Early Sunday Sessions

I am going to share a story about our family and how our daughter came to be. Now sit back and listen carefully, there is a lesson to be learned in this here tale.

My pregnancy with my last child and only daughter was fraught with pain and sadness, as well as joy and gratitude. At first I had trouble even gaining weight, and I sure wish that was a problem now. I only gained 14 lbs altogether with her, but it was just fine with me, I have always been curvy. Mmm..Hmm, we’ll go with that!

At about 4 months along we had our 1st ultrasound and to say it was scary would be an extreme understatement. The technician found 3 serious abnormalities with her and had to call in the doctor and have him take a look. The doctor said that she had 3 markers that indicated she probably had Down syndrome, so they wanted to take another look a few weeks later. So, of course, we tried to not worry during the time between ultrasounds but it was difficult, though not too bad because we had our three precious boys to look after and keep up with.


After the next ultrasound the doctor called us into his office to tell us he was pretty positive she had Down syndrome but he wanted to do an amniocentesis to tell for sure. We declined. We had already decided that it wouldn’t matter to us; we wouldn’t terminate the pregnancy, it would go against everything we believed. George and I believed God would take care of us and give us strength to handle whatever came our way. For a week we were a mess, I was constantly crying and worrying, and looking up websites with information on this syndrome. It was horrifying to say the least; finally when I could take it no more, I just laid it all down at the feet of Jesus.


I remember telling God He could have all the grief and sadness and that I just didn’t even want to think about it…at all. I just wanted to be at peace with the situation. That was the first time I remember God answering my prayers so tangibly. I literally did not think about it for the rest of my pregnancy, God was so gracious and loving to my husband and I during that scary time. It was as if God leaned down and gathered me into His capable and loving arms and held me there until my precious daughter was born.


The rest of the pregnancy went by without incidence, until the very end when my daughter did not want to flip around so that she was head down. The doctor tried to manually turn her but it did not work and we ended up having her by C-Section, in a rush, late on the night of July 5th, 2000. She came out crying and so beautiful, with hair that was amazing. The first thing the doctor said was “She’s perfect” that was the moment I knew God had blessed my husband and I once again. She was a perfect healthy baby girl.


It still amazes me today when I think back on it, God took my fear and anxiety completely away, it was something that I just did not think about until she came out and the doctor said “She’s perfect”. I have never had this happen again, but I have learned to lay my burdens down at God’s feet and let Him be my strength and shield.

 My God is so good to me, All the time, and I have learned to praise His holy name in both the good and the bad times. Proving that if you let Him; God will bear your burdens for you, and give you peace while He does it. All you have to do is ask. Ya’ll have a wonderful Sunday and I will be back Monday bright and early. May God’s face shine upon you today and beyond and may you have joy in such abundance that you have to give it away.

Life with Cancer

Today I wanted to share a little bit of my history with ya’ll, so sit back, grab a drink, and relax while I tell you a story about my life. I want to share a little bit about the past few years and what I have been going through.


I have mentioned to ya’ll before that I have Thyroid disease and have been battling Cancer as well, but I wanted to go even deeper into what it has been like for me and the family. You can read about some of it in the "pages" section of this blog or here  or even here.


Most of my youngest child’s life has been spent with a sick mama, she has really never known me as a healthy person. When she was a little baby I started to get sick, in fact so sick I could hardly get out of bed. So it was very difficult for me to do what needed to be done while my hubby was out making money to support all six of us. As a SAHM I was responsible for the running of the household and raising of the chitlens...Um kids for those who don’t know what chitlens are.


My day to day activities were the normal things a mama does but for me they were next to impossible to do, because I just did not have the required energy to do them well.  Just imagine doing all that needs to be done for 4 small children and the running of the household with little to no energy to do them. That was my life. Skip ahead to the last few years...The children are all bigger and semi-independent. Think 3 teen boys and 1 pre-teen girl. Got it, good!


The last few years have been easier for me because the kids are bigger and they are used to having to do some things for themselves. Some of those things are, cooking, cleaning, finding rides to activities, and having to take care of things around the house so mom could rest…etc...Although this is good, I have struggled with feelings of failure as a mother. Around my house, everyone knows if you mess it up, clean it up, because mom does not have the energy to do it herself.


I’m getting a little bit off topic, so I will re-direct myself now. My Thyroid disease definitely got worse the last couple of years, which presented me with the option of visiting a surgeon for removal of the Thyroid. Then fast-forward to surgery day...Imagine it, it’s the day before Halloween, and I am getting ready to go into surgery with a doctor named Dr. Fear! Dum, da, dum, dum, dum… Yeah, I was a little nervous, to say the least.


He was a wonderful doctor and did an amazing job; you can barely see my scar, which lies neatly tucked into a natural crease at the bottom of my neck.  Although a week later I found out that I did indeed have Cancer and would need treatment, now that had to be one of the scariest moments of my life.  I thought I had prepared myself to hear those words but until it happens to you, nothing really prepares you for cancer.  All sorts of thoughts went through my mind, like will I live to see my children graduate school and get married and have my grandbabies, will I get to grow old with my wonderful and amazing husband?  Thankfully the answer is yes!


This last year or two has been about treatment, isolation, sickness, grief and a myriad of other emotions, but I have also grown tremendously because of it all.  It is amazing what God can do with a person during times of deeply painful experiences.  I am amazed still at what God has brought me through and how He continues to mold and shape me as a human being.


Wonderfully, I made it through treatment and my doctors and I have spent this last year getting me to a point of almost normal. Wow! I haven’t felt what normal feels like for so long I am having trouble recognizing it.  My Thyroid levels are where they need to be and stay, and I am getting my energy back.  I have started to exercise and eat better, which means I am learning what a serving size actually looks like, and that I have to intentionally get out and exercise.  What a concept!  Blogging has been part of my recuperation process, it has helped me to get out there and meet other people, some who have been through worse than me, and it has opened up my world, ever so immensely. Thanks be to God, I am in complete remission and I plan to do everything in my power to stay that way.


Sorry for the long post, but I really wanted to share what my life has been like with cancer in the middle of it. If anyone reading this can relate, I’d love to hear your story, so drop me a comment, or email me if you’d like, and thanks a MILLION to all of you who have so generously given me your friendship, I will cherish it always!

~Stretch~

~Bless the LORD~

Psalm 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul

Whew!

I have literally been all over the blog-o-sphere this week.  Whether it be Monday Minute with Ian over at the daily dose of reality or Post-it note tuesday with Supah..or Pour your heart out Wednesday with Shell at things I can't say, and of course, Top 3 Thursday with the lovely lady Elizabeth at confessions of a working mom and her co-hort Tamara at the un-experienced mom..and then finally there is Friday Follow with One to try and Hearts make families and of course, Midday Escapes. Let's just say I am pooped!

It has been such a busy, busy, blogging week, but truth be told, I absolutely love it!  I have met some wonderful ladies and a few gentlemen as well..you know who you are..Ian and Travis, I just want to thank all who have recently followed me and twittered me (is that right?) and hopped on my community over at blogfrog..etc..etc..kudos to you all. I love you all and appreciate the friendship you have so generously shared with me! Sorry about the long post..now leave me some lovin' comments please!

~LOL~

~Yay 5Q Friday~

Yay, It's time for Five Question Friday with Mama M. @My Little life or Five crooked halos either one works..go check her out, she is awesome!

Okay here are the 5 questions..

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Why yes I did, but first I ran over the stupid curb! Who says us women get special treatment? Well you might be right in this once incident..lol..

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?

When my middle son was sick and he was choking on his mucus, and turning blue I might add..I called our local EMS hero's down the street..long story short they came and I had to get up to let them in, so I laid my son down to unlock the door, when they came in we turned to see my son crying and trying to crawl to mama..apparently when I uncermoniously laid him down he started to breathe again..so embarrassing! They were totally in agreement that I did the right thing but still I wanted to hide!

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
Hello..What Not to Wear..I mean they give you $5,000.00 to buy new clothes, you get your hair done, and you get to be on TV..what's not to like?

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
Yes I would! Let's see..boobs, of course, after 4 children I need so help holding them up, and then a tummy tuck..again with the 4 kids, and maybe some all over liposuction with those long skinny, painful looking tools they use.

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
You know, the ones that make me look like a super model..the ones that make me look skinnier, taller, and more beautiful than I have ever looked before..ya, those are my favorites...anyone know where I can find some? Anyone..

~Friday Follow~

Today is Friday Follow Day! Yay! Hope ya'll are having a wonderful day so far and that your week has gone well!

Welcome to a SPECIAL edition of Friday Follow celebration hosted by One to try, Hearts make families and Midday Escapades!  

So far my week has been full of activities, sick people, and spring break madness, yet I have survived to blog about it, so all in all, it has been pretty good.
 
Thankyou to all who have recently seen fit to follow me I so appreciate it and will make sure I return the favor. I truely hope that ya'll enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy writing them. May God Bless you this week and beyond!
 
 Now go and find somebody to follow, and make sure to read about the cash prize being given away by Toothsoap.com as a thankyou for your Friday Follow participation.  You can read about it all in one of the links under the pictures above.

Chicken Curry With Rice

I am sharing with ya'll a lovely chicken recipe from my sister-in-law..hope ya like it!

Chicken Curry with Rice

1& 1/2 cups long grain white or brown rice
1& 1/2 TBSP. butter
3 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt

Bring the water, butter and salt to a boil.  Rinse the rice and add to the water.  Boil on low for 50 minutes (brown) and 20 minutes (white) with the lid on.  Take off of the heat and set aside.

Use one of the following:
4-5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4-5 Breasts with ribs-skin removed
1 Chicken-cut up, skin removed

Next:
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup honey
2 TBSP. prepared mustard
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. curry powder

Rinse chicken and place in a 9 by 13 pan.  In a small bowl melt the butter, add the honey, mustard, salt and curry powder and stir well.  Pour over the chicken turning it to coat both sides.  Bake uncovered and turn once or twice during cooking.

Bake at 325* for about 1& 1/4 hours in a glass pan
Bake at 350* for about 1& 1/4 hours in a metal pan

Serve the rice and chicken in separate dishes.  Then spoon sauce over the chicken and rice on your plate.
Serves 4-6..Enjoy

Maxine humor~love it!

No, I am not a hoarder, just a keeper

It's time once again for Top 3 Thursday with Elizabeth @Confessions of a working mom and Tamara @The un-experienced mom

Todays theme is What are the Top 3 things you should have thrown away...like, yesterday? 

#3.  My lip liner..I have had it forever..in fact I can't even remember what year I got it..could have been 4-5 yrs ago even. It is about 2 1/2 inches tall now.  Are you sure this water's sanitary? (for those of you who don't know where this came from..hint: Tarzan)

#2. My old towels..again some have been around for ages. They have holes in them and you can practically read a book through them. No, I'm not a hoarder like the ones you see on TV.

#1. My old clothes..I am hoping to fit into some of these again..even though they are waaaaaay out of style..I can't seem to part with them. I might be able to in about 40 lbs but hey, that's another story altogether.

So ladies don't forget to go and link up over at Elizabeth's and or Tamara's have a very blessed day ya'll!

No one ever asked me.

Time for this week's writer's workshop with Mama Kat 
This week I chose No one ever asked me, so here I go..



No one ever asked me if I could see my feelings,

But does that mean they don’t exist?

My feelings are an expression of who I am~right now.

No one ever asked me if I could see my heart,

But does that mean it doesn’t exist?

My heartbeat can be felt by my human hands.

No one ever asked me if I could see the wind,

But does that mean the wind doesn’t exist?

Winds breezes can be felt on my face,

 And seen in the swaying trees.

No one ever asked me if I could see God.

But does that mean HE doesn’t exist?

God is here..

There..

Everywhere..

Just look around...if you dare!

(This next one is just a little something extra)

No one ever asked me, why are your eyes brown?
I would have told them of my ancestors.
No one ever asked me, why do you say ya’ll?
I would have told them of my eccentric Granny Ann.
No one ever asked me, what do you put in your homemade soup?
I would have told them, just you never mind.
No one ever asked me, what do you dream to be?
I would have told them, a singer, writer, photographer, or actress.
But no one ever asked me.

Will I ever be enough?

Will I ever get to the point where I am not always facedown?

Will I ever reach the end of my journey to perfection?

Will I ever stop falling down and stumbling around?

Will I ever get to wear a beautiful crown?

Will I ever be enough?

The truth is NO, until I get to heaven, I will continue to struggle. 
To be imperfect.
I will continue on this journey called my life.
I will never be enough for this world.
Never pretty enough.
Certainly not smart enough.
Never skinny enough.


I say, my Father God loves me just the way I am..No matter what..or where..I am on that journey called life, and that's enough for me!

~Sorta, Kinda, Wordless Wednesday~

No wonder we are so fat, we even take Mcdonald's into space with us!

Well duh, where exactly do you think the swimming would take place Einstein?

Poor wittle kitty kat, he ate too much and now he can't get up!

um...I'm going to leave that one alone.

Not really sure what to say about these cars, so I will let you figure it out.

It's art and a banana..things that make you go hmmm..

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone..May God's face shine upon all who pass this way today and beyond! Oh, and please don't forget to leave me some of your wonderful wit and wisdom before you go on your way!

~EEK..This parenting stuff is not for the faint of heart~

For some reason I cannot upload the Pour your heart out picture right now so click here to go to shell's place over at things i can't say I am going to share this, which I  posted last night!


Did ya ever have one of "those days"? Well, I had one last night and remnents of it flowed into today.  I am a parent to three teenage boys and one nine year old girl, my partner in crime is my hubby who is a wonderful, and amazing man, I surely don't deserve to have. 

What can I say about teenagers that you haven't heard or experienced? Probably nothing, but I am going to take a stab at it.  My hubby and I once found a statue of three monkeys..you know the ones..see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil? Yeah, those..well we picked it up in honor of our three sons, so that should tell you something. 

To my oldest sons ears, my husband and I have too many rules, as well as unappealing consequences.  I have to say that he is probably right when you compare our household rules to some of his friends household rules.  As I pointed out to him last night, whenever you compare someone else's home to ours you will find greener grass on one side of the fence and usually it is their's, especially if they don't have as many rules as we do.

Do I think we have too many rules? No! Let me say it again, No! We expect our children to do the jobs we have given them, and to be respectful human beings.  Really that is about it, as far as the rules go, of course there are some things that are just expected if you want to live in this house.  Now, if you live in this house and you are a child of mine or one that is here every weekend eating my food and using my computers etc..you will work and follow the rules.  I believe that my husband and I have earned the right to give our children a job, and expect them to do it!

My children do not have..cell phones! I know, what a shock.  We have a home phone, we don't need to carry one around with us just because everyone else has one.  At my home children are not allowed to talk on the phone in their room or after 9pm.  Don't like it, too bad! (That's what I tell them) Children cannot be on youtube unless I am showing them something. No foul language.  No having sex.  My children and I go to church on Sundays together..no one stays home unless they are sick..except my hubby and that is his deal with God, not mine. So okay they do have some rules that are just expected but they are simple ones to follow. If they follow them they get to have privaleges, and if they don't follow the rules, privaleges get taken away.  Simple.

Unfortunately, when we are compared to someone else's home, we come away seemingly lacking, in my sons eyes at least. This is what happened last night.  He was mad and unloaded his feelings onto me, I in turn got in his face..and round and round we went. Then, hubby took over..til 12..midnight. Poor hubby had to get up 5 hrs later and go to work! Didn't I say he was wonderful~he is.  This morning when I woke up (too early I might add) I was tired and worried over what had transpired between the hubbs and son last night, so I prayed.  Well, I may have prayed last night, it is all a blur right now. 

I just want to be the best parent I can, and raise godly young men and a godly young woman. Is that too much to ask of myself?  I know it's important to let go, because eventually what we taught them has to be enough, and the rest I have to leave up to God.  I know this works, I have seen others do it, so why is it so hard to trust that what I am doing is enough?  All in all, it worked out between my son and I, it was just tense for awhile.  I hate when there is tension between my children and I or my hubby and I. It always feels like it is my fault, even though I know it is not..I am one of those people who think that everything is their fault.  Silly! I know! 

If you are a parent have you gone through this with your teen?  If so, how did you handle it?  I would love to talk to other parents who may have insight that I do not.  God is at work in my family and I know that His plan if perfect, I just wish I knew what it was sometimes.  I have control issues. I am a work in progress.  "Thank you Father God for being patient with me, help me to be patient with my own precious children, Amen" Please leave me a comment or two before you leave, as I would love to hear any and all of your advice and wisdom.

~Post-it Note Tuesday~

I will assume you all know how this workes if not go over to Supah's blog here and check it out!

These are my post-it notes for this week..

~My Monday Minute~

It is now time for Monday Minute hosted by Ian @The daily dose of reality..he's neat!

Here are the questions for today..

-Do you feel like I do? Well since I don't actually know how you feel..um..I don't know..If you feel happy, then yes I do! 

-Is it appropriate to answer a question with a question? I believe sometimes it is!

-What's wrong with people? Well they are unbelievably..HUMAN..and thus fallible.

-What's one redeeming quality about pickles? They are green and adorably bumpy.

-If you won the lottery, how much money would you give to your favorite charity me? I would give my favorite charity..you..lol..at least 1/16th of it..maybe..possibly..hard to say really, but for the real fav. charity..bundles and bundles.

~Better Basket Blog Hop~

My blogging friend Angel over at Angel believes gave me some virtual easter love..so I am passing it on to some of my favorite blogging buddies..first I must post the rules..

Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.

Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop   comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation

1. Cynthia @A shimmy in my spirit
2. Supah@Adventures of a wanna-be Supah mommy
3. Freddae' @Coffee, God and me
4. Elizabeth @Confessions of a working mom
5. Dee @Say anything.....
6. Whispering writer
7. Salsa mom

Okay ladies pass it on...

Woohoo!

We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in a heart that is in love with God.

-Mother Teresa

I have had my morning coffee and walk already..I know, it's 11:23 a.m. but I have been reading up on everyone's blogs and drinking my oh-so-delicious morning shake, and just now getting around to posting! 
 
It was so beautiful this morning around the neighborhood.  Birds were chirping..flowers blooming..fresh air was..so delicious! Yes, air can be delicious..thank you very much. For any of you lovely ladies or handsome gentlemen who are following my weight loss stats..woohoo..I am at..well just go over and click on the page over to the left and you will see for yourself. (hint: the one that says weight loss stats)
 
My mom is doing very well..she is on the hcg diet..and so far has lost a total of 19.5 lbs..in 3 weeks.  This diet is utilizing hcg drops and eating no more that 500 calories a day so it is very limiting and restrictive.  The hcg and limited calories work in tandem..allowing your body to use it's own fat to burn for energy..thus the huge weight loss.  I am doing it the hard way and in the three weeks she has lost 19.5 lbs, I have lost 3 lbs. 
 
This just does not seem fair to me..but I am probably just being a big ole' baby..right?  I mean, here I am eating less and better I might add, as well as intentionally exercising most every day! So forgive me if I am a little or a lot jealous of her weight loss over mine.  I am glad she is doing something to get healthier(even though I think it is the easy way), I just wish it was me that had lost 19.5 lbs.
 
 Although..I am learning every day how to eat the correct portion sizes and this is important to continued and successful weight loss..at least that is what I am told, I will stick to it and not give up..even though I would love to start this hcg diet now. I promised my hubby that I would first learn to eat right and make it a habit..then if I still wanted to, I would try the hcg diet, sometime around June/July of this year. 
 
 
So all in all I am not doing too bad, and I can say that I am proud of myself for sticking with it so far! I did read something interesting this morning about rewarding yourself for weight loss, one lady suggested buying a charm braclet and adding charms to it for every 5 lbs lost..I like it! I could almost buy two charms already, yay me! Oops I think I just gave away how much I have lost so far..Oh well..that's life.  Have a great day ya'll and please leave me a comment or two before you mosey on along!

Morning Greetings w/Poem by Muah!

Time to rise and shine and give God the glory!

Wake up, Wake up,

Get out of bed,

Time to wake up,

You sleepyhead.

So much to do,

So much to see,

So Wake up & say Hi to..me!