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.