Christmas

Had a good Christmas Eve,
Sean and Alicia came over with gifts for me and for Blaze. Then we all went to the 7 pm service at New Hope, even Ryan went. Also Sean cooked dinner for everyone. Very nice. I'll add more Christmas Day as we have Denise and Warren coming over and Sean and Alicia back later in the day. Les is cooking a Ham and we are going to Church again at 11 am.
Christmas Day was very nice, started out with Church at 11, then home where Les prepared a Ham and all the fixin's. His sister Denise and her husband Warren were her, as well as Ryan, then later Sean and Alicia. Sean's Mom sent us gifts and again I felt bad because I didn't know she was getting us something and I didn't get her anything.
I am blessed with a great family! Now the day is a memory and Blaze and I are together on the sofa.

Saying Goodye

Last night we had to say goodbye to our companion of almost 18 years, Puff. We we're at the point where the best thing for her was to let her rest. She tired so hard to keep going. It's a strange feeling getting up this morning and she's gone. The Doxie puppy entered our lives about three weeks ago, after saying no more dogs we have nnother. These pics were taken a fews years ago when she was still healthy. Les took her up and had me stay home. He said they gave hera shot first and she went to sleep. I was having a hard time taking care of two dogs with my disease. We have lot's of pictures and good memories of her!

Puppies

I had quite a surprise this weekend! Sean and Alicia brought me a long hair daschund puppy. They thought he would be good company for me during the day. I know their hearts are in the right place, Les and I need to decide if we want the commitment. I think Les already knows the answer, he loves the little guy. We had always said no more dogs, now I have a puppy on the couch! If we decide no Sean's step mom said she'd take him, they already have 6 or 7 daschund's! here's a pic, someone help me decide what to do!

Birthdays

I want to thank all my family for the wonderful gifts and cards. I felt like a child unwrapping packages and reading cards. Dad and Alice, the flowers are beautiful and the bear is so cute! Thanks for the card, too. Les will enjoy the chocolates. Greg your card was very sweet and so was your recent visit. And Mary you always find the coolest things, I have the thick crocheted slippers on as I type this. I needed some ones that fit and these do! And I'll enjoy the olive oil soap when I sit in the tub, and the Ricky Nelson cd also. We just got home from LaPine where Marsha gave a me a snuggy and Les's dad got me gloves. Guess I'll be warm and cozy. We spent the afternoon at South Twin Lake which is about 20 miles from Les's Dad's place. It's very pretty there.
I'll admit I've been a little down lately, but the kindness of family and friends has lifted my spirits. Looking forward to spending thanksgiving with my brother Greg and his family.

The Walk

My second year walking the walk to defeat ALS was a success. We got a late start driving downtown, so no we didn't meet Fred Noble yet. Maybe there will another opportunity. For sure I will see him when Alan comes for the ski event in April. Alicia and Sean joined us, and we had rain and sun. There were at least three thousand walkers there today. I get choked up just thinking about it all.

Oktober Fest

We we're leaving Church, it was pouring down rain and i recieved a text from Alicia "Hey, wanna go to the Oktoberfest with your grand weenies and watch the wiener races?" I said "yes!" Les thought I was crazy because of the rain. We got to Mt. Angel and the Sun came out and stayed. Never make plans in Oregon by how the weather is at that moment, it can change! We had fun and got to meet Hunk and Sadie's Dad, KIngston. He's just as gentle and sweet as they are. kids were swarming us wanting to pet them, the dogs like everybody. we didn't race them but wtached a few races. it was good to get out and do something fun.

Hunk, Sadie and their dad, Kingston!

Fall Wow

Today les and I have been married 26 years. Wow where did the time ago? And it was the start of Fall Wow (women of the word) we ate starting with the gospel of John. Fewer questions in the workbook and more of our own thoughts and insights. I invited my Sister in law Denise a few years ago because she needed some women in her life to talk and pray with. She loves it and never misses a single week. She's made some really good friends there. It's starting to feel like Fall here, though we never really had a true Summer. Dad and Alice were here and we had a good time together. My illness has brought us all closer, I think.

Live laugh love

I read the most beautiful tribute on the ALS forum this morning, I thought I'd share part of it. Its from a woman who just lost her husband to als. So here it is:
Continue your love and devotion try to patient  enjoy every moment with your loved ones ,do as much as possible and appreciate all that person has given you and the joy and happiness that person has given You for the time you have known them.
She a talking about making the most of the time they had left. Wether we have one day or a thousand.

Breakthrough could lead to effective treatment for ALS

Breakthrough could lead to effective treatment for ALS
Click on link above to read the full story
A visit to my Neurologist today showed I'm stable which is good news. I could stay that way for months, it's different for each person. Some people I've read about stayed the same for years. I must have a slow progression. Some people are gone in a year. I feel fortunate.

Very exciting news this week for ALS patients. I hope it pans out. It's been a very tough disease for science to understand. It all has to do with a certain protein and it's not cleaning or recycling the "crap" inside the cells of the spinal cord and brain (sorry for not using the correct word) so it builds up and over time destroys the neurons. No reason given why this happens, maybe they don't know yet. The human body is such a wonderful yet complex creation, something so tiny as a cell can wreak such havoc. That's why i'm walking in September's walk to defeat ALS. Some of the money raised goes to research. I would love to see treatments that could extend my life or even better a cure. Of mankind wasn't so busy thinking of ways to kill each other, that energy could be re focused on curing diseases such as ALS, cancer, there are too many to list.

Utah and family

We had a great trip to Utah to see Dad and Alice. Greg and Yvonne were there but had to cut out the rest of their trip as Greg's cancer may be back. He tried so hard to make the time enjoyable while we were there. He's a very strong person. I did ok on the trip, I even drove some to give Les a break but pulled over when my hands gOt tired. I will post pictures later, today we are wiener sitting and Hunk insists on being in or near my lap, I don't mind as we are buddies. Pray for Greg this week that he will get better news on his cancer.

Alicia and Sean's Wedding

It was a gorgeous day in a beautiful setting to celebrate the marraige of our daughter Alicia to Sean Duhamel. it was hard to hold back the tears as the music began and her Dad walked our beautiful daughter down rhe aisle. Our family just grew some!

Les Walking Alicia down the aisle

Saying their vows

Father-Daughter dance

Sean and Alicia's shower

Sean's Aunt threw a co-ed shower. Here are some pictures

NP001 our miracle drug?

This drug for ALS is in it's second trial phase, it showing promise to stop and even reverse the course of this terrible disease. Providence ALS center is one of the locations for this trial. I emailed my Doctor and will have to have Les on board if I were to participate. He's already so busy but I know he'd do anything to help me. The more people get involved the faster they would get to market. It takes a long time to get a new drug on the market, and this disease does not slow down and wait. Thkere is also criteria to be met when a person participates. I've been praying for a break-through so we will see. It's given by IV so we'd have more equipment at home.
Cathy

Enjoy your coffee this morning!

Enjoy your coffee this morning!

Fire hose

Les calls my tube a fire hose because a few times I didn't get the plug on tight enough and my gastric contents went shooting out. Not gaining much weight yet but maybe it just takes time. Dr. Stigler wants to see me in six weeks instead of three months, he must know something I don't. They go by a timeline of what the average patient will be at. He wanted to know how I'm doing emotionally, i told him I am holding my own and my faith in God helps a lot. Also having a husband like Les is a huge help. My gosh I've been going to Dr. Stigler for almost two years. He was nicer than usual this time, I surprised him with a hug this time. I am looking forward to Alicia's Wedding and seeing family, hopefully the day will go smoothly, but it seems there is always some little mishap at weddings! Family: see you soon!Ps Les shoud have left the Robin's nest, she's building another one in the same spot!

Father's Day

A happy Father's day to all Dad's out there! Dad I hope you have a relaxing Father's day. My cough is gone, I'm still weak, I get my blood checked on Monday, and see our GP on Wed. They need to make sure my electrolytes are ok. Have a great Sunday.

Peg

Well I've put it off as long as I can, Friday I go in and get a peg feeding tube. I should have done it sooner but for so long my weight stayed the same. Then it took a nose dive. It's become pure misery to eat and not much better to drink. I still can with the peg but I won't have to as much. It's hard to describe what this has been like. Hard on Les, too. Still want and waiting for a second opinion. I just want to know without a doubt what disease I have. We are getting quotes on a new roof and planning a Wedding, plus me, busy time! I hope everyone likes pulled pork and chicken and side salads for the reception, that's the caterer we are looking at. Maybe we should have an vegetarian side dish? I don't know

Love, Cathy

Mothers Day

It's Mother's Day, time to honor Mom's and Women who have mentored a child. I don't care about getting a gift, it's just nice to have the company of my Children. Sean and Alicia may join at Church then go the mausoleum to see Nina's spot there. She was gone to California when her Grandam passed and we haven't been there for awhile. Original plan was to meet Sean's Mom on a dog walk but the weather isn't cooperating. Cold and wet here still, it's not like May.

Glorious Day

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises


One day when sin was as black as could be

Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin

Dwelt among men, my example is He

Word became flesh and the light shined among us

His glory revealed



Living, He loved me

Dying, He saved me

Buried, He carried my sins far away

Rising, He justified freely forever

One day He’s coming

Oh glorious day, oh glorious day


 I for one would rather live as though there is a God and die to find out there isn't than to live my life as though there isn't a God and find out there is.

Dehydration

Well Les's was right, I've become dehydrated. The Rheumatologist noticed. So I started drinking a lot more water during the day, if it dribbles then so be it. I have to admit it helps me feel better. I get a arterial blood draw Thrusday to check mynblood gases, they won't even consider doing the peg without doing that first. I'm still trying to gain the weight back myself, some of it is water I bet.

Easter

It is Easter Sunday, where we celebrate Christ's victory over death and sin. Praise be to God!

Holy Week

Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Each day has significance for Christains. Palm Sunday marks Jesus's Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Mattheww 21: 7-9
7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd wspread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, x“Hosanna to ythe Son of David! zBlessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna ain the highest!”

flashbacks

This song by the Three Dog Night was a big hit around 1970's they still sound good some 40 years later without Chuck, dispute? This song brings back memories of sixth grade in Mr. Richards class, a young good loking teacher who had a little hippie in him. I used to go spend the night with my friend Sue who had found his number in the phone book. We spent many nights calling him and then hanging up when he answered. He was on to us though, Sue must have slipped up as she was the one making the calls. we made tie dyed shirts that year and as a class we made an hip movie! Our class sang this song for the sixth grade talent show. I'll never forgrt that! Funny how we forget so much yet silly things stick in our memory banks forever!

Blazzzerrs

amazing game last night! Must see video

I am blessed

Time for a new post, though I've already told everyone the latest news of our daughter Alicia's engagement to Sean. They have been dating for a year now, they met on St. Patricks day in a downtown pub. So it was on their one year date that he proposed to her. I have known for about three weeks as he told me, Alicia laughed when he told her that he told me, because she knows how hard it is for me to keep a secret. I did a pretty good job, though. les took me to a Blazer game and we were in the 100 section, I've never been so close to the action. That same night Sean was going to pop the question, I knew and it was driving me crazy. At Halftime my phone buzzes, there's the text with a pic of the ring. Les and I both got choked up. Wow what a week! They are discussing wedding dates, sounds like this Summer, mid August. Plus Greg had his big climb and made it all the way up. I see. The Neurologist March 28th for my three month check in. I want to find out if he'd do a muscle biopsy. I had two emgs with the last one showing it had spread, so the ALS dx. But with the scleroderma Les still doesn't thinks it's possible to have both. I'm a rare person indeed if I have both, can't find anyone else that ever has. I'd just like to extra sure. Signing off now,
No matter how many obstacles come my way, I'm finding that every day has it's blessings and I try to adjust. Also Pastor Janet, Carolyn and another pastor gave me an anointing, it was a beautiful experience.

A nervous Sean before he proposed to Alicia

A view from the Portland City Grill where they got engaged, a rainbow on St.Patty's day

e

Me in the 100 section!

Friends

Yesterday was Mom's Birthday. I still think of her often. I know that she loved the Lord and I'll see again someday. This is one of my favorite songs. It made me think of her.

It is well with my soul

This a very old hymn, Justin sang it at Church today, so I looked it up. Great story about the man who wrote it  in 1873. Now my curiousity has been satisfied. Beautiful song, it's good to hear songs that have a story behind them. Pastor Janet wants to do an anointing on me, so after Wow on Wed. she'll do it. It's a first for me.

Real

"What is Real?", asked the Rabbit one day

"Real isn't how you were made", said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the rabbit.

"Sometimes", said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real, you don't mind being hurt."

Does it happen all at once, like being wound up", he asked, "Or bit-by-bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once", said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been rubbed off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real, you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

----The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams

Weather

Cat Burgler!

Mary you'll love this one. I posted it on facebook but not everyone goes on there. Enjoy!

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day to friends and family. I hope everyone has a chance to tell their loved ones how special they are today.Have a great day, ps les got
me flowers, a teddy bear and tickets to a Blazer game in March; he knows me pretty well!
Love, Cathy

Miracles

We have been studying Acts in Wow, and yesterday some of the gals at my table shared stories where God had preformed miracles in their midsts. I spent this morning working on next weeks lesson and thinking about miracles. Why they happen to some and not others? It's a mystery for sure, sometimes the person is a believer and sometimes not. Many times with the non believer this experience opens their eyes and brings them to the Lord. It's supernatural occurrence that's hard to put in a neat little box. I've heard people say if you don't get healed it's because the person didn't have enough faith. I don't think that's right,we don't know what's in someones heart. My Father in law had a heart attack that would have killed most people, yet he's driving around Lapine he's got heartburn! There are miracles all around us but we don't always notice. In Acts 4:8:10 Paul healed a cripple because God gave certain people the power to heal. I think he does this to get our attention. Have a good day,
Cathy

Weiners

After a month hiatus my little friends spent the night with us, in bed and under our covers! Puff used to sleep on our bed, don't really miss that. Sunny here but east wind and chilly.

Journey On

I saw this video on Facebook this morning and had to share it. I don't know much about football; it's a video about former Eagles football palyer Kevin Turner and his battle with ALS. I am amazed by the bravery and dignity of so many people I have followed on the net. He teamed up with Country singer Ty Herndon to make this video and raise money to find a cure.

A Time

I believe that everything that happens to us has a purpose. God does not tempt us, but he does test us. I like this song from the Byrds, turn, turn, turn. Life has seasons, and they are good and bad.