PAIN IS A PAIN!!!

Chronic pain is a pain....just as simple as that sounds, it can change everything you do and how you view life! It's hard to stay focused and to be in a good mood when you live in constat pain, and when that pain level escalates, it's even harder. That's what we've been dealing with at the Beck house, as the baramator just soots up and down! That causes the most pain, not the bitter cold, or the dampness. The barametric pressure is what is the cause and effect of all! Scott has been doing pretty good and not getting too blue, but it's tough when you are stuck in the house all the time and the pain keeps you from laughing at a funny movie! We try to look on the bright side, but these last days have been a challenge.

As for other things, Erica had an run in with icy roads on Monday night. She is fine, was a bit stiff and sore for a few days, but her car is another story. It will be at the "Dr." till Feb. 10th. Still just thankful she wasn't hurt and no one else was involved.

I have been cooking up a storm. Love when I'm in that kind of a mood, which seems to be a lot of the time. The kids are going to a movie night at the youth pastor's tonight and are taking along hot artichoke dip! Yum! We had this at Christmas in Virginia and loved it!

HAITI RELIEF.....

Are you looking for a way to help those in Haiti? I have the answer! Clean out your closets, cupboards, basements and attics....call me or leave me a message and I will pick up stuff to take to Cleveland. I need to back up a bit. I have been taking lots of medical supplies to Cleveland to medWish who then ships it to places in need. Right now their focus is on Haiti! They will take any type of medical equipment, new or used. I am including a list below of the most needed items at this time. Thanks in advance for any and all donations! I will be going this Friday, the 29th and again on Feb. 5th. Hopefully I will have enough stuff for a couple more trips! So get busy and help those suffering in Haiti.

*blankets
*sleeping bags
*sheets
*tents
*flashlights and batteries
*antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin and other brands
*bandages
*rolled gauze
*white medical tape
*alcohol pads
*hydrogen peroxide
*iodine (wipes/bottles)
*cotton swabs
*cotton balls
*masks
*gloves
*bottled water
*infant formula - powdered preferred. Must NOT be opened or expired.
* nutritional supplements such as Ensure and Pedialyte
*diapers

I will try to answer any questions you might have! Thanks again!

Crusin' thru the month of January!

Can't believe it's already 1/2 way thru January? Where is time going? Oh yeah, it's been going to Cleveland and back for us!!! What else is new. On the plus side, Scott got another nerve block today and is feeling much better. He is totally wiped out from this crazy week, as we were to Cleveland 2 days! It was worth it, but just takes a lot out of him. As for me, I seem to thrive on crazy weeks, and it's a good thing, cause we sure do have a lot of them.

Tonight I worked on the church newsletter and had a lot of laughs. That always makes the world seem like a better place. Got word last night that an uncle from IL was in surgery and having a rough time. He did well and got his spleen removed and an aneurysm repaired! Very lucky man. Prayers are still needed for him and the family. Many things to be thankful for. Mom is doing a lot better from her foot surgery, but still has a terrible cough that is wearing her down. Keep her in your prayers too!

Not sure what all this next few days will bring. Looking forward to catching up on "stuff" and hauling a big load of stuff to Save 'n Serve. Been cleaning out all the nooks and crannies and it feels great! Cousin is coming to town for the huge basketball weekend, so we'll have to stop and Mom's and visit for a bit. Love spending time with family!

Table Favor!!!

This is just one of the many reindeer I made for table favors! Delicious!

DELICIOUS!

So much food, yet so much left!!! We have an awesome bunch of cooks in this family and today was no different! Today was the Maxwell/Troyer Christmas and there was almost too many things to taste! Lots of fun, lots of laughter and good memories shared. Wishing the day was just starting as it always seems to end too soon!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Are you wondering where 2009 went? So am I! Seems like just a year ago it started, now it's gone....but anyway, Happy New Year to all. We traveled to Virginia for a wonderful Christmas with my brother and his wife. They had 20" of snow!!!! That made the trip awesome in our thoughts! We spent some extra time there, so we could relax and enjoy some of the "local stuff" instead of just running down, opening gifts, then heading home again! We spent Christmas day with my sister in law's extended family up the mountain at her parents. This included a rowdy grab bag exchange and a delicious new dip that we loved! It was a hot artichoke dip that we plan on making at home soon. Christmas Eve was a delicious night spent at Red Lobster, as this is our yearly tradition and gift from my dad! Yum!
Since we are home, I have been gearing up for my Mom's family to arrive on Saturday for our Christmas in Ohio! 23 people and lots of yummy foods. I always make table favors, even if it's not at our house, and this year was no different. Can't put a picture on here yet, or tell you what it is, but check back after tomorrow and I'll try to show you the cute, edible favors I made. I think everything is in place, including the ice on the driveway! Not much I can do about that, but the kids assured me they will help to carry in the food and gifts, as well as help people maneuver the tricky steps over the ice cruchies!
May you all have a happy and blessed New Year!