Remember me?

Hi. Remember me?  I blogged here once upon a time.

Seriously, that blogging break was much longer than I intended it to be!  But, life happens.

This past month of been packed full of life.  The farm has been busy with 17 lambs born this year.  So many cuties running around!  We also bought pigs for the first time - four of them. I believe they were about 15-20 lbs a month ago, and now they're probably about 50 lbs.  Yikes! They are extremely amusing...especially figuring out the electric fence.  I'm not sorry when I tell you that I laugh every time they touch the fence and squeal.  Yes, I get a charge out of that...pun intended.  I couldn't resist.

My dear Kellie got married on May 2nd.  It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding.  And I forgot to bring my camera.  *face palm*  So, no pictures to share.  I'm sure you'll see tons of pictures on her blog after they get back from their honeymoon.

But the most exciting new life, is the addition that will be making an appearance on approximately November 28th.  Yes, we're having a baby!!  And you can blame baby for my long absence.  :grin:  I have been sick, sick, sick for over a month now.  Morning sickness is no joke!  Except, it's not just in the morning.  It's all day sickness for me.  But it will pass.  I'm very much looking forward to the 2nd trimester, believe me!

And I believe that catches you, my faithful readers, all up to date! 

Sorry there are no pictures - I haven't picked up my camera for a long time.  Far too long.

So, tell me what's been going on with you?

Anything new in your life?

I want to know!

p.s.
May the Fourth be with you.
Happy May the Fourth!!  

Dream a little bigger.

Awhile back, I was talking to two very dear sisters in Christ.   We covered many topics, including desiring God's will above all in your life.  And then we started talking farming, and I said, "Someday, when I have my own place, I'd like a covered walkway from the house to the barn!"  It's kind of a joke I have with myself, although it certainly would be nice!  But they responded with, "Be careful not to let your dreams interfere with God's plan!"  They were half joking, half serious.  I know they meant it well, but I kind of felt like someone had pulled the rug out from under me.  Like all of my dreams had just fallen to the ground in a broken heap.

If you are truly desiring His will and seeking Him in your life, then your dreams will line up with that.  Girls, don't let anyone make you afraid to dream big, to hope!  There is nothing wrong with dreaming about your future home, hoping that someday you'll be a wife and mother, wishing for that dream farm, or whatever it is that you're dreaming of.  The danger is not in the dreaming, it's in your focus.  Are you focused on Jesus?  Is drawing closer to Him your hearts desire?  Is He first in your life?  Yes?  Then dream on!  

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt though dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5

And never discourage one of your sisters from dreaming.  Sometimes, they're doing everything they can just to keep the tears back and that smile on their face.  Don't take away their dreams.  Don't bring those tears to the surface.  I'm just as guilty as anyone of doing that.  It's so easy to tear someone down, even when our intentions are good.

One more thing.  Don't be afraid to let go of dreams when God tells you to.

What are some of your dreams?  I want to know!

letting go

Letting go is hard...really, really hard.  A few weeks ago, I made one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make.  I decided it was time to find a new home for my wonderful Prince Charming horse, Bob.  No, it wasn't easy.  I thought, prayed, and cried for several days.  Several long days.  I felt like my heart was breaking.  But in the end, I knew what I needed to do.  The Lord brought Bob to me, and I've been blessed with him for ten wonderful years.  I want Bob to be used, and I want some little 4-H kid to experience the joy I had riding him for so many years.  It's time for me to pass on the blessing to someone else.  So, I called my 4-H leader, Marian.

And here's where it gets good.  Not only did she want to buy Bob from me, but I can come over whenever I want (even if she's not home) and ride my boy.  She has an arena...with jumps.  *eyes glaze over*  How awesome is that?!

We decided a trial period would be wise before she actually buys him.  He's an amazing horse (yes, I am biased, but it's completely true), but he's never been used as a lesson horse.  So, he's at Marian's place being ridden by some of her current 4-H kids...and he's loving it!

This Wednesday, I played with him for a while, then went inside and we signed the bill of sale.  He's not legally my horse anymore, but at the same time Bob will always be my horse.

my senior photo from 2007

I am so peaceful about this, knowing Bob is being used and that he's enjoying it.  Although I had a moment on the way home where I wanted to turn back, give Marian back her money, tear up the bill of sale, and say, "No, he's mine.  You can't have him!"  But...I didn't.
And that "ride him whenever you want to" thing?  I plan on taking full advantage of that.  I'm reminded over and over again what an exceptional horse Bob is.  He's such a spunky boy, but so gentle.  There's not a mean bone in his body.  And feeling all of that controlled power under me?  It's incredible.

I stop by on my way home from church every Sunday to say "hi" to Bob.  As silly and sentimental as it sounds, I don't want him to forget me.  If he ever didn't perk his ears up and look around at me when I call his name or whistle, I think my heart really would break.  I love Bob so much.  But I'm happy with the decision I've made.

And I thank the Lord for finding a good home for my precious, special boy.  He truly cares about every little detail in my life, and He provides.  His timing is amazing.

My bro will also be finding a new home for his horse, Dewey (once his leg is all healed), but we're going to keep my mom's pony, Freckles.  He's somewhere in his thirties, and has completely earned the right to enjoy his last years taking it easy in the pasture.  And I'll still have a horse to take trail riding on the trails behind our house.  So, it's all good.  It really is.

: :

Letting go is an area I've been growing in a lot the past few months.  Sometimes, even if it's something that's good for me, I get such a strangle hold on something (whether it be a person, a thing, or an idea), that I actually hinder the Lord from working in my life.  He's been gently teaching me that many times for His will to be accomplished, I need to let go and step back.  Let Him.

Sunday Style // Green is not your Enemy

o u t f i t

green dress // eShakti

cream tank top // thrifted

pink sandals // stolen borrowed from my mom

Introducing my second eShakti dress.  Once again, I LOVE it!  And once again, from their overstock section...because I'm cheap and don't part with my money easily.  Which is probably a good thing...anyway. Aside from not having the custom options available when you shop overstock - thus the layered tank top to raise the neckline a bit - so far it's been completely fantastic!  The construction and details on this dress are fabulous, and it's definitely the perfect shade of green for me.  I love pairing it with the pink sandals...even though they pinch a bit.  Suffering is easier when you love your outfit. *grin*

There's still time to use my eShakti referral code!  It expires tomorrow!
BONNN201 gets you $40 off on your first purchase!

: :

Today was a beautiful Sunday!  We continued in our study of the life of Abraham in the book of Genesis, focusing on walking by faith.  It was a message I personally really needed to hear.  Definitely some convicting going on.  The fellowship after church was so wonderful, so precious.  I am so, so blessed.  So thankful that the Lord led us to this church family.

This week is about to explode.  VBS starts tomorrow (hooray!), the cherries are ripe and ready to be picked, we're getting a load of hay, my bro is heading out for a week long trip, the thistles are starting to get out of hand in the sheep pasture (why must there always be weeds?!), I have several sewing orders to work on, there are ripe berries everywhere (raspberries, service berries, huckleberries, thimbleberries, you name it!), and I really just want to ride my horse.  And if it sounds like I'm complaining, nope.  I'm actually starting to enjoy all of this summer busyness..although lazy summer days with a book are grand, too. *grin*

Happy Trails, y'all!

Question: Do you have "wild" berries that are unique to your area?  Like, Idaho has huckleberry everything. So, do you?  I want to know!

Miscellany

Due to my life being incredibly full and busy right now, I didn't really watch anything besides Season 5 of Star Trek: Voyager (which I am LOVING!) last week, thus there was really nothing to share for Saturday Matinee.  There should be one this week though, so keep your eyes open!

Last week the Bonnie dog had to have eye surgery.  She is now the Nick Furry...er, Fury, of the dog world.

Yep, she's just got one eye now.  But she's cool with it, and so am I...sorta.  I'll admit that I was extremely upset when I realized her eye was not getting any better, and that the only option was to have it removed.  Extremely upset is really a bit of an understatement, to be completely honest.  My poor, patient brother can confirm that the day of the surgery I closeted myself in my room all day, and when Bonnie came home I spent the evening {trying} not to freak out.  Yeah...that didn't work so well, the trying not to freak out part...especially when there was a bit of blood seepage, which was completely normal, but it scared me just the same.  And sorry if that was TMI.  But we got through that, and I'm happy to say that Bonnie is doing very well.  And it really does not seem to bother her having just one eye.  The "cone of shame", now that's a different story. ;)

On February 13th, my baby brother turned 21.

Ouch.  That wasn't supposed to happen!  Happy Birthday, Alex!

And then three days later, my bestie also turned 21.

Happy Birthday, Kellie!

We met up with Kellie and Aubrey in Sandpoint and proceeded to have a simply splendid afternoon.  It included delicious food, "wicked" snacks, and watching The Princess Bride.  Friends, films, food - a more delightful way to spend an afternoon could not be found. 

Our "naughty" snack table...and Aubrey's foot. ;)

Here's a short film my brother just completed.  I think it's pretty awesome...

And the accent he used?  Totally awesome!  If for no other reason, like it for the accent...or the supremely cool score he wrote and recorded!  My brother...well, he's the best. ;)

Make sure to check out the HUGE giveaway going on at Accordion to Kellie during the Literary Heroine Blog Party!  It is without a doubt the giveaway and event of the year.  Just sayin'...

I'm totally looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's... 

Judging from how life has been lately, I don't know if I'll have time to participate, but whether I do or not it's going to be a fun blog fashion event! And I think that's enough randomness for one day.  Have a lovely week, y'all!
p.s. I just finished responding to all of the comments from this past month.  If you asked me a question, it's been answered now. :)

by the spoonful

Hey.  I'm just sitting here, watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, snarfing apple slices with peanut butter and nutella.  I seriously don't understand how anyone - ANYONE - could not like peanut butter.  This stuff is delicious.  I mean, if you don't like it you're certainly entitled to your own opinion and taste...but you're missing out.  I eat it by the spoonful.  Just saying.  Also, the Lizzie Bennet Diaries are insanely awesome!  

{note: some content is inappropriate for my younger readers, which is why i'm not linking to the videos.  please be aware and watch with caution.}  

Anyway...

Lately, I have been in a blogging rut.  A HUGE blogging rut.  The kind of ruts you see in dirt roads during spring in North Idaho.  Deep.  Muddy.  All of my posts lately have been a bunch of randomness thrown together with a title slapped on.  I simply cannot think of anything to say.  The fact that January always has been and always will be a boring month, does not help.  No offence if your birthday is in January, btw.   But, it is a boring month.  Christmas and New Years have come and gone and what's left after that?  The flu season.  I'm not sick, by the way, nor do I intend to be, Lord willing.

Back to me having nothing to say...

I actually have a lot to say.  My mind is full of wonderful thoughts and plans...but I can't share them here.  They're not the "sharing on the internet for the entire world to read (not to mention real life friends)" kind of thoughts.  And since they are the kind of thoughts that take up all of your time and energy, there hasn't been any room to think of brilliant blog posts.  So, there you have it!  My {somewhat} silent blog is explained.

:smile:

Today was a good day.  The weather was gorgeous, although very, very cold.  Which meant I didn't really want to be outside.  I narrowly escaped a cabin fever collapse of epic proportions by discovering and watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (LBD from now on).   Which is not all I did today.  Goodness, no.  

I got up and ventured into the arctic world to feed the animals at around 8:30 this morning.   

After that, I read my Bible, made coffee cake, consumed 1/4 of said coffee cake, deep conditioned my hair (using a honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar concoction which has to stay on for an hour), did laundry, watched some LBD episodes, did more laundry, washed my hair, sang in the shower (Think of meeeeeee!  Think of me fooooondlyyyy!  When we've said goooood-bye!), checked on the laundry, watched a few more LBD episodes, cleaned the outside of the kitchen cabinets with Pledge (that has been on my list for a looooong time.  finally did it!), ate the rest of the coffee cake (what was left after my bro found it, that is), ate lunch, wrote a letter to my new pen pal (hey, Kelsey!:), started a letter to one of my church friends (Amanda), watched more LBD, worked on packaging an Etsy order, did laundry, played my mandolin, ate dinner (it was my bro's dinner night:), called my Aunt Liz (no answer so I left a message), finished a book I've been reading, ventured back into the cold to feed the animals again, came back inside, checked to see if my toes were still there, blew my nose...twice, changed in to my flannel pajama pants (with sheepies on them, of course;), watched more LBD, and ate apples slices with peanut butter and nutella.

Life ain't bad at all.

Happy Trails everyone!

p.s.

okay really quickly, I had to select a new contest winner for the DW necklace giveaway.

I know, I know - what?  This again?  Yep, this again.  

It was Christmas time.  That's my excuse and I'm stickin' with it.

So, the new winner is...

Katherine Sophia

Congrats!  Please contact me at this email (edithmacalpine{at}gmail{dot}com) with your mailing info within the next 7 days to claim your prize! 

p.s.s.

one more thing...

I still have two Purple Charm Quilt chain letters and blocks that I haven't found homes for.

Anyone interested?  Anyone?  Just send me an email if you're interested!

edithmacalpine{at}gmail{dot}com

Lately, life...

If they were giving out prizes for the best screen scream, Janet Munro as Roberta in The Swiss Family Robinson would get my vote.  A very close second would be Faye Wray in the original King Kong.

:smile:

My life continues to be full of wonderful busy-ness this month.  Good times with friends and family, decorating for Christmas, wishing for snow (finally got some again!), shipping Etsy orders, sipping hot cocoa, and crocheting while watching The Bishop's Wife, Christmas in Connecticut, and White Christmas (among other Christmas favorites - we haven't watched my very favorite yet, It's a Wonderful Life).

Life also includes looking for my first "real" job.  I've never worked outside the home, and after much thought and prayer I've decided it would be beneficial for me to have the experience of "going to work" under my belt.  Right now, at the suggestion of a friend, I'm looking into working at a florist shop.  Doesn't that sound perfectly delightful?!  It's so me, too.  I love designing things and I love flowers.  So, last Monday I drove downtown, took a deep breath, strolled into a shop and asked for a job.  They don't have any openings right now, but they did give me an application to fill out and return.  I'll admit to being ridiculously proud of myself for being so brave.  That sounds rather pathetic, but it was a big deal for little, formerly homeschooled, shy me.  And do you know what?  It felt good.  Being stretched beyond your comfort is a good thing sometimes.

:grin:

Enough talk though - here are a few pictures from our last Game Night, thanks to Kellie and Algy.

This was during our "snack time" when we sang Happy Birthday to Mandy and Matthew.  Alex found this frankly awesome Incredible Hulk children's board book at the used bookstore.  He thought it would be the perfect gift for Matthew.  And it was.  Especially when Alex started reading it aloud to him.

"Ooh, see who's peaking through the window, Matthew?  It's Captain America!"

My brother is awesome.

Kellie has this knack of taking candid pictures right as I'm "chewing" in my lip.  I've got to break that habit...;)

We had a marvelous evening playing Pictionary, a new game called George, and Balderdash. 

The Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful friends.  Each and every one of them are so special.

Happy Trails, folks!

Question: What are some of your favorite games to play with your family or friends?  Do you prefer board games or action games?  I want to know!

Miscellany

Right now I'm listening to Christmas music and gazing happily at the gently falling snow outside.

Yep. we got our first "real" snow of the year a week ago!  It starting snowing during the night and didn't stop till the next night.  It wasn't snowing very heavily though, so we only got about 6-8 inches total.  Like I said, it's currently snowing again and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. =)

Last Friday, my bro and I had a bunch of our friends over for a game night.  We all had way too much fun playing our special version of Pictionary for several hours.  In our version (sometimes known as The North Idaho Homeschoolers Version;) there are two teams, one list of words, and whichever team gets through the list first wins.   Plus each team is in a separate room with the list somewhere between the two, so you have to run out of the room, get your word, and run back to your team.  Yep, it's lots of fun!  After two families had to leave, the rest of us played Apples to Apples until around 11:30 PM.   And yes, we were really starting to lose it towards the end there. *grin*

Do you know what happens when you're trying to open something that requires a sharp object, there are four guys in the room, and you innocently ask, "Does anyone have a knife?"   Almost instantly, there are four assorted pocketknives being held out to you.   I only needed one! ;)

Right now, my ewes are visiting Earl the ram at a friend's house.  I'm sure they're having a grand time, but poor Maggie (aka The Nibblin' Lamb) is missing her mommy a bit.  I've been spending extra time with her to try and make up for that.  The girls will be coming home around December 8th.  I'm hoping and praying for clear weather.

Oh, and the most exciting news - my Grandma Barbara is coming up from CA for a visit!!!   She'll be here in less than a week.   I think it's been about 2 or 3 years since I last saw her, so yeah, I am super excited and cannot wait! :D

I'm set for winter reading material for a while!   I decided I needed to read The Hobbit again before the first film comes out next month.  It's no fun if you can't point a finger and say, "That wasn't in the book!"  Hehe - at least for me.   Reading Ben-Hur, Wuthering Heights and David Copperfield for the first time, although I've only started Ben-Hur so far.  I'm LOVING it!!  The other two, Angel Train and The Parting, are just what I call "filler" books - light, easy to read in one or two days.  Angel Train...well, I love westerns, but this one was rather poorly written (imo) and I found much of the plot twists and story line to be a trifle cliche...not to mention the heroine was rather irritating.  The Parting I have read before and loved, so I thought I might want to read it again.

And lastly, something to think about...

This includes both those you meet in real life and those you meet online.

Well, I'm going to make some hot chocolate and curl up by the fire with a book.
Happy Trails, y'all!

It's awesome.

It's awesome, watching the steam rise from the asphalt where the sun is hitting it while you're driving in the cold morning air after the first frost of autumn.

It's awesome, when it's cold enough to pull out the sweaters and boots.  Hooray for Autumn!!!

It's awesome, finding excellent alfalfa hay for a reasonable price.

It's awesome, when the guy selling the alfalfa has a grapple on his tractor for loading the hay onto your trailer. Why lift and stack bales by hand unless you have to?

It's awesome, when you're helping your dad tie down the alfalfa on the trailer and the hay guy turns to your dad and says, "Isn't it wonderful having a daughter?"  Warm fuzzies all the way home.

It's awesome, stacking the alfalfa under the shelter with your brother and when you're finished you just sit there sniffing the HEAVENLY sent of beautiful, green, leafy hay.  There is nothing better, folks.  Nothing.

It's awesome, when you have all of the hay and feed needed for all of the animals over the winter.

It's awesome, when your butcher calls up and asks if he can do your lambs 6 days earlier than scheduled, and you've been hoping for exactly that.  Bye bye lambies - hello lamb chops!

It's awesome, when your garden is covered in plastic and you're still getting fresh tomatoes and peppers after the first frost.

It's awesome, when you're going to spend the night at your best friends place and watch Doctor Who and talk all night long.

It's awesome, when you realize once again how much your Heavenly Father loves you.  That you are forever forgiven and loved by your Creator.

It's awesome, folding warm laundry on a cold day.

It's awesome, watching the presidential debate with your dad.  I'm not gonna lie, having him tell Obama to shut-up every time he opened his mouth made my evening. *grin*

It's awesome, being alive today.

Miscellany

Today was an absolutely wonderful day!

Why?  An extra hour of daylight!!

Yes, it was also a very rainy, wet day, but I didn't need to use my flashlight while doing the barn chores this evening=D

Having been born in California and living there till I was 11, I crave sunlight.  It makes the short winter days in Idaho rather difficult to bear sometimes.  I do love the cold weather...

But I'm ready for SPRING to arrive.

Any time now.

The horses have begun to shed their winter coat (which means we'll soon have white hair all over everything), my ewes are getting bigger around the middle, closer to giving birth (they're due anytime after the 21st) and my dad and I saw the first robin of spring the other day

I can't wait to go barefoot again...

Source: tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

During family Bible study this morning, we read from the 6th chapter of Mark, the story of Jesus walking on the water.  

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

For they all saw him, and were troubled.  And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

And he went up unto them into the shop; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:47-51

Something that jumped out at me this time, was that the disciples were rowing and rowing and rowing, but making no progress...until Jesus came to them.  There are several ways to look at that, one is that you aren't going anywhere without Him.  The other, is that even when you seem to be getting nowhere, that you're just spinning your wheels uselessly, Jesus is using you.  He's right there to help you.  Also, notice that He would have passed by them, but they cried out.   In fear, yes, but they cried out.  Sometimes, we just need to cry out to Him for help.  And how did He respond to them?  It is I, be not afraid.

Those thoughts were so incredibly comforting to me.  There are so many times that I feel like I'm getting nowhere, that I'm not doing enough for Him.  But I know that He is using me, that this is where I need to be right now, that He has a plan for me, even though I may not see it right now.  That when I cry out, He will answer me, and sooth my fears.

I spent the afternoon resting in my room, working on a few last details of the Silver Screen Blog Party, and watching the BBC Robin Hood TV series (2006).  I started to write a mini review here, but soon realized that it was long enough to deserve it's own post.  Be on the lookout for that sometime tomorrow.

I'll be doing double blog duty for a while here.  My dearest Kellie will be out of town for several weeks and has promoted me to the exalted position of Temporary, Honorary Keeper-of-Kellie's-Blog while she's gone.  My main duty will be to publish the comments that her lovely readers leave, but I might do a few guest posts of my own...in fact, I did invite her readers to my blog party today.

I'm sure missing my Kellie though...and she'll be gone for my b-day, too...and the blog party:(

But we'll do something extra special when she gets back=D

I am so, so excited about the blog party next week!  I had no idea a cyber party could be so exciting to look forward to;)

Besides Robin Hood, I've been watching my share of classic films...

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Designing Woman 

(^I'm so reviewing this one!^)

The Blob

(^an old sci-fi from the late 50s starring Steve McQueen in his first leading role!!!^)

Dark Passage

Key Largo

The Quiet Man

...to name a few.

In case you're wondering, no, I do not spend all of my time watching movies;)

I spend many, many hours of my day doing useful, productive things to keep the household and farm running smoothly.

Just thought I'd mention that least you think me a total couch potato;)

Peter Ronson, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl and James Mason - Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

I bought everything I need to begin my garden the other day - vegetable seeds and peat moss starter pellets.

Yesterday afternoon was spent hydrating the pellets, tucking seeds into them, and then placing them by the window where the sun can reach them.

It's such a relaxing thing to do, planting seeds and knowing that they'll grow into something that will benefit and feed me and my family.

I hope you all had a blessed Sunday, my dear readers.

Happy Trails, y'all!

P.S. Congrats if you made it all the way to the end of this post - I had a lot to say this evening;)

Welcome 2011!

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to stop and reflect on the past year, and make a few goals for the new year.

This past year has been..well, it's been full of both trials and triumphs for me and my entire family.

I haven't written about the trials or the triumphs that went with them, because my blog has been my place to escape.  To pretend that everything was normal.  I didn't want to think about anything other than happy, joyful stuff while I was on my blog.  I didn't want to answer a bunch of questions.

Maybe I was wrong in doing that.  Maybe I missed out on a chance to encourage someone because I omitted hard stuff in life.   I'll never know, but right or wrong I can't go back and change it now.

However, I will tell you all a bit about what's been going on in my life throughout this past year...

My mom has had a lot of health problems this year.  A lot. 

I'll try to keep this brief...and I hope it makes sense;)

For 4 years, the doctors said she had Parkinson's disease.  Then around the beginning of 2010, she started having panic attacks, and a lot of other weird problems.  She was in and out of the emergency room a lot, including twice while my brother and I were back east visiting relatives in March, although I didn't know that until much later.  The doctors just couldn't figure out what was wrong with her.  It all came to a head in June, right after my brother graduated (the Lord's timing is perfect), when we discovered that my mom had been overdosed on her Parkinson's medication. 

I won't tell you what I thought of her doctor and his office staff right about then because, well, it wasn't very nice, but it was sheer irresponsibility on their part.  If she had continued to take the amount of medication they had prescribed for her, it probably would have killed her.  I thank the Lord that he showed us what was wrong in time.

So, we then had to get her off of the drugs she was on.  Not an easy task.  You can't just stop giving someone a drug, you have to ween them off slowly.  My dad was (and still is:) an absolutely amazing example of love.  He did so much for my mom during that time, and still does.  She couldn't walk or get out of bed by herself, and many times she had trouble sleeping at night.  She was still having panic attacks (because of the drug overdose), and other side effects, and my dad was severely sleep deprived, so we finally decided to have her admitted to the hospital. She was in the hospital for about a month. 

Right before she came home, my cousin Abbie came out for her long anticipated visit.  Abbie, you'll never know what a blessing you were.  We desperately needed someone to laugh with:)  And I desperately needed a break, which our epic pilgrimage provided.  I had so much fun traveling with you Cuz!

Well, to try and keep this story short (everyone still awake?;), for a long time we had no idea what was wrong with my mom.  The doctors had no idea what was wrong with my mom.  A lot of her problems were related to the drug overdose - oh, and before I forget, while she was at the hospital they put her on another drug, which we had to ween her off of once she came home.  Thank you, hospital staff!  We needed that - but there were other problems.  Some of the doctors thought she still had Parkinson's, while others didn't. 

After several neurologists, two (or was it three?) naturopath, and several other doctors, we finally discovered last month that she has Lyme disease.    So, she didn't have Parkinson's to begin with.

Now, she's going to start being treated for Lyme (which is curable), and everything is looking much, much better.  Everything that happened this past year is starting to fade away like a bad dream.

But I know it was part of God's plan.  I learned so much.  I grew so much.  It was painful, and sometimes I really just wanted to give up, but God gave me the strength to go on.  It really taught me to rely on Him for my strength.  I can't even begin to tell you everything that I learned.

And not just spiritual things either.  Because my mom wasn't able to, I took over running the household.  The planning, the grocery shopping, the cleaning, the laundry, the cooking, on top of my animal chores.  It was a lot.  I am so thankful for my dad and my brother.  I couldn't have done it without their help.

The bright side is, I am now fully confident in my ability to run a household=) 

So, that's what has been happening this year.

And we're still alive!  My mom is still alive, thank the Lord!  She still can't walk on her own, but she is improving, slowly, but surely.

I thank the Lord for the lessons He taught me.  Looking back, I can see His hand in everything that happened.

Oh, and I no longer trust doctors.  At all.  Period.

Thank you, my dear readers, for taking the time to read this.  I'm so thankful for each and every one of you.

....

And now, my official list of Goals for 2011!

1. Read and study my Bible more, and talk, really talk, to God more often.
2. "Fast" from movies the first week of every month - I watch way too many movies.
3. Ride Bob (my horse) and Freckles (my mom's pony) at least once a week each.  More during the summer=)
4. Eat more fruits and veggies and drink more water.  I'm pretty much a meat and potatoes kind of girl, and I seriously need to change that.
5. Be in bed, with the lights out, before 11 o'clock every night.   What?  I can dream, can't I?;)
6. See my cousins;)
7. Hike and trail ride more often...once the snow is gone, that is.
8. Get a Border Collie puppy.  I hope=)
9. Drive somewhere fun  with Alex (and maybe a few friends;) that's at least an hour away - I might as well enjoy having my drivers license, right?

And that's about it:)

I hope 2011 is a wonderful year for you all!  The Lord has great things in store for us!