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