Spring has sprung and my allergies have been horrible the past two days (so sorry for missing yesterday's post)! They've said it's going to be a bad allergy season mainly due to the light winter and no hard freezes...which also means more bugs! Two of my least favorite things about spring. So, hopefully I can get through this allergy season in one piece before the summer heat starts to bake us up!
How do you handle allergies? I never had them growing up. I acquired them in my 20's after moving out to California for a year. I know many people have symptoms much worse than mine, but man are they are pain!
Although, I can't complain too much as the weather is absolutely spectacular outside right now! Enjoying little moments of splendor goes a long way! So, take it all in...allergies included...and enjoy the joys of springtime! Trees blooming, flowers growing, gardens sprouting, baseball bats smacking and lawns turning green.
Spring is here. April is here. So, it's time to bloom again...for all of us! Enjoy this last day of March and many blessings to you as April begins!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Happy Easter!
To all those around the world that celebrate Easter...Happy Easter to you and yours!! I hope you've had a wonderful day celebrating Jesus' resurrection and of course, all those Easter eggs!
As holidays go it's fun for the kiddos to wake up in the morning to candy-filled Easter baskets, go Easter egg hunting, and share in yummy food with family and friends. But, the real reason for all the holiday cheer is God's sacrifice for us...he died to save us from our sins and to provide us mercy, grace and love all the days of our lives. He shed his blood for us and we must be eternally grateful for that in how we live our lives, how we serve others and in the message/intention of all of our actions. We must serve with God's love in our hearts each and every day. The world needs MORE LOVE (now more than ever)!!!
He has RISEN!! Hallelujah!!!
Grateful blessings to you on this very special Easter Sunday!!
As holidays go it's fun for the kiddos to wake up in the morning to candy-filled Easter baskets, go Easter egg hunting, and share in yummy food with family and friends. But, the real reason for all the holiday cheer is God's sacrifice for us...he died to save us from our sins and to provide us mercy, grace and love all the days of our lives. He shed his blood for us and we must be eternally grateful for that in how we live our lives, how we serve others and in the message/intention of all of our actions. We must serve with God's love in our hearts each and every day. The world needs MORE LOVE (now more than ever)!!!
He has RISEN!! Hallelujah!!!
Grateful blessings to you on this very special Easter Sunday!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Wind Blown
It's been crazy windy here the past few days! Whipping and whirling around and whistling down my chimney. When people question your faith in God or in something you can't see they always use the metaphor of "you can't see air or the wind but you know it's there." On windy days like these you definitely think you can see the wind, but you really just see the effect of or results of the wind...blown down garbage cans, branches moving wildly, or water rippling in a pond. And, you can definitely feel it on super windy days...sometimes it's the only relief on a hot, sunny day.
Some people's faith is stronger than others, just as the wind is on certain days. But, if you believe in your faith you know it's there all the time. Faith comes to the forefront when life tests us, challenges us, breaks us and rebuilds us. If your faith is deep and constant you know it's there at your deepest hour or your most vulnerable moment. You know it's there when you feel broken or you've hit rock bottom, but you still see a shred of light ahead...you have a glimpse of hope to hang onto...or you find the thread of strength you didn't think you had to move past that moment and move on. It's easier to find when life is going well but then sometimes we take it for granted. Faith is uniquely individual for everyone and the way you express it is also unique to you...how you feel about it, how it makes you feel, what it represents to you and in your life, and ultimately how you express it day in and day out.
As we're mid-way through Holy week and God's resurrection, may we renew our own faith, grow in it and share it with those around us! May blessings surround you this week as we lead up to Easter Sunday!!
Some people's faith is stronger than others, just as the wind is on certain days. But, if you believe in your faith you know it's there all the time. Faith comes to the forefront when life tests us, challenges us, breaks us and rebuilds us. If your faith is deep and constant you know it's there at your deepest hour or your most vulnerable moment. You know it's there when you feel broken or you've hit rock bottom, but you still see a shred of light ahead...you have a glimpse of hope to hang onto...or you find the thread of strength you didn't think you had to move past that moment and move on. It's easier to find when life is going well but then sometimes we take it for granted. Faith is uniquely individual for everyone and the way you express it is also unique to you...how you feel about it, how it makes you feel, what it represents to you and in your life, and ultimately how you express it day in and day out.
As we're mid-way through Holy week and God's resurrection, may we renew our own faith, grow in it and share it with those around us! May blessings surround you this week as we lead up to Easter Sunday!!
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Palm Sunday
Mom will occasionally go to church with me and if I can get her to go to the early service, not 8 am, but 9:30 am then all is well. Since I'm an early bird I get a lot done before noon, so I prefer going to the early service. I knew she had one of my nephews spending the night last night and she wanted to bring him to church with us this morning. He enjoys going to church and learning about Jesus. He's very in-tune with his spiritual side...even at 8!
So, when he walked in and then my other "youngest" nephew (also 8), I was a little surprised...but then again, not, since I knew they'd probably talk my mom into letting them both spend the night last night after being over at my parents yesterday for a quick and impromptu get-together with one of my cousin's family traveling through on their way to San Antonio. They both love hanging out with each other and spending time with one another which is great all in itself, but for both of them to go to church together...that was something new!
I was expecting the "antsy's" to kick in at some point and they both got a little impatient for a tad, but all-in-all they actually were both really good! The one that had never been to church before asked a lot of questions, which was good and showed he had some interest at least, and I told both about how the huge pipe organ worked and they both thought that was cool. They were initially engaged with the sermon (which, lets face it can get long at times) and they both laid their heads on my arms and listened quietly. It was a special moment for me to share with them and share the glory of God's grace and mercy in our lives...especially at this time of year! Sometimes you just can't script out special blessings that will come in a day, but that was one I'll remember for a long time!
And of course, we had to take to them to eat pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon afterwards! I diverted them from their usual IHOP and took them to a new place (for them) that had the same menu. They enjoyed it just as much and got to experience a lot of first's today! A day to praise and thank God for his resurrection, and a day to learn and experience new things for my nephews! What more can you ask for?!
I hope you have a blessed holy week ahead and share the love and grace of God's resurrection to all those you meet!!
So, when he walked in and then my other "youngest" nephew (also 8), I was a little surprised...but then again, not, since I knew they'd probably talk my mom into letting them both spend the night last night after being over at my parents yesterday for a quick and impromptu get-together with one of my cousin's family traveling through on their way to San Antonio. They both love hanging out with each other and spending time with one another which is great all in itself, but for both of them to go to church together...that was something new!
I was expecting the "antsy's" to kick in at some point and they both got a little impatient for a tad, but all-in-all they actually were both really good! The one that had never been to church before asked a lot of questions, which was good and showed he had some interest at least, and I told both about how the huge pipe organ worked and they both thought that was cool. They were initially engaged with the sermon (which, lets face it can get long at times) and they both laid their heads on my arms and listened quietly. It was a special moment for me to share with them and share the glory of God's grace and mercy in our lives...especially at this time of year! Sometimes you just can't script out special blessings that will come in a day, but that was one I'll remember for a long time!
And of course, we had to take to them to eat pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon afterwards! I diverted them from their usual IHOP and took them to a new place (for them) that had the same menu. They enjoyed it just as much and got to experience a lot of first's today! A day to praise and thank God for his resurrection, and a day to learn and experience new things for my nephews! What more can you ask for?!
I hope you have a blessed holy week ahead and share the love and grace of God's resurrection to all those you meet!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Family Medical History
Obviously one of the biggest questions for any adoptee is what is your family medical history. Every time you go into a doctor's office and fill out the initial paperwork, "N/A" is a common answer under the Family History section. Hey, makes filling out the paperwork a lot quicker!
Years ago, I encouraged my sister to see my primary care physician because I really liked her and thought she would too. As she was filling out the initial paperwork, I was sitting beside her telling her what she had to check off under the Family History section. You have to check that and this and that and don't forget that one!
Earlier this week, I went with my mom on one of her doctor's visits and we compared vital stats (from my most recent visit to the doctor a couple weeks ago). I sat in on her appointment and chimed in a couple times with the doctor...you know, just being a good daughter giving the doctor all the facts! Obviously, I care about my mom's health just as much as mine, but it's also so much different than mine...meaning, what she has to deal with and worry about. There are things that I know I won't have to worry about, things that I know I'm not predisposed to (unlike my siblings), and things that I know I won't have to deal with when I get my parents age. But, understanding, helping, supporting and encouraging my mom (and my dad) with their health issues as they get older is very important to me. I may not be able to relate to their issues, but I definitely worry about them just as much as they do.
So again, that question about family medical history is simple, complicated and sometimes convoluted all at the same time! Take care of yourself, your family and BE HEALTHY!!
Blessings to you and yours for a healthy week ahead!!
Years ago, I encouraged my sister to see my primary care physician because I really liked her and thought she would too. As she was filling out the initial paperwork, I was sitting beside her telling her what she had to check off under the Family History section. You have to check that and this and that and don't forget that one!
Earlier this week, I went with my mom on one of her doctor's visits and we compared vital stats (from my most recent visit to the doctor a couple weeks ago). I sat in on her appointment and chimed in a couple times with the doctor...you know, just being a good daughter giving the doctor all the facts! Obviously, I care about my mom's health just as much as mine, but it's also so much different than mine...meaning, what she has to deal with and worry about. There are things that I know I won't have to worry about, things that I know I'm not predisposed to (unlike my siblings), and things that I know I won't have to deal with when I get my parents age. But, understanding, helping, supporting and encouraging my mom (and my dad) with their health issues as they get older is very important to me. I may not be able to relate to their issues, but I definitely worry about them just as much as they do.
So again, that question about family medical history is simple, complicated and sometimes convoluted all at the same time! Take care of yourself, your family and BE HEALTHY!!
Blessings to you and yours for a healthy week ahead!!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Hellooo Sunshine!
Yes, the sun is shining brightly once again and we're in for 80 degree weather early this week! Crazy. The gloomy skies have finally gone away and the sunshine is definitely a welcome sight!
It's the end of Spring Break for some and just the start of it for many more. And, I'm sure there are a lot of people buying flowers and fertilizer at the home improvement stores this weekend. So, I guess spring has sprung! As I've mentioned in previous posts around this time of year it's definitely not my favorite. It means I need to think about my lawn and go buy fertilizer and fire ant killer, and it means that the mosquitoes and other lovely insects of the spring come out. Which in turn means I will inevitably get eaten up a couple times this spring...meaning more than 15 bites! Ugh. It also means spring allergies are springing into the air which also leads to more than a little misery here and there. So yes, although the sun is shining and spring is coming into bloom I'm not that excited about it.
Nonetheless, it's also a time of trees blooming again, flowers spreading their colors, God's resurrection, March Madness, and BBQ's heating up! So, whichever part of the spring you enjoy most I hope it's a healthy and happy one!
May your week ahead be full of sunshine, joy and happiness from the dreaded Monday to the much needed Friday! Blessings to you on a bright and sunny week!!
It's the end of Spring Break for some and just the start of it for many more. And, I'm sure there are a lot of people buying flowers and fertilizer at the home improvement stores this weekend. So, I guess spring has sprung! As I've mentioned in previous posts around this time of year it's definitely not my favorite. It means I need to think about my lawn and go buy fertilizer and fire ant killer, and it means that the mosquitoes and other lovely insects of the spring come out. Which in turn means I will inevitably get eaten up a couple times this spring...meaning more than 15 bites! Ugh. It also means spring allergies are springing into the air which also leads to more than a little misery here and there. So yes, although the sun is shining and spring is coming into bloom I'm not that excited about it.
Nonetheless, it's also a time of trees blooming again, flowers spreading their colors, God's resurrection, March Madness, and BBQ's heating up! So, whichever part of the spring you enjoy most I hope it's a healthy and happy one!
May your week ahead be full of sunshine, joy and happiness from the dreaded Monday to the much needed Friday! Blessings to you on a bright and sunny week!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Rain, Rain Go Away....
We're three days into our week-long deluge of wetness. We won't see sunshine again until Saturday. I'm feeling the gloomy blues today...plus, throw in some allergies and I'm ready for the rain to go away!
How do rainy days affect you? Do you love the rain? I'm sure those in drought stricken areas do! Do you just want to stay in bed all day and watch movies? Do you want to eat soup, curl up next to your fireplace, and/or just bake goodies all day?! One day of rain no problem. Two to three days of rain, OK you're getting on my nerves a little. Four or more days of rain and my mood is down and I'm ready for the sun to shine again! If I had my garden planted already all of this rain would be great! But, I don't, so it's not helping me any...besides watering my foundation, trees, bushes and lawn.
How do you stay chipper on rainy days? Right now I just want to curl up and go to sleep! Oh well, only a couple more days or gloomy skies, rain soaked lawns and tired eyes. I guess I could try to be productive and clean out my closet. A little spring cleaning would probably be a good thing. Lets see how productive I can be for the rest of this rainy week.
Hoping the sun is shining where you are and if not, hoping you are doing things that make you happy during these rainy days of spring! Blessings to you today and everyday!!
How do rainy days affect you? Do you love the rain? I'm sure those in drought stricken areas do! Do you just want to stay in bed all day and watch movies? Do you want to eat soup, curl up next to your fireplace, and/or just bake goodies all day?! One day of rain no problem. Two to three days of rain, OK you're getting on my nerves a little. Four or more days of rain and my mood is down and I'm ready for the sun to shine again! If I had my garden planted already all of this rain would be great! But, I don't, so it's not helping me any...besides watering my foundation, trees, bushes and lawn.
How do you stay chipper on rainy days? Right now I just want to curl up and go to sleep! Oh well, only a couple more days or gloomy skies, rain soaked lawns and tired eyes. I guess I could try to be productive and clean out my closet. A little spring cleaning would probably be a good thing. Lets see how productive I can be for the rest of this rainy week.
Hoping the sun is shining where you are and if not, hoping you are doing things that make you happy during these rainy days of spring! Blessings to you today and everyday!!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Spring Break
It's Spring Break time for many of you (this week, next week, or the week after)! It's already that time of year! Crazy. I see many posts on Facebook of friends and their families at Disneyland, and many others out of state. I can't actually recall any vacation locations we took as kids for Spring Break, but I'm sure we did. My parents were always good about taking us somewhere during holidays and/or breaks. We went to Ocean City, MD for many summers growing up. My dad and older brother would rent out a boat and go fishing for the day while my mom and I shopped down the boardwalk. I remember a candy store we went into to pick out goodies while my dad dealt with a parking ticket. And, it's also where I split my chin open leaning back in my chair as I was copying what my brother was doing. We were in a Chinese restaurant and I remember my mom taking me to the restroom and then we were in the car on the way to an emergency room. A lot of fun memories from those vacations!
So, I hope wherever you are traveling for Spring Break I hope you get there safely and you make wonderful memories of your own that will last a lifetime for you and your family! Enjoy a slower pace, put the electronic devices away, reconnect with one another and laugh with each other along the way!
Blessings to you and your family during your Spring Break!!
So, I hope wherever you are traveling for Spring Break I hope you get there safely and you make wonderful memories of your own that will last a lifetime for you and your family! Enjoy a slower pace, put the electronic devices away, reconnect with one another and laugh with each other along the way!
Blessings to you and your family during your Spring Break!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Baseline Tests
I went for my yearly check-up this morning (joy) and asked my doctor if there are any baseline tests I should be taking now or considering since I don't know my family history. She said no as I was doing everything I needed to do and I was on track with all my tests. That was good news! So, any concerns I had are abated for another year or two, at least!
But, I know that's a concern for many adoptees...their family medical history. It's something many of us will never know (or at least when it matters most), so we just need to try and take every precaution and preventive measures possible as we get older. It's one of those questions that many people deeply desire and may even obsess over, but in many of our cases it will just be one of those things we'll never have an answer to...and we need to find a way to be OK with that. It doesn't bother me because I know I take care of myself, have never had any serious health issues and I take all preventative measures I can. So, I truly don't worry about my family medical history because I can only control my health and wellness.
If you can find the place where you are OK with the unanswered questions about adoption in your life, you'll be more free to be who you are...not what your family history might tell you who are you. I know it's not that simple and there are a range of those unanswered questions that are bigger than others, but if you can be at peace with some of those questions you'll find more freedom and joy in your life. It's a process, so just work through it. Remember, life is a journey and we're all just trying to figure out who we are!
Wishing you much health and happiness this first week of March! Blessings today and everyday!!
But, I know that's a concern for many adoptees...their family medical history. It's something many of us will never know (or at least when it matters most), so we just need to try and take every precaution and preventive measures possible as we get older. It's one of those questions that many people deeply desire and may even obsess over, but in many of our cases it will just be one of those things we'll never have an answer to...and we need to find a way to be OK with that. It doesn't bother me because I know I take care of myself, have never had any serious health issues and I take all preventative measures I can. So, I truly don't worry about my family medical history because I can only control my health and wellness.
If you can find the place where you are OK with the unanswered questions about adoption in your life, you'll be more free to be who you are...not what your family history might tell you who are you. I know it's not that simple and there are a range of those unanswered questions that are bigger than others, but if you can be at peace with some of those questions you'll find more freedom and joy in your life. It's a process, so just work through it. Remember, life is a journey and we're all just trying to figure out who we are!
Wishing you much health and happiness this first week of March! Blessings today and everyday!!
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