We Are The World 25 For Haiti (YouTube Edition)

Awesome Sky

Tonight when I took Rocky out to go potty the sunset was MINDBLOWING. These pics do it no justice. I tried to get a good pic but alas this is as good as it gets. Enjoy!!!!

Health Update

I have been asked a lot lately about my health. While I am currently in REMISSION, I continue to have several health issue that will likely linger for years. This is very frustrating for me. I haven't felt "great" for a long time. I am frustrated because I honestly don't remember what it feels like to feel "normal". I have good days and bad days still. There are more good than bad for now but yet I still struggle. My immune system is still very susceptible to illness and therefore have to be careful around sick friends and co-workers. But alas, I am alive and breathing!!! How amazing is that? Pretty amazing if I do say so myself.

I think we all take many things for granted, especially me. It is days like today when I am home from work cause my bones and joints are so painful that I struggle the most with this. I am blessed with a great husband. He takes amazing care of me and never utters even a muffled complaint. He has seen me at my very worst both physically and mentally. I have THE.BEST.FRIENDS.EVER!!! They truly are amazing. They bless me everyday. They share their children with me and let me tell you..... Nothing soothes my soul life snuggles and hugs and smiles from all their sweet miracles.

I am not one to make "resolutions" but I DO love to make goals alone as well as with Phil. I am surprised with what I came up with this year. I will try and remember to post some soon. For now I will continue to count my blessings daily and I encourage you all to do the same.

What is the moral of this post??? Yes we have trials, struggles, health issues, and general CRAP that we get dealt in this life but if we try harder, look deeper, and think longer, we are all truly blessed.

Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Holiday Recap

Well the holiday season has now passed. Boy was it a whirlwind. I can officially say I am completely partied out for awhile. We had a wonderful Iverson (Phil's Mom's side of the family) family reunion/Christmas party on the 23rd. We had 58 people in the house. Can you say CRAZY??!! We have some amazing food and even better company. I will post pics soon. I need to upload them still. Phil and I enjoyed a quiet-ish Christmas eve. I honestly can say that I witnessed a true Christmas miracle at 10:31 am on Christmas eve. My wonderful friend Laura had her baby. I was able to be apart of this miracle in more ways than I ever imagined. You can read her amazing birth story here. I will warn you though that when you read it you will see why I keep telling her she is the woman that all mothers envy. I have never in my medical career seen such a fast birth.

Christmas day was filled with a wonderful and huge breakfast, presents, snacking, and dinner. All the while enjoying spending time with my favorite family! I am truly blessed to have such great in-laws! We also had another little shindig with some more family for new years eve. HOLY JUNK FOOD!!!! We ate and played and had a blast. Pictures to come.

So here is my quick holiday recap. I pray everyone had a safe and wonderful season. Until next time.......