Breathing without a reason

Amazing race host biking for MS!

2009-04-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Phil Keoghan is biking across the U.S. to help raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Read more here http://bit.ly/9UrTe Lets keep him in our prayers. I cant ride a bike a mile let alone how far he is. What a great guy. (IMHO). Of course I may be biased I love amazing race!

God is just awesome!

2009-04-27T16:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at church was good. Not only the message, but it just makes you feel good when you feel like God is really listening. I went forward for prayer. I didnt even get out what I needed prayer for to the person I was talking to, when another person came up and said they had a "word from the Lord" for me. I have to say it was right on (as usual). Only God knows my thoughts, so its so obvious it was from him, considering I had never met the person who had come up to me to give me the word. I felt really good when I left, of course I looked like a hot mess, from crying, but who really cares. God sees us as our worst, and still loves us. Uhh.. its so hard when you desire so much to change, yet it seems like its such a slow process. I quess if it was easy then it would be pointless wouldnt it? Well if anyone actually reads this, keep me in your prayers.

Twitter frenzy

2009-04-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well, when you used to meet people it was common to say "hi" or "how ya been?" Now what your likely to hear is "add me on twitter." I have to admit I had heard of it, but like Oprah, was clueless to what it actually was. I hear the phrase "what are you doing?" being repeated over and over to refer to it, and my thoughts were, well isnt the answer always going to be "typing" duh! LOL It is ironic that its been around for years, but until some celebs promoted it, not many had heard of it. I must admit, I too, am somewhat hooked on the ramblings of others, let alone rambling nonsense myself. Its fun to read what everyone else "is doing." Then again, I might just be really bored, and have no life. (leaning towards the lader). I will admit I was excited when I saw that one of my favorite shows Paranormal State was "following" me. (Yes I will admit they probably follow all those that follow them, but still I could feel special for a moment). I just wonder, how long will this frenzy last. Of course people are thinking it will last quite a while, but I was into myspace and got bored of that too (also I think it got hacked since my name and pw wont work, then again my m.s. brain could have forgotten it, I am writing things down in my blackberry now to help with that). So just curious what are your predictions on how long the frenzy will last? Do you think this time next year people will still be asking "what are you doing?" or even care? Regardless, its all the rage for now, and as sheep we must follow, until something newer and cooler comes along.

So like everyone else I will say Add me to your twitter @JimAndSandy to get caught up on all random dribble.

Finally Back

2009-04-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemonsters, its been a while, as you can see from the previous blogs. Honestly I just figured out my user name and pw again (yeah blame it on the blonde or the Multiple Sclerosis, take your pick, I'll blame either.
Now for an update......
We finally moved back to bako. We bought a brand new house (just built), and yes we have already worn out that new house smell (what do you expect with kids). Happy to be back in town. Closer to the dr office, church, shopping, etc.
I got my pain pump put in, doing MUCH better. For those of you that saw me this time last year you know I was using my wheel chair most of the time, and now....I am not even using my cane much (unless I have to walk far). I have lost 40 lbs (not that I have that much to lose), but due to the meds I just cant eat. Hey if your gona die, I say die skinny (jk jk)
Jim and I are trying to quit smoking. He is doing much better then me naturally. Of course, hes not sitting at home bored all day either. Nor is he dealing with screaming kids (that would drive anyone to smoke) lol jk
Anyhoo, just wanted to update this thing since its been forever. I wrote my username and pw down this time, so I will update regularly!

Jesus is the reason for the season

2006-12-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

I got this emailed to me and would like to share this with all of you. Please put down your credit card, and remember the REAL reason for the season....................JESUS!

You are cordially invited to

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25
but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.
He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about
new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's
already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been
able to afford it anyway...
it cost Him everything He had. But
you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a
far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"
followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: ; Your life. He's one of those
people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though.
Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,
Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,
Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can
reserve a spot for you at the table.
Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future
reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!
Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will
see at the party, share this with someone today!

Whats the greatest gift you can give?

2006-12-23T23:17:00.000-08:00

Whats the greatest give you can give?

LOVE.....it costs you nothing and lasts forever. Think about it. It could end wars, save lives, change lives, heal a broken heart, stop violence, even create something new inside of you and so much more. The thing about love is it was created to be given away. If you hold it in, it doesn't help you or anyone else. I challenge anyone who is having trouble with their child to tell them they love them 10 times a day, and see if the child changes. I believe that love can change anything. Its definitely something that if your wrong, then......well really how can you be wrong? How can giving love to someone else ever be wrong. I don't mean going out and giving your heart away to every tom, dick, or harry out there. I mean loving those around you with your whole heart. I think we could always love better. Commit to love everyone better this year and see what happens. I bet that in that year things will change. No, you probably wont be richer, in the sense of money, but you definitely will be richer in your life. The bible says to "love your neighbor as yourself." That "neighbor" can be a friend, family, maybe that child you see down the street that you know is neglected. Key word "as your self" the problem today? People don't really love themselves. "I am too fat." "I am ugly." How many times have we beat ourselves up over our physical appearance, or some flaw we hate in ourselves? Probably daily (myself included). The thing is these things just don't matter. What is truly important is the heart and attitude. Cut yourself some slack. I mean your only human too, aren't you?

Heres what I suggest:

Make a list of the people you could "love better" this year and commit to doing it.
Commit to loving YOURSELF better this year and actually to it.
Seek out people to love. Love the "unlovable." We all know who they are, you might of seen the homeless man each week on the street. Maybe decide to buy him a meal.
Pass it on. Share this article with other people and have them commit to "love better" this year.
If you are comfortable with it, keep a prayer diary for those you have decided to "love better" and pray daily for them. I personally have seen this change many lives. Remember you might be the only person on earth praying for that person. Maybe thats all they needed to get their life back in order.
If you don't believe in prayer, then do whatever your comfortable with, send warm thoughts or whatever it is you are comfortable with.

How can I "love better"?

Pray for the person (if your comfortable with that)
Do anonymous things that help them. Maybe send a card in the mail when you know they are discourage (you could say its from you if you want). Little things that don't get notices usually make you feel better because you know you did them. I remember giving a card with money in it to a single struggling mom one Christmas, she never knew who it was from, but the joy in her face was all I needed.
Offer to help out when needed. Maybe that over worked, exhausted mom just needs a few free hours, offer to babysit.
Say "I love you" to your family at least 5 times a day (if not more). How can it ever hurt to tell our children how much we love them? Our spouse? It just cant. A older child might act like you just exposed them naked in front of the entire school, but inside it feels good and they love it, no matter what they say on the outside. Think of how many times we love to hear our spouse say "I love you" for no reason, it feels good, makes us feel secure and loved. Think what it can do for your spouse and your relationship.
There are so many other ways. Just fill a need. Give praise. Look around and listen. You can find 100s of ways to "love better" if you really want too.

If everyone who reads this committed to "loving better" at least 5 people, and because those people benefited from your love, they then start loving better, thing of the chain reaction this could create. I remember a long time ago the "random acts of kindness" movement, or the "pay it forward" movement. Those were awesome. What I am talking about is similar to that and ITS FREE. As I said it costs you nothing, and it lasts forever. The reason this is so different is because what you are doing has a lasting effect on people. The love you give to your child, may seem trivial now, but what if its that love that contributes to them being a successful adult and loving their family? I know many people have heard that when people are on their death beds they always say "I wish I could have loved more." All the working, money, and material things no longer matter, all they can leave behind, is their love. How will you change the world? Many of us will never be celebrities, or someone the whole world knows, but that is not important. You can love who you are around. You don't have to change the world, just start with yourself. Will you commit to "loving better" this year and see how it changes your life?

Feel free to copy and paste this anywhere you want for others to read. Just give me credit for writing it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sandy

Old 80s movies

2006-12-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Its so funny my step daughter and I are watching "Pretty in Pink" right now and I am just laughing at all the memories this movie brings back. I told her (shes 16) that I was probably her age when I started watching this movie. Its funny because when I was in high school I was in the same kinda situation. I had this guy who was my best friend and we were really close. He eventually started having feelings for me, but I didn't feel the same way. Crazy the memories old 80s movies brings back!

Finally done shopping!

2006-12-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well I just got home and im finally done shopping! I am exhausted. Shopping for not only my 7 kids, but all the family and friends etc is so exhausting. Right my its so cold so the arthritis in my knees is killing me, plus the cold makes my MS worse. Its only 6pm and I feel like I could go straight to bed and sleep forever! The only problem is the car is still full of stuff and we have to go get it all out. I not only had to go xmas shopping I had to go to the grocery store and buy all the xmas cooking stuff. OMG there were only 3 turkeys left! Thats what I get for waiting til the last minute. Usually I get the stuff earlier because my hubby's work always gives him a gift card, but this year we gave it to a family in need, so I waited till the last minute. Whats funny is we are from such a small place, that usually is so dead, but today it was a MAD HOUSE! Oh well, I am finally done now!!

Living with MS

2006-12-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

I have multiple sclerosis. I got diagnosed about 2 yrs ago. We had thought I had, had a stroke, but it turned out after MANY test that I had MS. Everyday is different. Some days you wake up and feel good, others you wake up and are in so much pain you cant move. It can be so frustrating because in your mind everything is working, yet your body just wont cooperate. I feel like I can walk and move my body normal, yet my body doesnt seem to be listening. MS treats every person differently. I have a very progressive and rapid type, so I had to have chemo to slow it down. It was a very hard time for me and my family. Of course I lost a lot of hair (my poor hairdresser cried more then I did shes been doing my hair for years god love her!), but its slowly growing back now. I mean its just hair right? What made stuff worse is I finally got done with the chemo and I started passing out and having new symptoms. I was so scared that the chemo didnt work. I went to my dr and my blood pressure was extremely high, so he decided to check my past bp's. Its been high for 8 months now, they put me on some new meds and that helped. It sucks that I have hypertension (high blood pressure) now, but it was good news it wasnt MS related. I have 7 kids (4 adopted foster kids, 2 bio kids, 1 stepdaughter) so life can be a circus. I love them all so much and I am so afraid to leave them. I hated every moment of chemo, but I did it all for my family, even for just one more day. I worry so much about leaving them. Will they forget me? Will I see them graduate? Get married? I just cant focus on that kinda thing, just live everyday to the fullest. If your living with a non curable disease like this let me know ill add you to my prayer list.