Much better!

Well, today has been a much BETTER day, thank the Lord.

Missie actually went with me to see me get blood drawn, and is now convinced she can go through it; PRAISE THE LORD. She has so much pain in her joints and her joints even come of their sockets and go back in and sometimes she can hardly use her arm, or ankle or wherever the joint is acting up. We know arthritis is a big possibility and the lab tech told her today that she needs to get it checked out real soon; that it could even be teenage arthritis. So it scared her and she saw how easy it is to have blood drawn. So I am relieved she is going to go and see what they can find. But the big problem is we have no insurance on her. But our family dr. is wonderful; he has known us since Preston was a little guy and he will help us in every way he can. And generic meds. are at a all time low price, so we will see what happens. It will work out somehow. We may be able to get some kind of government help if she has a serious diagnosis. Anyhow, Jr. was able to work a couple of hours here on our computer for his job while we were gone. Missie and I went out to eat breakfast, then went to Hobby Lobby, and a couple of other places. It was a nice break for us both. Then when we got home, Missie did her school work. Then she went online to work on the placement testing and got it done!!! Praise the Lord for that, too, as it was stressing her out. There is another SC online free school that we are also going to look into and see what we think is best. Both have teachers that can help her locally, so that will be great!

Preston had a wonderful day today. He went down to the shop and spent some time with Doug. When Doug had to leave for a while, he sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air until he returned. He was very tired when he got back up the house, but the exercise is so good for him. It will help build up his strength after being bed ridden for so many weeks. We also figured out part of his bowel problem this week has been what he is drinking; orangeade, so no more of that! He usually drinks flavored water, and that is much better for him and doesn't cause a bowel problem.

Tonight was the night that Missie and I were to go to the library, and we always get Preston dvds. Well, I was so tired after being gone today, that I didn't want to go until tomorrow. At first Preston wasn't too thrilled about my changing the nights, but soon he said it was ok; he still had some dvds to watch tonight. And Missie was astonished, because when he was in the hospital, one of his "I love Lucy" dvds from one of his sets came up missing. Well, he tried to find it tonight, and when Missie told him it had gotten lost, he didn't get a bit upset, but said, "ok" and thanked her for telling him. Before he had a good working shunt, he would have worried himself and all of us to death over it. So things are soooo better, and we are so proud of him. He is so thrilled, too, that he doesn't feel as nervous and irritable as he used too. I just wonder how long this tubing has been embedded, and wish we could have known about it sooner. But at least it is fixed now, and all is well.

Oh, and good news!!! Mom could not stand the thought of us not coming so she and Jim got together and decided we are going to Canada!!! So we are now back to having our trip; which will be a wonderful time because it will be nice to be spoiled by my mom for a few days, and my step-dad! And Jr. will be there to drive us around this year. I like that! So we leave, Lord willing, on May 23th, Missie's 14th birthday.

So that is the latest. I am up and running again and more encouraged. We all have bad days, and yesterday was one of them for me.

I am not a contemporary Christian music fan, but this song has really ministered to me, and says it like I would say it. It is "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns. If you get a chance to hear it, please do so.

I know God and Bible Holiness is real; and that makes all of the difference in the world.

Is it ok to be tired?

Is it ok to be tired? I must admit, I am tired. I am tired from taking care of a special boy for 20 years. I love him with my whole heart; but I am tired! Everything is so complicated when it comes to Preston. If you are easily grossed out, you had better stop reading this right now. Missie cannot understand how I can still wipe his bottom when he is so big and almost 20. Well, I would rather wipe him and know he is clean. I do wear gloves, at this stage of the game. And every time he poo-poos, he plugs the toilet. Someone suggesting flushing it part way through instead of waiting until the end; that doesn't work. And it take SO many wipes every time, that usually I have to take them all out of the potty and use the plunger so we have a working toilet again. Tonight I am so tired, and this has been a stressful day. Sometimes I hesitate to write things here, because of who I know might read it; but if you want to criticize, spread gossip or think you have a better idea (like putting him in a home) then please don't read this anymore. I have special friends who care about me that read my blog, and this is for them to read.

Everything has to be a routine. Missie stayed with friends Fri. night and said she wished our lives were "random" like theirs. Well, I believe in structure especially in children's lives. But even the road we take to church cannot be changed without his getting out of kilter. He is not violent like he was, but he still has mental illnesses and the autism that causes him to need a really structured life. This is an example. Jr. and Missie are both sick with colds so he and I went to church. Now usually Jr. stops in front of the fellowship hall so I can take my food in, then I walk to the church. Well, I wanted to park the van to be sure we got a parking spot by the ramp, and get him safely inside the church to sit in the foyer so he can talk to the people. Then I would go out and get the food and take it in the fellowship hall. But he couldn't understand why I wanted to do it that way at all. But since he thought he was making it hard on me by not doing it as I suggested, he did let me do that. So that was an improvement. But everywhere we go, it is exhausting. Getting him in and out of places, in and out of the vehicle, making sure he doesn't fall, etc. But I love him and I made up my mind when I saw the way those nurses did in the hospital; he would never be left to their mercy; as he wouldn't get the care we give him. I don't know what will happen when Jr. and I are gone; but I have prayed he will go first. But as long as I have breath and can; I will continue to care for him. Missie has taken care of him too; when he was like a baby from that brain infection, she had to help change his diapers. I know it has been hard on her, but I pray this has caused her to be more understanding and want to help others who needs help. And she is a very tender hearted, loving girl to those in need. For that I am thankful.

So life goes on, but today was especially exhausting. It was due to the fact it was rainy, and Missie is sick and was cranky. She is doing online placement tests for this new online schooling we are looking into for high school, which by the way, is FREE and the textbooks are delivered right to the door. That will help us financially, but really, I am also tired of homeschooling. Why can't God work out something for our family so that she can go to school? She is much happier going to school, and it takes a load off of me, then Preston is more relaxed, and things are simpler. Anyhow, the placement tests have a lot of Math which is her weak subject and it is going on and on, and driving her insane. So! I have to listen to that, and since it was rainy, and he has been walking down the driveway to the wood working shop since last Monday, Preston sat in his rocker and talked about how bored he was today, and that he wanted to go away, etc. etc. until by the time Jr. got home from work, I was a nervous wreck and about at my wit's end. So it has been a stressful day in this household! So I must admit I am tired of homeschooling. Now you may be a homeschooling mom and wonder how that could ever be. But if you could live with us, take care of Preston, homeschool, do the housework, and try to have some relaxation time for myself, then you would understand. I am now 50 years old and I am just tired!

Maybe tomorrow will be better? I sure do hope so. I do have to go and get blood work done, but that is no biggie. It will be a relief to get out of the house alone for a while, even to have blood drawn. Now you know how desperate I am, LOL.

Please pray for me, when you read this post. And know that I love my children with my whole heart, but I am just tired!

Kind of sad, but it is ok.

We will not be taking our trip to Canada next month.

My mom was supposed to get income tax money back and was going to pay for our trip; but she got a letter saying she will get $0. So none of us can afford it; the gas is so high, motels, etc. But it is ok. The Lord knows all about it; it just isn't the right time for us to go. Preston is the most disappointed I guess, of all of us. I am a bit disappointed; I was looking forward to the trip. But I don't want to get out of God's will.

Preston has been wanting to go to the zoo in Columbia, so we plan to take a day and do that. Then Jr. and Missie usually takes a short trip to see some sights; last year they went to Gatlinburg. Preston is not able to do all of that; so they go alone and have a great time.

Missie has a cold and is aching all over. Plus she fell yesterday at work and hurt her face. Jr. has a cold and is coughing, blowing, etc. Preston and I are going to church tonight and stay to eat afterwards. It is a highlight of the week for us to do this. So I am taking him. Missie camped out Fri night with friends and waded in a creek; that might be why she is sick. But she said it was worth it; she had such a wonderful time with friends from our church.

So gotta get dressed and get going. I already have the food fixed to take for afterwards.

I've been tagged

Ok, I have been tagged by Cathy, so here goes!

What I was doing ten years ago. I was a pastor's wife for Savannah Bible Methodist Church in Savannah, TN; mom to Preston who was 10 and Missie who was almost 4. Wow, that seems so long ago!!!


Five things on my to-do list today - bake cinnamon rolls, bake cinnamon swirl bread and a cake, cut both my guys' hair, strip beds and wash all bedding.

Snacks that I enjoy - cherries in dip, 3 muskateers bar, honey buns, chocolate cake

What I would do I were a billionaire - pay off all of the bills we owe, buy another vehicle and a bigger house in another state, and put Missie in a holiness school.

3 of my bad habits - finishing people's sentences for them; asking a question then not concentrating on the answer and having to ask the same question a while later, being on computer too much.

Places I have lived - Roblin, Ontario Canada; Thomasville, NC; Lexington, NC, Savannah, TN; Easley, SC

Five jobs I have had - pastor's wife, wife to my hubby, and mom to my children; cleaning houses, typist in a food packing company before I was married.

Ok, that's it. I tag Renee Deaton, Happybunny, Hannah Talley, Lorie, and Les Clark!

Oops! and I've Been Tagged

I made a mistake on the price of the hot dog buns; they were $1.25. I saw $1.85 on the shelf and thought it was for the hot dog buns, but it must have been something else.

I have been tagged and I typed all of the answers and when I went to post, there was an error and it is all gone. So am going to leave that until tomorrow; too tired to start all over again.

Name brand or generic?

Well, I really messed up. To save money I tried to go off name brand medication which was extended release and take generic. The name brand is $30/bottle; the generic is $4. BUT! I feel so absolutely horrible that it is the worth the extra money to have the name brand which is extended relief. This medication helps my fibro. and my depression. I ache and feel so tired without it. So it is back to the name brand. I tried! So don't believe it when people say there is no difference between name brand and generic. Preston cannot take generic meds. either for some of his meds., they don't work near as well. But he is not taking hardly any medication during the day at all! He is so much better since he has a working shunt. He took his walk today and stayed at the shop for a little while. But Jr. came home and he asked me to come and pick him up and bring him home, so I did. He then got in his pj's and laid on couch and took a nap; now he is having trouble falling asleep.

You know, groceries are getting outrageous. What is it coming too? Hot dog buns were $1.85 tonight at Bi-Lo. They used to be 89 cents. I needed something quick for supper tonight, so got hot dogs. I usually don't buy them very often. I heard some stores are rationing rice? Hmmm, it is kind of scary. But I will continue to do the best I can, and cook from scratch, but even flour is rising in price.

I am so tired and achy tonight, but just wanted to check in. Junior is getting sick again; he just had this mess a while back. Oh me, it never ends!

Thank you

so much for the kind thoughts, prayers and comments. I HATE being sick; did I mention that I am NOT a person who likes to be sick? Anyhow, yesterday I started sneezing again and feeling bad. I was scared I was getting a relapse, but I think it is allergies. Junior has a sore throat; so hope he isn't coming down with something. Also, thanks for the comments about Preston. Every day now he is walking down the driveway and back up. Since has the cane now, he cannot carry the mail, so he calls Missie to come and get it. He is tired and his legs are hurting when he gets back (he usually stays down there and rests and visits with anyone who might be in the wood working shop)BUT he has made up his mind to do it!

The puppies face is almost better now. We have had to squeeze the infection out; it is crazy, because it looked like the same stuff that was draining out of Preston's head back a couple of months ago when he had to have surgery. But anyhow, we have been pouring peroxide on it too, and he is about back to normal. EXCEPT, we have moved him outside at night. He sleeps on the porch. He will not behave inside sometimes and keeps wanting to pee on the carpet and I have had it!!! We plan to clean the carpet this weekend. MIssie has been spot cleaning it but I want to do a good cleaning. So he is going to be an outside dog for the most part. He does come in some when he gets a chance.

I went to our family dr. today and I told him about Preston, and he was so amazed at all that had happened! He has known Preston since he was a little boy. We did leave SC for almost 5 years, but came back and went straight back to Dr. Banks. It really is amazing what all Preston came through, and that is he almost back to normal. God is amazing! It is amazing that we survived it all; I hope it doesn't happen for a long, long time again; my nerves just can't take it!

Headed to bed soon, wanted to check in.

Milestone in Preston's life!

I am feeling much better today, thank the Lord. I am not the type of person who likes to lay down and not work around my house, or at my cards. I didn't even feel like making cards; so you know I was sick.

Our puppy got bit on the face by a neighbor's dog. Well, it was swelling up worse and worse so when Jr. got home, we were able to squeeze a lot of infection and blood out of it and put peroxide on it. So hopefully she will recover better now. We just cannot afford to take her to the vet.

Preston walked down to the shop at the end of our driveway today for the 1st time since April of 2007! It was a huge accomplishment for him; but he was very tired, hot, and discouraged when he got back, because his legs were aching so bad. I told him it is because he hasn't had enough exercise. He was happy to see some of the guys in the woodworking shop and visit with them. Missie took a picture of him coming back up the driveway. I can hardly believe it has been almost a year since all of this stuff happened to Preston. When I look back now, I wonder how we ever got through that time. I know it was only God! I couldn't have made it without God and our church. Our people stood by us through it all. What people do without God or a good church home, I don't know!

Sick!

Well, I have been sick since Monday p.m. This a.m. my cold seemed better but I was so weak and even laid down for a while. I took tylenol and that helped me feel some better. I was able to sit down and make 3 cards today.

So it has been kind of a hard week. I didn't get my house cleaned this week. Missie did vacuum a couple of days for me, and I kept the washing done up. But the ironing didn't get done or dusting. But it can wait.

Not much other news but wanted to let you all know I am still alive, even if I am sick.

Scrapbook pages

I am sick with either a sinus problem or a cold. I haven't felt well today at all. Did usual housework, but nothing extra, except I washed a load of coats and sweaters to put away for the summer. But I did make some scrapbook pages and worked on a couple of boxes and filled them with cards to put on ebay. Here is the link if you wish to look.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZhomeschoolfamilyof4

Missie makes some scrapbook pages too. She made a US army one and sold it, and made one of the cat ones that is one now. She wants to earn a little money and I am helping her with the fees and all, to see if she can get started.

Well, I am going to bed; not sure if I will be able to breathe very well when I lay down. This is all I needed right now!

Frustrating day!

Well, it has been quite a day. I knew I needed to go to Easley today, and Preston wanted to go. Well, unlike yesterday a.m. he did not want to get up. He finally got up and he ate and took his meds, then went in bathroom. He shaved and brushed his teeth and I gave him a shower. I had town clothes laid out but when we got back into his room, he asked why I had them laid out. I told him once again I was going to Easley and that he had said he wanted to go. But when I asked him if he wanted to go he said no, so I hung the clothes back in closet and got him clean pj's. Well! Jr. came home and was able to work on our computer here for his job, and Missie and I took off. We were not many miles down the road until the phone rang and Preston asked Missie if we were going to Hospice. Hospice is a thrift store in Easley that I had planned to take him to today. I told her to tell him no, that we were not going there, but he kept calling every little while. He had remembered AFTER I left that he was supposed to go to hospice. Oh me! So I told him when I got home I would take him to a couple of places in Greenville. So took Jr. back to work in TR, and Missie, Preston and I set off again. We went to Miracle Hill, and Missie was needing tennis shoes, and found 2 pair for $4! One pair is like new! Then I took her to the big library and dropped her off and Preston and I went to Salvation Army. Then back to library to pick up Missie and help her check everything out; only to find out that Missie's card had too many fines on it and dvds that were overdo that she couldn't check anything out. How that happened, I still don't remember. We usually go to the library every week. Anyhow! I used the rest of our cards and were able to get most of the stuff she wanted, and more dvds for Preston. Then I brought the children home, and headed back to get Jr. I had to stop at the library on the way there to get Missie's acct. straightened out and get the dvds on her card renewed. So I got Jr., and we had to stop and get gas, and then at the store for bananas. Got home to no supper cooked, except chicken cooked. So I quick fixed dumplings and we had homemade sourdough bread left over, and some other leftovers. I was so tired by the time supper was over. But with Missie's help, I got the kitchen cleaned up and Jr.'s lunch packed for tomorrow. I am beat.
Tomorrow I get to stay home!!!! Lord willing, of course. You never know from one day to the next what will happen in our lives.

I feel like I am getting a cold, so am taking some sinus meds. along with my reg. meds. and soon going to bed. I hope I am not getting sick.

Monday!

Well, today I guess I overdid it. At least my lower back says so!

The bathroom floor was yellowing and looking bad so I sprayed it with bleach cleaner and then scrubbed it with a brillo pad, and mopped it and put mop n glo on it. It looks soooo much better! Then it was also my day to do my kitchen floor. I did not scrub it with brillo pad this time, but mopped it and put mop n glo in it. Of course, I vaccumed. And did lots of laundry; Monday is a big laundry day for me since we all go to church on Sunday and I have all of those clothes.

So tonight I am aching. I have taken extra meds. and am headed to bed. Hopefully will feel ok tomorrow. I have to run to Easley tomorrow. Preston wants to go with me. He has had a wonderful day today!

Drum roll, please!

I did it!!!! I was able to get up and get ready for church this a.m. And Missie and I went to a.m. worship and it was well worth the effort. It was great to be back in the Lord's house on Sun. a.m. I know there are some Sunday a.m.'s I won't be able to go, but when I can, I am going to be there! It seemed to help Missie a lot too. One of her old friends was back this a.m. The family I have been praying for has returned, praise the Lord! He is so good.

Hubby got dinner; and he used the breadmaker and made the first loaf of sourdough from our starter, that I started on Tues. It was so good. He made barbecued chicken and oven roasted sliced potatoes. They were great too.

Just had to share.

Almost over!

Well, this week is almost over, and I haven't gotten accomplished what I wanted too. But I have to do a little along as I have this fibro anyhow. I cannot work hard and long like I used too. We did get all the cups and other things taken down from over my kitchen cabinets and washed, and put back. Missie got them down and put them back. Then I got the cabinets over the microwave cleaned out, and all my flour containers replenished. Then Missie took everything out of another cabinet by the stove and wiped those shelves out and put the stuff back in. But still have more cabinets to go. Today was a different Thurs. than usual. Jr. had to go to the dr. and have blood drawn, so when he got back I took him to work so I could grocery shop. So that is done for 2 weeks except for milk and a few small items we may need. I am trying to figure out if powdered milk or canned milk is the cheapest to cook with. Powdered milk has gotten so expensive, too. No matter how frugal I try to be, groceries are high. But we have to eat.

So! Tomorrow is Friday and when Jr. gets home he will take Preston on an outing. He looks forward to getting out. Tonight he sat out on the porch in his swing because it was so nice out. We all ended up spending time outside this evening. Missie has been outside a lot today. She loves the outdoors.

We heard Hobe Sound College Choir last night. We got to see a girl that attended our church in Savannah, TN when we pastored and we had a nice visit. We are so proud of her! We were worried about her for a while. But she loves Hobe Sound and the Lord is really helping her! Then I got to see another girl who had lived in Canada for 10 years, and her dad had pastored the Pilgrim Holiness Church there. Missie said she felt a different feeling last night, and wondered if we would mind if she went to Hobe Sound rather than Penn View. If we don't get to move, we may send her there, because there are people from our church that come and go there, and it might be easier. I told Jr. maybe we should consider moving to FL. It is all in God's hands; His will is what we want. But Missie is so lonely to be with other young people like herself. I know she needs to be; and homeschooling is not the best choice for her, but right now, that is all we can do.

We had planned to be in Canada with my mom on Mother's Day and that day is also my brother's birthday, but found out today, Jr. cannot miss work that week, because the other guy that will do his job ask for that week off about a month ago, and they both can't be gone at the same time. So! We are having to replan our trip to see my mom! I want to go before it gets too hot up there; as they only have 1 small air conditioner unit in the one bedroom. But it looks like we go around May 23. So we will see.

There are 2 answers to prayer this week. My sister in law got called back to her job at the cancer center in the hospital and most importantly, a friend of mine who had been out of church for a while, was in church last night and I got to hug her and tell her I love her! She is coming back!!! PTL! I asked the Lord to please not let her go! She has 5 precious children, and her husband has been unsaved for years, and she got overwhelmed. I understand that, but am so glad she is making her way back. Pray for that family, God knows their names, if you think of it.

I guess that is all for this time.

Sunday night experience!

Well, last night we were on the way to church and 3 dogs ran out in front of Jr. and one was quite a big dog. He slammed on the brakes and the homemade chicken noodle soup that was in the between the middle seats flew to the front of the van and spilled all over everything. What a mess! So we had to come back home and clean the most of the mess out of the van, and thankfully none of us got much of it on us. So I grabbed 2 cans of tuna, and mayo to take and make sandwiches after church. They didn't need them as there was stuff left over from a wedding reception on Friday night. But we were late for church! Preston hates being late. But it doesn't happen very often. They had started singing the first congregational song when we got there. So the inside of the van is a mess; Jr. and Missie has to scrub the floor when Jr. gets home tomorrow. Preston stayed so calm through the whole thing, it was so amazing. He is such a different boy. I was more upset than he was! So tonight, Jr. and Missie have to scrub the carpet in the van. It will probably smell like chicken soup for a while.

Today I have washed lots of clothes, and still drying some. I vacuumed through and mopped kitchen and bathroom, washed dishes, made beds, put some auctions on ebay. I have sold of my cards on there lately so got brave and put several more on today; hoping to sell them. I don't make a lot of money on them, but every little bit helps, and it is theraputic for me to make them.

Preston is outside sitting in his swing, and Missie has been playing outside all day. I gave her spring break this week as public schools are on spring break.

So I am chilling out on the computer!

Exhausted

Well, this is Sunday, and I feel totally exhausted. I couldn't get to sleep until after 1 a.m. then Jr. woke me up at 7:30 but his clock had sprung ahead because this is the weekend the time was supposed to change, so it was only 6:30. I was aching all over. I got up, took some meds. and went back to bed; slept some, and was still aching all over. I feel totally drained and achy. I hope I am just tired and not coming down with something. I have to get my rest. I wanted to get up and take Missie to church this a.m. but it didn't happen. Jr. took care of Preston's breakfast and he and Missie are going to cook dinner. Preston was so sleepy he went back to bed too and is in bed now. When I look back I wonder how I ever made it those 9 long weeks in the hospital. It was only God that gave me the strength. Jr. stayed some, but during the week I usually stayed. But when they would give Preston his 9 o'clock meds. at night, I would lay down then. But I was always up earlier than I get up now, because I wanted to be dressed and my hair fixed before dr. came in. God really gave me strength during those weeks.

It has been rainy here, but today the sun is shining. We all love the sunshine.

The puppy is growing and is a hyper little thing! We are still working on house breaking her. Sometimes she does ok, other times she doesn't. I don't like the accidents!!! She loves Missie and when Missie goes away she will lay close to front door sometimes with a sad face. Missie loves on her and kisses her all the time. Yes, I know! Kissing a puppy! But it helps Missie's depression to have her, especially since Isabelle, the baby, is in Heaven now.

Hoping I get perked up soon.

Frugality is a must for families!

http://afrugalmom.blogspot.com/

Check this out and leave comments of ways you save money, please!

Yet another problem?

Yes, that is my life story. Problems, problems, problems, LOL.
Anyhow, yesterday I had bad pain in the side of my face, and my ear, and also my mouth was sore on the inside. It felt like an abcessed tooth, but I have no upper teeth to be abcessed. So I thought there maybe I had an ear infection and just a sore mouth too. Well, this a.m. I had a big bump on my gum hanging down and I couldn't wear my upper teeth. Well, I was rubbing it this evening, and it broke open and infection came out of it, and now it feels much better! What caused it I don't know. I just hope the rest of the soreness goes away so I can wear my top dentures pain free.

I did get the kitchen and bathroom mopped today, and cleaned Preston's room. We are being invaded with ants, so Jr. sprayed inside and outside for ants when he got home from work, and already we can see a difference. Living in the woods has its drawbacks concerning bugs.

We are going to try and refinance our house. We have paid 5 years on our home! We are going to try and refinance and get some extra money to add a room on for Missie to have a larger bedroom, and hopefully a half bath too. It is in the Lord's hands. We don't want much higher payments than we have now, as we cannot afford to pay anymore. Our house comes with some land, so is worth quite a bit more than we owe for it. So we will see what works out. Missie has to have a bigger room in the near future.

I am so tired; I am headed to bed.