A Few Changes…
My oldest daughter recently broke her wrist. She has a distal radius fracture, which caused a growth plate to shift, and required non-invasive surgery (a closed reduction).
After the accident, my husband rushed her to the emergency room in a town about 30 minutes from where we live. They did x-rays there, then sent her to a larger hospital (3 hours from here) with an orthopedic surgeon who sees children. It was late at night when they finally got there. After hours of different procedures, paperwork, more x-rays, pain pills, and general anesthesia, the surgery was performed around 1:30 AM. Then she had some complications from the anesthesia (vomiting), and they didn’t arrive home until 6:00 AM. They had been awake all of those hours, and I was so thankful they made it home safely, as my husband had driven 3 hours through great fatigue and weariness.
So, things have not been the same around here. My oldest daughter usually makes breakfast, but now others are doing that. My second-oldest daughter is feeling very excited about being in charge of more cooking.
Our oldest daughter also usually does many other things around the home that we’ll all have to trade off with. And she’s really bored, without the ability to do much right now, and just not really feeling like doing much. She’s usually such an energetic and active person, preferring to be outside or busy in the house. It’s sad to see her sitting there each day with her arm propped up on some pillows, reading a book and looking tired.
Also, we are now strapped with thousands of dollars in medical bills. I have had family members and friends ask how they could help us, and one way could be shopping through our affiliate links (in the right hand sidebar). Anytime someone uses the Amazon search box, we receive a small commission from that. The other affiliate links work the same way. It’s simply a form of advertising. I advertise for these companies by putting up their graphics, and if they make a sale through someone clicking one of these buttons from my site (and making a purchase), then I get a small percentage of that. It is completely anonymous and safe to order through my affiliate links. If you ever feel led to use any of them, we humbly thank you!
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| Shopping at the Amish discount grocery store. |
I’ve been keeping busy with knitting and some other creative projects for my family.
I finished this sweet little pumpkin, with yarn left over from the pumpkin hat I made for my littlest one.
And now I’m starting on a little vest for him, with the yarn my mom gave me. So far it isn’t turning out very successfully, as I’ve lost my place and messed up three times and ripped it out and started over three times! Most of my knitting takes place in the van while my husband is driving, or at night when we’re watching a video. I might have to get this vest going at night after the children are in bed, when I have more ability to concentrate. 🙂
Thank you all for your prayers, we appreciate them so much!
Continuing to pray for your family.
God bless sue
After reading the past two posts, I am left with a sense of wanting to help…what do you need Joy? What does your family require? Ask and Our Lord will provide.
I know that at this time, this decision was not an easy one, but you do have a very fulfilling life. A life that should not be complicated by others' words or ideas. Only Our Lord should have that position in our lives.
I have often pondered leaving the blogs behind and focusing on my home. But then He guides back here to share His Word and to continue to encourage other ladies in living a simple life loving Our Lord & Savior.
I pray that your daughter continues to heal. That this trial will make all you and your family stronger and secure in the love and peace of Our God.
But my question is still there Joy…tell me what you need. Let us help you. If you want to talk through email, you already have it, but if not, here it is [email protected] Let me know.
Maria
I was sad to hear that you are going to stop blogging, but I'm glad you will be leaving the blog up. Your posts are always so inspiring! I hope your daughter will recover quickly. We will keep her in our prayers! Blessings to all of you! Love, Melanie.
Dear Joy,
ALL the best wishes to your daughter. Please tell her someone in Holland is praying for her? ;o) And then: thank you for leaving up your blogposts. I am so happy to read that you will let the tips and tricks for what they are. I hope you will understand that you really have made an encouraging place on the world wide web.
And please, may I give you one of my thoughts? Why not make and sell soap, knits, clothes or any other hand- or homemade things? I am sure there are lots of people who wants to buy things from you and your family. Not only to support you, also because of the love of making.
Wish you and your family all Gods blessings.
Love from Holland
Thank you so much, Monique!
I have considered what I might be able to make and sell to bring in a little income. Maybe someday that will work out. I love to make things. 🙂
Blessings to you, dear Monique! I have always been so blessed by your comments here. ♥ Joy
Dear Joy,
I am so sad to see you go, but I have felt and thought the same thing so often…to give up the blogging for other endeavors, but feel that at this time I can multi-task as my children are now adults even thought they are still in our home heart and mind.
I am also here to let you know I hope to include a photo of you holding a bowl of peaches in a colorful apron…if I can find it to include a link to your page.
Thank you for such a sweet encouragement to other ladies through the past. I would also like to get in touch with you personally…could you maybe leave me a cxomment with your email of even better yet, friend me at Jacque Line on FB? I have a idea, but wish to explore it more first…
Thanks!
Many blessings to you and your family. I am praying for you and your daughter right now, too.
Thanks, Jacqueline. Are you looking for the picture in this post:
http://www.artfulhomemaking.com/2011/08/apron-giveaway.html
Thanks again for your prayers for our family!
Joy, your daughter and family will definitely be in my prayers!! I'm so glad you decided to leave your blog up…I always find encouragement when I visit!
Our internet isn't working well…on one minute and then off again, so I'm hurrying…thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and well-wishes!
Joy! Praying for your daughter's recovery. I am so grateful that you are leaving up your blog. Hugs and blessings to you!
Cheers from England!
Nicole Auld
Great idea, Pat M. let's go shopping! Blessings, Anne
You're all so sweet. Thank you!
I"m glad you are leaving your blog up.
I'm also praying your daughter's recovery and healing goes smoothly.
Blessings to you, Joy!!
First of all — thanks for keeping the blog up. So kind of you to listen to our please. 🙂
Secondly — I sure would love to encourage everyone who has been touched by your blog to actually purchase one item from one of the affiliates. What a practical, hands-on way to bless!
Join me!!!
pat m.
Aww, that's so sweet of you, Pat! ♥♥♥
Praying for her and the rest of you! Glad you decided to keep the blog up. 🙂 Blessings to you!
I had just found you, but I will miss you. Thank you very much for your beautiful blog, and for leaving it up for all of us to still draw wisdom and guidance from.
Joy ~
Your site is one I have been encouraged by, always sensing a peace and calm while here. Mothering is VERY full and I, too, have been a less frequent poster/visitor as priorities require my time and attention to be fully engaged with them.
I will be praying for your family and the Lord's provision for you. I can relate to broken arms and high medical expenses…nine years ago our son broke his forearm with thousands in medical bills and six years ago I had an emergency c-section. We have no insurance either, however the Lord always provides and were able to pay for both expenses…He is faithful.
May He bless your family with your faithfulness as you love and minister to them all. Will miss the times of "visiting" and "gleening" from you…however I am glad to still be able to re-visit previous posts when time allows.
Blessings in Him,
Jarnette @ Seasons of Life
Thank you, Jarnette!
First of all, thank you so much for leaving your blog up. You are such an encouragement and an inspiration. You also have such great reading lists and ideas.
Secondly, I hope your daughter's recovery is quick. There is always so much to learn in the trials that God provides, isn't there?
Just know that you are a blessing to so many of us blog readers.
Thank you so much for your kind words.