My Life with God, Family and Lupus.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

What a Busy, Busy Weekend!

It began with Friday. This is a work day for me at the church. I do the bulletin and plug the song service in the computer for the overhead projector. Then in the evening is SNO. Seniors' Night Out. This is dinner and game night for our senior citizens. We are the babies of the crowd...my hubby and I. This week we had our granddaughters with us. They enjoy playing games with the seniors. Izzie, 3, usually just plays or watches a video. But Jesse and Kaylee have fun with the adults.

I had a Craft Show on Saturday in Catoosa. I showed a lot of the new Copper Jewelry I'd been working on. Repousse' and hammered copper, cold connections and such. It didn't make much money, but we had a lot of fun. I met several Facebook friends. That was pretty cool. We shared tips and ideas. We admired each other's work.

Then of course church on Sunday. That is always a busy day for us.

Then on Monday we had a Prime Timers' activity. This is for our senior citizens. It helps keep them active and have fellowship. They needed an extra driver and that turned out to be me. We drove about 221 miles. 21 of those were in circles. Bro. Jim made a few wrong turns and of course I had to follow. I didn't where we were going so I ended up going in circles with him! All in all we had a lot of fun. We finished the day with Braum's Ice Cream and a couple games of Skip-Bo.

Today I was able to catch up on some chores, laundry and jewelry making. Please check my facebook page and see what's new! www.facebook.com/inspiredwirejewelry

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Stress in the Ministry

We went to a Preachers' meeting today. The topic was stress in the ministry. The were 2 speakers. The first was a physician speaking in regards to the physical results of stress. He mentioned is was much the same as that for physicians as well.
To lower our stress level we must eat healthy, exercise 3x per week, drink plenty of water and get appropriate rest.
The second was a doctor/counselor. He said we need a hobby to help relieve stress. One that is not related to our ministry. His is riding a motorcycle. Mine is making jewelry. My hubby's is golfing.
He also mentioned that anyone of 6 or more daily meds, needs to have those medications examined to determine if they interfere with each other or to see what their interactions are. I take 14 different meds daily.
Overall it was an interesting meeting. One speaker was not speaker material and was difficult to listen to. However he was pretty good one on one.
Now, I need to get back to my hobby so I can de-stress!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

My goodness it's been a long time....

I can't believe I haven't been here since Dad passed. It's been almost 5 months. Mom is adjusting well. She has her moments as we all do. But to know he is in Heaven with the Saviour is the best knowledge and hope there is.
What have I been doing? Hmmm I've been busy for sure. I would have thought after retiring 5 years ago life would be simpler. I guess it is in that I don't have a time clock to punch in and out every day. But it is busy and many hats to wear.
I am now getting the full dose of Benlysta for my infusion each month. The drug was approved by the FDA this last Spring. That is great news. And a gift from God. I don't have to pay for it until the study is complete in 2016. That too is a gift from God. The drug is $1000 per dose and 1 dose per four weeks. If insurance pays, it is likely to only pay at 60%. The only bad thing I have noticed about this drug is that it only lasts 3 weeks and can only be taken every 4 weeks. That leaves 1 week of problems. I usually have to take twice as many pain meds during that week. And twice as many naps!
I have had a sleep study recently as well. Almost a sleep study. We didn't quite get to finish it. So we are waiting for the insurance company to approve the rest of the tests. I know I have sleep apnea, but they are testing for other disorders as well. It appears I also have hypnogogic hallucinations that are a sleep disorder. And RLS. But I haven't seen the report yet.

The neurologist, also new, said I have mild neuropathy in my big toes too. Just something else to add to the ever growing list.
We do get to take a vacation this month. YEAH! The first in 6 years. It will be a working vacation, but I think we'll have a great time. We're looking forward to getting away. Hopefully the east coast hasn't washed out to sea by the time we get there. Our daughter is trying to figure a way to hide in the trunk of the car until it is too late to turn back. However, I think we would notice an extra passenger. We are taking Mom part way. We will be dropping her in OH so she can visit friends and family.
I think that will have to do for tonight. See you all later!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Lester E Hatfield

My dad passed away this last Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 6:25 pm. I was there when he drew his final breath. It was sad to see him go, but I wouldn't wish him back to this world for anything. He struggled so hard for those final breaths. Now, he is in Heaven with his Creator, his parents, his sons, great-grands, sister, and brothers-in-law. While we had a sort of reunion here at the services, he had one there as well. I know we'll be together again one day.

Here are some photos of the Honor Guard at the graveside. It was such a wonderful service.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Just sharing a Link!

Three of my finished pieces were featured on a popular blog! http://turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com/ Please go visit and follow the Magpie! There is a lot of great information shared there. Tutorials, vendors, and great artists. Tell them I sent you! You'll be glad you popped in.