Merry Christmas!!!

What a beautiful time of year....I just love it don't you? I love just getting in the car and going for a drive and looking at everyone's homes all lit up with lights and ornaments. I love peeking in the window at all the lovely trees that have been decorated with love. Children home on Christmas break from school...running around excited and giggly waiting for Santa to come :) This has been a hard year...but better than last year..It has also been a good year. Many new friends have came my way....such huge blessings to me......each one of you!!
I wanted to share a few more of our Christmas decorations with you....I've had all of these snowmen for a long time....last year we left the tree up and decorated with snowmen and snowflakes for a winter tree in January....then in February, the snowmen stayed and we added hearts for Valentines :)

This cutie...was a present from my dear Aunt Audrey....don't you just love him?
These were handmade ornaments at a local ceramics shop....this one Elizabeth did...
This was a present for Sarah last year...(she loves pink:)
another snowman...
This is one of my favorites....he just needs a girl to go with him :)
another snowman...
This was a present for Elizabeth...from her (sister friend...Shaina)
This was another handmade from the ceramics shop....Sam did this one :)
This is the one Sarah made.....(pink of course...what else would it be?)
This was a gift from a friend that I worked with when I worked at the church-school. He is actually a snowglobe...I lOVE him!!
This is our new star...I meant to try to get some gold & red ornaments...but I got sick and it just didn't get done...I wanted some gold bows too...I really like it even though it doesn't light up. I had a gold and red angel picked out and when I went back to get it, she was already gone. So, I ended up with this..I do like it though...there's always next year :)
This was made by Elizabeth in school years ago....
And this is the tree....it has a pink glow to it...the pink lights show up the brightest :)
Wishing all of my dear friends....The most Wonderful, Happy and Blessed Christmas Ever! With many hugs and kisses from me to you!! Thanks for being there for me....
With Love, Jerelene XOXO

Pen Pals...

Hello!
I just realized that I really hadn't addressed the pen-paling for this month. If it's alright...I think I'm just going to leave it up to everyone personally as to what they want to do for this month. I personally am going to send everyone a card...but don't feel that you have to. If some of you want to take a break...I completely understand..and for those of you that want to send cards out, just send as you want to :) I will try to get back into the swing of things for January, maybe we could send out Happy New Year, or even a winter or snowman theme :)
I am still sore, but I think it is just going to take a little time.. So continue to keep me in your prayers...
Thank you so much to my dear friends that have sent me get well cards....you are so sweet! I have them hanging on my fridge:)The picture above is of a tree that we cut down and brought home a couple of yrs. ago. I haven't uploaded the pictures of our tree yet...so I thought I'd post an old picture just for fun. I thought this picture was really neat...I think Elizabeth took it. It's so strange, but pretty how the lights turned out in the bluriness of the picture. I thought it might be a nice one to share. I will try to post a picture of our tree from this year next time I'm on. We used to go and pick one out and cut it down, and then bring it home. The place we go to grows white pine I think. They are lovely and soft to the touch.. I know the kids have been missing it...but I just wasn't up to it this yr. Maybe next yr. :)

"Friends are the siblings God forgot to give us." Sent in by Hillary

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with friendship." -Ralph Waldo Emerson -

With love to each and every one of you....Jerelene

Home from the hospital :)

The kidney stone is gone! I got very sick and ended up back in the hospital tuesday morning. The kidney stone that put me in the hospital in October was still there (as I had suspected..but no one was listening:)and it had grown..It had got so big they said there was no way for it to come out on it's own. So Wednesday evening they took me by ambulance down to the hospital in Evansville, and did my surgery Thursday morning. The ambulance ride was unerving to me..I can't explain it..but it just made me very uncomfortable and nervous.. They had to go in and blast the stone.. I was pretty nervous about the surgery. I've never been put under general anasthesia...and was scared. As they were wheeling me back to surgery I was thinking I wish my dear bloggy friends had known so they could have been praying for me ;) If you've never had surgery...it is a scary thing.
They put a stint in and that is a bit uncomfortable. I'm still running a bit of a fever too. I'm suppose to pull the stint out at home here Monday...and that scares me to death!! They said take a pain pill first..that it will be quite uncomfortable. Scary too!! I'm still passing blood when I urinate..which they said I would for a while. But, the horrible pain in my back and side is gone..and I am so HAPPY!! They said the stone had totally blocked my urine and was backing it up into my kidney...which explains my kidney infection..evidentally that can be fatal if not taken care of quickly. I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't seek help as painful as it is...
The urologist was quite concerned about my anemia too. He told me that was the next thing that needed to quickly be taken care of...So, hopefully I'll be taking care of that problem soon :)
Please continue to keep my family in your prayers...We had all had the stomach flu last weekend before I went in the hospital. Sarah actually dehydrated and I had spent a night at the hospital with her..then Sammy got it too..It's been busy here..
I'm so thankful for all of my friends here...you are such blessings to me...I feel badly that I've not been on and commenting back as much as I should...please forgive me :)
You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily...I love each and every one of you!!
Hugs...
With Love, Jerelene

My Thursday...

It was a busy day...The visit to the doctor was tiring. She was running late and I had a bit of a wait. So, I made good use of my time by reading my book. I have started reading the Bestselling "Mitford Series" by Jan Karon. They are wonderful books to read. I finally finished the first book, " At Home in Mitford." Now I've started on the second book, "A Light in the Window." My Aunt introduced me to these books....and I LOVE them! I would highly recommend them if you like a clean, relaxing and entertaining read.

Once they called me back and did the unpleasantries like weighing me..yikes...I got settled in the room and waited to meet with the doctor. She said they are still waiting on my thyroid and rheumatoid tests to come back. My hemoglobin was up just enough to keep me from needing the blood transfusion..however, still low enough for me to still feel horrid...lovely :) She changed my iron pills to something with a prescription? It's a time-released form. She also put me on something for restless legs, which is a result of the chronic anemia. I also got a B-12 shot. I then told her that I'm still having back pain and hurting down low in the bladder area. They had me do a urine and came back and said they I have a definite infection...I guess that explains the pain. I have took every one's advice to heart. Cranberry juice, lots of water, and yes beets (Jackie:) So, they have started me on an antibiotic for that. I'm hoping that helps me feel better quickly. They are still going to get me in with a specialist. I have needed a hysterectomy for a long time now. I don't know until I get in with the specialist if they would be able to do an ablation procedure or not. If you have fibroids (which I do) if they are too large they can't do it. I guess time will tell and I'm just going to have to wait and find out. Until they do, I will be battling this chronic anemia.

Tomorrow is Sam's co-op. I hope the day goes well. It is a very long day for Sam and for me. We get there at 9 and finish at 3. Last week Sam and I both came home and took a nap. Things really wear me out easily. It will be his final practice, other than dress rehearsal for his Christmas concert next Tues. evening.

I have been putting a few things here and there around the house. I actually put the Christmas tree together the day before Thanksgiving. Now to finish decorating it ;) I am getting there slowly. This is our newest ornament. Elizabeth got if for me last Christmas. I just love it!!

This was also a present last yr. It came from Sarah's longtime friend Brandi. A cow-lover can't go without a cow Christmas ornament :)
This lovely fiber-optic angel..sits in front of our front window in the girls room. She is very pretty! I'm thinking...if I feel like it...of getting another little tree for their room. If I do, she's going back in the living room where I can see her all the time.
Since it's turned cold...Mickey is a sleepy boy! He wants to get under the blankets and try to stay warm. The poor little Chihuahua..he gets cold so easy. You can't tell how much Sam loves him can you? He was a Christmas present for Sarah last year....the most wonderful one of all!! I better go for now...I will try to stop by and visit everyone this weekend...I've kind of been peeking around...Some of you have gorgeous Christmas pics of your homes. I love Christmas decorations :) Hugs to All of you!! Thanks for all the kind and sweet comments, prayers and Hugs!!

"A hug is worth a thousand words. A friend is worth more."- Sent by Jasmine Fitzwilliam

With Love, Jerelene

Resting...

Hello friends!
Sorry I've not been writing...but I am still sick :( I go back to the doctor tomorrow. They did labwork again today...I'll find out tomorrow what they have to say..They did another blood count, checked my thyroid and checked for rheumatoid..The lab tech wasn't happy with how my blood looked..I guess it was too thin and very watery...a sign she said...of how very anemic I still am :(
I've been taking it easy and just laying around and being a couch/bed potato :) I guess maybe, I should feel bad about that...but I don't. :) I really need it I think.
We did start putting up our Christmas tree. In the past, we've always went and cut one down. But last yr. we bought a white one. It's not that big, and nothing fancy...but I like it. I think I just don't have the energy to get really creative this yr. Once I'm finished with it I promise to take a picture...but I'm not done yet :)
Sam has a concert with his co-op next tues. Next week is going to busy...and I'm not looking forward to that...
Sarah is feeling better from her surgery...she had her stitches taken out yesterday. He started her on something to try to stop or at least slow down her periods...
I am so looking forward to feeling better...the sooner the better.
I am curious if the pen-palers want to pen-pal this month...
I thought it would be nice if we sent Christmas cards to everyone on the list this time...If you would rather just send to one person...that would be ok too...just comment and let me know :)
That's all for now....
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7
With Love, Jerelene

A quick post..

Hello Everyone! I feel badly that I've not been on in so long. I am still not feeling too well; so I've been trying to rest and take it easy. Sarah, my youngest daughter had her surgery this weekend. It didn't turn out like we had hoped it would. The Doctor was not able to fix her uterus. He was hoping it was just heart shaped and that he could clip the part hanging down. It turns out that she has 2 complete uteruses. They are smaller than they would be normally...but it is 2. This explains why she has had so much trouble from the beginning. She actually has periods from both!! If he could have fixed it, it would have made it where she wouldn't have trouble with miscarriages. But, because he couldn't...she will still likely have trouble in that way. He said she would be able to get pregnant, but that the baby would come early. She did also have endometriosis in each uterus, and he said he would discuss that with us when we come in for her follow up appointment. I was pretty upset when the doctor came out and told me. We had really been hoping he would be able to completely fix her. She took it better than I did I think...but, I don't really know. She's been in a lot of pain from the incisions. There were 2. I feel badly....I just wasn't able to get on before now. I hope you all know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers anyway :)
I hope that everyone's Thanksgiving is Wonderful and Happy! Thanksgiving is such a great holiday. It' s a happy time for families to spend time together and reflect on what they have to be thankful for :) It's also a time to reflect on how grateful we are for the wonderful and sweet angel friends that God has sent our way. I am so thankful for each and every one of you...for all the sweet comments, e-mails and cards....I am so lucky to have such a blessing of friends :)
A Very Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!!

With Love and Hugs!!! Jerelene

Morning Glories.........

Hello to my friends and I've missed you all! I've been trying to take it easy...but life keeps throwing BIG hurdles my way. When you're trying to rest and recooperate, that is not exactly what you need :( I know the Bible says that "God will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
* Cor. 10:13...I am feeling like I have reached my limit of earthly (battles) and trials. Please continue to remember my family in prayer. I try hard to be a positive person and to always put others first. But lately...I'm having a hard time in that area. I seem to not be able to pull myself up and out...and to see past my own hardships. So please pray that God lead me out of the sorry path of problems that keep coming my way...
I got a lovely card from Eileen and a lovely post card from Jackie! I appreciate your kind thoughts and your thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers...thanks so much!!
I've been trying hard to find things to be thankful for....I was pleasantly surprised when I walked outside to make a trip to the garden and found this...Where I had found a couple of blooms a while back....I found my windmill covered in the most beautiful flowers...I had thought it wasn't going to do much. But this, was a wonderful and happy thing to see :)

Some of the blooms were tipped in purple.....just gorgeous!!! This did bring a happy feeling to my melancholy outlook :)

Our pear tree out front was also trying to make me smile....and it did!!

It has had the most beautiful colored leaves appear this week! Beautiful burgundy..just gorgeous! And you can see all the brown oak leaves...Mark is going to have some fun with those tomorrow :)
I thought this pot of mums was done blooming as well. It surprised me with some beautiful blossoms too! (It's sitting next to Sammy's big pumpkin...yes, it's still with us!)
Marks fall garden has been providing us with some very delicious broccoli! He planted 18 broccoli and 18 cabbage plants. The cabbage will be ready soon! We've been having some yummy meals of vegetable soup and broccoli with cheese and rice....It is so much better than from the store or frozen...

I finally finished my other little quilt...it's a nice throw size. I love the cute little teddies on the back!!It's been nice to cuddle up with since I'm not feeling well. I can cuddle up with the book I've been trying to read. Normally, I'm a quick reader...but since I've not been feeling well...every time I start reading..I get through a few pages and get tired and end up falling asleep :) I'm hoping to sit and try to get done with it this weekend. (If I can stay awake :) Elizabeth got a call from John in Afghanistan today and also on thursday...I was so happy to hear that he doing alright. He is suppose to be home in the U.S. December 18th. I am so happy that he will be home soon!! Please know that I think of each one of you daily and keep you in my prayers. You are all such kind and thoughtful friends...I appreciate that so much!
Thank you for your prayers too...The (village) is a wonderful place to be :) Love and Hugs to each one of you!!!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10:25

With Love, Jerelene

Tired, but happy :)

We had a good day at Sam's homeschool co-op today. I took the elevator instead of the stairs...which helped a lot. I didn't get completely worn out from the start. The other Moms treated me like a princess today. They are so sweet and it was so appreciated. They all pitched in and did all my stuff for me...now, if only I could get that to happen at home:) Sam even had a good day...I saw him talking a bit more today with other kids and even the Moms...that was nice too!
The church where they meet at has a womens candlelight dinner every year. The ladies that want to get to decorate a table in the theme of their choice. Then they invite all their friends and relatives to sit at their table. They have name tags and gifts for each person. Most of the tables have a biblical theme of some kind as well..on the name tags or placemats or with the gifts..
I could have cried when I realized I didn't have my camera. As sick feeling as I was...it was so enjoyabe walking around and looking at all the energy and thought that each of these ladies had put into their tables. The ladies that were there..of course I spoke to and congratulated on doing such wonderful jobs..It was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful...each one!! My favorite was a teddy bear table...the centerpiece was of teddy bears spiraled around like a rising christmas tree. There was a pink candle at the top and ribbon wrapped around that said...Bear ye one another's burdens...It was very sweet...my emotions got the best of me...it touched my heart :)
There was a candy cane table, all done in red and white and candycanes...and an ocean table...complete with sand, starfish and shells and a betta fish. A brown and pink polk-a-dot with chocolate...and every color scheme you can think of. I could just kick myself for not having my camera. So I came home and thought about the church website...and guess what! They do have pictures from last year!! Maybe soon they will post pictures from tonight..Today's tables were even better...much better than the ones from last year...I'll try to keep watching for them to post them up...
I kept walking around, thinking of all of you and how much you would enjoy seeing it!
It made me smile and happy so for that I'm grateful...it was like going to a museum or a fancy art show! Last years pictures really don't do this years justice....but I thought you all would enjoy seeing them so here's the link PICTURES
My very favorites were pictures no. 101, 071, and 169 was my most favored....I did however really like 140,141,143,145 and 154...
These gorgeous tables made me think of you Eileen!!
I've had a really good day...even though I'm still tired...it was a good day...I even got to talk to a sweet bloggy friend on the phone...Lori from Morning Glories and Moonflowers....Lori...I really enjoyed talking to you!! It was the perfect ending to a great day!!
Hugs from me to all of you!!!
I'm off to bed.....hopefully having sweet dreams of beautiful candlelight dinners :)
With Love, Jerelene

My doctor visit...

Hi Friends...
My visit to the doctor was exactly how I thought it was going to be. She said I need to be given blood. Do they call that a transfusion? I'm sort of confused with that. I will have to talk to Mark about it when he comes home shortly. They are also sending me to a female specialist...My female troubles are why I'm so anemic...I have been very anemic since 2006...and they've tried to work with me...but this time it's severe enough that something is going to have to be done, probably...The severe leg cramps are from the anemia. She gave me a script for huge amounts of iron 3 times a day. This will also make me sick...as I've done this before :(
So, I have some decisions to make....I heard this song on the way home this evening. I guess I related to it because it touched my heart...I am just so tired of feeling badly...I just want freedom...from feeling badly..I told the doctor I thought I was being a baby...I have even felt like something was wrong with me mentally...why can't I do the things I need to do...just keep going. She told me that I was sick...and that we were going to have to do something about it. She said to me "you aren't being a baby, or lazy....you can't do...because you can't do....." so..I guess I'm not crazy :) I cried when she left the room....I really was thinking maybe I'm crazy.....It felt good to know that I wasn't.....
Keep me in your prayers...Sam has co-op tomorrow. I'm not up to it...I'm actually dreading it... But I don't want him to miss again this week.
Hugs to all my friends....thanks for the prayers in advance :)
With Love, Jerelene

a quick post....

Good Afternoon! This is a picture of Mickey....it had been a while...and this little guy has been my constant shadow since I came home from the hospital. Everytime I sit down...he is cuddled up..just like in the picture...right next to me. I guess he's afraid I'll leave again. He sure is a lot of fun...always playing and making everyone laugh.

I have e-mailed everyone with their pen-pals for November...so watch your e-mails :)

I have a favor to ask...could all my sweet pen-palers...with the exception of Marcy and Jackie, comment and give me your birthdays....:) Please :) I think I started asking before and didn't get it all wrote down. I think Linda, that I remember you telling me that yours is in February...mine too! Mine is the 12th. I'm trying to get my address and birthday card book all filled out.

I'm off to the doctor today...so I hope that goes well :)

Thank you guys so much for being such great friends....I'll try to check in with you later this evening..if I can :)

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9

With Love, Jerelene

Pen Pals for November :)

Hi Everyone :)
I sat down to write everyone's names down...and realized that I am quite confused. I think I've lost track of whom has pen-paled with whom. I'm surprised I can even write everyone's names down...the way I've been feeling :)
Terrie....from Terrie's Spot has asked to join in and I'm thrilled!! Yes, Yes Terrie...you can join in and I am happy that you are going to be taking part!
Would it be too much trouble for everyone to maybe comment me and let me know if there is someone that they have not pen paled with? I know some of you just joined last time...so especially the others that have been with me from the start. My poor mind is slipping so any help would be greatly appreciated :)
These are all the names....
Jerelene (myself)
Linda
Marcy
Lori
Diana
Jackie
Bernie
Eileen
Terrie
I apologize again for not linking everyone...but I'm just sort of doing well to post at this point. I've always tried to be good about that...as soon as I have a little more energy..I'll be better about it again..I promise :)
I am hoping maybe we can send Thanksgiving cards out...Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. It's just a really special time for families...I'm also wanting to send everyone a card for Christmas...at least this one time. If anyone else would be interested...just comment and let me know. It's something that I've had on my heart for a while...and something that would make me happy. If it would be a hardship on anyone...they wouldn't have to...but if any of you would also want to do that just let me know :)
For some reason...Bernie has alerted me that she can't get on to my blog. I'm not computer savvy at all...and I feel badly. I will try to e-mail her and let her know what's going on. If any of you have any ideas why it would be doing that...I'd be grateful to know...
It's been a busy day here...and I am exhausted. I hope that you have all had a wonderful day where you are..
I'll be glad to here from everyone!
With Love, Jerelene

Hangin' in there....

Hello Everyone!

I bet you were wondering if I've been on vacation :) Just kidding...I know you know me better than that. I appreciate so much all of your sweet e-mails and comments wondering how I have been...it meant so much to me to know that you all cared and were worrying about me..

I am feeling better..a little. I am still very weak because of the anemia. I still haven't seen the kidney stone. The doctor said it could take a couple of weeks to pass from my bladder. Or...it could dissolve and I wouldn't know that has passed. I'm hoping for the latter. I am going back to the doctor on thursday. I guess I'm curious what they have to say about my anemia. I can't go on like this. It is low enough to be causing me some issues. I literally feel like it takes everything I have to even get out of bed, much less get through the day. I'm fairly sure that I will need b-12 shots again as well...I just want to feel better. So many things to do and things I want to do and not enough of me to do it all....I'm sure some of you know exactly what that's like. It's just so aggrivating. I was just trying to do the most simple things this weekend and was out of breath like I'd been trying to jog. The anemia is affecting the mitrol valve problem I have with my heart too.

Sam is better...YEAH!! :) He is still coughing some...but the antibiotic is helping and for that I am very grateful. When I took him to after hours...I think they thought I was cracked in the head for even being there...but the girls were at work and so was Mark...so that only left me and I couldn't get him in during the day..they've been too full. His chest was clear..he had a sinus infection as I had suspected...He always gets those. And then, coughs and coughs. He did get to go trick or treating. I wasn't able to take him so I begged nicely for help... Sarah took him and his little friend Chase around the local square in town and to relatives and friends homes too. They got a lot of candy and had a good time. We also carved too pumpkins...I apologize for lack of pics...but they're starting to look acky..so I decided to just share the fact that they had 2. Elizabeth carved one and Sam and I carved one. Elizabeths had ears....ours looked like Patrick from spongebob..It was fun..we hadn't done that for a very long time...

Before I got so sick my Mother sent 2 presents home with me.. This first one I have on my bed now...It is so pretty..the picture does not do it justice. I took it at night and you can't see how bright and pretty it is. It is mostly hand quilted and just gorgeous!! It has the prettiest pinks, purples and blue in it. I should take a picture of it in the daylight. I just love it. I couldn't wait to come home from the hospital and climb in under it. I got a new picture from the library to hang over my bed. At our library you can check out pictures like books. You get to keep them longer though. I get to keep it til January. It's a big picture of a beach and lighthouse in the background. (Eileen, I thought of you and my sea shells when I saw it :) I will take a picture of it and show you...it's very relaxing...which I can't get enough of...

This second quilt...was a wedding gift to my parents from my Grandma...(My Dad's Mom)

Green is not my favorite color...but it is so colorful and bright....and she did it all by hand....It is gorgeous and I LOVE it!! I have it hanging on my quilt rack. I probably won't use it as much..just because I don't want the dogs tearing it up....it is special...I even remember many of the fabrics....I am so happy that my Mom gave it to me :) when I brought it home, I stretched it out on the bed and looked at every flower and examined all the stitches. It gave me the warmest and happiest feeling to think of my Grandma's hands touching all of those flowers and stitches....It's so wonderful when things like this get passed on to us. Thank you MOM!!!
My sweet pen-pal partner for this month..Eileen...really outdid herself! She sent me a post card from Disney World...see the Castle on the right...that's where I wished I'd been instead of the hospital :) The sweet card in the middle played bibbidy bobbidy boo...I am so sure that isn't spelled right...but just forgive me if you can. I loved it and so did Sam and the rest of the kids..I think they're jealous of my sweet card collection. Then she also sent me the sweet punkin card on the left....I don't know what I did to deserve 3...but thank you so much Eileen...you are the sweetest friend....and it was very appreciated...especially with me being sick :)
Then today....I got this gorgeous card from Fiona in South Africa...It is absolutely beautiful!! So were the stamps on the envelope....I should have posted pics of them too!! I didn't post links...I apologize..forgive me again :) Not only did Fiona send this gorgeous card...she sent me a really
great calendar too. It has the most wonderful and beautiful pictures of South Africa.

Thank you so much Fiona for the card and calendar...you are a super sweet friend and I feel blessed to know you and to be YOUR friend!!!

Sam and I took Elizabeth to work this evening and went in to visit our new friends at the nursing home. Barb and Betty were delightful....I don't know who was more excited about the visit...us or them!! We did lots of talking and by the way....they loved Sam!! (I know that will surprise all of you :) We talked about my blog and about all of my sweet friends here....were your ears burning? I showed them my cards I got this month and we asked what their favorite cookies are. Peanut butter and also oatmeal and raisin. I see some cookies being baked in our near future. It was a delight to meet them and I can't wait to go back. I hope that it was appropriate for me to tell them I wanted Sam to meet people of all different ages and not just his own. I worried about that after I left....I hope it was o.k. I told them how much it had meant for me...to have friends that were older when I was Sam's age...It really helped make me a better person...I think and HOPE....Thank you all...again....for being such wonderful friends to me.....I love each and every one of you...I will be by very soon to say hello!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as life continues to keep blowing hardships our way....I'm trying to keep my chin up though....just pray and march on :) Hugs to Everyone!!!

With Love, Jerelene

Kidney Stone..

A very short post...I just got home from the hospital. I was admitted Saturday morning with a kidney stone. I knew I'd been under the weather...and I kept thinking I was trying to get a bladder infection for the last couple of weeks. Well it progressed into unbearable pain on Friday and by Saturday morning I had my Dad take me to the hospital. The cat scan showed a kidney stone in my left ureter. On top of that my hemoglobin is extremely low. It was 8.3 when I left the hospital this afternoon. I still haven't passed the stone so they've sent me home with a cup and strainer to strain my pee. I probably won't be on for a while...I'm going to try to rest and take it easy...which is very hard for me :)
Sam is still sick too....he's been coughing quite a bit. Please continue to remember my family in your prayers. It seems when it rains around here..it pours....
I'll try to check in with a post in a day or too..if I'm able..
Love to All.........Jerelene

Hello! sniffles, new friends, knitting and pen pals :)

Hello to everyone!
It has been so busy around here. We've had sickness and all kinds of troubles...toilets not working, roof leaking, heater not working...it's been crazy and seems to continue with this trend. My Dad came and fixed the heater...so that's one down and a big THANK YOU to my dear Dad :)
Sam was sick with a head cold...and Mark too. Both of the girls had sniffles too. I had a little sniffly nose, but mostly just aching neck and sore throat. My neck always hurts me...but when I'm sick..it's really sore. It seems to settle in my neck when I'm ill. I'm feeling better and so is everyone else...still some sniffling but everyones better. I still have to worry about Sam though. He tends to go into sinus infections frequently after being sick..I'm hoping we'll sail through this time...:)
My oldest daughter works at one of the local nursing homes. I had been wanting to do some kind of volunteer work or just something helpful...(community service type stuff)with Sam. After she had started working there, it came to mind that maybe Sam and I could adopt a grandparent. Now...we're not really calling it that to her...but I went in and asked and Elizabeth and the nurses found the sweested lady for us :) Her name is Barb and she only has one relative that lives states away. She doesn't get much as far as visitors...but she is really sweet. She sales Avon to the people in the nursing home. When Elizabeth went in and asked her if she might like some new friends and told her about Sam...she got very excited. She wanted to know his name and how old and when were we coming...Sam is extremely excited as well. I understand that her room mate is very sweet too, so we may be making some new friend(s)..There is couple of sweet gentleman there too. One is a veteran and he and his room mate always talk to Elizabeth and are very kind too. I am hoping Sam gets the chance to talk to them too. Oh the stories that they could tell. The stories my Grandma used to tell me were just so wonderful!!
I just want Sam to be very well rounded person and be able to be around our lovely senior citizens there and not be afraid. He has a lot to offer them...and I know they have a lot to offer him too.
They have a grand piano there and have told me that I can come play anytime...I'm hoping Sam and I can play violin and cello for them too. I think that will be good for him :)
I've asked about joining our local homemakers extension group. It's something I've wanted to find out about for a long time. They've had an exhibit up at the library and today, at the library, I was knitting while Sam did his work...and a gentleman came up and started talking to me about his wife knitting and that she was in the homemakers extension group. I couldn't believe it! Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I gave him my name and number and he said his wife would call me and talk to me about it...I am so excited!!
I talked to one of the librarians that knit a lot...about doing a knitting class with her...I suggested teaching the basic knit stitch and using chunky yarn and needles and making scarves as Christmas presents. She loved the idea..so I'm hoping that we'll be doing that. The last time she had a class...Sam and I both went. (Sam can do the knit stitch...he actually made a scarf for himself!) As you can tell....I'm sure trying to keep myself busy....Is there a saying like..a busy heart is a happy heart? I'm definately trying:)
Could all my sweet pen-palers let me know if they've sent their partner a card? If they could let me know...I would appreciate it so much :)
I hope everyone's week has been a good one...
Tomorrow is co-op for Sam...a busy day ahead!
I've been trying to make my rounds to everyone...and I think I'm not getting everyone...if I've missed you...I'll come see you this weekend...I'll be thinking about you too! Would you believe it's raining here again? ARGHHH.....
Hugs to everyone....sorry no pics....I'll try to post some pictures this weekend...
With Love, Jerelene

Prayer Requests......

I've not known Janine long.....but I do know this......she is one amazing woman!! I ran across her blog Sniffles and Smiles...through some of my other sweet blogging friends. Ever since I started reading her blog, I have been amazed by her wonderful posts, her amazing strength and her wonderful and sweet personality :) I hope everyone will visit her page and leave a kind comment. My hope is that everyone will lift her up in prayer and pray that God will be with her every step of the way...through her surgery this week and afterwards also. I pray that she can feel the love of all her friends, even though some of us are miles away....
Praying for you Janine....

Also, if you could please at the same time, pray for Melanie's son Andrew at Bella Mella...it would mean a lot to me...he has been on my heart greatly for the last couple of weeks. I guess this touches me deeply because I have a son the same age....

Please pray for both of them, and everyone else here that we blog with too. I think in these days, there are so many hardships and trials, sicknesses and suffering....we all need prayer....I know I do :)

Janine and Melanie(Andrew too).....please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.....

With Love.......

Jerelene

A lovely monday!

Happy Monday Evening!!
I hope everyone had a wonderful day and that the sun was shining where you are!! It actually was shining here...and it was wonderful :) We've had so much rain here lately, that it was truly a blessing to see the beautiful sun shining in the sky!!
Our school day was a good one, and we even took a lunch break to meet my Mom and her friend out for mexican food. Sam is doing well and is moving along nicely on the cello. It is so fun getting my violin out and playing along with him..I LOVE it!!
We had a nice supper of chili (with our garden tomatoes and bell peppers.) It was yummy! We had some yummy cookies for dessert. It's been such a nice day here :)


I had a busy Sunday....working on something I wanted to do....and it was very nice!! I had saw a quilted scarf on another blog...and thought to myself that I would like to try my hand at it. I had a lot of fun with it! It is big....but I wanted it to be big and warm where you could really wrap up in it. It is really quilted, with batting on the inside and yummy corduroy on the back. I used the cutest little swirly floral stitch to quilt it.. I think it turned out really well and this was a starter for me...I hope to make some with snowman fabric and maybe something boyish for Sam...Elizabeth loves the orange...so this may end up going to her....Sarah loves pink....I think it would even be cute to put pockets on the bottoms with fleece lining....The ideas are endless for me! I can't wait!!
It's wrapped twice around Sarah's neck...so you can see it's pretty long...I haven't officially measured it yet...but I'm 5' 2 and when I held it up from the floor I held it over my head. It is so cozy and warm though. I can't wait to make more!! Have a Happy Night :)
I want to feel little,
more simple, more mild.
More like our blest parents,
and more like a child.
More thankful, more humble,
more lowly in mind,
More watchful, more pray'rful,
more loving and kind. Anonymous
With Love, Jerelene

Friday favorites (the night before!)

I'm not going to be home tomorrow...(Sam's homeschool co-op)..so I'm going to post some Friday favorites tonight! The weather here is ucky again! We are under a flood watch and a tornado watch is right next to us...I've seriously had enough of this rain...On to better things....The first picture is of a purse that my Mom bought for me last year. It is HUGE and is so nice if you're carrying books or knitting with you...I just love it...I love the colors and how it looks quilted. The angel pins are from my Mom :)
Next is a cute little frosty pumpkin that I got from our local dollar store this afternoon...I just love it!! It looks really cute with my pumpkin bears :)

This is my favorite find for the afternoon.....I had eyed it once before, and didn't get it...but I couldn't help myself today...it was marked down...which meant I definately should grab it...right?

It is just adorable and a really cute way to enjoy my yummy coffee with white chocolate mocha creamer :) and...it's a lovely addition to my small mug collection!
After posting the Dutch girl dish towels...I just knew I had to post these too! My Aunt Audrey made these for me...(she made the cross stitch cow pictures too..) They are absolutely adorable and you almost have to see them to appreciate the beautiful work that she did!
These are two of my favorites!! The one on the right has blue eyes! The one on the left has earrings! Aren't they just darling?

I better go for now as there are some really strong storms headed our way. I usually turn the computer off when it storms badly. I don't want it to get fried by the lightning..

You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers...

With Love, Jerelene

Pen Pals for October!

Hello Everyone! It's starting to look a little like Halloween....:)
We had a busy afternoon learning about Holland...it has been a lot of fun learning about this beautiful country. I wasn't lucky enough to get to visit there when I went to Europe (a long time ago)but, I would have loved to have went there. I have Irish, French and Dutch in my family-tree...so it has been a lot of fun reading all about it! They have some of the most beautiful castles there too.
Mark went out to the garden and brought this in for Sam. He won't eat it...but it was nice to see that the garden is productive. I actually cut this beauty up....and she was VERY spicy!! A little too much for me....The broccoli have little heads on them now...It was too wet for me to get in the garden and take any pictures...
I tossed our names around and came up with the new list for pen-pals. I thought it would be fun to have a fall theme or Halloween..whichever you prefer.

Linda & Marcy

Lori & Diana

Jackie & Bernie

Eileen & Jerelene (Me :)

If anyone doesn't want to do it this time then leave me a comment..If I don't hear then I'll assume everyone is still in :) If you need your partners address then just let me know :)

I have been having so much fun with this and I hope that you all are too!!I thought I would end the post with a silly picture of Mickey that Sam took..It's funny how it looks like he is sticking his tongue out at him!! He is always making us laugh :)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 With Love, Jerelene

I might be a redneck....

Happy Tuesday!! I hope everyone's had a good day! I got this e-mail and I really felt like I wanted to share it...
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God. 'You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival. ' You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have. You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to. You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same. You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend. If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email. God Bless the USA !
Ok...I saw this on facebook...I'm not going to comment on it...but I thought I would at least share it with you all.....feel free to comment....Honestly...I just don't even know what TO say.... be sure to scroll down and turn the music off first :)


I'm going to try to get a list together of names for the pen-pal exchange...I thought it would be nice to be able to send Halloween cards if we wanted..Then next month we'll have Thanksgiving. :) I'll have to look back and see who's pal'd with who so that everyone gets someone new...I'll try to do that this evening.....

I'm praying that your day is filled with the richness of God's blessings...

With Love, Jerelene....I'm leaving you with something a little more pleasant...actually, I just loved this!!