December Daily: A Christmas Survey

December Daily: A Christmas Survey

I saw this at BYGRACE blog and thought id give it a go

About the TREE....

1.When do you put up the Christmas tree? 1 st Day in December thats not a Sunday.
2. Real or fake? We have a fake one
3. Lights? What color?Lights are clear/white.
4. Garland? Silver
5. Theme or no theme?Silver and white
6. What kind of topper? Glass Snowman
7. What's your favorite ornament? Glass Snowman
8. What does your tree skirt look like? Silver tinsel
9. Where do you put your tree? In a corner of our living room. by the sofa.
10. Who decorates the tree? I sort out decorations Hubby tends to decorate it.
11.What's "under" the tree?The dog sometimes lol
12. Do you put candy canes on your tree? no, but chocolate bells

About the FOODS....

1. What's your favorite Christmas cookie? A chocolate one
2. Do you bake cookies and give them away? I buy the best bargains around.
3. Any "special" foods or candy that you only have at Christmas time? Beetroot pickle yummy!
4. What do you eat Christmas EVE? Not much too busy preparing for Christmas day.
5. What do you eat on Christmas day? Cooked Breakfast then a late roast lunch usually Beef and all the trimmings, we invite anyone we know who maybe alone for the day for lunch.
6. Do you like Eggnog?? Yuk!
7. Do you like candy canes? No but they look pretty.

Decorations....

1. Where do you hang your stockings? They are pillowcases on end of bed
2. Do you put lights on your house? We have a Christmas tree white light in kitchen window.
3. Got any outside lawn decorations? No
4. Do you put up a nativity (creche)? No
5. Do you hang mistletoe over the door? No
6. Got a wreath on your front door? No
7. How long does it take you to decorate? 2 hours lol

Are you ready for Christmas - yes I think so just fresh food to buy.

Dolly the dog

This is her regal look.



I am very biased but I have the cutess dog in the whole wide world. She is 3/4 terrier 1/4 collie.

I am going to share a few pictures of her mostly up to mischief.

this look is come and tickle my tummy mummy,I'M waiting.



When we fill the pool in the summer she fights with the hose pipe.She does love the water.


She was orginally brought to be a companion to me when J was at work.Now she is everyones buddy. She is such a loyal and fun dog, she is just perfect for us, she knows when I am ill, she doesn't leave my side.
What a wonderful creation for us to enjoy and look after.

ECG and this & that.

Had an ECG today and it was A-ok. The nurse did it twice to make sure and it was OK both times.

So I'm not sure what direction things will go until I see the Doctor in 10 days.

But mentally I feel quite positive, physically I just keep breaking down from time to time and at times I am high maintenance lol..

I have a great and loving husband who picks me up when I am down, I have a patient and loving son, and I have a wonderful family around me - some closer than others, but all just a call away.

Most of all I have a Mighty God Who upholds me throughout and everything is Gods plan and I remember that He is in total control of all things. Don't you find comfort in that? I know I do.

Recently I have learned to be more patient and how to deal with frustrations in a Christ-like manner. I have a long way to go yet but I believe I am travelling in the right direction.

I have learned that my life does not revolve around MS - it doesn't rule me - it just changes my direction from time to time.

I have realised having a quiet day isn't being defeatist - it is being wise, and keeping well for another day.

I have realised at long last that planning and being organised reduces stress levels (this took me sooooooooo long to get, why?)

Ups and downs

I still haven't really recovered from the flu and I became quite ill again, I was breathless with palpitations.

I went to see my GP because I was nagged into it.

He gave me a full MOT as I like to call it. Blood pressure good, heartrate ok, but he found a heart mumur. I was born with one but it had seemed to go away as years passed. I also cannot hold my breath for very long and have pain in my right side as I breathe.

I had a heart x-ray today and booked in for a ECG on wednesday.

Then we will see.

In my mind I might have what some call a MS hug (tightness around chest).
Time will tell and the Lord sustains me and comforts me always. What a friend I have in Jesus.

Get ready for a few christmas recipes.- Duck

Sophie Grigson's crisp slow-roast duck

Serves 4
Cooking time 2 hours 30 minutes

• 1 duckling, around 2.3-2.7kg (5-6lb)
• 500g (1lb 2oz) turnips
• Salt and pepper
• Sauce
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 sticks celery, diced
• 1 bottle fruity red wine
• 1 bouquet garni ( a few stalks of parsley, 2 good sprigs of thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 small sprig sage tied together with string)
• 750ml (1 1/4pts) duck stock or chicken stock
• 2tbsp redcurrant jelly

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 220°C/425°F/gas 7. Wipe the duck dry with kitchen paper. Prick the skin all over with a skewer, or a fork if the tines are sharp, so the fat can run out more easily as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sit the duck on a rack over a roasting tin and slide it into the oven. Turn the heat down to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 and leave it to cook for 2 1/2hrs.
2. During that time, all you need to do, whenever you feel like it, is drain off the fat that's gathered in the roasting tin (it's brilliant stuff for sautéing potatoes).
3. Once you've got your first crop of fat, take 1tbsp of it and heat in a frying pan. Add the carrot, onion and celery and sauté until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Now add the wine and the herb bundle.
4. Bring to the boil, stirring thoroughly, then boil hard until reduced by half. Add the stock and boil again until reduced by about a third to a half, giving a syrupy sauce. Stir in the redcurrant jelly until it has melted, then strain into a small pan. Add a little salt and pepper and simmer for about 2 mins. Taste and adjust seasoning. Re-heat when needed.
5. Peel the turnips, cut into 2cm (3/4in) cubes and blanch in boiling water for three mins. Drain and run under the cold tap. Leave to drain thoroughly.
6. About 40 mins before the duck is done, drain off most of the fat, leaving a bit in the tin. Add the turnips and turn them in the fat, then leave to roast with the duck.
7. When the duck and turnips are cooked turn off the oven and leave the door open. Let them rest like this for about 15 mins.
8. Using a sharp knife or poultry shears, cut the duck into four pieces, cutting first from head to tail end, along the breastbone and through the backbone to give two halves, then dividing each half in two.
9. Serve quickly while still warm with the roast turnips and reheated sauce.

Sophie Grigson is a celebrity chef and author of Vegetables, published by Collins

Yummy! Nice alternative to turkey

Cookies

These make great tree decorations and are so easy to do.

Ingredients

Use these cookie recipes as the basis for making brilliant baubles or striking stockings Christmas tree decorations.

• Vanilla cookies
• 275g (10oz) plain flour, sifted
• 5ml (1 tsp) baking powder
• 100g (3½oz) caster sugar
• 75g (3oz) butter, diced
• 1 small egg, beaten
• 30ml (2 tbsp) golden syrup
• 2.5ml (½ tsp) vanilla extract
• Spiced orange cookies
• 75g (3oz) butter
• 75g (3oz) soft brown sugar
• 30ml (2tbsp) honey
• Zest from one orange
• 10ml (2 tsp) orange juice
• 225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted
• 5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate soda
• 5ml (1 tsp) cinnamon
• Gingerbread cookies
• 125g (4oz) butter
• 60ml (4 tbsp) black treacle
• 225g (8oz) soft brown sugar
• 450g (1 lb) Plain flour
• 15ml (1 tbsp) ground ginger
• 7.5ml (1 ½ tsp) cinnamon
• 5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda
• 15ml (1 tbsp) milk

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3.
2. Place the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a hollow in the centre and pour in the beaten egg, golden syrup and vanilla extract. Mix together well until you have a ball of dough.
3. Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 5mm thick and stamp out the cookies, using your chosen cutters. If you are using a template, cut around the template with a knife for each cookie.
5. Lightly knead and re-roll the trimmings together again to use up all the dough. Place the biscuits on baking sheets.
6. Bake biscuits for 12-15 minutes until lightly coloured and firm but not crisp. Leave on the tray for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3.
8. Place butter, sugar, honey, orange zest and juice in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted.
9. Sieve the flour and dry ingredients in a bowl and add the melted ingredients. Mix well until the dough becomes firm.
10. Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes
11. Continue as for vanilla cookies. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending of the size of the cookies. Tip: Why not try adding the zest and juice of a lemon for zingy lemon-flavoured cookies
12. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3.
13. Place butter, treacle and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted. Cool slightly
14. Sieve the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Pour the melted mixture into the dry ingredients and stir.
15. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the milk and add to the mixture. Combine to make a dough, adding more milk if necessary.
16. Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes.
17. Continue as for vanilla cookies then bake for 10-15 minutes depending of the size of the cookies. Tip: for gingerbread men, try adding currants for eyes before baking

Spiced orange cookies75g (3oz)butter75g (3oz) soft brown sugar30ml (2tbsp) honeyZest from one orange10ml (2 tsp) orange juice225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate soda5ml (1 tsp) cinnamon1. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3.2. Place butter, sugar, honey, orange zest and juice in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted.3. Sieve the flour and dry ingredients in a bowl and add the melted ingredients. Mix well until the dough becomes firm.4. Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes5. Continue as for vanilla cookies. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending of the size of the cookies. Tip: Why not try adding the zest and juice of a lemon for zingy lemon-flavoured cookies

Gingerbread cookies125g (4oz) butter60ml (4 tbsp) black treacle225g (8oz) soft brown sugar450g (1 lb) Plain flour15ml (1 tbsp) ground ginger7.5ml (1 ½ tsp) cinnamon5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda15ml (1 tbsp) milk1. Preheat the oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3.2. Place butter, treacle and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted. Cool slightly3. Sieve the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Pour the melted mixture into the dry ingredients and stir.4. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the milk and add to the mixture. Combine to make a dough, adding more milk if necessary.5. Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes.6. Continue as for vanilla cookies then bake for 10-15 minutes depending of the size of the cookies. Tip: for gingerbread men, try adding currants for eyes before baking.

Let the children join in and have fun,

Pecan Maple Brownies

Pecan nuts give some extra crunch to this deliciously moreish chocolate brownies Yummy!!

• Cooking time: 1 hr 5 mins

• Makes: 15

Ingredients

Always use the best quality chocolate you can find - with 70% cocoa solids or more. It's full of health-boosting antioxidants - and it tastes better, too!

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF, gas mark 4). Lightly grease an 18 x 27cm (7 x 10½ in) tin and line with non-stick baking parchment.
2. Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Leave for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally until melted. Cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, sugar and maple syrup. Whisk into the melted chocolate mixture, then fold in the flour and two-thirds of the pecan nuts.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and scatter over the rest of the nuts. Bake for 35-40 mins until the top is crisp and the centre is almost set. Leave to cool completely in the tin, then turn out and cut into squares.

• 250g (9oz) plain chocolate, broken into pieces
• 225g (8oz) butter
• 4 medium eggs, beaten
• 225g (8oz) caster sugar
• 90ml (6tbsp) maple syrup
• 150g (5oz) plain flour, sifted
• 200g packet pecan nuts, roughly chopped

A little light hearted fun- One Word

I saw this on a blog I visit and I thought it fun to join in , and maybe you will aswell.

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Table
2. Your significant other? Jonathan
3. Your hair? Brownish
4. Your mother? Loving
5. Your father? reassurung
6. Your favorite thing? Crafting
7. Your dream last night? None
8. Your favorite drink? Coffee
9. Your dream/goal? Improvment
10. What room you are in? Bedroom
11. Your hobby? Crafting
12. Your fear? None
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
14. Where were you last night? Home
16. Muffins? none
17. Wish list item? Guillotine
18. Where you grew up? Gloucestershire
19. Last thing you did? Blog
20. What are you wearing? Joggers
21. Your TV? on
22. Your pets? Dog
23. Friends? Cherished
24. Your life? Happy
25. Your mood? Relaxed
26. Missing some one? Husband
27. Car? Zafira
28. Something you're not wearing? socks
29. Your favorite store? Range
30. Your favorite color? Pink
33. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday
34. Last time you cried? Forgotten
35. Who will resend this? Pass
36. One place that I go to over and over? Church
37. One person who emails me regularly? none
38. My favorite place to eat? Home
39. Why you participated in this survey? Fun
40. What are you doing tonight? Chilling

Swine flu double whammy.

A little update on things.

My husband is still recovering from swine flu but is much improved.

On Saturday I started to become unwell and by Sunday I was diagnosed with swine flu. I have been bed-bound until today (Wednesday). I ventured into the lounge! Then staggered back to bed a few hours later. It has really knocked the stuffing out of me. I am taking a course of tamiflu but that has side effects! Nausea!!


Will update when I feel a little better.

Update on health, life and....

Shame on me for neglecting this blog.
Life has been quite busy of late.

Two weeks ago my husband suprised me with a 2nd honeymoon in the Lake District.

He booked the same hotel we stayed at on our honeymoon, and we visited all the places we went to last time. We even got the same room and he never asked fot it!

The views were just stunning, the trees were beautiful, autumn is such a glorious season.

We went on a boat trip around Ullswater. Just a few pictures from the boat.




We also visited Lake Windermere. Another stunning place. The pictures just do not do it justice, it was so peaceful . The silence around the waterside was just amazing, a really good time to take in Gods wonderful creation around us.

This swan came up so close to us, and we just had to take a picture, what a stunning bird! I didn't realise how big they are!


After we got back from the trip, we were busy catching up with things. And the weekend was then upon us.

Sunday morning my husband was preaching and he was not well at all, in fact became so unwell he didn't go to Church in the evening, I went alone. Thankfully he wasn't preaching that evening.

He gradually got worse and on Wednesday he was diagnosed with swine flu. He is currently taking a course of Tamiflu tablets to help fight it.They can also make you feel sick - which they did!! Side effects - don't you just love them!

One week later he is still unwell but improved a little. He has had to be housebound because they encourage you to stay in and reduce chance of spreading. But to be honest he wasn't well enough to go out anyway.

My health is up and down, but the Lord sustains me and has made me well enough to care for my husband and manage to do all the household chores. Isn't God great!

No matter how I feel , the Lord never leaves or forsakes me, what a Saviour I have!

Opportunity to witness

I had a very brief time chatting to someone the other day and it is very hard to talk about spiritual things, they can be quite hostile if I don't tread carefully. But an opportunity arose and I just went for it. It all started with talking about people trying to prolong their lives etc etc , and we both agreed it was because they fear death. Then I said to her "its one thing I do not fear but look forward to. For to be with The Lord with a new perfect body, praising and glorifying Him would be wonderful.

She sort of paused on the phone so I continued and said "death is a guaranteed thing that will happen in life. Our souls live for eternity where do you think yours will go? I know where mine is going because I have admitted I am a sinner and repented and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ."

So I didnt get much reply but I am grateful that I was able to speak up for the Lord, and I pray that I will have more opportunities.

A poem about how I get on with things.

I am no poet but wanted to put a few things down

In 2002 I didn't know what to do,
I wobbled, fell over, went numb,
I had test after test, The docs did their best

But still no answer was found.


I carried on, uncertain what the future would bring.
I would laugh, cry and EVEN sing.
Then one day in the Doctor's office he said
'You have MS - you have lesions in your head'.


I left and cried, and phoned hubby outside.
He was away and I felt all alone.
Went home and just stared at the wall,
I suddenly felt incredibly small.


I cried out to the Lord to help me get through -
As I didn't know at all what to do.
He comforted me and has never let me down
I have ups and downs - nothing is new!

You may pity my verse
But my life could be worse -
And these problems will all soon be gone
And then I'll be free,
through eternity,
Because of the love of God's Son.

Article in the daily Mail

Another very interesting article in the Daily Mail.
Really worth a read, it claims it can hold MS at bay at the fraction of the price of other drug therapies.

A balancing act.

I have been up and down MS-wise, at the moment I am going in a slight upward direction.
I don't know if you have this same battle (MS related), but when I am feeling slightly better than usual I go mad and get all the things done I have not managed to do, then I pay the price with exhaustion and pain.

Is it the same with you? I keep saying to myself 'slow down girl you're going to pay the price for doing this', and I still do it! Then I get cross with myself.
It is indeed a balancing act that I still haven't got to grips with. Hmm maybe its the ugly face of pride and stubborness which I must deal with. I know I cannot do this by myself and God will strengthen me and guide me.

Also as I am on a ramble about MS, I take copaxone daily and I am being really good alternating injection sites but I am running out of areas which are clear of swelling and not painful.

Any suggestions?

Refreshing time

On Saturday we got back from our week away in Minehead Somerset (Sat-Sat). John went to a scripture union camp (Sun-Sat). We all spent Saturday Night together and most of Sunday . We worshipped in a local Church in the morning then dropped off John in the afternoon, he was only staying 20 miles away from us. He was a little excited to say the least!

Weather was not too good at beginning of week but it improved as week went along.

On Monday we were looking around the waterfront when we decided on the spur of the moment to go on an open topped bus from Minehead to Lynmouth. The views were stunning but it wasn't a journey for the faint hearted as it was windy, very narrow and steep lanes and steep slops on both sides. It was definately worth it though..

Tuesday we explored the town we were staying in. Our apartment was a stone's throw from the beach and in the heart of the town . Below shows you where we were staying and how close we were to seafront.

Its a very pretty town and the seafront is lovely , its a shame that it was so commercial (so many takeaways)! I had my first paddle in the sea.

Wednesday we had a day out on the steam train, it was wonderful. It was like going back in time and we stopped off in a place called Watchet for a fish and chip lunch.

Thursday we went to Barnstaple to visit my husbands sister and family. It was a lovely day out, great to see my nephews. We went to a nearby park and had great fun.

Friday we spent the day on the beach, it was wonderful weather. Finished the week off beautifully.

We had a lovely week and feel physically and spiritually refreshed.

God is always there

I really haven't been too well again, but I wanted to share a wonderful thing that happened to me on Sunday.

Saturday I was so under the weather (you know those MS things rearing their naughty heads again), that I mentioned to my husband that I didn't think I would be well enough to go to church on Sunday.
Well Sunday came and I really was not feeling any better, in fact I felt worse.
So in the morning I pleaded with the Lord just to make me well enough to get to church and hear His Word.
I got to church still pleading with the Lord, and as soon as the worship began I was well enough to sing heartily and follow with clarity the sermon - I even was able to write notes.
I wasnt strong enough to stand but my mind was clear.


Thank you Lord.

Monday I have continued to improve and Tuesday is even better, what a loving and comforting Lord I have.

Once they were seeds.

I am no gardener , but find it soothing plodding in the garden, gives me plenty of time to think about my Creator.

Everything in the garden has been grown from seed, so it has been lovely watching the seedlings turn into beautiful plants.

The Sun flowers looked stunning , its a shame they don't last long.

Look at these stunning colours , they are so clever at night they close up and in the mornings they wake up , and when it rains they close up so quickly.

The marigolds have really suprised me how well they are doing.

These have popped up in my border and are so delicate and the bee's just love them.

I have had a few suprises aswell as I am not organised and lost alot of the seed packaging.

So when my mum told me to thin out my tomatoes I replied what tomatoes as I thought I had planted some herbs, so now I am growing tomatoes..

This year we are growing potatoes for the first time and they have gone mad , I do hope there are some potatoes beneath the mass of leaves.

God always hears our prayers.

I Have a friend who comes to church with me with her daughter. She is a lovely lady with many struggles. As many of us do. She really needed to get away from where she lives and get a fresh start with her daughter.
Well tommorow she moves to a house just round the corner from me, what an answer to prayer. I ask that you who read this will pray for her and her daughter that the move goes without problems and they quickly settle in. That there lives will become more stable and safe.

What a great and loving and all knowing God we have.

Swimming. a mini triumph

As most of you know I have joined a gym a few weeks ago and its certainly eye opening as to how unfit I am and how weak my limbs have become - something I aim to rectify.
I had a health check and tried out some machines and got a mini 6 week plan. Well first week on it my legs just couldnt do the stepper and strider just no strength left in them :( All I could do was the cycle and rower and that was with great effort. So I approached my instructor and said I am doing aqua aerobics 3 times a week and swimming the other two with light gym work srpinkled into it, he was very supportive and said do what your body will allow and what suits you best.
Well friday 20 lengths saturday I swam 30 lengths monday aqua areobics and 10 lengths well Tuesday was a breakthrough and I swam 54 lengths whooo I say! I struggled at first to even do 10 then I added a few more and it started to flow slowly but surely and got to 54...Its a huge thing for me my muscles are definately telling me I have done it....
So I am going to settle into a swimming an areobics for now and gently pushing myself each time.

Update...

I joined a gym a week or so ago with my husband and we are loving it. I am swimming nearly every day, at my own pace of course, and cycled for first time 2 days ago with my husband (stationary bike or I would wobble and fall off) and realised how unfit I am!!
We are still at slimming club but I think this will go as we continue with the gym, way too expensive to do both. I am aching in places I forgot I had! .. Still 3 stone 3 lbs lighter..
Health wise I am ok, not good but not bad, and my hip since I have been swimming is so much better.
Still daily injecting with copaxone, its becoming difficult to find a site thats clear to inject into as swelling is taking time to go down.
I have done a lot of reflecting recently and having MS is a positive thing for me, yes I said positive! I have made new friends online and day-to-day because of it, and most importantly God has been so good and has never failed me throught all of it. What a great and loving God I have.
No matter what God never fails me, can we say the same thing about ourselves? No - we fail all the time.

Weigh in...

Lost another 1 lb this week and I am very pleased as my week really hasn't been a focused one.

total loss 3 stone 3 1/2 lbs.

Back on Slimming plan

Atlast I seem to of been able to remotivate myself and get back on the slimming world plan.
I have really been struggling past few months and gained a total of 4 1/2 lbs since January! Today I weighed in and lost 5 lbs this week! I couldnt believe it. so now my weight loss is 3 stone 2 1/2 lbs so I back in the right direction..
I do struggle sticking to plan when I am not well as I tend not to cook from scratch and buy quick meals.


My MRI scan came back clear and I will be starting physio soon and see if we can sort it out that way. The Lord is so good to me and I am so thankless and times , but I keep going to the Lord and asking for forgivness. His love is truly wonderful.

A post in the mail- MS treatment

This was an interesting article found in the Mail newspaper, its worth a read and I am going to look further into this.

MRI- Thursday

I am having a MRI tommorow on my pelvis and hip area. I have had a lot of pain in right hip since my last steroid treatment, its mainly precautionary, but steroids can have side effects like bone thinning and damaging/destroying blood supply to bones i.e hips etc.
Will update you when I have more to tell.

When I go through periods of times like these (pain) , I go to the Lord and ask for peace and help to deal with it, and God never fails me , even though I too often fail Him.
What a wonderful and great God I have.

My holiday.

We went to New Word Alive holiday in deepest Wales Saturday to Thursday .It was held on a Haven holiday site and we were staying in one of the many mobile homes there.

The weather was wonderful, the beach was less than five minutes away, the scenery just made me feel so small and made me think what a mighty Creator we have.

The talks were awesone and I have had my eyes firmly opened about the story of Jonah which Liam Golligher led. Wow wow wow comes to mind.

And on Sunday I heard Don Carson speak pm, well words fail me it was just what the doctor ordered.There were talks all day but there is only so much you can retain and keep in.

John went to the 11-14 year old groups in the morning the rest of the day we filled with family stuff like swimming, go-karting, crazy golf, air hockey (ouch my knuckles),FOOTBALL, monopoly (electronic version you have debit cards no cash in this game lol), walks along the beach and cliff walks, oh my so much crammed in in a few days.

Went to some interestng talks about teenager-parenting which were very helpful and I brought the book that they were based on.

We had a wonderful holiday, the Lord blessed us with safe journeys and beautiful weather, and the teaching there was wonderful.

I have to admit to being exhausted but very happy.
.

Update on Health and so much to be thankful for.

Thought I would just update my blog for those who read it.

The steroids I had recently seemed to have worked and my vision came back in my right eye, then a few days ago it went again. I still have my left so I am still smiling.

I saw my MS nurse last week and mentioned I have pain in my right hip, I am going to have an MRI scan on it to check no damage has been caused by the steroids I have taken. It is painful but I am at peace with whatever it may be, God enables me to have this peace and I am so thankful.
I will update you when I know more.

My daily injections are going well and I am not bruising as much as I used to and when I look back to when I started capaxone it certainly has reduced my amount of relapses, so yet another thing to be thankful to God about.

I am thankful my husband is my full time carer, and is the best husband in the world (yes I am biased lol).

I am thankful for my son being understanding why his mummy is in bed so early.

I am thankful for my bloggy friends who are so encouraging.

Most of all I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who paid the price for my sins.

Sometimes we have to step back and see all the blessings we have daily.

Another Great Hymn-Man of sorrows what a name.

m
This is one of my husbands favourite hymns and we had this at our wedding,The words are just wonderful and full of hope and joy to the Christian.


Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King
,All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

A snippet of Gods creation.

I by no means class myself as a gardener but I do enjoy pottering around in the garden. I planted a few pots a couple of weeks ago to give the garden a splash of colour.

When I look at the flowers planted I am in awe of the beauty in the shapes and colours and wanted to share a few pictures with you.

Update on things in general.

Health wise I think I am improving but I have to take things slowly or I will set myself backwards rarther than going forwards,

Sensation in coming back in arms and legs and is quite painful but thats a positive thing , means feeling is returning. My face and neck are numb but it doesnt hinder me in anyway, My eyesight is much inproved (yeh!).... mentally I feel like fighting again aslong long as I fight before afternoon comes lol as enery levels have gone by then.
Most importantly I have been walking closer my Mighty God and going to Him in prayer and I cannot stop thanking Him for His goodness, AND his love.

We have a mighty God that can do all things and never leaves us or forsakes us , what a friend we have.


Weight wise it came to a standstill but im still 3 stone 1 loss so thats a plus , trying to get remotivated and focused,.

I wanted to share one of my favourite Hymns with you.

There is a hymn that has a very special place in my heart. I sang it the first Sunday I went to church after I was converted and we had it on our wedding day.

The words simply say it all that is needed.

My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less


My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His cov'nant, and His blood,
Support me in the 'whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Update...

I have had my three day course of IV steroids tues/wed/thurs last week. It took four times to canulate me I am sure my veins hide when a needle comes out.
I have come down off the steroid high and just waiting to see if there is any effect, no sensation on right side has returned yet but its still early days.

I came down with a heavy cold after course of steroids was taken which has not helped at all. Its a waiting game now and I will keep you updated when things happen.

Still feel lousey but still smiling and God being on my side its a win win situation.

Update

I havent been feeling well at all recently and my sight in right eye is badly affected. My right hand side is numb and I have the shakes. So I went to see my neurologist today and next week I will under go a 3 day course of IV steroids to help me get back onto road to recovery.
I do tend to improve quickly once taken.

Thankyou for prayers and please continue to pray for me at this time.

Clare

Thankyou for your prayers.

I am a little better , still very tired most of the time and everything feels so hard. But I am doing more. Still not sleeping well grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr lol..
It was lovely to see my parents in law. They came down Wednesday evening just before the heavy snowfall and went back Sunday night after the Sunday service.
Thankyou for your prayers.
God is so good.

Update and prayer request.

I am really struggling health wise at moment, fatigue is so bad and sleep seems to evade me a bit of a viscous circle.
Both my eyes have been effected and vision a little foggy.
I am finding everything hard work.

I ask for prayer for me that my health will return quickly and I can get back doing normal things.
I feel like I am failing as a wife and a mother and as a Christian. Just mentally I am at a low,I value your prayers.

I know God is with me and will never fail me.

Wednesday weigh in- 28/01/09

I lost 2 lbs this week so I am over the moon. Total loss 3 stone 1 1/2 lbs..
Got to keep walking I do hope my body lets me as it really helps with weight loss.

A little update on my MS

I have been struggling recently but still managing to do things and my optic neuritus has flared up with avengence (my right eye). I can cope with loss of vision but the pain around and behind the eye stops you in your tracks.
So I made an appointment with my Doctor. I saw him Thursday morning. I get on well with my doctor.
I have now been prescribed a 5 days course of oral steroids which should ease the imflamtion behind the eye. I do tend to respond well to this treatment. It should also help with the fatigue side of things.
Also my doctor is so pleased with my weight loss , he is so encouraging.

But I am still smiling and going to the Lord more often in prayer. We have such a comforter and loving God , a friend that never lets us down.

wednesday weigh in- 21/01/09

Weigh in again.
Lost 1 1/2 lbs this week which suprised me as I had my birthday at weekend and ate cake and lots of bad stuff.

Total loss 2 stone 13 1/2 lbs

Bit of a Battle

At late fatigue has peaked. I struggle to get up . I struggle to do daily things and I struggle to sleep.
Sometimes I just want to stay in bed and not move!
It seems a constant battle and effort to do the simplest things, but I am convinced it is mentally strenghtening me. The Lord is always with me and sometimes when Life is too easy you forget the important things.
I have so much to be thankful fo, even the struggles..

Weigh In wednesday.

Another weigh in loomed , we have a Christian friend who has started coming with us. We all encourage each other which is great!
I lost 3 1/2 lbs this week totalling 2 stone 12 lb loss and I am aiming for 2 lbs next week to get my three stone award.
I am so pleased its coming off.
My diet mainly consists of fish and vegetables, which I love by the way..

Another wednesday another weigh in.

Well I lost a 1lb this week , so back in right direction, total loss 2 stone 8 1/2 lbs. So 100% on plan this week and walking further with dog will help.

Update on my MS

My energy levels are quite low at moment and I am in bed so early these days, for one it helps with pain in both legs which has raised its ugly head again and secondly I just have to lie down as energy has gone by that time of evening. But getting to sleep is a totally different matter and its driving me nuts. Grrrrr
My right eye isn't any better or worse , I can only describe like looking through thick fog and the pain in and around my eye is back. This pain stop me in my tracks as it such a sharp stabbing pain.

On a lighter note I have recently had a few comments on how well I look! I take all the positives I can and put that energy to good use.

We also have snow lingering about this makes roads and pathways dodgy to walk along but fun! Dolly the dog turns into turbo dolly in the snow it makes me laugh so much I think people think I am nuts!

Bye for now.