A Life Well Lived

As I was sitting in the school carpool lane one morning last week, a local radio station played a story about the obituary of Mrs. Mary A. Mullaney, known to her family and friends as "Pink".  Mrs. Mullaney, survived by 6 children and 17 grandchildren, passed away back in September at the age of 85.  Her family remembered her fondly in this beautifully written obituary.  Their words seemed very appropriate for the Season.

If you're about to throw away an old pair of pantyhose, stop. Consider: Mary Agnes Mullaney (you probably knew her as "Pink") who entered eternal life on Sunday, September 1, 2013. Her spirit is carried on by her six children, 17 grandchildren, three surviving siblings in New "Joisey", and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Pink during her 85 years, among them: Never throw away old pantyhose. Use the old ones to tie gutters, child-proof cabinets, tie toilet flappers, or hang Christmas ornaments.

Also: If a possum takes up residence in your shed, grab a barbecue brush to coax him out. If he doesn't leave, brush him for twenty minutes and let him stay.

Let a dog (or two or three) share your bed. Say the rosary while you walk them.

Go to church with a chicken sandwich in your purse. Cry at the consecration, every time. Give the chicken sandwich to your homeless friend after mass.

Go to a nursing home and kiss everyone. When you learn someone's name, share their patron saint's story, and their feast day, so they can celebrate. Invite new friends to Thanksgiving dinner. If they are from another country and you have trouble understanding them, learn to "listen with an accent."

Never say mean things about anybody; they are "poor souls to pray for."

Put picky-eating children in the box at the bottom of the laundry chute, tell them they are hungry lions in a cage, and feed them veggies through the slats.

Correspond with the imprisoned and have lunch with the cognitively challenged.

Do the Jumble every morning.

Keep the car keys under the front seat so they don't get lost.

Make the car dance by lightly tapping the brakes to the beat of songs on the radio.

Offer rides to people carrying a big load or caught in the rain or summer heat. Believe the hitchhiker you pick up who says he is a landscaper and his name is "Peat Moss."

Help anyone struggling to get their kids into a car or shopping cart or across a parking lot.

Give to every charity that asks. Choose to believe the best about what they do with your money, no matter what your children say they discovered online.

Allow the homeless to keep warm in your car while you are at Mass.

Take magazines you've already read to your doctors' office for others to enjoy. Do not tear off the mailing label, "Because if someone wants to contact me, that would be nice."

In her lifetime, Pink made contact time after time. Those who've taken her lessons to heart will continue to ensure that a cold drink will be left for the overheated garbage collector and mail carrier, every baby will be kissed, every nursing home resident will be visited, the hungry will have a sandwich, the guest will have a warm bed and soft nightlight, and the encroaching possum will know the soothing sensation of a barbecue brush upon its back.

Above all, Pink wrote -- to everyone, about everything. You may read this and recall a letter from her that touched your heart, tickled your funny bone, or maybe made you say "huh?"

She is survived by her children and grandchildren whose photos she would share with prospective friends in the checkout line

She Gone...and God is Good!

 

 

After 12 years with my current employer, my position was officially eliminated yesterday.  I was notified of the decision six weeks ago.  But, have been unable to speak publicly about it due to a confidentiality agreement.  So, it wasn't a complete shock.  Even the day I was told, it wasn't upsetting.  I was happy and excited.  Happy that at least temporarily, I would be at home full-time immersed in my true purpose and calling - caring for my family and home.  And, excited about the new opportunities awaiting me.  You can't accept new opportunities and blessings by holding onto the past.  From my perspective, losing my job was only a positive.

 

When one door closes, another one opens. 

 

On Wednesday (the day before my position ended), I had my first interview.  Today, I was extended a verbal offer from the company.  My new position will start mid-January!  

 

God is Good! 

 

Mary Ellen

 

 

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Count It All Joy

Some Days...

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

-John 16:33

 

 

This morning, my boss called me into his office.  As I mentioned before, I felt strongly changes were coming.  I was informed our department would be going from three members to two.  My co-worker was notified this morning that her position was terminated.  It was not unexpected, but still very hard to hear.  She was the first to welcome me to the company many years ago, even though we didn't work together at the time.  Her presence will be missed.  As I was still trying to process the changes within our department, another bit of office news brought me to tears.  A former co-worker, who has been battling cancer, has been moved to a hospice facility.  At one point in his treatment, things were moving in a positive direction.  The outlook was very good.  But, recently things took a turn for the worse.  A recent MRI showed an aggressive growth of the cancer in his brain and spine.  My heart aches thinking about his wife and two very young boys.  Those boys need their Dad.  His wife needs her husband.  You shouldn't have to think about widowhood in your thirties.  You think about your kids going to college, them getting married, having grandchildren and settling into retired life.  That's how it is supposed to go...

 

Mary Ellen

Lace Anniversary

 

 

 

13 years ago today

 

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

 

 



Requiescat in Pace {Rest in Peace} - Reverend Monsignor John F. (Tim) O'Connor

Msgr. Tim performing Ashleigh's baptism 

Divine Mercy Sunday 2003

I was saddened this morning to learn of the passing of our former parish priest, Monsignor Tim O'Connor.  Monsignor Tim performed my baptism into the Catholic faith after completion of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process back in 2002.  He also performed the baptisms of both Ashleigh and Clayton.  I still remember being so moved by many of his homilies.  A little bit of a funny story.  After Sunday Mass, we gather for fellowship (and snacks!) at the hall next to the church.  One Sunday, Msgr. Tim was making his rounds when he stopped to speak with us.  At the time, Ashleigh was around a year old and happily snacking away on a cookie.  Msgr. Tim playfully said to her, "Give me that cookie!"  And, she did just that - placing the whole, soggy cookie mess right in his hand!  We all had a good laugh, Msgr. not so much! 

Prayers for the family of Msgr. Tim.

Mary Ellen   

Praise!

Life is certainly like a roller coaster - ups and downs.  I've shared a good number of downs lately.  So, here is an UP - and a picture of Ashleigh when she was 2 years old just because :) 


Dave was called into another meeting with the head of his agency again this morning.  The word as of now is all positions are safe.  There will be no eliminations!!!!  Praise God!  With all that has been going on lately, part of me is holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop.  But, I'm going to stand in faith and rejoice in this moment!

Thank you all for your heart felt prayers and well wishes!

Mary Ellen

Uncertainty

The last few months have been such a tumultuous season for our family.  Now, another curve ball has been thrown our way.  As you may know, my husband works for the State government.  Apparently, there is a measure before the State House of Representatives that would eliminate several positions within his department - including his.  Nothing is certain at this point as voting and such still needs to take place.  But, by the end of June, it's possible Dave would be out of a job.  We've walked this path before.  Even though I find myself fighting to hold back tears, I know we will persevere.

While this was completely unexpected, looking back over the last few weeks, I can see God's hand moving behind the scenes.  When my Mother was first hospitalized back in April with internal bleeding, we went into financial emergency mode.  Dave cut back some budget categories and directed the surplus to our emergency fund.  The thinking at the time was to have extra on hand should we need to find last minute summer care for the children.  So, we're already in financial storm cloud/bare budget/savings mode.  Just now, it's a different storm cloud!  And recently, I began feeling the need (call) to pray for my husband.  I've always prayed for my husband, my kids and our families.  But, this calling is different.  It's a call to pray with more intention specifically for my husband.  I'm constantly amazed at how God knows all our needs even before we become aware of them!

Mary Ellen

Duck Dynasty's Phil & Kay Robertson on 700 Club

Yes, I admit it - I LOVE Duck Dynasty!  I started watching the show after hearing a coworker rave about it and have been hooked ever since!  While some of the scenarios on the show come across as scripted (as my husband likes to point out!), it is still very entertaining and genuinely funny.  Plus, it's something we can watch together with the kids.  A refreshing departure from your standard reality TV show!

One of my favorite parts of the show is the interaction between Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson and his wife, Miss Kay.  In the interview above with Terry Meeuwsen of 700 Club, Phil and Kay discuss the early years of their marriage.  And, they have quite a testimony!

I can't wait for the fourth season of Duck Dynasty!  According to Phil and Miss Kay, even their beardless son will take part in the show.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

 

Mary Ellen 

What I'm Reading - Simple Abundance

 



"Many women today run businesses but don't have a clue how to run their own households competently, which is one of the reasons we are run ragged.  The time has come for us to look deep within.  Reconsider how caring for our homes can be an expression of our authenticity....It's not too late for us to rediscover the sacred soulcraft of homecaring.  Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.  Like sweat equity , channeling your time and creative energy closer to home will produce a big emotional return for yourself and those you love."

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy  

Disclosure

My Momma is Coming Home...Still on the Road to Recovery

Thank you all again for your prayers and your patience!  I know my blogging has been sparse lately.  I promise there are more lighthearted posts in the works :)  My Momma should be coming home from the hospital in the coming days - maybe as early as today.  While we're all excited she's ready to be discharged, there's no big sigh of relief.  There are still some challenges ahead as she transitions back to home life. 

My Momma's biggest challenge right now, and the source of her pain, are the wounds on her legs.  She's been under special treatment for these wounds since last November.  A few months back, the initial wound (a small ulcer on her heel) was pretty much healed.  But, more wounds began to appear (this time on both legs) and it's been a battle ever since.  The hospital lab diagnosed the wounds as "pyoderma gangrenosum".  I must warn you before you Google, the images are not very pleasant.  Prior to being admitted to the hospital, my Momma was able to get about with the assistance of a walker.  Since she's been in the hospital, she's become somewhat bed bound.  She has the strength and ability to move and shift her upper body.  But, has been very reluctant (well, flat out refused) to even put her feet on the floor or any weight on her ankles for the hospital physical therapy staff.  This lead the PT staff to recommend my Momma be sent to a skilled nursing facility (ie nursing home) after discharge for further rehab.

The prospect of going into a nursing home greatly alarmed my Momma and brought up major concerns for us.  Our biggest concern being the level of care she would receive.  And, we felt that if she was at all able (which Momma has started moving around since the words nursing home came up!), she should try going back home first.  It's hard watching my Mother age and her health slowly decline.  I know at some point, a nursing home may be the best option when her medical needs are beyond our abilities.  But right now, it doesn't seem like we're at that point.

So, we're going to transition back to home - with home health nursing and physical therapy attending to her at our home.  In some ways, I don't think my Momma wants to leave the hospital!  The nurses and staff have been exceptional and are so caring.  But, it's not a hotel.  Now that Momma is medically stable, the doctors want her to move on.  I just pray the current steroid treatments for the wounds will jump start their healing and finally reduce the pain.  And, that my Momma will be able to get back into the swing of things - and cooperate with the physical therapist!  We're not out of the woods yet.  But, part of me is still hopeful we can turn the corner to better days :)

Mary Ellen 

Quick Update & Thank You for the Prayers

I spent most of the afternoon at my Momma's bedside.  She was weak, but the only pain she seemed to be experiencing was from the wounds on her legs and not the internal bleeding.  A test of her upper GI, showed 8 ulcers in her stomach and duodenum.  The doctor sounded very optimistic as he explained the ulcers were not actively bleeding, so surgery would not be necessary.  The cause of the ulcers appears to be the NSAID she was taking (in addition to her prescription pain killer) for the pain caused by her wounds.  It's still unclear at this point how long she will remain in the hospital.

Thank you so much for your prayers and your kind words!  It really means a lot that you all reading would take time out of your busy lives to offer a sweet word, positive thought or prayer during our time of need.  :)

Mary Ellen

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

My Momma's recovery is still very much a rollercoaster right now.  She has her good days and her bad days.  On the good days, her spirits seem high, she's able to get around the house and straighten up the kitchen or fold laundry.  {We don't expect her to do these things.  But, she likes to feel helpful.  And, she enjoys being able to do the things she once did with relative ease.}  On her bad days, she stays in bed, sleeps most of the day and seems to lose track of time.  The pain from the ulcers on her legs seem to wear very heavily on her during those days.  Monday was a bad day.

Sometime Monday afternoon, my Momma started to feel ill and out of sorts.  She fell down in her room and was unable to get back on her feet.  She was near a phone but unfortunately, the battery had died.  She was able to pull some blankets and a pillow down around her.  When Dave came home with the kids after school, he found her lying on the floor.  By evening, she had not improved and continued to feel very weak.  Worried about her blood sugar levels, we took her to the emergency room.

It's well after midnight now and she's still in emergency {Dave is with her, I'm home with the kids, keeping my sister informed}.  There are signs of internal bleeding.  The first course of action is a blood transfusion.  Then in the morning, tests to find the source of the bleeding.

sigh....Just when I think we've turned the corner and are headed towards better days.

Mary Ellen       

Jump Start Your Spring Cleaning - 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae

It's that time of the year again!  Jump start your Spring cleaning efforts with 31 Days to Clean - Having a Martha House the Mary Way.  The book offers daily mini devotional readings plus two challenges - a Martha challenge (for your home) and a Mary challenge (for your heart).

This week, you can purchase 31 Days to Clean for only $1.50 (70% off) using the code SPRING (applicable for the PDF version only).  Let's get started with getting our hearts and homes in order!

Disclosure      

Happy Easter!

Christ has died

Christ is RISEN

Christ will come again

{Repost} Decorating Easter Eggs

An oldie but goodie - inexpensive ways to decorate Easter eggs, along with ideas for creating your own natural dyes.  Please enjoy these tips from the ladies at Living On A Dime!

Before decorating Easter eggs, cover the entire table with newspaper. Keep a huge roll of paper towels or rags handy for messes. Have each kid wear one of dad's old (now disposable) tee shirts.

Making Easter Egg Stands

Cut toilet paper roll cores into one inch cylinders and use for egg stands. Decorate with stickers or paint.

Decorating Easter Eggs

Traditional Method

Hard boil eggs. Fill several mugs with boiling water and add 1-2 tsp. vinegar. Place a few drops of desired food coloring in each mug. Place eggs in mugs for several minutes until eggs reach desired shades.

Remove with a spoon. Place on paper towel to dry. When dry, polish with a small amount of shortening on a paper towel. Buff until glossy.

You can draw or write on the eggs with a light colored or white crayon before dipping. The drawing will remain white after the egg is dipped.

To clean out mugs, put a little bleach water in the cups and soak for a few minutes.

Glitter Eggs - Place 1 tablespoon each of glue and water in a cup. Stir the mixture and then paint the eggs with it. Sprinkle with glitter. This can also add sparkle to already dyed eggs!

Decoupaged Eggs - Tear small pieces of wrapping paper, napkins, stickers, or clip art. Mix equal amounts of glue and water. Paint egg with glue mixture. Place paper on top and then cover with more glue mixture. Let dry.

Spotted Eggs - Place 1 tsp. of cooking oil in dye. Dip the egg. The oil will cause the dye to make an irregular pattern on the egg.

Waxed Eggs - Dip a portion of the eggs in melted paraffin or candle wax. Then dip them in the dye. Remove from dye. Dry and peel off the wax. The egg will be white on one half and colored on the other half. You can also dip in dye before waxing to get two colors.

Hollow Eggs - Poke a hole in one end of an egg with a very small needle. Poke another slightly larger hole in the other end. Then blow on the small end and the egg will come out the other side. Decorate Easter eggs as desired.

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

If you would like to try decorating Easter eggs with natural dyes, try the following:

• Yellow-- yellow onion skins, turmeric (1/2 tsp. per cup water) celery leaves
• Orange--any yellow dye plus beet juice
• Red--beets, paprika, red onion skins
• Pink--cranberry juice
• Blue--blackberries, grape juice concentrate, red cabbage
• Brown--black tea, white oak, juniper berry, coffee, barberry
• Light purple--blackberries, grapes, violets
• Green--alfalfa, spinach, kale, violet blossom plus 1/4 tsp. baking soda, tansy, nettle, chervil, sorrel, parsley, carrot tops, beet tops or dip yellow egg in blue dye

Hard boil eggs with 1 tsp. vinegar in the water. Place dying ingredients in non-aluminum pans, cover with water and boil 5 minutes to 1 hour until desired color is achieved. Use enough material to make at least 1 cup dye. Crush ingredients as they boil to extract as much dye as possible. Strain the dye. Most dyes should be used hot. Let each egg sit in the dye until it reaches the desired color. Some dyes will take longer than others to make the desired colored on the egg. Remove the egg and let dry.

*****

Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com , sign up for our free Living On A Dime Newsletter and learn to save more!

Urgent Prayers Needed - UPDATE 3/13

Dear Friends, I'm writing this in a panic, so please forgive if this is a bit disjointed.  I left work early today to take Ashleigh to her orthodontist appointment, only to arrive home to several urgent messages at home and work from my Mother's doctor.  The lab work performed this morning came back showing my Mother's levels all out of whack.  The nurse mentioned something about possible renal failure and I went numb...  Dave is coming home from work now to be here with the children, while I take my Mother to the emergency room.  Please pray for us.

UPDATE (3/13) - Thank you for the prayers!  My sister and I spent the evening in the ER with my Mother.  Her potassium levels were elevated, which can signal renal failure.  But, she felt well and her EKG was fine.  The doctor gave her an IV and medication to bring her potassium down.  Fortunately, she was not admitted and we were able to go home late last night.  My Mother was ready to go! 

The ER physician noted her kidneys did show signs of wear and tear.  But, at 79 years old, that is to be expected.  We'll be following up with my Mother's primary care physician in the coming days to determine if she should be referred to a kidney specialist.  I'm trying not to let worry overtake my thoughts.  But, my concern is my Mother may be on the path towards dialysis.
  

Mary Ellen

Caring for an Elderly Parent & Anxiety

 

 

Hello, All!  It seems like the last month has been a complete whirlwind!  One minute, I was excited the share the kid's school Valentine's with you all.  And before I knew it, March was upon us!  My Momma has been dealing with some ulcers on her feet and legs.  For a diabetic, wounds can be very problematic and slow to heal.  A few months ago, it started out as just one ulcer on the heel of her right foot.  After weeks of treatment at the wound care clinic, the wound was almost completely healed.  But, then she developed a severe itch on her legs after a vascular treatment.  The areas on her legs where she scratched, developed more wounds.  Her doctor at the wound care clinic was baffled as to how she could go from almost completely healed to pretty much back at square one.  After more testing, it was revealed that my Momma has a blockage in her left leg.  So, even though initially my siblings and I were all left scratching our heads (no pun intended) as to why Momma would scratch her legs raw, if she hadn't the blockage in her left leg might not have been discovered so soon.  Guess, it was one of those God things! :)

 

It's been difficult to see my Momma's health declining over the years.  In my mind, she's still the same formidable force she was when I was younger.  Growing up, I spent a lot of time wondering if she really loved me.  Her words at times could be more biting than the sting of her switch.  It's hard to reconcile the image in my mind with the frail woman she's become. 

 

 ~

 

My own health has been front and center lately as well.  Last month, I started experiencing a flushed feeling in my ears.  Dave suggested it might be due to an increase in my blood pressure.  My blood pressure has always been in the normal range, so I was taken aback when it did measure above normal.  It was a particularly stressful time at work - the whole working two positions, getting paid for one thing - and at home with my Momma's wound issues.  As things at work returned to a normal pace, the flushed feeling went away and my blood pressure returned to normal.  Until, this month when I started experiencing the same symptoms again.  As before, it's another stressful time at work.  This time, I went to my doctor.  The increase in my blood pressure appeared to be due in part to a reaction to an ingredient in an over the counter sinus medication.  However, I'm monitoring my blood pressure to see if further changes to diet and exercise may be needed.  I also had blood work done.  And, I did the one thing someone with health anxiety shouldn't do when they receive lab results - Google!  The iron levels looked high.  But, as Dave rightly pointed out, I'm not a medical professional.  I should speak with my doctor before diagnosing myself!  Plus, if there was anything of an urgent nature, my doctor would have called after reviewing the results.  Your prayers though would be greatly appreciated!

 

I've also started seeing a therapist to help me find effective strategies to deal with stress and anxiety.  I know some people scoff at the thought of therapy.  But, in the past I've found it very helpful to speak with someone not emotionally involved in the situation.  Sometimes, it takes direction from someone on the outside to get you back on the path of wellness and balance.   

 

Mary Ellen       

What I'm Reading ~ I Declare by Joel Osteen

"I declare I have the grace I need for today.  I am full of power, strength and determination.  Nothing I face will be too much for me.  I will overcome every obstacle, outlast every challenge, and come through every difficulty better off than I was before.  This is my declaration."

 

Pastor Joel Osteen

I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life

 



 

 

 

Disclosure

A Look Back...Christmas 2012

 

Our Dining Room Christmas tree

 

 

The Christmas trees have been packed away and a new year is upon us.  But, I have to admit, I'm not  quite ready!  I'm still in Christmas mode.  So, before the year ends, I'm taking a look back!



 

On Christmas Eve night, the kids got their new pajamas and ornaments.

 

Clayton playing Angry Birds on his new Kindle Fire HD while wearing his Angry Birds pajamas :)

 

Santa was here!

 

 

The kids were excited to start opening toys.

 

But...we almost...almost...ended up at the Emergency Room on Christmas morning!

 

Dave was opening a toy and decided to use his pocket knife instead of scissors.  In the process of cutting the plastic, he accidentally stabbed the knife into his thumb.  I'm sitting on the floor with the kids and suddenly Dave screams.  The toy and the pocket knife go flying across the room (fortunately not hitting anyone).  At first, I didn't realize what happened.  Until, I followed after Dave and started seeing drops of blood leading to the kitchen.  And, the drops were getting bigger and bigger!  Dave was at the sink trying to stop the bleeding.  When he took the pressure off his thumb, the blood gushed up like a geyser.  At that point, we're thinking he needs to go to the ER.  So, I rush upstairs to put on some clothes.  But, I'm all panicked and find myself running around in circles looking for a skirt.  I'm also feeling quite queasy from the sight of the blood.  Luckily, crisis was averted and the bleeding stopped.  Thank God!  

 

Later, we enjoyed a nice Christmas dinner of Roasted Ham with Dijon-Pineapple sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts and homemade jalapeno coleslaw. 

 

If you haven't tried the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with dried cranberries and balsamic reduction, you must!  They are absolutely delicious!  My mouth is watering just thinking about them.  The roasting takes them to a whole 'nother level!

 

At the end of the evening, we settled down and enjoyed some popcorn courtesy of Reed's popcorn machine.  Yes, he asked for a popcorn maker for Christmas!

 

Mary Ellen