Happy Spring

I can't tell you how happy I am to see spring arrive.  As I took a walk Saturday afternoon so many of my neighbors were out washing cars, planting flowers and freshening up their flower beds.  I love my neighborhood especially during this time.  The yards are green again.  Everyone is into having their yard look really nice.  The naked trees have green leaves again.  My birds are hanging around in the back yard.  (yes, they're my birds...the same ones return) The down side here in LA is spring is VERY short.  We'll probably enjoy another week or two of staying in the 80's then it will be full out HOT!  

This warm weather turning to hot weather has a plus.  We will open the pool next week.  Last year we were in by the end of April.  The walks have been so nice through the fall and winter but it's been hard to find the right time the last week or two.  Anytime I can I prefer to walk in the morning, but I'm slow to get moving (stiff and sore) so it's starting to be a little warm when I make it out.  My other favorite time was around 3 but it's definitely to warm now for that.  I'm sure your wondering so what's the big deal about it being hot?  I don't mind sweating a little but I'm learning being to hot and sweaty aggravates my hives even if I shower right away.  So you can understand my excitement of getting to swim laps and walk in the pool again!!

Tomorrow my first born, and April fools baby, will celebrate another birthday. She's such an awesome mom and wife.  What she lacks in cooking skills, she makes up in so many other ways.  She recently took my grandkids pictures herself for the first time.  AJ's NaNan went along to help.  I told her they are so beautiful that I just can't understand her ever paying anyone to take them again now that AJ is older.  She is crafty to the max, bakes, sews and works two different jobs.  In her free time (all moms know there is no such thing...it's time you find) she does photography on a professional level.  Needless to say like many mothers, I'm so proud of her.  

P and AJ

I've continued to meet twice a month with the crochet compassion group at the library.  It's amazing the people I've met and how everyone has something to give.  Some people just show up with bags they collected.  Some show up to work the two hours and their done.  We have one lady who is legally blind but she likes to sit unfold and smooth bags to get someone else started.  We have ladies who only like to do the prep work and some who only like to do the crocheting.  It all works well.  I myself like to do all steps, because I think I'd get board just doing the same steps all the time.  

I completed my first mat on March 3rd and I'm very close to completing my second.  Our next gathering is April 7th so I plan to have it ready for then to turn in.  The need is overwhelming.  As long as I have bags to work with I will keep on crocheting.  It takes approximately 550-600 bags and 18 hours to complete a mat.  

First completed mat with handle

5 mats turned in this day :-)

Speaking of the bags, I mentioned on an instagram post that I needed help by asking any of my followers if they could help me save some plastic bags.  ( I don't really have many followers, but it only took a couple )  A few people can do amazing things.  My daughter, my neighbor and a friend have been supplying me with a bag of bags on a weekly basis.  Then there is my friend who had an idea to ask on social media also.  She is on facebook and has a lot of followers so she got such a great response.  We were both so touched by how many people responded and wanted to help.  She has collected A LOT of bags for me. If I don't need any at the time, I bring to the meetings because not all of the newcomers have bags to get started.  Her help has been tremendous and very appreciated.  

The colorful one I'm working on now!

Health wise I'm doing ok.  No better, no worse, so I can't complain.  April will be my first 3 month recurring appointment with my new dermatologist. (mine of 20 years retired) She didn't actually due the surgery but I'm anxious for someone to look at the incision site again.  It's been painful in a nervy way.  It's still numb in some areas too.  The oncologist had told me that can happen with a small percentage of people and take up to 6 months to get better.  I'm doing the PT exercises, but it's still bothering me.  If that was all I was dealing with it really wouldn't be a big deal.  I've let it bug me because I just don't need an added irritation.  It is what it is though, so I'll deal with whatever the outcome. I'd rather deal with the discomfort than find out there is more (melanoma) somewhere else.

I also have an appointment with my pain management doctor in April.  What's so special you may ask?  The first time since 2010 that I've been able to go 6 months instead of every 3.  I'm grateful since I now have the dermatologist every 3 months instead of yearly.

Like every fibromyalgia patient I have good days and bad days.  When you have a good day you can hardly enjoy it because you feel like your crazy.  How can you feel so normal one day and feel pain everywhere in your body the next day? I've learned over the years what triggers it and to just be prepared.

My family knows I'm not likely to make commitments.  They know it takes a lot to keep me down so if I cancel or say no I know they understand.  I spent so much time worrying about what people would think if I said, " I don't feel well" or "I can't do it today".  You look fine to everyone, so your mind tricks you into believing your friends and family don't understand.  Give them a chance.  Send them information to read or share about something you saw on television.  Ask them to come to your appointment with you.  Support from people around you is absolutely critical in my opinion.  The last thing you need is guilt to deal with.  
I finished reading Killing Jesus after reading Killing Lincoln.  Sunday night the movie from Killing Jesus played on the NatGeo channel and broke records.  It will air again on Fox this Friday and again Sunday.  I'm on the waiting list to read Killing Paton next.  Lately I've been sharing some movies I've enjoyed so here are a few more.  All my opinions of course.

Whiplash: if you or your children are musically inclined you'll understand the passion of this movie.  If not, you may be bored or not get the plot.
The Best of me:  RENT THIS MOVIE if you didn't see it.  ( tissues needed) My pick, but my husband did not deny he like it!
Equalizer: great pick, but I'm a Denzel fan.  I love all his movies.  My favorite movie of all time is one of his.  Remember the Titians
LucY: save your money. (D's pick)  Dumb plot and slow...again my opinion

A at her last visit with her daddy

Happy Easter to all.
God Bless
Theresa

A new scar

On January 30th the oncology surgeon did the surgery to remove the rest of the recurring melanoma from 2011.  It's coming along with the healing.  I'm in 10 days.  The scar itself is looking better but the top and bottom portion are still very tender.  As of this morning I haven't heard from the oncology office on the lab results so I gave them a call.  He told me day of surgery that we should have results in 3-5 days.   I didn't get a return call as of tonight.

I'm anxious for my follow up appointment next week.  I'm hoping he will let me start to put something on it for the dry tight skin and to help with the scaring also. 

On to other news.  I really wanted to get involved in a project I read about the last time I was at the library.  It's called Crochet Compassion.  A group of women get together the first Tuesday of the month.  They do some work for the homeless, but I got much more out of it than that.  It was nice to meet some new people and socialize.  What are they making?  Mats for the homeless.  It can be wet and cold outside.  What little they have to put down on the ground ends up damp and or wet.  The plastic mat helps keep whatever cover they have dry.  

These ladies spend many hours making balls of plastic yarn (plarn) from plastic bags you get at the grocery store.  They are smoothed, folded and cut into strips of circles and connected together.  When you connect enough you roll into a ball and get started.  It's just basic crochet after that.  I had been saving some bags but I discovered right away that I needed many more.  I called on some friends who came through for me.  I was also able to get some from some of the local retailers from their recycle bin.

I would be a lot farther along but unfortunately the crocheting part bothers my arm.  30 minutes into it it starts aching.  It hasn't stopped me though I've been chipping away at it.  Feels good to be doing something to help someone else instead of feeling sorry for myself.  

 What I've completed                 Bags every where

A mat completed, hard to believe that's  plastic bags!

Since I've written last my youngest granddaughter turned one.  She was the sweetest thing at her party. I was having a better day than usual, except for the sore on my leg, so I really enjoyed myself.  It was so fun watching her dive into her smash cake.   She started out with her fingers but then the little Diva used a spoon.  In the end it was all over her face and belly.  No worries though she cleaned right up with a quick splash in the tub.

I read the book "Killing Lincoln" I liked it so much I've started "Killing Jesus".  

Movies.....a couple weeks ago we rented BoyHood.  I liked it, it was unique but not as brilliant as advertised.  This past week end we watched The Judge with Robert Downy Jr.  It was awesome.  

After my two picks I had to let D pick one and his was Fury.  It was kind of bloody, war movie but if you got past that and the cussing it was ok.  My opinion on all of course.   Funny how we rarely watch movies but every time I'm recovering we get through several.  

Nonna with the birthday girl

enjoying her cake

chilling in her birthday chair!

I can't believe we are moving right on into the middle of February.  Seems it was just Christmas.  I've made plans to spend some time with some friends at the beach the first week end in May.   I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that.  Right around the time that happens we should be opening the pool too.  The walking has been tough.  I've been thrilled to keep fighting and getting it done but I'm also looking forward to exercising in the pool again. 

Take care and stay full of H.O.P.E.

Theresa

Happy Day of Birth P

Saturday was my grandsons birthday party.  Thanks to his wonderful parents it's always an all out party.  A good time had by all including the adults.  His "official" birthday was last Saturday the 26th.  Let's start by taking a look at his first day of life then his first birthday picture.

Hello, can someone get this big hand from around my neck

My mom, myself and P's other grandmother had the pleasure and miracle of watching this special little boy enter into his new life here with his family. He was greeted with tears and laughter.  Never again will I be filled with such emotion.  He was such a good little baby boy.

Given a lot of nick hames but I love his real first and middle name.  A family name first and middle.  

Then a year came around so fast.  It was his first birthday.  I couldn't believe how fast it had went by.  Amazing.  Physically for me it was a hard year but watching my two grandchildren grow, change and having their first birthday made it much easier to keep busy and look forward to the time I could spend with them.  His mom had beautiful decorations all hand made by her for Sesame street theme.

lets test out this cake

just look at those cubby cheeks :-)

 Another year just seems to fly by.  Not such a great year for me.  This was the year we lost my dad, I lost my job and I found out about a couple of other medical issues.  Having these two in my life helped me get through it all.    His second birthday was a LSU Football Party. 

I can't imagine why or who choose that theme but he is definitely a "real " fan!

Oct '11 P=24 months and A=26 months Year 2

Then after the holidays passed we rolled into year '12.  Of course P had his "big" party but somehow Nonna did not get he picture.  Seems harmless enough, but I love my pictures with them  Especially at an opportunity like this to go back and put them together.   We've all changed....  I have all with A on her birthday also.

October '12 Our Superman Hero

Oh well, no Nonna but we have one with Poppa!!

Which brings us to this year.  He is now 4.  Smart little boy,  Very funny.  He loves to keep us laughing.  He is getting so smart from all of the questions questions he asks.   Many are very funny loo.  This year you can bet I didn't miss my birthay photo outside.  I didn't manage to get one by the cake like I wanted, but sometime you settle for wheat you get!

We did a funny and a serious!

All of us together Year 4

With his awesome Ninja Turtle cake

Next year on his birthday he will have a little sister to be following him around waiting for her first birthday to come.  Two parties.  Oh no mom you better start a new fund.  He he! 

Happy Monday!  Do something for you that you've been thinking of doing and haven't.
Full of H.O.P.E.
Theresa

A fun filled week end

Better late than never.  I should have had this up Wednesday but I honestly have not even looked at my email or much of anything else since then.  I weighed and measured that morning.  Had a very busy day then went to dinner with my girlfriends.  I really had to be picky seeing it was the beginning of the WW's week for me.  The food was delicious but the company even better.  

These ladies are great.  They didn't mind posing in different areas of restaurant before I found the best back ground.  Then we grabbed our server and had him capture a few shots.  He even let me check and make sure we were ok with them.  What a sport.  Thanks Brigitte for adding the festive boarder.  

The previous day my second appointment of the day was with the OT.  Durning treatment I was pretty uncomfortable.  She had another therapist who does the Dry Needling also known as  intramuscular stimulation  evaluate me.    I was really hoping that after Friday's session we would be able to determine there was not a need for it any longer.  I did have improvement, but not enough to change her mind about having it done.  It hurts so much in that area I can't imagine having needles inserted into these tendons or muscles. 

The session lasted longer than usual so I got a late start on my Chicken Enchilada soup when I got home.  So late I was putting it up in bowls to freeze and some for the week pretty late that night.  It was worth every minute though.  It was so good.  I entered everything in the WW recipe builder.  I made a double batch and it totaled 6 points per cup.  A cup doesn't sound like much but when you add some cheese and sour cream it is very filling.  What I was missing was the chips I enjoying dipping in when I'm not "watching it".  

Most of what goes in

Then I remembered these tortilla wraps that I like to make a turkey wrap with for a change up from bread.  I also love to make fajitas with them.  The tomato basil flavor is 1 point.  Yes, you read right.  ONE point.  The wheat is 2.  Weird, I know.  Most tortilla wraps or flat bread are 2 points.  I get them at Wal Mart but you know how that is.  Some Wal Mart's carry them and some don't.  I can't always find them when I want them.  Anyway, I decided to toast one instead of just warming to get it it crispy.  I broke into pieces and it worked lovely as "chips" to dip in my soup.  Above is most of the things that make everything come together to taste wonderful.  The chicken and the fat free half and half are missing.  The recipe calls for heavy whipping cream but I promise you it's no different with the fat free.   

Ole Mexican Foods "a better choice for your health"

toasted and broken into chips

On Thursday I kept a friends little girl at my house all day.  She is super active and kept me busy and my mind working.  She is a talker like my grandson.  Full of questions and only stops talking when she is sleeping!  An hour and a half after she left my home my granddaughter came.  Lucky for me, her mom brought her to my house and I didn't have to drive and meet her like usual. 

Tomorrow (Monday) is her birthday and she was going out of town for some "me" time.

Of course it was fine by me that A wanted to spend some time with Nonna.  Unfortunately she had to go to therapy with me on Friday morning, but I smoothed it over by stopping by the library to pick out some books she had in mind to choose.  She is starting to recognize some words so loves to read a book that has them so she can tell me the words.  

enjoying the computer

  
After OT was over we met my daughter and grandson at Chick fil A for lunch.  The kids loved it because the play area was unusually empty.  I'm glad they got to visit because the rest of my daughters week end was packed.  We had lunch and a nice visit before we each moved on to our next item on the list.  Just so happened it was Wal Mart for both of us.  The necessary evil :~{

best part of my day <3

We finally made it home around 3:30.  My friend who I mentioned earlier wanted to let her daughter and A visit because they love spending time together.  Her name starts with an A also so I'll call her A2, laugh out loud.  Her week end was full except for Friday evening.  I had told her we'd see what time we got home and how tired each of us was.  A rested and watched a movie while I put everything away then I kicked back in the recliner on the heating pad for awhile.  Shortly after they came to visit.  A2 grabbed my A and hugged her.  She said, " I love you A".  So sweet.  We took them for a wagon ride and to swing and slide next door.  Then we had supper together.  It was enjoyable for us all.  A2 and A had a great time playing together.  Neither wanted to stop.

Little monkeys 

A & A2

Saturday was P's official day of birth.  His party is next week end so I'll wait and do his birthday post with his party pictures!  4 years old.  They are both 4 and we have another on the way.  When I think back where I was 4 years ago I'm a little disappointed.  I know I can't dwell on it, but I can't help but wonder what things would be like if I wouldn't have ever had the first surgery.  I know I can't look back.  I have to keep looking forward.  That's where the H.O.P.E. comes in.  I keep telling myself that and I will as long as I have to.  It would be nice if I could get rid of some of these other ailments though.  

I brought A back to the library for Cliffard's 50th birthday.  It was nice.  They played games, sang happy birthday, made a craft and then had treats and lemonade.  I'm happy for her we went. She really enjoyed it. 

Happy 50th Cliffard

A snack after craft.

I brought her to meet her mom this evening.  Even though while loading up she was asking over and over,  Why do I have to go home?  I can tell you when she saw her mommy her story changed.  She was so happy to see her and go with her.  

So it is now Monday morning.  I was watching the nail biting World Series.  St. Louis 2 Boston 2.  Every game has been close.  Needless to say I thought I could do both.  When the game ended I gave this 100% UNTIL...I fell asleep with my laptop on my lap.  I woke up at 2 am with my fingers on the key board and my neck very uncomfortable.  I'll end here as to not delay another day waiting until tonight.

Happy Monday and to everyone a great week.

Full of H.O.P.E.

Theresa

Happy Day of Birth A

Today is my granddaughters 4th birthday.  She is one special little girl.  I know all grandmothers think "their" grandkids are the sweetest.  A has a nurturing character.  She's been caring for her "babies" before she could care for herself.  Which by the way she did early on.  She was ready to potty long before most little girls her age.  And when she had "other business" if you know what I mean, she wanted a book and the door closed! 

1 year old 2010

Two special days in my life (apart from my wedding day and birth of my own children) is the day each of my grandchildren were born.  It is still so clear in my head.  I hope I never forget as I age.  I got a call shortly after arriving at work from my son that her moms water broke.  The plan was for A to be born at the hospital where A's mom and her moms family is near.  This was an hour trip from Baton Rouge.  They left not long after we talked and I became a nervous wreck.  I'd been anticipating this day for months.  All my co workers wanted me to leave at that moment.  I wanted to wait and see when she arrived and make sure it was "true labor" and she would be admitted.  I guess they thought I was selfish and why would I chance missing it.  I wouldn't dare, but my back surgery was 2 months and 1 week previous and I was still struggling sitting for very long.  My fear was driving there and turning around and going back.  

I decided to take my chances and wait.  I left at noon, went home and packed for an overnight stay if necessary.  All experienced mothers know that first birth can take quite some time.  So needless to say the overnight bag was needed.  I felt confidant I would be there in plenty time.  When I arrived little progress had been made.  Mom was pretty uncomfortable and dad was nervous and pacing.  Oh, and hungry!  The sweet ending to the story is that A came into this world, thanks to God, healthy and being her very dramatic self.  I tell her the story all the time of the male nurse who cared for her right after delivery.  He let us stay near and watch him do all the important little tests and they do right after delivery.  At one point he stepped from his station and said to us, "I know already, she will be an actress!".  To this day, she has made his statement true.  

here is that "drama" hours old

Nonna with A (1 day old)

The last I'll say on that is all my life I had wondered what it would be like to see my children become a parent.  It was a very emotional moment for me.  Her mom had to have a C section so us grandparents, family and friends were "waiting" for my son to come out and tell us when she was here.  Just seeing his face when he walked through those doors almost brought me to my knees.  We hugged and cried.  Both our lives changed forever.  

2 years old 2011

Her life has been different that most little girls but you'd never be able to see this in her manners or her character.  Although there are times when we wish/want more for her we know there are children who have much less in life.  She has two sets of grandparents that love her dearly.  Very different lifestyles which is an advantage for her.  Her mom's parents live in the country and she has had wonderful experiences growing up in a quite area.  They have a garden, animals to feed and does things that city kids do not experience.   She is exposed to things there that some never see the beauty in.  

3 years old 2012

When she comes here, another different experience.  One with her dad and even different with us.  We live close to everything you could imagine.  Not far at all to get to anything.  Our back yard has very little grass in it, not at all like her maw maw and paw paw's property.  She loves being at both places and takes with her different memories from each.  I know she is actually blessed in some ways that A gets to be exposed to different life styles and takes with her memories of all kinds.  She loves us all and prays for her family every night.

4 years old 2013

On to another subject!  Weigh in Tuesday.  When dieting I only weigh on the 7th day.  When I'm not  I'm constantly checking just to make sure things arent' getting out of hand. (as they did).  For some reason yesterday I got on the scale a day early because I couldn't stand it.  I just knew I'd gained.  I didn't care if it was the same, just let me not have gained I prayed.  Stand on the scale and was shocked!  Wow, 138.  That would mean and pound down from last week.  This can't be right.   I got off and got back on.  138 again.  This is great I thought.  I get to post some progress tomorrow.  

Why was I worried?  For starters I went to dinner with friends last Tuesday night.  I ate ok, well not really.  I had an appetizer (something I rarely do, spoils my meal)  My meal was a chicken breast with grilled veggies on top (sauce involved) broccoli and rice.  The other no no was the two mixed drinks I had.  I didn't even bother to look up to add to my program.  The rest of week went great until Saturday and I had a piece of birthday cake.  It was my granddaughters celebration with us so a good enough reason for me.  I love love birthday cake.  My weakness.   A friend of mine made the cake and her cakes are to die for.  Yummy!  Even had ice cream.

So you can see my surprise of why I saw that number.  No way I said.  My thoughts were right.  There was no way.  It just took another day for the calories to set in of the drinks, cake and ice cream.  Here is one day later.  Half pound up from last week.   Where I started two weeks ago.  Guess the cake and drinks showed up today :-{    I remember from last year that the first couple of weeks not a lot happens.  I did forget to measure and it was after lunch when I remembered so I'll wait and do that tomorrow morning.  Fingers crossed no changes there.

I'm so happy I'm home today with no where to go.  It's a 3 hive day and my night gown is best thing to be in.   I took the time to charge my battery last night knowing it had been almost a month.  Bad idea to wait that long.  It took an hour and 40 minutes to fully charge.  I've got to get on a regular two week schedule.

Happy birthday A....Nonna has been thinking of you all day.  Hope it has been very special and fun.  

Living with H.O.P.E.
Theresa


Choose to.....

Choose to love..........rather than hate
Choose to smile...........rather than frown
Choose to build...........rather than destroy
Choose to persevere...........rather than quit
Choose to praise...........rather than gossip
Choose to heal...........rather than wound
Choose to give..........rather than gasp
Choose to act...........rather than delay
Choose to forgive............rather than curse
Choose to pray.............rather than despair

Happy Birthday, Easter & April Fools

Here she is the "Birthday Girl".  A daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a wife, a mother & an aunt.   My first born, my baby girl, my Golden (band) girl and my friend.  She's as good at one role as another.  30 years ago tomorrow she came into this world at 7 pm at night.  It was a Friday.  Not just any Friday, but Good Friday.  We went home from the hospital on Easter Sunday.  I've never really paid attention to how many times her birthday fell on Good Friday again but it's always on April Fools Day!  I can't believe it was 30 years ago.  

A daughter, Good Friday April 1, 1983

An Aunt 

A Sister 1988

Easter  1987

A niece 1987

A friend and fellow Golden Band member

Granddaughter

A wife

B with my brother when he was 13 and she was 4.











The Golden Band Girl at TigerRama 2002










October 7, 2006 
with her grandparents on her wedding day.

A Mother

A Friend

The picture of us together was at her surprise party last night at her home.  She came in from taking family portraits at their church before and after the Easter Service.  Another person she portrays, a leader in her church to many.  She was tired but still had her smiling face on and had a great time.  So did P, the life of the party!  

Fork in each hand

helping daddy put on the candles

Today I went to the service at her church so I could be with my both of my children and my son in law and grandson.  A beautiful service.  Great Worship!  After B had to get back to those family portraits so she didn't get to see P hunt his eggs but I took plenty pictures for her and she.....had a friend take a family portrait for me :-)

Worship

Always so happy and smiling

Easter Sunday 2013

It was so hard to keep this post to a minimum because I continue to think of things that make me so proud of my girl.  Can't wait to see what she has done by age 40 he he. 

Watch out for those April Fools day pranks tomorrow and Happy Birthday to the greatest daughter a mother could ask for.  I Love you forever.

It is likely your boy possesses a measure of competitive and adventuresome spirit.  If you as a parent understand and respond to this nature, both you and your son will be more in sync.

Dr. James Dobson, Bringing Up Boys