Remember Annamarie fell a few days ago (off a tricycle)?  She is really sore (at times) and I've told her to stay down and off her feet as much as possible.  Her elbow and hip have lovely black and blue markings.

Luci is complaining of rib pain.  I think she wrenched something the other day while playing and her pain comes and goes.  She doesn't have a bruise.  At times, she is fine.  Sometimes, she reaches for something and gasps and pulls her arm back toward her body. 

That's two down

Annamarie woke us up around 6 (maybe 5:30) this morning to tell us she couldn't sleep.  I know!  We wondered what she expected *us* to do ???   ()    I will talk to her later today about not waking us up to keep her company!  Jesse told her just to lay in bed with her eyes open and, of course, she and Luci are still sleeping!

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Yesterday's trip to the neurologist was a good experience.  He was absolutely great!  Not only was he personable and good with Rissy, he gave me his opinion about things that would or would NOT help her walk more steady and relieve the pain in her legs and back.  In the end, he said he was going to request the genetics testing done on her and the CAT scan when she was around 3yo.  Also, he will request someone, from where she goes for physical therapy, to see if a special shoe or orthotic might help Rissy walk.  He is requesting x-rays (to be done at the hospital up the street from our house) of her back WHILE STANDING that he will share with a chiropractor, if we choose to use one.  Not many doctors acknowledge chiropractors, and I was glad he did.  He has an "in" with a leading neurologist in the state that doesn't take Medicaid insurance, but WILL if this neurologist refers a patient to his office!  That's an ace up our sleeve if we need to take that route.  Then, as if that wasn't enough good news, he wrote a letter "To Whom It May Concern" saying Rissy had mild scoliosis, mild cerebral palsy, and she is seeing a physical therapist weekly.  That letter can be used to get some additional money from the state to cover the costs of things Medicaid won't cover (chiropractors being one of the things)!!!  He asked to see her back in his office in 3 months after the physical therapy and anything she might be fitted to wear (a shoe, lift, or brace) has a chance to work.  She just turned 8 years old and we have fought, since she started walking at 14mos, for someone to help her.

Bye bye Rissy!

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We went to the bank to deposit our check from the insurance company - for the balance due us from the roof damage.  It had Jesse's, mine, and the bank's name on it and, of course, I hadn't noticed that, so Jesse hadn't signed the check.  Even to sign it  "for deposit only" wouldn't work, as this type of check requires everyone's signatures.  It was nice to see the bank personnel, we don't go inside the bank as much in the winter months because of the coldness.  They're always so nice to me and the girls - chatting, big smiles, and offering candy, etc.

So, back to the falling temperatures.

The backyard is showing beautiful blooms on our bushes and trees.  Lots of white and pink.
  

There you have the Domino Effect around here.  People falling and temperatures falling, just as fast!!!!!

Today's To Do List:
*  Wash the girls' sheets from their queen and king size beds
*  Teach
*  Print our tax returns, now that I have a new printer
*  Maybe make a trip to the bank (Jesse signed the check this morning)
*  Chicken nuggets for dinner with sweet potato French fries
*  Bake cookies the lazy way (one big cookie on a cookie sheet, cut into bars)

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The sky was phenomenal this morning.  We've had thunderstorms throughout the night.  The east was dark, dark, dark and the west was cloudy with a strong sun trying to break through the clouds.  Rissy was up with me and both of us grabbed out cameras.

We were under a tornado watch yesterday in the late afternoon and through the evening.  As far as I know, nothing came of it.  Just thunderstorms.  We needed the rain and Jesse's lawn business could definitely use the rain.  The more rain, the more the grass will start growing!!!

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Rissy has her new patient appointment this afternoon with the neurologist.  I hope they are helpful and this isn't another dead end.  I'm so tired of doctors analyzing her and weary from the hours we spend at each place only to arrive at "inconclusive" diagnosis after diagnosis.  Believe me, we have spent more time than I care to remember in doctor's offices!

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Yesterday, I spoke (for HOURS) on the phone to an old neighbor of ours.  She ran into Jesse at the vet (the vet lived across the street from us in that same neighborhood as the neighbor) and she asked the vet for our number.  Jesse gave permission and she called last Friday, as we were headed out to the girls' therapy appointment.  Yesterday was the first opportunity I had to call her back.  We caught up on who had died (our old neighborhood was one built in 1960/61 and most people are original homeowners)  and how old my girls are and what we are doing.  We talked about nothing that would be interesting to anyone but the two of us.  It was nice to talk to her and I'm sorry to say, I never taught school yesterday.

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Annamarie had a hard fall, yesterday afternoon.  She was on one of those tricycles in the back that she insists on riding.  She is almost 100lbs and waaaaay too big.  I never dreamed she'd hurt herself - I was thinking she would more likely break the bike!  Anyway, Rissy came running in to get me saying Annamarie had hurt herself  bad.  I found her on the cement groaning.  I asked her to get up (thinking she had hurt her arm) and she could barely stand.  She had rolled sideways with the bike and fallen onto her hip/upper leg.  We got ice on it and she held it in place with her elbow that also had taken a hard hit as she landed.  She's pretty sore today and if she isn't feeling better by tomorrow, I'll see if a doctor can look at her when we are there for our therapy appointment on Friday.  I doubt she's broken anything - just really wrenched her back muscles and smacked her hip and elbow on the cement.

(half awake!!!)

Well I'm a dunce.  I've lost all of those cancer grant application papers and my post surgical info.  I had to move them the day the painter was painting the ceiling and haven't a clue where I put them.  I even checked under the desk drawer and in my homeschooling planner.  Nothing!  Zilch!  I've checked the logical places a half dozen times and need to quit looking because it's driving me batty. 

The people at the clinic already think I'm an idiot for not getting excited or upset at the findings on my ultra sound and mammogram.  I had to call them back today and tell them I'd lost everything and ask if they would mail the forms to me.  (sigh) 

I don't remember EVER loosing important papers - not in my whole life.  I have misplaced papers, but found them after diligently searching.  This time, I've searched for two days!   It's like they've been swallowed up into a black hole.  I know they are SOMEWHERE . . . but it beats me . . . !!!!   This morning, they were kind on the phone and said they would send the packet to me.  (rolling my eyes) 

When I spoke to the nurse this morning (the same nurse who called me the day after my appointment to be sure I didn't have any questions - I didn't  . . . I think my calmness wasn't something they see very often), I questioned her about the "type" of biopsy they are doing.  Of course, wouldn't you know, they are doing the most invasive kind.  I doubt that recovery will be the song and dance they make it out to be.  Making 3 incisions and taking several chunks of flesh from each incision site, closing the incision with surgical tape (a bandaide???), wrapping me with an ace bandage, and telling me not to lift anything more than 5 pounds for several days . . . .  well, that doesn't sound like a "nothing" or "simple" procedure. 

Stephanie said she could watch the girls if she didn't have a job.  If she DOES, she'll explain the circumstances and tell the new employer she needs off.  Like I said, I'm not concerned about the biopsy results, since I've been sick for the past few weeks (strep and then that upper respiratory thing) and I don't doubt I have funny looking lymph glands.  They seemed to be more worried about the lymph gland than the large, rope-like lump that brought me there in the first place.  Anyway, I'm MOST concerned about the recovery.

======================

Should I tell them I've been craving chocolate like crazy???!!!     LOL!!!    I don't know if that's a "sign" indicating something else might be wrong with me, but I sure have been wanting chocolate in LARGE amounts.  I've nibbled at a Hershey's bar over the past few days, and it takes all of my will power to *NOT* gobble down the whole Hershey's bar!  I may have to bake brownies this morning!!!!  I have choclate Malt-O-Meal, but don't want to go to the trouble . . .

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The weekend was relatively uneventful.  Jesse is trying to get his mowers ready for lawn season and one riding mower had to be serviced in the shop.  He has a new trailer (my husband collects shoes and trailers!) and spent some time at a friend's house installing racks to hold his weed eaters, etc.  I stayed home.  Luci had a sore throat and, despite the nice temperatures, she had to stay inside.  I still have a cough hanging on from my little viral episode a week ago, but feel fine and have all my energy back.  I had to use my asthma inhaler in the middle of the night, last night.  Jesse stayed with the girls yesterday afternoon while I ran to shop for Annamarie's b-day.  Shopping on the weekend is something I detest, but it couldn't be avoided.  AND, since I'm not sure if that biopsy will hurt for more than a day or two, I'm doing everything ahead of time.  Anyway, he wouldn't let the girls play outside while I was gone because of the wind - especially Rissy.  March is the month she has the most respiratory problems.  I think that's what is bothering me, too.

==============================

I still haven't put my silky scarf valance back up, nor have I hung the bare rods.  Everything is still sitting on my living room sofa.   I dread the task.  I remember how hard it was to get them "just so" last time!  Meanwhile, I discovered something in the middle of the pile of purple silkiness on the sofa.

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I bought new rugs for our entry way and kitchen.  The foyer and hallway (off the foyer - Sampson's hallway) that leads to the kitchen is one color of rugs, and the kitchen rugs match the others, but with a touch of red weave.  Surprise of all surprises . . . Jesse said he really liked them!  He and I usually have similar tastes, but he rarely makes a comment - except a generic one, "This looks nice, babe."

I have to seriously clean the kitchen floor before putting down the new carpets.  I think the painter might have dripped dirty water on the tiles.  They have drip or spattered marks here, there, and everywhere, and I figure it has to be from him.  Remember, I haven't cleaned all week and have given the painter free rein to mess up our entire house!!!  He, pretty much, has lived up to the power given him!

I'm going to use the old foyer and hallway rugs (oatmeal or beige-ish in color)  in Annamarie's & Luci's room on each side of their bed.  All of our carpeting is old & ruined and needs to be replaced.  Area rugs do a nice job of hiding that fact!  I moved my grandparent's nightstand into their room this weekend, too.  It's on the side of the bed between the mattress and wall.  A perfect fit, too!

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I took some time (on Saturday morning) to plan this week's school lessons.  So many things come up in our busy lives that I don't like to plan more than two weeks in advance for fear of messing up the lesson plans!  The painter and several appointments changed the agenda last week.  We finished the core subjects, but studying the Bible and character traits fell by the wayside.  I have guilt over that, since I believe Bible to be the most important, followed by character trait training.  But, the state doesn't feel the same way and I don't want to get myself in trouble.  Of course, the state doesn't require we home school more than 173 days a year, and we school year round.  I'm sure, in the end, they get more days than required.

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Rissy took two cute pictures this weekend.  I went to bed early, was reading, and must have dozed off.  I woke up with someone other than my husband in bed with me!

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Today is an overcast day.  It should be another really warm one, but my left knee cap predicts rain.  And, sure enough, rain is in the forecast for tomorrow - another nice warm day.  Then, things drop into the 40's for the rest of the week as a high temperature.  We've aired out the house and it feels good.  In the summer time, it's too muggy to air out the house and is doesn't really "air out" the house, anyway.  It just makes every stinky smell magnified - like the odors are sealed in the mugginess of the heavy air.

==============================

Annamarie and Rissy had a great time playing outside this weekend.  I'm not sure which day I took these photos, but Jesse says Sushi has discovered the trampoline and sits on it, whether anyone is outside with her or not!  This is what I saw from my bathroom window.

Jesse's lawn trailer is hitched to his truck.  So, I'm without a Suburban today.  He didn't want to haul his trailer with him to the pawn shop.  But, he'll have to tomorrow.  Rissy's neurology appointment is Tuesday afternoon.

Today's To Do List:
*  Teach
*  Rissy's laundry
*  Finish washing Sushi's & Sampson's blankets
*  Clean mess that used to be on desk and is now in foster children's room
*  Clean our bathroom sinks
*  Dinner (DELICIOUS) sea scallops - fish sticks for children
*  "Think about" rehanging scarf valances in living room (doubt I'll do it - just think about it!!!)

Thursday night my child class was interesting, as everyone shared experiences.  Someone asked me what child class I was attending.  A group from church is doing a study from a book called, "Raising Kids God's Way" by Ezzo.  Anyway, that's where I go on Thursday evenings, if the class isn't canceled.

Yesterday we had our short version of school. Luci had to read 5 words, Annamarie had to spell those same words plus two more, and Rissy had her spelling test.  Rissy got a 100% and that's probably the first time that's happened this year!  We got ready to leave the house, stopped at McDonald's and ate while we drove to the girls' therapy appointment.  The therapist had an hour free after our appointment, so we got 2 hours with her.  We then went to Wal-Mart to buy a few items that were on our short grocery list.  I took the time to check out throw rugs.  The rugs in the foyer and Sampson's hallway have lost their rubber backing and slide easily (dangerous) and the kitchen red rugs show every speck of crumbs, etc.  I found the perfect rugs and bought all four.

We got home and decided I would take us out to dinner.  Nothing fancy - Golden Corral.  That way everyone got what they were craving.  We left and went to Lowe's for Jesse and the nuts and washers the painter, Don, said he needed to keep our kitchen table from rocking back and forth.  We came home, went to bed, and slept hard.

I got up this morning and put on my bathrobe, turned the coffee maker on, came back to bed to chat with Jesse, who had Sushi up on the bed beside him, and WE BOTH FELL BACK ASLEEP!!!!  Maybe I should have said, all *3* of us fell back asleep.  The doorbell woke us up and (gasp!) it was Don (AND, 9:00am!!!!!) here to paint.  We apologized and shook our heads at each other because we couldn't believe we had fallen back to sleep with Sushi between us!

Don painted some more of our ceilings and I sat in the den finishing the last 3 chapters of my book.  Don said he'd be back Sunday afternoon to paint the garage ceiling and then he'd be done.  I didn't even know people painted their garage ceilings or that ours *was* painted!  Not very observant, I am?  LOL

I *AM* observant, just in a different area of life!  I noticed things like trees, grass, leaves, and buds sprouting out everywhere!

This is most likely weeds and not *grass*!!!                          The rose bush has little green leaves.
  

The blossoms look like popcorn.

I have never planted bulbs, but this year we have one lone pink plant that has appeared from no where!

Isn't that a pathetic picture of Luci standing on a step stool at the open window talking to her sisters?  And her faithful dog stands by her side!!!  Actually, Sushi had been OUTSIDE and only had come in for a quick drink.  She wanted right back out!

Let's go to the foyer next.  Stormy looking outside and a mess on the inside!
  

This is pretty much how the formal living room looks for now.

The last picture is a question for those of you with large families.

I'm enjoying having the windows open and airing out the house.  Mid-week, it will turn cold again and our open windows will be a thing of the past for a while.  For now, I think I'll read.

Be Blessed  ~

All I did was sleep in until 8am.  That lost hour or more of awake time has me rushing around!!!  No pictures for you today and very little time to write.

Yesterday I taught 3 days of school to three different grade levels.  NOT easy!  I persevered and was able to finish.

I went to my child class last night, and we all got into a discuss that made it later than usual when I left.

This morning, I was getting into the tub when the painter came.     Fortunately, Jesse was home and I was able to bathe, dress, do my hair and face in 25 minutes - record time!

My desk hasn't been covered by the painter yet, so I'm typing fast and furiously.

I just finished paying bills online.  I can spend that money faster than you can snap your fingers - when it comes to deducting payment after payment from our account!

The girls are outside (another beautiful day - it's 71° at 11am) and have little school work to do today.  Mainly, some vocabulary words to read back to me and Rissy has a spelling test. 

Then, of course, we have our standing therapist appointment this afternoon.

The painter is inching his way closer and closer to me, so I'm going to say good bye for now.

Be Blessed  ~

I was very pleased with the physical therapy evaluation for Rissy yesterday afternoon.  The girl, Ashley, really worked hard to determine what the problems were and what exercises might help loosen some of Rissy's muscles.  She took a lot of time with us, addressed her questions to Rissy, treated Rissy with respect as far as modesty when lifting her skirt to check her legs & hips, told Rissy her plan for treatment and stretching, and was just all around nice.  She will call us soon with a standing appointment time.  I asked for Wednesday - late morning.  Meanwhile, she gave us two exercises to do to begin to stretch behind her ankle and her hamstring muscles.

Rissy and Rissy's birthday flower arrangement in her bedroom.
  

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Rissy fixed dinner last night.  A recipe my mom used to fix for us when I was a young child.  All I did was get the electric skillet out, open some cans, and get the spices down that were on high shelves.  She was disappointed because some of the spaghetti wasn't cooked all the way through, but I think that's because she doubled the recipe and might not have put enough water in the mix.  It calls for 1 cup of water; but, when doubling the recipe, 2 cups is never enough.  I was just glad to not have to fix dinner!  And, it tasted fine to me.  She's such a perfectionist.

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Don is here this morning repainting the den's ceiling.  Stephanie wants to come over and use the computer.  Apparently, you file for unemployment online now days - AND, most jobs ask for applications to be send online and they call you if they are interested in interviewing you.  Doesn't seem right for a "people skill" job opening.  What can they tell about a person  from a emailed application?

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I picked up lots of meat at Sam's yesterday.  I prefer their meat and also it's usually packaged in large amounts - what we need.  I got boneless, country pork ribs, 2 pot roasts packaged together, 2 whole chickens packaged together, a large pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and 20 pounds of 90% lean ground beef.  We divided the chicken and ground beef for the freezer.  I feel secure again!!!!  Pathetic (or maybe, troubling) that meat in the freezer can make me content!

=======================

They called yesterday to see if we would consider taking a boy foster child.  I said it depended on the boy and his history and we wanted our girls to be safe.  I reiterated we wanted girl sibling groups, but would consider a brother who didn't have violent or sexual issues.  She told me the boy was 18 months old.  That was a quicker than quick answer from me . . . "NO!"  Sushi is the only baby I want to deal with right now and I don't exactly *want* to deal with her.  The thought of diapers, diaper bag, high chair, and car seat is more than I can contemplate!!!!

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Rissy is studying her spelling words for the week (an easy list this time!) and Luci and Annamarie are behind me on the sofa studying their math equations - combinations up to the number 6.  Sounds like more arguing and impatience than studying.  I think it might be time for me to intervene and start school!
     

=======================

I still haven't figured out what to buy Annamarie for her birthday.  I'll have to get online later and do some looking.  That's hanging over my head worse than anything else right now.  She wants everything Rissy or Luci have gotten in the past, but those things are really appropriate for her.  She's more jealous than really wanting the same gifts.

Be Blessed  ~

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Big news flash!!!!  I GOT OUR TAXES FINISHED AND FILED LAST NIGHT!!!!!  Dinner was served at 8pm, but at least I finished our taxes and that job is behind me.  I have to recopy my notes containing HOW I arrived at the figures for property tax deduction, toll pike expenses, the price (and date purchased) of equipment for the lawn business, etc.  The refund amount is a nice figure, too!

We're still waiting for that check from the insurance company for our new roof.  Don't know why they are taking so long.  The first check was lost in the mail.  They said they would stop payment and not only send that amount again, but the remaining balance - a couple of thousand dollars.  Our roofer is waiting patiently for the check to arrive, too!

I feel like I can breathe again.  I hate stretching the budget until it's so thin you can almost see through it!!!  I also hate procrastination - it makes me nervous - and I haven't procrastinated on purpose, there's been a lot of illness and other things happening in our family that made my desk work harder to accomplish.

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Another big news flash!!!!  Sushi has graduated from her crate at night to a "bed" on the floor in front of Jesse's night stand.  She did really well, last night.   I hope she doesn't chew his waste basket like she did mine under my desk!

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I didn't teach yesterday.  That means we have ALL subjects today.  Language, math, health, science, history, and Bible/character development.  I will have to see how much time we have before and after the P.T. appointment.  I need to go to Sam's to buy some ground beef.  We only have 4 small packages of ground beef left in the freezer.  I don't have time to go to Sam's AND run other errands on Fridays.  I like to buy food in advance too, and keep the pantry and freezers stocked.  Since today will be a beautiful day, I'm going to try to work that "meat run" into our schedule!

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I had a Charlie Horse in my leg twice last night.  Both times I jumped up out of bed to stand on my leg.  The second time (get this!) I fell!!!  I remember standing up and then found myself falling and taking most everything from the nightstand down with me as I fell to my knees!  I don't know if I wasn't fully awake when I stood up and fell back asleep standing up (!!!), or if I stood up so quickly that my blood pressure dropped and, then, so did I.  It all made a terrible crash and Jesse jumped straight up out of bed, bless his heart!  I tried to retrieve my clock from behind my nightstand and succeeded in pulling more things (noisily) to the floor!  This morning he said he thought I had rolled out of bed.  I'm not sure which is more funny, me rolling out of bed or standing up and falling back asleep while standing!  At least I have a throw rug on top of our carpeting and it cushioned my fall.  All is well this morning and all body parts are moving as they should!

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Speaking of the dining room table:  right now, Sushi is circling it around and around at break neck speeds.  Poor Stormy is on a chair under the table.  Guess Sushi feels like she's herded the cows and is now keeping the cows in one place!  Stormy isn't thrilled with the maniacal circling, but Sushi's not touching the cat!  Wish I could shoot a video - but that's beyond my brain's capacity!  Okay - nothing to worry about.  Stormy just jumped down and went after the dog.  I guess she can take care of herself.  Sushi is really leery of Stormy and runs from her frequently!  Pets are so much fun!

I found Stormy in our bathroom this morning.  Back paws on the toilet lid and front paws on my sink's counter.  Nope, I have no clue why.  From the look in her eyes, something must have caught her attention!!!  She just stood there like that for a while!

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I'm listening to "Hymns of Faith" by the Antrim Mennonite Choir.  It's all a capella and the voices are beautiful, as are the lyrics.  Very relaxing!

Soon (VERY soon) I will have to think about Annamarie's birthday.  It's the 29th of this month.  Since I'm having that biopsy stuff done on the 18th, I may not feel like shopping and running around for a week until the incisions heal AND I can were my underwear again!  I hate to procrastinate on stuff like that (birthdays) and will have to make a concerted effort to order online or shop while we are out over the next two weeks.  It's getting harder to hide things when the girls are with me.  With Rissy, I was honest and just told her to state put in the toy section (WITH her sisters) while I shopped for her. What I bought was small and could be hidden under my purse.  I'll have to see with Annamarie.  The sooner it's done, the sooner I can cross it off of my "worry" list!  At least she won't be having a huge party.  The last of the big parties happens on their 8th birthday.  Next special party will be when they turn 13, 16, and 21.

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Part of what I knocked off of my nightstand last night was a slew of Pathway Publishers' magazines.  "Family LIfe," "Blackboard Bulletin," and "Young Companion."  Maybe I need to start on those stacks.  I never seem to read magazines on a regular basis as they come in, and these are a perfect size & weight to stick in my purse when I have to wait at the girls' medical appointments.

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Luci woke up like a bear this morning.  I don't feel good either.  Cough, sinus pain and drainage . . . I think she has the same thing.  She stomped her foot at me a couple of times and then did the exasperated, rolling her eyes, "All right!" with me.  I sent her back to bed with her screaming in protest.  She's now asleep.  I gave her a Tylenol and some Sudafed and maybe she'll wake up in a different frame of mind.  I HOPE she does!

You'd never know she was feeling poorly from this morning's photo of her wearing a huge toothless smile!
  

By the way:  I didn't eat that whole birthday cake yesterday!!!!  There is just enough for the girls and me to have a small piece after lunch!

Be Blessed  ~

I'm starting all over this morning.  New day.  New resolve.  And, probably, same song and dance.  Isn't that what most of our lives are about - the same song and dance each and every day?

But . . .

How do I have a new resolve?  Why am I re-energized?  Why do I have *hope* today?  Why aren't the plagues of Monday chasing me into Tuesday morning?

I read my friend, Judy's, blog this morning and realized exactly why the refreshment is in my body and spirit.  I KNOW where it comes from.  Hop over to her site and read PS 121 and her comments.  I read her blog this morning and immediately knew, "That's it!"  That's why I'm okay with everything that's trying to do its "turmoil thing" around me. 

"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil . . ." 

Evil?  What evil? 
*  A bad looking mammogram?
*  Three painful biopsies on March 18th?
*  Irritation over medical staff that pretty much told me to never bring my children back with me? 
*  Children who, yesterday, didn't act the way we trained them?  Not "horrible," but not how we trained them.
*  Our taxes STILL not finished or filed and us needing money?
*  Sushi tearing up the house (with toys she rips apart) and leaving debris on freshly vacuumed carpets?
*  The foster children, we were expecting this week, being placed somewhere else?
*  The painter still here and the house looking topsy turvy?
*  No matter how hard I try, we are slightly behind in homeschool?
*  A severe head and back ache last night that is slightly hanging around this morning?

Evil?  WHAT evil???? 
*  How about . . . Satan trying to make me lose my peace? 
*  How about . . . Satan trying to get me to look at my list of grievances that deviate from my list of perfection?
*  How about . . . this irritating cough that is better, but not gone?
*  How about . . . aches in my upper back from holding my arms over my head for over an hour yesterday?
*  How about . . . the thought of holding my arms over my head for 3+ hours when my biopsies are done?
*  How about . . . a headache that is just barely there, but reminds me it really IS there?

Yep!  That's the evil.  For sure.  Satan working my mind over and trying to take control.  Satan's resolve to get me to relinquish to him.  But (to quote Dana Carvey's impression of President Bush), "Not gonna do it.  Wouldn't be prudent!"

Here's our newest news - I called the foster worker yesterday to see if they had asked the 3 girls if they wanted to be together and be moved to our house.  The little ones like where they have been placed and the oldest has now been placed in a different home.  Everyone is happy.  That's the point - the CHILDREN should be happy.  So we wait for God's plan on what foster children and when they will arrive here in our home.  HIS children.  HIS timing.

Chirper running from Sushi, or rather tempting Sushi to chase him.
  

And, Sushi, the innocent, being trained to NOT eat the girls' hair ribbons.
  

No matter how tempting - she's not allowed to touch the ribbon.

Luci's sorted laundry - sorted BY Luci but washed by me (I'm faster and other people's laundry awaits me).

Getting back to Satan's strategy and how we deal with hardships.  I think about those who get sucked down into a vacuum of depression.  Those who worry and fret until they make themselves ill over things only God can control.  I think about those who have no hope.  No hope?  What an awful place to be lost!!!  I claim PS 121 for me specifically.  Today.  This minute.  Those words spoken so long ago are alive today.  Right now.

Be Blessed  ~

I was there for over 3 hours.  I got there before 1pm and left close to 4:30pm.  They saw the big lump I've had since last summer and some other "suspicious" spots on the mammogram.  They made me wait for an ultrasound room to become available.  That took 45 minutes, or so.  They said I'd be in there 25 -30 minutes and it turned into over an hour.  Then the doctor came in and looked at the ultra sound and felt around.  She wanted me to come back for a biopsy.  After getting redressed, the doctor wanted to see me again, on the ultrasound, to be sure to mark the spots where she wanted the biopsies taken - marked them on ultra sound film/copies.  So I had to open my dress front AGAIN, but not undress this time.  Then the conference room.  Then the business person.  Then the person who schedules appointments; who was rude and couldn't understand why Rissy's neurological appt. (if scheduled on the same day) was more important to me than a biopsy.  I've lived with this lump since last summer - a week or a few days won't make any difference  That's when the "other women" came out and told me they "weren't babysitters" and not to bring my girls back.  (rolling eyes).

The doctor "thinks" it may be other things, but she'd like to prove the two "odd spots" and the rope like lump aren't cancer first; and, THEN treat me with antibiotics if it's some sort of breast infection.  That's what she said, and maybe they say that to all patients to not scare them.  I have no fear.  Don't know why.  I just don't.

The worst part was keeping the girls occupied.  I never dreamed I'd be there that long - I thought 30 minutes.  So, I was courteously asked NOT to bring them back because a woman was nervous about her tests and the girls made her worse . . . MORE nervous.  The girls HAVE not been listening lately and Jesse and I have both talked to them about obeying us.  But - 3 hours ??? c'mon . . .   The women didn't say it once, she said it 3 times.  I told her I understood and that I never dreamed I'd be there as long as I was or I wouldn't have brought them.  I was told I'd be there a half hour.  So she repeated again (and again a second time)  not to bring them back.  That was while the business lady with the attitude was dealing with me and my "lack of concern appearance" about getting in on the one day she gave me.  VERY WEARING.

I'm more upset about the girls talking to strangers and running between the drinking fountain and restrooms after I told them not to.  They brought books, they were given strict instructions and . . . oh well! 

I'm not thrilled about the 3 biopsies they want to do.  After the lidocaine wears off, it sounds like it will be painful.  Oh well, again.  It must be done, I guess.

I know they are very aggressive about preventing cancer in women these days, and I don't blame them, but this all feels a little bit push, push, push for something they, too, think might only be fibrous.  The doctor kept saying she was puzzled at what she saw and she mentioned quizacally (a few time) "it just looked weird" - she just wasn't sure . . .

So, March 18 (at the crack of dawn) I'll be back all morning for the 3 biopsies and a metal chip will be placed in each site for future reference.  They assured me I wouldn't set off the alarms at Wal-Mart and that I WOULD pass airport security!

From some of the comments left, I felt like I might have scared some of you and that's why I'm posting what happened this same day instead of waiting until tomorrow.

On a lighter note - I had a wonderful surprise in the mail when I got home.  My dear brother just sent a copy of the soundtrack we made for the play "Mame" (eons ago!!!).  I have the "record" but no turntable.  And, it's probably scratched, anyway.  I have the CD in my computer as I'm typing.  Such fond memories.  To those of you who knew, this is one of the plays that Kenny Ortega directed (High School Musical producer/choreographer Kenny Ortega).  So many of my high school friends sang on this CD and my oldest sister was "Mame" - her voice was great - even as a 20 year old!  My brothers played trumpet in the orchestra.  None of us making this CD were over 21 - only a few - and most of us were in high school.  VERY PROFESSIONAL sounding orchestra and singers.  It amazes me at the talent such young people possessed - and then I went on to be a mom and wife and my only singing now days is in the shower!  . . .    LOL  Anyway, it brings back memories of the "old days!"

Be Blessed  ~

Someone from church is supposed to come by this morning to check over my figures I used for our income tax return.  I think I did it all correctly, but he's a tax expert.  This is the same man who thinks I'm "smart" about tax return preparation.  That thought still makes me giggle!

I have my mammogram in the early afternoon - maybe 2pm?  I'll have to look at my appointment book.  I'm sure the huge lump in my breast is fibrous tissue - but it *should* be checked.  I first noticed it at the end of last summer and its size grows and diminishes.  Anyway, this will be my first mammogram and I'm not sure what to expect.   From what I gather, it's like a blood pressure cuff that tightens on your upper arm - uncomfortable, but bearable.

I think the caseworker for the foster children must have been sick on Friday.  She sounded horrible on Thursday.  Today, I sound like she did last week.  No voice and loose cough.  I've been taking cough syrup and my asthma inhaler.  I might hear from the caseworker today.  I located a bed that I can pick up immediately, but don't want to buy another bed if we aren't definitely getting the 3 foster children.  I did buy an extra set of twin sheets and a 3rd new pillow.  Other than that, I'm not doing any planning until they are here in our house.  You just never know what to expect from Child Welfare. 

Don, the painter, obviously, won't be here today and I think he has a medical appointment tomorrow.  So, we shouldn't see him until Wednesday.  He'll have to put a second coat on the den's ceiling.  It must have sucked up the moist paint like desert sand does rain water.  Since we use our fireplace in that room, the plaster may be drier than other rooms.  You can see big spots where the paint didn't cover well.  I guess he'll finish our bedroom next and then start on the big formal living and dining room areas.

No pictures today.  I bet everyone will be glad about that!  I think you've seen enough of us to last quite a long while!

I must go.

Today's To Do List:
*  WASH HAIR in shower!
*  Teach (should be interesting with no voice!)
*  Maybe go over taxes with "expert"
*  Mammogram
*  Dinner:  the pork roast I pulled from the freezer yesterday that never thawed!
*  Wait to hear if we will become a family with six children this week

Be Blessed  ~