I'm not quite sure how I am getting it all done.  My house is clean and homemade caramel rolls have just came out of the oven.  I am exhausted from all the housework. but I am so grateful that I did it!  Not long ago Steve and I had to pay someone to come clean our home and paid a neighbor to make our family dinners, because I phsyically couldn't do it. 

Here I am 3 1/2 years later cleaning and cooking like a fool.  Or should I saycleaning and cooking like a woman who loves her husband and children?    

I will continue to give thanks for all of my abilities.  I am able to contribute to my family and I will never forget where I came from.  I would be fine if I didn't receive any gifts this Christmas, because my new mobility is a gift that I never thought I would receive.   I love my life and the family I get to share it with. 

It's been quite a busy week for me trying to get ready for the holidays.  As I told my mom today, I'm feeling overwhelmed for no apparent reason.  I am done with my Christmas shopping and it is nearly all wrapped. However,  I still have to fill my home with the necessities for my in-laws coming to visit and clean our home which feels impossible with a toddler under foot all day long. 

In my mind, I know that there isn't a lot to do to get ready, because I can phsyically do more now than ever before.  The thing is that my brain hasn't caught up to my capabilities.  In my mind, I feel that I need more days than possible to make our home perfect for our family coming to the Twin Cities.  Not long ago, I could only do one or two tasks a day before I had to call it quits and rest in my chair.

As time passes,. I continue to get stronger and better at everyday chores.  I just need to let my brain catch up to the understanding of what I'm able to do.  When I begin to get overwhelmed I just think to myself, "it will all get done," and "if it doesn't get done, my family doesn't care.  They are more interested in special time spent together than cupboards stocked with festive food." 

With that being said, I'm going to work hard at being happy with all that I can do this holiday season and be grateful that it will be spent with family. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's been over 24 hours since the snow stopped coming down, but the roads are still a mess.  Luckily, I can handle it (not always the case).  Tonight as I was trying to get Winona to basketball practice, the car in front of me could not make it down the icy road.  The poor driver tried to go, but her wheels just spun and spun. 

I waited a moment thinking that someone would come to her rescue (the road was basically a parking lot).  I was wrong.  I hopped out of my car and began to push her vehicle in hopes of helping this young girl who was trying to get home. 

I was so proud that I was able to help her.  As she began to drive, I got back in my car and slowly made my way down the road to only see her stopped once again.  Since I was still in Superwoman  mode I began to push her car once again.  This time I couldn't free her.  She was on a patch of ice and I was slipping as I tried to push her car that wouldn't budge.  Eventually, she got going on her own. 

I'm pleased that I was physically able to help this girl, but I couldn't help but wonder why wouldn't anyone help me push the car when I couldn't free her on my own.  Offering a helping hand only takes a couple minutes out of your day and most people really appreciate it.  Sure, Winona ended up being late to practice, but it was the right thing to do.

I now have the physical abilities to help others.  I can't find any reason that justifies looking the other way, so I ask that when you see someone in need, no matter how busy you are, take a moment to give a helping hand.

I'm overwhelmed.  There's no doubt about it.  I spent the last two days unpacking and doing laundry (we spent 5 days up at the cabin over Thanksgiving) all while running after a toddler.  I try to keep my stress levels down by going to the YMCA, but taking care of a family with three children is a lot of work.   

I know I have so much to be thankful for and count my blessings every night before I go to bed.  I don't seem to ever finish giving thanks since I always seem to fall asleep first.  I am beyond grateful that I have the physical capabilities to do all the things that stress me out.  I know that sounds silly, but now that I can do more, it adds a stress that I never had to deal with in the past. 

Luckily, I have people in my life who offer help (ie: A basketball parent brought Winona home from practice tonight).  I also have people in my life who offer words of encouragement which always makes life easier.  The best part is that I have two daughters that make the world a better place (corny, I know) and help me out immensely with John. 

I will get through this holiday season with a smile on my face.  And I will be sure thank God throughout the day for everyone He sends my way.