co op

Today was the last day of our co op until the end of January. I have really mixed feelings. Happy because I always love the break from co op and the extra time at home. On the other hand I am so sad, so sad that his may be the last time I see several of these ladies. Sad that my children will not be taking these wonderful classes with wonderful teachers. Co op has been a wonderful source of laughter. It is educational, it is relaxing, it is fun, it is stressful, it is counseling, it is uplifting, it is interesting. I wish I could describe how my joy I feel waking every Thursday morning to go to co op. To see the other moms. To watch my kids with the other kids. I love hearing what all the kids have learned. This semester Michael took Entomology (too much bug collecting for me), Art and Presidents. Faith took American Girl, States History and art. I loved all the teachers and well prepared they were.

Veterans Day

We had lots of friends over for Veterans Day. We had a great day. In all I had a 12, 9, 7, 4,4,4,3 and 1 year old. So we colored pictures of flags and read books about soldiers. Then we went for a walk where I had them doing tricks like skipping or running or hoping, or maybe running 3 times around a tree. Honestly anything to wear them out. Then we came home and had popcorn and watched Clifford. They played dress up and any other game they could come up with. We ate hotdogs and peaches for lunch. Then everyone laid down for a rest. When they woke up we made playdough. I love making play dough with the kids. Then it was time to clean up and go home. I hope everyone had a good time.

Not me Monday

There are wonderful praises at MckMamma, I encourage you to head over and read about them.
I most certainly did not have over 300 messages in my inbox. Most of which that I have already read. I found several old not me monday list so if any of these are repeats sorry. But in my life if it happened once I am sure it happened more than once.
Okay I most certainly did not let my girls finish off half a pumpkin pie just so it would be gone and I could wash the container. That could not be good for them and I would never encourage them to over eat.
I did not hear Grace say these words "You know the things that go in your butt", talking about tampons. She would never know in what body part it comes close to.
I did not finally break down and call the repair man for my toilet that had been broken for days because Grace filled it with tampons. These kind of things do not happen to me because I never let my daughter in the bathroom with me and I always keep them out of childrens reach.
I did not take my bra off in the kitchen and put it in the trash and tell my husband that I refuse to wear one again until I get some that fit. No worries my husband just laughed and I have been wearing them. Maybe I will buy one next year. Can someone tell me why they do not make them that fit and do not cost a small fortune.
Because I eat healthy and always share with my kids I most certainly did not or do not buy myself a snack cake any time we stop at a gas station and then sneak and eat it before the kids wake up for breakfast.
I did not cancel my dentist appointment this week to avoid a thousand dollar bill. I know I need the dental work and that we are soon moving away from a dentist I truelly trust.
Hope does not request that I blog about all that she does and she most certainly is not worried that I will blog about things like the fact that she wears my socks instead of hers everyday.
I did not bake a pumpkin pie on Friday just because I wanted my house to smell good when a friend came over. I know cleaning would have been better and made things smell better.
Okay it is confession time, what silly things happened to you this week.

Hockey game

Friday night our family went to a hockey game. We had never gone. The kids had a great time. We went with friends. we went to Jasons deli for dinner first and the kids loved that. Free ice cream and peanut butter and jelly. The funniest thing at the game was that Grace freaked out when the mascot got close. For half the game she clung to robert and watched the mascot all over the stadium. But then when the game was almost over she started crying because she decided she wanted her picture taken with him. During the game I reminded her that this mascot was just like minnie mouse. She said OH NO! because minnie mouse talks.

Cancer is a gift

Cancer is a gift
Posted Nov 15, 2009 9:06am
Thank you to all of you who consistently read and make comments to me in reference to this information. One of the greatest supports when someone is ill is to know people care and are genuinely interested in what is going on in your life.

Did pinpoint that fatigue is related to low blood sugar (29 one morning)and am correcting that. Blood work not back yet. Unsure, if the oncologist got enough blood to test for the genetic marker for breast cancer BRCA 1 and 2.

I was fortunate to get in to see a dentist this week. I got my teeth cleaned and my crown put back on saving me $800 a new one would have cost me!

I told someone yesterday that I see cancer as a gift. I get to take time to evaluate what is important in my life, to nap when I wish, to eat when I wish, to communicate only with those who bring goodness to my healing, to read, to meditate, journal, to pray, to spend time with my children and grandchildren, and to do my passion which is to write.

When I am allowed to return to work I have a different vision of how I will set up my practice. I want to do more of what I was taught in my doctoral program which is more mind/body/healing connection of things and not rely on what insurance companies dictate what I can do with clients. I want to be in a location that I do not have to commit to a two year lease or more. In my ministerial work I want to be more creative, to think outside the box. For so long the church has not met the needs of our younger folks and so they just do not go. I want to know what they want and in some way meet that need.

There are so many of you who have touched my life, who let me into your deepest, darkest secrets and that is a sacred trust. I value that and want you to know that you have taught me much. Every person whether a client, a sponsee, a friend, church member, or even people who consider me their worst nightmare have helped to weave the fabric of the tapestry of my life. I am vibrant and alive and that is because all of you are my teachers.

Oh, by the way the one article I wrote is on the website now helpstartshere.org. It is about when a client's therapist has to terminate therapy abruptly. The online publication director said it will go out to the media and be translated into Spanish. The second article is the same topic but for therapists when they have to close their practice. That is at the editor now awaiting more revisions. I do not get paid for these articles, but it helps me keep my brain active and helps me feel better knowing my situation may help someone else.

My other document is still in process. When it is completed I will let you all know. It has to do with boundaries in church settings. The other writing project is the children's sermon book. I am rethinking how to make it more appealing to those who do not normally get interested in church. God has much for me to do yet.

My daughter Val and I are painting her living room/dining/kitchen area. Actually I am allowed to only paint some of the edging and trim. My energy endurance level is not up to the level I desire and she will not let me climb. Later this week the attic stairs will be installed so more of my stuff can safely be transported up to the attic (more flooring needs to be added as well)and out of her garage. Of course, she will only let me hold the ladder and she will take it up there. We are inviting anyone who does not have a place to go for Thanksgiving. So we will have a good time meeting new people. It is a tradition I have been doing since the 1970's.

So what are you doing to make a difference in the world???? Number one, you are showing care and concern for someone in need - me. I know because I can look to see who went to the website and when. I get all choked up when I read your wonderful comments. What else are you doing to make a difference? You could give some food to a homeless person standing on a corner. You could go volunteer at a soup kitchen. You could write a letter of encouragement to someone going through a hard time (besides me).

I will write again after the blood test results. Have a good Sabbath rest. Take a nap. Melanie