chicken pox diary - hour 1

Pooky bear finaly has the chicken pox. I first discovered it when she was changing for school. She was complaining her tummy was itchy, my first instinct was her eczema, but the little red dots all over her belly proved me wrong. She was not a happy camper to find out she would miss school today, but was quickly calmed with the idea of lots of oatmeal baths and computer time.

I have been hoping she would get them soon, I was beginning to wonder if she had immunity given she had been exposed at least two times to chicken pox. But now that she has them, I know her days will be filled with what ever makes her: A. happy and B. not itch.

My mom quickly helped me out with the traditional home remedies, which so far has proven to not work. She first recomended calmine lotion (unsure of spelling), this in the first 30 minutes of discovering she has chicken pox, did not help. She then advised me to make a paste of baking soda and water, I tried this after the calamine lotion. The baking soda and water made her cry. So, I did what I know works on itchy, irritated, eczema: oatmeal bath.

She right now is lying in the water, which in the first 45 minutes of discovering the chicken pox, is helping. Now I just need to figure out a way to stop the itch while out of the tub. Hmm, oatmeal paste??? Messy, but maybe worth a try.

back to the gind

Well I am back at work and am doing OK. I am still sore, but was excited to work with my new boss today. My boss and I have children the same age, so we had lots to talk about. It is funny how having children the same age can be an instant conversation starter. We filled our driving time by comparing the differences in our 5 year old's schooling. Since she lives in Ontario, her 5 year old is in sr kindergarden 2 full days of the week, where my pooky bear is in school 1/2 days all week. Whether one is better than the other, who knows. I do know I think I scared her when she came with me to pick up my 5 year old from school. The idea of 8 busses is a little intimidating to even me, let alone some one who is not used to it. Oh well.

All in all, it was a good day and look forward to working tomorrow. Not before 1:00 p.m. though. (Little monkey has gymnastics in the morning) No rest for mommy!

Simplicity

What time is it? 6:49pm

What are you doing? blogging and waiting for the girls to finish playing in the tub

What are you eating? currently nothing, but just finished eating an entire bowl of Chad's Chicken Fried Rice...Yumm!

What are you planning? putting the kids to bed, facebook, maybe watch "You've go Mail", go to bed early

What is happening tomorrow? making phone calls for work, more lab testing, cleaning house, talking on the phone with friends and my mom, sleeping, facebooking periodically through out the day, more sleeping. I think that sums it up!

What are you craving? hmm, back bacon on a bun sandwich from the st laurent's market in Toronto.

What are you praying for? for me to start feeling better, to buy a house in the spring, for Chad to have a easy transition back to work, for the girls to be healthy, happy and safe, and many other things.

By the power of oatmeal

For the last 3 years, for those who don't know, I have been having a battle with Pooky bear's eczema. In the summer it is bad when it is really hot and in the winter it flares up when it is dry. This winter I have vowed not to be reliant on steroid cream for relief for the eczema. I am winning this battle with the powers of oatmeal.

I have been grinding the oatmeal up in my coffee grinder (about 2 cups full) and adding it to Kira's bath. I have been bathing her nearly every day with it. (side note - if you do try this, make sure the hair stays dry during the soak and use fresh water to wash hair). After her tub, I have been using either Aveeno baby 24 hour moisturizer (comes with a navy blue lid) or a lotion I have for sensitive skin which does not have any paraben or fragrance in it. With those two powers combined (oatmeal bath and lotion) Kira has not needed steroid cream for 10 days. This is a huge victory for us. Especially when we do eventually need the steroid cream, it is only needed once and then we get back on the routine. I have noticed she flares up when we stop her routine. Lesson learnt and I am anxious to see how long we can go with out steroid cream now.

Pooky bear does not like the steroid cream at all. It burns her when it goes on, and although it relieves the irritation, it still uncomfortable for her. This summer, I got smart in using the steroid cream. I started putting polysporin underneath the steroid cream to act as a barrier for her skin. It also served for healing her skin from the cracks and scratches which occur with eczema. She now asks for the polysporin when she needs the steroid cream. (I highly recommend the polysprin for kids with acetaminophen to help relieve pain as well, however, the private label polysporin works just as well)

I have been feeling these last few months have been helpful in teaching me how to better take care of my daughter and husband's condition. I now find myself reading all I can about managing eczema. I have discovered I have to be careful in what is recommended. I have tried several creams, soaps and lotions which were recommended, but they were, for the most part, unsuccessful. I am so happy I found a routine which is working right now and not reliant steroids to relieve it.

I still read all I can about eczema to better understand what my daughter and husband are going through. Today, I actually read a wonderful article in my dr's office about eczema. It described eczema how eczema is genetic in most cases, and that on average, only 10 percent of children will have their eczema into adulthood (given my husband had it as a child and continues to, I am pretty sure Pooky will fall in the 10 percent category). The article also went onto explain how eczema can flare up in the summer and the winter. How the author put it was, think of the person with eczema as having skin which is unable to seal in the spots where the eczema is. (I thought of it like puzzle pieces not able to totally come together but leaving cracks). In the spots where the skin can not seal, is where bacteria and even sweat can get into the cracks and irritate the skin. It is almost like they are allergic to there own sweat, but the sweat is just irritating the open skin. This made total sense to me. It completely explains why Pooky has horrible flare ups with eczema on hot days in the summer.

Now, the winter flare ups make sense too, because if the areas with the "weak skin" (for lack of a better term) have the cracks and the air is too dry it would irritate it worse than normal. This is why using lots of oatmeal (which is a natural moisturizer) and lotion help prevent and treat the skin. The article's basic summary was to moisturize the skin as much as possible, bath frequently to illuminate bacteria on the skin which could cause irritation (also to illuminate sweat from the skin) NOTE: it is important to know that the article cautioned on bathing frequently using soaps and lotions which would dry out the skin and not moisturize it.

I found it interesting that I would read the article after I have already found a routine which helps Pooky, but it really helped me understand why the routine we have for her works. This winter I think will be fine for her eczema. The battle will be this summer, keeping her skin clean, cool, and moisturized. I think we can handle it though. Maybe I should by oatmeal in bulk form to help.

I am an addict

I think today is the first night in a long time where I have not been horribly addicted to facebook. Although facebook is a great place to connect with people I would not otherwise, it also seams to have this control on me which gives me the urge to check my home page every chance I get. Even right now I am wondering if anyone wrote on my wall, commented on the group I manage, or posted new pictures. I am so bad, I even check Chad's facebook page. Of course, he asks me to....most of the time.

I have realized that facebook, although important for maintaining contacts, lacks in my selfish need to express my thoughts and feelings. Posting status updates just not cutting it anymore. That being said, status is such a brief way to express your current thoughts. What if my current I don't have just one current thought, but multiple ones? This is where my blog will hopefully serve my purpose.

One can hope.

Beauty in Regina

I like finding spots in Regina which remind me how pretty it is here.

I took this while I was working. Did I ever mention I love my job! It is funny how when I tell people from Ontario that I live in Saskatchewan, they automatically assume it is completely flat. I end up in conversations with my co-workers defending Saskatchewan and it's beauty. This is why I am now taking several pictures for them to see, through my eyes, what Saskatchewan is about.

new and improved hair

My day in reverse.

Today was Pooky Bear's first t-ball game for the year. She did very well especially for it being so cold!

smart shopping

Pooky Bear and I had a great ladies shopping night tonight. She picked out her birthday invitations and a birthday present for her friend at Toys R Us. We then found ourselves at Northgate mall enjoying a starbucks strawberry frappicino while wondering through out the mall. After picking wrapping paper for the birthday present we ended up at Safeway picking up a "few" things.

While we were picking up a "few things", we ended up in the yogurt section where I looked at almost every ingredients label on yogurt in hopes to find one with out sugar added. Pooky Bear saw the yogurt tubes I used to by and commented,"mommy, if yogurt tubes are bad for you; why do they put them on sale?". The tubes were on special 2 for $5.00, something like that. What a great question. What do I tell an inquisitive 4 year old about marketing and the economy. Fortunately the conversation diverted quickly when I found Dairyland yogurt and knew their was no sugar added to it. She instantly became excited about the different kinds of yogurt which were in the box. I was saved from Pooky's curiosity, so I thought.

I then moved on to Sour cream. If you know me, you would know I try to stick to dairyland products as much as I can. I was raised on Dairyland (AKA Dairy Producers) and have grown accustomed to the fresh taste and quality which comes with the products. This is definitely being passed down to my daughter as she instinctively looked for the dairyland sour cream. Once she helped me find it, she asked why I always look for "that kind", instead of what's mostly there. I confidently told her about the taste and quality and the fact it is made is Saskatchewan where we live. Yes! one question answered, confidently. I knew she would stump me again.
I just thought we could at least get to the rest of the store first.

She asked another question right after I put the sour cream in the cart. Looking at the rows of Energy drinks, she asked, "mommy, those drinks are not good for you, why do they put them on sale?" Many thoughts entered my head:
1. How does she know what energy drinks are
2. Yes! My daughter knew they were not good for her and didn't want them
3. This question again?!
4. My child is too smart for her own good
5. I hope her ideas on what is good and bad for her stay when she is older.
6. WHAT ON EARTH DO I TELL HER!!

Do I tell her some companies don't care how healthy products are as long as they sell? NO
Do I tell her not everyone knows some of the products are not good for them? maybe
Do I teach her about the marketing strategies that are used by companies to sell products in stores? too complicated.

I ended up talking to her more about not paying attention to what is on sale, but what is healthy for her. I reminded her about looking at the labels on foods. I reminded her healthy food can be on sale too, like some of the fruit we were buying.

What a girl.

Goal setting night

As opposed to my goal setting days, I am starting my evening of with a list of goals.

- one load of dishes, maybe two? yeah, I only did one load
- kids bathed, and bedtime routine done
- e-mail check and send did on Thursday
- avoid girlie movies thanks to Ang coming over, chick flicks were avoided. yes!
- at least 3 loads of laundry Done, time to do a happy dance
- work and make my computer printable semi-complete, computer still not printable

Bonus for the night was pulling out the bread maker and setting the timer on it so we would have fresh bread for breakfast. Mmm delicious. Best idea I have had in a while.

for one night I think this can be done.

more pics

I am always amazed when I look at pictures of my daughters and realize how fast they have been growing. It seems like yesterday they were babies. I definately miss them as babies, but also am enjoying the freedom that comes with their age. They are both strong-willed children. Pooky bear is definately the drama queen and Little monkey is Curious George in human form.
I wouldn't trade them for anything!

a success

My to do list:

relax: done, including a nap

watch food network : done

clean: - toys in living room picked up
- laundry in dryer and washer
- Pooky Bear's room sorted, organized and cleaned
- garbage collected
* I would say this is done

work: done

bonus: Mom 2 Mom, having little monkey sitting on the potty, and Chad realizing he needs to help more around the house.

I would say this day was a huge success!

Calm, quiet day

This week has definitely been a trying week for me. I have been having a hard time with my new medication and the lack of caffeine has not been good for my patience level either. I have decided to make today more relaxing while being productive.. I am only going to talk above a whisper in volume level. I am going to rest in the afternoon after I work for a little bit. Find some energy to clean a little and enjoy my newest addiction: food network.
I am thinking a nice cup of white pomegranate and blueberry tea will be a great start to my calm, quiet day.

my girls

productive morning

Today is I think the most productive day I have had in a while. I have put away two loads of laundry and washed two more loads of laundry after that. I also managed to clean the whole bathroom and wash dishes. This is a fabulous thing for me because it is not even 10:30 am yet!

Next on my list: two more loads of laundry (including putting them away) and clean the living room. I have learnt cleaning the living room/ dining room is one of the longest chores to do. However, I am tired of toys taking over my living room and random stuff left on half of my table. I also have to get the 9 boxes of stuff out of my living/dining room. Fortunately I will have Chad help me out with this. Oh to have my living/dining room back!

fabulous day

Today was a good day. It started with me checking the status of my lappy. I was greatly excited to find out that my lappy was on a truck headed for my house TODAY! 30 minutes after I discovered this I received my lappy. Yeah!

Then, while at work today I made a donation to the Z99 radio-a-thon for the neonatal unit in Regina. After that happened and I was heading to my next pharmacy, I received a call from Z99 saying that I one free tickets to Avril Lavene. I am not the hugest fan of hers, but was very excited to find out I won free tickets for tomorrow's concert. Yeah!

Also, my husband is feeling better, which is a wonderful thing and I washed dishes. Not so fabulous of a chore, but fabulaous enough I willingly washed them with no complaints. It is important to note I washed them before I received lappy and went to work.

So, now I am having fun with lappy. Enjoying being on the internet upstairs. By the way, I phoned today to find out when I could have wireless internet installed and Saskel pleasantly surprised me with the knowledge that our current motem has wireless internet which just needs to be set up. How easy was that.

Yep, a fabulous day.

Thank you God for this day!


It is important to note that I thank God for every day, but I am a little more vocal about it today.

Frustrations

I am torn right now as to what to look forward to. My lappy or my specialist appointment on the 25th. Right now I am frustrated with Mr courier company who keeps updates like this everyday:

TRACKING DETAILS

Status
In Transit in U.S.
Date/Time : MARCH 10, 2008 AT 14:30
Depot : U.S.A. GROUND LINEHAUL

This is what it has said since the 10th. Now it is the 14th, you think there would be updates. Argh. Oh my lappy. The good news is lappy is half paid off already. I got paid today with my bonuses and was thrilled to be able to pay half of the cost of lappy already on my credit card. Maybe I could have it paid off before it comes....hmm?

On a very different note:

I get to join Pooky bear on her field trip to the museum! Bus ride and all! I am very excited, but not as excited as Pooky Bear. She was a little sad that Chad could not take her (he has mild pnemonia) but was totally fine when I said just her and I were going.
Paleo Pit here we come!

rant

I found out recently that my least favourite courier company is delivering my lappy. It is apparently stuck in customs. Oh to have my lappy and to not have to come downstairs to go on the computer. My basement does not have windows and is surrounded my grey concrete walls, with exceptions of the peach walls which surround the family room I made down here. I attempted to make it "homey" but still did not like the lack of natural light down here. Was this a one of the justifications to getting my own computer? YOU BET!

It will be interesting to find out how my cat Frodo takes to me having the computer upstairs. Currently she is my side-kick every time I use the computer. Chad could be using the computer, and Frodo does not care. However, the moment I go downstairs in the direction of the computer, Frodo follows me like a puppy. It has been especially more frustrating because we recently acquired a flat screen monitor which now allows for more space for Frodo to be. Before she would sit on my hand that uses the mouse, she doesn't mind that I still use the mouse while she sits on me. Now she also will sit in front of the monitor. She gives me this look as though to say, "I am going to annoy you until you pay attention to me, and if you take me off the computer, you know I will just get back on." Oh, Frodo. She only cares about me if I am either going to bed (so she can sleep on me) or on the computer, the rest of the time she is Chad's cat.

waiting for my lappy

I have just recently purchased my own computer. My own. No one else's. I have shared a computer my entire life, and now freedom! I have officially banned my husband from adding on any of his games onto my new lappy. He is persistant in asking, but ultimately he knows I could delete his stuff at any time on my computer, so why take the risk? Hee Hee. For once the power is in my hands. Next on my list of things to do is have wireless internet installed in the house and then I can avoid the basement as much as I want! (with exceptions of doing laundry)

Yeah!

Listening

Lately I have come to realize I have not been listening to God lately. I have not been reading scripture, I still pray, but no follow through. I am now listening. I have been feeling lately I need to organize some kind of fundraiser for Cancer involving our church. Right now there are people in my church who are dealing with cancer hands on. I know it is not a missions trip to a far away country, but I feel it is equally important to help those who are close to us here in our city. Missions work to me has never been on a global scale. I believe there are people out my front door who need help just as much as those in other countries. They just need a different kind of help. So now, after lots of prayer and me finally listening to His answers and prompting me in certain directions, I am going to see where my idea is going to be taken. We shall see. Any ideas?

procrastinating

Because of all the things I still need to do tonight, I have decided to help myself feel better by listing all the things I have already acomplished this weekend.
- cleaned front closet (this is a task I have been needing to do for over a year now)
- washed dishes
- gave my girls baths. (I think this counts even though they have one every two days)
- arranged to have the van fixed.
- made cookies. (Ok, confession, they were the pilsbury valentine cookies, but I had to put them in the oven none the less)
- went to church. (given the weather for this weekend, this is a huge acomplishment in it self, especially when we went using someone else's car)
- watched too much TV.

I still need to do paper work for my job and I was thinking about making a cake for a friend at Mom 2 Mom. I can do it!

Come to Realize

Stolen from Married Life
1. I've come to realize that my butt: Will never be as it once was.

2. I've come to realize that when I talk: I like to use facial contact, lips and eyes baby!

3. I've come to realize that I need: To have my husband tuck me in at night.

4. I've come to realize that I've lost: in touch with many people I still pray for.

5. I've come to realize that I hate it when: I find out something bad happened to a child which otherwise could have been prevented.

6. I've come to realize that I have a crush on: my husband still. I'm such a mush!

7. I've come to realize that the last time I cried was: yesterday, watching Extreme home make-over.

8. I've come to realize that my cell phone is: never where I need it.

9. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I am happy when Chad is in bed with me. Unhappy if he is not home yet.

10. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I: watch the Cosby show, I can't seem to sleep before the show is over. At least not enless Nyquill is involved.

11. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook: I like to see new pictures posted

12. I've come to realize that today I will: Work, and take my daughter to her first class of Kindermusik

13. I've come to realize that I really want to: buy a house.

14. I've come to realize love: is all my children want to be reminded of everyday.

15. I've come to realize my best guy friend: is currently sleeping on my side of the bed.

16. I've come to realize my best girl friend: is more than one person.

too cute!

I had to post this picture, it was too cute. I took it 20 minutes ago.

Meme

Here is a meme I got from Queen of West Procrastination. You put in bold all that applies to you.
Enjoy!

1. Father went to college
2. Father finished college
3. Mother went to college
4. Mother finished college
5. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor.
6. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers.
7. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
8. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home.
9. Were read children's books by a parent
10. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18
11. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18
12. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively
13. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
14. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs
15. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
16. Went to a private high school
17. Went to summer camp
18. Had a private tutor before you turned 18
19. Family vacations involved staying at hotels
20. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18
21. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them
22. There was original art in your house when you were a child
23. You and your family lived in a single-family house
24. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home
25. You had your own room as a child
27. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course
28. Had your own TV in your room in high school
29. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college
30. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16
31. Went on a cruise with your family
32. Went on more than one cruise with your family
33. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up
34. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family

Changes

Chad ended up not getting the job with the printing company, but the great news is he got a better job! He is now working for McKesson Canada. It is a warehouse for pharmaceuticals. It's funny because I order the drugs, he fills the drugs. I really think God has great sense of humour. It is neat though because now we understand eachother more because we share similar jobs. Gee, kind of like the good old days when we both worked for Sears.

The job is nights, so we don't need a babysitter. Chad had his first day yesterday, it went well. He intends to stay there a long time. Yeah! We are going to play it by ear to see how me working the two jobs goes. I just got a team lead position at the call center I work at (which I love being a team lead!) and I still work with Norrizon which is a cool and unique job in itself. We are going to wait until after the new year before we decide anything. It is all in God's hands. I am willing to work both jobs, or quit one if necessary, I am leaving it up to God to let me know what to do.

On a cool side note. My benifits from work at the call centre kick in at the beginning of next month and I am really looking forward to going to the dentist and chiropractor again. On another cool note, the call center I work at has a massage therapist come in once a month to give massages to the staff and work pays for it. Is that not awesome!

It is some-what official

Chad 98% has a new job he starts Monday. Reason we don't know 100% is the person who wants to hire him offered the job to him on the phone and he is going for a "formality" interview on Friday, but starts on Monday. The job is working with a printing company which makes books etc. I think it is cool, he will be getting wages similar to Inland and there is no crazy shift work like other jobs he has tried since then. Yeah!

My life right now has been a little crazy looking for a babysitter who is close to Pawson school or Dr Hanna. I am hopeful I can find one which will accommodate my few hours needed of babysitting. We shall see. I am so excited about Chad working, I will make it work. God will help me find a way, he always does.

150th anniversary.

I can't believe I have posted 150. To some of the blogs I read, 150 posts is a small number, to me this is big!



A lot has changed since my first post. Little monkey is no longer a baby, she is now a full fledged toddler. Pooky bear is attending a public school. I have new jobs as does my husband. My family and I have also grown spritually and emotionally. It has been a good 150 posts.

funny story:

Pooky bear and little monkey have taken to playing together as soon as they wake up. Pooky bear goes into little monkey's room and they have fun. This morning, all of a sudden, pooky bear came to Chad and I and said, "I think you better come see what little monkey did to make her room smelly!" What a great way to start the morning!

It's been a while.

This past couple of weeks have been filled with establishing new routines. This week is starting to finally feel normal. I am able to take Pooky bear to and from school, which few working moms can do with a pre-school aged child. I am able to attend mom 2 mom, knowing I can work in the afternoon. I have to say I am really enjoying the new routine now.
Since Chad was not able to get funding for school, he is currently looking for a job. For now I am still working at IQ Metrix in the evenings. Yes, life is definately busy, but only temporary. Once he gets a job, it will be a new kind of busy....Ok, so my life will probably not ever be not busy....it's just the way I am.

Happy

I am happy to be at home,
Happy to hug and kiss my girls,
Happy to have my own bed,
Happy to be off the plane,
I'm just happy!

up, up and away.....again!

Calgary was awesome. I will never be able to beat a first day like that in my life! On my second day, I found out they would like to fly me to Toronto Sunday-Thursday this coming week. Crazy! Me, the girl, who before recently, have not been on a plane since I was 12. Now I am flying to Toronto. I know this will be my last flight until April, so I don't have to worry about this happening very often, which will be nice.

On a Pooky Bear update, she had her first day of official pre-kindergarden and enjoyed every minute of it. Then today we had our first family day where we all went to Gymnastic Adventures. Little Monkey had her first school bus ride. FUN! We all had a good time, little monkey was tired because it was during her nap time, however pooky bear was the "vetran" their because she was the only one who has ever been there before. It was good.

a weird, make no sense, chat

I am spending time with family today, extended family and my family. Yesterday, we celebrated my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. Pooky bear and Celeste stole the show with their cuteness. Today, Pooky bear really wants to go to church so she can be around kids for a while before going back to the environment where her and her sister are the youngest ones there. Poor girls, I sat with my cousins at supper reminiscing about "the good old days" with my cousins, then looked at Pooky bear and realized "good old days" with cousins will not be for a long time for them. At least they have each other.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This morning I woke up realizing I am not going to see my girls in the morning tomorrow. Wow, I am going to miss them! I have been already talking to Pooky bear about me going away and she does not want to talk about it. I know she will have fun without me, especially because she gets to go to school tomorrow. Still, I am sad to miss her and been feeling guilty for being excited to go on a plane for a business trip. Today will entail as much family time as we can tolerate.

I needed to read this.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:5-7

A new path

With the fall comes a new path to walk. Here is the skinny of our new path:

*Chad was unable to get funding, so he is now looking to get a temporary job until he can get funding for the winter semester (prayers being answered that is).

*Pooky bear is officially accepted into the pre-K program somewhat near our house; this one deserves a big "WHOOP-EE!" as we have been praying for her to get in. We were not sure until just this last Wednesday if she was in or not. Her first day of school is this Monday (with just a few kids in her class, then her first official day is Thursday, Sept 20. Yeah!

*Little monkey is recovering from a trip off our last step leading into the basement. She would only let the Dr put one stitch in her forehead. If you know my little monkey, you totally are not surprised by this happening, she is such a little monkey! She is doing fine now, 10 minutes after it happened, she didn't even care, it was me who was freaking out and insisted she see a doctor. Wow, even after a second child I am still paranoid. At least little monkey keeps us on our toes. No sleeping around that one!

*I am taking a leap in a different direction career wise. I started a new job working with jump.ca doing outbound calls for customer service purposes. I also, just today actually, was offered a job with Norrizon Marketing which will be a fun job. I am very excited about this job, especially since I am flying to Calgary on Monday for my first business trip! How exciting is that! However, I am going to miss Pooky Bear's semi-official first day of school, and little monkey getting her stitch out, however, I will not have to be gone on a lot of business trips like this one. It just so happened I got hired 2 days before regional conference. I have not been to Calgary since grade 11, weird. I'm going to miss my girls, and Chad, but I am excited about the new opportunities for my family and I.

So, it is definitely a new path for all of us. If Little monkey has her way, everyday would be a new path. Oh little monkey!

A triumphant moment

This morning at 2:45 a.m., I finished Pooky Bear's blanket! I am very excited over this. I vowed to myself to get it done last week (this beingSunday and the start of a new week). I would not go to sleep until it was done. I thought I finished it earlier, however after looking at how much yarn was left and playing with different stitches, I continued to do one more layer. Yeah!
Now my next domestic adventure, Little Monkey's blanket. I am trying to figure out how I would make hers into the shape of a daisy. I think I can figure it out, so hopefully it works out.

a story

So, I was downstairs on facebook when pooky bear decided to come and join me. After she opened the door to the basement she did not shut it again. I was happy to see her and let her help look at things on facebook. This was all good until I hear Chad yelling at me to come upstairs and see what my daughter was up to. I get to the top of the stairs to find little monkey playing in the cat food. She had some in her mouth (gross) then proceeded to put the cat's dry food in the cat's water dish. Water and cat food were everywhere! Joy! Yet another thing to add to little monkey's things she ate as a child! Now I'm feeling like a bad mom, but laughing at the fact it will be a funny story to share at Little Monkey's wedding!

obsessive

For the last week I have been trying to finish crocheting the blanket I started for Pooky Bear when I was pregnant with her. I am nearly finished and don't want to put it down. I even made the comment, "it would be easy for me to do at church". Chad quickly stopped that idea. My goal is to have it finished by this week, so I have 4 months to work on a blanket for Little Monkey. This is very ambitious of me, however, with money constraints due to Chad being in school, I think a home made blanket from mommy would more than make up for a little less toys this year.

It's so weird to already be worried about Christmas presents and school has not even started yet!

Sad

We wanted to go to the lake for one last "sleep over", but the weather said no. Pooky bear is sad about this, but I got her to feel how cold it was outside, and she really didn't like to the cold at all.

This afternoon, we get to go to the church to clean, which Pooky Bear and Little monkey love to help! Maybe this will help take Pooky bear's mind off the lake. I also was thinking of taking the kids somewhere special because we are home tonight. We will have to see.

A random chat

We are getting ready for one last over-night at my Grandma's wonderful cabin. The cabin is not insulated, so it gets very cold at night now. We are only staying for one night this weekend. It seems weird to me because the last time I packed for the lake we stayed at Lumsden Beach for 6 days, came home for 2 days, then went to Arlington Beach for another 4 days. That was a lot of packing!

Last night, while I was figuring out the few things we should bring, Chad and I made yummy, triple chocolate cookies to take to the lake. I have to say, I am liking the cooler weather, as I am much in the mood to cook and bake because of it.

Tonight for supper is pot roast with chocolate zuccini cake for dessert.

Wow!

I realized it has been a while since I have posted. We have been busy with many trips to Lumsden Beach and Arlington Beach. The weather has been awesome, except for the last few days, it is starting to feel like fall already. I am unsure if I am OK with this.

I like the colours of fall, the weather is tollerable, the bugs are minimal; however, it means summer is over. I have to say I have had a really good summer all in all. We experienced some ups and downs, but all in all it has been life changingly good.

Chad starts university in the fall. He has his classes picked and everything! That is very exciting. He is getting nervous as the summer starts to come to an end. He will be fine though.

I don't know what I will be doing. I am done babysitting in September. I have had questions asked about me babysitting their children, but nothing set in stone yet. I know I need to find something for the fall, and I dread the idea of going to work and putting the kids in daycare. I, right now, am looking for a job which requires administration work in the afternoons leading into the evenings through out the work week. I am praying hard that something will come through as we are now supporting Chad, who was the main bread winner for our family.

This is something again that is in God's hands. We have been in his hands a lot lately, I hope He doesn't mind.

newest pics

Update

Little monkey has come down with a small (apparently there is such a thing) case of pnemonia. It is more a chest infection which turned into a mild case of pnemonia. She will be fine, we caught it in time and is on anti-biotics, advil and sabutimol (unsure of spelling). We spent our evening at the e.r. yesterday and the dr's office today. The doctor is confident she will be fine, and is wanting to see her next week to investigate her asthma further. I am happy something is being done about her finally. She had a rough summer last year and this year needs to be better. I am so thankful she is in God's hands, and with her speedy recovery showing all ready, I know she is!

Now I am off to bed!

Momment before chaos

I am taking a brief moment before I go into extreme packing mode for the lake. The good thing is that we are staying at a "full service" cabin, so packing is a lot easier than camping.
Hope everyone has a wonderful, rested week end, I know I will once I get out to the lake and get settled in.

Getting ready

I am slowly getting mobile today. Yesterday, my body was not functioning so well, I spent most of my day sleeping. Today, I am doing a lot better, but am slowly getting in the swing of things.

I am going to attempt at having another goal day to see how much I can get done.
Update: 12:53pm
Laundry- just do as many loads as I can load 3 in washing machine...yes!

make a list for packing to go to the cabin 1/2 done, it's a working progress as I come accross things I forgot

tidy up the living room ....but... we're still using it... :o)

have a shower (this is a reasonable goal, I think) Does a water fight in the back yard with your daughters count?

play with kids outside, this morning (who said some of the goals couldn't be fun) See previous update, I could not procrastinate at all about this goal. A chance to play with my girls, YES!

start packing for the lake I have a suit case started, just don't ask how much is in there.

Dishes if feeling ambitious yeah, right.

vacuum this will have to be later, the carpet (and couch) is a little wet right now.

I will check in later to update my progress.

Feeling bad for not posting

I confess, now my days are filled more with checking my facebook account rather than my blog. I appologize to those who regularly check my blog.
For a Gray family update:
Chad is enjoying his new job, he does not want to continue the job long term, but is happy to have a job until he starts school in the fall.
The girls are doing great, they spend most of their time outside in the gazebo in the back yard, when we are at home. I can't wait to take them to the lake this week end!
I am my busy crazy self. I always seem to have something on the go, Oh well, it is how I like it.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful warm weather!
I am off to a friends house tonight,
Take care and stay cool!

*Cute story about little monkey: she can now count to three and says "blast off!" at the end. For her it sounds like, "On, ewe, eie, bast ohf!" It is too cute!

New Job!

I don't have long to blog, but I am excited to quickly share that Chad officially has a new job starting tomorrow morning. He went in this morning expecting an interview and ended up negotiating a wage for him and when he wants to start. Hurray for normal hours!
Hurray for Chad actually being at home and able to spend time with us. Hurray!

Have I fallen off the face of this earth?

It seems I have had no time to check in on my blog, or other blogs for that matter. My time has been crazy busy with my family including a day trip out to the lake to cut grass. Hurray for having the cabin ready to use for the summer! Today, we were actually going to go out to the lake for the day, however, the weather said "no". So today, I am going to bury myself in house work and do some errands that need to be done (specifically, set up for discovery land at church). I am normally good at not leaving it to the last minute, however, this week has been so crazy, I had to leave it until now. Oh well.

On another note, tomorrow Chad and I will be official members at our church. I've been attending the church for the last 9 years (Chad 6 years), however, I struggled with the idea I would be tied down to one denomination. I thought I was a Christian, that should be enough. I have now since lost that idea and choose to support the church I go to and declare that to the entire church. I will still not refer to myself as free-Methodist, but as a Christian, when asked about my religious background. But it feels good to know that my church is officially my "home church". There will be a BBQ after and then we have a birthday party to go to. Yeah for fun business!

On a Chad update: we are still praying for a suitable job for him. I know God has the perfect job planned for Chad, we just have to be patient and wait for the job to open up. We are in God's hands and there is no other place to be!

my little monkey

These were taken at Little monkey's friends house today, I can't believe how big she looks in these pictures, she is definately a toddler now!

playing at a friends house

what to do?

Chad is at his job right now, and he is misserable. He found out it is not four 10 hours shifts, but rather four 12 hours shifts with no overtime. He talked to a guy working there who has three kids and he said he never sees his kids because he is always too tired. He said he spends his week ends trying to catch up on sleep from the week. Chad phoned me in near tears because he does not want that for us. He wants to be the kids and I. I am very touch and warmed by his desire to want to be with us. However, what do we do about money?

Answer is simple, I know. Give it to God. Gee, psalm 37 for me, again. I told Chad to phone me at 2, then at 4, so we could talk. We both agree a good prayer session with God would be a great idea when he got home.

It is interesting though, now that I think of it. When Chad got the job, there were no houses available for sale in Pilot Butte. 95% of my friends were very much against us moving to Pilot Butte. Chad's stomach has been acting up HUGE for the last few days (IBS) Is this a sign from God telling us He has something better for us? I think only prayer and reading scripture are going to answer this question.

The Lord himself will go ahead of you.

He will be with you.

He will never leave you.

He'll never desert you.

So don't be afraid.

Don't lose hope.

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The LORD, the LORD,

is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation.

(Isaiah 12:2)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

(Matthew 11:28-30)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;

or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food,

and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

(Matthew 6:25-27)

Vent

I just experienced the realization that my lifestyle is going to be significantly different now that Chad has a new job. His 3:30pm-3:30am shift is going to throw a switch into my sleeping in routine. Chad and I have always rotated who got to sleep in and who had to get up with the kids. Now, I am going to be the one to get up with them, and be the one to put them to bed. I am thinking that I am going to have to start having the girls sleep in, so I can too!

I am happy he has a job where he is still going to be home everyday. Plus, I am loving the idea of him having a long week end every week end. Still, I love, love, sleeping in. On the week ends, Chad is going to keep his sleep schedule as it would be if he was working, this way his body will not have a hard time adjusting each Monday. We will see if this works.

I know this is a very selfish vent, and I know I am going to be fine with out sleeping in. None the less, I needed a good vent about it.

Hurray!

After 2 1/2 weeks of looking, my husband found a job! Yeah! He went to Pilot Butte yesterday to drop off his resume, ten minutes later he had an interview, and ten minutes after that he was offered a job. Hurray!!! My parents now are wanting us to find a house in Pilot Butte, but the pickings are slim, so we'll see. Fortunately it is only a 10 minute drive from our house. Chad did not even have to go on ei. God Bless the job market right now.

Now I can have fun this week end and know Chad going to start work Monday. I think a ice cream run is validated for celebrating this occasion tonight. (we couldn't last night due to t-ball and me working). Mmmm, Ice cream!

Oh, little monkey

Just when you think you are safe to wash your hands in the bathroom, you come back only to discover your little monkey got into the Penaton Cream and started to eat it. I quickly stopped her and tried to check to see what the ingredients were and there were none on the container, so I tried to look it up on line. I got the list of ingredients, but not the amounts used, of course. Thinking quickly, I decided to call poison control. Thankfully, I found out it is not poisonous, however, it is a choking hazzard if too much is ingested because it can build up at the back of the throat and cause the infant to choke! Fortunately, she was stopped right away and did not eat enough to cause choking. The poison control specialist advised me to feed her dry food and give her lots to drink. She had no problem with this. Little monkey turn away food, I think not!

This is a story I will be sharing with her when she gets older!

Oh, little monkey!

Inspiration

Chad was not offered the job we had all been praying for him. However for the first time, I recall, he was not depressed about it. He instead became motivated to do something about it. He has an action plan and with God on his side, I know he will find something which with suite both God and Chad's needs. I am excited about this and can't wait to find out what God has planned for him. Just today, I was talking to someone in a similar trade as Chad and he encouraged Chad to apply to all of the businesses in his trade regardless of experience because they are so desperate for people right now. Being that I don't believe in coincidences, I know this was an eye opener from God telling us he still has plans for Chad and our family.

This is a total reminder of Psalm 37

5 Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:5-7

One of my biggest struggles is "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him" My patience is getting better. My husbands reaction to not getting the job greatly inspired me to put more trust in God. Chad has put his complete trust in God, and is greatly inspired by our two beautiful daughters to get motivation. I am so in love with my husband right now and am so thankful he has finally realized Jesus is walking along beside him.

Thanks be to God!

AMEN!

My new favourite picture

Waiting Game

Right now Chad and I are playing a waiting game to see if he got a new job. After an interview yesterday, he was told he would be notified either way today. I have been praying really hard and every time I pray I hear God saying, "Trust me". I do trust Him, unfortunately my patience is having a hard time understanding me trusting God....maybe I'll find a hard cleaning job to do to preoccupy my time. Yes, I think now is a good time to clean the closet in the foyer. Maybe I will find some wonderful treasures I have been hunting for.

A momment of peace

I have been enjoying a fun and busy week end. We had company over last night and are going out tomorrow afternoon. It is nice. My cleaning Thursday totally turned into cleaning week end, but the rewards to this are endless.
Things I am happy for from this week end:

* friendships formed from last night
*I can finally completely see my kitchen counter!
*The wonderful garage sale I found Saturday
*My daughters cute skirts I bought on sale for them on Friday(pictures to come)
*The box of toys Chad and I sorted through from the living room, more importantly the understanding my 4 year old had that the toys are going to someone who doesn't have toys.
*The total understanding that my family is completely in God's hands (this is what I am most thankful for)
*finding friends more on Facebook

What are you thankful for?

Super Cleaning Thursday

Today I am bound and determined to clean as much as I can. I decided I am only going to list the goals but not be specific as to how much I will get done.

Laundry

Dishes

Sorting hall closet (this is the harest job today)

Bathroom

Here's to Cleaning!!!

Teddy bear B*A*S*H at my house

Today at Mom 2 Mom, a poor bear (which is hilarious to mention he is bigger than all of the toddlers at Mom 2 Mom) had a poor accident where his "fluff exploded". I took the bear home with me and the kids so I could "operate" on the bear. It was rather funny looking in the back seat of my van beacause there were two toddlers and this giant bear, who is bigger than them, in the middle. All I saw was a giant bear in the rearview mirror. I laughed so hard when the kids were buckled in and the bear squeezed in beside them. I wish I had my camera!

Needless to say we will be taking the bear back to church this afternoon so he doesn't get home sick. Too funny!!

What my Daughter knows about me

Pooky bear brought this home for me for Mother's Day from pre-school, I have to share!

How old is your Mommy?
5

What does she do at work?
Cook

What is her favourite thing to do?
Make crafts with me

What is her favourite food?
She likes it when I cook

What is her favourite movie?
Dragon Tales

How many brothers and sisters does she have?
She only gots me and little monkey.

Where does she like to take you for fun?
To the playground

What message would you like to say to her on Mother's day?
I Love You!!!!!

She then signed her name at the bottom. My Pooky bear cracks me up!

In His Hands

Right now Chad and I could be faced with some change, but for the first time in forever, both Chad and I are looking forward to it. I don't want to get into too many details, but I am very excited to finally see my husband trusting God with everything he has. I have never seen CHad be at such peace before, normally it does not take much to stress him out. Now nothing could. It is amazing how God is able to do this. Faith is awesome! I can't wait to see what God has planned for us now!

weird

I just posted a comment on NorthVU's blog site and have never experienced so much grief when I tried to post a comment. My comment talked about choices and how God appreciates it when we correct a bad choice of where to "stand" (essentially that was the comment)

Anyway, I first tried sending it and it deleted everything I wrote (fortunately, I copied what I wrote into my clipboard) Then after I pasted it back, I went to post it and I had a weird virus allert from AVG, I checked into it and fixed the problem, then when I went to publish it I had a weird messege pop up which basically questioned whether or not I would really want to publish this post because it could comprimise my marriage and finances because of the 170 porn site it would put on my computers memory by posting this comment. I have never seen this message from windows before.

What really got me was the "by sending this message this could comprimise your marriage and finances by the 170 porn sites which will be added to your memory by posting the comment on this site." My marriage, how would the computer know about my marriage?

WEIRD! Weird...............weird.

spring maddness

I have really realized I tend to hibernate in the winter; but when the snow melts and when my allergies are at their peak, I become crazily busy. This week is busy with Pooky bear's t-ball games ( her first one is tonight! Yeah!), I have a meeting after that. Tomorrow is a fundraiser for my friends campaign, Thursday is Pooky bear's second dentist appointment to finish making her teeth stronger ( I think there is a t-ball game that evening, but I don't think she will be able to make it). Friday is a Birthday party in the afternoon. Saturday is membership at the church all afternoon. Also somewhere I have to fit in 2 extra meetings and several calls for my business.

Am I insane? I don't think so. I actually like being busy, I hate feeling bored.

All I see are clothes and chairs!

These past few days have been crazy busy trying to prepare for the clothing give away at my church. We started out setting up in the santuary, however that was a "no go". So, we had to put chairs and tables away and set up in our cozy foyer. I am having a blast hanging out with the other moms. The kids are having a blast being able to play in the west wing. Everything is doing well. I am so blessed with the amount of volunteers there are to help set up and volunteer to help on the day of. It is awesome. It is nice to teach pooky bear about giving. My family has done a lot of receiving over the years, and it feels good to be able to chare the blessing with others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOKY BEAR!

Here are some pics of Pooky bear when she was 1 1/2 to 2 months old. I can't believe it has been 4 years! We have a jammed pack week end full of Birthday festivities this week end. I think I will be sick of Birthday cake when I am done this week end. Totally worth it!

Goal Day

I am having a goal oriented day! (or at least attempting to!)

Goals are:

=> DISHES!!!

=> Laundry *including folding and putting away!!

=> sort clothes for clothing give away and sort kitchen "stuff" for garage sale

This does not sound like a lot, however, it is enough for me to take in a small chunk rather than feel too ambitious in the beginning only to realize at the end of the day I only half completed my list. This way it is attainable for me and I can add to it later. (The chances of me adding to my list later are fairly small given my lazy mood I am trying to over concur!)

Appology

I am sorry for not posting anything recently. Things have been rather chaotic in my house and I have been using my spare time to clean, sort or sleep. Not much is new to me and my family except we are getting ready for Pooky Bear's 4th Birthday. Wow, I can't believe it has been 4 years. I am so blessed to have her and her sister in my life. Children can really change who a person is, I am really thankful for this.

Question

If we are suposed to forgive and forget, like how God forgives us, is it Ok to always allow people to walk over us? Ex. If someone takes advantage of someone, asks for forgiveness, that someone is supposed to forgive and forget. How many times is this suposed to happen where we take what we have learnt to forgive, but not forget?

Further explanation:

It is my understanding that we are supposed to forgive and forget. The forgiveness part is easy, the forget part, much harder. We tend to remember and learn lessons from the event which caused the need for the appology.

My problem is, if we were to completely do this, in theory, abusive relationships could continue forever. Where by the abused would continue to forgive and forget the abuser and the cycle would never end. At what point are we allow to stop forgetting and just forgive?

In God's eyes, is this OK?

I welcome any comments on this.

Sorry

Sorry, I have not written lately. Things have been rather chaotic. None the less, I have a story to share.

After Pooky Bear had a shower, I held her up to the mirror so she could see herself.

She asked, "Mommy, where's Jesus?"

"Jesus is in our hearts"

"Is Jesus in everyone's hearts?"

"Jesus will go into anyone's heart if they ask Him to."

"I asked Jesus very nicely to come into my heart."

I had to share this story....too cute.

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Update

I am sorry for all the blogs recently which more talk about the direct events in my family rather than cute stories about my girls or "super cleaning days". I have appreciated the value of being able to vent "online".

Sunday, we found out Chad's dad is only functioning on 1/3 of his heart. This was crazy, but oddly, not devastating. Right now I have been uplifting him up to God and I have been also praying he would do the same. I know he is the janitor for a church, but I am not aware of his walk with God.

Monday, we found out my Grandpa on my dad's side is in the hospital. He just got a pace maker today, I think he is doing fine now. I know just before the pace maker, he was struggling a lot. From what I understand the procedure was easy and very necessary. My poor Grandma!

My baby girl has been sick since Monday. She is starting to look and act better. I helps she is actually able to hold 2 oz in her body. Gee, I know what that feels like. Her spirits are good, and the doctor we saw today could not believe how contented and happy she is. That has been her attitude for a long time now.

**********************

Taking all of this information has been a little overwhelming, but not too much to handle (if that makes sense?) I have been working on praying a lot lately. To take my mind off things, I took the kids for a walk yesterday and watched them enjoy puddles. Pooky bear had a blast splashing as much as she could. I am also trying to be focussed on my work and cleaning. Gee, at this rate I will have one sparkly clean house and tons of money in the bank for all the avoidance I have been wanting to do. I am going to go visit my Grandpa tomorrow. It is pretty much guaranteed I will be in cleaning mode after I come home. For some reason when things like this happen in my family, I tend to clean. The cleaning is a good thing, the reason I am cleaning, not so good. Oh well.

Had to share

Presenting my newest toddler(picture taken today), and my soccer player (picture taken at the soccer facility on Saturday). I needed to share.

Update on family: Chad got his pins out and I have to go for an ultrasound on my wrist, however, my stomach is not doing so bad. Yeah! Chad's dad though is in the hospital with a lung infection and blood clots in both legs. We saw him today briefly and he said he has been much better once they started him on the right drugs, so yeah for that. I officially became a complete pampered chef consultant, big yeah for that! Pooky bear is doing much better on her new drugs for her asthma and poor little monkey is teething 8 teeth at once! We could see and count eight of her teeth, including two molars. Poor girlie! She has been struggling to sleep and has been reliant on tylenol and icy bite soothers. Other than that things are doing really well.

YEAH!

Hope

A good friend of mine gave me a book recently called, "Treasures for women who hope" Written by Alice Gray. This book has been a very inspiring book to read. I can not seem to put it down. I am sure the chapters are meant for one chapter-a-day reading, however, I keep reading on.

Since at the end of each chapter there is part for you to analyze what you have read, I thought I would answer the questions on my blog, this way others could read and comment too. Warning the questions are loading and are not an easy answer. I am going to try my best to answer them with no masks on

Something beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity in their hearts,

except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

1) Describe you feelings about the idea that God allows and, yes, even plans difficulties for our lives. How does your understanding affect your ability to hope?
This is not an easy answer. My first gut instinct is to question "why". As I have learnt recently Job did the same thing to God. He was richly blessed in the end, however, through out the book of Job it talks about him questioning why God does the things He does. So, my first feeling is confusion. I do know that lessons are learnt through experiences. With out the experiences, we would learn nothing and would not know a lot in life.

This still causes confusion as I still want to find an easier way to learn, however, I also know that the easy way out is not necessarily the best way to learn. More mistakes can be made this way.

I am typically the first voice of hope in our house when things take a turn for the worse. I am just not good at dealing when it is me that is directly involved in our turmoil. It sounds weird but I can handle things happening to my husband and my children. I indistinctly go into a mode of dependence on God and focusing to my family that God will get us through it. However, if it is me that is sick. I can not seem to manage this. I understand it fully, but do not find peace in it.

I know I have problems with confrontations. I have been trying really hard to work on this fault of mine. I tend to hide from the problem rather then face it. I have been really trying to work on this in hopes that it will help my coping skills for when I am ill.





2)How do you usually respond when heartbreaks crash down on you or those you love?
It depends on who is involved. I seem to loose hope if it is me directly involved, however, if it is anyone else, I have no problems understanding where my hope comes from. I do know when I am seriously ill, I seek prayer and support from those I care about. This I guess helps find hope for me. (So much for a simple answer!) I guess I understand where I go to help find hope if it is lacking in me. I believe this is a good thing. I am also starting to read more scripture than before, which has also helped because I never really realized how much heartache is in the bible. Is it wrong to find comfort in reading about someone else's pain? It reminds me I am not alone.

Empathy is a powerful response to people's pain. I tend to seek empathy when I am sick, I also try to give empathy when others need it. I know I would not be here if it wasn't for God. Everything I have in life would not be here if it wasn't for Him. I am eternally grateful for that and I also know He will get me through anything. However, knowing this doesn't always help.

I am a bit of a control freak and like to be in control. This is why, I think, I have no problems providing empathy and support to those who need it. This is also why I have a hard time coping when something goes wrong with me. I can not control what is happening. It seems I have an easier time telling others to pray and provide support to them, rather than letting others provide prayer and support to me. For those who have known me a long time will know this has been a struggle of mine for a while.

I have to say,though, I have been making an effort to change that and let God take control of my life as well as others. I don't struggle with change, as it happens a lot in my life, so I am looking forward (finally) to the change God has planned in the near future. I see change happening and I am curious about his plans. So I guess I am finding hope again, and it is a good feeling.



These questions are taken from chapter 3 in "Treasures for women who hope"

I see the rainbow!

This afternoon I am feeling much better, I still have my wrist in a splint, but that is my only obsticale I am faced with today, YEAH!

And on the note of feeling better, I am going to clean as best as I know how.

Goal for this afternoon:

Make lunch - soup and toast with fruit for dessert

Laundry - at this point anything more than one load a day would be an ackomplishment

Dishes- (this one will hurt, but it is really needed right now)

Reading and enjoy a cup of tea - didn't expect this one did you, I am realizing I will need a break before I wear out.

Bathroom - I can't wait to try this one as I just bought the Mr clean bathroom cleaning kit

Call some people re: Pampered Chef

Then get ready to enjoy my Friday night.

Little sneak

Since Chad and I have been sick, it seems my girls are testing their boundaries to see if they have changed. The boundaries have definitely changed for minor things, but the major ones like meal times have not. Pooky bear today has been really wanting ice cream, but we said she could have it after lunch. To which she replied early this morning, "can I have lunch now?" What a girlie.

My stomach is acting up huge today, but she still makes me laugh so much!

Owe!

Saw this and thought I'd share

This was taken at Pooky bear's soccer game in January. My little monkey definately has Rider Pride! (as an FYI- Pooky bear's team are called Timbit Riders)

Rainbow

I am finally starting to see a break in the clouds where one day soon a rainbow is sure to appear! I am still nauseous, but I am able to hold food down. The Dr thinks it is the Rhoda Virus which takes a week to ten days to get out of your system. I just caught little monkey's cold, but it is actually better compared to the virus I am still working on. It sounds bad because I have 2 viruses in my system right now, but I know a cold does not last that long and I am on day 8 of the Rhoda virus (which means only around 2 more days to go). At this point I am just praying it does go away because otherwise I have to go for more testing. But at least I will know what is going on.

Chad's and my wrist are still sore. I had x-ray on my wrist and I see the doctor next week to determine what to do, because it is still in a lot of pain, my Dr thinks it may be a ligiment problem which will mean a specialist. I am actually relieved to know this because I am on the road to recovery then, yeah for me! Chad gets his pins out second week in March, he can't wait to get a normal cast.

Little monkey is almost over her cold and Pooky bear is doing well too. They are awesome little girls! They have been able to make me smile so much these last few days, it is what I needed.

In other news, I am pleased to announce my friends Scott and Candace had their baby yesterday! Her name is Claire Andrea, she was born 8lbs 14oz and 21" long. Mom and baby are doing well. Scott commented to Chad that he was really tired and was looking forward for the 3 weeks off so he can sleep. Chad quickly informed Scott his sleeping will be on Claire's schedule, not his. I can't wait to be feeling better so I can see the little doll!