A kept Woman

We have had a very pleasant weekend. Friends came down on Saturday (my very dear friend from my working days at Riley) she has four kids close in age to mine, so we had a very much needed and really good visit. Sunday we celebrated Lillian's birthday. I was so thankful to have each and every person that was here. I think in total it was 19 family and friends. It was a really good time and Lillian really enjoyed herself, I hope to post some pics soon!

My Mom sent me this in an email forward and I liked it so much I thought I would post it here. I'm glad to be a "kept" woman!
I Am a 'Kept' Woman?You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer,But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be 'kept.'

Thanksgiving

We had a nice dinner with some family friends. Today, however, I'm paying the price. I feel like I'm being guilt tripped, but I'm determined to not doubt our decision and not forget what a nice dinner we had and how laid back it was. I did not cook and we had a nice leisurely afternoon. I think I ate 6 yeast rolls...YUM! Turkey is my favorite, I wish it wasn't such a labor to prepare or I'd cook it regularly. I think I will get out to some shopping today, although I do not look forward to the masses. Hopefully, they've gotten their "must haves" and are headed back home. I at least have to go order birthday cake for little missy and birthday wrapping paper for her. We are celebrating on Sunday. Of course I need to food shop as well. We always have snacks on birthdays. On her actual birthday, we gave her one of her gifts and when the girls came home from school, this is what happened...too too funny....

Now you know if I got those girls Mr Potato Head, they wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole, but get for the two year old and look what happens.....lol

Happy Birthday Lillian Two Years Old Today

Thank you, dear Lord for giving me this child. Each and every day for letting her beat the odds. Proving you are the One who decides. Thank you for teaching me to rest in You. Thank you for her smile, her laughter, her sickness, and the times she is well. Thank you for letting her walk, thank you for letting her be able to take every single paper plate out of the basket and throw them around the kitchen. Thank you for letting her love her sisters and make them feel like they are the best in her life. Thank you for every part of caring for her even though I might complain. I am grateful for the last two years and all the years to come. Thank you for loving us enough to entrust her to our care. In Your Service, Michelle

Reflections of a Mother

Tomorrow will be two years ago that she came into my life and changed me. I remember the gaping whole in my heart when I awoke to remember she was not with me, but miles away struggling to survive. Coming to her bedside and reeling from what my eyes were seeing. Being her Mother and not being able to help her wanting her desperately back inside where I could protect her. Not being able to hold her or even be really close to her. Wishing it were me. Riding the roller coaster of emotions she would take me on. Sobbing into my pillow, needing my husband and needing my children. Watching her come off a vent and then heart failure, and back on a vent. Wondering if a vent would be her life. Making decisions, praying without ceasing. Finding a strength I didn’t know was there. In a cold, lonely room, feeling the touch of the Holy Spirit. Finding true friendships in the strangest of situations. Coming to grips with the reality of what lay ahead. Learning to be a parent all over again, wiping away anything I knew about raising a child. Finding such joy in the first smile. Living with the guilt of taking so much for granted. Living my faith so that others might see Christ in me. Seeing the harsh reality of those that survive and angels that earn their wings. Experiencing true grace. Loving her more than caring about how many nights I’d stay awake by her bed. Focusing on acceptance rather than expectation.

Knowing

I’ll survive whatever comes next.
Happy Birthday my Love

The Goal

All week I kept telling myself I was going to work hard this weekend and clean clean clean. I did just that. Even though I felt like I never sat down, I did get a lot done. Dining room table clean...there is a surface.....bedroom floor, can see it again...Still some to do, but there's some issues with storage in this house, so I'm thinking on that. Laundry almost done, I think I've done about 8-10 loads this weekend. Sheets, clothes, towels...baby laundry was OUT OF CONTROL. With the puke fest Lillian has been having, cloth diapers and multiple clothing changes....EEK GADS. I cooked 4 meals this weekend...kitchen is mostly clean. Got to sweep but did not make it mopping. Clean dishes need to be put away but that can wait. I am looking forward to this week, Thanksgiving and Lillian's birthday. Much to do. Don't know if I mentioned the genetics appt, but we actually didn't go. As soon as I loaded Lillian in the car, puke fest began, which is her history when she is sick. Head over to the pediatrician and by then nasty junk was draining from her ear. She is still not doing very well. We've had to go on a pedialyte diet and today she is running a fever. Ironic since she's on antibiotics. Friday I had a total melt down, in the doc's office, in the Marsh parking lot. I cannot really explain my emotions, but it's not just that she has all these medical needs, she can't seem to get and stay healthy. It is a never ending, vicious, unfair cycle. It is taxing to see her so miserable. I can clean puke all day, but watching her have to suffer is the crapper of it all. This whole experience has taken a piece of me, I don't know if I can explain it to have it make sense.....

All in all, I felt like I got some things accomplished this weekend and it has given me a little peace to have a somewhat presentable home, you know, one that wouldn't totally embarrass me if someone came over. LOL.

PS- Vickie, Thanks a bunch for the award, however, I'm not savvy enough to figure out how to do the instructions that you left!! I'm just know enough to be dangerous!!!

Where are your pants???

Lillian decided she would take her pants off this morning and when I tried to get her to look at me, you can see clearly that she is giving me the sideways not going happen look....

She then kept attempting to put them back on ...

She then proceeded to completely turn her back on me.

Too funny and GUH-ROSS

Against my better wishes, I went and made dinner. I made some garlic chicken with parmesan cheese, pretty easy,right? I decide I'll try something different and add some italian cheese blend to the top, mind you, I'm cooking without lights on. After the cheese melted, I took a taste and detected the strong flavor of mold, yes, mold. Flipped on lights, italian cheese blend (that I just bought) was molded and I had, yes, sprinkled it atop my delectable chicken. What does MOTY do? She scrapes it off and serves it, unawares to children. Cheese is made from mold right? Still can't get the taste out of mouth....eeeewwwww. Moral of the story, turn on the lights when you cook. Thank goodness I didn't dump the whole bag on. Just had to share.