Whats this healthy you speak of

Being healthy I think is a privilege sometimes. No I’m not making fun or trying to get under anyone’s skin so calm yourself. Think about it. Now days, EVERYONE has something.  We as humans are so fragile. We like to think we are the greater species. If you think about it we aren’t.  There are things out there that can take us down in just a second. From viruses to  wounds.  And we are the top of the food chain!!  Diseases are everywhere and Im sure we don’t know the half of it.  We have to take the pro active to stay healthy. Yes healthy people still outnumber the sick. Thank you lord. Value your health.

Treasure it, protect it, So many take it for granted until  bam… they don’t have it anymore.

Health is not something you want to test to see the limits of how far it can go.  Dr’s can only do so much.  yes there are great medications out there but do you realize each medication comes with risk. (read the side effects people)

If you already have an illness what then?  well, From what I understand, have experienced and learned.  Guess it is pretty common sense.   You build up everything around it like a big shelter. Eat what you can to fix it, believe it or not food if for  healing.  when food isnt enough talk to your dr. tell them the truth about where you are in treatment options and WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO.  if you arent going to follow the direction then whats the point?  They can’t help you if you don’t help yourself.

Some of the medications that we end up having to take though, I tell ya…

I feel like this little dog! On many occasions.

If you tell your dr this medication is interfering with my daily life that I want to be active and live. Trust me. They will help you find options. If they won’t FIND A DR THAT WILL.   YOU HIRE THEM.

You have to be open to the fact that there is only so much they can do though. reality is reality.

Multiple sclerosis is a hard disease.   I know that so many of us want to do things that we just are unable to when we get in flares. The depression of the life we want and the life that we are in just doesn’t match at the time. We have to keep looking forward.  Think about this.

When I was first diagnosed there were 4 choices (plus steroids there is always steroids) of medications for multiple sclerosis treatment. DO YOU KNOW THAT TODAY.. THIS DAY there are 11?

Yeah I just read that.  So that should show you there are improvements being made.  This should show also other diseases that things are happening with research.

Another thing with M.S. I firmly believe we have chemical sensitivities.  I know a lot of you will say “YEAH RIGHT” I used to be one of those people. I proved it in myself.  If you want to say yeah right fine. what is the risk. OH yeah.. feeling better? Prove me wrong.  I DARE YOU.

 

~~~~~~~~MS AND DIET~~~~~~

I don’t like to use the word diet because it isn’t it is life style. You have  to completely change how you think. I am not saying you cannot enjoy the occasional donut but you cannot jump off the lifestyle you have an underlying illness that will come screaming out like vultures.  ask me how I know!!

Here are some of the well known MS related diets. Personally I just like clean eating. These basically have all of the same in it and are structured toward illness.

*CHECK WITH YOUR DR BEFORE STARTING ANY TYPE OF DIET OR EXERCISE PLAN*

http://www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org/Recovery-Program/Diet/

http://www.swankmsdiet.org/

About The Wahls Protocol

Terry Wahls is amazing!!

Paleo is a promising one also. Terry Wahls bases a lot of her diet around that.

 

~~~~~~~MS AND EXERCISE~~~~~~~~

an object in motion stays in motion.   Move it or loose it.  We have all heard the phrases.  They are awesome.  There is some truth to them also. You see people that are still active at 90 years old and people say “oh Good genes.”You talk to them and what is the same thing they say? They stay active.  They are doing something every day with purpose.  We can not loose our purpose.  So we have to get up and move. If you are unable to get up then move it in your chair or where ever you are. If you can’t lift anything but your head lift your head! MOVE SOMETHING.  KEEP ON MOVING. If you stop then.. well.  you  exactly that. Don’t let can’t be your word.

Stretching is important for Multiple sclerosis and well anyone with anything actually.  It keeps your muscles stretched and helps us with those GOOD HEAVENS those muscleeee spassssmmms. We hate to so much. We can stretch through them!!

I found this page that has some great stretching exercises. It shows you how to do them.  look through it and get up and do them. You may like some of them You may not like some of them. Do em anyway with me.. 🙂                     You can find it                    HERE

 

Sorry this is so big but If I couldn’t read it… I figured my MS people would have trouble as well.

~~~~Some funnies and other stuff!~~~~

How many of us can relate to the above huh? NOW you understand why I want to get the diet in check?

Sorry This made me cry I laughed so hard. (still laughing)

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Find something to smile/laugh about.

smooches

I am “Still”

~~~Nancy with a Jones~~~

MY ONE LITTLE WORD for 2015

I don’t know about you all, but I have had a lot of trouble this year trying to think about what word to use as my signature word.  I went through all the usual, Blessed, Amazed, Grace, Love, Precious, Live,Love, Laugh, Shine, …. it all sounded so,, superficial then I thought hey that’s a word. Not one I want as THE word though. (You can see where my brain is) I have been so scattered for a while now. I think this flare up has just thrown my brain into a big heaping pile of Random and shook it around and let it go flying about. Everything has been so out of the normal it seems and we have been struggling to get back to our groove. So as I sat here tonight thinking about 2 sweet awesome people I spent time on today. (I just loved,  may I add that) It made me really stop and think (yes, thinking, It did kinda hurt I know you will ask)  😉

I need to just get to that place where I can be “Still” again. Then it hit me. AHHHHHH!!!

 !!STILL!!!  I know, IIII KNOOOW,  that seems like such a crazy, strange, word to be MY word. BUT hear me out. (and well duh MY WORD what do you expect anything but normal right?) I knew you would agree.
Still, is a VERY versatile word and is kinda all over the place. Like me right now. It means so many things. This word can be A noun, A verb, an Adjective, even an adverb. I KNOWWW!
It describes so much of where I am at right now what I am striving for, What I wish to be, what I so very much need. And who I am.. Still me. Looking for stillness,  Still the same ol same ol, we are STILL doing this huh? see where I’m going with this? But in the end. I hope to  end the year with calm Still, peace Be Still While right now its all… Still me! going AHHHHHCK. Make sense? Im looking forward . to the end.

Lets look at the definition (s)
STILL

stil/Submit
adjective
1.
not moving or making a sound.
“the still body of the young man”
synonyms: motionless, unmoving, not moving a muscle, stock-still, immobile, inanimate, like a statue, as if turned to stone, rooted to the spot, transfixed, static, stationary
“the parrot lay still”
antonyms: moving, active
(of air or water) undisturbed by wind, sound, or current; calm and tranquil.
“her voice carried on the still air”
synonyms: calm, flat, even, smooth, placid, tranquil, pacific, waveless, glassy, like a millpond, unruffled, stagnant
“the lake was still”
(of a drink) not effervescent.
noun
noun: still; plural noun: stills
1.
deep silence and calm; stillness.
“the still of the night”
synonyms: quietness, quiet, quietude, silence, stillness, hush, soundlessness; More
antonyms: noise, disturbance, hubbub
2.
an ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a movie.
adverb
adverb: still
1.
up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly.
“he still lives with his mother”
synonyms: up to this time, up to the present time, until now, even now, yet
“she’s still running in circles”
referring to something that will or may happen in the future.
“we could still win”
2.
nevertheless; all the same.
“I’m afraid he’s crazy. Still, he’s harmless”
synonyms: nevertheless, nonetheless, regardless, all the same, just the same, anyway, anyhow, even so, yet, but, however, notwithstanding, despite that, in spite of that, for all that, be that as it may, in any event, at any rate; More
3.
even (used with comparatives for emphasis).
“write, or better still, type, captions for the pictures”
verb
verb: still; 3rd person present: stills; past tense: stilled; past participle: stilled; gerund or present participle: stilling
1.
make or become still; quieten.
“she raised her hand, stilling Erica’s protests”
synonyms: quiet, silence, hush;

 

I think this is going to be the perfect word for 2015,

So That’s out of the way.I know you are excited huh HA HA.

 

Speaking of “Still” Im FINALLY Weaning off the steroids (GOO MEE!) So Im not sitting  picking out the marshmallows in the Lucky charms any more as much.. or ok.. Ill play along. “STILL”

 

 

That is my dream cereal though. Why they don’t make that. I have no Idea. Cause… MMMHM! :hand up to the lord::

 

I am still feeling a LITTLE.. like this but well if you know me.. I`m kinda this way even without steroids.

 

Yeah, that with the virus on top of it. My face.. Just like that.  I kid you not. But I’m not “still” like that as much. Ok maybe.

NOW THIS… UGHM yeah. I am “STILL” lookin like this.   I love taking steroids because I feel better but man. I reallly do not like what they do to our bodies. Although we feel better on them.  I look like stay puff Marshmallow girl and Michelin man’s love child.   MICHELIN PUFF “STILL” yess I STILL look all puffed out. I know it will go away though.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~For my Clean eating people and MS People This  is for you~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A TIP OR TWO

RAW ALMONDS.. As long as you don’t have an allergy to nuts. Keep RAW almonds  around in the snack size (yes they make those short zip lock bags) zip lock bags for emergency snacks. In case you get caught in traffic, or You are late to your lunch. Measure them out ahead of time. Keep some in your purse, glove box in car, or gym bag. ALL THE TIME. You can measure them out by cupping the palm of your hand. That is about how many you need to eat (and don’t pile them up)  A few reduced fat triscuits are another option. READ THE SERVING SIZE.  PRE MEASURE IT OUT into the zip lock baggies.  This way you won’t over eat if you are late for meal. It is advisable to  have your meal on time every time.   That isn’t always possible. They make chicken instead of in the can in pouches now. A great quick easy GO MEAL. (can eat it with triscuits  read serving size!!) or straight out of the pouch with a fork.

When you learn to eat to live instead of live to eat. Everything changes.

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Having M.S. we are burdened with so many freaky things  Muscle spasms are a constant question people ask about on message boards and chat groups.   Most dr’s prescribe medications that will just make you out of it and all you can do is go to bed.  If you are like myself and have a child. That just can’t happen. we have a life going on and we want to live it. Not sleep all the time.

My goal is to live.  I have found some things that WORK FOR ME  and I am gladly sharing these suggestions here on my blog.  These may not work for you. So try at your own risk. I don’t know your underlying issues so please talk to your dr first ok? Deal? Thanks.

I have battled muscle spasms that are not only painful but down right freaky and crazy. They freeze up, tighten up and the screaming will commence. At times nothing will release them until I just go get shots and everything they can throw at it to just MAKE… IT… STOP. that has happened twice in my life. Looked so freaky to have one leg and hiney cheek tensed up all the time and the other normal.

So when I say We have tried EVERYTHING. Im serious.

I do a LOT of stretching. I have found keeping my muscles stretched helps.

HERE

is a FREE  illustrated step by step manual from the national MS society that shows you several  stretches you can do daily to help alleviate or lessen these muscle spasms. At first it may be hard. It may hurt. You may not be able to do them. Don’t quit, Don’t give up. Keep doing it.  All this didn’t happen in a day. MS got worse over time. It will take time to help.

Start slow on the stretches and build your way to more.

I also use a series of Essential oils to help. Lemon grass (diluted with  coconut oil) because it is a hot oil and can burn your skin also helps me.  I have a mixture of essential oils that I have added to my regime that help me.  Lavender and Lemon grass  are 2 of the ones that seem to help ME to relax my muscles the most when spasming.  Everyone is different and what works on me may not be what works for you.  I will be glad to help you with finding what works for you if you are interested.  just let me know.  I have done a lot of research and also have contact with very knowledgable accredited people that will make sure you do it correctly.

PLEASE DO NOT just go to a store and buy oils and start using them.  All oils are not made the same and there should be a lot of research involved before a decision to use  them.you should have support in helping you educate yourself with them as well.  It can be dangerous just like using vitamins and herbs. It is medicinal and can also interfere with medication you are taking. So always let your dr know if you are taking any essential oils along with a health care medical routine.  There are many do’s and Don’ts. I would be irresponsible if I just  told you OH this helps me get it!! So know that  it is important to use them safely. I care that you get relief not more problems.

Thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is believed mostly that HEAT can cause MS to go all bonkers but, DID YOU KNOW, that any sudden change in temperature can trigger an MS flare? This is true.  This was released in a study recently  that any sudden change in temperature can cause symptoms to worsen. So when these “Arctic Blasts” hit and we feel all ickified.. its not just oh I feel cruddy. It truly is our MS. So be watchful of symptoms just like you do when you flare up at other times.

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I know people with Chronic Illness get this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep fighting! Never ever give up!

I’m …

“Still”

Nancy

with a Jones 🙂

2015 TRIED AND TRUE.. Back to me and you

I an effort to get my me back in 2015, I have decided to start writing again. It did me a lot of good. I also have A LOT of scrapbooking to catch up on. It did me a lot of good in accountability and daily self checks. I know my family likes to look at the pages and things so this is a place that is standard that everyone can see. So much happened in 2014 and I didn’t get much done really. I had a humongous Shingle flare up which led to an M.S. flare up, which led to a new medication I took one of that caused an allergic reaction and HUGOMONGOUS WORSE SHINGLE OUTBREAK IN THE HISTORY OF  SHINGLE OUTBREAK, more steroids… then eye infection, then shingles on the other side… and then a viral infection.  This was the biggest break out I have ever had in my life. It was terrifying because it wouldn’t go away and got right around my eye, down in my ear and places that caused pain I never have had. Im not saying that for woe is me, but if this helps just one person to understand, and get diagnosed earlier. Or to understand what someone else with this horrific disease does. then YAY. The last 6 months have been unreal.  a True test of so much.  one day to the next not knowing what now.. So many are sick I understand that.  this was a really bad place I was in. I’m very blessed with the support I have. I want to pay some of it forward to others.  So I can give back here.   I want to do something positive. Something that I know.

Our bodies change. MS is a fickle illness. Having Chronic Shingles along with it makes it difficult. I am fortunate to have one of the leading MS specialists in Mobile as my dr …. but wait. He is leaving in April. I KNOWWWW. I have cried, Begged, Bribed. But His heart is in research and teaching. Honestly we are so lucky to have him there. He promised me if a study comes up that fits me He will call me. I love this dr yall so My next one … he will be in for it. ha. He is making sure I am well taken care of before he goes (thank you lord)

I wanted to do a catch up  post on here the first post of wonderful things that happened in 2014 I can only tell of one thing. Nothing can top this.

THE BIG ONE..

BELLA GOT BAPTIZED!! We were/are beyond proud.

 

 

 

 

(Photo compliments of David Carter Photography)

This photo looks amazing in person I took a picture of it with my phone so you could see how amazing this day was. So forgive my shaky hands. My photography isn’t so great anymore.

 It was a wonderful day. We were so happy that Aunt Irene, My Mom and a very special person in our life Bellas teacher from kindergarten as well as a close family friend Mrs Glenda Massengill  were all able to be there.

We had tried to do the baptism several times, Things kept happening. Bella would get sick or I would get  sick or family couldn’t be there or something was going on at the church.

I didn’t personally take any pictures. (I KNOWWW) I was too busy  looking in full amazement.  Y’all! The choir loft was  dark and all of the choir was turned looking  up at the  baptismal, it is  hard to explain it was surreal,  The  Lights were all off except the spot light.   The over flowing light of the Choir looking up at them… It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It kinda reminded me of a glimpse into heaven sorta maybe almost and made me think the lord himself was right there and these were all the angels of heaven stopped still, looking at what was happening.  Rejoicing that my baby was now  part of this kingdom. I know .. How arrogant of me to think such. Who am I but just a human. But if you could have seen what was in front of me.. It was breath taking. Yes I was crying.

I knew at that moment Bella’s Nana in heaven and my Grandmother  well everyone that had gone before us and is waiting on us there were ELATED beyond Joy and I KNOW that the Lord Jesus was thrilled. Bella had given her heart to Jesus a long time ago.  She was little when she came to us with this decision. Matter of fact Mrs. Gloria Massengill played a huge part in that.  So many people think children are too young. But, I dunno.. She knew.  I talked to Mrs. Gloria and she talked with her too. It was the sweetest thing ever. That is why I was so happy she was there to see the follow through of the baptism. Bella never wanted to  physically get baptized.  Pastor Brett did a sermon one sunday and in his sermon he spoke a little about why we get Baptized. On that Sunday Bella came in and said ” Ok  fine…  I need to do it. she sighed.. I need to get Baptized. If Jesus can do it… I can do it.”  (she was scared of the water) My heart leapt.  Yes I cried. (You see a pattern here?)

When you accept Jesus as your savior it is the most amazing day ever. You feel so alive and excited. People, let me tell you… When your child gets baptized… When your child accepts Jesus and you KNOW they get it. They truly mean it and you know they are fully there. without a doubt.  There is not a feeling in the world like it.

I know I am not perfect. I fail daily I am far from worthy.  I am easy to loose focus and get frustrated so easy. YET, I can say this. I recognize blessings when I see it. I know Where my hope is found. I know Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.

 I know 2015 is going to be better because THIS was the most amazing thing that happened in 2014.  When I sat trying to think of something positive. All I could think about was this. So 2015 is going to build on it.

We haven’t been in church in the last .. long while. I miss it. Sickness has been a mess. BUT, IT IS  better.  We waited out today because I start new medication and I DID NOT want to risk it.  If I get sick I cant start it.

 2015 is going to be a rebuilding year for us.  Going back to what we know. We tried all the other stuff in 2014.. we tried other ways of doing things.  we tried medications that led to getting very ill.   When the way I was doing things was working (clean eating exercising and doing steroids when I had the occasional flare up)  Going to church  living simply and staying with the basics. Scrapbooking our life  and living our love song day to day the way God intended.  Sometimes it is just best to stick with what you know works.  Quit trying for “NEW AND IMPROVED” when TRIED AND TRUE is NOT BROKE.

So I will be updating this more regularly and putting some recipes on what clean eats I use. Exercises that help me with certain  problems with things.   THESE ARE THINGS THAT WORK FOR ME!!!! So for the necessary stuff: (sorry I have too because.. well you know those labels on hair dryers that say don’t use  this in the shower.. there is a reason for that so I have to do this same reason)

I am monitored by a dr. I am not just going all willy nilly doing all this.  So do not just do this and then say NANCY SAIDDDD. Go your self to the dr and tell em whats going on. Ask them if this could work for you. Everyone is different and you could have a different set of issues that it could hurt.  Cause… I ain’t gone be tellin you to do nothin to hurt you.. with me? k. just gettin all that straight now. 

Starting tomorrow I will start eating clean so … approach with caution as I go through detox of sugars , excess toxins blah blah and etc. 🙂 Prayer will be happening all day and welcomed.

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COOL STUFF

Tip: Have a Pre made jug (I do a gallon) of ICE COLD, as cold as you can get it water with lemon, cucumber, a little fresh mint if you have it, and lemon wedges. (lime works ok but lemon is a great detox) Prepare the night before and put in the refrigerator so it sits over night. (I have a big jug that has a little spout on the front i can push and it fills my cup straight from the fridge no lifting) drink on this all day long until it is empty!!!

Here is why. As the cucumber, Fresh mint and lemon sit over night they soak into the water and flavor it with its goodness. The cucumber helps flush out toxins and promotes clear skin, They aid in digestion and help us absorb hydration.  Use half a medium cucumber per gallon,  Lemon (take out seeds) is a diuretic that will help FLUSH your system, and cut down your cravings for sweets,   CUT THE LEMON AND CUCUMBER AS THIN AS YOU CAN FOR OPTIMAL FLAVORED WATER.  MINT about 10 to 12 sprigs.. The mint will help appetite suppression.  All of it together also increases your metabolism. It is good for you. I would NOT drink this every day  Good plain water is good also.  But it is great during the first 3 days of detox to help speed it along to get those toxins out!! DRINK DRINK DRINK.

BONUS TIP: Pre make your food for the day the night before so you wont be hungry and “looking” for something quick. It will be right there for you to grab and eat. I always make a turkey roll up or lettuce wrap, I have my protein shake sitting on the cabinet ready for me to mix so It is a NON THOUGHT.

I learned this from some very intelligent people and they were right. It works.  I keep veggies cut up, I keep my salad prepared for lunch or my rice and chicken whatever my meal is ready for quick eating so I wont attempt to grab something that is “easy”

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RECIPE

Here is something easy for you to get you started. I  like to do this and make enough for several days. SO MUCH you can do with this, Freezes well also!

SLOW COOKER SHREDDED CHICKEN

Instead of the seasonings they use. I use ONLY Mrs.Dash Original, Mrs Dash Onion and Herb and  Mrs. Dash Garlic and herb.  A little pink salt and a little pepper. If you want evoo and Acv add a bit to taste.

You can  drain then cool completely.  Store it in  pre measured zip locs or just in a dish. Then have wraps, Chicken and rice with Broccoli, Spinach or whatever veggie, Chicken and salad. Or whatever  your clean meal is and the chicken is already done. If others in your family are not eating clean (which THEY SHOULD BE) They can add it to whatever they are eating as well (Bella likes it in Mac and cheese)

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Again be sure to check with your dr before adding subtracting or changing any medication to your healthcare regimen.  I am not a dr.. I don’t even play one on the internet. I just read stuff that looks interesting. If It helps AWESOME!!!

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HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

NancyJ

Let me know what you think of this post. More of the same? not so much? eeeh?

Having church…right there in our bathroom

So yeah,  I talk about God a lot and Jesus all the time on my facebook.    If you know me IT ISN’T just that.. talk. 

A good way that I really know that was tonight. God gave me the most wonderful present. He does that for his children. Gives us presents. Little gifts, it may come as something unexpected, and suddenly over the next hill, a beautiful sunset, or a cloud shaped as a great big smiley face. (he has a sense of humor I mean, Look at my brother)  I get little gifts all the time. Beautiful gifts, Rain stopping just long enough that I don’t get totally drenched, or a person that is less fortunate enjoying the rain so I will appreciate it and just get out and walk slowly in it and smile, laugh and say “ISN’T IT A G-GORGEOUS DAY!!” people love to look at you all sideways when you do that one.  Sometimes the gifts are more subtle like being able to hear a song that you really need to hear at a particular time, or see a friendly smile from someone when you feel your worse. 

I love looking at clouds and all the different shapes they turn into ,on road trips. I sometimes imagine that it is God’s little picture show and the angels are up there playing etch a sketch showing us the fun things going on…   YES I have quite the vivid imagination. NO I AM NOT ON DRUGS. Rainbows are always God’s gift to us and an example of his infinite love and promise to us. 

Today I think though I received one of the best gifts,  and it was with my own ears.  No one knew I got this gift. Not until now.  I have not told anyone. Not a soul.  We sing a lot in this house. Have always. I didn’t say we do it well, we just do.  JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD, it doesn’t say anything about it being on key or perfect. 

Well, any time my daughter is taking a bath ,or in the bathroom brushing her hair, or doing nails, she is singing. She gets this honest. I am the same way. I sing  all the time I would rather have on the radio than the tv. I lost my song for a long time.  I didn’t sing.I think it left when my dad was killed. My heart was so broken and sad I just didn’t have any reason to sing. I lost so much on that day. More than just my father.

 It came back when this child came into the world.  I sang to her constantly. She didn’t care how good it sounded.  And I had many critics that told me how NOT WELL I sang.  OH but, Not my baby girl ever. And it really isn’t about that.  It was about her beautiful smile when  I did. The sillier it was the bigger the smile. The softer and sweet of a  lullaby the more she snuggled in. Even today we sing. 

SO fast forward to today. I hear her today.. Happily in the bathtub singing… then she stops singing as I was walking by. I thought at first she heard me walking past. BUt then I realized what was going on. She doesn’t know I heard her. well yet.. praying…” Jesus? Thank you for my mom and dad, I know they love me so much a lot more than anyone.  But Even though that is a lot I know you love me way more than that.” (SHE GETS IT!!! SHE TOTALLY GETS IT!! I wanted to just scream and jump up and down but refrained) “Thank you for making moms heart better, whatever it is… she is singing a lot more, so I know she is better.  Thank you for loving us A men.”      

Oh wow….  She notices so much more than I ever realized.  My baby girl gets it!  She gets A) GOD loves her so much more than we ever could.  B) We love her more than any person could, well besides her grandparents i think they would fight us about that but still. C). She knows I am better.  

Who knew just singing could do all that huh?

So I have had a couple shingles but they are not bad, tiny… and have been aggravated about it.  It is fathers day and I always am well… like I am, because I miss him so much, but try to focus  and show joy John and papa. Celebrate them.

Cant fool this child.

She knows my heart. She shared it for a good part of a year.  So I Went into our bathroom and just wept.

  But it wasn’t tears of sadness.  It was tears of thankfulness.

I prayed for so long  for this child, and that our child would know God, She would know the true meaning of love. And she will live it. 

My child JUST HAD CHURCH.. right here in our bathroom.

Singing this song.

 

Praise you lord. 

 

What reflection do you see?

So when we went on a recent trip through 3 states and brought home a souvenir for Charley (HEY LINDA!)  ::waving::  You will understand that a little bit later in this post, We learned a lot about reflections.

 

There is a reflection in water…. LOTS OF RAIN AND WATER PUDDLES…

There is a reflection you can see on a cloudy day … in a window

 

 

 

There is the reflection that is in a mirror.

Reflections from yesteryear we get a glimpse of now and again to remind us of how it once was, but will

never be exactly the same again.

Reflecting on quiet moments and wonderful memories.

 

Reflecting on the tall and tiny…

Reflections of the gold and shiny….

Reflections of promised memories to make… and then DOING THEM!!

  

Reflections of THE BEST MUFFULETTA EVER!

And of course HOW COULD WE EVER FORGET….

 

WE HAVE to have excitement on our trip or it just wouldn’t be an adventure now WOULD IT?  THE FISH TANK in the lobby started sizzling or smoking or something and the fire alarms went off. They didn’t tell US it was no big deal. SO down the stairs 3 floors we go, IN PJS no less. With Nana – faye, Bella, Linda, John and Myself. This is what greeted us at the main entrance of our lovely hotel. We went back UP the elevator no less. THANK YOU VERY MUCH I think Nana just wanted to see the handsome fire fighters of the greater metropolis there. She wasn’t fooling any one hehehehe. Happily NO fish or people were injured in the excursion.

So, Remember when I said at the beginning of the post, that we brought Charley (our little puppy man) a souvenir?

Maybe this will answer any questions, Charley and his LINDA.

I think Charley would have gone home with Linda if we would have let him. HE LOVED her. He was all over her. Kisses and loves and followed her around like a shadow. He played with her, sat with her. He was her constant companion. So we keep telling him we will have to bring him home Linda again. He has never acted like that with anyone. HE LOVED Linda. So I go around singing when he is laying down looking all mopey “I’m lying here with Linda onnn MYYY MINNNND” it is so funny.

We had such a great time with our friend linda.  She was such a Joy.

 

We played, We cooked, We looked for the space station when it was supposed to fly over our area YES IN THE RAIN.

Reflecting on her visit the only thing I can say…. It just wasn’t enough time. We had a great time. I know Charley will agree. We are ready to see everyone again.  So much we wanted to do but RAIN RAIN RAIN stood a lot in our way.

Great memories. Never imagined We would ever get to see Linda or Nana-Faye again, We  had always hoped to. When the chance came up OH you know We wouldn’t miss it! We Never imagined ever getting to see Teresa or Teri at all, so wow. You just never know what might happen.  When I reflect back on these memories it will always be with great smiles of the adventures and good time we had. The lord has truly blessed us.  We are so thankful.

 

Yes my word of the day as you probably have guessed is….. Reflection. I hope did it justice.

Wish Big

Nancy

 

LOOK MOM! WE WENT TO THE LIBRARY!!

Bella with our stack of Library stash.

Of course it was an adventure. WHEN would you know anything I DO not to be an adventure? Sadly, my library card ::redface:: is beyond expired. I KNOW … I know. You don’t even have to say it. Shame on me.
So we get to the library, GREAT parking space SCORE!
I have my old library card (so I thought) bonus. EEEHHHK WRONG. It was just the virtual one so that doesn’t mean diddly.
I had Johns… YES HE IS A GOOD BOY he has his Library card. ::insert halo over my husband::
Yes.. I KNOW, I know…
So I am standing there and the sweet lady says “oh it is no problem I just need your drivers license.” cool. So I dig in this purse looking for my drivers license. UGH OH… wha. where. noooooo….. I CANNOT FINDDD MY DRIVERS LICENSE. I found my temporary… an old one from I don’t know what year Ya why is that even .. ughhh! WHen did I have it last. wait. We just voted..Pants pocket. IT IS IN MY DADGUmmit it is in my pants pocket. I am tearing through this purse yall. I call John “look through my pants pockets I had on.. UGHM HONEY? Those are in the dryer…” seriously when have we ever decided to KEEP UP WITH LAUNDRY!!!

I hand my purse to Bella and head home. NO LIBRARY TODAY I GUESS. “Baby, look through this wallet thing go through every page and see, just see if I shoved it down in there, PLEASE?”
We get to the intersection of Hillcrest and Grelot.. (if you live here you know that is not far from the library but traffic lights … Mobile has all these TRAFFFFICCC LIGGGHHTTTS!! I hear this sweet voice like ANGELS SINGING “Is this it mama?” LAAAAAAAAAA

“YES!!! THAT IS IT!!” I am thinking now this lady won’t think I’m a Some kinda weirdo with no license, carting my kid around, looking for a book to read trying to pass off my husbands library card. (do people do that?)

So we get back to the library… I meet this adorable girl. I tell her way too much info as I always do. (How I couldn’t find my license but then we did, and now we are here and we need to get a new library card, because mine is expired but I had one and I used to come all the time I REALLY DID!!!) ya like that.
she laughed had a beautiful smile.
Helped us get fixed up. The lady that originally helped us saw us again, waved big and said YAY YOU FOUND IT. Told her Bella found it … in my purse. WE VOTED… ya anyway..
I think she knew I was frantic.

The sweet girl signed Bella up for one too. It is funny how kids get excited about things. Bella was so excited to have a card to put in her wallet. She feels so GROWN UP. A LIBRARY card. I thought I had her one already. My brain is the way it is so maybe I didn’t. Maybe I just had it with mine and checked her out books but I KNOW we did a lot with the library when she was little.

SO that was today’s adventure. She was really excited to find 2 books. ALSO, 2 movies she had wanted to see. The book that was on her summer reading list wasn’t in (not shocked) but the sweet lady in the fiction section ordered it for her and will email when in. she is first on the list. Hope to knock these book reports on out so no waiting to the last minute.

I found this book I wanted to read The new MITCH ALBOM book “The First Phone Call From Heaven.” He also wrote “The Five People You meet In Heaven. I will let you know what I think of it.

which feet are your "fwip fwops" on?

I was looking on Facebook today and saw a friends post about her sweet little girls little sayings. It brought back such memories of my Bella. Since I am stuck here in this house, wanting to be at the beach or better yet AT THE GYM!!! I figured WHY NOT look at some of those precious posts that have some of her little sayings in them and scrapbook pages. I know My mom would love them. Since this weekend I know she would like some smiles! ❤ heart you big, mama. Miss you everyday Daddy. These are from your Bella bug. enjoy.

ThatsNancyWithaJones

what is cuter than little feet in flip flops that just happen to be on the wrong feet? The reply I got when I told Bella her flips flops were on the wrong feet. THe conversation went something like this: Mommy: Bella do you know you have your flips flops on the wrong feet? Bella: Huh? Fwip Fwops on wong peet? Mommy: Yeah your flip flops are on the wrong feet. Bella::: looking COMPLETELY ANNOYED:: ugh ughnnn fwip fwops on Bedda’s peet!!!!

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Cha Cha Cha CHANGEEESS!

I heard someone make a comment not so long ago about change. They said no one ever really changes.  They just do something different temporarily then go back to how they were when they get bored with it.

I will tell you this struck me as offensive at first. Non positive and REALLY not supportive when we were discussing how some people were making so many wonderful changes in their lives for the better. I didn’t say anything, just basically let it go and went my merry way.

The more I got to thinking about it. I mean really thinking about it. It is true. I know you are probably not happy with me for saying this but…

People do not really change. There are lyrics and proverbs about it through out history with warnings on how to be cautious of a changed person.   NOW….Before you get all up in the air with me.. Please let me finish. 

There is a difference between change.. and growth.. and someone that has made progressive results in their life through learning from past mistakes to not do that again.  Can  they fall off the wagon or can it happen again sure it can. 

Some people make mistakes over and over and over before really learning the lesson that is at stake. Sometimes it takes hitting the bottom of the barrel, others it is just the fear of hitting it that makes them grow into the next level of what they need to be doing. 

I personally believe that no one can grow or make everlasting differences in their life without the help of our lord and savior. You can try to do it on your own but you will keep making the same mistakes, ending up in the same places.  The saying IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN YOUR LIFE YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO GET THERE. Is one I hold close as a mantra of sorts. 

Have you ever looked at yourself from an outside angle? REALLY looked? not just at your outward physique? not at your clothes or how your hair is fixed. Look at your life. How you represent your family, Do you want your children to do what you do? everything. The things you do behind closed doors that no one (you think) sees? 

We always want better for our children. We want a better education, better health, a better life than we had.  So in order for our children to have this we must be able to show them  what better looks like. HOW?

By being the example.  IF you want your child active in church and church activities. YOU need to be going to church and be involved in church activities.

How many of you seen someone just yelling and screaming at a store clerk with their child standing there. Then later see that child get into a fight then them punish that child extensively and not understand why their child acts the way they do? (maybe they need  to do something different?)

Getting involved in their school. You want your child to make better grades? Then get involved with what they are doing at school and with their class. KNOW what homework they bring home check it.. make sure they know it. Talk to their teachers.

You want your child to be healthy and eat healthy foods. Guess what. DON’T take them out for fast food all the time. Eat at home. COOK good nutritious healthy foods for them and YOU EAT them as well. BE THE EXAMPLE.

Let them see you read the bible better yet have a daily devotion time as a family. 

Doing these things and more getting into a schedule a routine is just like anything else. IT BECOMES HABIT. You can make habit of bad things just like good things.  YES I do believe people can change. Do I believe they can change back? Yes I do. That is why I feel it important to be around others that have the same goals and want the same things you do.

IF they are going to not support you, speak positive, if they are going to take everything you say as criticism and be ugly Then why are you wanting to be around them in the first place?

You are wanting your life and your family to succeed and be better so don’t spend time in the places or around the people that were causing you issues in the first place. that is setting yourself up for disaster and failure. You can’t move forward if you are looking backwards. 

Sometimes it takes giant steps in the right direction to get you on the path you want to be on.  God will show you the right way to go. He only wants you to be willing. That is all. He will handle the rest.  It is like with any challenge you may slip but get right back up and continue do not say oh well that blew it and just lay there.  That is not how God works. It is not how growth works. Sometimes you have to trim your branches to make the most fruitful part of your tree bloom. 

So think about your life and how things are going.  Maybe it is time to spend more time with an open bible and on your knees in prayer and thinking positive handing things over to God instead of letting the little things become HUGE messes and spreading them around instead of letting him just contain them and make them go away. We have to get over ourselves in order to do that. Be willing to give up our selfish pride and just say ok here it is lord I have no clue what I am doing… grow me. You will be amazed at what all things can REALLY CHANGE. 

I am not saying I am perfect by any means and this is not to give that impression. This has been on my heart ever since I heard this in a conversation and I wondered how many others maybe thought this way.  Our pastor touched on this in several sermons. I really absorbed it.  We have been growing and doing things different.  Belittling others and saying it is no use that no one changes is not something I look at or will ever accept.  We have so little time on this earth I know the reason we are here. You need to find out why you are here.  EVERYONE HAS A PURPOSE. God does not make mistakes.  There is no reason to waste your life with negativity and nonsense.  There is such a life of love waiting. If you just listen to him. 

 

 

She Scraps for Sanity?

Since the first of the year we have had all kinds of struggles to say the least. Multiple Sclerosis is that ugly little critter we keep hidden in the basement. WE KNOW it is there and can raise its ugly mischievous head at any time. Because of it, Viruses and such are so much easier to just knock me down sadly. I had done SO good. 2013 had been a GREAT year. 2014 started out EHHH kinda yuck. Some wicked stomach bug attacked me like kryptonite to superman. IT WOULD NOT LET GO. THEN because of the fever and Viral infection (Cue psycho music) out came shingles. NO I wasn’t upset about stuff. well some stuff, it was mainly the infection that caused it. SO I have been in my house back like the old days since January. A good reminder of how things were.

NO Driving No gym (can do a little at home but mostly stretching blah) … No going out into the world hanging out with friends… No church activities.. NO CHURCH much. I did get to go one Sunday before she shingles started then wham… out again. I do listen to it online but it just is not the same as getting to participate. I love our church so much. I had been feeling like A NORMAL person again. Like before. How quick the lord can remind us that we need to be ourselves and not try to be something we are not! And we all definitely know I AM FAR from normal.
HEY… I heard all the AMEN’S. YOU DID not have to agree so quickly to that! <grin>

SO what exactly have I been doing? I knew you all were sitting on the edge of your chair just wondering and just pacing the floor in angst waiting to find out. WHAT has Nancy BEEN DOING.

I have been scrapbooking.. yeah I know.
I have been doing the 2012 photos of our Disney trip which have really been bringing back good and also some sad memories. Most are wonderful but also make me miss Ma.
I have laughed so much but also shed so many tears. I have sooooo many photos to scrap.
I have joined a challenge group for February called L.O.A.D. (layout a day)
Where you do a challenge layout a day. I have done this before and it is soo fun. I have really been getting things done. I have 22 ish pages done so far. (some of them I did BEFORE I started this challenge group)
I wanted to share some of them with you. (I KNOW you cannot wait)  

These are phone photos so … (hey I have had shingles be nice!)

 

(I did these before LOAD)

The silver circle things… those are wishes that Fairy Godmother gave us.

This was from a sketch I found on pinterest

first page in our Disney album

 

another sketch

photo of this layout didnt turn out so great (night time in my kitchen)

Bella didn’t like this page.. she said it was boring.. and that I COULD DO BETTER. ha I will remember that dear child.

Whispering Canyon (our favorite place to eat)

Photos out and about around Wilderness Lodge where we Stayed. 

I have since I am feeling better, but still couldn’t quite get out yet, have started cleaning out, organizing, donating, and rearranging in my crafts and art space. I found lots of pages I made from when Bella was a baby.

I have learned some important things.

1. USE GOOD ADHESIVE. When I started I used glue sticks and whatever adhesive was cheapest. Those pages are now falling apart, missing letters, and I am now reattaching things and missing things off of them that I cannot find.

2. EVEN THOUGH alphabet letters have adhesive on the back of them.. GLUE THEM DOWN ANYWAY. Especially things like self adhesive chipboard letters or embellishments. I have so many that are missing that there is no way I can match them again. Some of these are 8 and 9 years old. I will just photo them and pray someone has hoarded the few letters I need and pray they will share. MOST scrappers are nice that way 🙂

3. KEEP YOUR FINISHED PAGES IN SCRAPBOOKS WITH PAGE PROTECTORS (that way if the embellies fall off you have a good chance they will fall off into the page protector!!) although I did on some of these but they were put back upside down and fell out of the page protectors…sigh.

4. KEEP RELIABLE glue and or adhesive YOU KNOW  is reliable and dries quickly at hand so when you look through your albums. You can make quick repairs. DO NOT put it off till later. YOU WILL FORGET and then the letters will be lost. (yeah it happened)

5. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ALBUMS for your pages at least put them in page protectors and put them in a safe place. I found a STACK of layouts (yes at least 20) that were a couple years old in a shelf. just stacked up there.  YA NOT GOOD. buttons had come off the edges were bent up. I was NOT happy. 

I AM SURE there are many more tips you all have learned that you could add to this. FEEL FREE to add them in the comments. Things you have learned over you’re years of scrapbooking. Care wear and tear of pages, mini albums etc.  I welcome your advice. 

I am sure we have some new crafters or even those that have been doing it a while that may learn something. 

 

 

When You find something that works…

How many of you (show me your hands) have say frizzy, curly, out of control hair that just will not co operate? (ME ME ME) Especially when it is lets see, Raining, Humid, sunny and hot, Cold and windy or just a pretty day. I go through product and straightening and then fixing to make my hair look this… way ::sigh:: But some days it just with its own mind does great. Well, I am sure there are a hand full of you right now that are thinking ” OH I HAVE A PRODUCT I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT. IT WORKS SOOOOO GOOOD for me. I have used it for x many years and your hair cannot be any worse than mine. I live in So and so and it is more humid than Rats fighting in a flour sack in the Alabama summer. It will make your hair awesome”

Well, I have some great product I use in my hair and It is ok. That is not what this is about actually. I used that to get your attention. It is an analogy. A comparison to help you understand what I am about to tell you.

I know most of you that read my blog know me pretty well or have read my blog and feel you may.
You know I have Multiple Sclerosis along with a laundry list of other issues. NO I am not trying to sell you anything. So rest easy.
We have had so many things happen in our lives the last few years. Tragedies. I was angry. Hurt. Angry. IN PAIN.

Now If you (back to the hair analogy) have a wonderful product that works awesome for your hair.. or that gets rid of your pain. You want to share it with everyone right? You tell everyone you know to go out and get this. You even face book it. You send out coupons and send samples etc.

Well I found what works for me. I worked so hard. harder than I ever worked at anything in my life. It wasn’t easy. With Clean diet and Exercise. I resisted it in a lot of areas I fought it on and off I was grouchy and mean. BUT.. I did it.
I still do it. Am Doing it.

We found a Church and rededicated our lives to Jesus and mission work to helping others through him. We are doing it not just saying it.
We see a difference in our lives. We are happier. We love more. We want to do more for others. we want less for ourselves. We listen to only Christian music now. yeah we still go places that have regular music and we are not cult members so just stop it.
Last time I checked being in a Baptist Missionary church WAS NOT A CULT. we are praying for you.
The thing is. We now want better for our daughter and ourselves. We don’t think like we used to. We don’t see things like before. I am not saying we are perfect so don’t even start. I am not thumping a bible at anyone. I am working through a lot of things. Things I would have NEVERRRRR considered in a million years. but probably not what you think.
Between me and The lord.
As it should be.
I feel better though. I am not saying because I am going to church and doing this that I don’t hurt physically as much. I think it has more with the clean eating and exercise and I do feel more joy through Jesus.
Doing Mission work through the church makes me feel better.
When I don’t feel good I don’t have to do it.
It isnt a mandatory thing but something I feel is wonderful and maybe something I am meant to do.
Who knows I may can use my talents with someday.
It is important to get involved.

We feel at home and we love our church we feel at home we feel a part of it.
So I want to pass it along because we have found something awesome. Something Wonderful here in Mobile. An amazing place that has A great message. They honestly have Jesus and I firmly Believe that God Speaks through Pastor Bret.
I have never seen a Pastor that will stop his sermon and say I have to say this someone needs this and he will say a statement and IT NEVER FAILS It will be something that will make John and I both stop just almost breathing for a second. IT will be something we had been praying about or talking about the days before or discussing how will we deal with this situation and what are we going to do to take care of this and such. AND IT NEVERRRRRRRRRR EVER FAILS. HE will IN MID SERMON STOPPPP AND SAY. I just have to let someone know GOD HEARS YOU AND What you have been praying about IT isn
t as bad as you think it is. Or You need to look to the original truth on the situation. AND THERE IS NO WAY he would know. NO WAY. we would just look at each other and then back at him. Thinking OK you are freaking us out. Because ONLY GOD could have said that.
IM not kidding. It has happened several times during his sermons. SO NOW YOU KNOW why we are firm believers in this church.
HE HAS BEEN RIGHT also. EVERY TIME.
God is in this church.
The ministry they do, The out reach they do is nothing like I have ever seen. This is the first Christmas Eve we have spent doing something other than for ourselves. I’m not gonna say what. It isn’t about us. But just know I think It Blessed us as much as it did what we participated in. It will be remembered forever.

SO This product works… it isn’t new. BUT IT IS AMAZING. It blesses your soul it works wonders for your life. It is FREE for the taking. All you have to do is take it. It is Jesus. I KNOW he is at Dayspring Baptist Church. Without a Doubt.
I have seen him. I would be honored if you are in Mobile Alabama to join us there.
You need to try him. You won’t regret it. IT is the best thing I have ever in my life tried and guess what… ITS A LIFETIME GUARANTEE!!!
YOU WILL BE SATISFIED. YOU GET A HEAVENLY HOME EVERLASTING LIFE YOUR SINS TAKEN AWAY I MEAN… THAT IS A PRETTY GOOD DEAL.
Dunno about you but I have never been more happy in my life. I also will get to see my family again someday. I am no longer afraid of dying. I know where I will be.

John 3 16
For God so loved the world that he gave his forgotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but will have eternal life.