The Chiropractor, Tai Ji, and Missing Church

Well, I went to the chiropractor on friday to right a couple spots that weren't falling in suit with all of my Taiji. It has helped tremendously, but I have been a couple times to Taiji to try to keep the muscles and structure in shape to not slip away again. I have been sleeping with my legs atop a pillow, so to flatten my back and such, which has been good, but last night, I got cold and didn't sleep a lot.

When I woke up this morning, I laid there to discuss the day and what we could manage. I realized I hadn't even tried to get up and walk, so I did and it was strained, literally! I decided to lie down a little longer and take some naturopathic pain relief and drink some water. Jay settled me in to make sure I wouldn't get cold and the next thing I knew, it was noon! What? I guess I needed the sleep, but church was missed and I always struggle with missing any.

Tomorrow we have Jay's appointments at the V.A., store, and vigil for St. John of Krondstadt. I think if we didn't have more services this week, I would have pushed a little harder to get myself to church, but, instead, I let Jay care for me, which is harder for me sometimes, than missing church. It is probably a good lesson for me, because it is easy for me to shuffle myself off to services, but strangely difficult for me to allow my husband to care for me and make the call that I need some rest. I am sorry not have made it, but more grateful that I let the morning flow the way it should.

So, after getting up at lunchtime, I had a bowl of cereal with Katherine and played some Uno Attack. We played a couple games and, when the tea was ready for drinking, there was a knock at the door. The neighbor came to ask Jay a question about her car, but he was out for a few, so she stayed and played some Uno with us. Now I think it is time for some epsom salts, as per Jay's request for my muscles, and then some stretching and resting.

I love my family, I really, really do.

Mish Mash

Well, the family is up in Greeley with Jay's folks and I am here at the coffee shop, sipping a latte. It is always bittersweet when we are apart. On the one hand, I enjoy the freedom of not having to always schedule everything and I can be spontaneous. On the other hand, I haven't got anyone to tuck in at night and watch an evening show with. I suppose it serves to give me appreciation for having them around and it won't be so hard when Katherine says, "Please, mom, just one more book!" After already having 2 more books! I love that she wants to be read to, but sometimes I am tired at her bedtime, so I push myself to do read another, so long as they aren't terribly intricate.

That girl loves the library and I am so pleased! Even if she isn't a fluent reader, just yet, I am so glad that she thinks that books, the library, and reading are super fantastic! She will do anything to get to go to the library, even so much as clean, so I know it is important. The favorite book right now is called, The Snow Globe Family. Very cute and funny. It is about a 'big' family (humans) and a little family, who live in the snow globe. All the snow globe family wants is for it to snow again, like it used to, but the big family has forgotten all about it, everyone except Baby :) You will have to check it out to find out the rest. Just what the world needs; creative, fun, appropriate stories for kids of all ages!

Taiji is going well. It is a nice outlet for me. It is helping with my posture and strength, which I really need. I have always seemed to have poor posture, but the older I get, the more I am realizing how much I will appreciate good posture into my later years. Katherine is also getting quite good at her Kung Fu, where she is advancing along quickly. She and I are both supposed to test at the end of the month. Taiji doesn't really have belts, but it is more of an accomplishment sort of thing. Traditionally, Kung Fu doesn't either, but it is this way to give status and keep track of people's ability, I think. My favorite stances that Katherine does are when falls back (you'd have to see it to really get it, unless you are familiar), and empty stance. Her long legs and svelte body do some justice to these in particular.

So far, I like 8 better than 7, but maybe it was just the year for us all. However, since she has turned 8, Katherine has been more articulate and I can see how she is growing into a thoughtful young girl. One of the things that makes me happy, as her mom, is seeing her learn something new from a friend and, rather than feeling like her friend is outshining her, she gives credit where it is due and will work harder to be good at it too. I have seen this in her Kung Fu, where there is a girl, Lizzie, who has been in class one month longer than Katherine, so also is more progressed. Sifu also helps all the kids take correction well, there isn't a class pet, who is somehow the example, they all have their own forms that they do well, some that aren't so great.

Another thing that I am enjoying about Katherine is when I heard her read, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, to my youngest goddaughter, who is 2.5. I think if she had a younger sibling, to give purpose to reading books, she'd be further in her reading skills, but for now, this is great. (The goal is, and always has been, to develop a love of reading, without pushing too much. So far, so good.) When I was about her age, maybe a little older, I remember reading to my younger brother and sister a number of bedtime stories. I can't tell you how many times I read out of the enormous Busytown book, because it was my brother's favorite. Those are some good memories and, as I look back, we were sort of like in Peter Pan, telling stories into the night.

I would love to give Katherine a sibling with whom to play, read, and share her life. That is not our lot these days. When people would ask after we were first married how many kids we planned to have, I would tell them, "We would like to have at least one of each, and if it take 12 girls to get to a boy, so be it! Or vice versa, but we will just take what we get." It is much easier to say, when you are married for month, that you are willing to accept the children that God blesses you with, as you imagine the endless possibilities. It is much harder, when you are married nearly a decade and have one beautiful child and the hope begins to dwindle with age and life. It is a challenge to accept that, when you say you will take whatever God gives, that sometimes it is nowhere near what you imagined, but that the blessings in between are for greater purpose. Oh my, what a heart full of heaviness and gratefulness.

Well, if we ever can, we would adopt. Katherine is all over that one, but the girl doesn't quite get that it necessitates time and paperwork. Perhaps we are getting closer to something like fostering to adopt, or domestic adoption, however, I am not choosy. The benefit of growing up with a love of babies and being a babysitter and nanny, is the developing of a heart that can love any child, no matter what.

On another note, I may go see a movie with a close friend tonight, where they let you take margarita's into the theatre. Jay would really like me to do something like that, but I know that he will only want me to, if I am up for it. I am trying to decide. I am leaning toward going, but we will see what I end up with. I am still feeling a little heavy from the week of death and funeral. I don't think my internal clock has completely reset, but it just may be me, lingering in thought.

I think that is it, for now. I think when I write next, I will be posting about the funeral. There is a beauty in all the services of the Orthodox faith and the passage of death, funerals and burial, are no exception. Until then...

One Upon a Nativity

The other day I was telling Katherine of the story from when I was a kid and we were really poor, though it never seemed so, since we always had a roof over our heads and food to eat; with the repetition I remember, it is a good thing I liked hot cereal, especially cream of wheat! You see, Katherine hasn't got any context for having a limited income, being an only child whose parents are blessed with always having enough of everything, though it has been shaking in the past. I will tell the story I acquainted her with, because I think it is worth telling.

In 1988, I was ten years old. It was winter time and my mom had begun working again when we moved back up north from our short stint in H.B., because she had the most marketable skill set as a nurse and she'd had recent experience in Cali. My dad was at home for us kids, so there was always a parent in the home, thus he was responsible for the home front. My mom travelled some 45+ minutes through the mountains on a shuttle bus one way, to the next biggest town for her job, so she got up extra early every day, then came home sometime after 6, I believe. You can imagine the length of being away from home and family.

Day in and day out, this was the way things were; my dad was wrangling 4 kids, a couple cats and a dog, while my mom spent endless hours out of the house, caring for everyone else's family, so we could make ends meet, though split six ways, plus paying for the shuttle to work, you can imagine what we had. It was going to be Nativity soon and we didn't even have a church close enough to go celebrate the feast. I remember snow at twilight, as my siblings and I devised a plan for the eve of the feast, while my parents were out on a walk. We decided that we would wrap our own things to give to each other, so we would have gifts to give and receive. The tree, which I think may have been someone else's before coming to our house, was alit with fun lights from my aunt. They were like lava lamps, but with colored water and the bubbles were much faster. We scrambled around getting things together and watched for my parents' return. We made sure that the lights were off in the rest of the house, so it was just the tree, shining in its own beauty.

I don't remember a lot, but I do recall some hugs and smiles. If memory serves, it was night when we opened things, but I won't rely on the timing, just the subject, so bear with me here. We opened the things we had wrapped for one another and a couple of other little items, when my mom appeared with a rather large box (or was it a giant plastic bag?) for each of us. One for each of us kids, though we knew there wouldn't be much, there was a personal blanket for us. They each had a corduroy top and flannel underneath, with batting between. She had embroidered our names and the year on the edge. I still have mine, though it is a bit worse for wear, it has moved with me to every place I have lived since. You see, somewhere in all the working, traveling, and parenting, my mom had gotten up early and gone to bed late, to make these for us, so we would have something new on the feast of Nativity.

These are my parents, who loved one another so dearly to have 4 kids, with whom to share their love. In times of having very little earthly goods, we were afforded the opportunity to see the spiritual goods and character, with which God has embodied in them, however imperfect they may be. I was reading the other day about a monk who was talking to the person who wrote the article, on having kids, before he and his new wife were ever pregnant, they wanted advice. They thought it would be more complicated than the answer they received. In effect, it was that what makes for good children and parenting, is for parents to love one another. The kids will see the example of love and sacrifice through the parents devotion to one another, in all ways. This is what I believe God has blessed my family with and also why so many people like to be around us. My parents worked very hard to maintain a home for us through it all, for that I am grateful. They have been through more than their share of struggles and have made it through. They are an example for me even now, as a wife and mother, because they have been here and understand.

I love you, mom and dad. Thanks for your faith, work, love and devotion!

Off They Went!

Jay and Katherine left for their overnight trip to Cherry Creek Reservoir just about an hour ago. I rode with them for a couple miles, then kissed them both, and sent them on their adventure! I am really hoping that they have the time of their lives and want to do it again one day. Katherine had a hard time going without me, but she will be alright, once she focuses on going to the reservoir, campfires, marshmallows, fishing, games, rides, walks, and more! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as you all know of Jay's health, but they are determined and only about 7 miles away from home, so I am simply hoping they have a smooth, enjoyable time.

Well, here I am, sitting in the coffee shop with the computer and some knitting. My dad's sweater is getting big and bulky and I couldn't find what else I was looking for, so I brought the unicorn project with me. Katherine asked me if I would make her a unicorn and, when the Knitting Habitat was closing, I got some yarn on clearance and will be using it for this project. I think the only reason I haven't made it before has everything to do with the fact that it will require assembly. I will be knitting the legs separately from the body, and I will have to stuff it. If I can get one leg done, per week maybe, I will be able to get the whole thing done for St. Nicholas Day, or Nativity.

Here's to having some time to use as I please!

No Time Like the Present

Outside my window...

The sun is shining and the birds aThough a friend told me of it long ago, I have recently begun saving the tops and bottoms of carrots, celery, cabbage, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, etc. and sticking them in the freezer. The intent is to gather enough to make veggie stock. This follows my attempt to be more frugal and to use more of each item. I didn't pay any less for that end piece of onion than the middle, more desirable part, so why not make the most of it! After only about 1.5-2 weeks, I have the better portion of a gallon size bag full in there. I look forward to making the broth to use with some recipes that call for it, particularly the ones for things like pumpkin soups cooked with veggie broth and pureed together for a hearty, delicious winter meal.re eating from the feeders. The heirloom tomato plant, 'Shortie', has a number of ripening fruits, as does Bertha, the cherry tomato plant. The chard is in full abundance and the beets are coming up nicely; I hope to get some tasty, colorful beets out of them!



I am thinking...

...about canning this zucchini relish and bread and butter pickles this afternoon. They are both in the preparation stages, then will come the cooking and canning. Also, thinking about Katherine and her Papa going camping, starting tomorrow at 11 am, for 24 hours; what will I do with myself?!?!?!


I am thankful for...

A place to rest
Family
Food, with the ability and abundance to preserve some for future use
A mild autumn, with slow changing leaves and gentle weather shifts
Our home and the means to maintain it


From the learning rooms...

Katherine is getting more into reading, though still it isn't her favorite thing to do on her own, she still LOVES having someone read to her; she is, and always has been, auditory, so I don't worry too much, it will come. We are hoping to set up some sessions on video chat with my dad to do art with Katherine, which they have done once before, but since my parents' move, the art supplies are not at home and settled yet. Perhaps, perhaps.

I am learning how to be more thrifty, because it is economical, but also practical. I will be trying to plan our meals in more detail, so as to save money shopping for each item, so there aren't any surprises, though this will prove more challenging than it sounds, for me. I am trying to use left over things to make something new, and so on.

I cannot speak for Jay, but I am sure he is managing some lesson in all this. He has been trying to find some free audio books, so he doesn't have to use his eyes, due to headache issues, so if anyone has any suggestions of books, please feel free to drop an oar in.


From the kitchen...

Though a friend told me of it long ago, I have recently begun saving the tops and bottoms of carrots, celery, cabbage, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, etc. and sticking them in the freezer. The intent is to gather enough to make veggie stock. This follows my attempt to be more frugal and to use more of each item. I didn't pay any less for that end piece of onion than the middle, more desirable part, so why not make the most of it! After only about 1.5-2 weeks, I have the better portion of a gallon size bag full in there. I look forward to making the broth to use with some recipes that call for it, particularly the ones for things like pumpkin soups cooked with veggie broth and pureed together for a hearty, delicious winter meal.

The canning, of course, and I also want to make some kale chips from the recipe in Color Me Vegan. I am trying to decrease our animal protein consumption, for many reasons, but to list a few, they include, inflammation, digestive ease and overall wellness. I have noticed that when we have very little meat, and stick to eggs and fish as our moderate animal products, we all do much better. So, we are trying to gear ourselves into a moderate, doable, and healthful dietary shift, including getting coffee out and green tea in. I have noticed it has been causing some undue side effects, especially for Jay, that aren't worth that cuppa, though a special treat now and again isn't the end of the world, but we have to start somewhere.



I am creating...

Still working on my dad's sweater, after having taken out a large chunk twice, to finally get the increase to be what I wanted! If that isn't love, I don't know what is! I have been experimenting with the tea cosy I am making for a friend in trade and I want it to be *just* right, so that is fun. I hope to get some sewing done, as Katherine has requested a dress, for which I have everything I need, I just have to get on top of it. I need to get my socks on the needles, too.


I am going...

to Taiji regularly and it is a much needed stress relief. It has offered me some time to myself and it helping with my posture. I have let my own personal maintenance go in these past few years since Jay's illness set in, so it is helping me regain some of my energy and strength, both physically and mentally.

I am (still) reading...

That book about St. Maria Skobtsova of Paris, Pearl of Great Price
A book of poetry from the library by Thoreau
Knitting patterns :o)


I am hoping and praying...

...that I learn my lessons well and can apply them to my life.
...that moderation, in many aspects, pervade my life.
...that I can settle into a routine and stick with it. We are notorious for beginning one, then shifting, due to health issues, or some other friend or family influence.


I am hearing...

Classical music on the radio and my fingers typing.


Around the house...

I have a number of things to sort through, because my mom and dad sent me a veritable load of material and yarn. Not to mention, the boxes from a friend I have in the garage full of sewing supplies! I am always wanting things neater around here, but learning what is practical to expect in a home with a disabled husband and a homeschooling daughter, with a cat, two dogs and two fish.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Kat and Jay go camping; coffee and knitting with a sweet and caring friend; returning to volunteer to help keep the church open on wednesdays; Taiji for me, Kung Fu and dance for Kat, maybe some hunting with a friend for Jay; a birthday party and church. Other than that, I can't say for sure, but I will have to figure out what to do for the 24 hours my little family is camping!


Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing...



From our trip to Kenosha Pass on wednesday with our friends :o)

Right now

Outside my window...

The sound of birds singing in the evening twilight with alight breeze gently moving the bamboo chimes.



I am thinking...

About my family and how productive today was, but I am tired.



I am thankful for...

My husband, of 9 years, this past thursday
A beautiful daughter who is growing into a solid young girl
A place to call home
Good friends
Video chat, so I can see my family out west (and even knit with my mom online!)
Food to eat
Mild weather
A caring church family
Patience...


From the learning rooms...

Hmm, Katherine is into dinosaurs a lot; Jay is into reading a lot more, when his eyes can manage; I am harnessing my ability to follow directions in a cookbook and be more organized around the house.



From the kitchen...

It is CLEAN! I scrubbed the kitchen today, so that makes it extra special. As for food, we have borrowed a new cookbook and really like it so much. We made a really tasty soup puree, as per Kat's request, that has things like parsnips, potatoes, white beans, scallions, garlic, shallots, tarragon, dill, etc. and it is a family favorite that is very warm and filling. We also plan to make some kale chips soon and tomorrow night, Jay has chosen to have mushroom topped/stuffed baked potatoes that are made with sauteed onion, bell pepper and mushroom-YUM!!




I am creating...

My dad's sweater, my vest (if I ever finish that thing!), A tea cosy for Columbina, a dress to be sewn for Kat and I think that is all that is on the needles or table.



I am going...

To take it easy and practice my long-suffering through patience and being in the moment with my family more.


I am reading...

That book about St. Maria Skobtsova of Paris, Pearl of Great Price
A book of poetry from the library by Thoreau
Knitting patterns :o)


I am hoping and praying...

That we get enough rest until the holidays hit and afterward
That the VA is favorable and quick with Jay's added disability request for extended coverage
That we get some rest tonight and have a fresh day tomorrow, for a relaxing sunday


I am hearing...

Canadian Geese, an airplane and my little family talking.


Around the house...

There are still things that need to be worked on, but things are neat enough for a sunday afternoon.



A few plans for the rest of the week:

Oh boy!!! Two appointments for Jay, services for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, friends, Berry Patch Farms, canning, Lair o' the Bear, Costco....Um, I think that covers it. At least it starts AFTER tomorrow!



Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing...

The Air is Cooling Off And So Are We

Well, it's that time again where I post something about how we are all worn out from whatever it is and that we will be using these upcoming weeks to lay low. We have had a lot going on, but we have also got more coming up. In the next two weeks alone, we have 6 days of church (for special feasts), 2 appointments for Jay and a trip to Berry Patch for raspberries galore and we wanted to include a visit to the art museum somewhere in there. That doesn't even include our anniversary on thursday!

I love our birthday-anniversary-liturgical-new-year-feast day-berry-harvest month, but october is so welcome every year. It has a couple of extra services spread out, but the weather changes, for certain usually, the days are full of walks, changing leaves, soup, hot cereal, tea, sewing, knitting, and so on. Can you tell it is my favorite?

Now for the part that I don't like, where I have to tell everyone that, although we love peoples' company dearly, we have to slow things down a bit or we will never make it through the holiday season. I am aware it doesn't begin for about 2 months, but if you have lived with someone, or have, chronic illness, you will understand how important down time really is. If we don't take the time now, we will pay later. Chances are, we will pay a little later anyway, there isn't really anything, besides going to church, that doesn't have some repercussion after the fact, or contribute to an oncoming issue.

Jay's health is stable, over all, but he has had some very off days lately which are concerning to me. He hasn't had a problem with migraines for a long time, at least, we haven't had to use his migraine stuff for full-blown migraines in awhile, but he got one last week, even taking his migrelief preventative. He got a bad one on Labor day, too, so I know something is off and we need to slow down. Stimulation, whether good or bad, is trying on his system, so the more we can limit that, the fewer issues he tends to have.

I went to church last night and, halfway through, began sneezing. I thought it may have been the new incense, but as it turns out this morning, I have the beginning of a cold. I am sure I needed to slow down, but unless I am unable to get out of bed at all, I still think I should go to church. I got totally ready to go, and was doing ok, until right before we were supposed to go, I just started sneezing and sneezing. I was in tears to Jay and Katherine hugged me a lot. I just don't like missing church, but God knows best and I am sure there is a lot of purpose in this. I made myself some echinacea, lemon balm, ginger, rose hips, red rasp leaf and chamomile infusion last night and I am due for more.

Well, to the point of this post. We will be going on a sort of lockdown soon, until mid-november. We are really hoping to scrimp and save to make it to my grandma's for Thanksgiving, which means we will have a 'Crafter's Bench Christmas', because we will spend any extra money to go, but it is worth it. Meema is 95 and won't be around forever, so it means a lot to me to go; she is like another mom to me, in some ways. So long as we can all be together through it all, that is what matters, right? I have things I can sew and knit and, since the weather will change, I will be doing it more anyway. So, in the interest of everyone's health and ability to make through the winter months and holidays to come, we may have to bow out of many different things, but it has everything to do with us, not you.

One thing that has to be remembered about chronic illness is that, although the person may seem functional, it is not in the same fashion of an average person. Their energy may be spent long before they want it to be, but they will smile through a lot of it. When they get tired, it may take days to recover their strength, or may have to sort of a side effect, like headache, etc. Also, please keep in mind that he may not even know how much he needs to rest, even if he knows he isn't in top shape (relatively).

Well, that is it for now and thanks for understanding! Glory to God for all things!