Some of you may have noticed that I have changed the name of this blog. It was previously "Thoughts of a Homeschooler/Mom". I did name it without much thought when I started blogging. Homeschooling is something that I love doing and it has really become part of who I am. But then my life changed drasticly. Out of nowhere, my marriage fell apart. I was no longer a wife. My identity that was wrapped up in my husband and children unravelled. Then he no longer supported homeschooling and had been trying to stop me from doing so for the past two years.
I have had to reinvent myself. It is a really scary but exciting time in my life. I have been wife and mother for 11 years. What am I going to be now? I have homeschooled for six years, what am I going to do now?
My two daughters will be attending public school in September. One is excited and one is not. I'm sure it will be quite the adjustment. My oldest daughter will be entering grade seven in a senior public school that she will need to be bussed to. School will start at 8:15 a.m.!!! Goodness, we don't always get up by that time. This will be a shocker!!! Thankfully, my younger daughter, who will be going into grade five, doesn't have to start until 9 a.m. which is a little more reasonable. She will be able to walk to the junior public school three blocks away. My son will be homeschooled probably for the last time this coming year. He is excited to have me all to himself!!
It has not been easy these two and half years. I certainly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. However, I have seen God work amazing miracles for me and my family. He has provided for me so many times. I am starting to feel comfortable with who I am. Do I want to be single? Not really, but God has been here for me. I don't know what the future holds, but I am going to continue to trust in Him for everything.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
What the heck is Rheumatiod Arthritis??
I found this wonderful explaination on rheumatiod arthritis guy's blog. I thought I would repost this on my blog for my friends to read and learn more about RA and what it does for me. You can check out RAGuy at Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Hi! This is me, Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy. I am a superhero who lives with rheumatoid arthritis. My illness will last a lifetime, but reading this guide to RA will only take a minute – I promise. (I’ll even use a countdown timer, just like they do in the action movies!) Can one get a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in just 60 seconds? Let’s give it a try!
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints (and sometimes, the organs). An autoimmune disease is an illness where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as invaders cells. The result: the body sends out antibodies to attack these healthy cells. (It sure sounds like the Joker is talking…are you confused yet?)
Okay, let’s pretend that your body is Gotham City. Your immune system is Batman. Your joints? Well, they are tiny bat signals. Batman – thinking that Gotham City is being invaded – is forever going to all the bat signals and attacking everything in the vicinity, leaving behind lots of damage. (He never seems to realize that these bat signals are actually false alarms.)
No words can accurately describe the physical pain that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. (Although this mental image, for me, does come close: A Mack truck ran over me. And then it backed up, and ran over me again!) Rheumatoid arthritis pain is chronic and is not something that can be easily fixed with just an aspirin. This pain can be one of the most crippling aspects of living with RA.
The constant attack on otherwise healthy joints leads to inflammation – the joints become red and swollen. When joints are constantly inflamed they eventually begin to move around. This can lead to disfigurement and joint damage, which can sometimes be permanent. Many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are directly related to this inflammatory process.
Joint that are continually inflamed often begin to experience extended periods of stiffness. This can sometimes lead to drastic reductions in strength and mobility. One of the most prominent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness – and unlike a squeaky hinge, we can’t just add a few drops of oil to make things better. (If only.)
When rheumatoid arthritis is active, a person can easily become extremely tired. Actually – it surpasses mere tiredness and rises to the level of fatigue. This constant lack of energy can be one of the most limiting aspects of life with RA. Quite often, a person’s level of daily activity must be reduced and periods of sleep and rest must be increased.
Living with RA can bring about many emotional challenges. Stress and anxiety levels may increase. Periods of depression, feelings of losing hope, and thoughts of suicide might become more frequent. Coping with chronic illness is difficult. If you feel that you or someone you love might be in danger of harming themselves, please reach out for help.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not related to age – it can affect people young and old alike. There is even a juvenile form of RA. Many people confuse RA with osteoarthritis, another form of arthritis which is typically associated with age. So if you really want to compliment a person on their young looks, go ahead! (But please don’t forget, no one is “too young” to have RA.)
Some people living with RA might show visible signs of joint damage, or may use assistive mobility devices. However, in many cases of rheumatoid arthritis the illness is invisible. Many people show no visible signs of RA. So once again, if you want to compliment someone on their good looks, go ahead. (But please don’t forget, people with RA don’t necessarily “look sick”.)
Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatment options are available. Just as Superman had his Justice League, so too does RA Guy have his Team RA. A 360° approach is recommended: rheumatologist, psychologist, physical therapist, acupuncturist, spiritual guide, holistic healer, dietician, surgeon, and massage therapist.
(Unlike in the movies, my final five seconds don’t last half an hour!) Life with RA: Don’t lose hope! Talk to a friend, family member, or co-worker about RA. Visit one of the many online support groups, forums, and blogs that are available for people living with RA and their caregivers. Together we can increase awareness of rheumatoid arthritis – it only takes a minute!
Hi! This is me, Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy. I am a superhero who lives with rheumatoid arthritis. My illness will last a lifetime, but reading this guide to RA will only take a minute – I promise. (I’ll even use a countdown timer, just like they do in the action movies!) Can one get a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in just 60 seconds? Let’s give it a try!
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints (and sometimes, the organs). An autoimmune disease is an illness where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as invaders cells. The result: the body sends out antibodies to attack these healthy cells. (It sure sounds like the Joker is talking…are you confused yet?)
Okay, let’s pretend that your body is Gotham City. Your immune system is Batman. Your joints? Well, they are tiny bat signals. Batman – thinking that Gotham City is being invaded – is forever going to all the bat signals and attacking everything in the vicinity, leaving behind lots of damage. (He never seems to realize that these bat signals are actually false alarms.)
No words can accurately describe the physical pain that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. (Although this mental image, for me, does come close: A Mack truck ran over me. And then it backed up, and ran over me again!) Rheumatoid arthritis pain is chronic and is not something that can be easily fixed with just an aspirin. This pain can be one of the most crippling aspects of living with RA.
The constant attack on otherwise healthy joints leads to inflammation – the joints become red and swollen. When joints are constantly inflamed they eventually begin to move around. This can lead to disfigurement and joint damage, which can sometimes be permanent. Many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are directly related to this inflammatory process.
Joint that are continually inflamed often begin to experience extended periods of stiffness. This can sometimes lead to drastic reductions in strength and mobility. One of the most prominent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness – and unlike a squeaky hinge, we can’t just add a few drops of oil to make things better. (If only.)
When rheumatoid arthritis is active, a person can easily become extremely tired. Actually – it surpasses mere tiredness and rises to the level of fatigue. This constant lack of energy can be one of the most limiting aspects of life with RA. Quite often, a person’s level of daily activity must be reduced and periods of sleep and rest must be increased.
Living with RA can bring about many emotional challenges. Stress and anxiety levels may increase. Periods of depression, feelings of losing hope, and thoughts of suicide might become more frequent. Coping with chronic illness is difficult. If you feel that you or someone you love might be in danger of harming themselves, please reach out for help.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not related to age – it can affect people young and old alike. There is even a juvenile form of RA. Many people confuse RA with osteoarthritis, another form of arthritis which is typically associated with age. So if you really want to compliment a person on their young looks, go ahead! (But please don’t forget, no one is “too young” to have RA.)
Some people living with RA might show visible signs of joint damage, or may use assistive mobility devices. However, in many cases of rheumatoid arthritis the illness is invisible. Many people show no visible signs of RA. So once again, if you want to compliment someone on their good looks, go ahead. (But please don’t forget, people with RA don’t necessarily “look sick”.)
Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatment options are available. Just as Superman had his Justice League, so too does RA Guy have his Team RA. A 360° approach is recommended: rheumatologist, psychologist, physical therapist, acupuncturist, spiritual guide, holistic healer, dietician, surgeon, and massage therapist.
(Unlike in the movies, my final five seconds don’t last half an hour!) Life with RA: Don’t lose hope! Talk to a friend, family member, or co-worker about RA. Visit one of the many online support groups, forums, and blogs that are available for people living with RA and their caregivers. Together we can increase awareness of rheumatoid arthritis – it only takes a minute!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Why I hate birthdays and five things....
Monday was my thirty-fifth birthday. I really don't like birthdays. It's not that I don't like growing older, because I really don't care about that. With RA, the number of years doesn't really count. It's how you feel that day. Some days I do feel 30ish. Other days I feel 50ish. I had three birthday calls and that was nice, but I had some jobs to do on Monday that I really didn't want to do. If I could plan my birthday I would spend it on the beach, in a lounge chair, sipping cold tea. Possibly swimming with the kids if the water wasn't too cold. However, I ended up spending my day doing ordinary, boring things. I guess the best part of my day was having lunch with my mother-in-law. After I was married, my husband didn't really make my birthday special. Now that I'm divorced, there isn't a partner to make it special anyways. I always tried to make other people feel special on their days but I feel weird planning my own birthday. Next year I guess I will.
I was hurting on my birthday and I guess I was feeling sorry for myself. I get tired of having rheumatiod arthritis and I feel as though I somehow got jilted in life. I read a great blog by fellow RA sufferer. However, one particular post kind of punched me in the gut. He was refering to a facebook quiz called "Five things". Basically you pick five things you love in a particular subject (for instance cars, cereal, music, whatever...) He was saying that people with RA could easily make a list for the five things we hate about RA, but what about five things you like about RA. LIKE?? Are you kidding me?! But I guess since I have no choice in having RA, I do have a choice in how I live with RA. I really shouldn't complain too much. I am not in wheelchair. I still can do most things. So after some thought, I decided to come up with a list too.
FIVE THINGS I like about RA:
1. I have to slow down. When I am tired or sore, I can rest and put my feet up. The dishes, laundry, vaccuuming can wait.
2. Appreciation. For the things I do have and the things I can do. I don't take things for granted (usually! :))
3. Family. I love my family very much. My children are learning that everyone is different and to have compassion for others.
4. Patience. I do struggle sometimes with this. But when I can't do something, I have to learn to ask for help and to be patient while I wait for it.
5. I look forward to heaven. I know one day I'll be in heaven and HE will take all my sorrows and pain away. One day I will be free from this body.
It was difficult to make this list, but it was good for me to look on the bright side instead of focusing on the negative like I did on Monday.
I was hurting on my birthday and I guess I was feeling sorry for myself. I get tired of having rheumatiod arthritis and I feel as though I somehow got jilted in life. I read a great blog by fellow RA sufferer. However, one particular post kind of punched me in the gut. He was refering to a facebook quiz called "Five things". Basically you pick five things you love in a particular subject (for instance cars, cereal, music, whatever...) He was saying that people with RA could easily make a list for the five things we hate about RA, but what about five things you like about RA. LIKE?? Are you kidding me?! But I guess since I have no choice in having RA, I do have a choice in how I live with RA. I really shouldn't complain too much. I am not in wheelchair. I still can do most things. So after some thought, I decided to come up with a list too.
FIVE THINGS I like about RA:
1. I have to slow down. When I am tired or sore, I can rest and put my feet up. The dishes, laundry, vaccuuming can wait.
2. Appreciation. For the things I do have and the things I can do. I don't take things for granted (usually! :))
3. Family. I love my family very much. My children are learning that everyone is different and to have compassion for others.
4. Patience. I do struggle sometimes with this. But when I can't do something, I have to learn to ask for help and to be patient while I wait for it.
5. I look forward to heaven. I know one day I'll be in heaven and HE will take all my sorrows and pain away. One day I will be free from this body.
It was difficult to make this list, but it was good for me to look on the bright side instead of focusing on the negative like I did on Monday.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My new ride
The kids and I have been praying for a new vehicle for awhile. My car was in real bad shape. I haven't been able to open my driver's side door for six months. My rear brakes needed replacing. My emergency brake had been broken for years.... I really needed a new vehicle. I had hoped for a van because my kids are getting bigger, my poor doggie was getting squished, and we needed room for our camping gear!!! I had hoped to get a van in time for our camping trip. I have never purchase a vehicle before and was really nervous about making such a big purchase. Thankfully my dad was helping me find a vehicle. We also had a friend who was looking around for us too. Things were not working out for quite awhile and I was wondering if I would ever get a new vehicle. Well it was definately worth the wait. I bought this wonderful van on Saturday, June 20, and picked it up five days later!! It is a 1999 Toyota Sienna. Thank you God for providing for us!!!we love our new van!!!!!!!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May Weekend
Once again, our family went camping with a bunch of other friends during the long weekend. I was a little worried since the long weekend was earlier this year that it might be cold and/or rainy.
The kids and I set up our tents in warm sunshine. It did get a little cool that first night. It started to rain just as we got into our tent for the night. I snuggled up to my toasty warm son and was not cold at all. It did rain all night, but we were snuggly warm in our tent.
The next day was warm and rainy. However, it didn't dampen our spirits!! We still had a blast walking the trails and exploring the woods.
My good friend Lil joined us this year and it was nice to enjoy th
e outside and yap the day away.
e outside and yap the day away.Sunday the sun came out!! Good thing too, since it was quite chilly. One of my favourite things about our camping time, is doing a "church" service together around the campfire. We sang songs and one of the men did a "sermon" for us. It is a special time for all of us. After we just enjoyed sitting in the sun, chatting. I actually got a sunburn on my face!!
We were sad to pack up and return home to normal life after spending three days together out in nature. I have so much fun visiting with the other adults, and the kids have a blast with all the other kids, running around in the woods around us. We look forward to camping next year... it's already booked!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Curley gets baptised
My ten year old daughter, "Curley", decided to follow her Lord's example and be baptised. It was extra special because she was baptised on Mother's Day. What a sweet young lady Curley is!! I am so proud of how she is growing up. I hope I can continue to raise her to follow Jesus and make wise decisions.I love you, Sweetie!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Girls Day Out
I'm blessed with three wonderful friends from Bible College Days. We get together every so often. My friend Shelley intoduced us to Marble Slab Creamery. Yummmm!! I had Chocolate/Peanut butter icecream mixed with white chocolate icecream and reece's peanut butter cups all mixed together in a yummy waffle cone.
PS I'm the one in the hat! :)
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