Day 196 - Tiny Tuesday {No Headache}

 

 
Today is the first day of the newest attempt to get rid of Candida.

I don't want to jinx it, but so far so good!

It may seem silly to be excited about the first 5 hours going well... but trust me, it's a big deal.

Normally at this point I would be writhing around in pain with a terrible headache or something.

But not this time. 

God please let this be it. Please let this be the time that works. Please fortify us against all the things that would tempt us and cause us to fail.

I am so weary of failed attempts that I don't know if I could pick myself up again if this doesn't work.

Please continue to pray for us!

I am thankful that I have no "detox headache" to deal with currently.

I am thankful that everything on this Candida cleanse is actually delicious... I mean really. I get to eat as much bacon as I want?? Can't be all that bad :-)

I am thankful that this is the first day of my reclaimed health.

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Day 195 - New Beginnings... again.

Well, it's coming up on January 1st again.

That means that the husband and I are yet again gearing up to try some newfangled way to get rid of Candida.

It happens every year. 

We are promised that this new whatsit will finally take care of our problem once and for all. And it will do it all in less than 3 months!

YAY!

I can't wait!!

6-9 months later, Candida is still raging. We get frustrated and ditch the program... sigh.

Then we spend the next 3 months trying to find something else to try and begin again in January.

So here's to this whatsit really doing the job.

All the prayers you can muster for us would be wildly appreciated.

I am thankful that I can ask prayers of those who care about us... and those reading this who have never even met me. Thank you!

I am thankful that despite MANY setbacks, we continue to have faith that this illness will NOT plague us for the rest of our lives.

I am thankful that I got all my grocery shopping and food prep done today. We begin tomorrow!

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Day 194 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that I got to have a delicious homemade brunch with my husband after enjoying the opportunity to sleep in for the first time in about 2 months!

I am thankful that we get to go see a movie with a good friend tonight.

I am thankful that tomorrow starts a whole new and exciting week... and especially thankful that I have another week off before school starts again! So much still to do!

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Day 193 - Silence

 

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My sweet in-laws left today. It was sad to see them go. It's always so nice to have time with them.

We have another scheduled visit with them at the end of February, when we will be doing the traveling.

After they left we took about a 3 hour "nap". Hosting guests is hard work y'all!

And we awoke to a very quiet house. Something that hadn't been so for about a week.

It was odd.

So we didn't the only thing that could help... went to a movie that would be filled with kids.

No quiet there!

We finally got to see Frozen and it was adorable :-)

I am thankful for the time with my family. 

I am thankful that we got to have so many days together all in a row. Usually it's only 2-3 days, so a week was quite a treat!

I am thankful that my husband and I got to go see a movie, and enjoy all the laughter of those sweet little voices all around us.

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Day 192 - Tilt-A-Whirl

Hello all. I'm back.

I appreciate the opportunity to take an unplanned break during the holidays.

You know those tilt-a-whirl rides at the carnival? You get on and you know exactly where you are.

Then the ride starts up. Things around you start to blur slightly, but you can still see the general outline of everything.

Then it speeds up even more.

Everything is blurred beyond recognition. You know there are things you should care about, but your mind can't focus enough to remember them. You're having fun, but you start to wonder when it's all going to stop.

That's kinda what the holidays are like for me. At least this year.

No sleep, constant activities, too much food, and you're not sure when things will go back to normal.

And while the holidays were amazing and spending time with family is the best, I did manage to neglect all my other responsibilities.

But I'm back now, and I am glad to be.

I am thankful for the time off that I have enjoyed so far.

I am thankful that I got to spend a full week with both sides of my family.

I am thankful that everything is starting to settle back into some sense of normalcy. 

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Day 191 - Super Short Sunday

 

I am thankful that my in-laws arrived safely.

I am thankful that I got to babysit my little niece for a few hours! What a treat!

I am thankful that the murphy bed seems to be working just fine!

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190 - Where Did the Time Go?

I think I slept for a full 24 hours!

Not really... but I feel like I did.

source

Ok, now that I'm a little rested, it's go time.

Family will be here in about 18 hours.

Gifts need to be wrapped. Food needs to be prepped. House needs to be cleaned.

Go! Go! Go!

I am thankful that I get a break from work over the next week so that I can get everything done.

I am thankful that even if every little thing doesn't get done it's not the end of the world.

I am thankful that we get to relax together and enjoy these next few days.

Merry Christmas!

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Day 189 - 24 hours

It's less than 24 hours until Christmas break.

24 short little hours.

All around me my class makes glitter ornaments, paper chains, and paper snowflakes. Christmas has exploded here at school!

Every door is decorated. The halls are decked. Christmas carols play in the background.

But I just don't feel in the Christmas spirit yet.

It may be because I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to slow down and enjoy it yet. I'm not sure.

Whatever it is, I hope that it end when I get out of school tomorrow.

Christmas break will officially start and hopefully so will that Christmas feeling!

I am thankful that I am less than 24 hours from Christmas break!

I am thankful that I will have 2 weeks to rest and prepare for the next semester.

I am thankful that I will have so much time to spend with my family!

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Day 188 - Little Hands

I brought my keyboard to school today... what a fun decision!

Three of my kids take piano lessons and were able to share a few Christmas carols with us.

I am thankful for little hands tickling the keys.

I am thankful for little hands clapping and cheering each other on.

I am thankful for little hands raised in the air and asking for their turn to play.

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Day 187 - Tiny Tuesday

Today my class put on the nativity story.

19 kindergarten students (two classes), all in costume, acting out and singing the nativity story.

It was precious. The whole school stayed to watch (which was a surprise). Everyone laughed at all the right moments (the wise men did a little schtick) and the kids had a great time.

It was a great reminder, in the midst of a Santa obsessed world, that the greatest gift of all was a tiny one.

Little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

I am thankful that my savior would leave heaven and bring Himself to earth to live 33 years in human form.

I am thankful that the true meaning of Christmas never changes.

I am thankful that the joy of the season is still felt in so many places!

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Day 186 - Monday Before a Break

You can tell we are only a few short days away from Christmas break here at school.

The kids are rowdy, the teachers are starting to get restless, and schoolwork is winding down.

It seems like there is so much to do, but not much point in doing it right before a big break.

I am very much looking forward to said break, by the way!

Every time I have a break I have these grand dreams of sleeping a lot and catching up on my reading... but that never seems to happen.

My husband said he's going to sit on me until I give up and relax. We'll see!

I am thankful that I just have a few more days until the break.

I am thankful that I love my kiddos so much that I know I will miss them.

I am thankful that everything is seemingly coming together for Christmas!

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Day 185 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that I got to enjoy seeing my dad, my brother, and one of my best friends sing in the church choir this morning! What a great Christmas program it was!

I am thankful that my husband was so willing to help rearrange just about every inch of our home today. Mostly without complaint ;-)

I am thankful that I got to connect with a good friend who just had a baby. Time is precious for her, I know... so her taking time out to chat was very special.

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Day 184 - Hustle and Bustle

As much as I love the double holiday season... I am SO looking forward to having a free weekend.

The last six weekends have been spent in constant movement getting ready for one thing or another.

As a result, I have mixed feelings about Christmas being over.

On the one hand I'm always sad when it's all over... but on the other I'm looking forward to some real relaxation.

In the meantime I will enjoy all the hustle and bustle with my family!

I am thankful that so much has been getting done lately.

I am thankful that the end is in sight.

I am thankful, as always, that it is bedtime!

- Victoria

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Day 183 - Cancelled, The Sequel

Day two of random freedom. 

Hardly know what to do with myself!

Looks like the plumbing will be fixed tonight and school will resume tomorrow. Sure enjoyed it while it lasted! It was a nice taste of the upcoming break :-)

I am thankful that our plumbing woes are almost at an end.

I am thankful that I had two full days in which to get things done!

I am thankful that I got to see several friends from school for lunch today. The opportunity to chat doesn't happen very often!

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Day 182 - Cancelled

Today when I got to school... It had been cancelled due to plumbing issues.

Now, I know that this is not fun for the school in general. Nor was it particularly fun for the parents who had to find places for their kids to go during the day. I understand that.

But I'm not going to lie...

It was amazing to have a random day off!

I am praying that the plumbing issues are fixed soon, you may recall the "Teacher Bladder" post. This problem has been on going since that post (which was quite a while ago!).

School is off again tomorrow. Hopefully it will be back up and running soon... in the meantime I will seize the additional time that I have been blessed with so close to Christmas!

In all the madness of the season, extra time is never wasted.

I am thankful that we didn't have to stay at school without working facilities today.

I am thankful that the day was well spent in preparation for the Christmas holiday that is RAPIDLY approaching.

I am thankful that we know ahead of time that the school will be closed tomorrow. That means I don't have to wake up to an alarm!

This is a very serious situation for the school... I know that. Still, in all things give thanks, right?

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Day 181 - Half Asleep

I am thankful that God reminds me to be thankful in everything... Even when it's difficult!

I am thankful that I can hear His reminders even when I'm half asleep.

I am thankful that I can write posts from bed after I bolt upright from a near sleep state!

I am thankful that tomorrow is a new day...

- Victoria 

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Day 180 - Guarded Heart

How do you guard your heart against those things which sting you right to your core?

This isn't a rhetorical question... I'm genuinely curious.

The last few weeks have been fraught with woman after woman in my life talking about their pregnancies or their (now multiple) children.

I had gotten to a point where these things didn't seem to bother me that much. I brushed it off and was really embracing the idea that God has a plan for my life.

But just within the last week, maybe two, that reassurance has started to become a slightly bad taste in my mouth.

It's not that I don't know that God has a plan, but how do I protect my heart in the meantime?

How do I not let it bother me that the girl whose wedding dress I made last winter for her wedding this past January is now seven months pregnant?

How do I gracefully bite my tongue when a different sweet friend tells me how hard it was to try for seven whole months before they were able to conceive?

How can I rejoice with them while not letting the bitterness just well up within my soul?

I don't want to be bitter. 

I don't want to worry about the future.

I don't want to spiral into that place again... I can't.

I look at those woman who are being blessed with a new little life and I feel jealous. Really jealous.

I know too that I can only see their blessings, but I can't see the struggles that they are hiding. I don't see the things in their life that are causing them to fall on their faces before God.

So I will cling to those things which I have been given in abundance. I will pray for my sisters in Christ... that God will lighten their burdens. And I will pray that He lifts mine as well.

I am thankful that I have a God who will listen to me cry out in anguish over the same things that He has reassured me over so many times in the past.

I am thankful that I have a family who is willing to remind me that I have so many  wonderful blessings that I do get to enjoy.

I am thankful that I have a husband who truly loves me. A man who is sweet enough to let me cry as we walked to the car leaving church and not make a big deal about it, all because the baby in the row in front of us reached out his little arms for my mom (who he didn't know) and I was overcome with the idea that I haven't given her any grandchildren yet... 

I am thankful for God's word. His promises to us. To me... Thank you Lord for being a constant in this world of doubt and worry.

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Day 179 - Super Short Sunday

This Sunday is brought to you by a special service, snow slime, and the Sunday scramble.

I am thankful that I got to enjoy the sweet children led Sunday service today!

I am thankful that I was able to get everything made for the next school week... including snow slime!!

I am thankful that the Sunday scramble to get ready for the next week is almost over.

Happy Christmas all!

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Day 178 - Burning the Midnight Oil

The day started at 7am and here it is 1am and I'm just slowing down enough to write a post!

The husband has been building a murphy bed and this is the weekend it will. be. finished.

Could you tell that was a wife imposed deadline? ;-)

I have a big alteration job that I worked on all day and got about 3/4 finished. Which is amazing!

But even though burning the candle at both end is tough, I am thankful for the work.

I am thankful that God continues to provide additional money for our family through the opportunities for extra work.

I am thankful that He is also able to keep us healthy as we push ourselves to the limits.

I am thankful once again for the sleep that is soon to come.

Good night!

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Day 177 - The Day's Not Over Until You Sleep!

So much happened today! 

Besides just the daily work stuff, the school had their Christmas music program. It was terribly cute and beyond adorable. 

I love my little Kindergarten babies!

The husband and I had a fantastic dinner after that AND got some Christmas shopping done!

All in all it was a great day... But man, I can't believe it's so late. 

My time, it's past 12am... But I'm still counting this as day 177 since I haven't slept yet!

I am thankful for a full and amazing day.

I am thankful that I get to post this from my iPhone, in bed... And that I will be asleep 3 seconds after hitting the publish button.

I am thankful for another day to look forward to tomorrow!

- Victoria 

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Day 176 - Two Season Day

You gotta love Texas!

82 and muggy as all get out when I left the house... And 49 with bitter wind gusts as I'm coming home! 

I am thankful for the weather forecast and a lifetime of living in this state. I took a coat this morning even though it was 82!

I am thankful that cold weather energizes me. I was gone from the house for 12 hours today but still had a lot of energy when I got back!

I am thankful for my husband who made s'mores tonight in celebration of the weather!

- Victoria 

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Day 175 - Work

I know I said I wasn't doing any more alterations... and I honestly believed that it was true!

But I couldn't ignore 9 calls in 3 days. After praying that I would be able to handle the additional time and energy, I took a few of the jobs.

I just have to remind myself that an abundance of work is not a luxury that everyone is afforded!

I am thankful for the ability to work. Even when I don't feel like doing so.

I am thankful for the opportunity to work. Even if I tend to take on too much.

Speaking of work, I'm exhausted from a nonstop day of doing just that! Goodnight!

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Day 174 - Help Mate

 photo source

My sweet husband truly embodies the verse above.

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.

Not just yesterday, or today... but every single day of our marriage.

Last night was a prime example. Even though he is still not fulling recovered from his recent illness, he took the time to help me through the evening.

I got home at 6pm with a blinding migraine.

Honestly, how did I make it the 20 miles home from school?

I came into the house, collapsed on the bed 1940's-overacting-actress-style and he brought me food, water, and medicine.

No judging. No "oh grow up" comments.

Just real love. 

I am thankful to have a spouse who truly loves me unconditionally.

I am thankful that I get to love him unconditionally too.

I am thankful that my migraine didn't return this evening. Though I know if it had, he would have taken care of me.

Goodnight!

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Day 173 - Monday Again??

I look forward to a nice relaxing Monday.

That will happen one day right?

I am thankful for friends who let me vent through moments where I'm not feeling very thankful.

I am thankful that those same friends listen and then gently remind me of all there is to be thankful for.

I am thankful that Monday is almost over and tomorrow is a new day ;-)

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Day 172 - Super Short Sunday

Last 20 miles from home took over an hour to traverse as traffic was so terrible - I am thankful that we made it home safely.

Got off of the highway to drive on the access road for a while in an attempt to miss some of the traffic. As a result we barely missed hitting a deer on the feeder road - I am thankful that my husband had such amazing reflexes and was able to miss it by mere inches.

Made it home only to realize that my paycheck had been tossed out in a pile of junk mail right before we left town on Wednesday - I am thankful that God will provide for us, no matter what panic attacks satan tries to send our way.

So glad to be home! Now to get some rest for work tomorrow.

 

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Day 171 - Peanut

Not the nut, the card game!

We played cards until way later than we should have. At least 30 rounds were played.

Cards flew in every direction. Hands were slapped and records were demolished! 

It was a great way to end the trip.

I am thankful that our trip has been so much fun.

I am thankful that we will get to do it again in just a few weeks for Christmas.

- Victoria 

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Day 170 - How Ironic

Spending a year writing about being thankful everyday... You'd think I would have made double sure to post on Thanksgiving!

Alas, it was not to be. 

We did have a fabulous Thanksgiving though. Spent time with family that we don't get to see often. 

We ate way too much.

We slept too long afterwards!

All in all it was a fantastic day. 

Plus, look at this gorgeous pie!

I am thankful for family.

I am thankful for good food.

I am thankful that I was able to sleep after a 3 hour nap! 

- Victoria 

 

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Day 169 - Pit Stop Posting

This post is being brought to you from the passenger seat of a moving vehicle. Better type fast before I get car sick!

On the busiest travel day of the year, the husband and I are making our way 7 hours up to west Texas. 

Family and friends await us tonight... And hopefully a toasty warm house! 

The husband is keeping the car freezing!

I am thankful that our trip has been a safe one so far. I pray that it continues in that vein.

I am thankful that I was able to cook all the food yesterday and today! So I will be able to really enjoy the time with family, rather than being stuck in a different room all day.

I am thankful that I wrote this whole post, short thought it is, without getting sick!

Please forgive any typos :-)

- Victoria 

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Day 168 - Always

God is so good to me and my husband.

We do the Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace" budgeting system which has been a huge blessing to us. But it does mean that tough choices about money have to be made every month!

We always have enough, but there are occasionally things that we chose not to do in order to make bigger payments elsewhere.

December was to be one of those months. We had a few things that we weren't going to get to do with/for our family.

But today I got a seemingly random call for a very large custom tailoring job.... for the exact amount we had forgone!

I am thankful that God is always looking out for us. Not just when I specifically ask for something.

I am thankful that even when we don't have it all, when always have enough.

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Day 167 - I Forgot!

Nothing like waking up Monday morning to the frightening realization that you are a day off on your lesson plans and the things that you originally thought you needed to get ready for tomorrow are actually needed TODAY!

YIKES!

Fortunately I have amazing team mates here at school who helped me pull everything together.

And my class stepped up and really got hard to work first thing in the morning. They are such a blessing!

I am thankful that I have such amazing people, both big and little, all around me here at school.

I am thankful that everything got done and it even got done early!

I am thankful that today is the last full day of school before the break ;-)

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