Thursday was the annual ice cream social for Make A Wish from Cold Stone Creamery.This year it was a little bit different.In the previous years they've always had a special flavor of ice cream made by a Make A Wish child that we gave out.People could make donations if they wanted to.Not sure if it was because lack of response or funds that they did it a bit differently this year.This year the social went on all day with people being allowed to buy stars and $1.00 going to Make A Wish for any like it or love it sized creation,so we were not able to scoop in the front this time like we normally used to,but we had a lot of fun times doing other things for the store instead.
Make A Wish means so much to us.Both Daniel and Ariel were blessed with Make A Wish trips.Here's the video of Ariel's
The first thing Daniel and Ariel did was fill candy bins.
Then they frosted cupcakes.
Dipped waffle cones
And visited with our cousins who were nice enough to come out and support Make A Wish,along with some friends from church.
Then we did more filling.
It was a really fun day and for a great cause.
Thank you to everyone that donated to Make A Wish this month through Cold Stone.
Yesterday we had a family day out.We have not been able to have much time together lately with Gilbert working swing shift.So the weekends he's not working are precious.The Starlight Foundation offered us tickets for the fair.I haven't been in ages.So we decided to go.It was so very busy.The parking was pretty spendy in fact everything was.Once we got inside we walked around in the barns and looked at the cows,chickens,bunnies and horses.Ariel just loves looking at and touching the animals.
After a couple of hours there we both realized trying to maneuver through the crowds of people was just not pleasant and Daniel was having moments of looking quite seizurey.I remembered that I had just bought passes to Northwest Trek that was not that far from the fair.So we decided to go there instead.From the minute we got there it was just refreshing.Away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and the heat.I'm definately much more at home in the forested area,then in with the crowds.
We really enjoyed walking around and especially loved riding on the tram for an hour looking at the Bison,Mountain goats,deer and Moose.
It was a beautiful and very enjoyable day.
Recently I have come to a certain conclusion about myself.I feel like I have been in a fog for such a long time.I see certain things just passing by as if I've been in a dream for some long period of time.In reality it's been more like a ten year nightmare that started with my almost 11 year old son having his first Grand Mal seizure.
How did I come to this place? How did I get here? I had so many hopes and dreams for myself and my children and these medical issues with all three have left me blindsided.Not only have they taken their physical toll on the kids,but mental as well, as the seizures have caused so much damage to their minds and abilities.
I know God has a plan and purpose for all of us.but I would be lying if I didn't say there are times when I wonder and ask him what plan,what purpose? What possible purpose could there be in my children suffering so?Still I believe in God's Word enough to know there is one.
I have let myself go, blindsided by sorrow for the life I left behind.A life of just going through things day to day,cooking,cleaning,enjoying the time spent homeschooling my children,long trips to libraries reading all day,field trips that were actually quite physical.There once was a time when we were all quite fit and could go on hikes and walk for miles without any difficulties.
We still try to go on walks and things,but Arthritis and fatigue quickly hit Ariel and Daniel as they are on meds that make you not sweat, and Arthritis has made it to where Ariel cannot walk for real long periods without being overcome with exhaustion.
We spend more of our time going back and forth to doctors clinics,Emergency rooms and hospitals as well as labs and therapies.Just when I think we are finally going to get a reprieve either Daniel's seizures once again become horribly out of control or Ariel is suffering from some ailment either seizures,kidney stones or her latest round of stomach pains.
I find myself going back into that fog of spending too much time on the computer or immersing myself in a novel or story.It's like my escape from the harshness of reality.I know this is not helping my children,but I'm only human and can only take so much weight upon my shoulders.
I have aged before my time,not that I've ever been all that consumed by outward beauty,but at times I just feel so old.Then I look at my children and see all the ailments and problems they have with their young bodies.Way too many for someone 18,and ones that just turned 20 and 21.They should be in the prime of their lives.
I'm really praying that God will help me to turn around the things that I can.To help me and give me strength to once again be that mother I used to be.To be more choosy in the foods I prepare to spend more time with my children(young adults) Though not mentally so, and help them to achieve some of their dreams and goals.
I pray that once again we are set on the right path and direction where God wants us to be and not just stumbling through life just going through the motions and becoming numb trying escaping the nightmare that's been set before us.
I pray that God will help us through this and know he will because his Word says so.
We have been blessed many times by The Starlight Foundation.Given tickets to many different events.Last Saturday we were given tickets to The Evergreen Speedway.We had such a wonderful time watching race after race.Cheering with the crowd and enjoying popcon and nachos.It couldn't have been a more beautiful day and we had a wonderful time together as a family.
