Thankful to Be Back Thursday

OK so this feels like my first day blogging like EVER.  It's not though... honest.  Used to do this all the time, several days a week even.... then sometime earlier this year.... the desire to blog just disappeared.  Who knew it could do that?  Show of hands?  Um no me neither.  Neither?  Either?  Whatever.  Yes, Monogirl still has Monobrain hard at work as you can see.

So what is on my mind this first day back?  This little guy.  Tanner.  He is about to be 14 years old on Nov. 1st and here at our house we are dealing with elderly dog issues.  Suddenly there have been accidents in the house.  He has never been like that since being house broken . Now he isn't making it thru the workday, and now even thru the night.  He is also having trouble hearing sometimes (we think) and if he's been sleeping for awhile it takes him a long time to stand up and get the joints moving.  Vet also told us he now has a heart murmur also due to age.  My heart is feeling kind of heavy and discouraged today because I feel like we are heading down a dead end road here... and I don't like what is at the end.  We have a call in to the vet to see if he has any help for the incontinence issues.  Is it possible something else is wrong?  It would be great if its fixable.  Otherwise I sense a decision coming that Darrel and I do not want to make.  Praying God will just take care of things when its time.

So what else is new?  Um Bible Journaling!  I might have mentioned that earlier in the year cause I've been toying with the idea for awhile but now?  So loving Bible Journaling.  My BFF Lisa and I went to an Illustrated Faith workshop in September and it was awesome.  Totally lit my fire to want to study my Bible more and meditate and create cool colorful notes and illustrations based on that reading.  I mean reading... note taking.... cool art supplies.... what's not to love?!!

At the workshop one of the other ladies had this fabric made into a Bible cover.  LOVE. Shortly thereafter I headed on over to Etsy to see if I could find a cover of my own.  First I found this one and fell in love with all the pinkness.  I ordered it immediately.  Well immediately after I measured to make sure it would fit.  Are we remembering that measuring is not Monogirl's best thing?  Well proof of that would be when the Bible came I soon discovered that a 7-3/4" cover would not fit an 8" Bible..... Why did Monogirl think it would?  Probably cause she tends to measure and say OK... close enough... and then just gets lucky if it fits.  Well after this debacle Monogirl and the husband decided that Monogirl is no longer allowed to measure anything and the husband is now officially in charge of all needed measuring.  It's totally his thing.  I've been known to call him Mr. T-square... Well I decided it couldn't hurt to ask if the shop owner would possibly be willing to exchange my cover.  I fessed up that the problem was TOTALLY my fault and that if she'd rather not, I understood, no hard feelings.  Well guess what she did?  She totally let me exchange, and since there was no more of the banner fabric she sent me links to Hobby Lobby and Joann's and let me custom pick out my fabric!!  How fun!!  And they totally had the King of Kings fabric! LOVE.  So I picked that, and mentioned my um.... LOVE for pink stuff and she outdid herself with pink lining, and pink ribbon markers and then I also ordered a matching pencil bag cause who could resist right?  Melinda the shop owner was awesome, and so wonderful to work with.  Please go check out her stuff.  She will fix you up!

Here is a peek at my first few journaling entries:

The last image is the pages I did at the IF workshop.  If you get a chance to attend a workshop... GO! Shanna Noel was the leader and she gave us her wonderful testimony, we listened to a 15 min. sermon, and then we went to town on our pages with notes and illustrations from that sermon and the scriptures in Colossians.  I have two more entries penciled in and waiting for some color and lots more notes from the last few weeks of sermons and devotionals.

The journaling has even spilled over into my job!  Our pastor just started a sermon series about the Beatitudes.  He asked the staff at staff meeting if anyone had any "catchy" title ideas. I didn't have too many thoughts at first, but after I got back to my office and read the Beatitudes and read some of the commentaries and looked it up in the Life Application Study Bible notes.... well then the brainstorming started.  Google is also a great help in brainstorming.  I had several pages of notes and title ideas and other thoughts.... then I had the urge to go home and draw it up.... Well when I mentioned that to the Pastor when I was telling him my title ideas he said I should draw it up.  Scary!! But fun.  So I drew it up, and then I re-created it on the computer, and Viola!  Sermon series graphic and then I turned that into sermon series powerpoint templates.  FUN.... I really liked it and it totally felt like one of those things where you are going um I could totally do this.... all the lights and switches and gears were going! ha.

So yes I am being brave and showing you my graphic.... and here is the original drawing...

Very fun and now I am helping with some ideas and creative stuff for another sermon coming up in November.

And so now I am thinking that is a pretty good start to my returning to the blogging world.... Why don't we close with a short... maybe... thankful list.

Feeling thankful today for....

• Tanner... 
• getting to use my creative abilities more! 
• Bible journaling.  LOVE 
• the very kind lady at the BlackKitty OrangeCat Etsy shop
• beautiful fall colors and weather 
• art supplies 
• that my husband was protected this morning when a tire went out on his car 
• warm soft covers to cuddle under in the cooler fall temps 
• getting to wedding dress shop with a dear friend 
• reading!  I am behind on my challenge (4 books...) but I am on it! 
• dinner already cooking in the crock pot 
• my ugg slippers 
• Miss Sophie and Miss Tris 
• honeycrisp apples!  A new found favorite.  Where have I been?  
• being married.  I am so in love with my dear husband. 
• having a good amount of Christmas shopping done already
• crocheting for the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes 
• date night tomorrow!  yay! 

Hope to check in with you again soon ..... you know sometime before 6 mos has passed.... ha.
Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful today for this work in progress.  We are finally getting our shelves up.  Are they in the living room?  No.  Dinning room? Um no... They are in both.  We decided the longest wall, which both rooms share, would be the best spot and so far... I am thinking we were right!  We had them all in place and then we both decided we weren't liking that top shelf on the right.... it wasn't working with the rest like a team... so it got moved... which also mean the wall got repaired and is waiting for some paint this evening.  I am also thankful for a husband who knows how to do all this stuff and he does it well and is generally happy about it.  Have I mentioned what a great husband I have?  Just checking.  As you can see we tried out a few of the things we intend to go on the shelves... and yep.  Loving those too!  I have plans for lots more things to join these few. 

 

What else is there to be thankful for today?  How about.....

Sloppy Joes... its what's for dinner! Does anyone know who is Joe and why was he sloppy? 

the forsythia bush is blooming.

Happy Mail. 

Sleeping in on rainy gray days

My pretty pink laptop.  I like my smart phone.  I like my tablet.... but when it comes to emailing, because I like to be able to type on a keyboard, or even browsing... still prefer the laptop. 

The Fannie May package that just arrived... addressed to my husband.  That could mean good things for Monogirl for Easter.  Fannie May is easy to find in the Chicago area where we are from.  Here in SW Indiana?  Um not so much.  Pretty much have to go to Indy I think.

We got this quilt hung in our bedroom this week!  yay!  This is a baby quilt my Mamaw made for me when I was yes... a baby.  It's got pink!  Wasn't she smart?  It's old... which yes would imply Monogirl is old... a fact that was recently made quite clear to me when  picking a song for worship leading that was not all that old to me, but after thinking it thru.... that the copyright was 1983.... I realized that meant it was um 32 years old.  That part was thought thru after discovering that the worship team people had not heard of it and some of them.... who are adults with children.... had not yet been born in 1983... Oh my.  When did Monogirl get old?  Anyway.... old or not... tattered and greatly used... LOVE this quilt and love it on my wall. 

My IRCA judging books arrived... and that means I received 4, signed by the author, books to keep!  I have until Mid May to read 4 books.... do ya think I can handle that assignment? I can't tell you which books I have until the judging is done.... so tune in later for details. 

Getting to play with my watercolor paints this past weekend.  I was totally fighting complete anxiety attacks and stress about worship leading (among other things) and a little escape to my craft room and playing with paint and markers was the perfect soother.  I hand lettered this in my planner and then painted it with watercolors.  Very Fun.  Need to be doing more of that!

A fresh pink pedicure and getting to wear flip flops this week!  Although in old people Monogirl's day they were called thongs.... And yes, I am aware that means a whole other thing these days...

More people joining in on the Handmade 4Him Operation Christmas Child project at church!  Love it!!

My new bike arrived.  My husband was going to put it together until he discovered the front fork was bent.... why am I thankful?  The company took care of the problem wonderfully and a new front fork is on its way to us with very little hassle!   I love it when quality companies stand behind their stuff! 

As long as we are talking about the bike... LOOK how cute it is.  Thankful for that!

beautiful spring days this week

Cuties!  Love those things... sad that they tend to disappear in April and not reappear till November.  Better stock up now!

finishing this book today.  SO good.  Her book A Fall of Marigolds is also excellent. 

That I am 2 books ahead of schedule for my goal of 110 books this year!

....and that it's early in the day still so after getting a start on the sloppy joes there will still be time to play with paints and markers and scrap supplies...

Until next time... blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Now how could one not be thankful for the best bunny ever?  He is so soft and his tag says "I am small bashful beige bunny.  Please look after me."  Awwwww  Can't you just picture a little person carrying him around by his ear?  Good thing I have one or two on hand for a couple special little people I know.  Did you also know they come in PINK? 

Also feeling thankful for.....

the Internet having an off switch.... cause some days my head just doesn't need anymore chaos

days when it's OK to just close my eyes and drift off for a nice nap when I'm feeling tired

a generous gift in the mail yesterday

singing!  Love to sing at church. 

watching Miss Sophie playing with new toys

being stocked up on cuties... especially since they usually disappear in April

a productive day at work yesterday

an unexpected dinner at Steak and Shake yesterday which of course included the all important milk shake - shake of choice?  Chocolate for Monogirl

seeing the daffodils starting to come up

Kids Hope yesterday and more painting fun!

Date Night!  I look forward to it every week!  Last week included carry out Pasta and sandwiches from Procopios, popcorn, and more Walking Dead.  We are into season 5 now... they are about to have a confrontation with the people at the hospital to try and rescue Beth and Carol...

This verse.... "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25  That verse has been put in front of me several times over the past few weeks.  It's even more enlightening when you check it out on blueletterbible.org.  I love seeing the meanings from the original Hebrew. 

Capri pants weather

my iPhone 5S

creative things and making stuff and inspiring things like those Amy Tangerine videos!  Good stuff.

Miss Tris being fully recovered from her surgery

going to church with my husband

my husband bringing dinner home from papa John's.... we are trying the Philly cheesesteak pizza... Lets hope we don't regret that decision.

and that I actually got blogging done twice so far this week.  yay Monogirl. 

Signing off for now... Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Pretty thankful today that we are finally getting some things up on the walls in our newly remodeled living room and dinning room.  I bought this cute little vintage suitcase looking shelf from Zulilly  and thought it made a perfect home for my most favorite painting ever.... the one my husband painted in college. The painting used to belong to my husband's parents.  A couple of year's ago, Darrel's Dad told us we should take it home.  Nice of him to suggest that and thwart my plans to steal it one day when no one was looking... ha!!!

I am also thankful that.....

the wasp that is currently flying around my house is leaving me alone.  I told my husband he needed to come home. (kidding) He told me the fly swatter was in the pantry.  I replied that wouldn't help me unless there were also stilts in there.  Monogirl is short remember?  His reply?  To tell me where the gun is.  He is oh so helpful.... Usually. 

the beautiful 70 degree day we had this week!  Love those first beginning peeks of spring!

Capri pants weather.... see point above. 

Reading!  Currently reading The Beekeepers Son and enjoying it. 

A newly cleaned scrapbook and crafting room.

Miss Tris is recovering nicely from her spay surgery.  She has been in solitary for the last week and 1/2 or at least I'm sure she thinks it's like solitary confinement.  About a week after her surgery she started swelling.  The vet said she was being too active and needed to be quiet and dry.... so she has been living in the dog crate while she recovers.  She has her own little bed, litter pan and food and she is resting.  How else does one keep a year old cat non active?  Duct tape? 

That Miss Sophie likes to play fetch.  It is sooooo cute.  I have to get it on video sometime.

New crochet magazines

finding out that the food place in town makes a wonderful chicken strip salad.  yum

that the new Insurgent movie comes out tomorrow

the drive in opening soon - I am hearing early April!

Mexican Food! 

OK... and Italian food and Chinese food and OK... food. 

the pretty pink bicycle I bought the other day... yes.  It looks all vintagey too.  Wait till you see it. 

Saturday pancakes

Cuddling on the couch with my husband and watching our shows together

new art supplies, especially the stamp carving stuff!  Loved looking at the blog I linked yesterday and can't wait to try one of my own

Hilton Head.   Nope, haven't been recently... but we're going again this summer!  Maybe I'll ride a pretty pink bike on the beach with my husband. 

holding Darrel's hand

The Walking Dead... I know... a weird thing to be thankful for.  It's just that Darrel and I have been enjoying binge watching it together as we catch up with the rest of the world. 

and for the hot shower that is calling my name.  I think today's shower gel scent shall be Madagascar Vanilla.  It's almost... almost a tie with my all time fav. Moonlight Path.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

So what's to be thankful about on this Thankful Thursday?  Well.....

Shelter from the snow and cold!  We made it all winter without snow until this week and then we get hit twice!  This of course has been followed by frigid temps. Makes a girl wonder if she is back in Chicago again.  Did I ever tell you the one about the boy and girl who got engaged in Chicago on a cold.... 22 below... December day? 

The Insurgent Movie comes out next month!  Just saw the trailer.  Too funny though... when I heard them say "Tris" on the trailer I think oh!  Just like our little kitty Tris.... of course then I realize um hello... we named Tris after the Divergent series since we read it together!  They don't call me Monogirl for nothin.

Clean glasses.  Now that I am more dependent on my glasses... cannot stand dirty glasses. 

Halos.  Not quite as much my fav as Cuties... but they are a great second choice. 

A working Internet connection. The one at work is not so much... working.  Making Monogirl's job difficult! 

And on the heels of that thought... the ability to work from home when weather and annoying Internet connections interfere with work from the office!

Being reminded that Fannie May sells Easter Candy.... I mean have you ever tried their Caramel Pecan Fudge Egg? 

Progress on our Handmade 4Him crafty items for Op. Christmas Child boxes.  A church friend and her daughter spent this week making some awesome bracelets for the boxes!  SO excited about that!!  LOVE seeing people get on board with the project!

Not breaking my iPhone when I just dropped it between the end table and the couch..... and yes I thought I was being careful.

The ability to laugh at the chaos that ensued a few nights ago when we had the dump the meat sauce, spill all of the tide on the floor debacle...

The ability to laugh at that including that a few nights later my husband was in the basement working on the new outlets for the living/dinning room and he noticed a spot on the floor. He goes to investigate and is all what's that?  It was detergent... Yep.  Seeped thru the pantry floorboards and found it's way all the way to the basement floor.  Too funny! 

Playing with art supplies! 

 

Date night!  Especially our Valentines Date Night this past week. 

 

Reading!  And discovering that DUH the last 3 books on the Elm Creek Quilts series (which I am currently reading) are available on E-loan from the library.  Which means I am back on my beloved Kindle. 

Discovering the library E-loan now includes some magazines.  However.. not for Kindle, for Nook.  But Monogirl was smart enough to figure out Nook has a free iPhone app so now Monogirl has Taste of Home and Crochet magazines on her iPhone.  Martha Stewart Living too.  It's a good thing.

 

The Vera purse my husband picked out for me. 

Valentine roses that are still pretty. 

God's protection for our niece when her car went off the road in the snow yesterday. 

All things warm when it's next to below zero out.... like ugg slippers, down comforters, heated car seats, Dennis Basso scarves, Ugg boots.... and Miss Sophie. 

 

Spotting this on clearance when I was looking for that link.... That belongs at my house.

 

Watching Miss Sophie play fetch. 

Spaghetti for dinner tonight!  Assuming Monogirl gets off the computer and gets in the kitchen to make the sauce?  ha..

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Feeling grateful for many things on this Thankful Thursday evening.... things like...

• Miss Sophie here.  Yes... this is my leg, my nightshirt and my blanket... but apparently Miss Sophie is under the impression that my nightshirt doubles as a great blanket to tunnel under.  Could she be any cuter? 

Being back to blogging!  I've missed the blogging world and my blogging reader friends.  Thanks for hanging around

Hot Stuff Potato Chips.  Have you had these?  The Jay's people make them and they were our Fav when we lived in IL.  Somehow a bag or two found their way down to Southern Indiana.  Don't know how that happened but me and the husband were happy 'bout that!

Crocheting... it just might save my sanity.  Or maybe that's reading... or maybe it's a toss up.

Nail polish that does not chip.  Yes. Gel polish qualifies but after wearing that for like 2+ years Monogirls fingers suddenly decided they were allergic to the Gel... Not happy about that turn of events. 

Books!  Still enjoying the Elm Creek Quilt series and loving every minute!

Art!  Did a little playing with my watercolor pencils today to try and come up with a Valentine's card for my husband.  I came up with two.  At the moment I am not sure either are fit for viewing.  Monogirl will decide tomorrow.  It was still fun just perhaps a watercolor artist I am not.  Did I mention it was fun?

Remembering I wanted to make a Valentine's card.  I've been thinking I'd do that today for a few weeks now and today?  Completely forgot until I had one hour left before he arrived home.  Perhaps that pressure of the hour has something to do with my watercolor skills or the lack thereof...

Valentine's Day.  Yay!  I *heart* Valentine's day!!  Especially since ours will commence tomorrow night for date night!  I am hoping flowers and chocolate will be involved. 

Kids Hope!  Loved spending time with J this week and loved playing with paints together and getting a hug!  J is awesome!

The nebulizer machine.  It is helping and perhaps is worth the 9 arguments and endless irritation I endured dealing with the Home Health people and the Insurance people.  Not Monogirl's favorite thing.

A new freezer on the way to replace the power surged freezer.

Mexican food... it's what's for dinner!  YUM.  Tortilla's should have their own food group.

Saturday Pancakes

My husband's pillow. I love to steal it after he has left for work.  It smells like him and yes that is a good thing.

Cuddling on the couch watching our shows and movies. 

The Chocolate Confusion cake they have at Procoppios.  YUM.  It's a very close second... or perhaps a tie to Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake from The Cheesecake Factory.

Our Handmade 4Him project!  So excited about doing this and crafting with my friends. 

My BFF.... she signed me up for a List Making online challenge/class thingy yesterday.  Now WHY would she think I'd like a list making event?  Perhaps she is my BFF for a reason. 

My craft/scrap room.  It's currently somewhat of a disaster which makes me miss it and want to craft and clean it up.  I am thinking everyone should create every day.  Who is with me?

Bath & Body works Moonlight Path shower gel.  LOVE that scent.  Love it.  Good stuff. 

Ok... most things from Bath & Body works. 

My Job.  I love working at the church.  I mentioned on FB the other day that quite often my boss... the Pastor... walks around singing whatever song or hymn happens to be stuck in his head at the moment. Makes me smile! 

Good memories of Valentines past. 

The library.  I think the library should be part of every one's day.

Our home.  Shelter.  It's supposed to be like Chicago cold in these parts on Saturday. 

Our DVR.  Love picking from things we've recorded to watch together over dinner.  Tonight's pic?  this week's episode of Chopped. 

And now I am thankful that dinner is ready!  And it starts with nachos.  Don't want to be late for that. 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday... Um Hello?

Just a sec.... gotta clear the cobwebs out of the way and dust things off a bit so we can talk.....ha! 

It's been a long absence and I planned to start with a photo of one of the best things that has happened since we talked last... which is a new great nephew... but of course the first time I try to post, of course the uploading pics thing is giving me a headache and not working.  Perhaps it's punishment for my long absence? 

Also noticing my blog background is AWOL... is this more punishment for being absent?  Cause what is up with that?  

Of course now that I am here... I am quite confused on where to begin.... maybe a bullet list will help with some of the latest from 2015....

• This year I have been totally into art journaling and Bible journaling.  Bought myself a new "journaling Bible" and lots of fun art supplies... of course now I just need to actually use them.  Who even knew there was such a thing as a jornaling Bible?  SO cool.
• Doodling.... another new or OK.... newly revised love.  I used to love drawing and art.  Turns out I still do... I just forgot!  Going to do a doodling class here!  LOVE her stuff.
• Totally into all things creative I guess because I have also started a "Handmade 4Him" project at church.  The goal of this project will be church wide crafting and creating for handmade items to put in our Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes in November.  My personal goal is to make 50 items, probably mostly crochet.  So far I have 3 washcloths! ha.  Hey it's a start.
• Been very into crocheting too!  Made several things for Christmas... which I would love to show you should I ever manage to load a picture again.  Currently working on a very cute baby blanket with lots of other projects waiting in the wings.
• I have been sick with Bronchitis since just a few days after Christmas.  It will NOT seem to go away.... I have to be back in touch with the DR on Friday.. .tomorrow... to see what the next step is if the wheezing still continues. 
• Here is it practically February and the Christmas cards are still hanging on the chimney... Perhaps we will just leave them up as a decor statement for the new room... I blame my husband since a tall person needs to take down the ribbon they are clipped to.  Works for me.
• Reading up a storm.  I am currently totally into the Elm Creek Quilts series.  Have you read those?  there are Twenty... yes... 20 books in the series!  I am on #10 I believe. 
• I made my goal to read 100 books in 2014 and yes.. there was a celebration!  I celebrated by setting a new goal for 2015 of 110.... Currently I am running 2 books ahead of schedule on that goal... lets hope I can keep up the pace.
• We have kind of stalled on the home remodeling front.  We are trying to get back out of the ditch and get things finished up which mainly will consist of electric and crown moldings and then decor stuff like hanging shelves and pics and stuff. 
• Had I told you about the power surge?  I can't remember.  Anyway... we had a power surge which managed to scare us to death and kill several electrical items.  We are currently dealing with the insurance company on that one and working to get the last couple of things replaced which are a window A/C unit, the bedroom ceiling fan and a small freezer.  Would love to get done and to see those insurance funds show up!

And since I was just realizing It's "Thankful Thursday.... perhaps a short thankful list before I close? 

• so thankful for anyone who is still here reading after my long absence.  TRYING to get myself back involved in all the things I love and enjoy but have somehow withdrawn from over the past couple of years while dealing with depression and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• thankful for my DR. He is good! 
• my husband.  SO amazing.  Amazed that God loves me so much to allow me and bless me with such LOVE in my life. 
• crocheting
• creating!  Love making stuff!
• my iPhone and my new iPhone docking alarm clock thingy... courtesy of the power surge.
• time at home to recover from the Bronchitis
• my job.  Love my job and coworkers
• reading!  Really enjoy reading towards my yearly goals too.  And no.. it does not make it work to me.  It makes it fun to me!
• our new great nephew! 
• Kids Hope
• Warm blankets
• the look on my husband's face at Christmas when he read the note and opened the afghan I made for him.  Favorite Christmas moment this year! 
• Miss Sophie
• La Carreta... except now they call themselves El Corral... no one knows why
• PINK STUFF.  Yep... still having that love affair.
• Date Night
• $60 cough medicine.... yes... and that was with insurance.  At least when I take it I can sleep!
• my church family
• new pink Ugg slippers from Christmas.  They are soooo cute. 
• the little willow tree girl reading a book Darrel gave me for Christmas
• and you... yes again... assuming you are still here reading. 

I am off for now... Husband will be home soon (yay).  I will return... before months have passed this time.  I promise. 

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Hello?  Anyone here?  Or have ya'll grown tired of my continual absence and migrated over to Heidi Swapp's blog?  I mean she is Heidi after all and a fellow pink lover! 

I hope you are still here...and for anyone that is... for that I am truly thankful. 

Sorry to be so hit or miss this year.  I've been trying to figure out what the deal is with that and OK...I have a few thoughts on that subject. Are you up for hearing them? 

So I'll just say it.... I am in full blown blog burn out.  Is there a support group for that?  I used to look forward to blogging.  Lately?  Not so much.  I'm like eh..... what do I have to say that is even remotely interesting today?  Another day dealing with depression and chronic fatigue.  Another day not feeling good and struggling.  Another day not where I was.  And I mean really.... I wonder if I will just sound like I am whining and who wants to listen to that?  So not me.... 

I was reading Courtney Walsh's blog yesterday where she wrote about a particularly difficult time for her and her family and how she hadn't been blogging as much because she wants to be "authentic" and honest and sometimes you just feel like you can't do that so you'd rather say nothing.  That spoke to me.  I think I am in that place.  I have been holding back.  You've been with me thru a fire at our church.  Through weight loss ups and downs.  Through Mono.  Through my Dad's cancer.  And now through Chronic Fatigue and depression.  But in the name of being honest.... let's just put it out there.  Things aren't going so well right now. Summer of 2010.... well that was the last high point I can remember.  Then the weight loss stuff really stalled and turned into a huge plateau.  Then early in 2011 came the Mono which knocked me off my feet.  I was a good girl and did all the DRs told me to get thru the Mono... but it still lead to Chronic Fatigue and it's companion Depression... which yes, I have dealt with before.  And OK... the weight that I lost?  It found me again.  Or OK... I found it.  There were people that I thought were supportive and helpful and friends but when things started going bad they took things I had written on my blog and used them against me.  And yes... that has a lot to do with when the holding back started.  There were people that seemed to be waiting for me to fail when I was succeeding and when the failing started... they actually seemed happy about it.  Ouch.    So then one figures OK... who wants to share if they are going to get punched?  I mean punch me once it hurts... and I struggle and I forgive... but um not going to stand there and get punched again.  So... I've withdrawn.... which let's face it is a part of depression anyway. 

I've heard and seen attitudes about how Chronic Fatigue isn't a real illness. Depression isn't either.  Which leaves me wondering how come my DR whom I trust says I am too hard on myself and that Mono and CFS are REAL things and serious illnesses that take time to recover from.  And yes again... I withdraw and wonder who wants to hear my stories anymore.  But then I read on Courtney's post yesterday something I had already been thinking.... she said:  God reminded me...nobody else can benefit from your pain if you refuse to talk about it.

I believe God uses ALL things for Good (Romans 8:28) I believe there are things he wants me to learn from my current situation.  I believe that even though I've gotten off into the ditch.... OK... I didn't just drive off into the ditch... I've spun my wheels so much... I am good and sunk in.... God can show me how to drive out.  I think maybe it starts with gratitude for even the hard things.  So today I am choosing to be thankful for the Mono.  Thankful for the weight gain.  Thankful for the depression.  I already see how he uses it.  He has shown me so many times in the past that when I talk about it, when I bring the secrets, the hard things out into the light?  It takes away the power of Satan trying to use them against me.  Often you find out that 3 more people in the group you are talking to are struggling with the same things!  And when you have courage to speak about it... they think hey!  I am not the only one!  God can use even what we think are the bad things.  He uses all things for good.

So... OK probably more than you expected or perhaps needed today... but that is where I am.  I like blogging. I LOVE hearing from people that say they liked reading my blog. I like to write.  I like having this record of our lives.  It helps me with my scrapbooking and I've always been one to like a journal and a record of daily life.  I love to go back and read old entries.

So I am thinking  this blog needs some new life breathed into it.... perhaps so does the author.... I have been tossing around ideas of what kind of things I want to share.  If I want to have a schedule of posts... what kind of things would that include?  I still want to share about daily living and books!  Books... ah... definitely a bright light in the darkness at times.  So yes, will continue to share and review books.  I hope I can again pick up my scrapbooking and share about that.  I have also recently been heavily back into crocheting.  I've currently got at least 3 projects going... but all are gifts so I haven't been able to share... but they are coming soon.  I also hope to get back on the weight loss road.. which yes is a serious thing to me.  But I am also feeling maybe I need to take it all not quite so seriously..... or perhaps obsessively this time.... Because God has been showing me reasons it wasn't lasting before.  Perhaps I can share about that on another post.  I've also been thinking about Christmas already and would love to share some thoughts about that.... especially the extensive reading list I have made of Christmas Christian Fiction I have on hand! 

Are you still there?  Are you interested?  Are you with me?  I'd love to hear from anyone that says yes to those questions.  Please leave me a comment. 

And OK..... since it is in fact "Thankful Thursday" let's close with a list. 

I am thankful for.....

• Miss Tris!  Yes... that is her being quite busy in the yard stalking anything that moves.
• date night.... which tomorrow may include Endless Shrimp! 
• my job and co workers. 
• singing! 
• days at home. I love home
• pink stuff
• fall temps
• the beautiful colors of the trees right now
• Ghirardelli hot chocolate weather
• crocheting!
• reading!  Just finished Snowfall
• new sweaters and jeans
• more work done on the house!  We need a catch up post!
• Miss Sophie.  She decided to play fetch with Darrel last night. 
• 4 new little friends at church... sweetest kids ever
• new curtains
• sleeping in
• my blog.... and you!
• Darrel finally getting past a sinus infection that has been plaguing him
• my husband.  Best husband ever
• Saturday pancakes
• Hilton Head.... I hope we can go again next year.
• pedicures
• Tanner
• good friends
• Kids Hope!  We did some birthday celebrating yesterday!
• thanksgiving approaching....

And soooo much more.  God is good.

Thanks for listening..... um reading.... and thanks for being here!  

Blessings

Thankful Thursday

Ok so I can't completely keep the secret anymore. I have to show you this peek of one of my crochet projects. It is coming out sooooo cool because it uses back post stitches which means parts of the design are raised. Cool right?  Loving crochet again at the moment and feeling quite thankful for the peace and relaxation it brings me. Also pretty thankful for.......

My mom learning crochet when I was a kid because that is where my crochet experience began.

My ikea cart of crochet and stitching and reading goodness sitting right next to me.

New season of fall shows. Who watched survivor and how about that first eviction blindside? Y

Wonderful yarns and all the cool textures and colors. 

A fresh gel manicure that did not make my fingers peel this time. 

Books books and more books. Right now I am loving authors Lisa Wingate and Lisa Samson. Just read The Passion of Mary Margaret from the latter. Loved the way she loved and talked about Jesus. So awesome. 

Fall temps !

Our new DVR that will record 5 shows at a time. LOVE

Miss Sophie even though she is currently stalking my crocheting. 

Saturday pancakes

Date night. Always

My planned Christmas projects

Riding with the sunroof open. 

New devotional books 

A new devotional and prayer journal. 

Making stuff 

Hot chocolate time again. 

Cuddling with my husband. 

Our church and church family. 

Singing. 

Sunday lunches. I love when our waiter brings me what I need and calls me by name without me saying a word. 

Gods provision protection and grace. 

He is so good and I am feeling blessed. 

And on that happy thought .....I bid you goodnight for now. 

Blessings. 

Thankful Thursday

Well... if it's Thursday and we are going to have a thankful list.... and if its summer in Southern Indiana, then I am thinking the list must include fresh from the fields watermelon.  I mean this was picked... it was  brought in to church.... it was GOOD.  So I am feeling quite thankful for watermelon and for the nice friend who shared some with me.  Don't you wish you had a friend like that too? 

I am also feeling grateful that......

• here we are on Thankful Thursday and here is Monogirl actually blogging and making a thankful list.  Another Thursday miracle. 
• the first Thursday miracle was the fact that I also completed 2 book reviews I've been needing to get done.  Monogirl is on a blogging roll today! 
• that it is a day at home day....was really ready for that.  Not feeling fabulous this week CFS wise BUT I've made it to work.  I've gotten lots done in spite of that... so hey, more thankfulness!
• Kids Hope starting again for the new school year.  Got to see my girl yesterday for the first time since summer.  It was awesome! 
• Fresh Indiana peaches which yes, there are still some in the kitchen!
• books.  books.  more books.  that is all.
• texting my husband from another room in the house to ask for a bottle of water and him telling me I am "cute"
• that he also thought I was cute when I told him the story of how I was worried that I broke the car.  Good news and more thankfulness... .I did not break the car.
• that the stress of getting ready for vacation is about to be over... which could only mean one very good thing. 
• new shirts that go very nicely with my anniversary cross necklace
• cute vera bradley stuff.  Have you seen their newest arrivals? 
• Miss Sophie.  We just love her. 
• Air Conditioning!  Is it this HOT and HUMID where you live?  Goodness.
• crocheting.... even when it includes things like 8 treble back post decrease stitches....
• my husband finishing the project he's been working on for his Dad's birthday
• getting to do crafts in Sunday School
• Saturday pancakes
• candy crush friends who send me lives! ha.
• date night
• Amish church cookies
• approval for several more ARC books from netgalley. 
• kindles to do said reading on.
• my husband's hugs
• prayer
• God's promises and protection
• singing at church

and now I am thankful that I finished a whole list.  It's been a while!  Thanks so much for hanging in there with me and continuing to visit my blog!  You are appreciated!  Blessings.

Thankful Thursday

No you did not stumble onto the wrong blog. Yes that is my hand with aqua blue nails. No. It is not pink. It's a Thursday miracle perhaps so a good place to start a thankful list is it not?

Also thankful for

• Blogging again. Would you believe I actually considered quitting during my recent blogging vacation?  True story. 
• A fresh gel manicure and how nicely they last. 
• Beautiful weather today
• My husband. Have I mentioned how great he is?
• Blogging from my kindle
• Our little fourth of July faux getaway
• Working on my planner today
• Miss Sophie and the entrainment she provides
• Finding sausage gravy and biscuit leftovers in the fridge this morning
• Birthday week fast approaching
• Date night
• My iphone
• Reading which of course includes the library and my kindle or um kindles.....
• Time on our back porch
• Getting closer to finishing the remodel....tv mount went up yesterday
• Summer beach time
• Friends
• My job and the other staff
• Miss Tris
• The fried rice from great wall in jasper....it has actual eggs....meat and veggies in it which a lot of buffet places don't seem to do much these days
• The sweet lady who folds the bulletins for me every week
• Comfy Jean shorts
• Can I mention the chocolate Oreo ice cream at baskin robin's again?
• My new knot genie
• Messy buns
• A detour to work that does not take me a half hour out of my way
• A package I was waiting on finally showing up
• Living in the country
• State fair time coming up
• My book tbr pile
• And......bed time

Until next time....blessings. 

Thankful Thursday

 















Feeling thankful for Kids Hope yesterday.  Lately I am seeing that my little friend and I have broken thru some barriers.  It warms my heart and makes me even more thankful for the time I get to spend with her.  Yesterday she wanted to paint!  Well sign me up for that because I am way better at painting than basketball.... ha!  I wish I could show you the picture I have of her painting and creating, but I want to protect her privacy so here is a pic of my art work.  She liked my picture and got to keep it, I of course liked hers and I have 3 masterpieces to add to my scrapbook! Color me happy about that!

I am also feeling pretty thankful today for....

• Being in a mood to clean! Yes I know you don't have to be in the mood to do it, but it's oh so helpful when you are!
• the drive in finally has new movies!  Date night here we come.
• scrapbooking!  Artwork!  Painting yesterday reminded me how much I love and need to create stuff! God just wired me that way.
• He also wired me for order.... which I am happy is finding its way to my house!
• Library books!  Yes. Again.
• shelter from all this rain we've been getting!
• chicken and noodles cause that is what's for supper today
• sleeping in on a cold rainy day
• texting!  It helps with my job and all the people I need to contact for various reasons.
• Date Night!  Always always date night. 
• Bacon.... we bought some last week and had us some bacon filled waffles for breakfast on Saturday.  YUM
• Mother's day gifts from my sweet friend Ashly and notes from kind friends
• Miss Sophie and how affectionate and cuddly she is.
• My husband and how hard he works to take care of us
• Getting up on time for Kids Hope when I don't remember hearing the alarm!
• scriptures that comfort me
• God's patience
• good friends
• Cuddling on the couch with my husband
• hugs
• time to read
• our new living room/dinning room and light at the end of the tunnel about getting done!
• my cross necklace.  Darrel gave it to me for an anniversary years ago and it will always be one of my favs.
• time at home.  I love home.
• a husband that cooks and does it well!
• my job. love my job.
• La Carreta! 
• a working wash machine!
• holding my husband's hand
• old journals
• marriage

And that cleaning I mentioned calls.... so I shall leave you for now.  Hoping I can be back this weekend sometime with planner updates or book reviews I need to get done.  Maybe there is hope I can get to at least one of those things?  Ha!  Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Silly as it may seem.... I was thankful for a bowl of fruit today.  ha. 

Thankful because I was wanting fruit, thankful we had it in the fridge, thankful that it was good and yes.... still thankful that it looked pretty.  Maybe I'm weird that way

And since I'm in a thankful mood.... why not list some other things to be thankful for right? Like... .

• finding a few "questions" books online and loading them to my Kindle.  I want to use them for time in the car, on trips, or maybe even do a few over dinner on date night.  I never never never want to stop learning about my husband and doing all I can to continue to grow and stay close. 
• feeling less tired today
• actually realizing I was feeling happy today! 
• date night dinner last week from the Italian Beef place. YUM
• thankful that I finished my most recent book which puts me at 33 out of 100 read towards this year's goal!  Very fun.
• beautiful warm sunny weather which means lots of sandals!
• singing with Darrel in church this past week.  LOVE doing that.
• watching TV together.  We especially love watching Survivor together on Wednesday nights.
• new library books sitting next to me
• a wonderful Kids Hope visit this week and an even more wonderful comment from my little girl's teacher to me.
• being able to help a church friend out on a brochure doing things I enjoy
• my planner because it's been getting me into my scrap space more and that makes me want more scrapbooking
• 2 cute new dresses
• my sweet husband who works 9 hour+ days and then comes home and works on the house.  He is amazing.
• friend's prayers
• God's patience
• getting thru a difficult (for me) Sunday school lesson well.  All the credit to God.
• a fresh supply of bath & body works hand soaps and shower gels.  LOVE
• Little containers of Haagen Dazs in the freezer
• memories of my Dad taking me to the library when I was a kid
• beautiful flowering trees
• driving with the sunroof open!
• 3 mos. of the Hallmark Movie Channel.  I had heard some good things about it.  I had heard there were some Amish book movies on it.  We didn't have it.  My husband called Directv to inquire about it and although it is not part of our package, we get to the "HD" channel package to try for 3 mos and yes... I was happy about that.
• that the ceiling repair is almost done!

And I could keep going... but then I'd be missing the Hallmark movie that just started... and no one wants that.  Hope your week has been good!  See you back here soon!  Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the little chicken feet stamp you can see here on my hand.... why?  My little kids hope friend put it there and every time I saw it yesterday I thought of her.  So cute.

I am thankful for the smell of cow manure..... you are saying um really?  Yep.  Why?  It means I now get to live near farms and fields and yes... Homer the cow. 

I am thankful for the walk I took today.  It was beautiful weather and I had like 19 problems trying to go.... but I had myself a 40 minute walk and it was wonderful.  The problems?  Well lets see.... couldn't find my sports bra... which yes... lets face it is a problem.  Had issues with my new iPhone armband holder thingy.  Had issues with my nike+ app playing the same song like 4 times trying to drive me insane.... Twisted my ankle.  Almost fell in a ditch.... yet I walked 40 minutes and I loved it. 

 

I am thankful for the hills I climbed today and how funny it is to me that I now actually like the feel of my legs working to crest those hills.  When did that happen to me and who knew it was possible? 

I am thankful for the nice lady who posted a link to this website that when you type in an author's name a complete bibliography comes up and lists all their series and the order and everything.  So cool.  I think I just added umpteen books to my TBR list.... It's unending.

I am thankful for this clip from Family Ties I saw last night.  Alex's Tax Monster still has me chuckling today. 

I am thankful for Miss Sophie cuddling up in my lap.

 

I am thankful the a/c man has been here and the a/c is now all charged up and checked out and good to go for the upcoming summer. 

I am so thankful for my husband.  He is my bestest friend.  He is my love.  He is a totally amazing man and wow... you should have heard him sing in church on Sunday.  It was fabulous.

I am thankful for reading.  So so so enjoying Seasons of Tomorrow right now.   Be very impressed I am blogging because according to my Kindle I have 53 minutes left in the book so what am I doing here? 

I am thankful for date night.  It's coming up again tomorrow.  Love how that happens.

I am thankful for this cute pair of shoes..... no... I did not order them.  I have been trying to restrain myself..... but I really really really like them... so my mind has been busy trying to find a loop hole in the budget.  Bwa ha ha ha.  Did I mention I REALLY like them? 

I am thankful for a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. 

I am thankful for all the fun I've been having working on my planner and for that fact that I am only a wee bit behind.  Honest. 

I am thankful for this cute purse charm that came today. 

I am thankful I found these cool bird figures for Darrel's mom for Mom's day.  She is a red bird lover and I thought these would be very fun indoors and/or outdoors or both.

I am thankful that NSD is coming up next weekend! 

I am thankful there will be beach time soon! 

I am thankful for work on our house!  Slow but sure we are getting her done!

I am thankful that I made it to Kids Hope on time yesterday although God must have definitely been having a lets teach Deanna patience day... first there was a train.... there is rarely a train.  Yesterday?  A train.  Train finally goes by..... there is a farm tractor.  Sounds like a small problem unless you are on the road between Petersburg and Monroe which is pretty much curves... hills... and one very long no passing zone.  Finally get around the tractor.... there is a truck with a bed full of those gas bottle thingys going like 20 mph.... really?  I was just trying to get to Kids Hope people.  Who knew it would be such an adventure. 

And I am thankful that tomorrow is Friday!  That means date night, and the weekend with my husband.  What's not to love about that? 

How about you.... what have you been thankful for today?

Blessings!

Thankful Throwback Thursday

The doors are open.  The windows are open.  The flowers are blooming.  What's not to be thankful for today?  Thankful for.....

 

• beautiful blooming hyacinths that my Mamaw planted
• thankful that a few are currently blooming in the middle of my yard even though last year we tore out the old flower beds and totally disturbed the place where she had planted them.
• thankful for the smell of the grill wafting in thru the open back door
• thankful that my husband is grilling us some yummy chicken for dinner
• thankful that He loves me.  Me.  30 years after we got together he still loves me and treats me like the girl he swept off her feet back in 1984.

• thankful he likes me even though I do not look like this anymore.  He has never seemed to notice a difference.  Weight up.  Weight down.  Depression.  Infertility.  He never once made me feel less beautiful, desirable or loved.  God did good when he put my husband together.  Head to toe.  Inside and out.
• thankful it has been a non office day which makes me enjoy this beautiful day even more
• thankful for good memories like this pic.  I was 18 years old.  1984.  All dressed up for Easter in pink (and I didn't even have a thing for pink back then).  Hat, gloves, matching hose.... I am thinking perhaps I was the epitome of the "In Your Easter Bonnet" song.... ha!! 
• thankful that 2 mos. after this picture I started dating my husband.
• are you getting the feeling my husband is on my mind today?  Thankful for that too.

• thankful for devotions out on the back porch today.
• that during devotions I enjoyed the sun, the birds singing, sitting in Mamaw's glider, and yes... even Homer the cow.
• thankful for some scrapping time last night working on my April planner
• Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.  Enough said.
• date night's that start with pink roses
• falling asleep hugging my husband
• my husband being happy that I fell asleep hugging him.  Yes.  He is a cuddler.  Did you know that was possible for men?
• holding hands
• new coach purse and sunglasses that are in transit.  Just in time for Easter! 
• the smell of moonlight path
• clean water.  Sometimes our water has issues after a lot of rain which we've had recently.
• Did I mention the sunshine? Love it.
• my iPhone.  Still totally in love with my iPhone.  Everyone should have one. 
• ankle bracelets and flip flops which yes... I have been wearing all ready
• the new season for the drive in!  Date night here we come!
• Sarah Young's devotional books (like the one in the picture, there are 4)
• my scrap room
• Miss Sophie and her continued efforts to play with the dog.... He is not a fan.
• the sound of the fan in the window.  Reminds me of Mamaw's house in the summer... and guess what?  I'm in Mamaw's house.
• new scrap stuff.  Yes.  I did a little damage on HSN's recent craft day
• Singing!
• Kids Hope
• my Bff's safety.  She had a car accident last week.
• making Resurrection eggs
• reading the IRCA books
• my husband getting home from work safely
• tervis princess glasses
• vacation... by the ocean... in approximately 4-1/2 months.  Beach chair here I come.
• my church
• good friends
• kindness
• scriptures that speak to me
• stops at DQ on Sunday afternoons... they do have the best soft serve am I right?

And... that it's time for that grilled chicken dinner.  Have a wonderful Friday! 
Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

I am SO thankful to finally have a new living room light up on the ceiling and functioning!  I mean I need to show you what was there.... um 1970's white and gold... yes... ceiling fan with light kit with ugly fluorescent bulbs showing.... SO over that light and SO loving this one.  OK so maybe some of you are like really?  This light?  What is it... part birdcage?  Ha!  Nope.  It's like part industrial/craftsman/vintage looking metal with Edison Bulbs.  Have you seen Edison Bulbs?  LOVE!  There is a dining room light too that goes with this one, but it's a pendant.  So cool.  Cannot wait to see it up!!  We may be slow.... but we are definitely getting there.  Projects left on our list are.....

1. finish ceiling
2. install dining room light
3. paint and install trim
4. finish electric (outlets and switches)
5. install new TV wall mount..... Darrel says it is not called a TV holder.....
6. curtains up
7. shelves up and other wall art, etc. 
8. bring back in anything coming back from old room including dishes for hutch, curio, etc.

We are shooting for the end of April?  But realistically I am thinking end of May, prior to Memorial day.  We can do it right? 

 

Other thankfulness thoughts today?  Well that would have to include...

• shelter from all this rain and thunderstorms today.  Goodness
• completing my March planner pages (need to take better pics to share)
• a fresh manicure
• my IRCA books arriving today even if not one book is Amish..... yes.  I was disappointed. 
• my husband and I both reading the same book and talking about it.  Currently it is Allegiant. 
• fresh oreos
• the waiters at La Carreta knowing us and bringing our drinks and cheese sauce and jalapenos before we can even ask
• days at home
• drive in season starting
• not just completing my March planner but enjoying working on it and that my BFF and I are both doing one at the same time which is FUN
• peeks of spring
• sandal weather
• capri pants weather too
• getting some things caught up at work
• good friends in Christ who build me up and support me with scriptures
• my husband and our Saturday pancakes
• cooking on the grill
• mashed potatoes.... they should have their own food group. 
• the Internet not going down just now.... even though it appeared to be threatening to.
• the weekend
• the dining room light... did I mention the dining room light? 
• a good report at the DR for my husband. 
• singing with choir last night
• my Kids Hope little friend and feeling like we are becoming closer and more comfortable with each other
• date night.... LOVE date night
• pink gifts from friends just because
• cuties or halos or whichever ones it was I ate today.  I wish they had them year round!
• china wok buffet for dinner last night with my sweet husband
• hugs and my husbands shoulder

And OK... the Internet is trying to go down again so I am going to hit a quick save and post for now!  Hope you have a great Friday!  Blessings.