I turned 44 on Sunday! I definitely feel older. I've been trying not to think about that in 6 years I will be 50! I guess that's not really a bad thing..but, I've always been the baby of the family..so it makes it a little harder for me to think about. Turning 30 was hard for me too. It seems to me that the older I get, the faster time flies. Is that just me..or is it that way for everyone? At first I thought it was just the year, then it was also the week..and now lately it seems that even the days fly by. I remember being a child and it seemed like time almost stood still. I think the hardest part of seeing the time fly by as it does for me, is seeing my kids also seeming to growing older so quickly too. It has also seemed to give me an urgency to make the most of my time here on earth..as if I want to be sure and do everything that God wants me to do. And, to also walk as closely as I can with him.
2011 was a rough year, healthwise for me. It was a huge reality check in getting older. I am doing ok though. The medicines that they have me on for the fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue and the arthritis/degenerative disc disease seem to be helping me some. The ruptured disc still hurts me if I do certain things. I have had to learn to work around it. The medicines have also seemed to have numbed my brain somewhat..or that's how I feel sometimes. I think that they make me a little more tired than I already am... but I am pushing my way through the fog...and that's been a good thing. I am trying to keep myself busy so that I don't have time to feel sorry for myself, and to keep my mind going strong too:) Last fall I started teaching at Sam's homeschool co-op. I am the new strings teacher...and I love it! I feel so blessed and honored that they asked me to do it. It's such a great way to put the gift of music that the Lord blessed me with to work for the Lord. They are such great kids too! It's only on Fridays during the months of September through the first week of December. Then they come back in Jan. and go through to the end of March. We have a concert the first week of December and then a final spring concert at the end of March. It's been such a good thing for me. I am loving putting the music together and watching the kids learn new things, and then me learning to conduct..which I had never done before..was amazing!! I just praise Yahweh for all the good in my life!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Turning 44..
Posted by Jerelene at 12:46 AM Leave a Comment 4 comments So Far
Friday, September 2, 2011
Apron Giveaway Contest
I LOVE this....you must go check out her page and enter in the giveaway:) I LOVE her pink one:)
Jen at 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven is giving away a Flirty Apron!
Go HERE to enter!
Posted by Jerelene at 10:37 PM Leave a Comment 4 comments So Far
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thankfulness and friends...some of them furry :)
Hello to all my friends:) Thank you so much to all of you that have been checking in on me..either here or on Facebook. I actually did alright with the epidural steroid shots. I felt rough for the first couple of days..but after that I have gradually felt just a tiny bit better. I also went to see a new doctor. He goes to church with us and so I knew him and his wife. I know his wife better because he isn't always there with her. He is often at the hospital with patients. He is very kind and took lots of extra time to answer all my questions and discuss everything with me. He did want to know what happened with the other doctor which was awkard for me because I know that they are sort of friends...so I treaded gently with the subject and was as kind as I could be and sort of chalked it up to not clicking with each other. My new doctor suggested another couple series of epidural steroid shots. But he won't be sedating me..and that makes me extremely nervous. He is giving me valium to take before I have it done. He said after we do these then he will get me in with another doctor in the office that deals with neck pain and migraines. He said he would probably give me injections in my neck. That also scares me to death...but I would love to have some relief. I think the steroids have lowered my immune system even more than it already was. I've had a sore throat, eye infection and ear ache all week. The dizziness returned this week with a vengence and the headaches as well. My Mom has been checking my blood sugar. It has been higher than it should be. At one point this week it was lower than it should have been. I had felt bad all day and couldn't figure out why. My Mom had me drink some orange juice and that seemed to have helped a little. I was suppose to get my glucose and potassium checked again after 2 weeks which was last week and I forgot. So I will be making a call to the doctor's office Monday to set up a time to do that.
My Mother is doing very well from her surgery. I couldn't be happier:):) She was sent home from the hospital the very next afternoon. She went in for a follow-up with the surgeon on Friday and he gave her an excellent report..:)
I am so relieved...more than I could possibly put in words.
My friend Diana also had surgery..she had both knees done. I have been keeping her in my prayers as well. She is a brave lady:) I'm glad she will be able to do all the things she wants to without pain, when she is all healed up and done recovering. She doesn't live to terribly far from me. Maybe when she feels better she can meet me at our mall and we can visit and shop..and maybe have a coffee or tea too:) Diana, I am keeping you in my prayers.
I have been having daily prayer...(if we're able) with my sweet friend Shelley. We are recieving such a blessing from praying for each other and everyone on our prayer lists...
My sweet Mother gave me this beautiful mug before she had her surgery. With me not feeling well..it gave special meaning to me. It isn't just beautiful on the outside. It is beautiful on the inside too..
It reminded me to be thankful for all the little things that maybe I've been forgetting about. I think sometimes..speaking for myself of course..that when we feel badly..we just sort of forget all the wonderful things that God does for us on a daily basis. The pain medicine of course has made me groggy and not thinking well. But now since I'm not as medicated I have no excuses. So many things have been jumping out at me every time I take a sip out of my sweet coffee mug. I have a wonderful family...I have a roof over my head...I have food on my table..I have the most wonderful friends that a person could ever ask for. Old ones, new ones, even ones I have never met... But each one of them are precious gifts from God. For each kind word, and each loving prayer, I thank all of you :) I am SO grateful :):)
I'm especially grateful for these little furry gifts from God.....I've had lots of good days, and lots of bad...
And on the bad days, these little guys are busy loving and caring for their Mommy....And yes, Teddy is is here and loved too...he just doesn't like laying up close to me like these two fur babies...He has more fur and doesn't get as cold as they do...
Aren't they just adorable? They are like little heating pads. I just love them so much. My family has been really helping a lot too. It is so hard having to realize that some things I just can't do. And that I am just going to have to make adjustments depending on how I'm feeling each day.
I go back in to see my rheumatologist on Tuesday. Next week will be a busy week for me. I'm hoping it all goes well.
I've made a new friend that is suffering with such similar health issues as I am. It has been so helpful writing back and forth...she gives me some encouragement which I definately need. Thank you so much Tabby :) If you have fibromyalgia like I do...her blog is full of information and encouragement. I am so glad to have met her:)
That's all for now. I'ts been a long day and I am ready to head to bed.....
I hope everyone has a wonderful and rested weekend..
1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (NIV)
With Love and Blessings,
Jerelene
Posted by Jerelene at 11:22 PM Leave a Comment 3 comments So Far
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Mothers, Flowers, Chickens, Maci, Health and Prayers
A lot has happened since I was on here last...I know that most of my friends see me on facebook too...but to be fair...I'll post on here too...and try to tell a little more than I did there. I started my morning today...off with a nice brunch of pancakes...I'm hoping today will be better as far as feeling better..than yesterday. Isn't it funny, how even at 43 yrs. old, that when you're sick..you still think and sort of want your Mother? I have found that I've always tended to be that way...strangely enough, even more so as I've gotten older. My Mother is such a dear lady, she was always..when she was younger and in better health...the dear one to invite visitors, or any of the people from our church...esp. the newest members... home for a lunch after church...sometimes keeping them there visiting and then playing board games and having pizza that evening. My Mother truly had the gift of hospitality. I don't see that in people as much these days. I guess because everyone is on such a strict budget? Or maybe they are so busy with their own families they feel overwhelmed at the aspect of company...I'm not sure which it is.. Church was always a pleasant time for me..even as a child. I feel like I learned so much more from all the time spent with the older people in the church. We didn't have the big youth groups that the churches have now. My time with the older people gave me insight into so many interesting and valuable information...(good information) that I would have never learned from young people my age. Sadly, I think the young people today...(which I hope I don't hurt any one's feelings) miss out on so much from being separated from the older people. They have such wisdom to share..it's a shame to miss out on it. :) Anyway, my dear Mother, will be having a surgery on her hernia next Friday..She is diabetic and always seems to have a hard time with things...so please remember her in your prayers if you could. This picture was taken quite a few yrs. ago..probably when my older kids were young.. She was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside...and still is :)
I know this picture was posted on my facebook..as well as the one at the bottom. But, as I've not been feeling well over this summer....my flowers have been a big blessings to me. They have given me great pleasure..either from the window or in a vase, jar or cup :) Roses, Hydrangeas and daisies of any kind are favorites to me...I do like my black-eyed susans too. I had a couple of rows of Zinnias last year, planted in the garden. The butterflies loved them and they looked beautiful brought in and put in a vase. I sure wish I'd been able to (I forgot) plant them this year. But I've made do with what I have...the chickens have kept me busy...so I didn't really have time to feel sorry about anything I didn't plant....except the giant pumpkins...I had promised Sam that I would (try) to plant some again this year...It didn't happen :( It is so exciting watching them grow from a tiny orange ball into a huge pumpkin..and they make such nice pictures...
One thing we did have plenty of was corn :) Every year Mark says..."I don't know...I think maybe we shouldn't plant the corn," then I say "Please!! Please!! " :):) I LOVE to watch it grow and see it blowing in the breeze...and the eating it part..isn't too bad either:)
The barred rocks are almost the most friendly I would say...that's the black lacy looking ones. We have one of them that's named Bitsy...she was and is still...smaller (just a little) than the other ones...She kept getting hold of the camera strap...and then trying to pull it and run:) She made the funniest noises when she got hold of the strap..and looked so disappointed when I wouldn't let her have the camera :) They are funny...and so fun to watch :)
Maci is growing like a little weed :) She is crawling and pulling up! And...saying Momma like crazy. When Sarah is eating...she begs for her food...and screams when she won't or can't give it to her :) When that little girl smile....it just makes me melt...I just love her SO much. I hate it because I've not felt well...it seems...since she's been born. I didn't mean for that to happen..it just did:( I'm hoping that soon I'll feel better and be able to do more with than I have in the past. She has her Aunt Liz's smile...that big, beautiful smile:) Being a Grandma...is beyond words...It just MOVES you...totally...into wanting to be even a better person, Christian, woman, everything:)
I know I promised to tell you about what's been going on with my health...and got carried away with everything else...I had a sedated mri done of my neck...it showed quite a bit of degenerative disc disease just like the lumbar region...of course. And it also showed foraminal stenosis and foraminal encroachment in a few places. Disc osteophyte complex in a couple places..flattening of one of the dural sacs and dehydration of three of the interspaces? I'm not sure about some of the stuff on the paper...but, I do know that the foraminal stenosis and encroachment means that I most likely have some pinched nerves. The doctor just would not discuss the neck pain with me at all. He did an electromyography on me and huffed and puffed and sighed the whole time. I had taken Sam in with me...my in-laws drove me because I've not been driving much due to dizziness..High blood sugar and low potassium is what the lab work showed...that's another story. Anyway, the doctor evidentally was rolling his eyes at me quite a bit while doing the test too. I came home with a couple..(one was really bad) big bruises. He and I for whatever reason..were not clicking..I went ahead and had epidural steroid shots in my back on Wed. I was scared to death!! It actually went ok...he did not say one word to me before or after. So I got a call from my family doctor and he had sent notes back to them saying I have carpal tunnel in both wrists..one much worse than the other and that I needed to be referred in with a hand surgeon. The pain is radiating down from my neck into my shoulder, elbow and wrist and hands...still he would NOT address my neck. So I told the nurse at my family doctor's office what had been going on and asked to be sent to another doctor. There is one that I go to church with...I should have asked that to begin with...but didn't. So I go to see him next Friday. He loves God and is a very, very kind person. I am relieved...I still see the foot doctor at the other place..but he was very nice. He even said he thought I was having some major issues of radiculopathy...with my arms and legs...So I felt pretty rough after the epidural..esp. that night. Yesterday...I felt ok when I got up...then I think I did too much...was up too much and I was running a pretty good fever. I called after hours at the surgi-care where they did the procedure and the nurse was very nice..(all the nurses were incredibly nice before, during and after my procedure.) They said the fever could be due to the steroids putting my body into overdrive...trying to heal itself...or I could be getting infected..but to just take it easy...stay down(take it easy, which I seem to sometimes have a problem with :) and drink lots of cool fluids. My temp was down some when I got up this morning...I'm hoping it stays down..I am still sore, but they said it could take a while. So many people that I've talked to...have so many different outcomes with the epidurals...they either help...or they don't...But sadly pretty much all of them that had ruptured discs tell me that they all eventually had to have them fixed surgically. I'm praying that doesn't happen. But I've had this pain..in the lower back and neck for a couple of years...So, I'm trying hard to be optimistic and to put my faith in God. It's sometimes hard for us to do..or at least it can be for me..but I've been praying so much more than I ever have before...Not just for myself...myself at the least...but more so for my friends...(a couple in particular:) and my family...A dear friend so sweetly gave me the nicest little book...on arthritis..it is full wonderful, and promising Bible verses...I have been praying with these verses and have found them to be a blessings to me...
Posted by Jerelene at 10:29 AM Leave a Comment 8 comments So Far
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friends and Prayers
Hello to everyone!

I am feeling just a tad better....but, lots of trouble sleeping and still hurting quite a bit. I have spasms really bad at night when I try to lay down :( I guess I'll find out more on Frid.....Posted by Jerelene at 11:46 AM Leave a Comment 11 comments So Far
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hot weather & Blessings
Hello to all my dear friends :) Boy, has it been HOT here! I hate when it is this hot and humid. I don't mind it being in the 80's; but when it is up in the 90's and very humid...it is miserable:(
Sam really likes them too :)
Posted by Jerelene at 10:22 PM Leave a Comment 6 comments So Far
Friday, May 20, 2011
A beautiful day!

It's a beautiful day here :) The windows are open and a gentle breeze is blowing in. Just had to start off with a cute picture of Peanut lounging around :) He enjoys a nice day too! High temp. of 82 and lots of sunshine. I am so very glad that it is NOT raining!

The are 4 to 5 weeks old now. My Isa Browns were a little older than the others...they're the ones that I think are closer to 5 wks. old. I think Mark and Sam are probably going to be working on the coup and pen this weekend. I feel so blessed to have chickens. It is something I've wanted to do for a long time. It has been a wonderful learning experience for Sam as well. It's amazing, but they seem to grow overnight.


What a nice gesture and it made my day!! Then to top it off...the neighbor next door to them, gave me 2 of these beautiful and huge yellow roses! They really are huge and they smell heavenly!! It was his 70th birthday yesterday(the neighbor) and my youngest daughter Sarah (Maci's Mom) turned 19 as well :) Happy Birthday (yesterday :) to Sarah! She was a big girl when she was born 9 lbs. 9 oz. Wow, how time flies!

It was a nice day for birthdays and I am so glad that that my sweet neighbors thought kindly of me and made my day special as well:)


Posted by Jerelene at 11:33 AM Leave a Comment 3 comments So Far

























