A Little Health Update

 I would feel like I wasn't being truth full with you, if I didn't share I am already dreaming of fall days!

   

          This heat is about to get the very best of your girl!

I miss setting outside! I dream of spending more time in nature! I actually have recently craved time in the nature taking walks! However I need for it to cool off so I can dream of bringing such  things to pass.

Until then I guess I will just have to bring fall to my home early indoors!

"Shh" don't tell my husband of my plan! I hope to bring our fall mid August! I am so excited for it! This will be the very first time ever I have done a fall tree! I have to say I believe that is my driving force behind decorating everything else for fall early as well! 

A girl needs something to look look forward to when she stays home as much as I do!

So look for fall decor post to come soon!

I have gotten behind on blogging again and did not keep you updated as I had hoped about the new supplements. I began to boost my health and start healing on the cellular level.

So I thought I would give you some health update info and fill you in on how that has helped! What I have seen in the past 30days.

So let me start with the name of the supplements I have been taking. They are made by the company called Life Vantage.I take three supplements, a probiotic, and a yummy water mix for brain fog in the mornings!

The  supplements I take are Protandim NRF1 & NRF2, their probiotic and Axio for energy and brain clarity.

We were told to allow at least four month's to see full effect of how they help my over all system. My lupus is all over the place, since being jerked all over the healthcare world thanks to insurance changes,

So everything seems to need longer than what we had hoped for! Now I want to share no two peoples experience is is the same. Never stop a medication your on by a doctor with out first speaking to your doctor!

I went through a pretty harsh detox phase when I first started my new meds! I was warned this may happen and of course my body wanted to be sure to get involved, 

It lasted about 2 weeks, I was really really tired, my gut was upset , and I had a headache. The fatigue was the worst part of all of it! I just could not do anything, It was all I could do was to go from one room to another. I spiked a high fever a few days much higher than I like! 

After the two weeks things seemed to level out and became more bearable.

 I have noticed a huge change in my mental clarity! Especially on the days I drink my axio! I can hold a train of thought and I can read and comprehend what I am reading! For those of you that have brain fog or have lupus you know just how precious those little gifts are! Now as far as having a huge jump in energy no. My body is still really out of whack. I am hoping this month I will begin to see some of that!

With the help of the life vantage and the new lupus biologic!

I pray we begin to see som much needed changes.

I had my very first Saphenella infusion Tuesday! I was so excited! This drug has showed promising changes in lupus patients! Including decreased flares, increased energy, and decreased organ involvement! We are praying for all of these things! However the first treatment knocked me for a loop! Its Saturday and I am still wiped out! Now I did get my lung biologic the next day as well! 

That mixed in with all of the other is surly the reason why I am still struggling with this crazy fatigue.

I hope next week holds better things! I am seriously over laying around, Your girl has better things to do than sleep all the time.

So if you would ask me would I recommend the life vantage. I absolutely would! Because many have seen faster results than I have! So there for I would not want you to miss out on this life changing healing for anything!

I have still been working hard on me. On the lines of self love that is! I don't believe I had truly seen the value in that till this year and how important that truly is! Just because we get older doesn't mean we grow out of it! I believe because we get older we need it even more! Especially in a world that feel like that it needs to find its self worth from self fame or social media! Or from what those around us think of us! 

Which if it is done in healthy ways these things can be okay, Still yet they are never okay when it it is the only way we seek our worth! Because again our worth should start with what our Daddy thinks of us, rather what we think of ourselves or others opoinions! 

I have learned to embrace what makes me who I am! The things that make me different and make me stand out from the rest! 

So are the things that make me exactly who my creator saw me to be when He spoke me into my Momma's womb.

Allowing myself grace and growth during this season of life. Has taught me some very valuable lessons!

I have love going back and resisting the redeeming love devotional. If you read the book you resonated with Sarah in the story. I highly recommend the devotional! All thought I have already been through it once! The second time around has taught me even more than the first time.

If you have unsettled things that haunt you. Things that has caused you to harbor unforgivness. 

Its time to allow healing so you can move forward as the healthiest version of you! 

You can not put into others if your drained empty or unable to see past your own pain,

We are called to point others to our Daddy! What better way than healing our bodies heart and physical aliments. So others around us can see our Daddy in all of his glory through us!

I have found the best way to start that off for us daily is a heartfelt of thankfulness! It's hard to not have joy or healing when we live a life go thankful for the daily blessings we have!

So Let me encourage to begin a habit I have made a part of my morning! Start off by telling our heavenly Daddy 3 things we are thankful for and 3 things we are joyful for! 

Try to make sure you choose 3 new things daily! You will see a shift in how you see the world around you when you do!

Don't wait for Thanksgiving to live in a season of thankfulness!

So I would like to end here today! I want to share my 3 things with you! I want you to see the rawness of my everyday heart! So you too can see the beautiful work my Daddy has been song in my heart and the changes He has brought around!

3 Things I am thankful for Saturday July 23,2022

1- For the way the floor feels cool on the bottom of my feet when I walk on them! It's a reminder that I am blessed to have relief from the smoldering temptress outside.

2. I am thankful for the sound of the clicking keys

 of board on my computer, Its a reminder that all though I have pain in my hands I am able to type and share my hear with you today!

3- I am thankful for clothes that are comfortable and soft. No matter the size they fit and are soft. It makes being able to be comfortable to live in my own skin.

3 Things I am joyful for:

1- For air conditioning to stay cool in this heat

2- The sound of my grand babies giggles

3- The way a warm embrace feels when given by someone you love. Especially from your amazing spouse.

the Bible teaches us clearly in Romans 12:12 To be joyful in hope! Hope makes each day bearable! Its a reminder that with each new day we have something new to look  forward to and to be grateful for the days that have passed!

Each day we practice these things, the easier it is to be happy and content no matter what we are facing!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing a part of your day with me! Time is precious the fact you were willing to spend some time with me. Over joys my heart to have you here!

I hope you know I am praying for you always!

If you are on Facebook or Insta

Follow me on Foot Steps of Grace there!

Until next time, I hope you will be walking in the footsteps of grace with Jesus and me!

Prayerfully  Yours,

~Shellie~

 

Showing Love

 

I received a private message the other day, about a lupus post I shared.

As I read it my heart broke my heart because I have been that same girl.

The girl who let guilt of peoples opinion who didn't understand that just because I looked good on the outside. The inside was absolutely is at war with itself and you feel like your at death's door. It took everything I had to get dressed to set on a pew! 

                    

Yet there I set trying to smile and pretend it's okay when all I want to do is curl up in fetal position and cry.

Your trying be all the things everyone wants you to do. Then after you do what your expected you go home and you crash and your body has been pushed passed the point of no return! 

You eat lunch and lay down and take a nap! When you wake up and you can barely move!  

You realize your about to let a lot of people down because you can't push anymore. Because of lack of knowledge the whispers begin and the invites stop coming.

Worst of all the frustration because so much more is expected than you can give! 

There is so much more you want to do!
My whole adult life I feel like we would get one thing fixed in my body then another would fall apart. One thing may go smooth but the next would be life altering.

When my husband surrendered his call to the ministry! I devoted my life to that very same calling because I want  to be apart of all does and serve my Daddy in any way possible! Pastor's families have to wear lots of hats.

We all have our favorite hat and I was thrilled when I realized my calling was to work with kids!

I have loved doing children's church and A life of Faith Girls Club with the girls for many years now! 

After my gallbladder gone wrong surgery! I just never felt the same! I made myself feel well enough to be apart of things and pushed. Also I remember the whispering when I couldn't be there for a church event. Few days later I may have went and did something with my kids and their friends. What most did not realize that each time I pushed to even get up and get dressed there was a huge price to pay.

My heart paid the biggest though! Because when people talked about how I wasn't there and made remarks about me being able to do something for my kids. It broke my heart because what I really needed was for someone to come up beside me and ask is there something that they could do to help. Could they pray for me. Instead of talking about me call and check on me.

Because a nap or sleeping in longer is never going to make me feel better. It doesn't work that way!

I can even remember a time when my husband had a hard time understanding the fatigue this was an adjustment for him to! Because He went from a wife that could go go go to a wife who was like a sloth on benadryl.

Many times I missed revival services, special services, important family events, things to do with friends. The list went on and on. It was hard to understand because he would soon take on not just what he was responsible for but most of my responsibilities as well!

Five years ago after my knee surgery went wrong we would learn all along Lupus was apart of what was wrong. Lupus is like being allergic to yourself. When I get sick instead of my body attacking the germ. It instead attacks me and my vital organs! That can lead to life altering consequences.

It caused everyday fatigue that alters the things I care about. I never feel just 100% well. There are days that are better than others and days that are way way worse.

When Lupus attacked my heart and lungs it caused life altering things that you don't expect at 40... 

You don't expect 2 major heart surgeries or a major lung surgery.

22 pills a day to keep your body going. Physical changes that you can't control. Weight gain and hair falling out. Your new favorite clothing is you pajamas! It absolutely takes every ounce of energy we have just to be to take a shower! Who knew  how such a ordinary everyday task would take all your energy and you feel like you need to climb into bed and sleep! Even if you just got up!

It is known to attack the heart, lung, kidneys, brain, vascular system, skin, and nerves. It can lead to permanent damage. Also lots of down time and missing out on things we love!

I don't write this blog for anyone to feel bad for me at all! Because I would like to say this. I have an amazing wonderful husband and kids who now understands! Support me, help me, and love me more than I will probably ever know!

But I know it because they show it everyday! Not just with words but actions as well!

A church family and friends who love me and support me! I know there are others out there who don't have that same support! The reason why they don't is because their loved ones don't understand.

Without knowledge you can't support someone who is living with a chronic illness that does not have a cure...

Google it and learn about it! Lupus is not the only autoimmune disease out there! There is a lot so if you has one show them you love and care. By learning about how you can support them emotionally and physically.

If your a friend and they are not able to do the things that they once did or they are missing out on things they love! Call them and check in on them. Ask is there anything you can do to help! 

Offer to just come hang out and do nothing with her!

Don't talk about her! I don't really care what position she serves in what she does for a living! 

She is is scared I assure you! She needs a friend! She needs her family to understand that all those things she wants to do and did she misses those things! 

But she isn't making excuses she really is physically not able. She is pain and tries not to show it! Yet she knows if she keeps pushing her body and flare will put her down! She never knows how long it will keep her down when it hits!

She may not be able to do any of those things anymore! She may have to give up things she loves doing ! It doesn't mean she don't want to know she is loved. Find other ways to do things and make her feel included! Don't make her feel like she is a bad person if she has to cancel plans. Try to understand for her to make the call to cancel something broke her heart, She probably cried in the shower about it. Still when she talks to you she will sound bubbly and a smile on her face because those are things she can still do. Because she knows someone else is out there praying for the quality of life she has.

May is Lupus Awareness Month!
I promised myself that I would raise as much awareness as I could this month! As may comes to an end I wanted to make sure I raised awareness about being there for the person you love who is going through this  journey everyday!

Help me raise awareness!

Please share this! Not to grow my blog but to grow awareness!

1 Peter 5:7

Says: Cast your all your anxiety on Him! Because He cares for you!

If Jesus cares and thinks it's important. I want to make it important too!

I have friends who have autoimmune issues and I want to make a point to check in on them and let them know they are loved!

Thank You for stopping by and sharing some of your time with me today! 

I pray that this helps all of us too walk in Footsteps of Grace and Love.

Praying you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Prayerfully Yours 

~Shellie~

Health Update

I have not updated my health situation in awhile. I have found it is so much easier to do here so everyone who has been praying can get updated all at once!

It's a win win for you and me!

The infectious disease doctor was right. I would have a long recovery and it would take my body awhile to rebound. I am feeling some better in some areas and in others not so much and it has been a little frustrating.

My viral load in my system has stayed at 35 the last two blood draws. My infectious disease Dr was pleased that it came back in the lower range. Because my body has shown signs of the virus trying to rage again. 

I have been able to start my Lupus and inflammation medicines back! I can honestly say I did not know how much they helped until I could not have them! I will begin my biological meds back I hope next week.

Praying that will help reign in my Lupus so it will be mores controlled again.

I am still on 2 liters of oxygen. I am to start a biologic for my lungs. I am hoping that will help me to wean off the oxygen and no longer need it. If it doesn't that's okay too because I am thankful that I have these things to help make life easier!

My appetite has gotten better. However I am unable to eat meat. It causes so much pain to digest it is not worth the effort of trying to anymore. So I only eat veggies, seafood, eggs, and cheese. I have given up sugars! I feel much better eating clean. Some fish hurts to digest it nothing like chicken and things though! I have to get protein from somewhere.

My body thought it was malnourished so I have a lot of deficiencies. Anemia being one of them and albunine levels which is protein in the blood.

I have regained some of my energy! However I get tired fast especially if I am trying to do something very active.

I am still having to listen to my body when it says to rest. I need to rest or I will pay a higher price for not listening. 

I have had some arrhymiah issues with my heart. I wore a holter monitor for three days. I have virtual appointment on Friday to get the results. I also had a episode of afib. Jody had gotten me a I watch for Christmas so when I had chest episodes I could see what was happening. It also sends a record of it to my phone so I can share it with my doctor. I really love having it! It makes me feel a little more secure.

I seen a gastroenterologist today. I have continued to have issues with ulcerative colitis. I need someone who can treat that and get it under control. I still have a lot of stomach pain and tenderness in my lower right abdomen.  He wants to run some test. To see what is going on. One is some stool samples and in two weeks a colonoscopy. He said said he would like to see what is going on in the bowels now. So I will be Covid tested next week. I will have to go to the hospital to have the colonoscopy because I am on oxygen! I really really liked him! He is super nice. 

Like I said some things are better where others are not. I have already been warned the virus could come back and be bad again. Please help me pray that never happens!

I am planning to get the Covid vaccine when I can. So I can see some of my loved ones and friends. I will still have to be very precautious because the vaccine does not fight against the new strand! I have pretty much been told I would die If I took covid. So I have to be very careful!

I have been housebound except for doctor's visits since last March.

I miss my family and friends. With having such a low immunity I am prone to get germs anyways. Covid just makes things more complicated! My body has been through so much! It can not take another major blow right now.

I do stay busy helping watch Ambers boys when she works! I will say it a million times being Ganny is the best thing in the whole world! I love those boys so much! We are incredibly blessed.

When they are not here I enjoy crafting for my doll collection and taking pictures for my doll blog!

Please continue to still pray for me! I am nowhere near where I want to be physically. I am trusting my heavenly Daddy for His healing! He's not done with me yet! I am thankful for each morning I open my eyes!

I always want to continue to walk in His Footsteps of Grace!

Thank you for your prayers and taking time to stop in and get a update! I know your time is precious!

Prayerfully Yours ~Shellie~

   

Just Checking In

Oh my goodness what a week! I can't really say it 

Has been horrible, because it hasn't been really. Yeah I have been a little tired and dragging but this has probably been one of the  best weeks I have had in  sometime !

I seen the cardiologist on Tuesday! We finally were able to set down and really get clearer answers as to what they feel my future holds!

We have so many questions!

We were able to ask what is the percentage of my pericardium hardening and needing to strip it away from the heart. He explained he hoped none. With the medications I take for inflammation. There hope it will keep it bay. If does not he believes I would survive the surgery! 

That made my heart very happy! Because we have been told that there is very little survival rates with this surgery.

We really need to try to get me off of the steroids and stay away from them unless its for an emergency.

He told us again its about pain control at this point. I Will always be in chronic pain unfortunately.

They will monitor the heart with echo's and CT scans every few months!

He reminded us again the key to all of this is getting my lupus under control. Because it isn't and that is the reason I have had two hospital stays back to back! For me to realize these wouldn't be the last...

That is a hard pill to swallow sometimes! 

However it was good news and we are very thankful! He advised us to listen to my body and they would work on getting me some quality of life back ! I am all for that!

After my appointment we went to one of my favorite stores in all the world! American Girl! I had made a promise a while back before everything went crazy I would take one of my daughters from another Mom for a visit there! Her smile was worth the whole trip! She had been saving her money to buy an American Girl Doll! I am so thankful I was there to be apart of it!

Her smile was priceless!

                        Of course my older girls went for moral support

 The trip was so much fun! She choose Julie and it was a                                             perfect choice for her !

I have been on hunt for a new prop for my short stories and I must say  I found the perfect one!

I am such a kid at heart ! I am so excited to add this to my collection!
 The rest of this week has been pretty basic over all! I did have enough energy to clean my sewing and doll room up! It was in desperate need of cleaning!
So it was well worth how I have paid for it desperately for it today lol.

Our weekend is pretty busy as well! We will be putting up the final touches on our covered patio! As soon as it is finished I will be taking some picture to share it here! 

There was really no rhyme or reason for this post tonight...

I am just very thankful I can share life here! God had truly blessed me with a wonderfully bronken life and I am thankful for each and ever part I have !

  

Thank you for stopping by and just letting me share my hobbies and my life with you! I can't wait to head outside and watch the birds with my amazing husband! It rained just a little bit and cooled everything off! So the birds will be active and the fireflies bright! 

I pray you have a blessed weekend! Remember to be thankful for each part! Someone is praying for what you have! 

~Prayerfully Yours~ Shellie

Lupus Awarness Month

One thing I do not do is share my story for attention! I do share my story to raise awareness ! Also if someone like me happens upon it! 

I had heard the name lupus even in my family. Still I had no clue what this disease was until I sat across from a cardiologist who told me I am almost certain you have lupus! You need to see a rhuemotoligist.

I know my jaw hit the floor. I had just had a thorocotamy. Major heart and lungs surgery at the same time! 

Now your telling me this  is probably not the end of being sick.... 

After one really bad experience with a rhuemotologist and being sent time to oncologist. I was sent to an amazing rheumotoligist that found answers that were hard to hear. Still once we have had them so many things made sense

The very first thing I did was going home and Google SLE Lupus! Ooh my word my heart was not ready it was a lot! A lot more than I ever expected. 

I learned to make list and ask lots and lots of questions!

However when we started telling people even before we knew about lupus.  If I mentioned the first thing that they would say is well you look good! As if I had make-up on and fixed my hair for the day. They thought I felt fine.... No matter how bad I felt! I will never ever forget this one Sunday I was burning up with a fever and I put just make-up on to hide my butterfly rash and pulled my hair up. When I walked in the door, someone looked at me and said Mrs. Shellie you don't look so good are you sure you should have be here? I looked at him and said with tears streaming down my face. I said I feel this way every Sunday almost.I try to put make-up on and fix my hair. Put a smile on my face and pretend I am okay. So I can be here and serve. My illness does not make an appointment before it decides to flare! It just shows up and it is never a convenient. So the last thing someone with a chronic illness wants to hear. When you tell them you feel bad is well you look good!

So let me give you a glimpse into the life of lupus lupus.

Here are just some of the symptoms 

extreme fatigue (You never know how tired you are until you need a nap after a shower! lol)

painful joints

Muscle pain fever

extreme weight loss or weight gain

anemia

swelling  in feet,hands legs, around the eyes

pain in chest upon deep breathing

butterfly rash on face 

rashes on the body

brain fog

sun or light sensitivity

hair loss

sleepless nights

abnormal blood clotting

fingers or toes turning white or blue when cold

mouth and nose ulcers

low grade fevers

Lupus effects and can permanently damage the following:

Mouth -  painful ulcers

Skin- butterfly rash and red patches 

Kidney - lupus nephritis  

Heart- Myocarditis &  Periarditis 

Lungs- pleurisy & pulmonary embolism

GI System- gastroperisis, irritable bowel, severe abdominal pain, constipation,& diarrhea

Blood- inflamed vessels, high blood pressure, anemia, blood clotting problem, blood clots

Muscles and Joints- pain and swelling in joints, arthritis, and inflammation.

Brain- memory problems, brain fog,headaches dizziness, vision problems, strokes, & seizures
When Lupus attacks our major organs. Our diagnosis is changed to SlE Lupus with organ involvement!
This becomes really scary  fast! I like to explain it like I am allergic to myself!

Most Lupus fighters will down play their symptoms so their loved ones will not worry ! The last thing we want to see on some one we loves face is fear of loosing us.
Lupus is a scary unpredictable disease! We never know what is coming next.
My lupus has effected my heart and lungs. My hear that has been effected the worse. I recently spent 23 days in the hospital and was diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis of the heart. The only cure is a very dangerous surgery. Mine has not reached the point of needing surgery! 
We pray it never does!
I was diagnosed this week with collagen vascular disease it causes inflammation of nearby joints. Pedal Edema
which causes lots of swelling mine is due to my heart! It landed me a 2 night stay in the hospital this week! along with 2 emergency room visits.
aren't my feet lovely!

this was actually after two shots of lasix through IV!
Remember our immune systems are compromised we can not fight germs the way you do! Please if your sick don't visit, kiss, or hug  a lupie!

Lupus is not only hard on us but or families. They have to pick up and do things we used to do! Like in my case laundry, heavy house cleaning, I am unable to drive, and depending on the day this list can grow really fast.
For them they are forever wondering and worried about me. You family won't leave me alone for long periods of times. I need a walker and was wheelchair now... Their life as they knew it is forever changed.
I  can't help but feel guilty about it even though I didn't choose it.
So I encourage you to check out this website and learn more about lupus!
Lupus Foundation of America
May 17 is wear purple day to support some one you love who has lupus! It's to help raise awareness and fight for a cure!

I hope you will stand with me! I will be wearing our pleasure that day for me!
Help us fight for another day! I take 17 medications a day to control my lupus! Benlysta is on of them it's the only drug of it's kind made specifically for Lupus and that has been 50 years ago. 
This just apart of what we go through! There are more days than not I talk my self out of bed! 
Thank you for stopping by! 
~Prayerfully Yours Shellie~

Just Some Evening Ramblings

Last night was the first night of real sleep, I have had in a really long time. It felt wonderful to wake up feeling refreshed like that. My pain is still not controlled... That's okay I know that this girl wont get everything I want in one day! I know it is a matter of the right cocktail. That can be the hardest part... I don't want to feel out of this world all the time... I want to be connected. We are trying to get me some new wheels to help me around the house! By new wheels I mean a walker! I plan to dress that bad boy up and make it fun if I need to use it! After all I have to keep the joy in this journey. Today has been a long and hard day. I did make it outside for the first time to set on the patio. The fresh air was amazing. I hope that I can try again tomorrow. The weather here is changing. I can literally feel it in my joints. Rain must be on the way... 
   I want to encourage anyone who is in a season of change. I know how hard it can be. My heart is heavy for you! Just remember we get to decide how we deal with it ! We can be bitter or find a reason to be happy! Today I choose happy! I choose hope that tomorrow will be better than today! My daughter sent me a picture this morning from her early adventure out with our puppy... 
      Her caption was Mom this is God's reminder your just blooming for what is coming next....

 It honestly brought tears to my eyes ... My 19 year old was ministering to me this morning! It made my Momma heart so very proud! My sweet hubby gave me a very precious gift today! I don't take it lightly... I have a really hard time with anything of weight on my legs. That's one of the things that holds me back from my writing and blogging. My laptop kills my legs. I have to spend a lot of time on my bed and couch. So I would have to hold my laptop on my legs and by the time I would be done. I would be so miserable I could barely walk! This afternoon he came in with a 2 pound chromebook. Oh it is amazing ! I have been able to hold it ! I have started a new story and wrote a blog post for tonight! I am thankful for the blessings of each day! I am even more thankful for a gift that will allow me to do something I am passionate about! I pray each of you who reads this has a wonderful day tomorrow! I most likely wont make a new post tomorrow is doctors office day! I will be totally wiped out by the time they are done with me! I am praying for you!  Please continue to pray for me! Also my sweet girl has a ultrasound on her breast in the morning! Please help us pray this is nothing to be concerned about! We know God has got this... He is good Father! I am so blessed to be His!

Happy Homemaker Monday April 15, 2015

Oh how I truly love to wake up to the sun shining through the lace curtains in my room! The sun kissing my cheeks is the sweetest wake up call ever! It felt as is the birds were singing just to me this morning. 

I love spring I have counted the days till its arrival! All though it's arrival came during my 23 day stay in the hospital. It was us a cold ugly day as if it was matching my mood! I am happy that both of us are feeling a little more like ourselves! 

I have once again found myself at a not so easy journey! A new me to adjust too. This one harder than the last. My pericardium is constricting my heart. I live in severe pain. However I am determined to live this life with joy and quality! I am trying to adjust to new meds and a stronger pain control. I can no longer over excerpt myself! I have found myself needing my wheelchair again due to not being able to walk long distances. I missed church this week but listened to live stream! All in all I am blessed to be here! Thanks to listening to my ramblings lol! Today I am linking up with Sandra at a Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Home Maker Monday! If you want to join in o the fun follow the link below!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Weather ~ Monday 66/37

                             Tuesday73/47

                             Wednesday 80/52

                             Thursday 80/64

                             Friday72/50

                             Saturday 63/43

                    Easter Sunday 67/46

There is a chance of rain most everyday but Sunday! I pray its warm and dry! We plan to have our family dinner outside at my house!

As I Look Out My Window~

The sun is shining beautifully! Everything is turning so green! Coming to life before my eyes! I have been watching a butterfly flutter around. I need to put the front porch furniture back out! 

On My Bedside Table~

I feel like what you find here is a organized mess lol! I have a lamp, diffuser , My prayer journals, several devotionals, my ipad, a bowl that holds my rescue inhaler, chap stick, hair bows, pen, and high lighter, 4 medicine cups for my around the clock night meds, Which I am still adjusting to! Last and not least water bottle! We recently had to get creative about my bedside table! I sleep in a adjustable bed! I literally sleep setting straight up! I needed my bed side table to be where I could reach it from any angle at all angles. So I have an antique sewing table that folds out ! So we were able to adjust it to work! it can be opened with out pulling up the sewing machine up. It can be used for a table. So that's what we did! I covered it with a antique lace table cloth! It looks like it was made to be there the whole time! I love it! 

On My Reading Pile~ 

 I have started the top one! Its an actual study! It has been amazing! My sweet hubby got it                                                  for me during my 23 day hospital stay!

I am excited to start this one next! The one of ladies of our church got me this one. The ladies of our churchis going to women of joy conference the first weekend in May I plan to take this one to read in my down time! 

On My TV~

Expedition Unknown

Amsterdam

Mysteries at the Museum

On The Menu This Week~

I am unsure! I have been given strict hubby and daughter instructions ! I am not to attempt to cook. They have it under control! I m trying very hard to listen and be a good patient lol! I do know that my daughter and I plan to make a strawberry bunny cake for Easter Sunday! I am excited to help her!

On My To Do List~

*Get spring and summer clothes out and pack winter clothes away 

( I will have lots of help with this )

*Work on my kids story 

*Try to help prepare for church egg hunt

*Make Easter cake

*Possibly do some craft painting

*See lung specialist on Wednesday 

*Daughter has a breast ultrasound on Wednesday, she has found a small lump

its being checked to be safe

In My Craft Basket~

Before my very unexpected hospital stay. I made some food and kitchen supplies for my American girls. For photo and story props! Non of those have been painted yet! I hope to get that done and then begin to work on the farm scene for the new story line! These are things I can do!

                                     These paper plates are filled with doll food to be painted!

I would really love to sew the girls in our A Life of Faith group a doll dress for Easter. We shall see.

Looking Around the House~

For the most part all things considered! The house just needs a general tiding up. My sweet youngest daughter is doing that for me as I blog actually! Its hard for me to let someone do the things I am passionate about doing. I have always loved serving my home family and caring for my home! However she reminded me this morning that its okay to need help. I can not do these things right now and may never be able to again. I need to focus on things I can do and not on the things I can not do! Wow, let that sink in a second! When did my 19yr old become so wise! So needless to say, my home is being cleaned up and smelling like freshness as I type! I am thankful for the amazing family I call mine!

What am I wearing today~

Well my wardrobe has been consistently dominated by p.j's  lately.... Today is no different lol! For the moment I have a baby pink silk night gown on... When I shower soon I believe it will be a oversized t-shirt and my pink Disney pajama bottoms. For now comfort is a must! Nothing says comfort like comfy  Disney p.j's!

One of My Simple Pleasures~

Spending the day with my family! Whether it is on the couch watching a movie, in a hospital room gathered closely around talking, being pushed around in wheelchair in a mall trying to find a Easter outfit. It doesn't matter where we are! Together is my favorite place to be!

From My Camera Roll~

Unicorns make everything better! The super cute house slippers were a gift from a friend! While I was in the hospital! 

They made everyone smile when they seen them! Lol you would think I was 5 instead of 42! But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Favorite Bible Verse or Quote of the Week~

Here is one of each! I started changing my phone wallpaper for my home screen weekly with a new verse! That is the verse I am memorizing that week! I thought I would share and see if anyone else would like to give it a try! That means you would learn 52 memory verses a year!  Which I am pretty excited about! So here is this weeks verse ! Now the whole verse is not on screen. I write the complete verse out on a index card and keep it on bathroom mirror. However the screen reminder is enough for me to recall the rest of the verse! 

I am so very thankful He lives! Job 19:25! Because of His precious gift! I have assurance when I close my eyes in death here! I will open my eyes in life with Him forever!!!

My Quote for the week is :

 This quote is something I am having to tell myself daily! Three years ago my fall changed everything I knew ! Including my size! I am a plus size curvy girl for sure now! I was once a very thin curvy girl. I have struggled with eating disorders in the past. No that my world has been flipped upside down. I am having to accept that this is who I am and I am beautiful because I am me. My size does not define that ! I was told before I was discharged. Exercise was no longer allowed, short walks yes but true exercising no! Any strain on my heart could lead to cardiac arrest and could kill me! My heart muscle is very healthy. The skin around is not..... The only way to fix is a very dangerous surgery! It is a last ditch effort, even then I am not sure I will consent to it. Especially if it would steal quality of life. So I am now watching what I eat and portion size. But honestly I take 17 medicines a day! I may stay the size I am... It may fluctuate more or less... I have to learn that I am beautiful no matter what and not focus on the number! Be happy I am alive and here!

 

On My Prayer List~

Please remember my bestie Stacy! As God has closed one adventure and is opening the door on another! I pray for traveling grace, for a smooth transition as they switch ministry gears, I pray the kids can adjust well, and I pray God opens a door for them in the very near future somewhere they can be used and loved for exactly where God wants them!

Please remember my daughter Christian about two months ago she was doing a monthly breast exam and found a pea sized knot in her breast. she has a ultra sound Wednesday. Please help us pray its nothing serious. My oldest daughter has tested positive for lupus! Help us pray they can get her on the right meds! Please continue to remember me ! I was diagnosed with constrictive chronic pericarditis. right now it is not effecting the pumping of my heart. But that is fear. It goes on a sliding scale of 1-5. Of course 1 not being bad at all 5 being the worst. Mine is a 3.5 at the moment. We have to get my lupus under control. My body can not with stand another pericardial effusion, fluid on the heart. That will cause the pericardium to thicken more. effecting the hearts ability to pump. It could very well kill me. There is a surgery the can do to strip the pericardium of the heart. The said it would be like trying to peal the skin off a grape with out hurting the grape. There is a 50/50 success rate. Please pray I can live a long full life. with quality. Even though I may never be able to go back to normal. I want to enjoy things I love. Pray for my hubby and girls as they go through this with me ! 

In Closing~

Thank you for letting me pour heart out..... I can not thank you enough for stopping by and sharing apart of your day with me today! I pray that each of you have blessed week!

                                                         ~Prayerfully Yours ~ Shellie