Making Ends Meet! Dec. 1st is here...where did this year go?

Making Ends Meet

"Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
- (Matthew 6:31-32 NKJV)

Sometimes, the simplest promises are the most difficult ones to accept. For instance, God has promised to provide for the basic needs of His people. Food, shelter, clothing . . . God guarantees to give all of these things to those who seek Him. He's a Father, and as such it's in His nature (and well within His means) to see to it that His children have what they need.?



And yet, if there's one aspect of life that keeps Christians awake at night, it's this one. ?How are the bills going to get paid? How am I supposed to keep pace with the rising cost of living? Why can't I ever get ahead? This is the sort of anxiety that Jesus is commanding us to not have.



He tells us the Gentiles (who were the equivalent of unbelievers) live in constant worries about these things. We have something that the Gentiles don't have: a relationship with a Heavenly Father who has promised to make our ends meet. So it's time we started acting like it.



The same God who commands us not to lie, steal, covet, and murder commands us to not worry about where our provision will come from. It is sin to do so because He has promised to meet our needs and cover our lack. By worrying, we're essentially accusing God of lying to us. But to trust Him on this promise is to declare that He is faithful and true.


I just woke up to call and see if Lindsay got in ok and they just got back at 2 a.m. safe~ I guess you never stop worrying as a mom...I can't even imagine being my parents always wondering how we are going to make it each month...they know that God provides but so hard the last 10 years then this past month now the Food Pantry we had been getting food at stopped letting us get food right at the worst time of the year! It seems like it just always is something but it keeps you humble..then the surgery's and wondering how can Kerry make it through any more and the years of legal we went through and why did they get away with the lies??? But we are not to worry and He promises to to take care of us but so hard to keep putting all your worrying at his feet over and over! I know it is the only thing I can do but I am still human and sometimes you just want to figure out something on your own and nothing I can do on my own will fix any of my problems so it is better being placed at his feet once again and Let God take my list of problems and pray about the never ending list! And the medical, legal, financial, and food will somehow be provided for us this month ....hugs and prayers, cheryl

The Weekend went by so fast...

It seems like Lindsay just came home and she is on her way back to College...hard to see the girls growning up and changing but neat to see how they are all changing! They survived all the years of struggles and have turned out to be neat people and so glad for how well they have done! We had a nice day with my parents..Kerry didn't do to well but that is about how much he handles stress any more and the pain is getting worse...the Neurosurgeon called back and Kerry needs another MRI this week as they feel he probably needs another fusion on his lower spine and then his interthecal pump is getting replaced next Tuesday and he is just about crying in pain daily lately...so it just seems to get harder to deal with daily! Pray for all of us as it is not easy on any of us! You just want to cry for him as nothing helps anymore....hugs and tears, cheryl

Lindsay made it home from College last night!!!!

Payton was so happy to see Lindsay...I picked her up about 10 p.m. as she drove home with a bunch of girls from College..She is going to Central Bible College in Springfield, MO....I am so happy for her as she did not go to High School from all kinds of medical problems and to see her now so happy and having the time of her Life is wonderful for me as her mom to see! We have struggled for most of Lindsay's life with her father's illness and she took over the roll of being Mom here as I was always gone to the hospital with Kerry so she didn't have the fun that most teenager's have...so this is just wonderful to see! Payton just wouldn't quit jumping and licking her! It was like a child so happy to see her mother! hugs and prayers, cheryl

Check out my other blog!

http://goinggreenboutique.blogspot.com/

I will be filling this one with craft ideas and youtube videos I find...along with different ideas I come up with to share..hugs, cheryl

Invisible Blessings!

Your Weekly Challenge from Brook Noel - Make Today Matter,

Invisible Blessings

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.John Wooden


My mother recently came up with a very neat idea. With the holidays approaching, she decided to compile our favorite holiday recipes and our favorite holiday stories into a simple volume to share together. We each began searching our memory for Christmas stories of past and present to contribute to this thoughtful project. This story, although ours, can be yours as well. It carries the message of one of life's greatest fulfillments -- the invisible blessing. To give is a wonderful thing; to give completely anonymously is even more wonderful. When we don't need a "thank you" or a "pat on the back," then our giving becomes completely about the recipient versus an affirmation of ourselves. That type of giving or "invisible blessing" is the most powerful of all. This simple story shares a memory of a woman who had truly mastered the "invisible blessing." The Woman and The Postman Once again the tiny, rural Post Office in our Northwood's Wisconsin Town had been properly notified. The "Postmaster," simply known as John, had received his yearly letter (addressed to "John"--first name only--"Post Office"--no street and number, no zip code, only the word "Town" ) asking him to select 5 little girls "from Santa's List" who would love to receive a Christmas Doll. Now, John knew everything and everybody--If you wanted to find out something, or get the local 'scuttle-but' you went to John--so he set about checking his postal routes, making his recommendations, and had the season's list secretly delivered to the woman. From about November 1st on--the woman's dining room table became covered with snippets of lace and ribbons, buttons and bows, velvets and satins--along with the 5 Madame Alexander Dolls that had been ordered for that year through the mail. Her needles and thread in hand, and an old Singer sewing machine by her side, the woman began to weave her yearly Christmas magic. Party clothes, sports wear, ball gowns, warm winter coats--she fashioned them all--until each doll had a wardrobe beyond any girls dreams. A week before Christmas, she would have the dolls delivered to the stoop of the Post Office, beautifully wrapped and tagged for each child with a note from Santa. John would notify the families that a special package had arrived and needed to be picked up, before he closed on Christmas Eve. The week after Christmas, John would usually receive a thank you note, or two, or three, that needed to be delivered in return. Sworn to secrecy he would pass on the child-scribbled notes to "whom it may concern." Then one Fall a funeral came to pass, November came and went and the list hadn't been asked for, the Christmas dolls didn't arrive, and the magic faded. Not long after that John put in for retirement. The Post Office became renovated with zip codes + 4, an automated sorter, updated routing and regulations, and rules too numerous to count or accept; a new Post Man was "brought up from the city"--all in the name of "progress." Still bound by his oath of secrecy John's knowledge about the woman and the dolls retired with him. EpilogueEvery year, when we'd go to my Aunt's for Thanksgiving dinner, I'd always notice that her table had just been cleared of a sewing project ... She would set a fine table and our family would eat and feast until we could barely eat any more. And then, over her delicious pumpkin pie, my talk would turn to speculation about the mystery dolls that would surely arrive (just like mine had) at the Post Office--just in time for Christmas. My Aunt Joan would just give me a wink and her yearly reply, "Surely, my dear, you'll have another piece of pie..." Your Weekly Challenge:While in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often think life is about gain, or accomplishment, or maintaining status quo. It isn't. Life is about relationships, about love, about kindness, about caring. Those are the moments we all long for more of. As we move into this holiday season, remember how much we all make a difference, and find a way to "invisibly bless" someone.

Angel out of Wallpaper!

Here is what I used to make her out of..an old wallpaper book, sheet music, lace, trim, buttons, and modpodge!


Here is an image I took off of flickr and cut her out and put her on the top of the cone..hugs, cheryl

Thanksgiving ~

Thanksgiving ~ Free to Use, originally uploaded by Suzee Que.

Happy Turkey Day...hugs, cheryl

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest,
and causest to approach unto thee,
that he may dwell in thy courts.
(Psalm 65:4a)

A day !!! Mom only a Day...

I received this today and had to post is as my daughter told me yesterday, "It's only a day, Mom!" But it was a day that changed our lives and I guess not many understand unless you go through medical negligience what a day does that you only dream if I could only change that one day but we can't and no one can fix your husband either! So it was an important day in my life! hugs and prayers, cheryl

November 21, 2008.... from Brook Noel

www.maketodaymatter.net

Good Morning "There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day."--Alexander Woolcott I love this quote by Woolcott, because it is a reminder to me that every day is very important--no matter what the day holds. Often, we believe that only the days holding significant events are important. We forget that even the simplest and unstructured days are important, too. Each day etches a slice into our history. And besides, we never know what can happen in a day! Even a quiet, unscheduled day, can bring a revelation.

Found this saying and fits for today!

"Do not ask God to guide your footsteps

if you are not willing to move your feet."

-Unknown

10 years...where did 10 years go!

I had no idea what today was...our lives were so simple 10 years ago..three little girls, a successful business, my husband loved his job as a sales man..we always joked he could sell anything if he could sell toilet paper...a Beautiful home that we owned and our lives were going so well..then November 20, 1998 came and life changed! I know today is just a day but every year I think it will get easier but when I had to put the date down on the papers to sign it hit me ...I stopped and looked up at her and she could tell something was wrong...tears came to my eyes and I tried to write the date! I shared in tears today is 10 years..10 years ago today it all started...Kerry went into the hospital for back surgery and never did I have the same husband that I married but I have not left I have stayed in every kind of situation that has been thrown at us! Through a nightmare of medical errors, mental problems, financial, legal, family, raising three beautiful daughters, we have done all those vows that we took 25 years ago...For Richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, for better or worse...we have done all of them and we are still together! So many times I think I cannot do it one more day! I only think what our lives would have been if so many mistakes had not happened those few days so many years ago but I have to let it go..just let it go! I have to accept this is who I have to live the rest of my life with and just learn to pray for strength for the day! It has not ever been a break from medical but Kerry is still here and still fighting so I have to keep fighting with him...hugs, cheryl

Tussie Mussie

Don't tell God how big your storm his,
tell the storm how big your God is.

Comfort Dolls...if you could help make one and touch another womens life!

I found this site one day while searching for paper dolls for a group I was in and it came up to start making these and sending them to Pat to send to shelters and we are starting this...if you would like to help please leave a message or email me...it is such a neat ministry she has...please check out her blog

http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com/

Life and more doctors...

Today I had another appointment with the Movement Disorder Clinic...didn't even know this part of life exited...my tremors are worse and no one can tell me why? They want me to do a study for three months and I have been thinking about it since I came home..it is going to downtown Chicago once a week so it is a commitment...it is all paid for but the traveling will take a toll on me...I have to deal with all that has happened to me in the last 10 years of my life..I have to face all the things in my life that I have had to give up, my family that does not talk to me because of what my parents have done for my family to keep us in our home or have done to keep my girls going or Kerry, the husband that I do not have that use to do so much for me, my business that I gave up to take care of Kerry, the trial that we lost that all I can do is pray for the nurses and doctors that they have to live with what they said in the trial, as we have to live with what happened to Kerry and the toll it has taken on my entire life and family, our financial and medical problems that just seem to never end, all the doctors, my girls and trying to raise them the best I can, trying to keep Kerry being positive when he just wants to quit, my parents as they age, and the toll all of this has now taken on my health has hit my body so bad that they feel the tremors are from all these years of stress and more stress....then tonight when I was just laying here thinking about these years my mom emailed me this post I just put on...I haven't called my parents as they just keep telling me over and over they do not know how much longer they can keep us in our home...it has been a lot this year for me to deal with and I think I am handling it but I guess I just keep it all inside which is not good...pray I make the right choices here! I know God is in control and he has taken care of us for 10 years...we have never gone hungry and he has provided a roof over our head for all these years so I need to just put it in his hands and leave it there...hugs and prayers, cheryl

To: You From : God

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of
your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.


P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you
that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put
it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME.
All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.


Once the matter is placed into the box, do not
hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful
things that are present in your life now.


If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't
despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of
privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of
the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone
bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be
loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another
weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day,
seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles
away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity
to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the
mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to
examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and
pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful.
There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other
people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things
could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend;
Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day...God

God has seen you struggling,
God says it's over.
A blessing is coming your way.

From My Mom...It's Winter Before you Know it!

And it's winter before we know it...



You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... but, here it is, the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? Where did my youth go?

I remember well - seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... now, here it is. My friends are retired and really getting gray - they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me - but, I see the great change. They are not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it's mandatory, because if I don't on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when my physical life is over, it¢s over and a spiritual one shall begin. Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done; but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

If you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. Do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember; trust that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

"Life is a gift to you.. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL - - ENJOY TODAY - - DO SOMETHING FUN - - BE HAPPY - - BE THANKFUL!

Check out the Vintage Scrapper!

http://www.nancydooren.blogspot.com/

here is a freebie from her site..

Thrifty Decor Chick: Mission: Declutter and Organize

I just found her site and she has so much neat things..then she is starting this on January 2..go check her site out..hugs, cheryl

Thrifty Decor Chick: Mission: Declutter and Organize

My craft room...

I worked on cleaning up my area yesterday...this is how it was when my friend helped me a few months ago...hugs, cheryl My get away!

I am waiting to see who has won this contest! I entered the Christmas Tree out of Recyled Jewelry!

Today has a reason!

There is a reason why you are here to live through this one-of-a-kind day. Do you know what that reason could be?
Yes, in some way, somehow, somewhere you know. And the more you can connect with that reason, the more beautiful, fulfilling and meaningful this day will be.

Perhaps you have arrived at this point in order to learn something new and valuable. Perhaps you are here today to lend a hand or to give a lift to someone who would otherwise have no one else.

Perhaps you have something to create, something that has never existed before. Or perhaps you have something to say, something that others would truly benefit from hearing.

Today has a reason. Of that you can be sure. And today has a special reason just for you. Discover it, live it, and delight in being today who you are meant to be.

-- Ralph Marston

Tussie Mussie!

Here is a new tussie mussie that I just made this week..it is made out of a sheet of scrapbook paper...hugs, cheryl

Pennies.....

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America '
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..

Wisdom of God...

The Wisdom of God for the Best


It has been through the everyday issues of life
that God showed me what can't be erased.
For the trials of the journey became priceless treasures
when they taught me to seek out His face.
When the way seemed uncertain and I truly needed
direction on how to proceed,
I found that the silence between heaven's answers
would hold all of the peace I would need.
It was in those times I felt utterly desperate
with no resource but the power of prayer,
That I came to realize that God made me desperate
just to prove He was already there.
It was there in the weakness of my own human nature
that exhaustion left my heart asking, "Why?"
But it was there Jesus taught me to rest in His presence
and to take from His endless supply.
It was times of disappointment and continual roadblocks
that showed me God's will is supreme.
For beyond the disappointments He revealed greater purpose
that was higher than my hopes & dreams.
The hard times and trials have added up to give me
the wisdom of God for the best.
For they changed me and showed me what I didn't know
and I walked away knowing I'm blessed.

©Sheila Gosney

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-8

My Brother and I...rare diagnosis...that we both have it!

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an emerging disease worldwide, as documented by recent case series from Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Spain, Japan, England, and the United States.1,2 Eosinophilic esophagitis mimics gastroesophageal reflux disease and may result in narrowing and stricture of the esophagus. I was diagnosed back in the summer and my brother was diagnosed in October with this...I had to go back to the doctor yesterday for a follow up at Loyola and my doctor looked at me when I asked her how often has she had both brother and sister with this..she said she has never had this happen to her at Loyola...she just shook her head and told me, "Cheryl I don't know what is happening with you, but you still always keep going and smiling!" I fought back the tears and shook my head as I told her all the things that have happened to me since I saw her last and she just couldn't believe all I am facing...she told me she is thinking of writing a medical paper on us..I just shook my head! I told her if I hear one more doctor tell me that! We have had that told to us too many times now! I just want it to stop...She is a really neat doctor and very caring! Just can't believe once again how strange that my brother and I would both have this throat disease! hugs, cheryl

Life! I really do keep trying...toilet paper~

Sometimes you just need to cry and cry...it seems like that is what I have been doing lately ...it really stinks but I can't help it.. I think I am just going to wake up and everything will be ok someday and another struggle happens..or another thing put on my plate to figure out how the Brown's are going to make it one more month! Today was my last day for a food pantry that we have been getting food at and now with winter hitting I sure do not have any idea where we are getting it next month from..I so remember the day our church told me to go so many years ago and I just about died that day but I knew I had three little girls at home that needed food and I had no way of providing that ..it seems so long ago..I thought it would only last a year or so and now it has probably been 9 years of going to food pantry's and being humbled ....we got our Thanksgiving meal but Kerry is so hungry for a turkey he wants to make it this weekend...so I guess we have turkey this weekend! He is so excited at putting some of the food away..I haven't told him yet that this is the last month..how do you tell a husband that hasn't worked in 10 years and is disabled that you do not know how we are going to make it..instead I just try to keep it inside but it seems like the stress of 10 years is just doing me in anymore...not sleeping, not wanting to really eat and just plain exhausted! Then so many things that I just wish I could fix and not one that I can...at the place that God has me and I remember so many years ago when I cried out on an October day wondering how we could do Christmas in so many days as the sign had read down at the end of the block...and that day we had also run out of money and toilet paper! Ironically I got two calls and one from Karen Hamilton asking if the school could help us with Christmas from the Needy family fund ...and the other from Hazel Eaton asking if their church could put our names on a tree ...I cried as I told them don't worry about Kerry or I just get the girls something ...well they wouldn't take that for an answer and we were blessed but the neatest thing happened that day and Hazel had no idea that we were out of toilet paper...she just listened to the nudge from God and she went downstairs of her home as I had asked for a crockpot and she had one for me to use until Christmas and brought it over and left it at my doorstep along with 12 rolls of toilet paper...my daughters that day came home and they were all shocked at finding 12 rolls as they knew we had none...I told them that Hazel had no idea about our situation and I had not told her..from that day on we were given toilet paper for four and a half years..always left at our door step not with a note or anything just left by strangers....I guess today I need to be reminded of all those years he took care of the simplest things and reminded me so many times how he cares about even the toilet paper! Tears and all hugs, cheryl

No arms, no legs, no worries...!!! Youtube

Spoon Jewelry with an Angel!

Here is another spoon Jewelry piece we designed for the new season...it is a flattened spoon with an angel, piece of broken china, a pearl, lace and the worlds, "Believe!"

Joann Fabric Coupons and Hobby Lobby Coupons 40 off

Here are two coupons this week..

http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/weekly.cfm?page=2

Good until November 8 for 40 off...

this is good until November 15...remember to print out extras and pass them out and make some new friends at the store..hugs, cheryl

http://www.joann-mail.com/J091102SU2/coupons_only.html?r=3151_2081336&i=J091102SU2004&bc1=520832028917441000403

How to make a Christmas Tree out of Recycled Picture Frame and Old Jewelry!

I went to Good Will and found a picture frame and a bag of jewelry...this started the neatest Christmas tree that I donated to Christian Womens Club for the Second year in the row for their Fall Auction ...the proceeds go to Missions! We are in the process of making a youtube video on how to make one! hugs, cheryl

Found on Flickr!

Kerry and his interthecal pump! Needs to be changed!

Kerry my husband has one more obstacle to fight through...his pump started beeping..it is an interthecal pump that delivers pain medication into his spine where he had the infection 10 years ago to help with all the chronic pain from all the nerve endings being cut and debrided in that area...the pump was just put in 23 months ago and should have lasted several more years..than last night I was googling medtronics pumps and found this FDA recall and very upsetting to see this...I called and the only pump available to put back into Kerry is the same one as he has the latest style but you wonder what is wrong! They can wait fortunately till Dec 8 for Kerry to go through this as he is just getting over his fusion and they do not want to put him under right away...so one more obstacle for him to face! hugs, cheryl Keep Kerry in your prayers!



http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3910

Pain! I have learned so much in the last two months...I can't even imagine what my husband lives with..

It has sure been a rough two months and to go through so many tests and doctors and driving back and forth to hospitals...they finally came up with a few things that I have ...one is fibromyalgia, frozen shoulders, Osteoarthritis, chronic insomnia from all the pain of not being able to sleep on my side, stomach or roll over without waking up crying... then last week I went through another EMG that I said I would never do and had one more but still waiting as they still are not sure what is causing my leg tremors from February those started..so now I have added more doctors to my list that I never would have imagined I would have at the age of 47 from Rheumatologists, Neurologists, to Neurosurgeons and then the one to help me the most has been my Acupuncture Doctor Jing Li! Amazing how natural seems to make the most sense after all of this..Dr. Li has been amazing and she has helped me for 2 years now deal with from plantar fasciitis to when I had the bad disk in my low back pain to headaches, stress, shoulder pain, neck pain and other problems along the way...I can only thank her for what she has done to help me keep fighting this and keep trying to go on...then Jim Stein who has given me so many massages and always been there for me with a listening ear! He was the one that told me about Dr. Li and I thought how could needles really help! It is amazing as each time I would go Dr. Li would then tell me to go to the beach and asleep I would go and she would have to wake me up to take the needles out...it is amazing the feeling you get after acupuncture..so many people are afraid of needles or trying acupuncture but after the last few years and all I have endured with the medical field it is truly the best way to go...then this past week with my neck so bad she referred me to a doctor up north and I went on Saturday with tears in my eyes by the time I arrived at Dr. Deng's...I laid down on his bed and tears were rolling down my face as the pain was honestly getting too much as I have not been able to hardly lift my arms for two months now...he told me to turn around and trust him as he turned and pulled on my neck and arms and adjusted my neck and disks in my cervical..it was immediate relief as so much pressure had been taken off and then he did the acupuncture to my cervical, shoulders, and neck...I left being able to turn my head, move my arms and was not in tears anymore! It was honestly amazing and I can say acupuncture is honestly amazing..I have to thank Dr. Deng and Dr. Jing Li who has helped me and given me the relief from the pain I have had for these past years...please give it a try and read all the benefits of acupuncture you will be amazed...hugs and prayers, cheryl

Here is Dr. Jing Li's phone number if you live near Naperville, IL
630-854-7084
check out this site with information...
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/acupuncture?utm_medium=ask&utm_source=smart&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=Acupuncture&ask_return=Acupuncture

Perjury...something that has always bothered me since we lost our trial..then yesterday when I heard this! It is not over yet!

I have always prayed that there still might be justice for my husband...so hard to watch what happened to our court case ...then to see what happened to these men in Chicago..my heart goes out to there families..cheryl

Burge indicted years after torture allegations on perjury charges

by Daniel Lambert
Oct 21, 2008

Related Links

The Indictment

A former high-ranking Chicago police officer, long accused of torturing suspects while they were in custody, has been indicted by federal authorities.

Former Commander Jon Burge, 60, was taken into custody without incident at his Florida home Tuesday morning on charges of obstruction of justice and perjury stemming from responses given in a 2003 written interrogation, U.S. Atty. Patrick J. Fitzgerald said Tuesday in announcing the indictment in Chicago.

“According to these charges Jon Burge shamed his uniform and shamed his badge,” Fitzgerald said.

The charges come less than a month before the statute of limitations on the alleged perjury runs out. Fitzgerald added that Burge may not be alone in being charged.

“We have a reason to believe that other people may have lied about that torture and abuse. We intend to pursue that part of the investigation moving forward,” Fitzgerald said.

The 2003 investigation in question is the result of a civil lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court in Chicago, Hobley v. Burge, et al.

The lawsuit alleged that in January 1987, Madison Hobley was coerced into a confession at Area Two headquarters. Burge’s written responses were given during discovery for that case.

The City Council voted in January to settle that suit, paying four men who alleged they were torture victims a combined $19.8 million.

The actual indictment issued Tuesday does not specify the specific incidents of torture that Burge was aware of or participated in – he has been accused of abusing more than 200 men, mostly African-American, between 1972 and 1991. However, Fitzgerald did say that those specifics would be dealt with when the case went to trial.

The specific statements prosecutors contend Burge falsely gave are that he denied both participating in torture techniques and possessing knowledge of torture.

Fitzgerald said the prosecution will dispute this statement by proving torture not only occurred, but Burge either participated in it or was aware of its continued practice.

“As of last Thursday when we brought the indictment, we felt comfortable we could prove torture and abuse and that his statement was a lie,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald was asked if a code of silence among officers aware of the alleged torture prevented indictments in the past. He responded that that code would not prevent indictments in the future.

“If their lifeline is to hang on to a perceived code of silence, they may be hanging on air,” Fitzgerald said. “Anyone who thinks they can lie in a grand jury or rely on a code of silence is taking a great risk.”

While the statute of limitations for prosecuting possible acts of torture has long since passed, prosecutors said Burge could still be held to account for his actions.

“People who commit multiple crimes, if you can’t prosecute them for one, there is nothing wrong with prosecuting them for another, Fitzgerald said. “Al Capone went down for taxes; that’s better than him going down for nothing.”

Burge served as a Chicago police officer from 1970 until his firing in 1993. It was in 1991 that a series of lawsuits alleging Burge and his subordinates participated in the torture of suspects began to surface.

Burge appeared before a federal judge in Tampa on Tuesday afternoon. He was released on $250,00 bond and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Chicago on Monday.

If convicted, Burge faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice and five years in prison for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count. Officials said a judge has latitude in sentencing, noting that federal sentencing guidelines are advisory.

Sayings to post!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams." ~Henry David Thoreau

"Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed ~ there's so little competition." ~Elbert Hubbard

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul ~ sings the tunes without the words ~ and never stops at all." ~Emily Dickinson"

. . . love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy." ~Louisa May Alcott

"Love on through all ills, and love on till they die." ~Thomas Moore

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Plato

"If you judge people, you have no time to LOVE them." ~Mother Teresa

"There is no remedy for love but to love more." ~Thoreau

"Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other." ~Euripides

"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." ~Unknown

~ Adversity Refines Character ~

"Little said is soonest mended."

"Forgiveness is the needle that knows how to mend." ~Jewel

"Putting all our soul into our work makes it not only alive with passion and emotion, but also it exists as one of the truest and most honest expressions of self . . making life itself a beautiful art. Beauty is one of the most important (yet difficult) things to create and express." ~Jewel

"A woman's most beautiful make~up is her passion". ~Yves Saint Laurent

A Christian..... Worth passing on! Will make you think!

A Christian

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend. God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!

If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone.

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...

Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL

Mallory Got her License for Hair Stylist Yesterday..She passed her Boards!

My middle daughter has been doing hair since she was a Junior as she was able to take a program through the school district WILCO and yesterday she took her boards for the second time and finally passed!!!! We are so excited as she is going on the floor soon at Mario's...she is in the coloring part of Mario's and love's it there...This was a huge accomplishment for all we have gone through...the ironic thing was this was the 10 year anniversary of the day her dad fell 10 years ago and she was just 9 years old and I remember Mallory riding her bike where he was working that day and they were going to Awana's as he was a Spark leader and everyone loved Kerry there...so many memories to that day but now we have new Memories and a new start for Mallory! Thanks to all who have prayed for her all these years and the teachers that shared in getting her through school and all the support my girls have had in Plainfield, IL to make it to where they are now in there adult lives..hugs and prayers, Cheryl

My husband had his surgery and I am having a brain MRI today...

Kerry came through surgery and is in a lot of pain but they were able to take out two disks in his neck and fuse his spine...so hard to watch him suffer anymore...it has been 10 years next week when he became disabled...

Then I had the neurologist and they ordered an MRI to rule out MS or any other balance or neurological disorder...now she wants me to go to a Rheumotologist to see if I have Fibromyalgia...never would I dream I would live in chronic pain...after watching my husband for all these years! Please keep us in your prayers...hugs and prayers, cheryl

My dad is doing so much better ...my mom and him came over at the age of 85 and 84 and mowed our lawn this week...unbelievable that he has come through his stroke, seizure and now is fighting prostate cancer but still always there for me...

Challenge # 2 Ruebee "Count Your Blessings!"

I took a Wallpaper Book and used the outside cover to use as my base and covered it with wallpaper and then altered it with different papers, lace, buttons, trim, and a bow to make my Altered Art...

Winner of Blog Give Away...Lani Kent

Lani from http://artistlanikent.blogspot.com/ is the winner of the "Eye on the Sparrow!" drawing ....I didn't get the drawing done until today with everything happening in our lives but I am so glad she won as she has been such an inspiration in my creative part as she is such a neat artist and you need to check out her blog...Congratulations Lani...hugs and prayers, cheryl

They are holding off on surgery for me...

They are holding off on surgery until they do more tests on me...they think there might be something with the brain so I have to go through more tests and see neurology and also all of the doctors are finally going to get together to figure out what is going on as I am losing strength and my balance is really getting bad..I am just thankful I finally found a doctor yesterday that is willing to put this together....pray for me as our plates our so full but I am trying to not let it get me down and keeping a positive attitude....hugs, cheryl Kerry's surgery is next Tuesday in Chicago at Rush!

Oprah Show on this Wed. and pray for us as Kerry and I both need neck fusions a week apart!

I just checked the website and it is on this Wed...for the Oprah Show I went to at the beginning of the month...
Tune In

It's taken a year for her to come forward. Mercilessly judged…she call herself the most hated mom in America. Overwhelmed moms and dads, let this be your wake-up call. (PG)

Tune in on 10/01 to watch this show

Also today I have an orthopedic appointment at Chicago and am going to have to make my decision about my neck fusion..I still cannot hardly lift my arms at all..it is so frustrating but I have peace that after 8 years of suffering maybe this will finally be what I really need to take care of my neck from falling on ice and suffering all these years..only really hard thing is my husband is having the same surgery the week before and I do not honestly know how we will make it but I have to trust God through this one...it has been so hard to even tell anyone as they are just shocked and speachless to say the least...On Oct. 15 it will be 10 years to the date that our lives changed and my husband fell and severed his spine on a roof just from a 3 foot fall ...we have seen God use us and I know we are better people because of this and have changed so many lives but at times lately it has been the most difficult times we have faced in all these years..Pray for me as this is honestly beyond anything I can imagine going through..this will be my second surgery on my spine as I had a fusion in my low back exactly two tears ago in October...hugs and prayers, Cheryl and Kerry
PS Will draw the winner today for the blog giveaway...

Beautiful Women

Beautiful Women:

A little boy asked his mother,

'Why are you crying?'

'Because I'm a woman,' she told him.'

I don't understand,' he said.

His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'

Later the little boy asked his father,

Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?

'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man,still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God.

When God answered, he asked,'God, why do women cry so easily?

'God said:'When I made the woman she had to be Special.

I made Her Shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave Her an Inner Strength to endure childbirth

and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave Her a Hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,

and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave Her the sensitivity to Love her children under any and

All circumstances, even when her child has Hurt Her Very Badly !

I gave Her Strength to carry her husband through his faults

and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her Wisdom to know that a good husband Never Hurts his wife,

but sometimes tests her strengths

and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally,

I gave her a tear to shed.

This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.'

'You see my son,' said God,'the Beauty of a Woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.

The Beauty of a woman must be seen in Her Eyes,

because that is the doorway to Her Heart- the place where Love resides.'

Joann Fabrics good until Oct 4, 2008

Copy and paste this for a store coupon good until Oct 4...please print out extra and pass out to others in the store and make new friends...Pay it forward! hugs, cheryl
http://www.joann-mail.com/J0913D7Q/coupons_only.html?
r=2709_309051&i=J0913D7Q025&bc1=520827824224539160405

Blog Give Away...Celebrating 28 years of togetherness!

We just celebrated our 25th Anniversary and Kerry has been sick for the last few months and honestly the last 10 years has just been up and down since Oct 15th, 1998 when he was painting a neighbor's home and fell on the roof...he went into surgery in November of 1998 and he was a medical negligence case...we have lived the Better or Worse, In Sickness or in Health, For Richer or Poorer...I found this picture of Kerry the other day and had to post it as it brought back the happy days of when we were dating..This was an outfit I made him for Halloween and he asked me to marry him that night...we dated then for 3 years and on August 27th, 2008 we had our 25th Anniversary! Please keep Kerry in your prayers as he is facing surgery on Oct. 7 for a fusion of his neck..He has 2 herniated disks and they have to remove his spinal chord stimulator due to scar tissue...Please leave a comment and I will enter you into our Blog Give Away of my Altered Art piece I made for a Challenge on Ruebee...Hugs, Cheryl

P.S. We met on a blind date!

Good Luck! The drawing will be on Sept 27th....If it has to be shipped out of the country then I will have to have you pay shipping, but if it is in the United States I will pay shipping...Here is the Altered Hanger with His Eye is On the Sparrow that I made for the give away...

Altered Art getting things finished and trying new ideas!

Bless our home

This is an altered recycled Game Board from Good Will that I painted and took wallpaper, paint, trim, papers, modpodge and lace to turn it inot a Wall Hanging...

Apples...

If you have an apple and I have an apple
and we exchange these apples
then you and I will still each have one apple.

But if you have an idea and I have an idea
and we exchange these ideas,
then each of us will have two ideas.
-George Bernard Shaw, submitted by Laurie S., La Grange IL

Angels are sent to us..hugs, cheryl Just when we need our wings lifted!

It has really been a difficult time and I keep trying to stay busy and trying to do things but at times it just seems that life gets to be too overwhelming...some day's you just really struggle to get out of bed and I didn't know how hard these days would be sometimes..but I know that it makes me a better person when I struggle as then I can relate with others better when I hit bottom...but I sure don't like it when I am at those low points...

Today I decided I had to get out of the house and I ended up at Good Will and was just looking things and started talking to this young person and shared about Flickr and other things...I went out to my car and gave her some Wallpaper books that I had just been given and shared some ideas to help her..she was so thankful and I already got an email back from her thanking me..then I went down another isle looking at books and for some reason I asked this lady what does she do with books? We ended up talking for probably an hour and she had to be an angel that I needed today as she really showed me how God is using me and to really look at all the trials he has brought me through and how my faith has shined through all of these trials..she kept telling me that she needed it like I needed her today.....this was not the first time I have been told this, but today I really needed this as I have just felt so overwhelmed with everything in life...she told me I need to really share my faith with my creativity...she was such an inspiration to me that only God could have connected us in an isle at Good Will at the right moment..She shared that it is the faith of a mustard seed that she sees in me...Thanks Rhonda for sharing with me today and inspiring me...right now I am watching Extreme Makeover with Ty and the tears have just been running down my face tonight as you see how they reach out to help others...I shared with Rhonda today how I started a support group online and it is called. "Lean on Him"...It has people from all around the world that have joined it and such an amazing thing the internet is as we can connect just by a click of a button..hugs and prayers, cheryl PS It was a good day! Even with the tears!

JESUS SAYS

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you can say to this mountain, “move from here to there”
and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Mathew 17:20

Have faith in yourselves, life’s made up of ups and downs and the majority of people get their fare share of both, some times we will feel on top of the world other times we’ll feel life’s not worth living, but one thing you can be sure of and that is, no matter how bad things seem at times, things will get better, there is light and much hope at the end of every tunnel.

Truly, I say to you, He who believes in me will also do the works that I do
and Greater Works than these, will he do... John 14

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the Pure in Heart, for they shall see GOD.

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called (the children) of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

Ask, and it will be given you;
Seek, and you will find;
Knock, and it will be opened to you.
Luke 11

"LOVE ONE ANOTHER!"
John 15:12

Dusting...

Remember...a layer of dust protects the Wood beneath it.
'A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture '
I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -
'in case someone came over'
Finally I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
NOW, when people visit, I don't have to explain the 'condition' of my home .
They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing
while I was away living life and having fun.
If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.
Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must
but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter,
bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?!
Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . . .
with tea to drink , rivers to swim and mountains to climb ,
music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must,
but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes,
the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around, again.
Dust if you must ,
but bear in mind, old age will come and remember. . .
when you go - and go you must -
you, yourself will make more dust!

creativeFlutter: Blog-i-versary Giveaway!!

creativeFlutter: Blog-i-versary Giveaway!!

Please go and check out my friends blog ...it is her one year Birthday Giveaway! hugs, cheryl

Wednesday...Kerry now needs neck surgery...please pray for all of us..very difficult to go through any more!

I have carried the phone with me for days waiting for he neurosurgeon to call back and ironically I was at the meat market when he called..the tears came as once again Kerry has to have surgery and this will be at least number 10 on his spine and then he still has to have another after this... The lady waiting on me was so kind and she looked at me and asked me , "Don't you live a few blocks right in town in the big green house? " I looked at her and thankful she did know who I was even though I didn't know her and she knew my family and said you have to cry and let it out....she knew Kerry also...we have to go in on Friday to see him to go over things and to set up the appointment..my heart knew it was coming but the phone call that says it is for sure just throws you still...I felt like my feet were going to give out..It is like we just come up for air and then we are zapped once again...I haven't even told him as he has been sick with the flu since Sunday and is sleeping right now...hugs, cheryl
PS..Lindsay did get the job last night and starts today after school..that is a huge God watch...Her birthday is Saturday and she turns 23...the first time we won't be together...:-( I couldn't believe how much we looked alike until this picture last week...

God is in the roses.. click on the bottom where it says embedded video to play...

Embedded Video

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Joann Fabrics good until Sept 20th..

http://www.joann-mail.com/J09093A2Z/coupons_only.html?r=2365_1060849&i=J09093A2Z018 copy and paste..Good until Sept 20th make extra's and pass them out to people in the store and make some new friends...hugs, cheryl

I guess I should not ask for a day off of stress...lol hugs, cheryl

When my mom called this morning I told her I have the morning off and I am all alone as my husband had a driver take him to Chicago as I forgot about a program from the State to drive him as he cannot drive...Kerry told me he would do that so I could have some time to myself...I was so happy to have a morning alone at home...by noon it was all falling apart with Lindsay then she called and told me she didn't even want to live..she was crying so bad and and as a mom you just want to cry...so I did! Tried to see what I could do and nothing seemed to be working out be later today Lindsay found out she has to finish this semester as the loan money cannot be returned for this semester so she is going back to school on Sunday which is good..she needs it...she also got a call this afternoon for a job at a Blood bank as a receptionist and she goes in Monday but they told her over the phone that she was just what they were looking for and the hours will work out for both of them! What a God Watch for her today..like most you were praying a door would open...then I called up to see if they had read Kerry's MRI report and they already had it and I asked for it to be faxed...so at 5 p.m I got the news on his neck and he has a herniated disk of 5 mm pushing on a nerve in his spine..and two others are bulging so he will need to have surgery..I have to give all of this back to God and just rest in his arms...To think I started the week of at Oprah with the subject of Overwhemed Mothers..how fitting! And a neurologists telling me that I am probably too stressed out and sleep deprived...oh my! Thanks for all of your prayers and concerns for our family and all of you that keep us on your prayer lists...I truly appreciate all of you Ruebee's ..hugs and prayers, cheryl

Please keep my daughter and husband in your prayers...hugs, cheryl

Please pray as Lindsay just got letters from her loans and she is not going to be able to afford to go to Bible College unless a miracle happens...she had to file bankruptcy from medical expenses when she got off of public aid at 18 and we could not get her on SS for 18 months..she had over 50,000 in medical expenses and now when she went for student loans they have hit her with huge fees on all of her school loans...then today her laptop crashed...she has to have that to go to class..she came home to go to a wedding this weekend and just got the letters in the mail today...please pray for us that something would work out...if anyone has a laptop please let me know..hugs, cheryl

PS Kerry went to Chicago today for his MRI of his neck...they think he has a nerve pinched in the cervical spine...it seems to never end here...my heart just goes out to Lindsay ..she just wants to go to school so bad...

A Prayer for Today

A Prayer for Today

This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it---or use it for good,
but what I do today is important,
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it!
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place, something that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, and not loss;
good, and not evil; success, and not failure,
in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it.

~Anonymous~

Paper Brooch

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Free vintage tags to share, check out this awesome flickr site...Enjoy!

!

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Loyola and Oprah all in One Day! Overwhelmed Mothers was the topic....

I first had the neurologist and was there until 10:30 and I told them I had to get to Oprah...they kept checking me out from 9 a.m until then...the doctor finally came to the conclusion she thinks that it is muscle problems due to poor sleep problems, stress being a huge factor, something with the muscles, and she does not feel it is MS, Lupus or Parkinson's at this time!!!!! Yeah...she wants me to follow up with physical therapy to work on my balance, weakness, strength, and the sleep specialist for my sleep issues and no Rem sleep...

Then we were off to Chicago and to find the Oprah show...we got there right on time and stayed in a huge line for over an hour to get in...then finally after another hour of waiting we got into the studio...we had a time to answer questions and tell something about us ...I did raise my hand and got to share about being overwhelmed with stress and what had just happened to me in the morning with Loyola and that they thought I had MS and it is more likely just stress! Then all the effects from 10 years of taking care of a disabled husband and all the stress that has done to my body...I did share we made it 25 years this past week and that when you take your vows remember for Better, for Worse, for Richer, For Poorer, In Sickness and in Health...as I have done all of them..the audience really clapped...it was awesome to go and see it live...then the hardest part was the show...it was about the teacher that left her child in the car a year ago in the heat all day while she went to school and she forgot she had her in the car...her husband usually took the girls in the morning but that day he had a dentist appointment so it was her turn to take them and she forgot to drop her off after getting donuts and her daughter was asleep and she left her in the car all day in over 100 degree heat...the husband was there also...it made you cry but made you realize how busy our lives get and crazy and how we can get so caught up and not enjoy life...Oprah said at the end we were all there for a reason today...I thought to myself I know I knew why I was there after getting told stress was just about doing my body in and that had just been a few hours earlier...the show will air sometime in the middle of Sept...it was a neat day! hugs, cheryl Take time for yourself even if it is only for 20 min. a day...please!

I am so excited..I am going to Oprah tomorrow!

I have tried to get tickets for several years and today I got a phone call saying, "Hi this is the Oprah Winfrey Show and are you still interested in coming to a show?" I was in shock to say the least as you just don't really expect a phone call like that on Labor Day...I can't wait to go..I have the neurologist as 9 am and then have to be at the Oprah show at 11 a.m. Will keep you posted on what a fun day...hugs, cheryl