THANKFUL TUESDAY! Strengthening my crisis IMMUNE SYSTEM!

YES, I'm BACK to being thankful. Listening to a Christian Music Channel this morning and heard this thought. "When we are THANKFUL daily we strengthen our crisis immune system."
I BELIEVE IT!
So I recognize that the past few years my strength has helped by being THANKFUL!

My challenge to you is TRY IT!

Here is an idea from pinterest:
Start the year writing down every good thing that happened on slips of paper at the end of the year read them and realize how blessed you've been.

My Favorite Church talk on gratitude: O Remember, Remember

and A Prophet today encourages GRATITUDE DAILY: He's been telling us for years to have an attitude of gratitude "A divine gift of gratitude"

So thankful for the difference it's made in my life. I need all the strongest IMMUNE SYSTEM I can get. So Thankful posts will CONTINUE!!!!!!!

B.T.W
Last week we were on STANDBY for a kidney. The end result was that no-one got the kidney. It wasn't good. :( But it was pretty exciting!

Old and New Year Update

It's been how long since I've posted???????????   A MONTH... A busy,busy month.
So this is the update:  Mr. Clark is doing pretty good although his legs (neoprathy) are continually getting worse. In order to survive he has kept his mind distracted on PROJECTS. The good thing is our house is getting improved. The bad thing is that I have been exhausted trying to keep up with him. He just pushes himself so hard. Beyond exhaustion. When he stops he can only stand. I will wake up in the night to find him sleeping while standing. He should have been a horse!
During this time we had a wonderful visit with the missionary couple that used to live with us. It is a miracle that they were able to travel to see us. Sharron nearly died a year back so to see her back to health was wonderful.
The downstairs guest room is complete! The painting is complete. (Unless I take on more rooms) We have new carpet in the Living Room, Master Bedroom and Guest room. (on the 21st of Dec)
We spent Christmas with friends and missionaries from our church. It was a quiet peaceful reflection of the Saviors Birth.
The kids were able to come home after Christmas. With the exception of Elyse and her family.
We enjoyed kissing on the grandchildren. The little girls loved playing dress up and having tea parties and playing in the hospital room (our dialysis room). Lil Daxton was a busy body and occasionally would sneak in the bathroom, close the door and  play in the toilet! Yes, he's two.
Tyrel and Danielle surprised us by bringing Hero. He was just as excited to see Grammy and Pappa as the grandchildren. What fun! (and I bet the next time they come we finish the back yard fence!
The boys were able to get some goose hunting in and we enjoyed New Years relaxing and yes while 'they' cooked the goose!
The Girls had a short day of lunch and shopping  and hustling home to get out of the snow storm.
It was a wonderful week.
Now as the New Year has begun I''ve just got to stop long enough to set some goals. I love, love this time of year. Whether I follow through all year or not I love to start new projects and be encouraged to improve in some small way.
This is what is sticking in my mind. I heard a story of a friend of a friend who was very ill and passed away. He actually was gone for 20 min. His near death experience was this:.   "Do Not forget that EVERY PRAYER IS HEARD.  EVERY,every prayer. He answers EVERY prayer" Do not underestimate this power. "
Sometimes phrases sound so... matter of fact. But when I heard my friend repeat this to me it struck me to the core. I've always known that God hears and answers prayers. I know his answer isn't always the answer we are waiting for. But I do believe that in the world today. We have to rely on his power more than ever. So this will be my goal this year. MORE SINCERE PRAYERS. 
I will pray more sincerely and more often for our children, family and friends.
Bless us all this year. Keep hope in your heart.  XO,  Sharon

Christmas 2012, New Years 2013 - At our house

This 'Real' Tree , I bought it the day AFTER Christmas. Wait a minute... Wal Mart gave it to me!! Yes, family was arriving on the 27th to celebrate. Our son Tyrel dispises fake Christmas trees so I did this to make his Christmas 'real' !! It was actually a touching moment when he walked in. Little things mean the most!!  It was worth it!!

Anticipating their arrival. and Dinner was waiting!



Our lil Dax enjoying dinner!

Clam Chowder and the 'Slush' tradition

Kylie Playing Dress up in her Great, Great Grandmas Dress and Hat.  (in the newly finished bedroom)

Tyrel and Danielle relaxing after a long trip.

Laura, she's totally SAD. She just recieved her first ticket in a speed trap. One of those that doesn't post the reduce speed clearly. Kinda ruined her trip. :(

Terrence just relaxing.

Ky playing dress up again. This is Aunt Leisies dress and another one of great, great Grandmas Hats

Madie( inAunt Leisies dress)  and Ky (in my dress) playing tea party

Dax playing 'dough boy with Uncle Homie

Dax playing with Aunt Danielle

Playing Games!

We love 'trouble'

a Tickle session!!

The girls playing in Pappa Clark's dialysis room

Cleaning the guns after their awesome Goose hunt. The girls went shopping. We all came home with new purses and the little girls came home with boots!

Deep frying the Goose in the garage!

New Years Eve fun!

Our Princess Madie Cake

Mr. Silly

Mr and Mrs Sleepy!

Hero celebrated too! He was a surprise to us. We didn't know he was coming. We were SO EXCITED!

Popping the New Year's  Confetti

Tooting his horn!

Mr and Mrs Exhausted!
(Don't know how this one got side ways?)

Maddie Cakes B-day a little early.

"OH, IT SMELLS LIKE HOME"

As the rolls were baking on Thanksgiving Day, I heard these words from my Brother who came and spent Thanksgiving with us. "Oh, It smells like home" To me, there NEVER could have been a better  compliment paid this Thanksgiving.
    While reminiscing over all of our memories, and a few tears. I truly miss 'HOME'. The place I grew up.  So blessed to have had the life we had.
     Such traditional memories. And they seemed to overflow all weekend.
     My Brother has been typing our Dad's letters he wrote and letters Dad recieved while in North Carolina serving a mission for our church. We really never knew our Grandfather, he died at an early age. He brought some of these letters with him to share. So to read his letters to his son was just so touching. I feel Heaven is not so far away. Loved this time with my brother. SO THANKFUL to have had him here with us.
     

The Thanksgiving Menu

This Thanksgiving is going to be quiet.  It is Our Childrens year to spend with the In-laws.  This year will be significant at our house. My Brother, Blair is flying in on TUESDAY. This will be the first time in, I think 17 years I've spent any Thanksgiving with any of my side of the family. The last time we were together it was in the hospital while waiting for Our Father to get out emergency second round bi-pass surgery. Think of the surgeons Thanksgiving as well...
 Our sweet Sister in Law went to Shoney's and loaded up on the Thanksgiving Buffet for us all and we ate it on the patio at the hospital. We were blessed to all be together but a difficult memory!
   This year I CAN'T WAIT TO SPEND IT WITH MY BRO! Some day I hope we can spend it with both brothers and their families.

 So just for fun I thought I'd UP.. the meal. Some new recipes and of course those 'traditional' ones.
   I want to try to make a lot ahead of time??? I don't want to spend the whole time my brother is here BAKING!
 Like: Jello Salads,Stuffing,Sweet Potatoes(bake, refridgerate and stuff and bake them the last minute?) Peel potatoes and put them on ICE in a cooler in the garage? We'll see how it goes? Any suggestions?
   

Here is my Menu Pick:
Turkey / Cranberry
Dressing
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bacon Twist? (might serve them with breakfast with Cranberry Muffins and of coarse EGG NOG? Yes, a traditional favorite of my Father's on Thanksgiving Morn)
My Mom's traditional Lemon Jello
Trifle?
Home made Rolls
Veg? Broccoli Mix *my favorite. or Green Beans/maybe Green Bean Casserole? not a fan!
Deserts: Pecan Pie, Cherry Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Pumpkin.
Note: I may serve Pies Thanksgiving Eve and snack on left over Pies later. My Brother requested NOT to get too full! Good Luck with that one Brother! LOL


Have you noticed that every one is talking about Brining their turkey? Hmmmm So I've investigated different way's to 'Brine'. And Mr. Clark wants to deep fry the turkey? So we will see how it all happens!Turkey Ideas-You decide
Here:
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan and Marshmallow Streusel on the Food Network
Yummy Bacon Twists

Mom's Lemon Salad:
1 pkg. Lemon Jello
Dissolve in 2 Cups Hot Water. Cool  (Reserve 1 TBL Jello) Add 2 Banana's diced, 1 Cup Drained Crushed Pineapple, 1 Cup Miniature Marshmallows. Set in dripper(cake) pan.

Heat 1 C. Pineapple Juice. 1/2 C. Sugar, 3-1/2 tsp Flour. Add 1 Whole Egg, 1 Tbl Lemon Jello. Cool.
Whip 1/2 Cup of Cream and sweeten and add to cooled mixture.

Spread over Jello Mixture and sprinkle diced maraschino cherries and chopped nuts over top.

My Favorite Broccoli Mix:
2 Crowns of Broccoli
1 C. Chicken Broth
1/4 lb Bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces (Browned until slightly Crisp)
2. C. Fresh Mushrooms
1/2 C. Minced Green Onions with tops
1 Can sliced Water Chestnuts
1/4 C. Slivered Almonds
1 Tsp. Salt
Pimento Strips (if Desired) I like to add it because it looks so FESTIVE!

Cook Broccoli in Chicken Broth. About 8 min. Must still be slightly green. The whole recipe isn't good if it's over cooked.
Drain, reserving liquid.
Fry Bacon Add remaining ingredients *except for pimento
Just before serving, combine broccoli and 1/3 of chicken broth, cooking only until hot. Garnish with pimento.
Can be prepared through and refrigerated, covered up to 3 hours.

My Mom's Rolls

2 Yeast Cakes, dissolved in 1/2 C, Water
2 Cups Milk, Scalded
2 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Shortening, melted
2/3 C. Sugar
4 Eggs, beaten
7 C. Flour
Soften yeast in water, Scald mild and cool to lukewarm. In a bowl add salt, shortening, sugar and milk. Add beaten Eggs. Blend in flour to make a soft dough. Let rise until double. Roll out and cut or shape rolls as desired. Let rise (approx 40 min until double), Bake 350 degrees- 15-20 min.

SO BLESSED WITH ABUNDANCE THIS YEAR.
TO EVERYONE, GOD BLESS YOU AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm M.I A. -- Here's another update.

 

 

 

 

1-We were able to be with Kylie on her Baptism Day! 

 

2- Very exciting to be with Our Son and his Family. An exciting time for all of us.
 

 

 

All of the Kids.  

 

 

 

Jeff and Elyse. Jeff had to rush back to work. So GLAD he came to the most important event! It meant so much to all of us.

 

We were blessed to be with so many relatives. I can't express how important it was to us. Being away from you all makes it even more special to be with you. THANKYOU!

 

To all of those we missed seeing on our weekend. Hopefully we will be back at Christmas. HUGS.

 

As soon as we arrived home--- My favorite time of year happened

(Our church hears from it's Apostles and Prophet. An event that happens every 6 months.)

SO AMAZING

My battery is re-charged!

THEN: 

we started training on Mr. Clark's access... Again. AT HOME. The Nurse has came for the passed 2 weeks.

Yes, I'm doing it!

Clark will try again after it is established.

It's been terrifying.

I'm sure after I get a little experience it won't be so hard.

Blood bath's are not my fav!

ahhhhhhhhhhh 

The adrenaline rush is about wearing me out.

It will get better.

We are still Painting.

Just got the Laundry Room DONE.

 

here is a pic of another 'pinterest' project'

An old file cabinet.  

We have paint for the downstairs bathroom, master bedroom and the garage floor.

Hopefully we will be done for THANKSGIVING

I have invited my Brothers to Kansas.

CAN'T WAIT!

 

 



Update: 2 weeks worth...

It's been a busy few weeks. I think that between dialysis and working and weekend projects in the garage I haven't had a minute to catch up.  So here is the latest.

Pinterest Pallets in the works. yes, this is in the garage! 

First: Mr. Clark is doing well. He has been getting physical therapy  since January and he is making progress and feeling better. He has really kept busy on outside projects.  I've posted some of the projects earlier. The pallets happened last weekend! Now, he is putting plugs in the garage. We've lived here in this house for 5 yrs. So this is just indication that he is so much better.

Not as swollen as the first infiltration but still very bruised. The 2 band aids are where he gets the *nail (fistula needles) driven in. Bottom band aid  for blood going out,  top band aid for blood going back in.

The latest on dialysis: We are STILL trying to use the fistula... Mr. Clark decided to train to do it. (YES all of the Men/Woman in center can access their own arms) So Nurse Barb will help Mr. Clark get the site established and then she will come to the house to train me( as a back up, I hope!) . We tried all summer to get this routine down and the fistula just wouldn't cooperate. He has had 5 surgery's to replace his port catheter (in his shoulder) until we get the access in his arm working. We are praying we continue to buy time with the port. It's complicated!

The last delay(back in July) - when he had an  *infiltration - this is when the vein leaks or our term (explodes) and could not be used. It delayed it for 8 weeks. He had to have yet another surgery to put coils in his arm because the infraction had caused the vein to branch out.
On  Sept. Tuesday- *first day of training for the fistula again. He had another infraction. Not as severe apparently because on Thursday they tried again to access the site. Yes, it happened successfully.
Update: We are still not out of the woods. It keeps infiltrating. As of Sept. 18 it happened again. On Thursday the Sept. 20 they will use smaller needles. Grrrrrrrr this is SOoooooooooooooo Frustrating.
  
 We are finding out what is normal for a dialysis patient. Thank goodness they didn't warn us how upsetting *normal can be...

It is OK.

Here is an update on the yard/our neighborhood:

We've had this bird house for probably 10 yrs. and finally got it planted!

I thought we had bought a wild rose bush. So I have been so excited to see the HUGE beautiful Roses blooming. I have never had a real rose do well!

The back yard is thriving!

The construction company planted every one's yards. So our street looks like this. As you can see our new grass is doing GREAT!

MORE NEWS:

Maddie Cake went from  Hospital/Home to first Day of Kindergarten in 5 day's. She's doing GREAT

Miss Ky is going from BIG 8th B-day to *surgery on her adenoids and tubes in her ears. Prayers sent her way.

Can you believe what their family has been through the last 3 weeks.

THE BEST NEWS OF ALL?????

 We are going to travel to CELEBRATE Ky's special 8th b- day in just 2 weeks.  We are so excited! It has been 1 yr. since we've been home to see family. It will be great!