Catching Up!

Well, that was interesting! I’m talking about the test this morning. The pressure needed for an ultra-sound is not pleasant. There was a LOT of measuring going on and speculation the doctor will be more then likely ordering some type of MRI/Scan next. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Meanwhile, I am resting, again!

I think it’s a great time to show you some of our “Joy” of 2013 so far.

Bud sure is getting big and just loves, loves playing with his big brother. Though he has his own language, he is very talkative. I remember when big brother was this age, how fast times flies.

 

Remember I said the new fork lift would be easy for an 11 year to drive…

He had his first lesson and did an awesome job. Learned the basics, gas, brake, feel of the wheel and peddle, even learned how to back up. Great job, Bug!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love my grandma dayz, every Wednesday during the school year! Most days I pick them up. Some days we go to the library (something new now that we all have our cards), maybe some shopping, but mostly homework.
We have gun control…I’m not a fan per say, they scare me. But what boy doesn’t like a B-B gun!

 

 

 

So you see, my husband was taught at an early age the responsibilities and respect for a b-b gun, so his boys were taught it at about the same age as did the older “Grands”. There are strict rules when it comes to the B-B gun and they are enforced! Now Bud has decided he wants to learn too! Still quite a bit to young so when brother wouldn’t share his gun, cause he knows the rules, Bud went and picked up the girls. He was insistent and I just had to see how he would handle it. I was impressed. He followed exactly what his brother did, like “See, I know how!” Still he must wait his time for actual b-b’s! We pretended to load it, he thought he shot it, although it was brother who shot his at the same time making the target go ding! He was pleased with himself and that was enough. His strut after surely showed how proud he was of himself being such a big boy!

He has been working on the hot wheels lately. Up till last week it was backwards. He discovered how to make it go forward and just jibber jabbers with excitement.

 

How does one get shingles and tarps off the roof in preparation of it getting repaired? You send up an 11 year old! Now I was not tickled pink at all, but he was excited to help and listen very carefully to his grandfathers directions. I made sure I was along side on the ground, ready to catch him if needed. Right, like that would have worked! He was fearless. Once up he yells down, “Woo, I’m on the roof, this is cool!” While dragging one of the tarps he was startled by a cat running out from underneath. Other then that, he performed his job perfectly. I don’t think he is afraid of heights like grandma!

 

 

 

We made a trip over to Gilbert to spend the weekend with 3 other “Grands”. Mom “K” and “D” went to visit family so it was just the 6 of us all weekend.

Friday was her Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance so I watched her get her hair done at the salon. She picked the style from the book and kept it in her lap, making sure the gal knew exactly what she wanted. When she got home, she tells me, ”Do you know how long it took me to take out all the pins, 45 minutes!” I told her I’m sure it did, but that’s the cost of beauty some times. Then she tells me, “It was the best dance of my life!” “I dance all night!” Too cute.

           

My sons camera broke just before it began so he didn’t get pictures of him and her dressed. However there was a photographer there that did take their picture so will just have to wait on those.

Saturday we took the gang to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. They had such a good time, as did we! Although our dancing beauty said her leg’s hurt from all the dancing the night before, once she knew got there, she completely forgot all about it, LOL!

 

 

 

Daddy even climbed up the BIG tree like structure that went up 3 stories. But the scarf tubes held their attention the longest. We soon realized if we didn’t encourage checking out something else they would have stayed there for hours. Daddy tells me, “I think I can make this in my garage.” I wouldn’t be surprised. While your at it make me some of these, LOL!

                 


 
What I loved the most well beside watching these kids have a time of their lives, was the ample seating for adults to be able to sit while watching them play for hours. Everything was designed for their own creative need. With proper tools, no directions were needed, they pretty much just knew what to do. Though we didn’t have a little one with us this trip, they do have a number of baby rooms, designed just for them. We will surely make a trip here again, well worth it.
   
       

 

 

I went on a photo shoot with my daughter. Actually she was to drop off Bud abut I asked if it would be ok to come along. Would get me out and about and Bud and I can explore while she works. It was decided I will do it more often. She really enjoyed having a second set of hand and someone to entertain the kids between shoots. No problem, would LOVE to!

Oh and our Girl Scout Brownie…

Asked grandpa if she could have a box from the shop. Of course grandpa wanted to hear why she needed it. “I thought we could cut it here and I can decorate it and add a strap so it’s like the guy’s at the races.” So he did and she did and guess what? She won 1st place! With it came $100 for a pizza party for her Troup and it earned her Troup the honors of singing the National Anthem at the Diamondback/Dodger game in March. I am so going to do my best to feel up to going. I don’t want to miss it. What a memory for her for life!

 

 

 

That pretty much covers most the updates on Our Joyful Journey Through LIFE!

***NEWS FLASH!***

As I type the “Grand” that completes the 8 will soon be in the air on her way here for a visit.

Joy, Joy, Joy, down to my toes!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-change’s!

Time may change me, But I can’t trace time.

That was the early 70’s for us. Off the heals of the 60’s, times were changing. The war was coming to an end. No longer wanting to be silenced from the indifferences around us, some of us rebelled. 

We did it without the internet and all the resources available today. No viral video’s, but if lucky, some demonstrations made the evening news. Blogging would be a journal. Burned, to depose of all of the evidence. We grew in directions others said we shouldn’t, couldn’t or even wouldn’t be able to. Change is how we grow! I don’t know how else you can grow without change.

During Our Journey Through LIFE we have always embraced change. Sometimes welcomed, sometimes unexpected,  sometimes planned, but ALWAYS prayed on. Change happens even if we don’t want it to, or in fact think we have to, but we ALL change in one way or another and surely as time goes on.

I know I am not alone on our journey, or even in my personal journey. Holding on tight to Faith, keeping an ear to God, He was with us each and every step of the way. Sometimes it is hard for us to look back at certain times of the journey because of the pain encountered along the way.

Guilty!

Oh, but in looking back, one would see just how it fit into God’s plan and how it all created who and where we are today. Of course don’t go back with the devil by our side. He won’t allow us to see the good work done. His plan is to keep us bitter and distant. Oh there was some close encounters and some dancing with him, he’s that good. God is Greater! He allowed doors to open and gave the strength for us to walk through them.

 

 

You see, the reason there was change is because it was needed! Something had to give, someone had to stand up, somehow it had to get better and it would be better. But not without change! Not without God! Not without forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. And I have been blessed to go through these changes with my husband of 35 years and God. Oh my goodness! 35 years of trial and error, bringing with it some of the most memorable times, good or bad, for all those years and changes brought us right to where we are now!

BLESSING!

Even now change is still happening. Not only change in us, but in those we love. Watching our children grow and go through life's challenges. Watching our grandchildren grow through the world around them. Every day, every week, month and year that passes bring the change that embraces life. Teaching them to not be afraid, to embrace it, cherish it is the icing on the cake, a glorious gift from God.

Which brings me to why change is on my heart and in my prayers.

The bout I had with that darn bug, all the coughing, has created a bit of a problem. My general doc wanted to send to the heart doc. I had to decline. You see, he doesn’t understand, or he could and it’s just he didn’t remember in that 15 minute exam, I went down this road 5 years ago, spent over $35,000 on test that showed my heart was very strong. It’s the benign tumors (hemangioma’s) adding stress to it.

13 years ago they removed 8, and aspirated 5 others. By 2004 a new one showed up on my liver joining the 3 in my breast. We agreed surgery was not an option. By 2008 the one on my liver has tripled in size, I don’t remember how many were on the breast, and numerous ones are found up and down my spine. Seriously, they never said a number, just numerous and multiple locations. Sure I could have gone and gotten a copy of the picture or whatever to count for myself but why. Would it matter? The awesome neurosurgeon we had at the time (she’d been reviewing my case for 2 years at this point) gave the best directions. Control the blood pressure to reduce pulsing of the tumors, which would reduce leakage and pain. Make changes to reduce fuel for their growth. Of course she also had to add I refused additional drugs to control the side effects the tumors were causing. I chose to deal with the symptoms naturally until it got to a point I really needed them. Guess were there!

For the last 5 years now I have been fighting that uphill battle. Without their drugs and with tons of occupational and physical therapy, I traveled, visited with special people in my life, had some awesome experiences, I walked up 99 steps to the top of the state capitol in Denver, I relearned to ride a bike last year and drove my self to Napa for a visit. Just a few of the many wonderful memories that will get me through this next challenge, encouraging me to find a way to make more!

So with two pages of lab work and ultrasounds ordered I came home devastated and even a bit defeated. Then the cost of what all this was going to cost hit me like a ton of bricks. Understand it took 4 years to pay off the last round and this round would probably be at the least, 3 times that if not more. So my hubby and I went over the list and with previous experience and knowledge we crossed off all the testing that was looking for heart blockage. We agreed our best route is to do the ones for the tumors. See how big they are which will determine if we need to look at the heart. If they have grown (like we suspect) and have been and are leaking, this is the cause and a change in blood pressure meds should help. God knows I can’t afford for this to be a heart problem. Just the thought of it, what it entails and it’s cost, scares the britches right off me. I will be having the test done tomorrow morning bright and early. We should know those results early next week and my next doctor’s appointment is March 15th. You all know how I believe in the power of pray and for the days ahead, that will be my main focus. Only God knows the direction this is going. I trust in Him fully.

Our Journey Through LIFE is always changing and embracing the Blessings.

“Here We Go Round'n Circle’s!”

I’m sure you’ve all heard the news about the flu season and boy is it a bugger! Wash, wash, wash and lot’s of anti-bacterial wipes and lotion is a MUST! Even then you are not guaranteed success, not even with a vaccine. Me and my home had been together for over a month so I did not spread the germs or get attacked by them again. So blessed that I have that ability. I can’t imagine how a working parent would manage. My thoughts and prayers to you that must be out in this crazy world.

Our belated Christmas was wonderful!

There were no fancy dresses or prearranged agenda, we just had fun and enjoyed our time together. Every gift required participation with another child or parent. At one point we had 3-4 activities going at one time. From painting, and building cars, to looming, and even some cookie decorating to name a few. Though I did receive a new card for my camera, (so hoping for a new camera, but knowing the unexpected was going on, I totally understood) it’s one of the wifi kind so I don’t have to ever download photos again I only took a handful of photos. I was having to much fun with the “Grands”!

Grandpa received a new forklift for Christmas.

Not a planned gift at all but our 15-year-old beast decided it was time to retire. Not bad for a used one, so why not see what’s available. We saved tons of money! This one is so much fancier than the first, but hey 11 years have gone by and we all know how technology has changed over that time, and at a high rate of speed to boot. I’m in LOVE with the backup beeper. With eight “Grands”  safety is important. Hubby’s enjoying all the upgraded features. He came in the other night with a grin said, “Having headlights is cool.” Bet you’re thinking he can work later. Not really, it’s earlier. Our salt delivery arrives at 6 a.m. and during the winter it’s dark.

It also has power steering which will make it easier for Bug to learn how to drive. DID I JUST WRITE THAT! Seriously this boy is ready. Not for a car or anything like that but I think he’s ready to start learning the forklift. Grandpa even agrees and with the new lift I see it definitely happening. I probably have yearly pictures of him on the forklift as I have the lemon tree.

So much for my new car though, imagine a sad face typing away. As I try to do when things like this pop up is find the silver lining. The money used will become available again in a year, that giving me more time to tuck away even more, plus more time to decide what. I’ll try to remember this topic for a future post, “The Journey of  Buying Your LAST New Car”. Or something like, “The Journey of Buying Your Last Car, DEBT FREE”. It’s not like I need a new car. I rarely drive, but my 2002 Explorer is getting up there in mileage.

Back to the present, with the new year came the return of the flu…really! Another 2 weeks of no life. I did manage to squeeze in a few things.
It meant the annual picture of Bug and the lemon tree wasn’t on his actual birthday.

Seems years 2 & 3 aren’t readily available.

Great, now that will bug me until I know exactly exactly where they are!

      
    

Last year being silly we asked him what are we going to do next year, you don’t have 11 fingers. So for the month before his birthday the talk was about how to do the picture. I’m in LOVE with what he came up with. In case your new to my blog, his Great Poppy George planted this tree for him when he was a baby. He died 6 months later.

The next weekend was spent doing yard work. For the last couple years we have watched the family of turkey’s next door grow. Lately they have been waddling into our back area.

Well, we now know why. It seems one of the turkeys has laid her eggs in a really odd place. The 2 “Grands” that live in town started 4-H this year and are going to journal the journey. Everyday she is checked on. From what we have researched…
                                                                    

 

Natural Hatching Tips

It’s best to have your hen sit in a secure area. Many times the hens will seek a quiet place to make a nest, such as a bush or brush pile, which makes them easy targets for predators, especially at night. After the hen hatches her brood, we move them all to a “maternity” pen for at least the first two months. The maternity area is covered to keep out the rain, plus it keeps the hen and her poults in a smaller area and closer together. We always put a fresh layer of sand down for each group to help prevent soil-borne diseases. Coccidiosis can be a major problem for poults raised on the ground if other poultry has occupied the area before.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/The-Happy-Homesteader/Raising-Turkey-Poults.aspx#ixzz2Jfj6C500

I  guess it means we’re going to need a Maternity Area for her since our neighbor said he has enough turkeys.  Best we get that accomplished this weekend since it only takes 28 days and we found her 14 days ago and have no idea when she actually nested. Stay tune,we’ll let you know how it goes. After all we really aren’t ranchers but we can learn some basics,right. Up till now we have always enjoyed the neighbors livestock and none of the work. Times they are a changing around here though! A vegetable garden, plans for rabbits and goats with 4-H, now turkeys! FUN times ahead!
Trials are still being fought but we have faith they too will work out in Gods plan. Faith, that is what gets us through one thing and onto the next.  What ever the outcome, we know it his plan and we will grow in his direction. In the process we will continue to enjoy the journey.

Did I tell you all that our Fireman son is finally back on a truck? AMEN. I have always believed in the power of pray and he is a perfect example of how strong Gods direction is. He has a leg, he’s alive, and back doing what he loves. He has his children. He overcame and stood strong, kept faith and God by his side and conquered a path others said was impossible. Thank you all who participated in the pray chain for our family. God is good, you were great! Though not out of the woods, more challenges ahead, we won’t stress on them now. God has given us so much in life and we will continue to live each day in his glory. Our Journey Through LIFE is in His hands!