br /><br />No shocking intakes of breath? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Crickets.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Everyone who knows me already knew this?? Okay, I get it....nothing new here.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">So this weekend I am going to have to ride in one of those wheelchair thingies. Yep. I am going to do it so I can finish shopping.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">First Randy will have to drive me to another city so I won't see anyone I know. Other cities have better stores though anyway....like Target.</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-21624382222084332252008-12-16T06:55:00.000-08:002008-12-16T11:00:00.972-08:00So proud~<span style="font-weight: bold;">Last night was our boy scout troop Court of Honor and Christmas party celebration. I am so proud of John and Josh for the time and effort they have put into their troop, their merit badges and the leadership qualities they have shown! I believe that so many things they learn and do will help them in life and I hope that they stay involved. Right now they are choosing which Eagle Scout project they want to work on and get approved. Time has flown!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am also so thankful that my husband is so involved and that our leader and his family give to the troop so unselfishly.</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-10613028185272275932008-12-15T07:08:00.000-08:002008-12-15T07:15:58.165-08:00not me!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg" /> </a></center> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT ME! Monday again and being the very imperfect person that I am I love to blog about the nutty stuff I certainly did NOT do.......</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT wipe the new puppy's derriere with a baby wipe (huggies even) whenever he pooped outside before bringing him in. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT get caught by another mom at the school while doing the act in the sentence above and she did NOT exclaim, "Wow! You are ...ummm...NICE!~" </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT buy myself more than one (cough) venti peppermint mocha twist from Starbucks for every Christmas shopping trip I made this week!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT bribe Rachel with snacks so that she would smile and act great during her photography session this past Tuesday. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT drive around for hours to get aforementioned new puppies this past week and get lost..several times....not me. My kids did NOT know their way around better than I did!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I did NOT have to ask them if the light was red or green because they have better vision than I do. After all, I am the driver, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have a great Monday!</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-62302111857985024682008-12-13T05:12:00.000-08:002008-12-13T05:18:15.476-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Both puppies are doing well and seem to enjoy each other's company. The funny thing is that Max, the cocker spaniel who is about a quarter of the size of Leo, the labradoodle puppy, is seemingly taking the dominant lead. I was worried about him being bullied but if the last 12+ hours are any indication, no worries there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The best part is seeing Rachel and Liz enjoy them. It is so cute and I am determined to get some pictures this weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The kids all had their last week of school this past week. Lindsey is concerned about one of her classes but I think she did fine and now we have around three weeks of no necessary long trips in the car. Rachel had her award ceremony at Daisies (girl scouts) yesterday and received numerous prizes and badges. Her favorite was an inflatable chair for selling so much candy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday night John and Josh have their scout Christmas party and I have baking and sewing (badges) to do to get ready for that. How I love this time of year!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks for visiting!</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-86167495015884295742008-12-11T09:41:00.001-08:002008-12-11T09:48:44.402-08:00Christmas bliss is a puppy...or two.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Santa is just crazy.</span> He brought us a cocker spaniel puppy and tomorrow he is bringing a labradoodle! He couldn't carry them around on the sleigh and they were ready for homes.<br /><br />We are typically "rescue" dog people and have done it many times. We've had mutts, labs, cocker spaniels, etc. and unfortunately we've had bad experiences with them being sick (worms a few times) so we have decided to go a different route this time. We wanted dogs who would grow up with the kids and be around for a very long time hopefully.<br /><br />Santa has other gifts designated for the kids, too, but both Liz and Rachel were longing for a pet other than Bubbles the fish who, while wet and energetic, is difficult to cuddle without definite demise.<br /><br />Other than our two days of supplemental classes for the older kids, someone is almost always home. I will probably take them with us when we go to school most days as there are plenty of parks and places along the way to hang out and Rachel loves being outdoors anyway.<br /><br />We are excited!!!! Aren't we silly?<br /></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-45884363541714457982008-12-08T07:23:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:35:42.313-08:00Not Me!<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg" /> </a></center><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >This week I did NOT allow Rachel to watch Christmas movies BEFORE doing her school work (we homeschool). Just because I LOVE the excitement she shows around this time of year and fear that this will be the last year she believes in Santa does NOT mean I would reverse work and play, right? Humph.<br /><br />I did NOT go back into the same department store and buy multiple items of the same kind (but different colors) because of a huge sale. The department store people did NOT become giddy because I was spending money in their store over and over. I would NOT buy male relatives the same gift for Christmas partly because of a huge deal, would I NOT? :)<br /><br />I did NOT spend an hour reading various blogs when I could have been resting with this awful cold.<br /><br />I did NOT cry in the doctor's office again when she put her hand on me and told me she was praying for me. Surely I can keep it together better than that!<br /><br />I did NOT stand around, kids in tow, and observe a guy dressed in drag and then proceed to stay there to observe the reactions of OTHER people when they realized he was a guy dressed in drag!<br /><br />Thank you so much for stopping by! I love visitors! If you have a second, sign my guest book and post a link to your blog so I can visit!<br /><br />jennifer</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-62158397323922163662008-12-07T14:39:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:36:30.707-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Today I was thinking of a friend who died. She was a very good friend. We lived near each other and hung out and had kiddos similar ages. She had a GREAT laugh and disposition. When things became stressful or insane, she would just laugh....and laugh...Sometimes I thought she was bordering on hysteria but that just made us both laugh more.<br /><br />She died. I won't go into how...actually they don't really know the cause. It was some sort of flu like episode. This has been a few years and her husband remarried. Her husband was our friend first and I am SO VERY happy for him. His new wife seems very sweet. But when I look at his picture I think of her. When I look at her kids' pictures I think of her.<br /><br />I know people need to move on, I know they deserve happiness and love but I cannot believe that someone can be here one minute and gone the next. Just like my uncle, my cousin's brother, my grandmothers, my nephew and my friend.<br /><br />I want to know where they are. Where are they really?<br /><br />Gratitude List:<br /><br />birthday cake with chocolate butter cream frosting<br />kids here for a birthday party...all but one who is studying for finals<br />a warm house<br />lots of food<br />clothing<br />tons of love</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-54202776361079527952008-12-03T16:34:00.000-08:002008-12-03T16:49:31.995-08:00How embarrassing that would have been- if I cared.<span style="font-weight: bold;">If I cared I would have been embarrassed. I almost fell. Everyone in our section of the restaurant looked up. I have lost count of how many times this has happened now. Most of the time what transpires is that my body, with the exclusion of my left leg, continues moving in the direction that my mind is going. It's hard to describe but happens mostly when I stand up or turn. I have absolutely no warning and next thing I know I am struggling to stay vertical.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I'm not even sure why I do not care but what people think of me being a klutz is just not anywhere in the top 1000 on my priority list.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's been a bad health day but a good day otherwise :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gratitude list:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. My family..this is a list in and of itself :)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. My five senses.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. My doctors</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Air</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Sunshine</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Music-my preference right now-Christmas</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Christmas decorations everywhere</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Each day</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Holidays</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. no pain at the moment<br /><br />I picked up my records today to take to the Neuro-muscular specialist in 19 days (if I were counting). Here is what he typed "Patient has hyperreflexia (with a bilateral positive Hoffman's and a jaw jerk) and a family history of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Remaining considerations include primary lateral sclerosis, demyelinating disease or other structural or inflammatory disease of the brainstem."<br /><br />They feel they have ruled out the brainstem stuff with the last MRI. I still think this is just transient and one day I will wake up and feel normal again.<br /><br /><br /></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-57082746677796677212008-12-02T17:59:00.000-08:002008-12-02T18:02:49.163-08:00What is up with this?<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Today I took three of my kids to the mall which is a very brave thing for me...or crazy? I go to the mall about three times a year at this point, if that. I enjoyed their enjoyment and it was definitely worth it but why are people getting right in our faces now and trying to sell us stuff from their booths??? Why are the malls allowing this? This is so annoying. I had to tell the same people at least three times NO. Why can't any of them speak English clearly either?</span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-91707895937465338472008-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:002008-12-01T08:21:00.953-08:00More not me revelations<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg" /> </a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >I did NOT sweet talk two sales people into two huge savings this week.....nine dollars off of a triple chocolate cream cake and half off of a purse...not me!<br /><br />I did NOT spend some of the Christmas money that my mommy and daddy gave me on a huge new black purse and three bags in various animal prints and a new wallet and a new cell phone holder! I did NOT squeal with excitement as I organized my new purse and bags and show everyone who would even glance my way. NOT ME! How immature!<br /><br />I did NOT let my kids eat pecan and pumpkin pie for breakfast the day of and the day after Thanksgiving! Aren't pecans and pumpkins healthy?<br /><br />I did NOT threaten to tape my twitching eye shut, cut off my eyelashes or hold it open with a toothpick.<br /><br />I am NOT counting down the days until Christmas :)<br /></span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3917482108825690586.post-84676189820965531272008-11-29T05:37:00.000-08:002008-11-29T05:52:00.557-08:00First Christmas Gathering<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;">Last night was our first Christmas gathering with my parents, brothers, their wives and families. All of my kids were there including my daughters' boyfriends. My parents went overboard, as always. They just love everyone so much and love giving to those they love. We received some amazing presents, Santa shouldn't even bother coming to our house but I know he will anyway. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;">My favorite present was one large and two small framed beautiful needlework pieces of ART that my mother worked laboriously over when I was a teenager and she had a full-time job and an aging mother living with her, not to mention two other teenage boys and a husband and a home. She started it because it matched my room but I grew up and moved away and she continued with it. Now it is mine and it is beautiful and the pattern is so intricate and I am blown away that she gave it to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;">I recently started collecting needlework. I've done a lot of it myself but I usually do it as a gift. If I go to an estate sale I buy any halfway decent needlework, particularly those that are already framed. I visualize someone sitting and concentrating hard on making it, never knowing the ultimate fate but lovingly stitching away....What were they thinking or feeling? How much time did they put into it? Did they watch their children play as I do, sitting outside or inside, chatting away while counting or keeping track of the pattern? I know some people feel this way about quilts and honestly, I do, too, but there is something even more special about needlework of any kind to me. Mostly it is the idea of time. It takes time and dedication to make a beautiful picture and it takes commitment and persistence. That is the truth of so many things though, isn't it? </span>today is the presenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790507603050020950noreply@blogger.com0