Happy Thoughts

YOU would not believe the MAJOR differences we are seeing already. Literally thousands are praying for us across the US that I KNOW about. She is getting warmer, her vision is staying intact where a couple days ago it would blink out every morning and a couple times a day for 10 to 20 min. Her breathing has improved. She is getting a better attitude. Me too. She has been able to walk a flight of stairs without having a 5 min recovery period. She said her joints appear more strengthened. I can't gauge that, but I can see that her eyelids are no longer purple. The meds are supposed to take a week to see improvement. We noticed improvements within 2 hours of our note going out and asking for prayers. I am so blessed with the greatest friends and their friends!!! I am so grateful for our Savior and the blessings He extends. Thank you for all of your faith. I know no matter what now, we will be ok.

New Things

Trying Pilates. Started Steroids and Blood Pressure medications. Starting meditation. Not Eastern chanting. Just clearing your mind and reducing stress. We actually all slept sounder last night which was a huge benefit. Pilates is harder than it appears. Everyone is trying different workouts and seeing what they like. I still prefer the elliptical. I can turn up the music, not take up as much space, and not think, just listen to music which is healthier for me than what I have done in the past. They can all move about me and ignore me and I can just disappear. LOVE that. Finding we are reducing stress rather quickly. This is a huge benefit.

Rough Week

Our second oldest daughter Sarah was diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. It effects all joints, and connective tissues related to all muscles. It attacks the protective covering that protects all organs and muscles.
There is no cure.
We are dealing with it as best as we can. We are starting blood pressure medicine to reduce her symptoms and hopefully slow progression. We have been humbled beyond belief as messages have raced across the US and people everywhere have started Prayer Circles, entered our names in Temples and shown support and a outpouring of love like you would not believe.
We will be spending the next few weeks visiting specialists and making decisions. She has opted to not tell certain members of her family as it is imperative that her stress levels are reduced and that she has to stay away from smoke and homes that have had smoke in them. If you can smell it, it affects the blood vessels.
It makes her really tired but we are trying to build, protect and preserve what strength she has, by pilates, yoga and core strengthening. She can't have any frozen foods and refrigerated foods all have to be warmed 15 degrees at least before she can consume them. It changes her temperature and causes her body to work harder and waste energy to try to keep her extremities warmed. We don't know the future, but we know we are survivors and we know with everyone's faith and prayers joined with ours, we will have every tender mercy the Lord extends. Taking it day by day and know how blessed we are.

Fabric Softener

Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to your rinse water.
It reduces static clean, removes laundry residues and rinses clean. You won't walk around smelling like a salad. :)

Homemade Fabric Softener Sheets

Pour Fabric softener on an old washcloth or you can spray it. You can use it several times before having to refill it.

Homemade Glitter

Mix 5-6 drops of food coloring with 1/2 cup of salt, stir well.
Microwave 1-2 min. or spread out in a piece of waxed paper to air dry.
Store in an air tight container.

There is also a recipe for using an oven. It worked well.

Yesterday

It was an amazing day!
I got to see TONS of women that I love and respect and have really missed!
I had the opportunity to teach some things about why I do what I do and the blessings reaped. SCARED. TO. DEATH! But I made it through. Couldn't answer every question, am inspired to get more out here though. I am going to focus more on adding cleaning supplies and condiment recipes and art supplies for the kids. These are the easiest to pare down expenses with. I have another date scheduled to be teaching more women coming up soon! Hopefully, I will be less scared. I can only get better, right?
BTW, 1 lb. away from my first goal mark!!! I am a little excited!