Learning through illness

I have had a great deal of learning in the last two weeks. With all the busy going on and all the desire to get things done, I fell sick two weeks ago today. You'd think that by now I would be well, but I'm not. The symptoms have only been added upon, making it difficult to do much more than to rest and do the minimum required, and I don't mean a load of laundry and dishes. I mean getting a child dressed and then doing their hair after a 15 min. break. 

 It all started with a cough and congestion, two days flat in bed. Feeling like I was on the mend by one week's time, I figured it ran it's course. Amy and Steve had it as well and I had taken Amy in for an ear infection she ended up having in both ears. She woke up today announcing she felt good.

 I see this as a positive thing. Steve had two days where he was weak, so he went to bed early. He never takes time off, so that wasn't so unusual. He has to cough and spit a lot. It's become the norm around here for all of us. The chorus grows in voices each day. It's nice to have someone that has overcome it and left it behind (Amy). I felt good enough on Mon. to think I could go on my regular walk.

 It left me drained, so I took it easy the rest of the day. Tues. I started vomiting and diarrhea together with a migraine (which thankfully my neighbor gave me medicine for that kicked it). As of three days ago, I was down 7 lbs. The symptoms let up a little here and there, making me think it would go away, only to realize I was wrong. It's disappointing and often difficult to get through a day. I decided one day that I was weak due to undernourishment, although I've been able to keep down plenty of water. Standing for 3-5 min. is the max for me, so I started trying to eat more and regularly after a blessing Steve gave me told me I'd know what to eat. Turns out, I do. Problem is, my stomach hurts for at least an hour afterwords and it's everything I can do to make it stay down. 

The reason I'm telling you all of this is that I'm learning to enjoy the little things. I'm learning that when I look into my children's faces when they speak, and enjoy what they have to say, I find true joy. Complete, true, joy is something that isn't experienced all too often in this life. I don't believe we will really know it until we reach the other side, having completed our work here on this earth. But it is found in the quiet moments that are not rushed. Although this has been a challenge, I'm grateful to be reminded that it is the smaller things that bring us true happiness.

 I'm so caught up in the big things so much of the time, that I tend to forget to take time out and just enjoy each and every treasure the Lord has set before me each and every day. 

Hydrangea picking (left to right: Amy, Alyssa, Jalihya)

What a gift.

Dance in the Rain

I never posted about my trip to Portland with my long time friend and former V.T. Companion Marilee Stewart. 

We have been friends for 8 years now and really enjoy each others company. Clear back in May or June of last year (2012), she asked me if I would come with her to Time Out For Women. 

Those of you who know me well, know it is a hard thing for me to leave my family for very long, much less for an over-nighter. This time away, however, proved to be of great value for me and the things I learned from it.

Friday night was spent listening to motivational talks and music from President Oak's daughter, Jenny Baker. She is a superb concert violinist and played so beautifully. The following day was enjoyed with a talk from Sheri Dew, as well as a few other amazing speakers, with music by Hilary Weeks.
The talks were full of so much inspiration, but what touched me the most, was a song Hilary Weeks sang. It was the thing I needed to be reminded of the most. It actually caught me by surprise, the way it made me feel. The tears just came...

It reminded me that we need to just enjoy life. Not to let things get to us so much that we forget to recognize the joy.

Isn't this why they have "Time out for Women"? 

Monday Mornings

Often I'm so wiped out on Sunday evening after waking up at 5:30 or 6 in the morning after a Sat. of working hard in the yard, preparing for church and Sunday dinner by making homemade roll dough, preparing a lesson, getting children ready and peeling potatoes for the pot, going to church and fulfilling those responsibilities then making dinner and serving it, that I go to bed with the kitchen looking like this:

So what do I wake up to? That's right, the kitchen looking just like I left it. There are no magic fairies for me that come and miraculously take it upon themselves to clean up the messes left from the week before. It simply looks just like I left it when I fell into bed.
(The above picture is the morning of July 8th, after coming back from our 4th of July camping and getaway week.)
The wonderful thing is though, when the family wakes up, their magic fairy proves to have made her way having taken two hours to get the kitchen looking like this:

(Now that's more like it. *sigh*)

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!!

Notable Firsts!

In the last year, Justin has reached a few milestones! These are so exciting to us, I thought we'd share. His brothers taught him how to blow bubbles with bubble gum. Here is the bubble he blew today:

 Last week he lost his first tooth. Wow, what a cutie! He enjoyed the money from the tooth fairy. :)

 And just a couple months ago, Jeremy taught him how to ride his bike without training wheels...yes he's wearing his pajama bottoms. (I'll give you a reward if you can get him to get dressed every day-I'm mean, other than PJs!)

                      And now, he is learning to tie is shoe. Is there anything stopping this boy?!

I hope not ;)

A Chef in the Family!

In April, Michael had the opportunity to be in a "Young Chef's Competition". This is where the children are able to show off their creative skills in foods to be used in the school cafeteria (or so I was told...).

Just before the competition started

He decided to do a "Specialty Sandwich" that our family created a few years ago. It was a version that he loves the most including a special black bread that's toasted, tomato, black pepper cheese, onion, mayo/mustard, and avocado.

Here he is, serving it up!

Sandwich samples

There was a prize offered to the best decorated table, so we decorated the table to go along with the theme of the food he was serving.

Michael named it "Chef's delight" since that is
exactly how he feels about it!

So as you can see, we ran with the Chef as our theme.

Breath mint anyone?

here is an overview of the whole table (half).

All competitors, just before serving their dishes.

There were quite a few children entered into the competition. 

Michael was the only one from his school to enter the challenge.

After group pictures, the children served their tables 

beautiful display!

                                          And the judges came around to sample their foods:

                                                      Then the winners were announced:

The boy that shared Michael's table was the winner, who was also an only from his school his name?
 His name was John, who made a veggie apple wrap. So delicious!

The grand prize was an ipod touch.

                                                          Everyone received an award, and consolation prize.

During the competition I learned that not all the judges try all the dishes. Had I known this, I would never have allowed Michael to enter. A true, fair competition, gives everyone the real opportunity to be recognized.

So I'm glad I didn't know, because then we would never have had the experience, which was a good one. Though Michael was disappointed he didn't place, he did a wonderful job and expressed his happiness for John winning. He walked away a good sport. Great job to Michael, it was definitely worthwhile!

What They Say Wednesday

Alyssa: eating what Michael considered meat that was too raw ( medium rare)
Michael: "Alyssa you're gonna die."

Alyssa: speachlessly looking at Michael, while continuing to chew the delicious meat.
Michael: "You need to make a bucket list!"

Alyssa: Eyeing Michael-expressionless.
Michael: putting one arm around Alyssa's shoulders, "We'll make ours together.

I need one too."

 After this senario occured, I realized that I had not made a bucket list either. Ever. In all my 41 years. I've decided it is now time to make one. Cause it's not that I"ve never thought of one, so much as I just have never written it down. SooOooo, here goes:

1. Go hangliding
2. Try a waitressing job
3. Own a salon, or manage one (of choice)
4. Learn to play the guitar
5. Take a ride in a hot air balloon
6. Go on a trip to the orient
7. Go on an Alaskan cruise
8. Work at a fast food joint for at least two weeks
9. Go back for a nursing degree...or some degree
10. Sing a solo in church
11. Learn a 3rd language (german?!)

12. be in a play or musical
13. be on the radio with a D.J.
14. Be hired for decorating jobs

..........................

Pretty big list....
                                                   ...................SOME DAY!

In the Lord's Hands

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