SlimmingWhirled and stuff

ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-11-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

I have struggled for a while juggling the craft and personal content of this blog, so I have started two new blogs which replace this one!

For personal news and views visit: http://clarehunt.blogspot.com

For cards and crafts visit: http://clarecards.blogspot.com

This will be the last post here - so update your links and I'll see you at the new places!

Friday evening craft club

2008-11-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Show and Tell Friday!
Hosted by Kelli, pop by her blog and join in.

This is my show and tell

A local church holds a monthly craft evening and I was invited to come.

It was an interesting evening and I met up with a few people I hadn't seen in awhile.

We were making Christmas Garlands/Wreaths.

It took two hours and I had to stand to do all the metal tying as sitting down just didn't work. The bows were quite difficult to fix once made as tying them onto the garland proved testing! We had a choice of silver or Gold , we tend to decorate in silver so stuck with that colour.
The garlands are huge and we looked quite an odd bunch leaving the church with garlands tucked under our arms.

Cute pictures of or family dog..Just had to share

2008-11-15T05:59:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of our family dog Dolly.
Yes I am biased on how cute and pretty she is. She brings us alot of joy and companionship, and is helping me loose some weight with all the walking we do.

Here is a picture of Dolly and my son John and I think its just adorable.

Slimmer of the week again!

2008-11-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Well I got slimmer of the week again , I lost 3 lbs, totalling 1 stone 10lbs loss so far. I have pledged to loose a total of 3 stone by Christmas , no pressure then lol!!

On a Lighter note....

2008-11-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

Recently my mobility has been the best it has been for a few years. I am walking relatively long distances ( for me that it!), and enjoying it. Not pain free but its tolerable.
Mentally and physically I feel better, and when I walk I get a chance to take in a small portion of Gods creation. This time of year the colours of trees are stunning! The dog is loving my new found mobility and it will all help shift the weight and get fitter.

I am doing the ladies talk in a few weeks at church and atlast I have settled on a subject and I ask for prayers to help me prepare the message and clearly giving it , as nerves can sometimes make get the better of me.

Craft club

2008-11-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

I have been attending a local craft club fortnightly at my local neighbourhood resource centre. Its literally a few minutes walk from my home. I have been really enjoying it , we swap ideas and it is lead my two different ladies alternating between weeks.

They try and get different people to lead and share an idea for crafting when they can. This week I led the class. I did decoupage cards. It seemed to go down well, it was quiet at times , must of been everyone concentrating on crafting! lol

Here is what we did today.

Everyone got given a pack that makes three different cards , atleast one was a christmas themed card.

Everyone had different card , here are just a few examples.

More Male themed cards.

2008-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Paper Craft Thursday

Stop by http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/ and see what other craft goodies are about.

Here are a few more male type cards. The first one I think is quite British with the red white and blue. They are all 3D which you cannot really see by the picture taken.
Going to do some pretty girly ones next I find them so much easier.

Wednesday weigh In.

2008-11-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Well weigh is was upon us again, and I lost 3 lbs and got my 1 1/2 stone award and slimmer of the week. Chuffed to pieces.

Yes I am smiling from ear to ear. I feel really motivated at moment. Long may it continue.

Attempt 2- Birthday Tags

2008-11-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with a stamp that I have and blending in inks around image.. Here are some Birthday Tags I have just made.It was messy but fun!

Christmas Tags

2008-11-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have reading a few blogs recently and have been inspired to have a go at making some Christmas tags. I am sure they will improve as I practice more.

Below are my first attempts.

My wednesday weigh in

2008-10-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well it was a quick pay n weigh and out this time had a lot to do today,
We were both not looking forward to weigh in as we had over indulged on our wedding anniversary and the next couple of days! Opps!!!!Well i managed to maintain (faints!) Hubby gained a little but we felt motivated when we left to get 100% on plan.
I am still 1 stone 4 lbs lighter so thats a positive.

An article in the Mail about a new drug.

2008-10-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

How cancer drug could reverse debilitating effects of MS
Its called How cancer drug could reverse debilitating effects of MS.

I sounds very promising it still has a way to go and years left for testing but we will see,

Paper craft Thursday- Toppers

2008-10-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Paper Craft Thursday

Stop by http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/ and see what other craft goodies are about.

I always like to have a few things ready incase I had a last minute card to make and below are some card toppers I have made ready to adorn a card.

I spend alot of time in bed due to my MS , so I craft alot in bed and here are a few I made .

I had a bit of fun with the weird looking green reptile things. Think I could make quite a fun card with those.

There are a couple of oriental themed toppers , sports bag and basket , ladies in smart headware and an elf like creature. There is a lovely one saying get well soon.

The are all decoupage (layering effect)

Male type cards

2008-10-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

I do struggle doing male type cards , but here are a few I have done and am quite pleased with.

Not all men like boats, trains and cars though!

Pyramid cards.- paper craft Thursday

2008-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

PAPER CRAFT THURSDAY.

stop by http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Card%20Making for explanation and other peoples creations.

I wanted to share a new technique I have been trying to make cards for all occassions.

Its simple and I quite like the effect it gives. It is called pyramid cards buliding.

You start with a sheet of prints here is one to give you an example. The pictures vary in size so that you can build ontop of one another.To get depth use sticky foam pads so it leaves a small gap between each picture.

Below shows you some I have made ready to be mounted on a card.

Hopefully this picture shows you the pyramid effect.

Thanks for looking.

Wednesday Weigh in- 22/10/08

2008-10-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

Another weigh in another loss , whooopeee!

I lost 3 lbs, so total so far 1 stone 4 lbs loss and I am over the moon. Hubby got slimmer of the week by loosing 6 lbs!! I am so pleased for him..

A silly fun quiz

2008-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

What does your nose say about you?

mine says.

What Your Nose Says About You

It's likely that you'll be lucky with money,
though this luck may come later in life.
You are impulsive and tend to follow your heart.
You are helpful and giving.
You like cooperating, and you're always willing to lend a hand.
You are a nosey person and a bit of a snoop. You can't help but be curious!

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

A prayer answered

2008-10-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

This idea is run by http://adustyframe.com/2008/10/17/1494/#comment-58571 and what a wonderful idea.

My little snippet seems very minor but I wanted to share.

I havent been feeling too well at late and my headaches (mainly my optic nerve) have increased in severity, and when they come they stop you in your tracks and going to bed tends to be the only option.

Last week I had one of these headaches and I just had to go to bed, the pain was so bad I couldn't even cry.

I led in bed and prayed to the Lord , within in half an hour I was up out of bed and going about

my normal chores (feeling a little battered but without pain!)

I couldn't stop thanking the Lord, what a wonderful loving and listening Lord we have.

Show and tell Friday

2008-10-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to show and tell Friday. This idea is hosted by Kelli at http://www.kellishouse.blogspot.com/.

Here is my show and tell.

This is my wedding bouquet .

I will be married 6 years on October 26th.

The flowers (cream roses) are made from a silk like material with rain drop effect on petals , all the button holes and table decorations were made from same fabric. Its nice to be able to keep the bouquet and it sits ontop of a high unit in the lounge.

Paper Craft thursday

2008-10-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

These cards are 3d. Its made by layering the same picture on top of one another with various bits missing each time.
I think they give a reallly good effect.
Go here to see other peoples paper craft Thursday items.

I got slimmer of the week again!

2008-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday weigh in again and I lost another 4 1/2 lbs and I am over the moon. I have lost 1 stone 1/2lb now. I won slimmer of the week and you get a basket full of goodies (fruit etc). Everyone that comes to class brings a piece of fruit or pasta etc and pops it into a basket and the slimmer of the week wins it.

I have a lot of weight to lose but I am going in the right direction at the moment.

Update on my MS

2008-10-13T14:39:00.001-07:00

I havent mentioned for awhile how I am reguarding MS and if I havent blogged about it it tends to be good news and I am doing fine.
Things have changed a little past few weeks. I am experiencing a constant headache with stabbing pains behind my right eye and sight isn't brilliant but copable. The stabbing pains can ground me and I normally just have to go to bed in a darkened room until it dulls. A great answer to prayer happened last Thurday , i was in bed with a really bad headache and I just led their and prayed about it and asked for it to go away , within half an hour I was back on my feet feeling quite well in myself. What a great and loving God we have.
Fatigue is a constant battle but past few days I am exhausted .On a plus note my fitness levels are improving as I make myself walk the dog as often as I can and I am walking quite fast paced for me.
Loosing weight will only help improve things mobilty wise and health wise.

Show and tell friday

2008-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Show and tell FridayRules and explanation to show and tell friday.

Show & Tell Friday Guidelines

What:For Show & Tell Friday, you show something to an audience, and then tell them about it. Your Show & Tell Friday item must be something that you own, and in your home or garden. Put thought and care into choosing your item.

Is it something you would take to show a group of friends in real life?

Why: Many of us have special things that we may have forgotten about over time. Show & Tell Friday is a great reason to look around your home or even dig through those boxes in your closet. Of course, it's always more fun to share our treasures with friends, and that is what Show & Tell Friday is all about!

Here is my show and tell.

This stone came into my home when I married my husband, it sits in my windowsill for all to see. I just love it as its a simple illustration with wonderful words of scripture.

mulberry paper toppers on cards.

2008-10-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

PAPER CRAFTS - CARD
Over at "There is no place like home" Kelli is making cards. She has some great ideas for making fall cards.

I have made some more new cards and I just love textures, the toppers on cards are made from mulberry paper.

Weigh in wednesday- I got slimmer of the week award!

2008-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Another weigh in came and went, a week goes so quickly!
I was in shock I lost 4 1/2 lbs total 10 1/2 husband lost 1/2 lb total 10 lbs. I got slimmer of the week! and my half stone award.

Show and tell Friday

2008-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Show and tell Friday
Rules and explanation to show and tell friday.

I was recommended this blog.

It has some great articles and some great crafting ideas.

My show and tell is a book I was given just before I found The Lord , or The Lord found me.

Its a small book with a different reading for each day.

Its called CHEQUE BOOK of the BANK OF FAITH daily readings.

It has given great blessings and peace and understanding.

Weigh in wednesday.

2008-10-01T11:42:00.001-07:00

Our weekly weigh in came - I lost 1 1/2lbs, hubby lost 2 lbs and last week which I forgot to blog about was I lost 2 lbs and hubby lost 2 lbs.

So far I have lost 6 lbs
Hubby lost 9 1/2 lbs (got his 1/2 stone award last week.)

So slow loss for me but at least a loss.

Our bedroom is an office a craft room and of course a bedroom.

2008-10-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Above is my husband's office , it only shows half the books as most are further along the wall or in the lounge

Just to give you a little idea on space we have in our home , we have two bedrooms, a wet room, a lounge/diner, a kitchen and of course a garden.

My husband and I have his office, my craft area and of couse the normal bedroom stuff like a bed, wardrobes etc all in our bedroom.

My work area is my side of the bed and his is the other side.

This is a part of my craft area of which I have had a huge tidy-up and have thrown away useless things.

I have gone through every drawer and labelled them accordingly.

Further down my side of bedroom I have a sewing table with machine. That's it - no more room lol.

Some more silhouette cards

2008-09-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some more silhouette cards I made today.

Show and tell Friday

2008-09-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Rules and explanation to show and tell friday.

I was recommended this blog.

It has some great articles and some great crafting ideas.

This is my show and tell.

A few years ago I caught the crafting bug and would like to show you one of my first creations.

Mini bouquets I made which I put on gifts for people.

They are no bigger that two centimetres in length.

A very brief show and tell - but it's a start!

Quilling first attempts

2008-09-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Three of the cards are a technique called quilling and our my first attempts, and the last three cards are in a silhouette style.

Weigh in

2008-09-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well I lost 2 1/2 lbs hubby lost 5 1/2.
Sifting through my old recipes books for inspiration, as last week I over ate free foods and felt bloated.. My fault , but hey its healthy food at least.

Slimming world

2008-09-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today my husband and I walked into a slimming world class. Its quite a busy class but very welcoming.
Looking forward to having less of me soon.
I have to motivate my cooking mind so I wont get bored. So here we go to shed some weight.

Rain and more rain

2008-09-06T04:18:00.001-07:00

It seems England is under a huge rain cloud, and flash floods are all around us, but when you look back in history it is no new thing. Concrete everywhere isn't helping with things, mini streams and rivers find their own path - whether it be a road, a garden or a house.

The news headlines tell us that people have lost everything. How we people put so much energy and importance into our worldly possessions!

It makes you sit back and re-evaluate things. As a Christian I try not to put trust/need in worldly things but it is a constant battle and I have a long way to go to let go of all things of this world. No matter how much I try I fail , but I will continue to battle.

How carefully we should look at ourselves and what we think of as important. One thing that is made very clear in the Bible is that we leave all worldly possessions behind in the world when we die. So why do I cleave to wordly things even though I know they are not important?

Article in Mail worth a read.

2008-09-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Have a read , its facinating how different people deal with it. I found it intersting and heart warming.

MS drug article in Mail worth a read.

2008-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Could low doses of a drug for alcoholics ease the agony for sufferers of MS?

By Sarah Spendiff

Carefree: Jon Salisbury before he was diagnosed with MS
For some multiple sclerosis sufferers, just getting out of bed is tough.
For 43-year-old father-of-three Jon Salisbury, getting up took up to an hour and involved the help of his wife or his children.
'At more than 6ft tall, having to haul me out of bed is no mean feat.
'Once I had got up, which could take half an hour, I was dragged to the top of the stairs as I couldn't bend my legs.
'I then had to shuffle down them on my backside, like a child,' he says.
Once downstairs, the ordeal wasn't over. Jon, a writer, had to haul himself into a chair next to the stairs, which would then be pulled over to the computer where he tried to focus long enough to write a few sentences.
'One of the aspects of MS is not being able to concentrate and, with a family to support, that was very frightening,' he says.
Jon, who has since split from his wife, lives in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, with his children aged between 15 and 21.
He was diagnosed with MS in 1995. By 2000, he couldn't work full-time and had to rely on a wheelchair to get around.
His neurologist could offer only the two conventional types of treatment on the NHS: steroid injections which reduce inflammation or the drug interferon, which works on MS patients' dysfunctional immune system.
Jon wasn't keen to take more steroids as his dose was already high, and he disliked the flu-like side-effects.
He discovered a drug called Naltrexone on the internet. Anecdotal evidence showed this to be effective in treating MS.
Within three months of taking it, he could leave his wheelchair and get about with a walking stick. Jon's concentration also improved.
'I got some independence back,' he says.
Naltrexone is licensed to treat alcohol and drug dependency; in large doses it blocks the pleasure receivers - opiate receptors - in the brain, dulling cravings.
It was Dr Bernard Bihari in the 1980s, who found that, at low doses, it could improve MS patients' immunity.
Dr Bihari has now retired, but his work is continued by Dr David Gluck, a specialist in internal and preventive medicine in New York.
He says: 'MS patients have a dysfunctional immune system which attacks its own tissues.
'In MS sufferers, the insulation surrounding nerve cells becomes a target. This can cause partial paralysis and muscle spasms.
'Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) briefly obstructs the effects of endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers.
'This increases the production of these same endorphins, stimulating the immune system and reducing the activity of the MS.
'It's possible patients with MS who use LDN will have no further progression of their illness. They may also gain relief from some symptoms.'
But the drug is seldom prescribed by doctors in the UK, where there have been no clinical trials for its use in treating MS.
Some patients get it by private prescription - £15 for the liquid form, £24 for capsules per month.
It is hoped that the first placebo-controlled, double-blind trial will begin in Glasgow later this year.
It is being lead by GP Dr Tom Gilhooly with consultant neurologist Dr Jonathan O'Riordan.
So what do experts think?
'Potential treatments like Naltrexone have become popular without proper trials because, in the past, there has been a vacuum in effective MS treatments,' says Professor Alan Thompson, a professor of neurology and MS expert at London's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
And then there's the issue of the drug being licensed.
Dr Bob Lawrence, a GP in Swansea, has been taking LDN for his MS for eight years.
'No drug company will apply for a license to prescribe Naltrexone at a low dose for MS, because to do so they will have to invest possibly millions in a trial to prove it is safe and it works.'
However, the results of these trials are of little consequence to MS sufferers such as Jon, who don't need convincing.
He bought it on private prescription through a doctor he was directed to by the LDN Research Trust.
'I can now move around the house on a frame and need the wheelchair only for longer outdoor trips,' he says.
To get LDN, a patient needs it prescribed 'off-label' - where a drug is licensed for use in treating one illness, but is prescribed for another.
Dr Laura Bell, The MS Society's research communications officer, says: 'The MS Society was initially reticent on LDN as we felt there wasn't enough clinical evidence to support it.
'However, as more anecdotal evidence comes to light, there is a clear need for research to prove or disprove claims, and we support this.'
Jon hopes one day he will walk unaided again. Only time will tell, but LDN has given him something many with MS don't have - hope.

A lot of cutting out....

2008-07-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

You will have to forgive me on pictures being sideways on, just bend your neck your be ok lol.

The fairy cards took me hours to cut out but I was sat in comfy chair doing it so it was sort of relaxing and my legs were not doing what I asked so sitting was best.

The vase and flowers cards I have left blank so I can use them for a few different occassions.

The blue wire flowers I made but still in experiemental stage, think the wire is to flimsy.

Feast One Hundred & Ninety Six

2008-07-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

Four weeks ago , I try and get it cut regulary as hair can cheer you up or get you down.

Soup

Name one thing you miss about being a child.

Doing sporty things , as since my mobilty is failing I miss things like netball, hockey, rounders etc.

Salad

Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.

Ohh butter for taste but I try not to buy it so I don't get tempted to eat bread.

Main Course

If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?

French or spanish, just love the sound of them.

Dessert

Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…

Thinner!!

Come join the feast

Some cards I have made recently.

2008-07-12T04:20:00.001-07:00

One of the doggies ones looks like molly,( grandma's pooch).

Dolly the dog

2008-07-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of dolly.

She just loves the paddling pool and helps my husband with his studies lol!

Feast One Hundred & Ninety Five

2008-07-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

What is the weather like today where you live?

We have actually got sunshine today , but the weather over the past week has been wet and windy, definately not typical July weather.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?

Before I became a Christian I was an 8 , but now I have a different outlook on life and my health has been a huge factor also so a big fat 0 now.

Salad

What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?

Ohh we have curtains in all rooms except the bathroom and kitchen which are blinds.

Main Course

Name something that instantly cheers you up.

The sunshine. But when I look at why I felt so down its normally because I haven't had my quiet time and not fully armoured myself for the day with reading and prayer.

Dessert

How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?

I don't tend to use it at all, unlike my husband but that's a different story.(chuckles)

come join the feast

Should Christians be silent?

2008-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Wow that is a headline!

My question to all Christians who read my blog is:

Should you be silent when you disagree with things?

What I mean is should you be silent about abortion - for example maybe only signing a petition, or actively saying something about it. Some might say no - just pray about things. Some others may say is being silent is not glorifying God. Yes, prayer is important but is being silent right?

I would be very interested in your views. What does scripture say on the subject?

It is something that is really playing on my mind at the moment, I have my views but won't say anything until a few of you join in.

Green green garden.

2008-06-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of how the planters and baskets are going.

As I lost all the packaging awhile back its a nice suprise when they flower.

These planters are bursting , I think I over planted them, but I am sure aslong as I keep feeding and watering them they should keep flowering.

The plants above are all leaves and no flowers as yet.

I am pleased with the baskets BUT yes there is a but they are too heavy to hang!!! So the hanging baskets are just sat on my raised bed for now.

Feast One Hundred and ninety Three

2008-06-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

.
Appetizer

Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?

I am a cup half full type so an optimist.

Soup

What is your favorite color of ink to write with?

On computers its pink on paper its black

Salad

How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them?

Ermmm had some fake ones once never ever again , I couldnt pick up a drink , pull my zipper up etc it was a disaster.

Main Course

Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it?

Nothing at all

Dessert

In which room in your house do you keep your home computer?

My bedroom I tend to use my laptop in bed. And my husbands machine is on a desk his side of bedroom.

Join the feast

A testing week.

2008-06-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

This week has definately been a full and strange one.

The week started with the beginning of my steroids. I met five ladies - all at different stages of MS - some newly diagnosed, others well experienced. But it was interesting chatting and seeing how they are coping and whether we can help and put at at ease each others problems.

But what was refeshing was that NOBODY was bitter at all were smiling and coming to terms with this silent life changing disease and how we can carry on with just some tweaking and at times submitting (which is easier said than done with pride rearing its ugly head) and resting when your body tells you.

But the most testing of times have been with with one young very rude and aggressive teenager who continues to use our bedroom walls as goal poats. Let me explain we have a piece of open green on the outer wall of our property and our bedroom walls border this green and to many it looks like a wall that good for kicking rebound balls and the noise is terrible, My husband has had a run in before a few too many times and has asked poiltely if they would stop doing it as its so noisy and is technically our wall. Well I wont repeat what this youngster replied but it was threatening and very upsetting.

Well it started again this week full on so I suggested to my husband I will go out and speak to them and see what happens. So I did, the boy never swore at me but was waving his hand in a aggressive manner but I stood firm heart thumping and trying not to look intimidated. He said where can I go and play then I replied the playing field is just around the corner, They then left with a few minor muttering. Then two hours later again it started, husband went out to school run and I approached the boys again same one boy but different friends. Again the same thing was said and I made sure my manners were well heard I even repeated thankyou loudly as they walked away. Each time a police report was noted as Husband reported it, we were then told by police not to confront them again and they will come and deal with it.

It really unsettles you that one boy can unnerve you that badly. We did work out quickly he respondes calmer to females than males so we are working along those lines on how we should continue dealing with it.

I have prayed to the Lord to help find me courage and the right words to say, and guess what HE Never fails us.

Please pray for us , this might seem a trivial thing but with God on our side and to guide us we will prevail. This may be shaping us for things to come as God is continually shaping us to become more holy and Christ-like.

Treatment started today.

2008-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today I have started my three day course of IV Steroids. The canula went in first time yippee!!! They warmed up my hands and got a specialist nurse do it do this. My blood vessels normally play hide-and-seek so I feel very relieved.
Apart from jitters and speaking non-stop gobboldygook I am feeling OK.
Now I would like to say well done the NHS service, as I was seen quickly by my neurologist and treatment started soon after. The nurses and doctors are over-worked and under a lot of pressure, but the ones I came into contact with are always smiling and did a great job.

SO WELL DONE THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE NHS SERVICE.

So many people complain and are quite vocal about this free service, lets say something when a good job is done and support them.
Many of my family are nurses and they do such a good job.

Two more days of IV steroids then I will do a great impression of a tomato for few days and hopefully then start improving. I love my husband and he is the greatest carer in the whole world.

Feast one hundred and Ninety two.

2008-06-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?
A glass with ice cubes yummy!

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?
define late as late for me is 9 oclock lol

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.
The Earth , what a creator we have. Its beyound brilliant

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?
Dessert
I would prefer to work longer days and get another day off.

pudding
If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?
Stamina girl so I can do my house work with feeling fatgued

Join the feast.

Balance-relapse

2008-06-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

At the moment my MS is disrupting the messages being passed inside the brain, affecting how the brain processes balance information.
I am feeling dizzy and sick most of the time . I think my neurologist called it a brain stem/optic relapse.
I did make him laugh and said so my brain is relapsing, I think he thinks I am mad, He does keep saying you're a good original case to work on (hope that's a good case).
I am going to start a course of steroids next week , which normally work well with me and get me back on my feet again.
Well that's enough typing I cannot see the keyboard properly so time for bed.

Tagged

2008-05-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by sis in law so here goes.
One rule .. Only one word answers allowed so here goes.

1. Your cell phone? ...... Nokia
2. Your significant other?..... Jonathan
3. Your hair? ....... Brown
4. Your mother? .........Motherly
5. Your father?.......Fatherly
!6. Your favorite thing?.......Life
7. Your dream last night?....Blurred
8. Your favorite drink? ......Coffee
9. Your dream/goal?........Slimmer!
10. The room you’re in.......Bedroom
11. Your talent ?........Rambling! (not walking lol!)
12. Your fear?..........Spiders
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?.....Lighter
14. Where were you last night?.....Home
15. What you’re not?........Quiet
16. Muffins?............yummy!
17. One of your wish list items?...…Painfree.
18. Where you grew up?........Home
19. The last thing you did?.....This
20. What are you wearing?......Casual
21. Your TV?............Cable
22. Your pet(s)?...........Two
23. Your computer? ......laptop
24. Your life?........steady
25. Your mood?.......Ok
26. Missing home?.....??
27. Your car?........ Zafira
28. Something you’re not wearing? Jeans
29. Favorite Store?........Tesco
30. Your summer?.........Dry?
31. Hate someone?.........Nope
32. Your favorite color?....... Pink
33. Last time you laughed....... yesterday!
34. Last time you cried?.......shrugs
35. Who will re-post this?.....You

Well this was harder than I thought it would be.

Feast One Hundred and Ninety One

2008-05-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?
Big City would be Bristol but my nearest city is Gloucester

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
I have to admit I am not a secret keeper. So 2 as I would be useless. But we all can sometimes just not mention something on purpose.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).
Neck length, longer around face and shaped around neck . I have fine hair and at moment it has a few blonde streaks but naturally I am a medium brown. Does depend how I am feeling about my grey hairs lol.

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?
I was a great driver, passed after 4 lessons at the age of 17 (well I think I was good!), now I no longer drive due to my MS but I am really happy about giving it up as people are too aggressive on the roads for me now.

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?
Ohh a hard one I have good and bad weeks medically which sometimes can get me down, but I am a fighter with a smile lol.

Come join the feast

Health update.

2008-05-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

My daily injections are going well and I only seem to suffer bruising and swelling on my right leg , so that is good. It will take awhile to benefit from medication but I am staying focused and taking each day as it comes.
I have found my legs and right arm are very weak , my right arm is in alot of pain most of the time and I cannot lift push pull etc without experiencing alot of pain so I am trying to do some stuff left handed but that isnt working out too well.
My legs at night are giving me alot of pain which is frustrating as I had lowered my dose of tablets and I might have to raise them a little to see if it helps. And why does your body hurt more when your at rest and you want to sleep. Oh well.
Enough of my moaning. I have to say it has given me opportunities to talk to people about my faith , I pray that more opportunities will arise and the Lord will guide me what I should say and dont say.
My husband is now my fulltime carer and it has been a huge change for us both , more so for hubby. WE are getting life into routine which should help and plan our time more wisely.

On another note my son turns 11 on Tuesday and is taking his sats all of next week , so that when he goes to comprehensive in September he will be grouped with simialr level students.

I ask for prayer for him at this time as I really feel it is alot of pressure for such a young age. I have told him aslong as he does his best I will be proud of him.

Feast One Hundred and Ninety

2008-05-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Yes. Too many people now days don't even say hello.

Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
Vinyl in wet room and kitchen and carpet tiles in lounge hall and bedrooms.

Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
Clever curious cats claw carpets..
Yikes!

Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
Yes . Short but sweet answer. But I do dislike using the word step father ,step mum etc sounds like a barrier.

Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
Bluebells
Blue sky

Join the feast

DABBLING IN A LITTLE GARDENING

2008-05-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well I am trying my hand at gardening , have grown a few plants from seed and brought a few to give the garden a little colour.

We have inherited some lovely flowers.

Creation is just so awesome, these daises (please readers tell me if they are not) close up at night.

What stunning orange and they have been flowering since we moved here in Decemeber.

Here are a few grown from seed , and guess what its pot luck what they will be because I have lost packaging lol. The hanging baskets are so heavy I am unsure if we can actually hang them from building.

Well I am looking forward to my potluck flowers, will be a nice surprise.

I know which are putunia's ( that must be incorrect spelling it looks odd).This is my first planted flower.Yes you say soooo, well I am chuffed so I blogged about it.

Feast One Hundred and eighty Nine

2008-05-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?

Hong Kong Phooey
Loved it and even my son loves it as I found a video with all the episodes on in a charity shop.

Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?

Oh it would be a rat and have to begin with a T ,as all our ratties do. If its a girl it would be Tess if a boy Thomas.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?

I have to admit its nice now and again but I am boring so a 5 lol.

Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?

I don't drive and hubby chooses music , normally classical or a chill out album.

Dessert

When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?

I blame this trait on my family I have a clock in every room. I do not wear a watch though. Last clock was was a long time ago for kitchen.

Come join the feast

Feast One hundred and Eighty Eight

2008-04-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

Name something you would categorize as weird.

What some call music , and what they look like. I know we all have different tastes but men wearing makeup and tight pvc are weird to me.

Soup

What color was the last piece of food you ate?
multi- I had a mixed salad red,yellow,green and white (chicken)

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?
2 I feel lost without my husband and son but I do get a lot of house chores done if I am alone.

Main Course

Fill in the blank: I will _think deeply_before I_ vote for _a person in the next election as sadly so many go back on promises the give_____.

Dessert

Describe your sleeping habits.

Go to bed early, fall asleep about 11 wake up hourly nearly sooo frustating. Then wake up tired!

Come join the feast

Just a little update

2008-04-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would update you on my health.

I feel reasonably well metally and physically and have been getting on doing things, but my right arm hasn't been working to well recently. I cannot use it with any force as the pain in my elbow and shoulder stop me in my tracks. A little frustrating as I am right handed and even peeling a potato is a battle. But I look back over past month and for me I have been well and I am so thankful for that. So the arm thing I can cope with.
I do use wheelchair if I am out shopping as fatigue just wipes me out! and using it helps me stay involved in day to day things in a normal manner. Headaches are few and far between at moment.
My life has changed hugely in the past few weeks, my husband has finished work to become my full time carer. I didnt want to admit to anyone I needed help in such a huge way but who was I kidding, it was just pride rearing its ugly head! Things were just getting ontop of me , I never went out for fear of falling, and I am such a clutz at home I am suprised I havent broken any limbs.
I am also getting very forgetful which upsets me from time to time, it really can be embarrassing when your in conversation with somone and go blank. I do tend to write things down now and leave them somwhere I know I will see and prod my mind into gear, even if its in reverse some of the time.
On the medication side of things I have really reduced tablet intake to just 6 a day I was on over 16 a day, and I feel a lot more alert and in no more pain than when I was on heavier intake.
I did stop taking quinine as there is a lot of evidence that you can loose your hearing on long term use, and cramps seem to have subsided for.
Injections are a doddle, and I am so please at the ease of them, I get a slight site irratation but it goes withing a hour.

I have so much to be thankful for, PRAISE THE LORD.
The Lord has provided for all our needs and I am so thankful. I do not know why we worry about things but we do, we should just pray and put our trust In the Lord and leave our worries with Him.

I am still making cards and little boxes and I love it. I am going to our local resource centre for craft classes and hoping to make new friends in our local area. I have even sold a few cards in the last class.

Feast one hundred & Eighty Six

2008-04-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

Invent a new flower; give it a name and describe it.

Flower power daisy- Easy to grow , comes in a variety of colours and you dont need to be a good gardener to be able to grow it.

Soup

Name someone whom you think has a wonderful voice.
Famous person - David Tennant , family person my husband.

Salad

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how clean do you keep your car?
8- my husband regualry cleans car.

Main Course

How do you feel about poetry?

Have to admit I can take it or leave it.

Dessert

What was the last person/place/thing you took a picture of?

My homemade cards (see below post)- a liitle promoting never hurt lol..

Come join in the feast

suprised at ease of injection.

2008-04-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I went in for training for self injecting with MS nurse. I was imformed of side effects one including tightness of chest and palpatations yikes!

I injected myself with ease and it didnt even hurt! Except afterwards where you get a sting like feeling for about half an hour and a swelling on injection site, which so far has gone down within a few hours.

I didn't even feel needle go in ! I was really suprised and it removed all my anxiety and fears over needles.

I use an auto injector which really does make think easier and you do not see needle go in which is half of battle won ( for me that is).

It is a daily injection, syringes come pre-filled and I store in fridge and get out well before I inject myself as it is important to be room temperature.

It will take about 7 months for medication to start doing its work, but I feel confident and well at moment (well for me is not being in bed!).

I am so thankful for medication like this to be widely available in this country and I pray that more people will be more thankful for our health services , which do a great job in a sometimes unthankful enviroment.

More Cards

2008-04-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

I have tried to use texture in cards above except the sketch one.

More cards

2008-03-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more cards I have made, all girly I am afraid..

Feast One Hundred & Eighty Five

2008-03-28T02:47:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

What does the color dark green make you think of?
Smelly algae in ponds , slimy and yuk!

Soup

How many cousins do you have?
13 cousins on my dads side unsure on my mums.

Salad

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how honest are you?
10/10 to people but sometimes to myself I am a 9/10 person as weight is an issue I do not tend to face honestly... Hope you sort of understand that.

Main Course

Name something that is truly free.
Forgivness and being saved, by the Lord Jesus Christ coming to earth to pay the price for my sin.

Dessert

Using the letters in the word SPRING, write a sentence
Suprisingly productive reasoning intrigues nutty girls.. Ermm lol

Come join in and see other feasts.

Whipworms

2008-03-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

This article found in the Daily Mail was forwarded to me from good friend and I wanted to share.
It is interesting and also gave me an ewww!! feeling lol. Have a read.

Feast One Hundred & Eighty Four

2008-03-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

Given the choice, would you prefer to live in the country or in the city?

Country- I have always been surrounded by hills and stunning views and City life is just too fast a pace for me

Soup

Who is the cutest kid you know?

I don't know many billy goats so cannot comment lol..Mine of course!!

Salad

Fill in the blank: I couldn’t believe it when I heard that I was really a size 10 in disguise...
ha! I fooled you all...

Main Course

If you could star in a commercial for one of your favorite products, which one would you want to advertise?

Ermm I think there are far too many and some drive me nuts but maybe a cooking gadget one, something that eases peeling of vegetables maybe.

Dessert

What type(s) of vitamins and/or supplements do you take on a regular basis?

Vitimin b12 as suffering from MS you tend not to absorb it aswell , but not sure if taking it helps as I have still had b12 booster jabs ouchie!

Join in

Feast One hundred and Eighty Three

2008-03-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how much do you like your own handwriting?
On a good day with a good pen 6/10 bad day 3/10

Soup
Do you prefer baths or showers?
I have a wet room now but I have to admit missing a long soak.

Salad
What was the last bad movie you watched?
Transformers has I was horrified with just 2 minutes of mothers(film mother) comments ruined it for me.

Main Course
Name something you are addicted to and describe how it affects your life.
Chocolate- effects my waistline!! but I have to admit I am not addicted.. Well I dont think so must try and see lol..

Dessert
Which instrument is your favorite to listen to?
Piano and frenchhorn.When played well they WOW me!

See more feasts here come and join in.

Delivery of copoxone

2008-03-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have just recieved my delivery of copoxone and just awaiting till the 2nd April for my injection training and see if I react to it.
I should be ok with the injection side as it come with an auto-inject which will really help me with injecting. If I can inject avonex(intra muscular) I can deal with a tiny needle which this drug uses. I am feeling reasonably comfortable about it.
I have recieved 3 months of injections and they all have to be stored in refrigerator (quite bulky) and I got a welcome pack which has heaps of information , carry case and cool bag.

Keep you posted..

Feast one hundred and eighty two

2008-03-08T08:57:00.006-08:00

Appetizer

If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be?

I have to admit reakky not wanting to be one as your life is not your own anymore and you have no privacy. So I dont have one lol. If I had to choose maybe a celebrity cook of some sorts.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

9 to my family and friends and 0 to tele sales people!!!

Salad

Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

Sue Ryder I havent donated money but made cards for them to sell. They cover a few causes and some are very close to my heart. I do intend to start coffee mornings to help raise awarness and somone I know is already doing this and has said she will help me.

Main Course

What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

Apples or alpen , but Apples are by far healthier and better for the waistline.

Dessert

Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

My husband and son have suffered quite badly (maybe more a severe cold or is it man flu lol! )this year and I managed to stay stay flu free for now.

See more feasts here come and join in.

Feast One Hundred & Eighty One

2008-03-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am joining in at last!!

Feast One Hundred & Eighty One

Appetizer

Who was the last person you hugged?

My husband and son in a close second. But if I am allowed to use a non human it would be my sick rattie tong who has had many today.
Soup

Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.

Ohh I dont do much except moisturizing face and arms when I remember as this does make a difference if I do it regulary.

Salad

What does the color yellow make you think of?

The sun on my face, but recently it hasn't been around much.

Main Course

If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?

Nature especially tree's . I think they are stunning in all seasons.

Dessert

What was the longest book you ever read?

I have to admit not being a huge reader but I suppose it would be a Bible commentary (Mathew Henry), this has been very useful for me.

Encouragement

2008-02-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

I have had quite a busy week so far for me. I have had people coming and going everyday so far friday will be a day of quiet I hope before half term starts.

I have started with a a dear like minded friend prayer time (prayer buddy), we pray together and we have found it to be of great benefit .

We are going to do it regulary and I hope this will be of great encouragment to one another. I have felt mentally and spiritually well since and pray that this will continue for me.

This is the first time for awhile I have felt strength mentally and physically and actually venture outside for a walk with the dog (I have not felt well enough to do this).

Praise the Lord for He is so loving and good.

I have also made descision on medication and going to go along the copoxone route. This will hopefully start in the coming month.

It will take about seven months to start working so prayer is highly valued for me to stay well.

Change of treatment -

2008-02-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

Pray for me please for me to make the right decision on medication.

I need prayer to help me make a decision on my treatment as I have just seen the neurologist, and he suggested it might be beneficial to change from avonex (once a week betaferon) to copoxone which isn't a disease-modifying drug - you inject daily with a much smaller needle.

My neurologist feels avonex is no longer of any benefit to me as I seem to be getting progressively worse.

What is copoxone?

This medication is used to treat a type of multiple sclerosis that occurs when symptoms appear in cycles of worsening and improvement (relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis-MS). It is a protein that is thought to work by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This effect can decrease the number of periods of disease worsening (relapses) and prevent or delay disability. This drug is known as an immunomodulator. It is not a cure for MS.

Glatiramer acetate(copoxone) significantly reduces the frequency of relaspes in those with relapsing-remitting MS. It also slows the number of new lesions (tissue damage) as seen on MRI and decreases disability.
Glatiramer acetate can slow the rate of new lesions in those with relapsing-remitting MS, without the flu-like symptoms that interferon beta (avonex) medications can cause. However, it may not be as effective at reducing disability as interferon beta.( oh dear)

How It Works

Glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1) is an artificial protein that resembles a natural myelin protein. It is not known exactly how the medication works, but it may help people who have MS by preventing the body's immune system from attacking the myelin coating that protects nerve fibers.,

What To Think About

Glatiramer acetate may be used if you have tried interferon beta and the medication has not been effective or you cannot tolerate the side effects. Generally, glatiramer acetate is well-tolerated and does not cause the flu-like side effects that occur when taking interferon beta medications. However, it may take up to 7 months for any benefit from glatiramer acetate to occur. Benefit from interferon beta occurs within 1 month of starting treatment.
Treatment with glatiramer acetate should not be started until it is clear that you have the relapsing-remitting form of MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that treatment with glatiramer acetate or one of the interferon medications be started as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.
In addition to side effects, there are some drawbacks to treatment with glatiramer acetate:

Treatment is not effective at all for some people, and it is hard to predict whether the medication will help a particular person.
The long-term risks of treatment are unknown. It is possible that long-term use of the medication may lower the body's defense against other diseases. For people with mild MS, the benefits may not be worth the possible risks.

Wow - a lot to take in.....

Positive points
smaller needle- much smaller!
Site reactions rare ( i react badly to avonex)
Less side effects- avonex makes limbs painful and gives flu like symptoms
Avonex seems to be no longer benefiting me.

Negative points.
Doesn't reduce disabilty from relapses
Takes 7 months to start working (avonex takes a month)
Daily injecting rather than once a week
Long term side effects not really known - could effect immune system and make you prone to attacks.

I have also been prescribed a drug to help with pain, I am going to rattle!!!

Please pray for me.

What is MS ?

2008-02-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

A brief desciption OF MS.

Multiple Sclerosis is a long term disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves.Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibres of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibres conduct electrical impulses around the body. In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fibre itself is damaged or broken.Myelin not only protects nerve fibres, it also makes their job possible, so when either myelin or the nerve fibre is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.
MS can have many different effects on patients and their families. The increasing level of disability and symptoms experienced by many patients can affect working, family and social life.

MS was first recognised over 130 years ago. In spite of this, we still do not fully understand the cause of MS. There has been a great deal of research on what actually triggers MS and a number of theories have been proposed over the years.
The theory that is widely held now is that MS is an autoimmune disease. That's where the body's immune system, which should in theory only attack invading germs, turns on the body's own tissues.
Other autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, where the lining of joints become inflamed, and Crohn's Disease which affects the wall of the intestines.
In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the nerve coverings in the central nervous system, known as myelin. The reason for this reaction is unknown but it is thought that the genetic make up of some people means that MS can be triggered by an infectious agent or agents
The physical damage caused by MS only happens in the brain or spinal cord. However, as these organs control the functions of the whole body, symptoms can affect many different areas.
How MS affects an individual depends on where damage occurs in the central nervous system and which nerve messages are interrupted or blocked. As well as the variety of symptoms, the severity and duration will also vary considerably from person to person.

The course of MS is often classified into four internationally recognised types, although people's experience of the condition varies so widely that it is not always easily apparent which type of MS they have.

1: Relapsing Remitting (RRMS) At diagnosis, the majority of people have this form of MS - relapses (also known as attacks or exacerbations) occur on average once or twice a year, with good or complete remission in between, but with a tendency for symptoms to persist or increase over time.
This is the most common form of MS at time of initial diagnosis. It affects approximately 85% of everyone diagnosed with MS.

2: Secondary Progressive (SPMS)People with this type of MS experience an initial period of relapsing remitting disease, (see above) but this is followed by a steadily worsening disease course with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions), or plateaus.About 50% of people with relapsing remitting MS develop secondary progressive MS within 10 years of their initial diagnosis.

3: Primary Progressive (PPMS)People with this type of MS experience a slow but steady worsening of their disease ('progression') from the start, with no distinct relapses or remissions. But there are variations in speed at which it progresses. There are also occasional plateaus and temporary minor improvements.This type of MS is relatively rare - only about 15% of people with MS will get this form.

4: Progressive Relapsing (PRMS) In this rare form of the disease, people experience progression from the start, but also experience relapses as well. The progression is the main factor however, and PRMS is considered to be largely similar to PPMS.

Benign MS In some cases, people experience very occasional relapses, usually early on, with complete recovery - or remission - in between. They don't have any serious disability and further relapses are infrequent - in fact they can sometimes happen a number of years apart. By its nature, benign MS can only be diagnosed after a long period of time with little disease activity. About 25% of people turn out after a number of years to have this type of MS.

About Multiple Sclerosis

How does MS change over time?

MS is one of the most difficult conditions to forecast. The sense of uncertainty - simply not knowing how things will be in the future - is often a serious additional problem for people with MS and their families. MS varies a great deal from individual to individual but, in time, people will often get to know their own MS. Even then, it can still surprise them.
Factors that suggest a lower level of disease activity include:
females
people diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40
a low rate of relapses
complete recovery from first relapse
extended intervals between first and second relapse
Optic Neuritis as an early symptom
symptoms which are predominantly sensory - things like numbness, tingling
low disabialisty 5 years from the onset of the condition
a small number of MS lesions on an MRI Scan
As many as a third of people with MS have no or only minor problems after 10 years. But it is impossible to say with any certainty how each person's MS will develop.

THIS INFORMATION CAME FROM http://www.msdecisions.org.uk/

cards..

2008-02-05T02:48:00.000-08:00

The cards that are book shaped are my first attempts at bookatrix ( embossed book lookalike cards , some are 3d others are flat. I really had fun making these but they are too fragile for posting but fine by hand. I make little boxes to give them in and thats fun also.

What a privilege

2008-01-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

Every other week we have a bible study/coffee morning for the ladies.

I was asked to bring a message to the ladies on the first Thursday in January. This is a great priviledge and said yes straight away.
This was my first time to talk before the ladies and I felt a little nervous.

I was drawn to proverbs 16.1-9

Especially the first verse -The preparation of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Here is a summary of what I talked about and I would love you the readers to add your thoughts please..

All the verses are based on the same theme which is that God gives us freedom to plan and prepare many things but it is He that enables us do do them.
What this reflects is that even though God is all powerful and He can do whatever He wants, He still uses ordinary people like you and I to do this work.

I always go the Bible in times of need for guidance as the Bible is Gods word to us and while we may plan many things we must always check ourselves against God's standards.
Verse 16.1 is paticulary about preparing to speak. The second half of this verse reminds us that as we actually do something e.g speaking etc, it is God who enables us and it is God brings succcess in what we say .
This is a great encouragment when we find ourselves unsure as to what we should say that God will assist us as we speak, and that God will bring good out of all things.
This verse also reminds us that preparationis so important and that as Christians we should always be thinking people, as the saying goes " make sure brain is in gear before you engage tongue.
When preparing to talk to somone e/g having coffee, bumping into people etc we should hold Gods promises in mind we must have faith.
Most old Bible comentators say that seeing that God has made our mouths He knows best how we should use them.
Conclusion is summed up in verse 9
This is a reality of being a Christian and of walking with God. That we know and can see in our lives that God has directed our steps.

This was a really powerful chapter for me personally as I do find it hard to be silent.. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.

Brief personal years summary and blessings.

2008-01-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

Well last year went whoosh so much has happened and as the saying goes *the older you get the quicker the year flies by*.

Briefly, the year contained three huge relapses where I lost mobility for a while and before I recovered from one I was hit with another. This was treated by three courses of IV steroids, which have helped me get myself back on my feet, but I do worry about the long-term side effects. I had a bone scan to make sure that the steroids had not thinned my bones and I am pleased to say I passed with flying colours!

I have also adjusted (with doctor's help of course) the amount of medication I take and at the moment we seem to have it right and I am managing pain well when it rears its testing head.
I was also assessed to see if I needed a wheelchair and I did , so I have a lovely new chair which should enable me to do things with my son even when mobility is limited.

I still self-inject with avonex weekly and my fear of needles may not have gone away but I deal with it and inject without too much fretting. My husband leaves room whilst I do it!

Our housing needs altered when I lost mobility as living in a first floor flat was becoming dangerous and difficult for me so we approached the council with our worries , and we were given points according to our needs (which means more points higher up the list you go etc.). We also put ourselves down for housing association and beginning of December we were offered a housing association two bedroom bungalow and we moved within three days of being offered it. It was a mad and tiring time. So worth it though!

When we moved we moved a long way from John’s school but Jonathan could drop him off in morning before work and I hoped to sort out home time. Jonathan approached the teachers and explained what had happened, and the same day I received a phone call from the Headmaster asking for Jonathan to pop in when he picked him up. The teachers had discussed it and said that up until Easter they would bring John home after school - how amazing is that? After Easter evening light will be better and getting home much easier.

Now it is January and I look back at past year I can see that God has blessed us so much - and we are so undeserving.

No matter how bad the situation seemed God never left our side and guided us to solutions.

What an amazing God we have.

Carded.

2008-01-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Carded!
My sister in law Susanna at Through a glass has ‘carded’ me. This is all new to me so here goes the explanation. There is a materialistic list and then a spiritual list, the idea being that we can pray for each others spiritual needs.

THE RULES:
1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for the New Year.
2. People who are “CARDED” need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get “CARDED” and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they’re “CARDED”, and to read your Blog.

Materialistic Needs

More card making stock -(Husband thinks I have too much already)

Money- We get by but a little more would be great

Another pair of hands- To do garden and tackle the dreaded laurel bush out front.

A Hoover -that removes dog hairs and isnt too heavy. Yes I do have one but doesnt tackle dog hairs too well.

To loose weight- By our holiday in august I fully intend to loose atleast two dress sizes.

Spiritual Needs

Time- I need to use my time more wisely, and put it to better use.

Read more - I am an appalling reader and I must try more as it will equip me .

Prayer buddy-I have asked a good friend of mine to be a prayer buddy, I am sure we will both benefit and encourage one another.

To pray more- I need to be more aware when I pray and what to pray for.

Fellowship- I need to get my self more organised and have around more people as fellowship is so important.

Ok….I don’t know another 5 bloggers well enough to ‘card’ .

So if you read this you have been carded lol..

Bits and bobs

2007-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures of dolly , one is with her favourite toy which she has destroyed.

Minature bouquets I made for my cards.

The bungalow is slowly looking more like home and I have to pinch myself to check its all real.

The garden will wait for the new year as will the trimming of the huge and I mean huge laurel bush out front.Its atleast 3 ft wide and 6 ft high and isnt good on a security point of view as you cannot see our front door .

We have moved

2007-12-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Only a quick entry as life at moment it hectic, we got the bungalow and have moved and I am still sifting through packed boxes.

Here are a few pictures of our new home. It is a two bedroom bungalow with a carport and a garden, It is down a quiet cul-de-sac .
How God has provided for us , we are so blessed.
We still have a lot to do but much of it will wait until the new year. We intend to use this place for the Lords work as much as possible.

Prayers please

2007-11-28T02:55:00.000-08:00

I write to ask for prayers for us for Thursday.
We have a interview with housing association as we have been nominated along with three other families for a bungalow and I am feeling rather sick with nerves whether it be antispation, the not knowing and excitement all mixed up.
I have prayed and asked to door to be opened or shut on this matter in some sort of clear way , but the Lord knows all things and knows what is best for us but I still feel quite emotional about it all.
I ask for prayers that we may know what is to be soon , as the month of December is a busy one already.
The Lord has blessed us so much already and I am so thankful.

Clare

Wheelchair assesment

2007-11-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today we went down to local independent living site , for me to be assessed if I needed a wheelchair. The whole process took about an hour , I even had a test drive in one.
The wheelchair is made to fit as perfect as possible. All being pocessed now and should be with us within 3 months. I am so thankful to the Lord guiding me in the right direction.
Also I bumped into the housing allocator and she said we just dont have the points to be rehomed, she advised me to get ot , Dr and neurologist writings letters to help my case.
I know had the bit between teeth and phoned the housing option team (they allocate points etc).
I spoke to a friendly person who said I was just reading your notes how spooky (thankyou Lord). She says we should be an urgent case and have more points and is doing a home visit on tuesday and talk to me one to one,
I do ask for prayers for this matter as moving or even just been offered a property that wheelchair friendly is always a hard thing to do, but we have had so much blessing recently I am so Thankful to the Lord. In his hands I leave this matter and trust in Him completely.

Clare

A few more Christmas cards I made

2007-11-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Few new designs.

Yikes....

2007-11-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

Well today has been a strange one. I have not been sleeping too well recently and rather than disturbing hubby I went into lounge on the recliner (which was given to us by the Senior Mr and Mrs Baptists and I am truly thankful).

Well I hardly slept a wink last night so got out of bed at 4am by 5am I was ironing , by 6 am I had completed it , by 7.30 am I had walked dog , then by 9am whole flat had been dusted and vaccumed!! Now totally exhausted but I do have a clean flat lol.

To top it all I have had a cold and my voice has nearly gone , husband will like that I cannot nag him ....

Yes I know I shouldn't over do it but when you have the energy best use it wisely..

On a serious note I ask for prayers for a girl who has learning difficulties , she was Fostered by a dear friend of mine , but when she turned 18 seems she can do what she wants even though she has a mental of about 10/11. I feel social services have really let her down and encouraged her to live on her own and found her a flat etc etc , without going into any more details she is in a terrible situation . Pray for her to come home , and sort things out.

I have made all my christmas cards and even have two orders of 25 , which shall keep me busy.

Here is a 60 th card I made recently for somone.

A verse that has really helped me recently

2007-10-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Proverbs is a book I regularly go through as it is simple and it helps me so much with my daily life. A verse that has really helped in recent times and I would like to share with you is:

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

This verse has stuck in my mind during recent times and has helped me to know when to speak and when to listen. If you knew me you would understand that at times I cannot stop talking and I forget to listen and learn.

Dolly

2007-10-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

Some random pictures of dolly the dog

Here she is reviewing a blog lol

Itching her back on the bed!!! with a chew in her mouth

She really is a good companion but she doesnt have many manners! She a cheeky little dog that makes us all smile alot.

Just for a giggle

2007-10-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/peculiartitle.php

I found this link on my husbands blog and it certainly put a smile on my face.

Only takes a few seconds and I recommend it for a therapeutic smile..

my name selected was

Milady the Right Reverend Clare the Undamaged of New Scagglethorpe

Recently..

2007-10-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well yet again its been far too long between blogs , but with having yet another relaspe and another course of steroids I found time just disappeared. Mentally and spiritually I have felt good , its just the body keeps letting me down. Enough about that anyway...

Atlast I have started making cards again and have even experiemented with a few new techniques and I might not be too good at them but have really enjoyed doing them.

Here is my first attempt at making a vellum flowers , needs alot of practice but should be good to use on cards if I can make them small enough.

Also here are a few new cards I have made , I have used many different textures and even embossed metal to get some different effects.

Summer holidays nearly over.. whooosh.

2007-08-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought... the blog is well overdue for an update!

I had a second relapse recently and I had not fully recovered from the previous one. This time it decided to hit me during the water problems Gloucestershire had , and hit me hard it did. I lost sensation from my hips downwards and my Neurologist decided to hospitalise me!! I was in hospital from a Wednesday to a Friday and had yet another course of steroids.

Mentally and spiritually I felt strong - just my body was not keeping up. Jonathan (husband) had to take time off again to look after me but his work was very understanding.I had also sorted out for son to stay with one of his aunties and it thankfully coincided with my week in hospital. The following week I stayed with my parents (a wonderful restful time) for a few days my other sister had my son at the same time.

My parents-in-law came down to Cheltenham for a few days at the end of July and it was a lovely time had by all, then my son went to aunties again and had a great time.

Then a normal at home week for us arrived and this was followed closely by the holiday club held at a local church.
Whoosh summer holidays nearly over and I am getting sensation back slowly and I AM being good doing my exercises etc!

The Lord has been so good to me at this trying time , in fact I have probably had an easier time than husband and son dealing with things. I have had so much peace in the Lord it is truly wonderful.

I am still fighting fatigue and walking isn't easy but I look to the time when I will have a perfect body in Heaven, joining in fellowship and praising my Lord Jesus for helping a sinner such as I.

C

Life in general.

2007-07-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am improving daily health wise and up to 3 times a day dog walking , which should start improving my fitness. I am extremly thankful for having a park opposite where I live with many benches, as I can sit when feeling a little tired.
Walking the dog gives me time to look around and admire the small piece of creation around me. I pray to myself , sometimes outloud (whoops)in absolute awe at the detail and beauty.
Dolly (the dog) is such a great companion to me during the day and likes my pace of things , she lives life of luxury (yes we spoil her) and my son finds her a great playmate. Yet another wonderful creation of God.
I thank you for all your prayers and most of all I thank God for his healing hand.

Update

2007-06-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been fighting my way back from a relapse, I had lost balance, strength in right side , severe pain in my legs and arms, and blurred/loss vision in my right eye. I had to call husband to come home as I felt I was unsafe to be on my own. I contacted MS nurse who got me an appointment to see my neurologist.
I was perscribed heavy pain killers and a three day course of intravenous steroids(which speeds up recovery rate). It took four attempts to get cannula in( not sure on spelling) but steroids went through relatively quickly- out patients over a 3 day period. Side effects from steroids included doing impression of a tomatoe,cannot sleep, jittery and covered in spots!!But all were short lived.
Two weeks have passed and husband went back to work yesterday (it was all unpaid leave).I am taking things slowly as I won't gain anything by rushing.
Spiritually I have been well and I have so much peace, more so than many others around me. They say aww I am sorry its so not fair, I reply- so many people worse off than I and the Lord found me , how blessed am I..I have had so much peace in the last few weeks and it makes you even more focused to look beyond this world.

Past few weeks.

2007-02-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well alot has happened since I last blogged. I am now the proud owner of a dog called dolly , a three year old collie cross jack russell and she is adorable.

This is her relaxing and enjoying life to the maximum.

She is an absolute joy and has got me walking regulary. Hopefully this should aid in the weight loss , even though I havent been sticking to plan....
I have also been admiring Gods creation whilst walking, spring has well and truly come.

My pain is under control at moment and has turned my life around, I feel mentally and physically stronger.
I am also using something called a painpen which a friend of mine brought me.
You zap yourself about 30 times and it is meant to stimulate your pain endorphins. My husband and son were nosey and tried it on themselves , was quite amusing to see them jump..

What a week.

2007-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

Last week was an amazing week physically and mentally.

I am on a new drug at quite a high dosage but within 2 days of starting it I had no pain in my arms. This felt amazing as I could get on and do things that I had let slip, yes it had side effects like drowsiness, but I can cope with that.

The flat is looking normal again and I have caught up with all the ironing!! Also had a huge sort out of son's bedroom and sifted through his clothes and handed all the too small stuff to my nephew. My main problem is I overdid it yesterday and had a nasty fall , all my fault I will learn!

My husband and I were invited out for lunch on Saturday , it was wonderful time of fellowship and was good to get to know them more.
We had a church tea on Sunday and a really good number attended many of whom do not regularly worship with us. It was a good time of fellowship and an opportunity to make new friends.

I am reading more , I still struggle and tiredness seems to be a hurdle when I read, and I am listening to hymns every night and I feel uplifted by it all. How the Lord has guided me.

The am so thankful to the Lord , he looks after me all the time .
What a wonderful Mighty God we have, that is so loving and caring.

Oh and I gained a 1lb but not suprised as I had 3 days off plan , will be 100% this week.

Back On slimming world eating plan

2007-01-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

As from the 1st January my husband and I are back on the Slimming World plan.

So far I have lost 9lbs and husband 6 lbs.

I haven't been too well health wise so struggling to get back into cooking mode, but we must be doing something right as we are both losing weight. We haven't returned to class due to cost! We are weighing ourselves once a week at home. But I have found a slimming world free community which is being very helpful. (not offical site)

We both have a lot to lose but have mini targets for husband's degree ceremony, which is a few months away.

I feel quite motivated at moment to must keep focused.

New Year

2007-01-03T01:08:00.000-08:00

I am eagerly looking forward to this year, may the Lord guide and use me.

Things have setted down a little now , and I am back on slimming world plan with my husband and looking forward to shedding the weight!
I haven't been too well recently , its really frustrating but I must just do what I can when I can.
Church life has stabilised for us as a family , and the carol service was a real blessing where many visitors came in and heard Gods Word.

Hopefully I am back to blogging once a week.

Happy New Year All and may you all have a blessed one.

No more Blogging for awhile.

2006-12-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

I wont be blogging for awhile , but I will be reading others...
Have great Christmas all and may your new years be a Blessed one.

An opportunity.

2006-11-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

I was chatting to some friends online and they showed me a newspaper clip of a cat that is supposed to have given birth to " puppies. "
I leapt in , grasping the opportunity to talk about creation. I made it clear that I was no scientist , but cross-breeding (different family of animals) is genetically impossible, whilst breeding within a species is of course possible like the *liger* (tiger and lion).
They said 'wow - a tiger can breed with a lion?' , I replied a cat is a cat, there are just lots of different variations of the same breed.
After much discussion they then said 'your'e going to say we're all related next' , 'well' I replied....

It was a brief opportunity but they both still keep asking questions and maybe a seed has been sown.

New Church Home

2006-11-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we will we accepted into membership at our new Church home.
We have prayed hard and asked the Lord for direction and help in this matter. We look forward to becoming active members and serving Lord and spreading the gospel.
The Church is small but full of people who really care about the Lord and are what I call real prayer warriors.
I thank-you for all the prayers , and I thank the Lord most of all for making our direction so clear.

Nephew is one , praise the Lord.

2006-11-01T05:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend I went to my nephews 1st birthday.
It was good to see him and oh my how much better he looked, Praise the Lord.
Here he is and he smiled all through the afternoon.

Research On MS

2006-10-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

I found this on the MS discussion board I use online and thought I would share.

Many avenues being explored for MS are going against my beliefs. For example, stem cell exploration is playing with life and many see no wrong in doing so.

Some do not see it as wrong as they seem to think life just suddenly starts at maybe a few weeks , maybe 12 weeks or maybe 20 weeks , to make it it suitable for them not to feel guilt.

A cure would be fantastic but at what cost ??

Teenage smoking and birth.

2006-10-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

Reading the news today I came across this article about teenagers smoking. I was shocked to say the least, and I am not really sure that I agree entirely with the article headline, as I cannot see the majority starting to smoke to reduce size of the baby. I am sure most of it comes from peer pressure, copying parents or just being a rebel and of course already being a smoker.
One good thing that I can see to reduce smokers is making it harder for smoker to find places to smoke and socialise , which is already happening throughout the country.

Amazing News about nephew

2006-09-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

Amazing news

My nephew is allowed back home till friday , what a recovery!!! How great is Our God.

He still has feeding tube in intestine , but they are keeping it in , incase he starts loosing weight.

Thankyou for all the prayer.

Sorry I havent blogged in a while.

Update

2006-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I saw my nephew today, and he is doing very well - it was wonderful to see him with colour in his cheeks - playing with his toys and smiling. His true diagnosis is a hiatus hernia that perforated his oesophagus - this is what complicated the original operation. Thank you all for your prayers!

Update

2006-08-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a short break with family and plenty has happened since I last blogged.

My nephew is having his operation today and I will get phone call as soon as there is anything to update me on.
He has had an infection in his main feed tube and we thought this was going to put back his operation again..but antibiotics were given which seems to have done the trick.

Now to what's wrong with him.

He has a CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA.

He has a problem called "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia" or CDH. Congenital means "born with" and a hernia is a problem where something goes through a hole it is not supposed to. The hole is in his diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that helps us to breathe and keeps the organs in the abdomen from going into the chest cavity. This is a picture of how things are normally.

When he was very small (early in the pregnancy), there was a hole in the diaphragm. This is normal, but the hole usually closes by the end of the third month of pregnancy. His case, the hole stayed open. This allowed some of the intestines to go into the chest cavity. Since the intestines were in the chest cavity and not where they were supposed to be, the lungs could not grow in the normal space that they need (they had to share the space with the intestines). This means that the lungs are smaller than they should be. The intestines can also push on the other lung and keep it from growing fully and can sometimes keep the heart from growing normally. This is a picture of how things look in a baby with a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia.

These pictures show clearly how the body has not been able to develop properly.

How is a diaphragmatic hernia repaired?

Diaphragmatic hernias are repaired in an operation under general anaesthetic (so that he is deeply asleep), which can last between one to two hours. The surgeons will only carry out the operation once the baby is stable on a ventilator.

What does the operation involve?

During the operation, the surgeon will move his intestine back into the abdomen and repair the hole in their diaphragm. Sometimes, the surgeon may need to use a ‘patch’ of special material to close this hole, but this will not cause any problems in the long term. His intestine has become twisted while it is in the chest (which is not uncommon), the surgeon will correct this during the same operation. If his intestine has been damaged by being squashed in the chest, the surgeon may remove a damaged portion.

Are there any risks?

All the doctors who perform this operation have had lots of experience and will minimise the chance of problems occurring.
All operations carry a small risk of bleeding, during or afterwards. Every anaesthetic carries a risk of complications, but this is very small. His anaesthetist is a very experienced doctor who is trained to deal with any complications.
****
I wanted to share this information as looking into it and finding things out has really helped me.