Tree to Table

Last weekend we visited an apple orcahrd.  I was able to walk freely down the rows of trees and even pick a few apples.  It amazes me what I am able to do these days and can't help but feel blessed.

Gilby's Orcahrd, Aitkin, MN

The girls and I made two pans of apple crisp.  Can you believe that I had never made this popular american dessert before?  I was never able to peel and cut this fruit.  The best part was the Steve said it was the best apple crisp that he's ever had.

Life is a gift and I intend to really appreciate all the good things that God continues to send my way.

Miracle Mom

I have a long list of items to complete today.  As I look at the list I am amazed that I can do them all independently.  It used to be that I could only do one chore a day, maybe two.  I can't help but share my list with you:

Grocery Shop --
YMCA-
Frost Cupcakes-
3 loads of laundry
Unload Dishwasher
clean off my dresser
make apple crips
pack for cabin--
pack cooler--
Go through John's clothes--
Give John a bath-
Paint Nails
Make eye appointment
Make photo appointment for John

As I look at this list, I can't believe that I've gotten through more than half of it before 2pm. So many of these choirs were nearly impossible in my previous life.  I always wondered what it would be like to be a SuperMom, but that is not me.  Instead, I would like to think of myself as Miracle Mom.

What A Feeling

Once again, I feel like I am living a miracle.  As you are all aware, there was a time in my life that I was dependent on others and I needed to use a mobility scooter to get from point A to point B.

This evening I attended Winona's 6th grade curriculum night alone.  Yes, alone.  Steve had to work and I was happy that I could drive myself to the school and walk class to class in the sea of parents without worrying whether I would fall or not.  

Tonight I felt strong, free and confidant and am so grateful for all my new abilities.  I love that I can go to bed tonight feeling the way I do.  Life is more than I ever expected it to be.

The Bright Side

I have always been a positive person.  I try to see the good in all, look on the bright side and my glass is ALWAYS half full.  To be a positive person is a choice.  I think if I had been bitter about the cards I was delt in life, few people would question it and many would defend it.  But, being bitter has never made anyones situation easier and simply drains the life out of you. I've been able to get through so many challenges because of my positivity.   

Even on the worst of days, I'd say, "my glass is half full." I am able to do this because of the good people I am surrounded by.   I have friends that can cheer me up when I'm feeling down, a husband who understands my frustrations when I'm not able to physically complete a task and parents who have always shown me that despite my limitations, we could always have fun together.

Today is the day to say, "My glass is half full."  There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.  And no matter how difficult the situation is,  it's going to get better.  It is up to no one but ourselves, to make the most out of our lives.  Rather than wasting it, let's make something of it.  

Bring On The Tissues

I  don't think the day will ever come that I will be able to watch the above video and not cry.  I was living a life very simular to these courages kids.  I wasn't able to walk normal, fell often, couldn't use my hands after 6pm and had the very noticable tounge movement.  Any one of these abnormalities would make strangers stare, but I had them all.  

Like the children in the video, I was given a new life.  I can walk without falling, have taken martial arts classes and feel as though I am living a miracle each and every day.  I'm okay shedding tears while I watch this and will be forever grateful for the doctor that lead me to my new life!  

The Little Things

This evening Sharon asked me, "Mom, do you remember when we used to have microwave popcorn? That was when you couldn't make it on the stove."  

I love that she remembers the challenges that we had together.  Before she went off to Kindergarden, I wasn't able to play with her in the yard, take her to the Y to play ball, bake with her or even put her to bed at night.  Now, I can do all of those things and even more.  It's the little things in life that matter most...even to a ten year old.  

Iron Woman

Well it's September and that means the beginning of a new school year and afterschool activities.  Sharon is going to be a Junior Girl Scout this year.  To her that means being with friends for after school meetings, making crafts and selling cookies.  For me, it means ironing all her patches onto her new sash.

Because I'm still relativly new to all of this, it takes me about an hour to carefully iron on the 10 patches that make up her uniform.  There was a time in my life that I didn't trust my balance and coordination to use a hot iron.  I have to admit, this is not one of my favorite new tasks, which is why I waited all summer to do it.

Sure, I could complain that this job had to be done, but how could I do that?  I have been given the gift of dexterity, better balance and most importantly, my beautiful Girl Scout.  So even though there are things I would have prefered to do this afternoon, I will give thanks for the things that I was ABLE to do this afternoon.

Ironing on patches is just one more little thing in life that I don't ever want to take for granted.  What did you were you ABLE to do today?

Sharon bridging from Brownings to Juniors last spring.