Wednesday, July 14, 2010

This is the post I hesitated writing...

Dear Friends~
Last Friday, David & I returned from a week-long trip to Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Petaluma California. We traveled there for a wedding and then added some extra days for vacation. Before we left, I prepared some posts to go up automatically while we were gone. David is wary about posting about being away.
Since the beginning of June, I have been wrestling with some serious health issues which involved lots of tests...waiting...more tests...more waiting. Right before we left, I met with a cardiologist who ordered some specialized bloodwork to determine whether there was some kind of heart problem. My symptoms have been severe pains in my chest, radiating to my shoulders, back, neck and sometimes my jaw. After evaluating all of the x-rays, CT scans and bloodwork, the cardiologist is satisfied that my problem isn't with my heart. In reviewing my bloodwork, the factors indicating inflammation are high and so he has referred me to a rheumatologist. It has been weeks now waiting to get an appointment but I am seeing someone tomorrow. I hope we can quickly find the answer to this problem and a fix. I have had to sleep sitting upright in a chair most nights because it's too painful to lie down and I am constantly fatigued. I have no appetite (I should be a size 6 by now but when you're not doing much the weight doesn't necessarily deop away!) and no interest in doing much. Anyone who knows me personally knows this is NOT the normal Joyce! While we were away, there were so many things I wanted to see and do but just couldn't because of the discomfort. Since we are home, I haven't even had the energy to post here and I have so much I want to share with you. I just have to work on this health problem and get some things resolved so that I can carry on in my own normal, goofy way!
I am not one who would ordinarily talk about health issues in this forum but I wanted you to know why I haven't been writing or even visiting much. As soon as we have some answers and solutions and I am feeling like myself I will be back to my little blog.
In the meantime, know that I am not afraid. I am in the care and grace of  Jesus Christ, who walks with me every day. I have the support of dear family, especially David, who has been my rock, friends and healthcare professionals. We will solve this mystery and I will be returned to health. If you can squeeze me on to your prayer list, I will be grateful.
Thank you for being my friend!
xoxo
Joyce

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

20 years ago today,
on a day when the temperature was 92-degrees
(and we didn't have air conditioning in the church yet)
we stood before God
 our children
 our family
and our friends
and  pledged our love and committment to each other.
I hope you will always know
that no matter what life brings our way,
I would do it all again...in a New York minute!

Thank you for
 loving me,
being a wonderful example of a Christ filled life,
making me laugh every day of our marriage,
being supportive of all of my endeavors,
loving my children as your own,
being an interested and loving sounding board as I ramble on...


I am so Blessed!

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for (all of) you.   ~Philippians 1:3-4

Happy 20th Anniversary David~
with all of my love,
Joyce 

~Then....
 


and Now~





Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

(Photo courtesy of ronijj on Flickr)


Whatever your plans for today....take a moment to remember the blessings of Freedom.






xoxo
Joyce


Friday, July 2, 2010

Some Random things....





Just some things I've been working on lately...

Remember the invitation of the wedding shower for my young friend?
Queen of the Kitchen was the theme...

We had lots of fun at the shower and Rebekah wore her crown and apron regally...
(I don't have a picture of her yet...waiting for someone to send me one)


(Thanks Burger King for the template I used for the crown!)

(The medallion on the front was made using a page from a 1932 cookbook)

The gift bag for the gifts...a repurposed shopping tote from Christopher & Banks with some scapbook paper (Graphic 45)  to hide the logo and the Queen image for the front...





Who wouldn't love a little pail filled with Godiva chocolate bars in summery ice cream flavors?

 
This was a little thank you gift for Cora, our Christian Ed director, after a successful and fun week of Vacation Bible School...Camp Downtown....yup, we are downtown!
 


The tag was made using circle punches and Nestabilities dies.

I love ice cream...it's my favorite dessert at any time of the year.
I've just discovered Gelato....coconut Gelato...serious yumminess!
XOXO
Joyce


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