Christmas

We had a very blessed Christmas. I really enjoyed Christmas on a Sunday this year. Travis went to church early to practice for service. The kids and I went on to my mother-in-law's house to deliver some food and gifts. Then we went to church together. The kids performed one of their Christmas program songs. We had a very nice service. After service, we went to the in-laws' house to eat and exchange gifts. We had such a great time being together. I was a little teary eyed at church. Sometimes it is overwhelming to think about how Jesus came to our world. He came because He loves us. It is just amazing to think about at times.

Crayons and Candies

I have found so many cool ideas on Pinterest. I did two things from there yesterday. I don't always do lots of crafty or new things at the house. I like to do them, but I don't usually have the supplies. I don't usually just think of crafts on my own either. Some people craft all the time. It's in there blood. They were born with glitter and a glue gun in their hands. I love these people! I am good with doing crafts after I see some ideas first.

So the next thing I wanted to try with the kids is to make this crayon rainbow project. First you hot glue crayons to a canvas.





Then the fun stuff begins. You take a hair dryer to the crayons. I did have paper under the canvas but next time we will either do more paper or do it outside. The dryer would send some of the melted crayon flying off the canvas.














Here is the finished masterpiece!





So, what do you think? Do you like? I like it so much I think I may hang it on the wall somewhere.

The next thing I did from Pinterest was a candy serving plate. I put peppermint candies on a piece of parchment paper on a large bar pan. Put them in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes. When I took it out of the oven, I took a spoon and pushed any of the corners that didn't meet. Then let it cool. It turned out very pretty.





The only problem I have with this project is that it is very fragile. This morning when I went to move the plate it was cracked down the middle. I'm not even sure when it broke. But I still think it was fun and turned out really pretty.

Who Knew?

Who knew that when you put a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave it did some interesting things. I did remember that Ivory soap, unlike other bar soap, will float. However, I do not remember hearing anything about putting it in the microwave.




The kids thought it was very cool. The house also smelled like soap all day. :)
This was the first item I decided to try off of Pinterest. I'd say it was a success!

To Pinterest or Not to Pinterest

I have been afraid to even look at Pinterest. And in case you don't know about Pinterest this is what Wikipedia says about it:

Pinterest (Pin-tũr-ĕst) is a vision board-styled social photo sharing website and app where users can create and manage theme-based image collections. The mission statement of Pinterest is to connect everyone in the world through shared tastes and the “things” they find interesting.

I was afraid it would suck me in like a giant black hole and I would never leave my computer. A little bit dramatic? Maybe. However, I finally gave in to the curiosity and got set up. It is really, really cool! There are SO many ideas out there. I do have to watch my time on there. I could just keep looking and looking and looking.... But so far it hasn't taken over my life. Hehehe. I'm still just learning how it all works. I also haven't tried any of the fun things that I have found. I will have to do a post when I finally try something. I think I am most excited to try a crafty thing first. So, have you discovered Pinterest? Have you tried any of the ideas on there yet?

Franklin Institute

We were able to visit the Franklin Institute while in Philly. We have passes to our science center and we were able to use them to get free tickets. First let me tell you that this place is HUGE.



We were there for only a couple of hours and didn't get to see everything. It was really cool. They had a giant heart that you can walk through. It shows you where the blood goes through the heart and lungs.



Behind the kids on that thing that says "Heart Bar" a man did a dissection of a sheep's heart. We didn't stay for it all, but it was interesting.



There was a section called The Franklin Air Show.



Another section called The Train Factory.




There was another section about electricity. I don't have a great picture of that section. But it was a lot of fun. There were things in there that would shock you! It was funny. There was also a big wall of red lights that were lightly lit up. If you used your cell phone near it the light would get brighter. My oldest was standing right in front of the wall and we called her cell phone. She jumped back when the wall got really bright red. I wish I had a picture of that one. Hehehe. If you get a chance to go to Philly, I highly recommend you visit the Franklin Institute.

Family in Philly

When I asked the kids what their favorite thing about Philly was, they said Weston and seeing the rest of the family. That's what I liked best, too. I am so thankful we were able to be together. We went to see my brother and the other kids at their apartment. Their apartment is near a wildlife refuge. So my brother took us over to check it out.




They told us there is usually a lot of turtles in the water. However, we didn't see any. It was still fun.



While we were in Philly we stayed with my parents at The Gift of Life Family House. It is sort of like the Ronald McDonald House. It is for people going through the transplant process and their families. Our rooms were like a hotel room; two beds, tv, bathroom. The downstairs area was more like a home. There was a huge kitchen where you could eat anything they had or make something on your own.












They had a living room area with couches and a tv. They had a computer room, a laundry, and an exercise room. There was also a room to play games. The kids had a great time playing the Wii and board games.





We also ate at a couple of local places. A pizza place across from the hospital. I cannot remember the name. But it was really good. Maybe Gia's...something with a G... Anyways, we also ate at Bobby Flay's burger restaurant. My brother took me there last time I was in Philly. They have some really good burgers. I had a crunch burger. It came with potato chips on it. Delicious! We also got an order of regular fries and an order of sweet potato fries. I really liked the sweet potato fries. I need to find a place here that serves some of those. :)





This is my next to last post on Philly. My next one will be about a visit to the Franklin Institute.

A Little Bit of History

While in Philly we checked out some of the historical sights. We went to Independence Hall. That is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution. Several other great things in history happened here, too.



We also saw the Liberty Bell. We had to wait in line a bit for this one. The weather was perfect the whole time we were there. We didn't even have to wear our jackets most of the time.

Here is a picture of Little Bit looking cute waiting in line.







There is also a visitor center with lots of information. They show a couple of videos and have lots of things to read.



We also walked by the mint. This one makes coins. They were not open while we were there.




We also walked by Benjamin Franklin's grave. The kids tried to flip a penny on his grave.





We picked up some books from the library about Philly. One of them was very old and said we could even touch the liberty bell. We thought that probably wasn't true anymore. When we told the ranger about the book, she laughed and said no, you cannot touch the bell. Now the kids want to go to Washington D.C. Hopefully we can plan a trip out there some day, too.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Our Thanksgiving this year was in Philly. We were able to see my mom, dad, brother and his wife and kids. I will break up our visit into a few posts. The first one will be about our time visiting Weston at the hospital. He was very excited to see us. I was so glad to see all of them.

The kids made some cookies to share with Weston. He was really digging in to a big star.



There was also some pirates attacking their prisoner.




The kids also played Star Wars Lego video game.



Ryan Seacrest has set up a radio station called the Voice at the hospital through his foundation. When we were coming to the hospital Cody Simpson was there. I had never heard of him, but the kids tell me he is the Australian Justin Bieber. Several famous people have stopped by the Voice already and it just opened in July.




The kids also played hide-and-seek with Weston. He would hide under his blanket or on the other side of his bed and giggle. It was so cute. Thanks to everyone who is praying for our little man. He is such a trooper.

Dino Cake

My son decorated his own birthday cake. I think he did a great job. He likes to draw little dinosaurs and this one looks like the ones he likes. He drew it on with a toothpick. He then outlined it and filled it in with icing.

For I know the plans I have for you...

Those words are from one of my favorite verses. I get great comfort from that verse and other verses like it. However, I still worry. I try and try not to worry. Some days I even do well at not worrying. However, it is a struggle. I have the new job at the church one day a week. It has been such a blessing. We can use the money and I love working with children. I found out a few weeks ago that my job takes a break through the holidays until the end of January. I didn't know that they would be taking such a big break. I have now found another part time job. It will be a couple of nights a week working with kids at a gymnastic place. I have my first official day today there and tomorrow is my last day at the church until after the break. Over and over God has taken care of us. We have never had lots of extra in out finances, but we have always made it work. We have always had a place to live, food to eat, the true needs in life. So, why must I hold on to this worry? The stress can drive a person crazy. Well, I am not crazy yet, but it is doing a number on my stomach. I am working on some new goals. Letting go of my worrying habit is one of them. Another is to memorize more scripture. I am with an online group of ladies memorizing a verse a week. Here are the first two weeks:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Such a good passage to begin. I need to remember to fix my eyes on Jesus and the blessings in my life. When I do that my worry lessens and my trust grows. How about you, do you have a problem with worry?

Lucas Oil Stadium

I went to Lucas Oil Stadium with my hubby and his parents to watch my daughter in the Bands of America competition. Here are the boys.



The girls



We may look a little tired. We left for Indy about 6:30 am. It was a wee bit early. That place is huge! Here is our band on the field.




Here they are in action. My girl is on the 10 yard line.



I think they did a fantastic job. We are all very proud of our girl and the band.

30 Things: Part 2

Yesterday, I posted the first half of a list I found online about my invisible illness, MS. I'm sure you couldn't wait for the second half. Haha! Well, here it is.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: I don’t think I have an answer for this one...

17. The commercials about my illness: I have seen very few.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: not taking meds every day.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: working at my last job. There were several factors that went into me leaving that job. But my fatigue played a big part in the decision.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: blogging.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: hmm... Again, I am thinking... I am still very blessed to be able to do most the things I want to do. I can usually fight through the fatigue and keep going.

22. My illness has taught me: to be more grateful for the things I have, especially my family.

23. One thing people say that gets under my skin is: I haven’t had to experience many people saying annoying things to me about MS. Mostly people don't say anything about it.

24. But I love it when people: ask how I am doing, ask questions or just make me laugh. I love to laugh.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Jeremiah 29:11-13

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Life is never easy. You can do this and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much my family motivates me to keep going.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: One thing I am thinking about is when I stayed at my sister-in-law’s house after I had some complications from my spinal tap.

29. I’m doing this because: I thought it could be interesting for people to read.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: special and loved. It may be more than you wanted to know, but thanks for reading.

30 Things: Part 1

I found this list online. It was with a site that has to do with Invisible Illness Week. I didn’t even know there was one. Anyways, I thought I would try to fill it out. 30 things you may not know about my invisible illness.

1. The illness I live with is: Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: I was diagnosed in 2008, on my grandmother’s birthday actually.

3. But I had symptoms since: I went to the doctor a few months before I was diagnosed with tingling in my feet, legs, and hands. I don’t know how long I had it before I was diagnosed.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: remembering to take my medicine.

5. Most people assume: that I do not have an illness.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: waking up. I sometimes feel like I could sleep all day.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: I enjoy watching medical shows like House. I also will watch some of those mystery diagnosis type shows.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my phone. It keeps me connected to family and friends. I don't text as much as my teenager, but I do enjoy texting. :)

9. The hardest part about nights are: wanting to go to bed before the kids. I don’t but I feel like I could most nights.

10. Each day I take: a few pills and an injection.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: don’t do much alternative treatments besides trying to eat healthier and exercise more. There are several out there. I am sort of cautious about things though because of the mixed things I have read online.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I think invisible. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. Tough question. Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier if people could see that there is something going on with me. I hate the thought that people may think I am lazy.

13. Regarding working and career: It is harder to work now. But I am trying to slowly go back to working.

14. People would be surprised to know: that not everyone that has MS ends up in a wheelchair. (I thought this when I was first diagnosed.)

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: the unknown aspect of this disease. It takes a different path with everyone that has it. No one can tell you for sure what is going to happen to you.

Thanks for reading 1-15. I will post 16-30 hopefully tomorrow.

Daisies at the Farm

Today Little Bit and I had a trip to a farm with her Girl Scout troop. It was a good day. It was a little cool, but not bad. The sun was out. It was a beautiful day. We went on a wagon ride and fed some animals.



The girls got to go down this slide once. (You needed a ticket each time you wanted to slide.)



We also did some trick-or-treating.



And of coarse, picked out a pumpkin.



We had a great day together. Even though she really wanted me to just drop her off and leave. (sigh) Oh well. Now I am off to "inspect" the candy. :)

Go Red Devils!

Tonight my "baby" is in Ohio at a marching band competition without me. (tear) There are several parents that aren't able to make it to the competitions. So, I have been really blessed to be able to go to all of the rest of them. I am just sad I couldn't be there tonight. But I have been praying for her and cheering her on from here all day. And I am wearing my band t-shirt.



Go Red Devils!! I am super proud of the whole band. They have all worked so hard. I can't wait until we go to the Bands of America competition next weekend. It will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy. Woot Woot!

Gettin' Ready

I am actually already getting ready for Christmas. If you know me, that is big news. I am terrible at procrastinating. I usually put off buying most things until November. I say that the next year I am going to do better and shop earlier. However, that rarely happens. Although I am not ready to start seeing all the Christmas stuff that is already being set out in the stores or to start hearing Christmas music (I can hear a gasp from a certain few Christmas music lovers), I am ready to get this shopping under my belt. And just in case you are living under a rock, it is already October 24th, two months until Christmas! Do you have anything ready for Christmas yet?

Checking In

I'm still here. I have just been busy with marching band and other mom things. I am loving my new job. I work about 3 hours with around 8 two year olds. They are very sweet. It is really nice to work with kids again. I am still trying to figure out what else I can do to bring in some bacon. I do have 2 shows lined up with my other job. One is a fundraiser for my nephew. The one who is in Philly hospital waiting for a heart lung transplant. That is about all the excitement going on around here.

Grand Champions

Our high school band went to an invitational band competition over the weekend. They actually got to compete twice. It was a little bit of a long day. I dropped off my new colorguard girl at the high school at 8:00 am and we didn't get home until 11:00 pm. The kids in the band did an excellent job! They worked hard and at the end of the night were Grand Champions. They got first place and the Spirit award, Best Effect, Best Visual, and Best Music. Isn't that awesome!!

You Live in a Zoo

The other day the kids and I went to the zoo. It was so much fun. The weather was perfect. There were not many other people. It was great!

The zoo has already began setting up for the Halloween party they do every year. They put up different characters. During the nights they do the Halloween party they have people dressed up as super heroes and princesses. They also hand out candy.





We were there when they had the new baby girl polar bear cub out. She is adorable. Her name means snowflake.



We also got to see some training with the sea lion. His name is Bart.



I am really glad we decided to head on over to the zoo. I had a great time with all three of the kids.

Legacy of Life Walk

Saturday was the Legacy of Life Walk. It is to help raise awareness for organ donation. It was cold. They were giving out hot chocolate and coffee before the walk.



Did I mention it was cold?



We did a great 5K walk. The kids did some running. This is the main reason we were there.



Please think about being an organ donor. You never know how much your gift could mean to a family. Also thank you for praying for my nephew who is currently waiting for a heart/lung transplant.