Is it really Wednesday?

My Brittany is doing better. She was having trouble getting her breath by Monday, she just didn't have enough air to talk and breath at the same time...so off to the doctor we went. We left the office with a prescription of Prednisone and an inhaler. No antibiotic because, apparently...you have to be sick now over 12 days for them to write a prescription for an antibiotic. I was quite miffed at the laptop computers that everyone was carrying around with them...I just wanted the person to look at us...and not the computer screen. Our doctor has moved on...not in that practice anymore...hmmm...wonder if that wonderful Obamacare that is promised us has anything to do with it? Brittany was asked every question imaginable...which was entered into that computer...and as I sat there with my sick daughter, who just wanted to be back home in bed I wondered just who was getting this information. A few days of bed rest...and she is getting stronger...she has had the sweats today...so that makes me think she is about through with this nasty virus. I am now searching for a new doctor's office...which hopefully I have found via a good friend.

I have been feeling under the weather myself...nothing like what Brittany has. I just think I am tired...I barely slept all last week...then with her being sick and all of our festivities and then yesterday...my mom had her second injection (so I was with her all day in the surgery center)...I am just beat.

Decided to take the day off and just give myself a rest. Brittany and I watched a movie that we have been craving...it is about John Keats. Called...Bright Star. We liked it very much although it had a very sad ending. It made me want to look up the poetry of Keats...did you know that he died at the age of 25? He died thinking he was a failure. If you like 19th century movies...and pretty dresses and bonnets...you may want to give it a try.

That's about it for now, (my mom is doing really great with these injections, by the way)...I am going to see what else I can get myself into...
Blessings!
Joyce Marie

Our Graduate...

Graduation day was lovely. I woke up and did my makeup and and hair...put on some clothes and headed to the grocery store for a few last minute items. Brittany stayed home and rested as long as she could...fighting that fever. Back home...things put away we had plenty of time to just relax and finish getting ready. Outside for pictures...in front of my mommy tree (my first Mother's Day. gift in this house). She looks good doesn't she? Her fever was nearly 102.

At the convention hall...we registered and had to wait for about 45 minutes before we met in a room with the parents and graduates (40 kids in all). They gave us our instructions...told us to get our kids dressed in their cap and gown and for us (parents) to leave. So, Dennis went and picked up my mom...and I followed their request...dressed my daughter, gave her a big kiss on the cheek and went out to the lobby to wait. At 4:30, we were able to go in and find our assigned seats. Parents were to sit at the right side of the stage...I was anxious and by this time just ready to get this job done. My tissue in hand which I didn't use, I am happy to say...the doors opened and the music played and that lump in my throat grew so big I thought I would choke...It was nice to watch the kids walk up the isle. I looked at the other moms...none of them looked like I felt so in my head I gave myself a talking to and swallowed the tears that so desperately wanted to flow. After a prayer and a great speech given by a past homeschooling (a handsome young man with a young family). The graduates were sitting beside the stage...opposite of us...when the child's name was called, we were to go up the stairs, cross the stage and meet her in the middle. At the call of her name...we headed up and there she was...my beautiful daughter smiling directly at me. At that moment...I think I released a sob. With hugs and kisses and I love you's we handed her her diploma...and she handed me a beautiful white and scarlet carnation. One more hug from me...we crossed the stage...met for another hug in the back of the room and then went back to our seats...a final prayer and that was it. A beautiful ending to a beautiful homeschooling life. I managed to get through the whole thing without one tear(I have a fear of sobbing in public)...I was so proud of myself...

Back home, Brittany made it to the couch and couldn't move...the Lord gave her exactly the energy she needed to make it through. It was amazing. One little thing that she told me...that I keep thinking about...they took a series of pictures of the graduating class...we'll have them by October...for one, they went outside...Brittany said she looked up at the sky...and as clear as can be...she saw the face of her Pappy(my dad)...looking at her and smiling. She told me it made her feel better...whether it was the fever...or that she was just thinking of him it doesn't matter...maybe God gave her a little gift...but in her mind...it was her Pap...and I think she'll hold on to that forever.

I wish that I was feeling more poetic, in my heart I have so much to say...but...I am so tired today and thankful for plenty of leftovers so that I don't have to do more than warm food up...at least for today.

Thank you so much for your prayers for her...she told me God gave her the strength to get through(I told her she had many praying for her)...she has been ordered to rest for the next two days by the doctor...except for teaching tonight that is exactly where you can find her...

Blessings dear friends,
Joyce Marie

Hey everyone...

Thank you for your prayers...Brittany made it through her day fever and all...made it home and collapsed on the couch. Fever still around 102...which is driving me crazy...woke up with a fever again...medicated her up...this is our party day...and tomorrow...I think a doctor visit is in order.

Blessings to all of you this Sunday...thank you for your loving prayers...

Joyce Marie

just a note...

My daughter still has a fever...with two Aleve...it is hovering just below 101. I guess this virus or whatever just wants to have a grip on her...I am calm, cool and collected...hair and make up already done...last of my grocery shopping already done...now all we have to do is relax until this afternoon. I told Brittany to just pace herself...but her little eyes look so sick. It makes me sad.

We'll just keep chugging away...
Blessings!

Tonight my head and heart are full...tomorrow things are different. All the love and devotion that we have put into our little homeschool will end. A new chapter for us...as my daughter keeps lovingly reminding me...not and end, just a new chapter...with many more books to come.

The top two pictures are first day of school pictures that I found this week as I sorted through stacks of memories...the first one cracks us up...that was her favorite skirt...that little turquoise skirt. She wanted to wear it every day...I think she loved it because it was bouncy. When we began our school...I took our third bedroom and painted it that vibrant blue color and cream...I had found a sweet abc boarder that matched it beautiful...we lasted up there a year...and then found it easier to do our school work at the table. The second picture...I am pretty sure she was about 9 or 10. This picture was taken in our office...where we also tried to do school but ended up at the table...LOL. The last picture is our favorite picture taken this spring...we are calling it her "official" graduation picture.

She is still running a low grade fever...as soon as the sun began to set...her fever began to rise. Thank you for your prayers...if you could keep her in your prayers for tomorrow...I have a feeling she will be feeling pretty rough when it comes time to get dressed...we have to be at the center at 2 for rehearsal...and then they'll take a picture of all the graduates...Dennis will go and pick up my mom and bring her...the ceremony is at five. I don't feel excited...I have a rather large lump in my throat. I am hoping that it will go away by morning...

Off I go to get some sleep...an early day for me tomorrow and my fingers are crossed that we have a fever free girl.

Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie

UPDATE!!!

At 11:48 we took her temp and she was 98.7. YAY! So I am alternating between Tylenol and Ibuprofen...like when she was little. Hopefully this will stick and she'll be back to her sweet self tomorrow morning. On a lighter note...she is perched on the sofa painting her nails for tomorrow...so maybe things are looking up!

What is keeping me focused today...


Philippians 4:6-7
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.


Amen!
Joyce Marie

A prayer request...

Hi my dear friends,

We need your prayers...Brittany is sick and has a fever hovering around 102. As you know she graduates tomorrow. The Tylenol was lowering it to 101.5...but it isn't breaking, so this morning we are trying Aleve (in the past I know that ibuprofen is much better lowering fevers). After all the planning and things going on this Saturday and Sunday I am really at odds at what to do. My heart breaks for her because as all of our kids she has worked very hard and I hate for her to be sick tomorrow...my hope is that today would be the last of her fever. At first we thought this was just another allergy attack...now we're not so sure.

Sure would appreciate your prayers...
Thanks so much!

Yummy cookies with a bit of whimsy

The absolute best thing is...we made tons of happy memories making them and...they taste as good as they look!

Be blessed!

On your mark...

get set...we are less than a week away from our graduation. I still can't believe it...but things are shaping up nicely in the party planning. My mom came over Thursday and stayed all day...we were so busy...well into the night (she also spent the night. We managed to bake 109 large cookies and they turned out just adorable. We also finished all of our paper decorations. We tucked the cookies into individual baggies and they are now nestled in my mom's freezer. Our decorations are in boxes and ready to go.

I went out shopping for something to wear to the graduation on Friday...I just don't like today's styles and I am thinking that I just may have to break out my sewing machine...find a couple of classic patterns...adjust them to me and sew. I don't like the fabric that is available in the clothes that you buy in the store either. I was just very disappointed. I bought a summer skirt 4 years ago for my brother's wedding...it is white with black flowers...one of those cotton skirts that are fitted at the waist but balloon out. I thought it made me look...wide...so I have never worn it. It is feminine and pretty though and I have decided to wear it. I have a brand new white tank top to wear under a pretty coral sweater. The sweater has 3/4 length sleeves and it is very pretty. I did buy that on sale on Friday. I tried it on with my pearls on Saturday and am pretty happy with it. I am not comfortable in a skirt or dress...my style is very casual. I would love to wear them...I just don't. So...maybe wearing this pretty skirt will start something new...who knows? I have been looking at old pictures from when Brittany was little...I did sew back then and I kept admiring my feminine style. I also would make Brittany little summer outfits out of the leftover material...do you know I had completely forgotten about all of that?

Yesterday, I spent the day baking bread for the week...with all the craziness of late I haven't and actually had to buy a loaf of bread last week. I haven't bought a loaf of bread in months. So I took the time yesterday and read my FLYLADY book as I went. I am loving the concept of it all. As I have been trying to "re train" my brain...I am pretty clutter free...except for my book shelf and upstairs closet...and of course our basement. So for now I have made up my morning routine, afternoon routine and evening routine. It just amazes me how daily touching up can keep my house looking so neat and clean. I love it! I haven't started the zones yet...all major jobs are put on hold until after graduation. I have to force myself because I am the type of lady who would tear down a room and paint the week before Thanksgiving...then stressing myself out because I haven't gotten to everything else. Those days are over for me. I read the chapter on never having to spring clean again...boy, is that a wonderful thought. I'll simply work on a zone each week of every month and my home will maintain that look all year through.

Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there...where would we be with our our dad's...I am especially thinking of mine today. I am so thankful that my husband is a most wonderful dad to our daughter. He works so hard for our family and we truly appreciate everything he does.

Wishing you a beautiful Sunday,
Joyce Marie

A praise...

All went well with my mom yesterday. Bless her heart, she looked so tiny in that hospital bed. I just kept praising the Lord that she was there for something minor and not something major. The last time we were all there...my dad had his port put in for his chemo...as soon as we walked through the door the memories of that sad time in our lives flooded us. Brittany and I just hugged as my mom was checking in...then when they called her back she had her moment. I guess it hit her then...but, on the flip side, yesterday was about her and she has such a nice doctor which is such a blessing. Britty and I walked down the hall to get a blackberry lemonade and by the time we finished drinking it she was in recovery. I think that is pretty amazing.

We took her home and she was quite loopy still. I made her some tea and toast and we stayed with her until she was making sense. I certainly didn't want her to fall. When I was sure she was ok...I ran down to the drugstore to pick up a prescription for her and buy her some Ginger Ale...then we left her and she went to lay down and take a nap...she woke up feeling pretty well and already has some relief from her pain. I am about to call her now to see how she is this morning...we do this all over again in 2-3 weeks.

Thank you for praying for my sweet mom...
Blessings!

Reflections

Much is going around in my head this week as we have been traveling back and forth from dance class to auditorium . Finally, today we get a break and we are happy to have it. This weekend marks the two week mark...in two weeks from tomorrow we'll be handing our daughter her diploma. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I no longer have to plan a school year. Instead, I am helping my daughter do this for her students as she officially begins teaching summer classes in little over a week.

Wednesday night I was blessed to see her in action as one of her little six year old students was standing broken-hearted in the hallway. (Long story here...) As I went out into the hallway, I figured that I would wait there and Brittany would surely see me. As I watched all the parents with their young children pack up their gear. I just waited. Soon enough there she was, dressed in costume and stage makeup right in front of me bent down to eye level with this little girl. Explaining to her that she did such a great job that night and that everything was ok and that recital would be much better. I saw this little girl go from sobbing to reassurance. I watched my daughter in awe...wishing that I had my camera with me...instead I took a mental picture. My heart soared as I knew that this truly is her God given gift. How happy I am...that she has been given such an opportunity.

This weekend is her last dance recital as a student. Our girl began dancing at the age of 6. She has never missed a year and dancing has given her such a discipline. She is finishing up her twelfth year and with it...she now becomes a teacher. I have to say that I am very much looking forward to next year...where we can watch her students perform her choreography. But I can't go there yet. I want to take the time and remember every single moment of this weekend...watching my daughter perform...still as a student.

These next three days are going to be incredibly busy...dance recital both Saturday and Sunday and then on Monday my mom has to go in to same day surgery to get an injection in her back. She is having a lot of pain...she has Spinal Stenosis...(hope I spelled it right) anyway...her pain is in her right calf and foot...very deep and bothering her really bad. We have gone to several doctors these past weeks. Surgery is an option...but it is the last option. (She doesn't want surgery at all) So...she has been going to physical therapy that doesn't seem to be helping...but making it worse. I am hoping and praying that with this procedure she will get some relief. My mom is and always has been so active. It is a scary thing when you see your mom not be able to do as she wants because of pain. The doctor told her that she is a perfect candidate for this...so our fingers are crossed.

So...off I go today for a little bit of R&R with my Brittany before our crazy, busy weekend. Don't mind me for the next couple of weeks if I get a little...well, weepy! I am a Mommy in Transition after all.

Blessings!
Joyce Marie

Thanks for all your comments on my earlier post. I guess, I was so surprised because we too are far removed from a lot of television. Even movies for that matter. Last summer...we gave up on Hollywood...too much filth and propaganda being shoved down our throats. We subscribe to Netflix...which happens to carry a huge library of BBC classics. Brittany and I love nothing better than to curl up under a quilt and be swept away to the 18th century. Of course, reading is the best way to do this...it is just a sad day where every little step of the way we have to fight for what is good.

On a lighter note...thanks to my friend Debbie, you can visit her blog by clicking here. She has re-introduced me to the FlyLady and today I can proudly say that I am a FlyBaby. Day one for me was shining my sink. I wash out my sink with with bleach but I never shine it...I have to say it looks brand new again. If you have no idea what I am talking about...you can check out the FlyLady here. I am so ready to learn how to better manage my home and life...

I'll fill you in on my FlyBaby journey as I go...

Gotta run...
Joyce Marie

Is ABC Family trying to destroy the family?

Last night, ABC Family aired a new show...Pretty Little Liars. Brittany and I decided to give it a go and see what it was all about. Within the Pilot (first hour of the show) these are the things that I picked out. Underage drinking, pot smoking, shop lifting ( one girl stole a scarf, another stole a pair of sunglasses). Many "desperate house-wife" looking single women raising girls alone. The only family that had a father, was one whose daughter saw him kissing another woman in his car...so now his daughter is holding his secret. That was just the start.

One of the girls pretended to be older while meeting a handsome young guy in what looked like a bar...but this girl was only sixteen so I didn't get that!...later they were making out in the bathroom of the establishment...only to find out the next day that he was her new high school English Teacher. The young girl who had stolen the sunglasses...was caught on video tape...so, she was arrested...her mother "handled" it behind closed doors at the police station making a deal with the arresting detective who much later was led up the stairs in her house to "guarantee" that her daughter wouldn't be prosecuted. A kiss between two girls that was more than a kiss between friends...

I think that was it(isn't that enough?)...I believe this series is based on a book series...no wonder our youth struggle so. I really tried not to judge the show...during the whole program, my daughter and I kept looking at each other. Getting ready for bed later, all of these scenes kept playing in my head and I just had to post it here. I mentioned it to her and she said..."yeah, it had all the stuff we don't believe in in it." Yes, exactly.

I don't have to tell you...you already know that we now face a society where it has been so easy to take God out of everything. Young, impressionable girls watch this channel all the time. For the first time I was happy that I didn't have yet another show to ban my daughter from watching. How did we get here? How did our society change to be so opposite of what many of us still want. It is hard work keeping a family intact, under God. What happened to good, wholesome entertainment that we can walk away and allow our children to watch without having to worry that they have just been taught to do something that is wrong.

I am just appalled. Our country is in such a sorry state...the family is being attacked from all angles here. I really don't know what else to say...does this bother you too?
Joyce Marie

Gone Strawberry Picking!

Thursday

Not much happening this week for me. I am blaming it on a three day weekend...it has just left me wanting to just play and not get my work done. Perhaps it is because I am resting up for the next couple of weeks that are coming up. Brittany is finishing up all her official dance classes this week. Next week for her is theater week...where they do all the last minute finishing up before the big recital...then the recital will be both Saturday and Sunday...we are attending on Sunday...when she isn't dancing...she will be overseeing the concessions and ticket sales which she is totally excited about.

The following Monday, my mom is having an injection in her back...which is like same day surgery...so I'll be pretty busy with her that day...then...I need to get serious about finishing up and planning this graduation party.

Have you ever just wished for time to pass you by? This isn't me at all but I have so much emotion built up in me...that I just want to kiss June goodbye. Ok...I am taking a deep breath, there I feel much better.

Brittany is beginning to feel better with her nasty poison ivy...boy, can that stuff get ugly. Last night she took some Benadryl...she needed a good nights sleep. Hopefully she got it. Epsom Salts and an anti itch cream from Aveeno really made a difference yesterday. I also read that cool compresses and even an ice cube can help...we did the ice cube and low and behold it did calm the itch yesterday morning...she is getting a rather large patch on the back of her thigh...which we don't understand because she had knee shorts on the day we worked outside...who knows?

That is about it...on my agenda for today...grocery shopping. I am looking for a canner as well as I'll be picking strawberries on Friday...and I plan to make freezer jam for now and jam for winter as well.

Blessings for today!

Happy Tuesday!

We had a great...relaxing weekend! I was all in for that...lets see...Friday, Brittany and I worked outside all day. Trimming trees, cutting up the wood, clearing out areas...that sort of spring clean-up kinda thing only we are late. Later on went to the store and I bought more plants and a couple of vegetable plants for containers. I have tried before but we'll see...when you live in a woodland it is hard to grow even a tomato plant. I am hoping that this year the spot I have chosen will be much better.

Saturday we had a graduation party to attend...our closest friends. Boy did they have the food. I tried to convince them to just throw everything in the freezer for me for the end of the month...but I don't think they bought it...then I tried to hire them to cater our party...in the end they told us that we could borrow whatever we need. So at least there is that. They had the best pulled pork...which is way too pricey for me. So...off to Sam's Club we went. They were featuring pulled pork there this weekend. So luckily we were able to sample it...really good too...and a fraction of what our friends had and my family decided that we wanted to have...all three of us sampled and agreed that it was really good...so we left with four trays of it...where it is frozen in my freezer until the big event. I think I have decided the rest of my menu around it...

cole slaw
potato salad
fruit salad
veggie tray
baked beans

hot dogs
rolls and buns

We thought the kiddies would like the hot dogs! And then of course we will have our large sugar cookies for dessert...our friends had cupcakes, a huge cake and cookies and hardly anyone touched any of it...of course it was 90 degrees that day and not many like sweets when it is that hot outside.

So...I feel really good about my menu...I know it will turn out great. The pulled pork that we bought says you can warm it on the grill...it just so happens that our shelter has three nice grills right there...so we don't have to worry about crock pots or anything like that to keep it warm. Pretty cool!

Monday...I spent the day in my flower garden, planting the last of what I had and planting my veggies in my pots in between thunderstorms.

Brittany has a bad case of poison something on her ankles...it is really ugly and itchy and miserable...but we are using what we can to keep her comfortable....just in time for graduation huh?

That's about it...in a nutshell.

Have a great Tuesday!
Joyce Marie