Whew... after a long day with the Girl Scouts, I am thankful for my bed! Sleeping on the couch - that stuff is for the birds! I am too old for that!
We had a ton of fun, and I enjoy having them over, but I'll take my bed over the couch any day... headed there now!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Trick or Treat!
We had a super busy Sunday!
Riley and I went to church, pastor had a great service about the Crown of Thorns. There was also a great message in the bulletin that I will share in a few, about embracing Halloween as an opportunity to witness to others. I mean, they are knocking on your door!
Anyways, after church we meet Samantha, Caroline and Marie for lunch. Kiddos played for a while and we visited. We had a busy night ahead of us, so the kiddos and I headed home and tried to take a quick nap.
Roger had gone with his dad to do some work on his boat slip. When he got home we were close to being ready to go, so we loaded up and headed to Pepaws- he wanted to see the kiddos in their *get-up*.
A friend had invited us to the party at their house, about 30 minutes away, we stayed there for a bit, then headed back to familiar turf for some TorT'in!
We got home about 9pm - sorted the candy (because the chocolate can't stay with the Laffy Taffy - it will be strawberry flavored & that's yuchy!). I weighed the candy - 14lbs total! That's a lot of candy - now off to find something to do with it all besides eat it!
And, yes I took my camera - it stayed safely in my bag all night long!!
Riley and I went to church, pastor had a great service about the Crown of Thorns. There was also a great message in the bulletin that I will share in a few, about embracing Halloween as an opportunity to witness to others. I mean, they are knocking on your door!
Anyways, after church we meet Samantha, Caroline and Marie for lunch. Kiddos played for a while and we visited. We had a busy night ahead of us, so the kiddos and I headed home and tried to take a quick nap.
Roger had gone with his dad to do some work on his boat slip. When he got home we were close to being ready to go, so we loaded up and headed to Pepaws- he wanted to see the kiddos in their *get-up*.
A friend had invited us to the party at their house, about 30 minutes away, we stayed there for a bit, then headed back to familiar turf for some TorT'in!
We got home about 9pm - sorted the candy (because the chocolate can't stay with the Laffy Taffy - it will be strawberry flavored & that's yuchy!). I weighed the candy - 14lbs total! That's a lot of candy - now off to find something to do with it all besides eat it!
And, yes I took my camera - it stayed safely in my bag all night long!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Fall Fest Afternoon
Fall Fest at church turned out to be AWESOME!! The lady who planned it worked SO hard and the turnout was great!
We did carnival games from 2-4. Games included Ring Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Face Painting, Fishing Game, Balloon Pop, Cup Cake Walk (where you got to decorate your cupcake when you won!), and a place set up to take a fall picture, oh, and a bouncy house! To wrap up the carnival games there was a costume contest. Riley won in the boys (7-12) and Rog and Billy won in the adults!
From 4-5 they had hayrides going and then from 5-6 we roasted weenies and marshmallows for s'mores!
We had such a great time! Here are a few random shots from the day...
From 4-5 they had hayrides going and then from 5-6 we roasted weenies and marshmallows for s'mores!
We had such a great time! Here are a few random shots from the day...
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 7
Today, I am thankful for life's little helpers. You know, the modern day servants of those of us striving to be the Proverbs 31 woman. Those things that you don't think about until you don't have them... I am speaking of things like washer, dryer, dishwasher, vacuum, and lastly, my bread maker... with my Lupus, and my pain, I cannot knead bread like most can. I rely on the manual setting on my bread machine to do that for me...
Well, this afternoon, I throw all the makings for cinnamon rolls in the machine and hit go and set off doing other things around the house. I ended up at my kitchen sink and there was this horrible fire smell... I look over and smoke is pouring out of my machine... I unplugged it and just tossed it to the curb. I have had it for about 8 years (and use it quite a bit) and it was used when I got it at a yard sale. I use it enough when I am not around, over night, toss stuff in and go do errands or other things, that I just didn't want to take the chance of it catching fire....
Well, this afternoon, I throw all the makings for cinnamon rolls in the machine and hit go and set off doing other things around the house. I ended up at my kitchen sink and there was this horrible fire smell... I look over and smoke is pouring out of my machine... I unplugged it and just tossed it to the curb. I have had it for about 8 years (and use it quite a bit) and it was used when I got it at a yard sale. I use it enough when I am not around, over night, toss stuff in and go do errands or other things, that I just didn't want to take the chance of it catching fire....
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 20 - Nicknames
This is fairly easy... MOMMA!! LOL...
I have never really had any nicknames...the only person who calls me something besides Mom, Christa, Aunt Christa is Roger. For a long time, he called me *longhair*... then I got it cut. I guess it has gotten long enough again, because he has started calling me that again.
I have never really had any nicknames...the only person who calls me something besides Mom, Christa, Aunt Christa is Roger. For a long time, he called me *longhair*... then I got it cut. I guess it has gotten long enough again, because he has started calling me that again.
Friday, October 29, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 19 - Something you miss
Something I miss?
I miss being able to run and play with my kiddos, I miss being able to wake up without pain, I miss being able to work, I miss my Gramma B (passed 2001), I miss my Granpa B (passed 2009), I miss Rog's Papa (passed 2009), I miss my Meme- who is no longer with us mentally due to Dementia & I miss my Great Uncle (passed 10.10).....
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 6
Today, I am thankful for my Girl Scout troop. I have a small group of girls that are super close and have a great time together. There is nothing like having 6 or 7 giggly girls together for a couple of hours. I love each and every one of those girls as if they were my own.
In addition to the girls, I am thankful for their moms! I have been so blessed by the friendships I have formed with the families of the girls. Even if my troop cease to exist, I have friends that will never leave!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Kid's Blog??
I am trying to set the kiddos up a blog. I started by just adding a blog to my account, then I realized that their *About Me's* were not about them, but about me. I tried starting a new account at google for them and even though I am putting my date of birth, it is still telling me something about not being old enough. Do I have their name & birthday elsewhere and it is catching? Why can't I set them up an account??
I really, really, really don't want to start them a blog on another hosting platform... I don't want to relearn a new platform... I guess I will see about getting Windows LiveWriter on their computer's and just let them blog personally until they meet the age requirements? Any suggestions?
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18 - Something you regret
Hmmm.... At this time, I cannot think of anything that I regret... I believe everything happens for a reason, so even if something didn't go the way I thought it should.... it happened like it did for a reason...
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 5
After our mid-week Bible Study last night, I have to say that I am thankful for my church, our pastor, and my church family. Sometimes I feel that there is a cliqueyness (is that a word) but I do know that if anyone in our church OR community is ever in need, everyone is there.
If you do not have a church family, I encourage you to find a church that feels like family...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 4
Today I am thankful for my kiddos! The Lord place them in my life at just the right time! We had been wanting & trying for 4 years and then I got sick... after the year battle with my illness and finally figuring out what is going on and getting on meds... I got pregnant. With my Lupus, getting pregnant is at the top of the list of things not to do... but it happened and there was no turning back.
The Lord blessed me with TWO babies in that one pregnancy... knowing He wouldn't let it happen again? maybe?
My kiddos are 10 and they are the light of my life... everything in my life revolves around them (or hubby). They are both unique individuals and I feel I have a great relationship with each of them and I pray that it stays that way or gets better! I spend all day every day with them (except when Gramma gives me & them a break on the weekend) and there is no way I would rather spend my time! Things aren't always peachy here, but it's life and we are living it together!
To read my TWIN story - visit here!
30 Day Blog Challenge Day 17 - Something you're looking forward to
I guess the main thing I am looking forward to right now is getting caught up on bills! We took a deal to pay off a credit card- quickly- and we did it but it hurt for a while. Now I am ready to get back up on our feet and back to barely making those ends meet!!
I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for my family over the next few years. It won't be long until I am homeschooling middle school! ACK! Even if our path takes a different direction and we are no longer homeschooling - It won't be long before I am a mom of TEENS.... both boy hormones and girl hormones!! (sounds bad but I am looking forward to teen years).
I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for my family over the next few years. It won't be long until I am homeschooling middle school! ACK! Even if our path takes a different direction and we are no longer homeschooling - It won't be long before I am a mom of TEENS.... both boy hormones and girl hormones!! (sounds bad but I am looking forward to teen years).
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 3
Today I am thankful for my hubby... we started dating in 1992 and after a bit of back and forth we were engaged and married in 1996. I am thankful that the Lord placed us together forever, that we had our main struggles before we were married. I am thankful that he has always supported me in whatever I want to do - from running a child care center to being a stay home mom and homeschooling the kiddos. He has been a huge supporter in my battle with Lupus & friends (all of the other things that I am dealing with). He goes with me to appointments when I need/want him to. He helps me out with things I cannot do when I am down. He is never mad, angry or frustrated with me- if he is, he hides it well!
He is all I have ever needed... who needs shining armor - my hero wears bunker gear!
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 16- Dream House
Dream house... not anything that has been something I think about very often... I guess because I know it is just that...a dream!
However, if we ever built a house, there are a few things that would be discussed. The main thing would be that the door and hallway areas would be wide enough for a wheelchair. A few other things that I would like in my dream house - a large laundry room, HUGE closets in every room a full bath per bedroom-plus a guest bath a large kitchen with lots of storage space and lots of counter space. Also, can't forget a nice big office/schoolroom!!
However, if we ever built a house, there are a few things that would be discussed. The main thing would be that the door and hallway areas would be wide enough for a wheelchair. A few other things that I would like in my dream house - a large laundry room, HUGE closets in every room a full bath per bedroom-plus a guest bath a large kitchen with lots of storage space and lots of counter space. Also, can't forget a nice big office/schoolroom!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Menu Plan - October 25-29
Well, this doesn't show me anything except that I need to hit up the grocery store...
Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday - Spaghetti & Peas
Wednesday- Chili for adults - kiddos eat at church
Thursday - Chili dogs
Friday - unsure - Rog at the station, Girl Scouts will be here
Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday - Spaghetti & Peas
Wednesday- Chili for adults - kiddos eat at church
Thursday - Chili dogs
Friday - unsure - Rog at the station, Girl Scouts will be here
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 2
As a round of storms are threatening Arkansas, and the pressure is up- causing me to be in serious pain - I am reminded of my health. There are days that are great - then there are days that I can hardly move from the bed... yet, I want to say, I am thankful for my health. Sound silly? It's not. I know that even on my worse day, in the worse pain I am in there is someone out there who's health is worse than mine. Who's health is declining faster than mine. Who will not ever had a good day again.
After seeing Dementia completely take my Meme away from us (mentally), I am thankful for my mental health. Dementia got a hold of her and when it started progressing, it moved fast. She doesn't know who we are anymore. It's hard for me to see her like that, but we do go visit with her and sometimes there is a glimmer of her old self there. I am now to the point with her that I just hang on to the memories....
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 15 - Bible Verse
For the most part, in general, my favorite one is Joshua 24:15 - As for me and my house we will serve the lord.
I have two that I came across this year for my Girl Scouts to think about - that I really liked (hang on for those...I have them written in my calendar).
And just yesterday, my pastor closed our service with Numbers 6:22-24 - The Lord bless you and keep you.... I liked it OK, but throughout Sunday, that verse surfaced a couple more times in odd times and places... so I guess I will really think about it this next week or so...
I have two that I came across this year for my Girl Scouts to think about - that I really liked (hang on for those...I have them written in my calendar).
And just yesterday, my pastor closed our service with Numbers 6:22-24 - The Lord bless you and keep you.... I liked it OK, but throughout Sunday, that verse surfaced a couple more times in odd times and places... so I guess I will really think about it this next week or so...
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Pumpkin Carving and a storm...
This morning was church. Rog and I went, met the kiddos there. They wanted to go back home with Gramma to help her do some cleaning (weird huh? I bet they did more playing). Rog worked on getting the boat winterized and cleaned up and ready to go in the shed.
I worked on some things inside, mainly preparing for the ladies auxiliary meeting. The meeting turned out to be pretty successful and I am please with the progress we made today. In fact, it ran over what we had planned.
When I got home, Rog had gotten the boat put away and was waiting on me so we could head to Chelle's for our 14th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. One the way there - half mile down the road- the tornado sirens started going off. The storms all managed to stay south of us, so that was a relief, but I think the weather scared off some folks... nonetheless we had a great time with the few that showed up!
Samantha's finished product
Riley's finished product
Em's finished product
All three were done free hand. Em did look at a picture to draw it, but it was not traced.
Once the storms moved on, the weather was nice. Tons of fun, long day, busy week...
I worked on some things inside, mainly preparing for the ladies auxiliary meeting. The meeting turned out to be pretty successful and I am please with the progress we made today. In fact, it ran over what we had planned.
When I got home, Rog had gotten the boat put away and was waiting on me so we could head to Chelle's for our 14th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. One the way there - half mile down the road- the tornado sirens started going off. The storms all managed to stay south of us, so that was a relief, but I think the weather scared off some folks... nonetheless we had a great time with the few that showed up!
All three were done free hand. Em did look at a picture to draw it, but it was not traced.
Once the storms moved on, the weather was nice. Tons of fun, long day, busy week...
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 1
A friend of mine (Kathryn) started this on her facebook, and I see she has it on her blog as well .... I thought I would copy the idea on here... The origin of this meme is here - Branch of Wisdom
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 1
After spending the evening with a few friends for our Annual Pumpkin Carving Party, I have to say I am thankful for the friendships I have. I have friends that I know are there... no matter what. Even if we don't see each other on a regular basis, or even talk to each other regularly... I know that we will always be friends.... I am thankful for those relationships that are able to be maintained without constant attention...
I have two very special Amy friends... I have been friends with them since elm school. They both live out of state and I am blessed if I get to see them at least once a year... we hardly ever talk, but they are two of my true friends... I know I could call them right now and we would pick up like we never missed a day... If your reading this - love you both!!
I have other friends that I am the same way with... A blessing to have those relationships.
A month of Thanksgiving - Day 1
After spending the evening with a few friends for our Annual Pumpkin Carving Party, I have to say I am thankful for the friendships I have. I have friends that I know are there... no matter what. Even if we don't see each other on a regular basis, or even talk to each other regularly... I know that we will always be friends.... I am thankful for those relationships that are able to be maintained without constant attention...
I have two very special Amy friends... I have been friends with them since elm school. They both live out of state and I am blessed if I get to see them at least once a year... we hardly ever talk, but they are two of my true friends... I know I could call them right now and we would pick up like we never missed a day... If your reading this - love you both!!
I have other friends that I am the same way with... A blessing to have those relationships.
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 14 - A picture you love
And these two are pictures I love! To me, there is nothing like action shots when feet are off the ground! This is one of my Girl Scouts - the pics were taken at the same time - from two different views and two different cameras..
Saturday, October 23, 2010
A trip back in time
Rog was at the station this morning and the kiddos went with G'ma Sherrie to take G'ma Jean halfway back home... they are meeting in Jackson, TN.
Chelle came over to enjoy the HOGS victory with me.. simple lunch and just the two of us hanging out and chatting... nice for a change.
After the game, we met my dad out at my grandpa's old house. They are starting to tear it down and I wanted some pics of it.. There was a lot of stuff on the front porch and I couldn't get a good pic of the house (not to mention that I FORGOT my camera), but I got some good shots.. here are a few of my faves... I will share more when I get back out there with my camera.
Chelle came over to enjoy the HOGS victory with me.. simple lunch and just the two of us hanging out and chatting... nice for a change.
After the game, we met my dad out at my grandpa's old house. They are starting to tear it down and I wanted some pics of it.. There was a lot of stuff on the front porch and I couldn't get a good pic of the house (not to mention that I FORGOT my camera), but I got some good shots.. here are a few of my faves... I will share more when I get back out there with my camera.
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 13 - Goals
Goals... are we talking daily? weekly? monthly? or even long term? I don't have any written down any where, but I do have a few things in my head that I know I would like to accomplish...
This next week: Finish getting things unpacked and laundry done. General clean-up/clutter control at my house! I also would like to catch up on my blog! I'm not too far behind, so that should be an easy fix! I have plenty of things on my daily to-do list as well...
This next month: The house is in true need of a DEEP CLEAN!! I also hope to get caught up on some things for the fire department that I have been working on.
This next year: I want to read through the Bible.. all the way... preferably with the kiddos! I am hoping to also get caught up & maybe even ahead on our bills? I would also like to get my health under control, which means not only losing a few pounds, but getting my Lupus in some sort of remission.
Other long term goals - homeschool my children all the way through? At the least make sure they have the best education possible!
This next week: Finish getting things unpacked and laundry done. General clean-up/clutter control at my house! I also would like to catch up on my blog! I'm not too far behind, so that should be an easy fix! I have plenty of things on my daily to-do list as well...
This next month: The house is in true need of a DEEP CLEAN!! I also hope to get caught up on some things for the fire department that I have been working on.
This next year: I want to read through the Bible.. all the way... preferably with the kiddos! I am hoping to also get caught up & maybe even ahead on our bills? I would also like to get my health under control, which means not only losing a few pounds, but getting my Lupus in some sort of remission.
Other long term goals - homeschool my children all the way through? At the least make sure they have the best education possible!
Friday, October 22, 2010
The week in Branson...
For some reason I didn't take too many pics while we were in Branson this time... I did get a few of the morning sunrise -
This was the first morning we were there - looking out over the balcony to the south.. it never rained, but we were in the clouds several times...
This was the same morning, when we got down the stairs and headed towards the car... I wasn't sure what it looked like when I was taking it, but I thought it turned out pretty awesome!
We arrived Sunday evening in time for dinner and hung out for a while before bed.
Monday we went into town and shopped for a few... Samantha got new shoes - I will get a picture of those and post them soon - pretty wild!! We went to the library thrift shop and all scored some great deals! The rest of Monday was spent for the kiddos- taking a walk, feeding the ducks and turtles and swimming!
Tuesday we got up and went to Dogwood Canyon.
Wednesday we went and played put-put and had some Cold Stone Creamery! For dinner, we had some family friends over that live in Springfield - we try to get with them when we go to Branson.
Thursday... well, that was a post in itself...
Friday... our day to travel home - there were pics at the Buffalo River again and that ends up being a post in itself as well..
We arrived Sunday evening in time for dinner and hung out for a while before bed.
Monday we went into town and shopped for a few... Samantha got new shoes - I will get a picture of those and post them soon - pretty wild!! We went to the library thrift shop and all scored some great deals! The rest of Monday was spent for the kiddos- taking a walk, feeding the ducks and turtles and swimming!
Tuesday we got up and went to Dogwood Canyon.
Wednesday we went and played put-put and had some Cold Stone Creamery! For dinner, we had some family friends over that live in Springfield - we try to get with them when we go to Branson.
Thursday... well, that was a post in itself...
Friday... our day to travel home - there were pics at the Buffalo River again and that ends up being a post in itself as well..
Headed home...so ready to be there
I was glad to get home today...
We left out soon after breakfast and stopped at the Buffalo River on the way home. I wish we would have had a picnic lunch... the weather was perfect. We hung out there for a while... the water was cold, but that didn't stop them from playing in it...
We left out soon after breakfast and stopped at the Buffalo River on the way home. I wish we would have had a picnic lunch... the weather was perfect. We hung out there for a while... the water was cold, but that didn't stop them from playing in it...
After our splashing in the river, we stopped and had lunch then hit the Pumpkin patch!
Samantha's new shoes.. she is so proud!
We were not the only ones glad for us to be home - Chunky wanted the kiddos to spend the night, Billy came over and hung out for a while - then he and Rog went to chop some wood (yay! now we just wait for fireplace weather!). Chelle also came over, brought pizza, which caused the guys to come home. We hung out and played guitar hero and chatted the rest of the evening...
Time for me to get into my OWN bed... nite all!
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 12 - What You Believe
I believe...
I believe I like the part in the song by Brooks & Dunn I Believe where he says *You can't tell me it all ends in a slow ride in a hearse*.
I believe that one day the eastern skies will part & I will be raised in the air to spend eternity in heaven.
I believe in Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, & being Sold Out!!
I that it is a relationship, not a religion.
And I also believe that if you do not have a personal relationship with the Lord... you need to!
I believe I like the part in the song by Brooks & Dunn I Believe where he says *You can't tell me it all ends in a slow ride in a hearse*.
I believe that one day the eastern skies will part & I will be raised in the air to spend eternity in heaven.
I believe in Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, & being Sold Out!!
I that it is a relationship, not a religion.
And I also believe that if you do not have a personal relationship with the Lord... you need to!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Saving lives appears to be what it's all about today...
Today was the day we split up - guys usually go play golf and the girls go shopping... the guys opted out of golfing, but we continued out with our plans...
While most people head to Branson for the outlet malls, and yes, we do our fair share of shopping there, we usually hit up the thrift stores. There are eight that we know of that we try to hit on a regular basis. When shopping for kiddos- I hate spending too much money for something they will grow out of. Shopping for myself lately has been the same - with my meds, my weight fluxes so I even hate spending a lot of money for clothes for me. I usually have better luck for the kiddos than I do for myself..
The big score of the day as far as shopping- I found 5 pair of IN GOOD CONDITION pants for the kiddos - $4 for all 5 pair! Winner!! Another great find was a dress of some sorts for Samantha - she is going to be an Egyptian Princess for Halloween AND we will be able to use the dress again in Feb when we do Thinking Day with the Girl Scouts - we chose Egypt for this year!! $5 for the dress - it needs a bit more, but it is a start!
Well, while going through the area that we found the dress in, we heard a loud thunk, followed by, I think she just fell.. Sherrie and I both took off towards the front and sure enough, some lady had passed out- flat into the floor at the front door. Sherrie immediately went to her side and started all the first responder/medical stuff while I argued with the volunteer lady to call 911. She was looking for the lady that worked there so she could do it... she wouldn't give me the phone so I could. Thankfully the lady appeared and called 911 and had the ambulance on the way. After digging the CPR shield out of Sherrie's purse, I grabbed the fallen lady's purse and went to the counter with it. About the time I found an ID card showing her name Jane Doe- I heard Sherrie asking - Jane, is that your name..s the lady had come to enough to say her name. That was all she knew, but she knew that. When Sherrie said it aloud, I repeated it and some lady standing close by says - that's not Jane Doe- I know Jane Doe. My response to her was -Ma'am - this is the purse from the lady that fell and she said her name the same time I found it in her wallet. She says - I am with Jane... what do I need to do. At this time, I realized my van was parked right at the front door, so I went out to move it so the ambulance could get in. I stood in the parking place, made a couple people mad, and waited to flag down the ambulance. After some convincing, they did talk Jane into going to the hospital - she was from somewhere in TX over 10 hours away and didn't want to. After the ambulance drove off, we paid for the dress and left.. not realizing until we were across town that we never finished looking through the store...
Turns out the guys went shopping as well and were not too far from us, so we met them at the Uptown Diner for some lunch. There was a guy singing, he flirted with Samantha a little, and had a great voice. Doug ended up buying a couple of CD's from the guy and the kiddos got to meet him and talk with him-
After that round of excitement, we headed back to the cabin (not with out stopping at the scrapbook store first). Kiddos went on a walk again, fed the ducks and turtles. They came back wanting to go swimming, so we all got ready to head down to the pool... upon entering the clubhouse, we were followed in by yet another ambulance. Someone was ill in the parking lot. Not sure what the deal was there, but two ambulances in one day... plenty for me!
If that all wasn't enough... the kiddos were in the pool playing (along with about 15 other people- mostly kids) and we were all sitting at the table helping Gramma Jean with the crossword puzzle. Hearing coughing coming from the pool, Sherrie freaks out, jumps up and runs over to the side of the pool. Riley has another child, practically around the neck, pulling him to the steps. The other child was choking/coughing and trying to stay above water. It was just deep enough that Ry was trying to stay above water also. He got him to the edge and one of the child's grandparents reached down and pulled him out. Sherrie helped Ry out and asked what happened. Ry said he was underwater and he could see the other child going under and not being able to touch, trying to stay above water, so he swam over there and helped get him out of the water. He was super calm about it! We were all SO proud.
I think that is definitely enough excitement for one day...
While most people head to Branson for the outlet malls, and yes, we do our fair share of shopping there, we usually hit up the thrift stores. There are eight that we know of that we try to hit on a regular basis. When shopping for kiddos- I hate spending too much money for something they will grow out of. Shopping for myself lately has been the same - with my meds, my weight fluxes so I even hate spending a lot of money for clothes for me. I usually have better luck for the kiddos than I do for myself..
The big score of the day as far as shopping- I found 5 pair of IN GOOD CONDITION pants for the kiddos - $4 for all 5 pair! Winner!! Another great find was a dress of some sorts for Samantha - she is going to be an Egyptian Princess for Halloween AND we will be able to use the dress again in Feb when we do Thinking Day with the Girl Scouts - we chose Egypt for this year!! $5 for the dress - it needs a bit more, but it is a start!
Well, while going through the area that we found the dress in, we heard a loud thunk, followed by, I think she just fell.. Sherrie and I both took off towards the front and sure enough, some lady had passed out- flat into the floor at the front door. Sherrie immediately went to her side and started all the first responder/medical stuff while I argued with the volunteer lady to call 911. She was looking for the lady that worked there so she could do it... she wouldn't give me the phone so I could. Thankfully the lady appeared and called 911 and had the ambulance on the way. After digging the CPR shield out of Sherrie's purse, I grabbed the fallen lady's purse and went to the counter with it. About the time I found an ID card showing her name Jane Doe- I heard Sherrie asking - Jane, is that your name..s the lady had come to enough to say her name. That was all she knew, but she knew that. When Sherrie said it aloud, I repeated it and some lady standing close by says - that's not Jane Doe- I know Jane Doe. My response to her was -Ma'am - this is the purse from the lady that fell and she said her name the same time I found it in her wallet. She says - I am with Jane... what do I need to do. At this time, I realized my van was parked right at the front door, so I went out to move it so the ambulance could get in. I stood in the parking place, made a couple people mad, and waited to flag down the ambulance. After some convincing, they did talk Jane into going to the hospital - she was from somewhere in TX over 10 hours away and didn't want to. After the ambulance drove off, we paid for the dress and left.. not realizing until we were across town that we never finished looking through the store...
Turns out the guys went shopping as well and were not too far from us, so we met them at the Uptown Diner for some lunch. There was a guy singing, he flirted with Samantha a little, and had a great voice. Doug ended up buying a couple of CD's from the guy and the kiddos got to meet him and talk with him-After that round of excitement, we headed back to the cabin (not with out stopping at the scrapbook store first). Kiddos went on a walk again, fed the ducks and turtles. They came back wanting to go swimming, so we all got ready to head down to the pool... upon entering the clubhouse, we were followed in by yet another ambulance. Someone was ill in the parking lot. Not sure what the deal was there, but two ambulances in one day... plenty for me!
If that all wasn't enough... the kiddos were in the pool playing (along with about 15 other people- mostly kids) and we were all sitting at the table helping Gramma Jean with the crossword puzzle. Hearing coughing coming from the pool, Sherrie freaks out, jumps up and runs over to the side of the pool. Riley has another child, practically around the neck, pulling him to the steps. The other child was choking/coughing and trying to stay above water. It was just deep enough that Ry was trying to stay above water also. He got him to the edge and one of the child's grandparents reached down and pulled him out. Sherrie helped Ry out and asked what happened. Ry said he was underwater and he could see the other child going under and not being able to touch, trying to stay above water, so he swam over there and helped get him out of the water. He was super calm about it! We were all SO proud.
I think that is definitely enough excitement for one day...
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 11 - Favorite TV Shows
Ok... I will admit.... I am a reality show junkie... and it's not the good reality shows, like Top Chef or Hell's Kitchen... I like Teen Mom, World's Strictest Parents, & of course Survivor. I also LOVE Secret Life of American Teenager & Big Bang Theory!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Walking this road... but not alone...
Due to not only the lack of knowledge of and exposure we Lupie's get, I thought I would start a blog about my journey with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Lupus. There are three forms of Lupus - Discoid:, which effects the skin, Drug Induced; which is brought on by certain medications and SLE- the most common that effects the skin, but also has other involvement as well. SLE is not very widely known and I have suffered from, fought against and dealt with this since 1998.
I was the director of the daycare in 1998. I had started there in October of 1997, and in June of 1998, we held a garage sale fundraiser. It was a long, hot, tiring day and when it was over, I went home and crashed. I slept most of the afternoon and woke up with a high fever. I tried the rest of the weekend to get it to go down, nothing worked. I made an appointment with my family doctor the following week and they started drawing blood and running tests - they were convinced it was Tick Fever - that is the main test they ran - repeatedly. I was given several things to try and break my fever - nothing worked. Along with my fever, I had severe nausea and was very sick to my stomach for a good part of the summer... nothing stayed down. I lost a great bit of weight. I honestly lived that summer on slushies from a little hole in the wall burger joint down the road from the house. I also lost a lot of hair - not very patchy, but much of it came out. I don't remember having any face rashes, nor do I have that written in any of my notes, which could explain the reason that Lupus didn't come up earlier - no telltale sign of it. My iron level was extremely low and I was put on iron supplements at the time as well.
Over the period of a year's time, I visited several doctors and had several test's ran - blood, big machines, breathing, large needles in the back - you name it - I was tested for it. The only thing that I was tested for more than Tick Fever was HIV. Everything came back negative and the doctors were unsure about the whole situation. My actual Lupus journey begins when the family doctor was worried that it may be Leukemia and sent me to an oncologist. After a battery of tests there, it was the oncologist who felt I was dealing with Lupus and he sent me to a Rheumetologist. My first visit with the Rheumetologist was intense and LONG, but when I left, his last words were *I don't think it's Lupus, but let's see what the test results say*. Two weeks later, he was just as surprised as I was when he told me that it was for sure Lupus. He also didn't understand my excitement in *finally* getting a diagnosis, *finally* getting somethings I could work with! Basically, they continued to treat the symptoms, but at least we knew what was causing them. It was a HUGE relief on everyone to know what we were dealing with.
This what May of 1999. It took almost an entire year to get a Lupus diagnosis and start the proper treatment. Once I got the *label* I was started on Plaquenil and a low dose of Prednisone. Apparently this worked for my body to start feeling better, because by August, I was pregnant, after trying for almost 4 years. Here is my *twin story*. My entire pregnancy, I was doing OK, no spells of being sick. Even after the twins were born and were in the hospital for a month, a highly stressful time, I had no flares. When we brought the twins home & our house flooded to the point of having to move out at the same time, another highly stressful time, I still had no flares.
I went for a couple of years with no flares. This is a start... I will continue my journey with Lupus in another post.
I was the director of the daycare in 1998. I had started there in October of 1997, and in June of 1998, we held a garage sale fundraiser. It was a long, hot, tiring day and when it was over, I went home and crashed. I slept most of the afternoon and woke up with a high fever. I tried the rest of the weekend to get it to go down, nothing worked. I made an appointment with my family doctor the following week and they started drawing blood and running tests - they were convinced it was Tick Fever - that is the main test they ran - repeatedly. I was given several things to try and break my fever - nothing worked. Along with my fever, I had severe nausea and was very sick to my stomach for a good part of the summer... nothing stayed down. I lost a great bit of weight. I honestly lived that summer on slushies from a little hole in the wall burger joint down the road from the house. I also lost a lot of hair - not very patchy, but much of it came out. I don't remember having any face rashes, nor do I have that written in any of my notes, which could explain the reason that Lupus didn't come up earlier - no telltale sign of it. My iron level was extremely low and I was put on iron supplements at the time as well.
Over the period of a year's time, I visited several doctors and had several test's ran - blood, big machines, breathing, large needles in the back - you name it - I was tested for it. The only thing that I was tested for more than Tick Fever was HIV. Everything came back negative and the doctors were unsure about the whole situation. My actual Lupus journey begins when the family doctor was worried that it may be Leukemia and sent me to an oncologist. After a battery of tests there, it was the oncologist who felt I was dealing with Lupus and he sent me to a Rheumetologist. My first visit with the Rheumetologist was intense and LONG, but when I left, his last words were *I don't think it's Lupus, but let's see what the test results say*. Two weeks later, he was just as surprised as I was when he told me that it was for sure Lupus. He also didn't understand my excitement in *finally* getting a diagnosis, *finally* getting somethings I could work with! Basically, they continued to treat the symptoms, but at least we knew what was causing them. It was a HUGE relief on everyone to know what we were dealing with.
This what May of 1999. It took almost an entire year to get a Lupus diagnosis and start the proper treatment. Once I got the *label* I was started on Plaquenil and a low dose of Prednisone. Apparently this worked for my body to start feeling better, because by August, I was pregnant, after trying for almost 4 years. Here is my *twin story*. My entire pregnancy, I was doing OK, no spells of being sick. Even after the twins were born and were in the hospital for a month, a highly stressful time, I had no flares. When we brought the twins home & our house flooded to the point of having to move out at the same time, another highly stressful time, I still had no flares.
I went for a couple of years with no flares. This is a start... I will continue my journey with Lupus in another post.
30 Day Blog Challenge; Day 10 - Something you are afraid of
Afraid... Well, I am a baby, or a chicken, or whatever you want to call it...
BUT - my biggest fear... FreeFalling.
Funny thing is...I LOVE Roller Coasters....(see, here is one of me and my sis at Disney -
BUT - my biggest fear... FreeFalling.
Funny thing is...I LOVE Roller Coasters....(see, here is one of me and my sis at Disney -
but the thought of me falling - without a safety strap - makes my stomach hurt
A funny addition to that.... I want to ride a zip line....
I know, don't ask.... I would probably chicken out at the top...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Dogwood Canyon
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We were scheduled for a 1:30 tram tour and we got there at 11:30 and walked around on the grounds for a bit -
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There was tons of waterholes that were full of HUGE rainbow trout! The driver of the tram had fish food and they were jumping like crazy!
This guy did figure it out though.. he went around the tram and was going to help himself, but the driver was nice and shared...
After we got through the elk area, there were some longhorns - they were awesome looking ...
and this my friends is where the camera died...
anyways... we were super close to these longhorns - one wrong turn with those horns could do some damage!! We went on from there to see the buffalo - there was one that was 5 weeks old - he wouldn't get up, and three others that were born in May (I think) - one of them did get up - he was SO cute! The tram driver put out grain here (as well as with the elk and the longhorn) and a couple came up and started feeding... Gramma Jean said "When I woke up this morning I never thought I would be 6 inches from a buffalo face". Everyone on the tram got a kick out of that! The ride back to the beginning was nice and uneventful!
I did borrow Gramma Sherrie's camera, so eventually there will be pictures of the rest of the trip...
The rest of the evening was spent hanging out by the fire and playing games...
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