blessedmom3's Xanga

Back home again.

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:58:27 GMT

We are back from camping. We had a great time at the Sand Dunes. A little windy, and a bit cool, but beautiful and awesome. We also went to Zapata Falls and Alamosa. Fun.

The camper is parked, (Thanks Craig!!) plugged in (for the refrigerator), and the Pinz is parked next to it. Back to the daily grind.

another week

Mon, 18 May 2009 02:40:32 GMT

And another week is beginning. I really enjoyed the sunny weather, church worship service, church BBQ, teen car wash and most everything today. I cannot believe I even have a few empty spots on my calendar this week. I'm going to enjoy it.

how long?

Sat, 16 May 2009 21:15:50 GMT

I cannot believe that it has been almost a year since I posted! I guess I was so traumatized that I just haven't been back.

I'm planning on posting again.

This is the time of year that we are so busy: Prom, awards, picnics, summer and everything. DH has also been very busy at work lately. I'll add some photos and posts soon about some of the things that have been happening here in our family.

Terrifying night - Praise God for His care!

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:51:27 GMT

The campground was full, so we spent one night just outside the dunes, and then moved to the KOA in Alamosa for the remainder of our vacation. Not what we had planned, but not too far away.

Finally, Friday evening we went to the picnic area at the dunes about 8:30 pm. Becca, who just turned 16 years old, wanted to explore and climb the dunes a little, so we told her to be back at the vehicle by 9:15. She left barefoot through the creek to the dunes. We realized about 9 pm that it was getting dark much faster than we anticipated. By 9:15 I was starting to get anxious, but knowing that Becca is responsible, I wasn't worried, yet.

By 10 pm we knew something was very wrong. It was very dark, and getting cold. The nights still easily reach freezing at night. Becca had no shoes, short shorts, and a very light jacket. We prayed in the car, more than once. I was fighting back panic, but through prayer put Becca and her care into the hands of God. For although we had no idea where Becca was, God knew, and His hands could protect her. Just as we were getting ready to drive off to find a park ranger, they drove into the parking lot. The two women rangers/EMTs took our information and went with big flashlights off across the wide creek to search on the dunes side. About 10:30 pm a pickup pulling a camper entered the parking lot and let out a passenger. In the dark it took me a couple minutes to realize that it was Becca! Thank you dear family for bringing my daughter to us!! I really didn't get to thank them, because Becca needed her Mommy! I sat down with her and hugged her tight. I praised God for the return of my child! She could no longer stand - she had run through a field probably more than a mile ... full of cactus!! Her feet were covered with cactus needles, of all sizes. She had scratches up and down her legs from rabbit brush, and open sores on her knee where she must have fallen at least once. Becca had been so scared when she realized that she was lost, as soon as she had seen the blinking yellow light at the gate entrance, she had started for the one sign of civilization that she could see. But she was safe, with her family, and we all praised God.

We carried her to our car and headed to the Visitor center with the rangers right behind us. We spent at least an hour with the EMTs - Thank you Krista and Christina!! - tweezing cactus needles from her feet. The other children were trying to rest with Daddy. Becca wouldn't let me out of her sight. I wouldn't leave her side.

Becca was very strong, but in very much pain. The needles are sharp, barbed and poisoned. Even once removed, the punctures still sting. And some of the needles were so small they broke, rather than coming out. We drove over 30 miles to our campsite, and Becca insisted we go to the ER. The EMTs had recommended an ER visit, or they could call an ambulance. But it would have taken over 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, so we declined.

After leaving the children in Daddy's more than capable care, Mom, Becca and I headed to the ER in Alamosa. Thank you Mom for driving! Unfortunately the signs were slightly confusing in the dark, but we found the ER with just minor wrong turns. We sat with Becca for hours while they numbed her skin, gave her some Vicoden and then tweezed her feet for hours under a bright light with magnifying glasses. It even made the ER tech go cross-eyed more than once. Once he was done, Becca was able to walk with crutches on the smooth floor. We finally headed back to the camper after 4 AM. We could see the sky lightening in the east.

DH and the children were thankfully sound asleep. Then the three of us, went to bed and slept for a few hours. We returned to town to get a pain med prescription filled for Becca, and also get Epsom salt to help soak her feet. So for most of our vacation we had TWO people on crutches, and Mom with her cane. Half our party was needing assistance! But we were able to return to the dunes a day later, up the four-wheel drive road, and went a fair ways up Medano pass. On the last day we went to San Luis and walked the mile trek through the stations of the cross. Becca had even given up her crutches by then. It is amazing the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. I am so very thankful that God loves me, cares for me and Becca and never abandons us! Praise God!

Preparin' to go!

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:06:13 GMT

We are leaving on vacation soon. So we have been busy doing the laundry, shopping, packing and getting things out to the camper. Becca just finished school this morning. We are almost ready to go.

Tonight I made THREE dinners! We had leftovers to eat. I made a bunch of burritos, to heat while camping. I also put together a potato cheese casserole. That will make sure at least two meals are easy.

Today has been very cool and cloudy, even had hail this afternoon. I'm sure it will be warmer during our day of driving, it always is!

It will be a while before I post again. The family has been very busy, and I'm sure it will continue, as soon as we get back from our camping trip.

Insurance

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:25:23 GMT

Insurance seems like such an evil idea to me! It seems like we pay so much, year in and year out, and yet have absolutely nothing to show for the insurance we pay. It is so extremely frustrating.

I'm so glad that we have not had major car accidents. And the only major one was the other person's fault, and THEIR insurance company took care of things relatively well. but it is still a hassle, having to deal with medical and auto claims.

What is really concerning me lately is our medical insurance. It just seems so lame. We are paying premiums - which increase almost $100 a month last year! - and it doesn't cover ANYTHING until we pay out ANOTHER $5000 in medical costs. We are already paying almost that much in insurance premiums each year. It just seems so lame. I guess I need to get health insurance quotes again, and see if we can get a better deal. It's just so frustrating, because the $5000 outlay DOESN'T include chiropractic care, prescriptions and other health items, only doctor and hospital. I wish there was a better plan.

I thank God, maybe not often enough, for our good health. I know God will provide what we need. I'm beginning to wonder if we 'need' health insurance, but I cannot imagine living without it, especially for the children! Please pray for God's wisdom and leading in all areas of our finances and health care.

Refreshment

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:37:20 GMT

This last weekend, I went on a women's retreat in the mountains. It was so wonderful to get away from the cleaning, cooking and children for a whole weekend. I spent the extra time I had doing some self-examination, but mostly enjoyed time with God. He is so loving and so awesome. It is amazing that He wants to hear my prayers. It is overwhelming to think of all God has done for me, and how little I have responded to Him. And I've made a comittment to make sure that I have God in my daily life.

The weather today was wonderful no-jacket weather. The sun was bright. We even opened the doors to get a cross-breeze through the house, it was that warm!

Dinner tonight was turkey-bacon-alfredo over pasta, with salad, and ice cream for dessert.

oodnight!

Back to procrastination!

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:08:26 GMT

Last year I think I had my taxes done in March. That was amazing for me! I'm back to old habits this year. I think I have my Federal taxes done. Since we owe this year, I'm not hurrying to get them in. I think they are done, I just need to review the printout and have DH and I sign them. I need to get online and see how state fares. If we owe, I'll submit it next week, otherwise I should submit it right away. It is nice to have state taxes done online. Easy. No post office trip.

I guess I better get back to printing 1040 forms and finishing up these taxes. Are you enjoying this tax season? I suppose most of you already have your refunds in your hot little hands!

Home again!

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:12:29 GMT

We are home, and busy. We had a great time in Moab, camping and four-wheeling. I have been so busy since we got home, that I haven't even downloaded the photos yet. I hope to find time this weekend.

I tackled Mount Laundry, but it still isn't done. I spent one morning at the dentist getting two temporary crowns. We had friends over for a playdate one day. And one day I spent on other people's taxes - unplanned. My mother and grandmother were going to do their taxes at Mom's house, but she has an old operating system, so it won't run the tax software. So they both came here, and I spent the day inputting their tax information and helping them. Grandma took us all out for a late lunch. It was so nice to spend time with family! Mom will be back Sunday to finish hers. Then I need to work on MINE! The deadline is coming soon...

There are also bills needing to be paid and work to catch up, so I've been very busy. Then DH will be working this weekend. I think this is as close as we get to a normal routine.

Tired Shoulders and sore neck

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:55:47 GMT

We are getting ready for our first camping trip of the season. I'm excited. It is too cold to go camping in the Colorado mountains just yet, so we are travelling all the way to Moab, Utah to camp and go four-wheeling for three days. We are expecting one very rainy day, but the rest of the weather forecast looks better and sunny.

DH has been working hard to get the pickup and camping (gooseneck) trailer ready for camping. It has to be de-winterized and the system all flushed out. We also have to re-pack all the dry goods, canned food, supplies and personal items. That's a lot for five people. I still have laundry to do, and all of us need to pack clothing. Unfortunately my shoulder and neck are aching a bit. It was difficult to get to sleep last night. I've got heat on it now. I hope the pain does not stay. It will be a terrible distraction from a fun camping and four-wheeling trip.

Now I'm off to make dinner. The natives are getting restless!