Noelle’s first grade project… she cut out every single orange shape and glued every white dot on her monarch butterfly, which took forever!  She was a trooper though and it was worth it!  She turned in her project today and was beaming with pride on her way to school!

 

Keeping Anna Kate busy, or rather, she’s been keeping me busy, ha!  Love her creative little ideas.  She used Noelle’s Barbie stencil tray as an x-ray machine last week to play doctor.  She’s awesome!  

Buying/selling the girls spring clothes!  I bought all you see in the above pic plus two big bags full of Christmas presents and a cute vanity, all for $230.  I hate to spoil the surprises because you will see all these clothes and shoes this summer, but I want to encourage all of you moms to think about consigning, not at stores, but at the big events where you make 70% of your items and get to pick your price.  Also, the shopping is so great… I mean, look at all I got!  You will see the rest at Christmas.  I made twice as much as I spent and have all this new fun stuff for the summer!  It’s a big job and a huge commitment, but the pay-off is the above pic and money in the bank!  Noelle asked me if it was Christmas, and I said, “No, you guys just helped me clean out your closets and old toys, so here’s your reward!”

 

Going to lots of doctor’s appointments, crossing things off this list and finding answers with others!  We’re getting serious about figuring out how to get me healthy and functioning without fatigue and muscle/nerve pain (fibromyalgia… whatever you want to call it; I’ve been miserable for the last decade, and the pain and tears are enough).  We found out I’m highly allergic to many things that could be contributing to my chronic fatigue.  Answers are good; we can make things better if we know what’s wrong.  I’ll never give up trying to get healthy so that I can better help my family and friends and be more fully alive, no matter how difficult it is both physically and emotionally. 

Everyone has their struggles.  If yours is not physical, thank God for your health today!  It’s such an incredible gift that can be taken for granted because it is so automatic.  We are all fearfully and wonderfully made… miracles to behold.  Treasure yourself as such.  Breathe in the abilities you have to even be able to face your struggles.  That is a gift too, whether we acknowledge it or not.  Today, I’m thankful for provision to seek the help I need.  I’m hopeful for this to all go away and be better, but for now, in my weakness, I believe I am being made strong.  My compassion has grown, and my spirit has been humbled, and I believe I’m more understanding and wise for it.  God bless you wherever you are in your story, that God will give you peace and comfort right now.  You are not alone.