I'm a bit achy tonight. Well, a more than a bit.  Mostly from the daily swelling. My fingers are really stiff, especially on my right hand.  The fingernail on my left index finger (the one I banged with the chasing hammer) is probably going to come off.

This has been a difficult week.  I've been emotional about my legs and weight.  I was going to try to diet....again. But the 2nd day I called it quits.  Mostly because I was angry with my household. They were sneaking donuts I had bought for my grandsons. My DH and DD were supposed to be dieting with me. I decided if they weren't going to try or care, then neither would I.

I know, don't give up. I will try, but I am not going to deprive myself either.

Today, my daughter and I had a clash of who is in the shower first.  I let her, but I think next week it will have to be me.  We both ended up being late.  It is just a timing issue that needs worked out.  But because we were running late, I didn't wear the leg tubing or my tennis shoes.  Not a good thing.  At least I was reminded of why I am going to have therapy and wear "body armor" on my legs. I sure hope and pray this works.  That it is worth it all.  I am still not convinced.

I begin therapy on Tuesday this week.  I have 8 sessions. Plus we will order the leggings. Oh how I  hope this works.  It is supposed to retrain my lymphatic system to work again and properly.  Lymphedema has no cure, but is treatable.  I have seen photos and people whose legs are ginormous!  I don't want that for me.  That is probably why this week has been so hard.  I don't want saggy baggy elephant legs, but the "body armor" looks like torture.  I don't know which is worse!  I keep asking God to help me with my attitude.  Not sure how He's gonna answer that one. Do you?

I will likely have to buy new pants and shoes.  Again.  If I had a sewing machine, I may just make my own pants.  I used to sew very well. I could get the color and fabric I want that way.

On a different note, the Bluebird Pendant is finished. Now to photo it and post it on the web.  Here is a picture.  Not a great one, but you can see it okay.

This Week

Rachael is home this week. She got in just before our snow storm...hopefully the last one of the season! It's been beautiful weather.
I was able to get my infusion this week too. I am so glad. It gives me 2 and a 1/2 to 3 good weeks physically.
Sunday was my Father-in-Law's 40 year at Grace Baptist Church. It was an awesome and inspiring service. All the kids and most of the grands and greats were there. Several fellow preachers were there as well. Lots of special music too. Not from me though, I am still working on my lungs getting better. I got carried away while we were all singing "It is Well with my Soul". I love that song, but I ended up having an asthma attack because of it. Oh well, it was worth it all.
Tonight we watched Jesse perform her last vocal concert as an elementary student. She is growing up far too quick! They all are!
Nico and Collin spent the night this week too. Nico is so funny. I would start coughing and he'd mock me, then laugh. It was so cute! Collin enjoys hiding and tents. He's a hoot to watch.
Next week I see my PCP and Mom gets her cataract surgery. I know she is anxious. I am excited for her. I know it will help her vision quite a bit.
This was a good week. I praise God for it!

Winter Strikes Again

Winter is at it again. Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow. Ice on the windshields and wet roads. The heater is working great, no power flashes...yet, and a pot of beans on to cook. Had Malt-O-Meal for breakfast. I have had a cup of Chai Latte tea and then a cup of Mint tea. Coffee is brewing.
This is a work inside day. We knew it was coming, so we planned ahead. Except...we ran out of milk already. Mike is going to go to Braum's and pick some up. School is out all around. County offices have closed some of their doors. No appointments today! We even rented a few movies.
So, I begin with my study on Esther. I'll be teaching it again this next Monday. Esther is such a cool book! After that I will work on my office until my work table is clear. Then I will create! I haven't made any jewelry in over a month. Time to get busy. I have a few repairs to do and a custom order or two.
I love lazy days. I'll probably even take a nap later! Enjoy!

Happy New Year

I hope you all have had a great start to the new year. I've decided to change my blog around just a bit. I will try to whine less and praise more.

This year is starting out extremely cold. However, one of our dear ladies at church gave me an electric heated throw! How awesome is that? I love it. Mike uses it when I am in the other room. Plus, we left our fireplace out in the front room. I know it is only cardboard, but....it's the ambiance!

I am also going to try to get my office/studio clean and organized by the end of January. If I do well, I will post pictures.

My health is about the same. I have added Eczema to my list of ailments. It itches so much! However, the steroid cream is starting to help. I managed to stay off all steroids for 3+ years. I guess a little cream for a couple weeks won't kill me.

Ok, let's see if we can "get 'er done" this month with all the new stuff going on. 2009 is over, is still has issues to resolve, but 2010 has just begun!

Vacation Bible School

We had VBS this last week. We also kept our grandsons, ages 4 months and 3 years. What a week! Jeni had surgery on Monday and was unable to handle the boys for several days. So, Mawmaw and Pop took them in. Wednesday Aunt Rachael took them home and stayed to help there.
VBS theme was Passport to the Promised Land. It went like a well-oiled machine! It was our first VBS at this church. It was awesome. Everyone did their part. There were extra folks to fill-in where needed. One small boy gave his life to Christ. AWESOME!
Now we have today off and doing only what we want.
We also celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary last Thursday during VBS.
I made a new bracelet. Sodalite and Swarovski crystals. Nice looking. Great to wear with jeans. Of course that is what I made it for...jeans.
Have a show coming up in July so I need to get busy and make more jewelry.
Picked up some more Swarovski crystals today. 2 mm rounds in crystal-AB. 1 gross is less than a teaspoon!

Another busy month!

I have made more jewelry. Check out the new pieces in my ArtFire shop! I also have some different pieces in my Etsy shop.
I have been fighting with my health insurance company for 3 full weeks. It has been very frustrating. They cancelled us for "non-payment". I told them it was there. They couldn't find it. Of course it is up to me to prove I am right. I had to make sure the payment had arrived to them by the 24th of the month. So....I went to my bank account. There it showed the payment was complete and taken from my account.
I photo copied the front and back of the check like I was told and faxed it to the insurance company. The back of the check shows that it was in the hands of the insurance co. on or before the 23rd of the month. I also sent a note making it clear that I wanted my insurance reinstated immediately. I really needed my meds.
They said it would take 24-48 hours for it all to happen. I went to the pharmacy 72 hours later, wanted to be sure and allow extra time. No insurance. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I called again. "No, we haven't seen a fax". I told them it was sent and I had confirmation it went thru.
For 2 and a half weeks we went thru this on a daily basis. What a headache! They were basically calling me a liar, saying not only was a payment not received, nor was a fax. I tried to talk to a supervisor. I left 3 voice mails for her. Her voice mail says she will return the call as soon as possible. Well, it is over 3 weeks later and still no return call. Surprise, surprise.
After 2 weeks of telephone conversations that ended in nothing being accomplished, I was told to send the fax again. I did. Along with a copy of the original fax and confirmation sheet and a copy of my phone log with them.
I called the next day. "no, there is no fax". Talk about frustration! I called again the next day. Yes, we see the fax. Hurray! Well, it will take 24-48 hours, again, to fix it. Right. It took a few more calls and 5 more days. Finally got our prescriptions. I called my doctor for an appointment because I was experiencing a lot of edema in my feet and ankles.
Well, guess what! The clinic said the insurance wasn't in effect. Good grief! I called them right there in the office. What a mess! She said it was hung up in channels, but I was covered. I had her tell the clinic. The clinic was very good about it all and very understanding. Apparently this insurance company does this kind of thing a lot.
In the end, I am filing a complaint to the Insurance Commission and the Health Authority. No one should be treated this way. I was right, proved and still had to prove it again, because their office was inept.

About me

The following is a list of diagnosis and why I am on disability. I debated for 6 months whether or not to file. I finally decided that if God wants me to have it, I will be approved. If He doesn't want me to be on disability, it would be denied. However, if I didn't apply, I couldn't have a chance to be approved.

After 4 months I was approved. No denial. No doctor visit. Pay was made retroactive. I should receive my first monthly check next week.

I am excited this has happened and a little sad too. I will keep doing whatever I can physically. I have had to give up a lot already and don't want to give up any more!

I can't bend without pain, can't go outside without coverup, must wear a headcovering (I am mostly bald), I must sit to hold my grandkids. I can't stand or walk more than 20 minutes without pain. After sitting a while my feet and ankles swell till they hurt.
I am anxiously awaiting State Fair time. Mom and I will rent hoverounds and go to the fair! We had a blast last year. For 5 hours!

Alopecia, Lupus, Asthma, Restrictive Lung disease, Rosacea, Rhumatoid Arthritis, Osteo Arthritis, Sleep Apnea, Runner's Knee, Reynaulds, High BP, Chronic Sinusitis, GERD, Degernerative Disk, Bulging Disks, Torn Disk, bone spurs on spine and feet. Oh, a benign tumor in my right lung.

I take about 8 pills in the am, 5 at nite, infusion once a month, and a few meds in between as needed. I have had a Port put in to make the infusions and blood tests easier as I have very small veins.

I got a new "cranial prosthesis" with my disability money. The wig takes a little getting used to for me, but I like it.

Peridot Bracelet..part 2

I made a simple pair of earrings to go along with the bracelet below. Ginny loved them both. She is giving this set to her daughter. She is also requesting more jewelry made for her in OU colors...crimsom and cream. That ought to be fun! I can do a custom order for you too!


www.fancyfashions.etsy.com, http://tinyurl.com/bbxogr

Elizabeth Louise Murray

Mrs. Murray's funeral was a reminder of how special she was. It was also a reunion of sorts. Pastors and friends from all over came to pay their respects to the Murrays. Seeing the children all grown up! My goodness. It has only been a couple of months or even a couple of years since seeing some. But 17 years since seeing others!

Did you know kids change an awful lot in 17 years!

I know she will be greatly missed. At the same time, she is with her Savior, son, parents, and many friends.

Elizabeth Louise Murray, we will miss you my friend!

Earthquake!

We had 3 earthquakes yesterday. The epicenter was 3 blocks from the church. I felt the first two, but not the third. I think the dog did though. He was begging to come in the house.

They weren't strong nor unusual. We had one 9 days earlier too that was 3.4. These were 2.7, 2.5, and 2.2. The unusual thing is to have so many in 3 hours time! The fault is 3 miles below ground.

I doubt anything exciting will happen today. Unless I get to go fishing!

Gems and Pearls

I don't have much to say today. Except, I want to buys more beads! It really is an addiction. Those of you who bead know that. I have some semi-precious gems and pearls coming, but I want them now. Not really to make anything yet, but to hold in my hand and feel their beauty.
I have some black diamonds at home just waiting to be worked with.
I kept making excuses that the pearls I wanted to use with them weren't in. Well, the pearls are in, but I like the gems just by themselves!
Well, I will just have to be patient to wait on my package. Then I will have to get busy making jewelry. Then sell it!

New Online Shop!

Ok, after hearing several others talk about Art Fire I decide to try it. So, I now have a new shop on Art Fire. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=search&sterm=fancyfashions&cb1=1&cb2=2&cb3=3 Check it out and see what you think. It is currently going to carry the same as my Etsy shop. www.fancyfashions.etsy.com
Next week I will try to add more items to both shops.
Again, Mike had to help wash my hair today. Tomorrow I finally get to shower. Can't wait! I think I will stand in it for at least an hour!

Brrrrrrrrrrrr

Baby, it's cold outside! Finally the ice is melting and things are warming up. The good part of it all is the ground got some good moisture.
We slid around on the ice a few times. Mike really enjoys that! But we rented some movies, made some soups and enjoyed the nights inside, all warm and snuggly!
Some of the good movies we watched were
Fireproof, Saving God, Lobster Tale, and Waterhorse.

New Jewelry

The Blue John 3:16 bracelet is one of my favorites. I have made it in several colors and different beads. I think I will use pearls and Swarovski crystals on the next one.











I really like Bronzite. This bracelet design has sold twice and I have a third ready to be sold.















This set is with Keishi pearls and Green Adventurine. I have matching earrings as well. This is a new set in my Etsy shop.

Let me know what you think!

Grandbabies

Wow, warmer weather at last! I know we need the cold, but....
I am ready to start creating again. I am going to take apart some of the old pieces from last year and remake them. I am just waiting on a few things to come in first.
Jeni is doing good this week. Keeping little Nico in his "warming oven". He isn't due for a while yet and she is on meds and bedrest to slow the contractions.
Mr. Collin was over to spend the night again Thursday. He sure is fun. He has an infectious giggle. We had Izzie Thursday morning. When she went home with mommy and daddy, she took her first 4 steps! Now, why couldn't she do that at Gramma's?

Grandbabies! Jewelry!!

There is nothing in this world better than loving on my grandbabies! Jeni went to the hospital this week in pre-term labor. That meant Gramma and Papa got to keep Collin overnight. He has such an infectious giggle! Doc was able to give Jeni meds to stop the contractions and sent her home. Little Nico needs to stay in the "oven" a bit longer.
Last week we had Collin on Thursday, then Jesse, Kaylee and Izzie on Friday. Course Izzy didn't stay all night.
Jesse and Kaylee enjoy making their own jewelry at Gramma's. I keep a box of beads and stretch cord just for them. I think this summer we will work with the "real" stuff. They sure enjoy it.
I have some chalcedony and pearls coming. I can't wait to get them. I am trying to decide on doing a Valentine's show. It would be at the business mall again. If the pearls come in time, then I think I can do it.
I just love working with the pearls. All I need is a few hundred dollars to buy lots of pearls and accessory beads. Oh yea, I have a sterling silver order coming too. Although I don't think it will be in time.

Ok, I think I am finally finished with all medical tests for the year. Today I had an MRI on my knee. I am pretty sure it will show one nasty bone spur. I still have 3 doctors' appointments left this month.

I have a Craft Fair at Lake Park Elementary tomorrow and a Trunk Show at Shepherd Mall on Tuesday the 16th. Yea! I will be done for the year other than special orders.

After the first, I think I will take some classes. I am not sure on what, but I will figure it out.

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I did!

Shows, shows, shows

This is my Ruby and Pearl bracelet...yes, real rubies! This is my Sapphire and Pearl bracelet. My birthstone.

These are my black diamonds. The picture isn't so great, but the sparkle is! I haven't decided how to make these up yet. I am sure it will be a bracelet.

This is my first born...Ben. He turned 30! He even has a few gray hairs. Happy Birthday son.

What a busy week. Again!

This last week I had a 2-day show in Norman, OK. It was really slow on Friday, but Saturday picked up a bit. I finished off 2 special orders for Ornament covers. They are already delivered. I have a watch to size for a new customer. This week I have another show...Lake Park Elementary Holiday Market. I have not done this one before, but have heard by all that it is a great one!

Yummy Onion Burger!

Had one of those extra yummy Onion Burgers today. Haven't had a good one in a very long time. It was just right too. Left me wanting another. But, I was good and didn't do it.

I made 12 pair of Christmas Tree earrings last night. I am going to put some up at the Vintage Market Mall in MWC tomorrow. I have already put some of the Christmas Ornament covers out there. Someone broke one and didn't bother to clean it up or pay for it. That is kinda irritating.

Going to Mom's tonight. It is their 59th anniversary. We thought we'd take the pizza.

I was reading thru my Yahoo groups today. As I looked at all the pictures of the gem stones, I thought about how wonderful it would be to have some of them all! I am not greedy, just want a good variety.

Along that line, I have been thinking of taking classes on gemology and pearls and more jewelry classes. Of course that is all after the holidays and if I get any money coming in. After all, a girl can dream can't she?

A good weekend

This was a really good weekend. My show did fair. I sold a few things here and there. Church was great! Had loads of people that haven't been in a while. The children's classes were overflowing! The weather was cold but clear. The moon was high a bright and BIG.

I went to the Dermatologist today. He said my skin is so much better that he reduced that particular med by half! One less pill to take daily. Yea!
Next week I think I have two doctor appointments. One, I don't think will be so pleasant. Ugh. But, I shall live through it.

We finished our Beth Moore study, "Jesus, the One and Only" tonight. It is an inspiring, awesome study. We are going to take a break this next month and start a new study in January. I don't know what yet.

Made some tortilla soup tonight. Good stuff. Added some corn and taco meat to the mix to make it even better. I'm thinking it will be gone soon!

Stay tuned. I will post more jewelry photos soon. Maybe in a day or two. If I can get a clear picture of my Black Diamonds, I will post it.