No foot is too small to leave an imprint on the world.

I love the blogging community. We don't even personally know each other, yet we do. We inspire each other. We lift each other up. We help in any way we can.

Yesterday, as I made my daily visit to Mandy @ She Breathes Deeply, I was humbled as I read her blog. She posted about a blog she'd recently found, that had her in tears. Upon going to the blog, and reading what was going on, I was left in tears as well. And realizing that anything that had went wrong in my day, was so miniscule compared to what this family was going through. You can read about their story by clicking:

The Bear Boys

or

The Birth Story of the Bear triplets

On Saturday June 4th, Carey & her husband Jeremy lost their precious baby boys at 22 weeks. Their story is an amazing testimony of God's amazing grace. They have blogged a few blogs since then, and they aren't angry at the world, or God. They are in mourning, grieving, as any parent would be, yes, BUT, they also have a sense of peace. A peace that only comes by knowing our Savior Jesus Christ. They understand that, thought it's hard to comprehend now, this was God's will for their sweet little family. I have so much admiration for this family, and how they are handling their loss.

Also, a very close friend of mines cousin and her cousins husband (I will call them S&A in an effort to protect their privacy) lost their first born girl this past Sunday, at 22 weeks as well. This young couple is another amazing testimony of God's grace. The mother wrote this poem and it was shared with me:

Made in God's image, made of hope and love,
A priceless treasure, lent from Heav'n above
Rejoicing now before God's holy throne
Gone from our arms, we gave Him back his own.
Alive you were our own sweet dream come true
Remembered now with tears that flow anew
Each feeble breath hard-fought, you did your best.
Too soon, the tiny body needed rest.

My babe, you had your daddy's hands and feet
And on your head a fuzz of golden hair
Resiliant and stubborn, yet so sweet
Your heartbeat showed you knew our voices there

Farewell, dear child, we'll see you by and by
In Jesus' presence, where no one will cry
Eternal peace is yours, free from life's pain
Loss to your parents, but for you a gain
Dear Pearl of Sorrow, treasure in the sky.
~SBF~

 **Notice the first letter of each line spells out their precious baby girls name**

I am not a parent yet,  but I can't even fathom what these two young families are going through. The power of prayer is a powerful thing. I ask that you take a few moments over the following weeks and just pray for these families. Pray that they continue to take comfort in one another. Pray that they also take time to be by themselves and mourn. Pray that they continue to seek God through it all. Pray for emotional and physical healing. Just pray.

Obsersavtions from a Lab

A blood laboratory that is.

I'd much rather have done a post on observations OF a lab, say my late beautiful Lab, Andy. May his sweet soul rest in peace. Over the rainbow bridge.

 

 

But no, today's post is about my experience having blood work done, just a few short hours ago. I get a yearly CBC (complete blood count) done, and you should too. You see, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2007, and ever since then, per her advice, I've wanted to get my blood checked yearly just to make sure everything is reading the way it should be reading. If you have platelets off, or red or white blood cells way off, it's definitely better to be proactive and find out sooner, than wait until you get sick. I've been having my yearly blood work done since 2007, and I've had to monitor my cholesterol. It's been on the higher end. So far I haven't needed medication, and pray that I won't, but it's definitely had it's ups and downs. I'm hoping it's went down from last year, BUT they way I've been eating, I'm not so sure. And of course. there is no one to blame for that but myself.

 

Anyways, back to the lab. I've dreaded this day every since I went in last week and was giving my info to get my blood work done within 7 days. I had to fast, so I didn't eat for 12 hours. I semi panic when it's time for blood work because it's such a fiasco with me. It's not as easy as just sitting down and BAM it's done. I have horrible veins. The ones in my arm are nice and big, but also jumpers or rollers. the minute they think they've found "the one" they stick me, and ADIOS! The vein has disappeared. The arm NEVER works for me. They always end up having to use the tiniest needle, and the top of my hand. Now, if they would just listen  to me when I tell them this, they'd probably save themselves a lot of time. However, some times they still want to try the arm first, just to see if they can get it. And guess what? 9 times of of 10 it doesn't work, and I am left getting stuck multiple times in the arm, bruised, only to be told "you are right! looks like we will have to go from the hand!" HELLO! I told you that. Please, listen. 

 

Today when I went back, four patients were called at once. Two elderly, and myself and another young woman, whom I'd say looked to be a teenager or very young woman. They did the two older women first, and WOW they were in and out. They gave blood like champs. I was sitting there thinking, wait til they get to me, they've got their work cut out for them. Next they started working on me and the other young woman. Apparently she has a harder time than me. They got the blood out of her, however, her face turned greenish blue, and she looked like she was going to pass out. They even had to lay her head down, and then pull up another chair so they could lay her in it to get blood flowing back up to her head. Scary! I told the lady who was working on me "Okay, she is NOT a good influence, hah, I'm going to just look away" I did not want to pass out! I was already getting fidgety. 

 

I am thankful that my technician listened to me, so I walked out with only one band-aide, and it was on my hand. 

It just left me wondering.... How did those elderly women do it so easily? and us two younger woman totally tank? 

On the bright side, after leaving, I was famished and treated myself to a hearty breakfast at a local diner. Nothing better than breakfast for $3. And it wasn't fast food!

XOXO

Pain Pain, Go Away.

Please DONT come again another day.

I've been experiencing a lot more discomfort lately in my neck/back. I know my lower back is due to my Spondylolisthesis. I am not sure why I always have such stiffness in my neck.

I reallllly need to get in to a specialist again, and get new MRI's, and everything else done.

You see, as a teenager/young adult, I went to Nemours Orthopedic Center in Orlando for YEARS, from age 15-21 (when they would no longer see me). During this time, I'd have to go to my specialist every 6m to a year to have my slippage measured. During that time, it didn't change a lot (THANK GOD) at one point my specialist said remarkably it looked as if it had gotten better. But, he said that was impossible (he must not believe in miracles, they happen every day) he said it was most likely a different able of x-ray. I loved this doctor. He was so kind, caring, and thorough. He always explained things to me in a way that I actually understood. When I turned 21, he had to refer me to adult specialists, as 21 is their age limit in pediatrics.

I am ashamed to say that though he gave me the names of three personal recommendations, I did not follow up as I should. I went four years before I saw a specialist again. I did not like him at all. I went with my boyfriend (husband now) and neither of us liked the new dr. He was not thorough at all, nor kind. All he kept saying was "and what's REALLY scary about your back is..." and my husband did NOT like that at all. He left so angry. I wasn't that shocked, as I've known my back was super messed up, but that was my husbands first experience, and he had no clue how serious the condition actually is.

Well, that appointment was two years ago. And I haven't been back to him, nor have I seen another specialist. For all I know my slippage could have drastically changed. I know I really need to find another specialist to try, or at least make a follow up with the doctor I am not crazy about. Something.

Here lately it seems every other week, if not weekly, I have pulled something, or weakened something(today it is my left shoulder blade area, hurts to turn my head to the left or tilt my head to the right). Sure, I go to the chiropractor once a week, but even that doesn't make me 100%. I have to find another specialist and get updated MRI's and X-rays. No if's ands or but's.

Anyways, I try not to let myself get down and out about the pain I experience as I know there are people every where suffering way more than me (speaking of, I was recently humbled about my pain situation and will write more about that soon). While I often wonder what it would be like to live pain and stiffness, or any of my other ailments such as allergies, asthma, and migraine free, I know that God created me as I am for a reason. I may not fully understand that reason yet, but he knows, and one day I will to. :)

"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" - Psalm 34:17

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 61:1-2

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience." - Romans 5:3

"And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

The thing with pain and suffering is that much good can come from it. It can:

- help us learn important lessons in life.

- bring out creativity and courage.

- help us comfort others who are in similar pain.

- shape our characters and show what we are made of.

- help us trust in God more, and lead to repentance and salvation.

- be an inspiration to others.

and most importantly:

- result in the advancement of the gospel in the life of another person

So, though I am in pain today, and often wonder about the future (can I carry a child full term, will I become disabled early in life) I am going to be thankful for all the things I am still able to do. I am in pain, but I can get up and move, I can enjoy the day, I can take my furbabies for a walk, I can go swimming, I can attend church services, I can ride a bike, I can go shopping, I can cook a meal(or brownies), I can go dancing in the rain (if it would stinkin' rain here!), I can take a drive, there are so many "I can's" that I need to focus on them and not the "I can'ts".

XOXO

Note: please be sure to check out my pet blog 4Paws4Love as I posted some survival stories from the recent tornadoes. 

Monday Morning, I mean afternoon, Inspiration

Good Morning Afternoon Friends! :)

I had all intentions to get an inspirational Monday morning post up, however, I woke up a bit too late, and had to dash out the door to get my workout in. I had planned on walking a few miles outside today, and to do that in Florida, in the summer, you got to be out the door EARLY. The temperature is rising by the second. SO, here I am, a little late, but I figured afternoon inspiration is just as well. Sometimes we all need a bit of inspiration to get us through our Munn-day, I mean Monday! :)

* Affect the world where ever you go, instead of letting the world affect you.

* Every morning has a new beginning, a new blessing, a new hope, and it's a perfect day, because it's a gift from God.

* Whatever happens today, just relax, and manage to make a smile. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed.

* Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.

Cuteness of the day:

my furbaby sleeping <3

Yesterday is history,

tomorrow is a mystery,

today is a GIFT,

that's why it's called the present.

We all like presents, right? Well, today IS a present from God. Enjoy it. And more importantly, give thanks.

XOXO

8 weeks to a better me, week 7: Personal Style

Welllll, I had semi success with my 3 goals from this past week. I did not succeed at all in goal # 1, to eliminate stuff I didn't absolutely love. I haven't had a lot of access to my bedroom this week during the day, therefore wasn't able to rifle through my closet and drawers some more. BUT, as I said, I did just clean out my closet a week before, so I am well on my way with that one. Goal 2 was a success and my computer desk looks so much better. I have a sense of peace when I am not surrounded by clutter.

BEFORE

AFTER

Goal 3, not so much. Most all of my scrap booking stuff is in my room, and as I said, I didn't have much access to my room this week, SO, no progress there. BUT, I did buy the scrapbook I've been eye balling all year at Michaels that I wanted for my wedding scrapbook as it's very similar to my guestbook. I love Michaels weekly 40% off coupons.

As for this week, the topic is personal style. I had a lot of fun reading Elsie's guest post about style. I can honestly say that I don't consider myself to have a set personal style. I wear what I feel most comfortable in. And many times that may be yoga pants and an oversized tee. I tend to wear jeans a lot, dressed up or down. Sadly, I can't wear heels, but if I could, I'd have SOOOO much fun with them! But, I make the best of the many flats and wedges that I do have! I guess the one thing that may be a signature style that I do is, when I wear a regular tee, I tie a ribbon around the sleeves, like this:

* make some new outfits out of existing pieces that I have
* wear more dresses or skirts, I have plenty of springy dresses!
* style my hair differently. I am not loving all the layers I have in the back of my hair, from my recent hair cut, so I may be chopping it off anyways

XOXO

JCP, Solo Movie, Tea party, & vet trip

People Watchin' :)

Hi Friends! I hope this weekend is finding you having some fun in the sun! 

Yesterday I made a run up to JCP (one of my favorite places to shop) because I had some pretty amazing coupons:

1. $10 off any $10+ item
2. $15 off any $15+ item
3. $10 off of $25+
4. $10 off of $25+

I was able to spend my first two easy (and yes, I had to do separate transactions at different registers, but hey, didn't want the coupons to go to waste) I told myself going in I had plenty of tops, and that I needed bottoms... so of course the first place I stop is tops... but I pulled myself away, and alas, I found a pair of brown cargo capri's that I bought because I have a TON of brown shoes, and I also bought a pair of dressy black bermuda shorts that are work appropriate. I got them both for $20, and saved over $60 thanks to in store savings and coupons. After those two purchases, I decided to chalk my savings up and not use those other two. Why should I spent $50 I wasn't planning to spend in the first place, just to save $20? SOOO, being that both of my $10 off of $25 were due to expire the next day (aka today) I found some random shoppers and shared the wealth. I love making people smile!

After my shopping trip I was all set to meet a friend at the movies to see Bridesmaids (coincidentally she was a bridesmaid in my April wedding).

Anyways, I get there at about 6:30 thinking the movie starts at 7:10. Well, the times had changed since I looked previously during the week, and it was 7:45pm. Perfect as my friend was stuck in traffic on our interstate due to a horrible car accident. :( I decided instead of shopping around at the mall, that I'd sit outside by a huge water fountain, and people watch. And I did just that, for an hour. See the very first picture of today's post. It was so nice and relaxing. My friend calls me again to tell me she's still another city away, and to save her a seat, she will be late.... I go in, save a seat, and get ready for the movie. As it starts, she is still another city away. The theatre is pretty packed so I tell her not to head this way as I didn't want her to pay for a movie she missed the first half hour of, or worse, them tell her it's sold out anyways. SO, I end up watching the movie, in this packed theatre, all by myself. I truly didn't mind. You see, I grew up an only child, so sometimes I crave alone time. I hadn't been to a movie by myself in YEARS, I can't even remember the last time. I also think it's quite interesting to see others reactions to you sitting alone at a movie. I had a good time, and a lot of laughs, though I know my friend(s) would have enjoyed it as well. I may just have to see this one again.

Thankfully I didn't get home too late from the movie, as I had a tea party that I planned to go to with my mother in law on Saturday. When I came home from the movies last night, as my precious furbaby jumped up and down greeting me, his nail got caught on me, and he yelped.... I looked him over to see what the issue was, and saw this:

he had completely twisted his outer nail sideways. OUCH. And I had noticed that he had an extra shelling growing on it a few days earlier. I of course panicked, it was late, and I didn't want an expensive ER vet trip bill, but I also didn't want it to snag worse and him bleed everywhere. That can be dangerous. I dubbed it that he could safely sleep in bed with me, and I'd take him first thing in the morning to the vet, and hopefully be done before 9:30 when I was to be picked up for the tea party.  We made it to the vet at 8am, however the doctor wouldn't be in until 9am, and they didn't have anything until 11am at the earliest, and that was a "work in" or I could take a 4:45 actual appointment. I didn't want to cancel tea party plans, so I took the 4:45.


My mother in law picked me up right on time, and we headed to her church about 20 minutes away. It was a ladies brunch, wacky hat, tea party. This is us in our wacky hats, though mine is just a plain ol beachy hat. Haha:

I truly enjoyed myself, and had a good time sharing fellowship with her at her church. She had two boys, so never got  to experience these type of girly things, and my mother passed ten years ago, so we never got to experience stuff like this as I grew older either. It was such a blessing to be able to go. At one point they even had volunteers share their testimonies about their mothers and I (yes, shy ol' me that doesn't like speaking in groups) spoke. Everyone was already a little teary, and my voice definitely cracked as I spoke, but I am glad I did.

When I got dropped off back at home, I had a couple of hours to soak up the Florida sun with a friend, and that's what we did. Napped by the pool. I made it back in time to go wait two hours at my vets. I knew when I made the appointment that the later the appointment, the more backed up they will be. Emergencies come in daily. And I understand that, so I tried not to get frustrated. I was just happy my favorite vet was on call today. Usually I only take them in on a day she is working, but today I didn't even ask as I knew he needed to be seen regardless. $50 later, we left, Chico's nail was fine. She went in the back to rip the rest of it off, and bandage him up and get him some pain killers, however I guess he did the bulk of the ripping himself the night before, she said it came right off. All she had to do was clip the nail shorter, into the wick, as the new nail had already started growing in sideways. She said this hurt him more than the ripping. He didn't bleed or require bandage or pain killers. What a blessing. He's been running around like his usual happy hyper self tonight. :)

I finished the night this evening by cooking an awesome dinner (grilled chicken, asparagus, greens and white beans, mashed taters, and a salad) and watching Just go with it with my roomie and two friends (one of them was the one that was stuck in traffic last night!). We shared a bottle of wine, and a gallon of Publix Brownie Moose Tracks. Mhm! That's what I call dinner and dessertx2. It was awesome. I am exhausted and so ready for bed. Bring it on Sunday.

XOXO

Fabulous Friday :)

Hello Friends! :)

I only had two people participate and link up in Fabulous Friday last week. I really hope to get that number to grow this week. We all deserve to have fabulous things in life, big or small. And even more important we should send praises up for these fabulous thing, big or small!

So, here's mine for the week:

The robber I spoke about last week that was terrorizing home owners in my area was captured. Sadly, it ended in death. He was shot and killed by five of our cops. Ultimately, he chose his own faith. He pointed a gun at our cops. I am not AT ALL saying it was fabulous that he was shot and killed, I am saying it fabulous in the fact that I can now sleep at night. I spent a lot of sleepless lights with the lights turned on due to this. During this time I also had a security system installed. I don't regret that.

I bought some more stuff from the Family Christian Bookstore this week. Keep me out of there. Hah! Seriously, I had coupons that needed to be used. It wasn't so bad. OH, and I was super proud of myself as I carried around two items the entire trip and put them back because I KNEW I didn't really need them. I am trying to declutter my life, not add more to it, so putting these two items back made me smile and I didn't leave with regret over not buying them. Now, what I DID buy this week was:

Shirt

The shirt says: ROOTED & UNSHAKEABLE. When the winds of adversity come blowing, I will rely on your love. I will stand firm and steadfast, in your works and truth. Your roots hold me to the peaceful foundation. Thank you for my hearts salvation. My heart is confident in you. Psalm 57:7

<3

1 Corinthians 13

I CLEANED MY COMPUTER DESK! This is so fabulous because sadly stuff accumulates quickly on this desk. It sucks but even though I just cleaned it, by the end of the next week or two, it will be covered with papers yet again. BUT, for now, it's clutter free. :)

I organized my coupons. I just started couponing May 1st so I had a ton of red plums and smart source inserts since then laying around. I bought a file thingy at Walmart, and I'm off. Still not 100% but MUCH better than having them just cluttering a table!

Last night we had girls night IN. I always love girls nights. Doesn't matter if we are going out or in, just being able to hang with my favorite girls makes me happy!

I went grocery shopping! If you read my post a few days ago about eating out too much, you will understand how  happy I was to be able to go get some groceries. I haven't ate out once this week. It's been all home made and I feel a ton better. Woohoo!

SO, that's a few of my fabulous, yet mundane to others, things! :) What's fabulous in your neck of the woods? Don't forget to grab a button and link up! Have a fabulous Friday everyone!





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XOXO