April has come and gone yet again. This may be short as I know I need sleep.
It was lovely to celebrate Easter weekend with both sides of the family, including Graham's aunt and uncle who flew in from Alberta. My generous neices even bought a bunch of chocolate and candy for an egg hunt they organized for their younger cousins. They also had a little hunt at home and I was quite proud of myself. This was the first year I thought to take pictures of the places I hid the treats. We definitely referred to the photos. The kids have so much fun with their cousins.
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| We saw Lily-Anna in a class play |
We also enjoyed a few days of warm and hot summer weather and then returned to winter temperatures. With this rainy weekend, I think we are back to spring. I've been enjoying looking at all the beautiful daffodils when I am out and about.
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| Isaac liked McMaster's campus |
I've had an arthritis flare-up which I think is due to prolonged attacking of ice after the last ice storm. It was a beautiful day and I was enjoying being outside and being helpful and I felt great ... until a few days later.
It's gotten progressively worse since then and my recent bloodwork just confirmed that I have a lot of inflammation in my body, though I just need to look at my big knees to tell me that. I am hoping to get my knees drained and get some cortisone and then probably start on a stronger drug. Thankfully some days are better than others. I haven't had to take medicine for years. The prescription I am currently taking expired a while ago (I won't admit how long ago) but it runs out this week.
I know some people assume I am in a lot of pain but that's not exactly the case. There is extra pain if I accidentally hit a joint that is swollen but it's more about stiffness, limited mobility, tiredness at times, and the up and down emotional toll of not knowing how you are going to feel when you wake up in the morning and knowing you can't do all the things you want to do like getting into Lily-Anna's fort today or playing catch or soccer with the kids. It's the not-knowing how much to stay off your feet and how much to move around to keep the joints loose. It's wanting to be useful and to contribute and not give others more work.
Lily-Anna's devotional today included verse 31 from Isaiah 40: "but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." I am thankful our good God "does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." (Isaiah 40:28b-29) I am thankful that God is always with me and is fully trustworthy.
We celebrated Josiah's birthday (he would have turned 11 had he lived) with McDonalds (remembering the blessing of Ronald McDonald Houses), flowers at the grave, and cake. Kohen helped me out this year by telling me to choose a cake with orange on it. We also went to see the Harlem Globetrotters, surprising the kids.
I had to have two old fillings replaced this month and I must say that my dentist was amazing. I didn't even need to flinch for the freezing. She put the gel on and then added just a little freezing until it took hold and then she added the rest of the freezing but at that point I didn't feel anything.
Isaac started volunteering with preschoolers every other Sunday at our church. He loves it.
It's time to say goodnight.
Elizabeth
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
