You Mean Everything to Me

Thirteen years ago, I climbed into my bed and prayed to God that I would get a good nights sleep (my phsyical abilities were always dependent on the quantity and quality of sleep).  My prayers were answered and I had the best night of sleep that I have ever had.  And because of the exceptional night of rest, I was able to throughly enjoy my wedding day.

As I think back to that beautful summer day, I can't get over how lucky I am that God gave me Steve.  He has been by my side through it all, both good and bad.  I don't know if there is another person who could have handled this journey better than him.  I am so grateful for His gift of love.

Happy Anniversary Steve!

Best Gift Ever

Yesterday was an unforegettable day for me.  I headed to Winona, Mn with Steve and the kids for my birthday.  Winona holds a special place in my heart .  It is where I got the BA degree that my high school guidence counselor said that I would never be able to achieve and where I met my husband who was able to love me for the person that I am.

For the first time ever, I visited this beuatiful city and campus I called home without my mobility scooter.  I never imagined that I would be able to walk from one side of campus to the other so easily.  I felt like I was experiencing Winona State University for the first time.  I was able to walk with the sun beating on my face and the wind blowing my hair without the worry of whether I would make it to my next destination!  Being able to walk is better than any birthday girft anyone could ever give me.  I love my life!!!

Thanks Mom and Dad

Tomorrow is my 37th birthday and I feel younger than I ever have, honestly.  I am doing things I never imagined possible and my definition of tired is completly different than most.  I know it's my birthday, but I can't help but feel like the celebration should be geared towards my parents.   Yes, they gave me life, but they gave me much more than that.

For 33 years, they worried about  me on a daily basis, yet they never let on.  They pushed me to try my hardest at everything possible and to do it with a smile on my face.  I am a strong, positive woman because of them.  When others told them that they should really put me in a wheelchair, they worked harder to keep my muscles from weakening any further.

My parents sacraficed many years making sure that I was able to live a normal life.  I know that they would do it over in a heartbeat and love me for who I am.  I am so grateful that out of all the Moms and Dads in the world God chose them to be my parents.  I can't imagine how different of a person I would have turned out to be without them as such positive role models.

So tomorrow when I wake up and am one year closer to the big FOUR O, I will be thanking God for my wonderful life and the strong parents He  put by my side.

I love you Mom and Dad.

On A Roll

I feel like this may be turning into a cooking blog and that is not my intention.  However, the new thing I did today did involve food.  With that being said, I made homemade cinnimon rolls today!!!  They are beyond delicious.  I was a bit hesitant to try making this because I didn't know if I'd be able to roll the sticky dough after I had flattened it out and put the sugar and cinnimon on it.

Even though it's been three years on my new medication, I still second guess my abilities.  I'm not sure how long it will take me to get over the "unknown"  I'm like a big kid and I'm okay with that.  Like I have stated in previous posts, when I successfully complete a new task, my reaction is very similar to that of a five year old who has tied their laces for the very first time.  I'm okay with that too.  Life is too short to not fully appreciate all the little things I can do.  I am thrilled that I can share these experiences with my parents, daughters, husband and of course all of you.  I truely appreciate the support.

The Hostess with the Mostess

This summer we have had company up to the cabin and I feel like I am able to be the host that my guests deserve.  I'm able to do things for them that I never could have done in the past: clean the cabin, make side dishes to go with the dinner Steve grills, wash the dishes quickly so there's more time for chatting and putting clean sheets on their bed before they arrive, and so much more.  These may all be simple things, but it all means so much to me.  I love being around people, especially my close friends and family.  These days, the time spent together is so much better because I'm not worried about them having to help me.  For once, I'm finally able to take care of them.  And I LOVE that!!!!!

A Berry Good Life

While we were at the cabin celebrating the Fourth of July, Steve and the girls picked Strawberries (I watched John).  When we returned to the cabin, Winona and I spent nearly 2 hours washing and cutting the Strawberries.  When we started the process, I thought that I would only be able to do it for a half an hour.  I wasn't sure if my hands would begin cramping or if my feet would get too sore standing for a long period of time.  Winona kept saying how much fun she was having and that she could "do this all day."  Her positive energy kept me going and I was happy to be working by her side.  I do need to admit that Sharon filled in for me so I could take a 15 minute break.  It is so rewarding to be able to participate in my families activities.

We cut up two pallets worth of Strawberries

Winona and I cutting while Steve sugars the Strawberries

With all of these strawberries, I had to make Strawberry Shortcake.  I have to admit, I didn't have a clue how to do it.  Sure, I only used Bisquick for the cake cake, but I had never made whipping cream from scratch.  I grew up in a household where we used Cool Whip. :)   Since there were no instructions on the heavy whipping cream, I had to ask Steve how to make it.  It turned out quite well and I'm thinking that there will be more Strawberry Shortcake in the very near future.

Winona 

There are a couple lessons here:

1)  keep a positive attitude as it will surely rub off on others

2)  No matter what you do together as a family, a memory is being created.  

3)  Strawberry Shortcake is really yummy and there is no substitution for "whipping cream"

I hope you will go out and enjoy the little things in life and see that they are the most important.  

For the Love of Shopping!

Winona and I went shopping at the Albertville outlet mall for three hours today.  My goal was to get a pair of walking shoes.  After trying on more than a dozen pairs and Winona's opinion of what looked good, I left with two pair. Plus, we had plenty of time to look around several of the other stores.  I'm glad that I found what I was looking for, but honestly the best part was spending time together (and John).  It really wasn't that long ago that I needed someone to take me shopping, because I couldn't walk from the parking lot to the store's front door without assistance.  I love that I am living an independent life these days and can spend time with my fun, loving, energetic daughter.