Live for Today...Our week in Review

Hello dear friends and family. We meet once again...and we are so happy that you are sitting down to spend some time with us. We want to give you a peek into our little lives in the hopes that it encourages you...makes you laugh...perhaps cry...but in all...show that we are just normal people living out this extraordinary life that our Father has given us hear on Earth. So thanks for stopping by and here we go!

The week started off very somber as we recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Seeing all the Facebook comments and youtube videos...the emotions came flooding back. It was a terrible thing that happened but God used it for good in so many ways.

J and I were blessed to hear of one such story called "In My Seat"...the story of Steve Schibner, the pilot who was supposed to be on the flight that hit one of the towers.

One thing he said that really struck a cord with me was "Live everyday as if you are living on borrowed time". Little did I know that this theme of living for today would be the theme for my week. No spoilers...but make sure you watch his testimony. POWERFUL!

Later on that day I began having good energy levels..something you take advantage of when you suffer from chronic fatigue. So we "lived for the moment" and called up some friends of ours to come round for some fellowship, food, and of course...some family photos!

The MacKenna family have become such precious friends of ours. This is one of my favorites of the photo shoot.

Jenny and I, in particularly have become close as she is an American living overseas too! She has really helped me to settle well here in England...just in time to leave! Ha! We just love them to bits...but hope to see them soon when they come for a visit in the States!

The next day we were off to a prayer meeting at OM. When it came our turn to share...I just piped right up and started going down the list of where I'm at with my treatments etc. As I was talking it became so surreal that this is part of my life right now...and yes...I did have my pity party for a few hours afterwards. But then God reminded me that His Grace is sufficient for TODAY! Funny how God prepares your heart for what's coming next...

So they hubs...ain't he cute?...developed a lump on his lip about 2 months ago. We saw our regular GP about it...and after it not going away on its own...J was sent to see an Oral surgeon. I was super tired the morning of his appointment so J told me to stay home and rest...that "it will be fine". Hmm.

They next thing I know...J walks through the door and says that he has a blocked mucous membrane that has to be removed pronto...like TODAY! So I got myself around and back we went to the hospital for his afternoon appointment.

What was supposed to be a small incision ended up being a deep one...needing 4 stitches. He is much better now...but it has taken him a few days of antibiotics and pain pills to get through it. Poor honey!

But him being sick made me realize two things. One...how much J does for me...and two how the Lord gives His SUFFICIENT GRACE when we need it! Praise the Lord I had abundant energy (not the norm for me) to be able to take care of my husband!

Speaking of Grace...I was going to still need more...as I went for my weekly bloods check the very next day. They were able to get the blood with no problems this time...unlike last week where it took many tries over a two day period. Part of the treatment I am on can do weird things to my veins...think of the movie Steel Magnolias and "Shelby are you driving nails?!" I know gross...welcome to my world.

But please be praying over my liver as my enzymes seem to be a bit high...which could just be a reaction to some of the treatments. Please pray its not permanent and that I can continue the treatments as scheduled.

We'll let you know more about that after our Doctor appointment next week. And on a more positive note: J thinks I may have a bit more energy than normal. I don't really see a big difference yet...but I am hopeful...and plan to keep on "living for today".

But putting the medical stuff aside... most of my week was full of wonderful things. Like...

I made my first Chocolate Cream Pie for a friend's birthday and it was a hit! And I was so good and only had 2 small slivers over the course of the week...I mean come on...should I deprive myself when we are talking about chocolate???

Also Parenthood Season 3 premiered. J and I LOVE this TV show...we laugh...we cry...and even though we don't have children yet...we relate with a lot of what is portrayed. If you haven't seen it...its worth a gander!

And the highlight of my week came when I was blessed to teach blogging to a 65 year old precious lady on her birthday. Just goes to show you that you are never too old to learn. I am so excited for her!

Well that's about all for this week. I hope you are blessed and encouraged as you read this and remember to "Live everyday as if you are on borrowed time"!

London, Shipping Containers, Do You Remember...

Well back by popular demand...its our week in review. Hope you are doing well as you read this. Let me just say...I can't believe it's already September. WOW. The trees here in England are starting to sport their new colors.

And on that note I thought I would start off with a little bit of music. I-E-I...dancing in September...I-E-I...do you remember... the 21st night of September...

Now that you have that in your head...your welcome...here we go!

Our week started in a frenzy with a trip to London. We had to go for the medical exam part of J's visa requirements. So we hopped on the train and off we went. It was so neat to see the beautiful country side and then the big city as we approached! Above is honey with our awesome luggage waiting for the train at Carlisle Station.

Me enjoying the scenery.

It was so stunning going through the Lake District.

While I was enjoying the sights, the hubs spent most of his time mixing...a new hobby he has taken up...and is really good at! We're working on his DJ name and will get back to you.

So we arrived 3 hours later... safe and sound in London. It is so neat there with all the classic big red buses (and yes made me think of OM Ireland).

We got unpacked at the B&B and then went out for some dinner. We were surprised to see a line of about 400 teenagers waiting to get into a club. Come to find out it was someone's sweet sixteen party. The cops were all over it though...rightly so with what had happened in the past weeks with the riots.

Notice the Evangelical Church in the background. As we past we were praying for the young people to come to know Him and not get swallowed up by the world. As I saw the girls dressed to the hills...it touched a nerve as I can remember back in the day... being all about keeping up appearances and not knowing a thing about my Heavenly Father. My heart went out to these young girls.

Then it was back to the B&B for a good nights rest...I was exhausted by this time. We woke early the next morning to take the train on in to the city for J's medical exam.

Little did we know we would be right in the middle of morning rush hour. OH MY WORD! This was the mad scene...where people were pushing their way onto the trains...at one point we even saw people being held inside the train by others so the door would close!

So we finally made it to the medical exam appointment. As part of J's visa requirement for permanent residence to the US...he has to undergo this exam...and get a bunch of jabs (British term for shots).

I didn't take any pictures inside as the Embassy folks don't mess around. But as I sat waiting for J I was surrounded by all these people...hoping to become immigrants. I really imagined myself back in time at Ellis Island...and hearing all the new immigrants talk about how they were going to have a new life in America. It brought tears to my eyes...I know...I'm a sap.

After drying the tears it was off to do a little sight seeing. This was my first time to London so J was eager to show me around. I felt like a queen! Speaking of...

No...we didn't get to meet her like you may have been thinking...silly you! But we did get see where she lived. Here is us outside Buckingham Palace.

Here is J at the Tower of London. Glad they didn't keep him! By this time we were both so tired that we called it a day and went back to the B&B.

The next day it was a train trip home... where we kept the ball rolling...and we were off to about a billion and one medical appointments.

Oh...and our cat Bella was super happy to see us again. She had a good kitty sitter to keep her occupied while we were gone though. Thanks Miss Helen!

I think she loves her daddy...especially when she gets to lay on his laptop!

Kisses for mommy...or not...

Then it was off to the Dentist for my final appointment. As I was saying my goodbyes I began to tear up...it was a sad moment... a realization that many of the medical staff have become like family.

So I kept a stiff upper lip as much as I could...remember me telling you I was a sap?

Also remember me telling you last week I now have to wear a night guard because I supposedly grind my teeth. The Dentist said it was due to stress. Speaking of stress...

We saw this photo while waiting in the Doctors office. I was there for a blood check for a treatment I started last week. When we saw this poster on how to avoid stress we had to laugh. If you can't read it...it says "Avoid too many changes at any one time-new house...new job...new partner." Ha!

We rounded out the week with several hours on phone calls and emails...trying to sort out some of our transitioning. One huge thing...being our shipping. We were able to share a container with another person...however it is still pricy. If you would like to know how to help with this...please let us know. :)

Then for a bit of retail therapy the hubs took me to Debenhams...its like a Dillards or Macy's compared to the US. The reason I REALLY REALLY wanted to go there was...they were having a 70% sale. OH MY WORD! And score...I got a really cool blazer...originally £50 for only £5! Gotta love a good deal like that!

And yes...I envision myself looking as cool as this when I wear it. Speaking of cool...

Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how your week was...we are just as interested in cyber stalking others as they are us! :) Have a good week!

Week in Review-Cold Water, Teeth, & Mustard Seeds...

Well we had such a positive response to our last RANDOM update of our life's happenings that we thought we would do it again! Thanks for tuning in...and being interested in our totally crazy, sometimes funny, but lovely life...a little bit weird that people would like it so much...but nonetheless...here it goes...

The week started off like normal...getting our weekly church on. Well we had to tune in on line to FBCW because I (Mary) was a little unwell. Great sermon from Pastor Johnny Hunt on Kingdom Living...and even greater reminder how we are all called to be "Missionaries"...wherever the Lord puts us. That means whether living overseas like us or in your school or work. And by the way...we love us some Pastor Johnny!

Then it was time to begin a week long of test & check ups for me (Mary). We had taken a bit of a holiday (10) glorious days...and specifically stayed away from anything medial. First up we did a random check of my kidneys. I had been having some pain and with my illness (LUPUS) there sometimes can be some kidney involvement. But all was good...just some scar tissue from when I had kidney stones in the past.

Then it was movie night...where we finally got to watch Soul Surfer...based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton. It had a lot of positive Christian influences through out the movie. We really enjoyed it...well except the bit with the shark attack!

The Real Bethany Hamilton

The next morning we awoke to prepare for medical appointments for both of us. But we had a very unpleasant start to our day when our lovely hot water boiler decide to go wonkers on us! This is how it felt when I (Mary) got a blast of ice cold water every two minutes! J was much better at keeping his composure! :)

Next stop...the dentist for me (Mary). Well glory...come to find out a few weeks back at a previous appointment that I am a teeth grinder. So bad as a matter of fact that I am grinding them away to little nubs. The dentist said it is most likely due to stress...hmm...now what could I be stressed about? :)

So I am getting fitted for a night guard. For joy! But at least this explains why I wake up with a sore jaw in the mornings!

Then it was poor honey's turn and he had to get some jabs (British term for shots). He has to show proof of all of his inoculations as part of his visa process requirements...and because his childhood records are missing...he's going to have to get them all over again and have one sore arm! I did the proper wife duty and cuddled him with many "poor little bunny" comments. He said this was his version of the man flu.

Speaking of the visa process...we are a few steps closer as we booked our trip to London for the medical exam part of the requirement. Below is a picture of the US Embassy in London...J's been there before and says it looks like a fort!

After a few days of running to appointments here and there I took a breather and began a new challenge...food journaling. I am trying to connect what I eat by how it makes me feel. Its already been a year since J and I have started down the road of better eating (more organic, natural...less dairy...less meat, etc). But we are wanting to step it up.

So this is the next step which will hopefully lead to some new foods...like more raw foods and different dairy alternatives to try. One of my favorites I have to say is Almond milk. It has tons of fiber and nutrients...low calorie (about 60 cal for 8oz glass)...and really helps the muscles to absorb protein for energy. Something I (Mary) desperately need!

Also going to try for the first time diary cheese alternatives. Hmm. I will let you know how this turns out. One thing I've learned...just because it is healthy...if it taste like garbage I'm not going to stick with it! So our advice...take your time and find things that are healthy and that you actually enjoy!

Speaking of food...really loved being reminded of having faith like a mustard seed. Not faith of a GIANT...but just small faith that is living and growing...is all you need to see God at work in your life. Don't know about you but we sure are praying in faith for a lot of things...sometimes we wonder if He hears us...but this week...we got that assurance again through His blessed Word! Read Luke 17:6.

Look how tiny that thing is!

We ended our week with a date night. It happened to be our 18 month anniversary!

So we went out for a movie...a treat for us. I (Mary) was also having a good energy day so actually was able to enjoy myself...well kind of. Honey and I have been wanting to see Cowboys and Aliens. The hubs loves sci fi and I love westerns so we thought it would be a great choice for us. Hmm. Let's just say that it was about one of the goriest and violent films we've seen in a while...which didn't help my stress level...good thing I'm getting that night guard for my teeth!

But nonetheless...we enjoyed just being together. How was your week?

Productivity...Our Week in Pictures

Whew! I don't know about you but this week has flown by for me. I'm just now sitting down to recap all that we accomplished/did this week and all I can say is that we certainly took on the motto "get er' done"!

The week started like any other...heading off to church. But this week was a little different as I delivered a promo DVD I've been working on for their Ladies Retreat. It turned out really good if I do say so myself and like I told them...they can use it for at least the next few years...or until the clothes go out of style!

The next day we went on a date day to a nearby town called Penrith...such a quaint little town with really neat shops. My heart did overtime when we spotted this famous British print from the 1950's called Mother's Pride. And score...got it at a charity shop for only £3 ($5)! You can just imagine the two ladies gossiping while hanging their laundry and the little boy wanting some attention. This is a very common scene even today in our neighborhood!

Then came our normal doctor visits...this week they took what seemed like a pint of blood! And then we had to hand deliver it ourselves within 1 hour's time to the local lab. We felt like we were in a movie where the heros rush to deliver the life saving blood to the person in need. Yeah...we're cool like that...you have to make light of a heavy situation somehow! :)

Next stop was our town's grand opening of the new garden center...yes this is a big deal. We enjoyed the free wifi and sipped a fab caramel latte...and of course people watched!

Also bought this fab sign for only £5! Love it! Think it will look really good in our future hallway!

Also have enjoyed going for walks this week in the beautiful sunshine. Yes...it is this beautiful here!

Then my hubby invited me to the new google plus (like facebook but you can do video chats more easily). He has been using that more than me...while I have been getting addicted to...

Oh yes...Pinterest! Warning...once you are on it you will spend HOURS researching. Within 2 days I've started 13 boards and have 89 pins! The idea is that it is like a virtual cork board that you pin ideas on...like menu ideas, decorating ideas, etc.

You have to be invited to both of these so let me know if you are interested. Super fun! Check out the funny "truth" about Pinterest above! :)

Then my passport came back! Yeah! I had to send it off to the US embassy in London to get extra visa pages as I only had 2 left. Supposedly you can be denied entry to the US if you only have 2 pages. Wouldn't that be something if J got in and I didn't! But all is sorted now!

It was also time for us to update our newsletter and website. Something that has been on our to do list for a while. We got the newsletter out...hope you enjoyed it...and are almost finished with updating the website...we think you will like it too! Let us know if you are not signed up...and we'll sort it out.

Here is the link:

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=26ca2b03fd15b8067f189790c&id=2c78f1f149&e=[UNIQID]

Then my hubby was called to save the day when his crew (who are at an event in Germany) called to say that they had forgotten a very important part of a specific camera...called the Jib (the tall thing that pans over a crowd). Anyhoo...he was able to help sort out getting it and shipping it to them just in time! Yes...he is a hero in many ways!

Then it was off to our neighbors for dinner and darts night! We had such a great time...really going to miss them. I loved playing darts again...something my brother taught me many years ago. Guess I still have "it"...I won 2 out of the 3 games! J managed to split a dart with a second one...throwing it directly on the dart itself...that is not common! He has good aim! We have decided to buy a dart board when we move to the States. Anyone up for a game?

Then we ended our week doing a little grocery shopping. My honey spotted this new pen and bought it for me! It is called the Stabilo pen and it is designed to allow you to have better hand writing...something I desperately need! Also is easier to use...especially when you have arthritis in your hands. I highly recommend it! Of course he bought me the pink one!

Over all it was a great week...productive...fun...and gorgeous weather to boot. How was your week?