Chaos!

Life at our house has been an explosion of chaos.  It has been hard to sit down to blog.  Many heart breaking things going on.  We praise God that our Thanksgiving was peaceful.  Eric called to wish us a happy day.  Brandon was able to take time from his busy schedule to join us for dinner.  We went over to a friend's house and had a wonderful time.

However, since Thanksgiving day there has been plenty of trouble of the heart breaking kind with both boys.  Currently, we are not on speaking terms with Eric.  And Brandon has taken a turn and has decided he does not want to go into the Army.  He wants to drop out of high school and move to California to be with a girl he knows.  On Christmas Eve Brandon will be 18 years old and he says he wants to leave soon after he turns 18. Please pray for us as you feel so led.  Thank you!

Thankful for Small Things

Life is ever moving and flowing.  Sometimes it seems it moves by too quickly.  Other times it seems to be in slow motion.  That is how it has been for Mark and I lately.  We are edging more and more into the slower pace, but not quite there yet.  Every now and then we get a taste of that slower pace and we really enjoy how it feels.

Definitely, the slower pace will allow for my creative juices to flow more freely.  There are so many ways to be creative and I think sometimes I discount the little things.  I think that I have to do something grand to call myself creative. Well get over it!  I am going to be thankful for the little things.  God works in the small things as well as big.

Lately, I have been blessed with ideas in the kitchen with new products I've found at the grocery store.  Take for instances the picture below.

Used these products to make a tasty morning breakfast.  Its husband approved!  The new Natural Bliss coffee creamer doesn't have to be used just for coffee.  Using it on your morning oatmeal is a great way to give your oatmeal a flavor boost.  Another product I've tried is Land O' Lakes cinnamon sugar butter spread which they put out just for the Autumn season.  We have used it on our pancakes and its given them the flavor of "french toast".  Very yummy!

So enjoy Autumn, be creative and rejoice in little things. 

Empty Trees

Mark has been on business in Singapore for a week now and we are working on week two.  At the end of this week he begins his journey home.  It will take over 24 hours for him to get home.  This time I am missing him very much even though we have been keeping in touch twice a day via Skype.

Our big news is that our youngest son, Brandon, has decided to join the Army.  We are very proud of him for making that decision.  It has been Brandon's dream since he was little to join the service.  We met with the recruiter and signed paper work before Mark left for Singapore.  Last week Brandon took the written test and passed.  After that I went in with Brandon, bringing along important documents they needed to start his file.  This week he will be taking his physical and afterward he will be officially in the Army.

As for my oldest son, Eric, we do not hear much from him and what I do hear, breaks my heart.  Brandon keeps in some contact with him, but he is always disappointed by his brother.  When Brandon told Eric he was joining the Army Eric's response was not what he had hoped for.

I titled this post "Empty Trees" for a reason.  This morning as I was doing the dishes I noticed that more light was coming into my kitchen.  The leaves from the trees in our backyard are almost completely gone.  Soon the branches will be completely bare waiting for snow to grace them.  This made me dwell on the fact that my youngest will soon be off and my nest will be empty.  However, my youngest will go with a bright future.  That makes me smile.

Osteoporosis

Last week I got a letter from my doctor which told me that my bone scan showed osteoporosis in my spine.Between lack of hormones and not being able to eat properly my bones have suffered.  I sulked about it over the weekend.  I think its a case of one too many apples in the apple cart.  This morning I went to see my doctor and together we came up with a course of action.  She wants to run a few more tests, but she is on board with me taking HRT.  Given my history with HRT I am a bit leary, but feel it is the best option.  Hoping HRT goes well for me this go around.  Good news is that my tummy has continued to behave itself and I am eating normal meals and picking up some weight.  I know it is of Him...thank you Lord!

Autumn Color 2012

Mark and I dropped Brandon off at his job and then went to the park to take an evening walk.  Here are some pictures to enjoy the season.

The small lake at this park was full.  You can see the sky reflected in the water.

Here Canadian Geese are coming out of the water.  Aren't they gorgeous?

Autumn trees spreading their joyful color beside the lake.

Those beautiful leaves against the cloudy sky.

The mix of color as the lake reflects the sky, so pretty.

Now go out and enjoy Autumn where you are!

Autumn Thrifting Finds, etc.

Happy Autumn to you all!  I have continued my thrifting into Autumn.  Pictured below are a couple of finds.

This is china by Lenox in the pattern called Westwind.  Lenox began making this china pattern in the 1950's.  Silly me prayed to blessed with some Autumn dishes and behold 4 place settings of this china appeared at my nearby thrift store.  I got 4 place settings for $23.01!

Here are the delicate tea cups.  I think this 1950's teapot I was blessed to receive from my mom-in-law is a good compliment.

This is a purse I picked up at the thrift store.  When I saw it I just could not pass it up.  It was not a steal, but probably less than in a department store since it is beaded.  It appeared to have never been used.  I love it!

Not the best picture taker, but here is part of my mantle decorated for Autumn.  So many things have sweet memories.  The crystal vase, the plate and the word Hope all from dear friends.  The birds nest was found by my son Brandon.

Here is the left side of the mantle.

This is the scene on the right side of the mantle.  Love that pear shaped gourd I found at a pumpkin patch Cindy and I went to in Boulder last week.

Here is my Grandmother's antique table all decked out for Autumn.

HAPPY AUTUMN!

Autumn brings Change

Well, as the leaves are changing color the plans we make can change as well.  And so change has come to Sunflower Cottage.  Mark and I planned that we would have my surgery on November 13th.  Well, a few things have arisen since making that plan.  First, the original plan was that Mark was only going to be spending one week on business in Asia before the surgery.  Well, while on business in Germany the bosses decided to tack on an extra week which cut into our time planned for surgery.  Second, I prayed and asked the Lord to make my tummy cooperate while Mark was away on business.  Well, the Lord answered my prayer and my tummy has been doing very well.  Pain has been at a minimum and to my surprise I have picked up a few pounds.

Mark and I decided that it would be best to cancel the surgery for now.  To keep the date, Mark would be home from Asia on the 10th.  We felt that was cutting things close as we know both of us are going to be exhausted from being apart as we usually are.  It takes us about a week to get back on track.  With the Lord timing is important and we know the Lord often works through circumstance, so we are seeking Him in these circumstances.

Another thing that is changing is that a dear friend of ours is moving to Durango, Colorado.  My dear friend Tara, the teacher, who had her baby this past summer.  I have so enjoyed being able to look after her baby from time to time.  If you will remember in a prior post, I took in her guinea pig, Snowy.  Piggy and I had so much fun together, but it turned out that I am very allergic to her.  So Tara set me up with a little boy who wanted Snowy.  I passed Snowy into his capable hands last weekend (sniff).  He was so excited to receive her.  So Snowy moved on and now Tara and her baby boy are moving as well.  Big sniff!

Change...it is one thing we can be sure will happen...just as long as the Lord is in it we can rest assured that all things will work together for good.

Autumn Color 2012

It is so nice to have my husband home after being in Germany for 2 weeks and another week spent in Canada.  We were able to spend only one week of September together.  One day this week after he got off work we went to our favorite park and took a walk.  Above is a picture of autumn color at Crown Hill Park.  What is sad is the drought and how it has affected the park.  The lake is way down and the pond in the bird sanctuary is completely dried up.  There were very few birds on the lake and we did not see any muskrats.  The drought has changed the ecosystem, leaving Colorado desperately in need of moisture.  The weather report says that it is coming.

Daybook

Outside my window...
The sun is going down and casting a gray light.

I am thinking...
That I wish my hubby did not have to leave on another business trip.

I am thankful...
That this business trip is only for 6 days.

In the kitchen...
My famous Creamy Potato Soup and plum/apple crumble.

I am wearing...
Gray sport shorts with a gray top that has turquoise & pink on it which says Huntington Beach Surf Club.

I am creating...
A cookbook for my beloved friend Tara.

I am going...
To take it easy and rest to get over this nasty cold I have.

I am wondering...
What the week ahead holds for me.

I am reading...
Trying to finish up "Bold Love".

I am hoping...
That I have enough energy to get through the week.

I am looking forward to...
Friday when my hubby comes home!

I am learning
To let go, let God...and pray like crazy.

Around the house...
Decorated for Autumn...just couldn't hold back.

I am pondering...
What life will hold in the near future.

One of my favorite things...
Quilts...and my friend Tara just gave me a beautiful white quilt with deep red accents.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
To be apart of a new house church, lunch with friends, mammogram & bone scan.

A peek into my day...

Flea & Thrift

My newest hobby this past summer has been going to flea markets and thrift stores.  Its like hunting for treasure.  Just like what I used to do when I went to the beach as a young girl.  I loved to hunt for seashells.  I would gather them up like treasure and go home and pour over my seashell book looking to see what I had found.

Anyway, we have a very nice thrift store nearby and I have found many quality items there.  On Saturdays, this particular thrift store (ARC) has certain tagged items for half price.  I was able to get my girlfriend 6 china dessert bowls and pretty spoons for under $10!  (By the way...she loves them.)  Below are some pictures of items I have recently picked up.  I apologize about the quality of the pics...it is a rainy day today and the house is dark.

Here is a lamp that I picked up at a flea market for $16!  The lamp had new electrical switch and cord.

In this picture the plate on the left was picked up at ARC on half price day for a buck. It is Limoges from France.  The picture of the roses was found at a flea market.  It was $8 (frame included)!  The man selling it said his daughter photographed the roses.  The vase in the middle is an antique...my grandmother's.

I picked up two of the rose patterned plates.  One on display above and this one I am using on the table.  Found this cracked glass candle holder on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond which matches perfectly.  Oh and the placemats (which you can get a partial glimpse of) were picked up at a rummage sale for a dollar a piece.

In this picture are etched glass creamer & sugar bowl picked up at the thrift store.  A dollar a piece!

Picked this gorgeous plate up for $1.50 at the thrift store on half price day.  Perfect little dish for my perfumes on my vanity.

Yesterday I picked up 4 of these etched glass goblets.  A dollar a piece!  Just couldn't pass them by.

Also found this Coldwater Creek skirt for $5!  Really good condition. You can't see it, but it has embroidery on it in the same color as the material making it very pretty.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual budget shopping trip.  Adding up all the items I bought (rounding up + tax) I spent close to $50.00 max.  Pretty good wouldn't you say?

Beautiful Colorado!

This evening I was driving my son Brandon over to the high school to take a special test he needs to pass to graduate.  On the way up to the school I took delight in the flowers that grow along with roadside.  The sunset cast a beautiful glow on them.  I just had to stop and take some pictures. 

I like how this flower has its face toward the sky.

See how they line the roadway.  Its like they are all waving "Hello!" as you pass by.

 Here below are some pictures that were taken Labor Day weekend just before Mark left for Germany.

Mark and I went for a picnic and a hike by the Platte River.  Here the water is reflecting the sky.

Here Mark is down by the river.  Love that old cottonwood tree with a hole in it.

Here I am by the river.  It was a wonderful day!

Autumn Girlie Goodies

My calendar says that the first day of Autumn is September 22nd.  I am eagerly looking forward to a change in season.  Are you?  I can already feel a chill in the night air here in Colorado.  Looking forward to apples, pumpkins, sweaters, etc.

I also enjoy the Autumn girlie goodies that come out in the stores.  Pictured below are a few girlie items for Autumn all found at Target.

Left to right:  1) Gold glitter nail polish by elf.  2) Copper colored nail polish by Cos Bar. 3) Vanilla Chai  foam soap by Method (Smells great!). 4) A luxurious golden bath sponge by The Bathery.

Summer Girlfriend Trip

Thought I would share some pictures from a summer girlfriend trip I took in July.  It was a spur of the moment trip that my girlfriend Cindy and I took.  Our first day out we visited Vail, Colorado and toured the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. The gardens are beautiful and a nice place to enjoy a picnic lunch which we did.

Our next stop was in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon where we went on a 2 hour strenuous hike to Hanging Lake.

This picture was taken on the way up to Hanging Lake.  Gorgeous Colorado!

Here is a picture of Hanging Lake.  The water was like a precious stone.  It was crystal clear yet tinted with a blue-green.

Me and Cindy.  We made it to the top!

After our big hike it was a short drive into Glenwood Springs.  Pictured here is the muddy Colorado River.

We stayed at the historic Hotel Colorado.

Here is the gateway that leads up to the hotel courtyard.

Right across the street from the hotel is the beautiful Glenwood Hot Springs.  The pool is as long as a football field.  The water is so relaxing.

Some of the flowers around the grounds of the pool area.  Loved these deep red Hollyhocks.

While Cindy and I stayed in Glenwood Springs we enjoyed the shops and restaurants in the quaint town as well as the pool.  We also took a hike up to the cemetery where Doc Holiday is buried.

On our drive home we stopped and enjoyed some of the quaint mountain towns along the way.  We visited the town of Leadville where Cindy took me to see this lake pictured below. 

Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this gorgeous lake.

Here is a shot of the main drag.  Leadville has an old fashion feel to it with all these old buildings.

Cindy and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on our trip.  Hope you enjoyed the little picture tour of Colorado.

Surgery Date

Went to see my bowel doctor on Wednesday.  Mark and I went together.  It was a tough decision, but we decided to go ahead and have surgery.  Have scheduled it for November 13th.  We have to be at the hospital at 5 a.m.  After the appointment both Mark and I felt peace about it.  Did not have a check in our spirits.  It is a very hard thing for both of us, but we are sure that this is the Lord's path for us.  There are many things the Lord asks us to do that are difficult, but we have seen our Lord work so many miracles.  He has built up our faith and trust in Him.  Surrendering is hard, but a necessary part of obedience.  A constant striving to know Him in and through our trials and tribulations.     

Water

The past few days I have been under the weather.  Last week my friend Tara and I attended a baby shower in her honor.  Both of us came down sick at the same time after the shower and her precious baby boy.  The shower was hosted by a few of the mothers from the 2nd grade class she taught last school year.  Tara had me come along since I was the reading teacher.  It was good to see the kids again, however, one of them was slightly sick.  Unfortunately, it was passed along.  So sad to see Tara's baby sick with his first cold.  Poor little guy!

As you know when we are sick it is good to drink lots of water.  Sometimes plain water is not that tasty.  So I added some slices of lemon & cucumber.  Very refreshing and healthy too.  Some sliced strawberries as a treat provide vitamin C.

Sunday Best

This morning Mark and I went to church.  Brandon did not come as he works Sunday mornings, but Eric surprised us this morning.  He came to church!  He came alone and we were happy to see him.  We had our guard up a bit (as is still necessary...sigh), but at least I was able to hug him and tell him I love him.  Things have not changed too much in his world, but so happy to have him at church.

Life continues on at a bit slower pace for me these days.  It is nice that I have been able to take a nap here and there.  Sometimes I get a feeling that life is lighter.  It is a great feeling!  There is more room for what I want to do.  Pretty soon I will have to rediscover myself.  Would like to get my creative juices flowing again, maybe a part-time job too.  I'll see what the Lord has for me.

This Wednesday I have a consult appointment with my bowel doctor.  Going to ask questions about surgery and try to set a date.  Friends at church are encouraging me to move forward.  Everyone knows I have been suffering for a long time.  It will be 4 years in mid October.

Soon Mark will be going on his business trip to Germany.  He will be gone for 2 weeks!  Please pray that my health will be stable while he is away.  I tend to worry about such things.  After he gets back from Germany he will be home for about 6 days and then he will leave for Canada for a week.  Sigh.  Then there is the possibility of him traveling to Asia in November, but still waiting for confirmation.  I hope he doesn't go, but that is in the Lord's hands. 

 

Sunflowers on my Mind

You may notice that I have changed the name of my blog.  I am operating through a fog these days, but trying to hang with the Lord through all.  Some days I am fine and then other days I drag.  Anyway, I just started thinking about the sunflower and how it follows the sun.  And so that is what I strive to do myself...follow the Son (Jesus).

I have not been in contact with Eric for a few weeks now.  He did come by the house to pay his brother some money he owed.  He handed Brandon the money, no words spoken and left.  His father called him one day to invite him to an Eagle ceremony for a friend of his.  He barely spoke to Mark and told him he would not be coming to the ceremony.  It is heartbreaking that he has chosen to push us out of his life.  He has also been drifting in and out of jobs.  Through all of this I have chosen to continue on with my Lord.  I want Him to have first place in my heart.  He is the only one who can heal my broken heart.

Been reading the book "So Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!" by Barbara Johnson.  Barbara says "Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional."  Her book is like a balm I apply to my broken heart.  When I feel that I can't take the pain...I open Barbara's book and start reading.  Thank you Lord for Barbara!!!

This week I took a step out in faith.  I have scheduled an appointment with my bowel doctor.  Going to set a date for surgery.  I am experiencing increasing difficulties with my tummy, so it is time to step out and believe my Lord for a miracle.  Prayers are appreciated.

Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster

Been riding the emotional roller coaster.  One weekend Eric came by to visit and I had to ask him to leave as he got too angry.  I have noticed that his girlfriend is alienating him from those who care for him.  Eric did not like my observation and therefore was very angry with me.   I spent the last week praying and sulking.  There were a few things that the Lord used to lift me out of the blues.  Lunch with a girlfriend and a beautiful summer evening wedding at an old mansion in downtown Denver.  Then on Saturday we attended a picnic in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado.  Always so thankful to the Lord for blessing me with beauty.  Sunday afternoon Eric called.  Although, he still is not being honest, we are pleased that he wants to maintain some form of relationship and contact.

We have a new addition to our family.  A friend of mine who just had a baby, gifted me with her beloved guinea pig named Snowy.  My friend used to teach, but now that the baby has come she is staying home.  She used to have Snowy in the classroom for the kids on Fridays.  There is a chance that Snowy may go back once the baby is sleeping through the night.  Just have to see.  Until then, the kitties, well, they are learning to share their domain with a pig.  Dusty is fine with Snowy, they touched noses the first day they met.  Daisy however, being only 2 years old, wants to play.   

Chin Up - Keeping Calm & Carrying On

I have been enjoying the Olympics being in England.  The shots of the bicycle race going through that tunnel of green trees is gorgeous.  The shots of Big Ben and the Thames River...beautiful!  I hope someday I can go to England.  And then there is that saying that comes to mind.  You know the one...Keep calm and carry on.  Well, that is exactly what I am trying to do these days.

Things have not been going well with my son, Eric.  We found out that he is engaged.  He did not tell us, but he did post it on Facebook.  So people started to question us.  I nearly fainted when the news reached me.  Confronting him regarding this was a trip around the world.  First he said it was a hoax, then admitted they are engaged, but not even close to getting married, so therefore no date.  However, that is not stopping them from living as if married.  Over a period of weeks Eric has been increasingly angry.  There have been other things that have played out besides the engagement issue.  It is sad to say, but Eric has managed to estrange his brother and his parents.

So here I sit typing, trying to keep calm and carry on as I feel an overwhelming sense of bewilderment.  I hurt for my child.  I long to help him, but in his mind I am the cause of all his unhappiness.  I am so thankful to the Lord for daily providing me with the strength to carry on.  One of my biggest blessings is my dear husband.  I thank and praise the Lord for giving me such a wonderful blessing.  Today is our 29th wedding anniversary.  Thank you Lord for your love as shown through my blessed husband!

Nest is Emptying

It was the afternoon of Father's Day when Eric came home and decided to move out.  He packed up a number of things and left in a rush.  The next day he was back moving his bed out and various other items that Brandon and I had packed up for him.  For those of us left at home it was heartbreaking.

A number of things have been going down the past few months and not all of it good.  It all started with the addition of a new girlfriend.  Relations became increasingly strained and it seemed as if Eric was slipping into a black hole.  We all tried to pull him out, but the black hole won.  He is now living with his girlfriend (of 2 months) in her parents home.  I've heard from him via text messaging, but our communication is very limited.

Friends and family are questioning Eric's behavior as he doesn't seem like his usual self.  Since he is 18 there is not much we can do.  But we can pray.  If you feel led to pray, it would be much appreciated.   

Kindhearted Women

A kindhearted woman gains respect.  Proverbs 11:16

The Lord has blessed my life in many ways.  Everyday that is true, but there are some days when I choose not to see it that way.  It usually happens when I fix my eyes on my trials & tribulations.  Remember the story of Jesus walking on the water?  Peter wanted to walk on the water too, but the minute he fixed his eyes on the waves, he began to sink.  How do we keep from sinking?  By fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. And what is it that Jesus said we should do?  He said that we should wash each others feet.  We should come along side someone else that is struggling. Bear each others burdens, be a servant.

Since moving to Colorado, the Lord has opened doors to several friendships.  I have some amazing ladies in my life.  First there is Colette.  She and her husband are having money troubles, so they are having to sell their house of 15 years.  The fixing and packing has been overwhelming for her.  Second is my friend Bonnie, who lost her job and has a son that has been mixed up in drugs.  Third is my friend Tara who is an amazing school teacher. Sometimes all the rules and regulations of teaching had her bogged down.  And last, but not least, my friend Cindy who has been helping her husband with the struggles of his business.  All these women have their trials & tribulations.  All of them call out to the Lord for help.  What amazes me is that the Lord uses little old me to answer some of their prayers.

For instances, Bonnie prayed and asked the Lord for someone to go with her to visit her son in jail.  And the Lord laid it on my heart to tell her I would go with her.  Colette needed someone to help with her overgrown garden and when I stopped by for a visit we weeded it together.  Tara needed someone to spend individual time with each student reading and the Lord picked me.  And Cindy was in need of a friend to give her encouragement which the Lord has graciously allowed me to do.  I have to tell you, my cup is overflowing!!

Oh what a blessed God we serve, who uses us to lift others out of the waves of despair and at the same time lifts me.  Being a kindhearted woman is the best job in the world!

"When God blesses you, He rarely has you in mind." ~E. V. Hill

My Graduate...

This is my son Eric on his graduation day.  Not sure what he will do next.  Right now he is working as a bouncer for Jump Street, which is an indoor trampoline facility.  He recently had a review and got a good rating.  He got a raise and promotion.  He had an interview for a welding position.  Waiting to hear if he got the job.  We don't see much of Eric these days.  He is spending most of his free time with his girlfriend and working on the truck they bought together.  I've been shedding some tears...letting our children fly away from the nest is tough.

Health Update

Well, my new GP referred me on to a colorectal surgeon.  Yesterday I had a colonoscopy done.  He could not complete the scope due to a blockage at the site of the reconnection.  To get a picture of the rest of my bowel I had to go to the hospital and get a barium x-ray.  I felt ill afterward.  My dear hubby took me home to rest.  The doctor told us that the only way to handle this type of stricture is through surgery.  We have to make an appointment to have another consult and discuss options.  I will keep you posted.

Doctor Appt.

A nurse friend of mine told me about a doctor that she goes to.  I expressed to my friend my apprehension about doctors.  She told me her doctor is a hard worker and a patient listener.  So I am going to try her out.  The appointment is on my birthday...sigh...I certainly hope the Lord has a present for me in this.  I am sure that I will be full of nervous knots, but as Mark says I need to get this rolling.  I need to get something done about my tummy as I have lived 3 years with the pain and nausea.  Lately, the nausea part has been worse, especially every morning after eating breakfast.  Sometimes when I am driving it gets worse, sometimes I feel I am going to faint.  Just can't keep living like this.  I feel I've given it a good shot of trying to live with it.  It is hard trying to live my life feeling sick most everyday.

Update and Age

Well, it has been a month now that I have been in the boot.  On Sunday I was able to put a shoe on.  Mark and I took a spin outside...a short walk.  I limped and it hurt, so not ready to shed the boot just yet.  There is a bruise still healing on the top of my foot and my ankle feels uneasy.  I am able to walk around the house with just a wrap, no boot, so I am hopeful that soon I will be able to wear a shoe again.  Lately, we have been having beautiful sunny days here in Denver and I must admit, not being able to take a long walk has been a trial for me.

Life has slowed down.  Still not quite over that flu bug.  Mark and I are still struggling with sinus congestion and tiredness.  Otherwise we are doing fine.  Both of us wish that we could get to feeling like our usual selves.  My tummy issues continue.  I had a really bad attack on Saturday morning.  All I had was a cup of Earl Grey tea with milk and honey.  That is all it took for it to get in a knot.  It made me feel quite ill and at one point I felt as if I would pass out.  A nurse friend of mine told me about a doctor she goes to who is a listener.  So I am trying to get up the courage to go and see her.  It is really hard for me, I just want to runaway from it all.  In reality, I have been running away, however the problem just follows me. ;-)

Soon it will be my birthday (March 20th).  I am going to be bold...yes...I will be 51 years old.  I am sighing after typing that.  Gee whiz!...51...I am trying to take glory in it all.  There are positive ways to conquer the age thing.  Yes, if I look at it from the world's point of view I am doomed, all is lost...etc.  I want to glory in my gray (when I get it...haha...thanks Lord) and not fuss over wrinkles.  However, I must admit, I am fussing a bit over the wrinkles.  Sigh.  But the best thing is this...that the Lord is using me here on planet earth and I am getting closer to coming home day by day.

Let's Give it the Boot!

This  morning I was jazzed because I was able to walk without my wrap and almost without a limp!!  However, I am not able to do too much of that yet.  Still need the wrap and boot yet.  It just encouraged me...that I am going to heal.

Here is my boot.  I've learned to love this thing because it enables me to get around. However,  Mark and the boys say I sound like a peg leg walking around the house.  I feel like a peg leg pirate!

Above is just one section of our fence that blew down in the wind storm. Really, I'd like to give wind storms the boot! ;-)

Update

I hope that you like the new look of the blog.  I was trying to come up with something different from House on the Hill, but after numerous hours at the computer, I just couldn't come up with anything that suited me better.

Well, I am happy to report that I am feeling better today.  The last couple of nights I was able to fall asleep with ease and stay asleep.  Still have some congestion and a cough, but the body aches are gone and I am feeling stronger.  As for the ankle, well, it still needs a boot because wearing a shoe hurts too much.  If I am just resting around the house, then I just wear my ankle wrap.  The bruising did a color change last week from purple, black & blue to the green & yellow stage.  It is still clearing this week.  And still have to pop Advil here and there for pain.  Poor ankle is slightly swollen at the end of the day as well as the bottom of my foot.  At the end of this week it will be 3 weeks since I injured it.  It is a bad sprain and I just pray that eventually it will heal and I won't have a permanent limp.   

As for Big Yellow Cottage, last week we had a nasty windstorm pass through.  Immediately after the windstorm was done it began to snow.  The wind cause quite a bit of damage, but fortunately for us, our new roof was put on before the storm came.  That was great news because we updated our shingles to high impact which can sustain winds up to 100 mph.  Anyway, continuing on about the damage.  Two sections of our fence in the backyard blew down.  It was so strong that we laid our BBQ on the deck and the wind pushed it off along with our patio furniture.  Also, one of the plastic domes that was over the basement window well was lifted and thrown over the house.  We did not know what had happened to it until today when we found pieces of it under the melted snow.  A piece of that dome also put a hole in one of our window screens.  Colorado does not have termites and it doesn't have fleas, but boy does it have nasty weather!

Unexpected Rest

Well, in my last post I talked about getting some rest.  Well, that did not come about the way I thought.  Instead both Mark and I came down with the flu.  We did not get out of our jammies for 3 days.  Today is the first day that I got dressed and went outside the house, only because we needed more kleenex.  I think we are over the worst of it, but still dealing with congestion and weakness.  

Rest

It seems I have been so busy for so long.  This week a couple things that are usually on the scheduled are off this week.  I probably won't get anything extra accomplished, but I am looking forward to some much needed rest.  Certainly, the location of Big Yellow Cottage invites rest. Below is a picture taken in our backyard by Mark.  Next to the tree is the wild bunny that lives on our property.  We also have birds and squirrels that like to visit our yard.  Their appearance makes it feel like we live in a park. 

I am happy to say that I finally got through a great deal of my ironing which was piled up in the spare bedroom (which we call the Red Room).  I am usually pretty good at getting clothes ironed, but tableclothes and placemats not so good.  I have had some items sitting in a laundry basket since December and I am happy to report that I finally got them ironed and put away.  Whew!  Vacuuming has fallen behind due to the confines of the boot.  I've been in it 1 week now and have another week to go.  My foot improves a little bit each day.  However, there were a few days in there that I felt improvement was moving much too slow.  Especially when one would like to enjoy a walk in the park or just grocery shop without pain.  For the most part I am just glad that I can walk.  :-)

I have color!

Last week I fell down the stairs in our house and sprained my foot.  Praise God I did not hurt my ankle, just underneath it.  Been wearing an ACE bandage and a boot.  It is feeling much better, but still need to take things easy.  I am not very good at that, which I am sure I inherited that trait from my Grandfather.

Winter Snows

Last Thursday night it began snowing and it snowed all day Friday and into Saturday morning.  Above is a picture of the stairs leading up to our front door on Friday evening.  We shoveled about a foot of snow off the driveway on Friday morning.  Then we shoveled another 6 inches or more by evening.  We all pitched in.  It was a good work-out for all of us.

Sunday was nice and sunny, but cold with all the snow piled around.  The sun was warm enough that the streets melted off real nice, not much ice at all.  But today was cloudy and cold.  Not much melting going on so the snow is going to stay piled high for awhile yet.

The good news is both my boys have jobs right now.  We are so blessed that they are working.  Brandon works for Liberty Tax doing advertising (sign spinner).  Eric has a job at an indoor trampoline place called Jump Street.  I am so proud of both of them. 

Sufficiency

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God."  2 Corinthians 3:5

If you really concentrate on this verse it is quite amazing.  It should give you comfort where you feel you are lacking and humble you if you are proud.  We are not sufficient of ourselves.  All this talk in the world...you know how it goes...that we can do anything if we put our mind to it.  But this verse says likewise.  It says that our sufficiency is from God.  Therefore, should we dare to glory in ourselves?  All of our abilities, our accomplishments, etc. are a blessing from Him.  The good that we accomplish is His handiwork.  Let us therefore be amazed and praise Him from whom all blessings flow.

Father, only through you am I sufficient.  I thank you for blessing me with gifts that I may glorify your name.  In Jesus name - Amen.  

A Warm Winter Day

Today our boys went into Golden to hang out with friends, so Mark and I had some time to ourselves.  In the afternoon we took a walk at my favorite park Crown Hill.  Of course I took pictures.  There were many people at the park today since it was warm out.  Lots of dogs and then we spotted a coyote looking for an afternoon snack.  Here are a couple pictures from our walk.

This is the frozen lake.  The clouds above are pretty aren't they?

This is looking across the large frozen pond in the bird sanctuary.

Dreaming...

The other night I watched Sleeping with the Enemy.  One thing that really appeals to me in that movie is the heroine's new abode.  That cute old fashion cottage in Cedar Falls.  It always sets me to dreaming.  By the way I do have an African Violet on my window sill in the kitchen just like Sara Waters or is it Laura?

  This house is actually in South Carolina not Iowa as in the movie.  And it was for sale last year.  Imagine that?

Here is a kitchen scene from the movie.  Just love that old fashion kitchen.  It reminds me of my Little Blue Cottage.

On New Year's Eve we had high winds whip through our area.  The winds did damage to our roof and our fence in the backyard.  Thankfully all of our  lovely trees did fine.  Anyway, after the snows pass Big Yellow Cottage will be getting some work done.  Also, we purchased a new stove which we will pick up this Thursday.  I am excited because the stove we have now is a bit of a challenge to work with as the oven is 20 degrees off and doesn't always maintain its heat.  I am fine baking cookies, biscuits and muffins, but anything bigger takes more time than it should and makes the electric bill higher.