What’s Happening – Page 18

December 8, 2009June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Friendship, Holiday, What's Happening

I am getting so excited about meeting my sweet friend, Laura!!!

She will be here from Japan on Monday!!!

We are meeting at the World's Largest McDonald's PlayPlace!!!

(I know! What were we thinking???)

We are just hoping that a Monday
afternoon, before school lets out, AND before Christmas break, will not
be too crazy, busy and loud for us all. If it is, we'll just find a
great big parking lot and park somewhere.

If you think of it, please keep her in
prayer. She is flying out this weekend alone with three children. I
know they are 3 very well behaved children, but keep these things in
mind:

they are flying internationally
one of the children (Josh) is special needs
she will be bringing all of his meds with her
she will be bringing his formula with her

Her trip through security could be a real nightmare!

I know she would be really appreciative of your prayers for a
smooth, uneventful trip. Also remember to pray for Josh: he has been
pretty sick with a cold this week. You know how flights can hurt
little one's ears, even on the best of days.

Also pray for Bekah and Kei – her beautiful, sweet daughters. I am
asking the Lord for a flight attendant that takes a special interest in
them, and sees to it that they have an excellent flight together!

I am going to try to remember to take lots of pictures!

I am also excited for Joshua and Isaac to meet!

*They are the reason that Laura and I found each other and became cyber friends!*

I am hoping they will both have a really excellent day and "see" and
"acknowledge" each other. And if they don't, it's no big deal either! We will hopefully have the pictures to remember the day. :o)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Btw, my jewelry is still on sale – 25% off; and I am still offering
free shipping. So if you need something as a last minute gift, be sure
to stop in and have a look around.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our Christmas cantata and play will be this Sunday evening at 7 p.m., eastern time. If you'd like to watch it online, this is our church's website: Landmark Baptist Church. Just click "media" and "live services."

You can look for me in the choir. I will be on the left side, third row. I am not very tall, though, so you will have to look very carefully! lol!!! :o)

I pray you are enjoying this wonderful Christmas season, so far. If not, put on the brakes, slow down your pace, and take some time to really soak up the sights and sounds of the Holiday.

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace.

Blessings,

Alesha

Counting Blessings

November 18, 2009June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Food and Drink, Friendship, Household, What's Happening

I am so happy to tell you that my freezer is a frigid -2* and my refrigerator was at 32* when I checked it this morning!

I turned the thermostat up to a warmer setting, and it's now at 42*. I am as pleased as I can be that it is working so well. My dad replaced two tiny little parts for less than $35! Imagine how many refrigerators are thrown out when there is no one who knows how to repair them. Thank the Lord for the knowledge my dad has gained through the years!!!

We had a super nice weekend here. My family was able to get together for a steak supper on Saturday, complete with red velvet birthday cake for ME! :) It was all verrrrry yummy!

I received so many pretty and kind birthday cards this year. They are all proudly displayed on my piano!

I also came home with this:

which I know does not look like much! BUT it opens out to THIS:

It's a light box for photographing my jewelry!!! Isn't it fabulous?!!

Here it is with the spotlights on:

I will have to do much experimenting, and probably a little research, in order to use it to it's fullest potential. I'm looking forward to playing with my new toy! 🙂

Yesterday, I had a wonderful day out with my friend, Mrs. C. She and I went to Orlando, and lunched at the Cheesecake Factory. It was just wonderful, except for an unfortunate "hair in the food" incident! The manager was extremely apologetic and of course, we did not pay for the entree!

We did a little shopping in the Mall at Millenia, then headed back for dessert. Mrs. C had the original cheesecake with strawberries which looked really yummy. I wanted to try something different: the Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake.

It is caramel cheesecake topped with caramel mousse on a vanilla crust. Yeah…it was just as fabulous as it sounds and looks. (I snitched this pic from their website. Neither Mrs. C nor I remembered to take ANY pics of our day out that was a whole year in the making!!! We were just too busy enjoying it, I guess!) 🙂

Doug has gone back to the day shift. It leaves me with Isaac for many hours a day. We are doing our best to get him up out of the bed as much as we can. Doug comes home several times a day to do feeds, changes, repositioning, etc., so that I don't have to move Isaac very much. He's just getting to be such a BIG boy for me. :) He seems to be adjusting to the new schedule better than I am!

Well, I can't think of anything else exciting to tell you, so I guess I'll finish up this post. I hope you are having a good week so far. It's been a nice one for us, and for that, I am grateful. We never know what a day is going to bring about, so it's good to count our blessings as we go. 🙂

What blessing are you counting today?

Blessings to you,

Alesha

Thought…Weather…Clothing…

November 13, 2009June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, Household, What's Happening

Thought Patterns:

When you see this in someone's home:

You can assume one of a few things:

The frig needed to be cleaned out. (It didn't.)
The residents are getting ready to move. (We're not.)
The kitchen is being remodeled. (HaHaHaHa!!! oh, sorry…I guess that is a legitimate option…)
Something is wrong with the frig. (Ding, ding, ding! We HAVE a winner!!!)

Yeah, the inside temperature of our refrigerator is about the same as the outside temperature at our house: the lower 70's. That is not good.

So, my Dad will be coming over later to check it out. We are hoping and praying that it can be revived and renewed and renovated and repaired and resuscitated. You can see I have given this a great deal of thought! 🙂

(Praise the Lord for daddies who can check on things like this…and for the baby brothers who have learned almost as much about these things as the daddies know.)

Weather Patterns:

Meanwhile, Isaac and I have been watching this:

We have the windows open and are pretending it is very cold and we are snuggled around the fire. (I think I just saw Poppet the bird shiver!) Cold day in Florida today – low 70s in the sunshine. Of course, we have Christmas music playing too, but you already knew that, right?

Clothing Patterns:

And Isaac is dressed like this:

[Of course, the pattern on the shirt doesn't really count. You can't see it, right? It's camouflage!!! :)]

Now, don't judge my hubby's handiwork too harshly. ;) Here in Florida, we don't require too many sets of pajamas with long sleeves and long pants; so it's hard to find one of each, much less a pair that matches! Then factor in the fact that he has already had 3 diaper/pant changes today, but his shirt was dry, and why change things that don't need changing, and …well, you get the idea!

Rest assured, we would not take him out in public like this. We would at least put on the shiny, electric blue pants, because that would be so much better!!!

Do you have big plans for the weekend? We are planning to have dinner and dessert with family tomorrow, and I have a special day out tentatively planned for next week with my sweet friend, Mrs. C. Lord willing, we'll be dining at the Cheesecake Factory. I have never been, can you believe it??? I am really looking forward to it, and hope that nothing hinders us. We've been planning this since last November!!! Sad, but true! 😉

The ladies trio that I sing in is scheduled to sing Sunday morning in the 11:00 service. If you are not able to get to your church, feel free to dial up our service. You will find it here on our church's website. Just click the "Media" tab, and the "Live Service" option.

May God richly bless you this weekend,

Alesha

Adjusting to our New Normal

October 22, 2009 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Household, What's Happening

I don't know when I've had a more boring day…

It was lovely! 🙂

We are doing well, adjusting beautifully to Doug's night shift and enjoying our daily walks. Isaac especially loves to be out and on the move.

We had our fall Bible conference this week. We had great preaching and singing – such a wonderful time together. Praise the Lord for preachers who still preach the Word of God! If you want to hear some of the speakers, you will find them on our church's website. My personal favorite was Bro. Tony Hutson's sermon called "Get Where God Is". It was excellent!

Oh, and Doug bought me one of those "grabby" things. Mine is called a "Gopher".

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=akconklisxang-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B00006K157

It is proving to be very useful around the house, so that I don't have to bend over to pick up things. I even used it today to untie my shoes after our walk. :) A very handy device.

I pray ya'll have a good evening, and to Laura, a great day!

Alesha

Refreshing…

October 19, 2009 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Household, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

We have FALL in Florida! Yay!!! It has been wonderful to feel the crisp cool air, and to be able to open the windows and have the fresh air circulate inside as well as outside. It will be in the mid-80s again tomorrow, but that is so much better than the 90s we were having. You will not hear anyone in our house complaining about the weather at this time of year. We enjoy it so much! 🙂

I am doing better. I have been able to care for myself, and even do a few things in the house. I helped with the dishes a little, and also with the laundry. I was able to whip up a batch of hummus. Of course the food processor does all the work for that! I just stand there and drop stuff in!

I was able to go to the services yesterday. I attended the morning service for just the preaching hour, then last night, I went to choir practice and stayed for the service, too. I took "Chairy" with me, and sat in the back in cushioned comfort. :)

I am still having considerable pain at times, like today. (I guess yesterday was just more sitting than I was ready for.) I have found that walking does help the pain. Doug, Isaac and I have been walking each evening for about 30 minutes. I've been pushing my wheelchair while I walk, and then if I am in too much pain, I just sit down and wheel myself. I know that's good for my upper body which is needing to be toned up any way, due to my recent weight loss.

I am not helping to care for Isaac yet. (Well, I do comb his hair! Some things Daddy just needs Mommy's help to do!) I did change one diaper one night while Doug was at work. It was only a wet diaper, and I did not need to adjust Isaac at all. He helped me to roll from side to side, and I did not need to lift any part of him. I was very careful and have only done it the one time. It saved Doug a trip home from work, which is helpful to him.

You know, I know that not everyone understands what's going on with me; and sometimes they pass judgment on me. They don't understand why I would do one activity, and not another. They can't understand why Doug is continuing to work nights, or why I am so "helpless" at home.

The bottom line is that I am just trying to do things that will not hurt me. Once you have been in the place that every movement caused severe pain, you find that you are loathe to be in that position again. So, as I gain confidence, I have moved forward. (I could write an entire blog about "fear"! What a powerful emotion, and one that I have not had to deal with on such a level before.)

So, if there are some that don't understand our choices at this point, I sincerely pray that they do not ever have to experience my situation in order to understand it. I would not wish any of this on my worst enemy! 🙂

The folks at Doug's work, and in my church, have been so kind and merciful to us. I am grateful for people who live out Christ's attitude of compassion. Their sweet spirits have been refreshing to our own spirits while we have been sojourning in the valley.

Isaac is doing well. He had a spate of seizures last week. We always hate to see him struggle with them. We had to administer emergency seizure meds one day last week, and he has not been sleeping very well. However, his sense of humor has remained intact! We just love to hear him giggle at a song or because of something Doug does. His joy is so contagious!

I guess this is enough of an update for now. I got a little long-winded, didn't I? :) I pray you have a good day!

Alesha

Counting Blessings

October 10, 2009 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Friendship, Household, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

I spent some time yesterday getting "pushed around" by my husband. LOL! (Thought you'd appreciate that, Hannah!) :) He took me to the chiropractor in my new chair. 🙂

The chiro seems to think I have "facet joint syndrome". Just click on the name to go to a site that explains it fairly well. To be honest, I was quite fearful that it would be something more serious. It certainly feels very serious! So this diagnosis, although unpredictable, is better than something that would require surgery.

I did feel some immediately relief after the adjustment. Although, after sitting for any length of time, the pain comes back with a vengeance. I keep doing a little bit more each day. "Slow and steady wins the race!" like the hare and the tortoise taught us. 😉

I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself that I'm going to miss church again. And please don't tell my pastors, but I miss the choir the most! ;) We are already practicing for our Christmas cantata, and I love that so much! Also our choir is always learning new songs, so I miss out on those as well, and feel like I'm getting behind. I do enjoy watching them on the web site, though. It's fun to "see" your choir perform, rather than just hearing it.

I was quite pleased my how comfy my chair performed yesterday, although it did feel peculiar to be rolling around at everyone's waist level. It's funny how much difference a foot or two can make in your perspective of things. Now I know why they tell new parents to crawl around their house on hands and knees to view how their baby will see the world, so they know how to "childproof" their home more effectively. Thankfully, I was not quiiiiiite down on that level!!! lol!

Can I just say again how wonderful my husband has been through all of this? He is managing Isaac's care without a hitch. Remember he was home with him full time for a year or so, so he does really great with all of the things required to keep Isaac happy and healthy.

Of course, Isaac is older now, and we live in a different house, so some things are different. His taste in videos has changed and he loves to have his curtains opened so that he can see out; but most things remain the same: feeds, meds, clothes changes…and lots of TLC!

Doug is also caring for me extremely well. He has a real servant's heart and seems to thrive while meeting the needs of others. I do not have one complaint about his care for me these past two weeks. I have not gone without anything that I needed or wanted. He has done all the laundry, cleaning, and meals as well.

(Well, to be entirely accurate, I must say that Grammy did come over to visit the other day, and ended up dusting before she left. Moms always seem to know what little thing might just make your day a little brighter! She also sent over a few pieces of Jalapeno Cornbread last week. Yummo!!!)

I have felt so loved and cared for by my entire family (and my friends) for the past 2 weeks. I am such a blessed, blessed woman!

I pray you feel loved and blessed today. Even if you are alone, and in dire circumstances, please know that you are loved by God, and that He is right there with you. Remember too, that no matter how hard things may seem, they could be worse! So we need to count the blessing of this present difficulty. God has protected us from many other things, and we should praise Him for that.

May God bless you this day,

Alesha

Touch of Autumn

October 8, 2009June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Hallelujah Diet, Household, How Great is Our God, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

Well, here she is – all 20-inch-seat of her! Isn't she just beautiful?!! We call her "Chairy"…short for "Chariot" and "Cherry" – because she is such a sweet ride!

I can sit in it for short periods of time. Yesterday Doug sat me right next to Isaac's recliner, and after I had been there for a few minutes, Isaac t-u-r-n-e-d his head to his left and loooooooked at me…as if to say "I thought I heard you over there!" Isaac very rarely turns his head to the left, so when he does, it's for a good reason. 🙂

Today, I was able to trim and peel carrots:

This is how far I got:

Not a marathon peeling session, but a little bit is better than nothing. I was desperately trying to get those last 9 carrots done, but the pain was just too much. No need to prolong the healing time for something like carrots! 🙂

I had planned to get to my chiropractor today, but we forgot he closes at 11 a.m. on Thursdays. So I will call tomorrow for an appointment. He is always able to take me in right away. I will be glad to get everything aligned, so that the healing can continue in a better way.

Isaac is really enjoyed having Doug home during the daylight hours. Doug is enjoying working at night. I am just happy that they are both happy. 🙂

My mom brought me this gorgeous sunflower last week! The colors are just amazing for a silk flower.

I have it tucked in between the dresser and the nightstand, so I can see it all the time. Since the temperatures here are still in the 90's, and I can't get outside anyway, it's the only little touch of autumn I'm experiencing right now. :) I know cooler days are ahead. I just have to be patient.

Thanks for your encouraging comments and for your prayers. I know God is working miracles all around me. I can't see all that He is doing, but I know He is faithfully fulfilling the work that He has started in me.

Wishing you blessings this day,

Alesha

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