True Value

Yesterday my Facebook status read the following:

"I am thankful that I have been raised to know the value of time, and what it means to spend that time with loved ones making memories; and that the holiday season doesn't have to be about $."

Over the last several years I have realized just how commercialized the holiday season has become. Black Friday shopping. Big extravagant gifts. Who spends the most money on what, etc., etc.

I feel as though most people have forgotten just what I stated in my status update. The holidays do not have to be able who bought who what or how much they spent. What deals they scored on Black Friday.

The holidays can simply be about togetherness and this year my family has decided to make it about that. You could have all the money in the world but you can't take it with you when you go. Time is something you can never get back. Once it's gone that's it. People tend to forget that these days because everything is too fast paced. I'm glad I've slowed down to really open my eyes and realize how valuable time is. The word time is even valuable if you think about it!

So, instead of hustling and bustling about this year; stop and smell the roses as they say and spend time with those you love without worrying about who's going to buy this or that! :)

I'm Thankful

I'm thankful for the life I have been given and each day that comes with a new breath in the morning.
I'm thankful to know that I can put my trust fully in the LORD and never be let down; instead always be carried through.
I'm thankful to have friends and family who love and care for me so much. More than I will ever know.
I'm thankful for the simple things like laughter, smiles, and hugs.
and...
I'm thankful that in times of sadness and sorrow I have the unfailing love of my Heavenly Father to lean on as well as that of those He has placed in my life.

What blessings!

I hope you have taken some time this month to look back and think about what you have to be thankful for!

Saturday Night Fun

This past Saturday night was spent at home, but was a ton of fun!

My friend Gina and I bought white fudge covered Oreo's when we made a trip to the grocery story a couple weeks ago. They were quite delicious and we discovered we could get more for our money if we bought the items needed to make our own. So, last week we made sure we did just that! Saturday night we made the Oreo's and also made Ritz peanut butter crackers and dipped those in the white chocolate as well. The crackers were a special request of mine. Granny made them sometimes as a dessert for our holiday meals. They're one of my favorites. It was nice to have those memories to go back to while making the cookies and crackers. :)

After making the sweets we decided to go old school on the Wii and play Super Mario Bros. 3. Oh what fun that was! It was one of our favorite games as kids. I really enjoyed playing it. I can remember playing it on the original NES and SNES; and when I would get stuck somewhere I would holler "Dad! Will you come help me beat this level?" Lol! Great memories and great times from my childhood!

A New Venture

This year there has been a year for stepping out on faith and exploring new things. The first of which was writing for Cerebral Palsy Family Network. I was very eager when this opportunity arose. Writing has always been a strong point and great outlet in my life. I was a little hesitant after writing my first article. I did not think people would enjoy reading it. I did not think it was written clearly. I was wrong. I have received several responses to both articles, and I've had many friends and fellow readers ask me to follow up with an article about my adult life and living with Cerebral Palsy. Don't worry friends, I'm working on getting it ready! It excites me to know that people love hearing my story through writing. I hope if nothing else it gives them insight and understanding.

Another new venture has come my way in the last couple months. Cooking. You may be thinking, "Well, anyone can cook even if it is a microwave meal." While that is true and I can do that I never thought cooking would go any further than the microwave for me, ever. I have had a Foreman Grill and Crock Pot for 6 years. Both items I can use, but I have always been afraid of burning myself or not cooking something right so I just never bothered. This summer I got tired of eating the same ole stuff all the time and decided it was time I get over this fear. So I have done  just that.

The first time I cooked lunch for the girls and I. We had lemon pepper chicken, alfredo noodles, and broccoli with cheese and potatoes. Later, I cooked hamburgers on the grill. Today was my first time using the Crock Pot. I made my first pot of pinto beans. They turned out delicious and I have enough for tomorrow! :)

Learning how to cook gives me a greater since of independence, as it would anyone. It also makes me feel a lot better about myself. Another brick in the wall of life that I am slowly knocking down with every new accomplishment! I find great joy in this. Now instead of having to ask Michael to cook after a long day at work I can have dinner ready by the time he gets home.

Two Fur Babies: Bruno & Tucker

About three weeks ago we added a new pup to our little family. His name is Tucker and he is a Chiweenie. (I still say he has Pug in him, but what do I know? lol.) I was worried Bruno would not adjust well since he has been the only one for a little over 2 years. They have adjusted to one another just fine and I am thankful for that.

I had been thinking about getting another dog for quite some time so Bruno could have a playmate. I kept putting it off because I kept thinking he wouldn't like having another dog around. He has certainly proved me wrong. They play well together and it has also cut down on his nipping at me when I go to get up or let him out. That is a big plus!

They have their moments when they want to be rowdy little boys, but they calm back down and become my snuggle buddies and I just love it. They have a mid morning nap with me in the recliner every weekday. :)

Teenage Years

The second half of my article for Cerebral Palsy Network was published on September 12. I am just now getting around to posting it here. I hope you enjoy reading. I'm looking forward to the feedback!

Teenage Years

World Cerebral Palsy Day

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day. In honor of this I have my Facebook decked in green with the pictures posted above.

I didn't realize how little awareness and knowledge there was for Cerebral Palsy until I started living on my own. People have asked me, "What's wrong?" many times over the years not realizing they really don't know.

This is one of the main reasons why I started writing for Cerebral Palsy Family Network, in hopes to educate others and give families courage and strength. Speaking of which, the second half of my article will be published September 12, 2012. I hope you are able to read it and enjoy as you do.

I would like to end this by saying a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helps me through this journey. Some live on in my heart, but for those still here that can read this. I mean that. Thank you. I can never express to you how much your friendship, a kind word, a helping hand means to someone in my situation. I know a lot of times I can be bull headed, but I really do appreciate the help I am given. Thank you for pushing me on when times get tough and loving me through it all.