break time over

The yuckiest part about a blog break is that first post trying to hop back in where you left off . . . . except a whole lot of life happened while on break and it's mind boggling to figure out where to start.

So, I will do what I always seem to do when I have too much to say: Whip out the bullets.

No, no . . . not those kinds of bullets. Bullet POINTS. Geesh.

Oh! And let's do bullet points in chronological order from my last post until now. Yes. That sounds good. Okay, here I go

 

  

› MARCH 7th  My family embarked on a 30 day journey of eating as close as possible to a vegan diet. This meant removing all animal products (beef, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese . . . etc.) and adding in boatloads of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds. We also cleared our home of highly processed foods (and didn't add fake meat and cheese products) and artificial sweeteners. WHY? Because I was interested in Heather's 30 Day Vegan workshop and what it could offer to clear out our systems (:: ahem ::) and lead us into Spring and Summer with a desire for fresh, local nutritious foods. More on this topic in the days to come.



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› MID-MARCH - My husband and I made the decision to homeschool next year. I went out and purchased a denim jumper . . . . . . yeah no. The short story? I have always been interested in the concept but didn't want to push my kids in that direction unless they wanted to homeschool or needed to homeschool. Well, now is the opportunity. Ben (my 6yo 1st grader) has struggled with attention issues all year long and his little spirit is just broken from all of the discipline from his teacher and from us at home. NOT punishment, just everyday efforts and subsequent failures in being able to stay 'on task.' He is a smart young man and has proven he can learn while wiggling and singing hanging upside down. Ellie (my 8yo 3rd grader) was diagnosed with T1D in late September and while the adjustments have been as smooth as we can hope for, the reality is she is missing important lecture and demonstration periods when she has to go to the nurse for a blood sugar check or to treat a low. I am excited for the opportunity to work WITH her T1D in the home setting instead of trying to work DESPITE her disease. Finally, Maddi (my 13yo 7th grader) will join us at home and explore other learning styles and opportunities that her schooling up to this point has just not been able to offer. More on this topic in the days to come.



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› LATE MARCH - I finished reading Ann Voskamp's; One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Life Fully Right Where You Are. Well, I should say I completed the book but am FAR from finished with the story. This book has been life changing and has sparked a new project I am now displaying on the sidebar of the home page of this site. I summarize the book by saying you first must get down on your knees in supplication to God; thankful to Him for all of your blessings, before you can ask for and receive the gift of joy. The author does this by challenging herself to write down 1000 gifts she is thankful for. My version of the challenge will be in photos. More on this topic in the days to come.

› MARCH 31st - Finally . . . . and this is the most difficult to write . . . . my siblings and I had to make the extremely difficult decision to request power of attorney over our mom and cease her dialysis treatments. She was diagnosed with kidney failure nearly 2 years ago as a result of spending 40+ years battling an eating disorder. Due to other health issues, my mom was not a candidate for a kidney transplant and her mental health was deteriorating to the point where she was no longer able to make competent medical decisions. For the last 13 years my mom has gone from a vibrant working mother to qualifying for disability and living in independent to semi-assisted to full time nursing care. I drove to Omaha last Tuesday and met with my brother, sister-in-law, sister, and uncle (my mom's brother) and enjoyed 2 days spending time with my mom. By Thursday morning her health had taken a dramatic turn and by 3pm we were sitting vigil by her bedside as we waited for God to quiet her breath. My Mom found peace in the Kingdom of Heaven at 9:52pm Thursday evening. She was 60 years old and is survived by her brother, 3 children and 6 grandchildren. More on this topic in the days to come.

About 1966'ish.  Many years later I attended the same high school but much to my mother's disappointment it was as a band nerd, not a cheerleader.

No matter who you are, the glowing face of a new mom is noticeable from a mile away.  And yes, that is me.

One thing I will always know for sure . . . . my mama loved me.

And now I am all bullet-pointed out.  As you can see by the randomness of my words and sentiments, my brain is not quite in full-functioning mode . . . . heck, it may never be.  I do know I missed this place and all my friends in the computer ;).  Whether you like it or not . . . .  I'M BAAAACCCKKKK.