Berry Pickin' Time

When I was a kid we used to go pick strawberries. One of my mamaw's favorite stories to tell about me when I was small is when we went strawberry picking. It has to do with me eating lots of strawberries. I was very red and so was her shoulder from where I was holding on to her. I have not been to pick strawberries in a few years. My mother-in-law had the awesome idea of going. I am so glad we went. It was so much fun. Have I ever told you that I love strawberries?

Here we are on the ride to the strawberry patch.



Just getting started.




We had one or two samples to make sure they were good.



Last night I was up late making strawberry jam and putting away the rest of the strawberries. I didn't get to take a picture of all of the berries we bought, but there were lots. It is a good think that my van has a large trunk. Did I mention that I love strawberries?

Kindness of Strangers

I had a very busy day yesterday. I felt like I was running all day. After I took the big kids to school, Little Bit and I went to the grocery. My goal was to be done before 10:00. It was for no other reason than to not be all day in the store. We actually did really well and left before 10:00. After I had loaded the car, a man came up to put my cart away. He was not working for the store, he was just being nice. I don't know about you, but that doesn't normally happen.

Then at the end of my busy day, I went back to the pharmacy. I had been there earlier in the morning to pick up a prescription and drop off a new one. When I got my wallet out I noticed that my debit card was missing. I could not find it anywhere. I remembered using it last at the pharmacy earlier. So, I went inside and asked for my prescription. When she came back, I asked if by chance I had left my card. And would you believe that it was on my prescription bag?! They had found it and put it with my order. I don't know if I drove off before they gave it back to me or if I had left it in the drive through thing. Either way I am so very grateful that someone didn't take my card. I know those are small things, but sometimes just the kindness of strangers can make your day.

Beyond Blessed

Today has been a long day. We had a multi-family yard sale at my house today. I do not know why being out in the sun makes you so tired. We sold a few things. The rest of the "treasures" went to the Goodwill after lunch. I also heard some sad news about someone close to me and it made me think about my own life. I am beyond blessed in my life. I do not know why I ever complain. I have an awesome family. They all are so loving and supportive. I love working with my Pampered Chef business. I have a Savior who loves me more than I can imagine. What else can I say?

Do Not Be Discouraged

Deuteronomy 31:8, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." This is from my Bible study this morning. I love how the Bible can speak to you in different ways every time you read it. I am trying not to feel discouraged and this is one of the verses I had in my study today. Wow is all I can say. It has been two days since my doctor's appointment and I am still feeling well. I told God on the retreat that I am ready for what He has planned for me in His eternal plans. I am still feeling very peaceful about that. I am less worried now that I have given this over to HIM. I, of coarse, would still love to know what is going to happen. Who wouldn't? I think I just needed to be reminded that I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

The Results Are In

Well, I went to the doctor today. There was lots of waiting. The doctor could not find my MRI results. We waited again. They finally found my results and we went to go over them in the doctor's office. He said that there was a new lesion from 4 months ago. My medicine is supposed to slow down the progression of MS. Our new plan is to stay with the medicine I am on, but I am going to take IV steroids once a month for 4 months. Then I will do another MRI and see the doctor a month after my MRI. If this approach helps then I will stay on my current medicine. If it does not then I will go off of this medicine and put on a new medicine. I went ahead and did my first round of steroids today since I was already in the office.

How am I feeling, you ask? Physically, I feel the same. Other than that I am a little disappointed. I had a feeling that this was going to happen because last time my medicine wasn't working as well as we hoped. I was hoping I was going to be surprised to find out that it was working the way it is supposed to work. It sometimes takes a couple of days for all of this information to sink in for me, too. Right now, in this moment, I am fine. I am feeling all the prayers that everyone has been sending up for me. I can still feel HIS peace around me. I know He has a plan for me and my MS.

Braces

My oldest just had an evaluation for braces. She is going to get them next month. She will probably wear them about 2 years. And the funny part is, she is so excited. I made her appointment for next month after school is finished. She is actually sad that her friends won't get to see them until after the summer break is over. She is contemplating her color choices right now. I will have to post pictures after the process is over. Wish us luck in our new adventure!

Another MRI....

I had another MRI today. I am very lucky to not be claustrophobic. I go to an open MRI, but I can see how it can bother some people. I really like the place where I go. The people are really nice. I even know one of the ladies there. I had her daughter in class a while back. I go to the doctor next week to find out the results. This will make 8 months on my new medicine. Hopefully, the doctor will be able to tell if my medicine is working or not. Sometimes life is full of waiting. It is quite appropriate that at church with Ben's class the virtue of the month is patience. I still feel peaceful. I can see God working in my life. "I lift my eyes up the the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2