my mri...

well i'm back from my post-MRI apt.

the Dr. said they can see nothing that is too concerning.

my left trigenoral (?) nerve is enlarged, and has excess fluid around it,

however they can not see a cause (such as a tumor).

he is sending it off to the neurologist to compare with my previous MRI.

they are also running some blood work.

while I appreciate all the prayers i received,

please don't stop!

Brynna's MRI is next Thursday,

and i have been warned to not expect that one to turn out quite as well.

but I am still trusting in the Lord, and appreciate you all,

family, friends, and blogger pals.

God Bless,

mandy

friday favorites...

i love it when some of my favorite bloggers post their favorites.

like sara @

august fields.

so in true style,

i am totally copy catting;)

1.

buy it here

this stuff is fantastic.

it says for hands but i use it on my elbows, and on a spot of eczema on my knee.

and it smells like almond.

yum!

2.

Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer.

these are books that I don't mind reading to my children over, and over, and over (and over and over and over).

they are so cute,

and actually help me to remember that sometimes my kids intentions aren't quite as malicious as it seems;).

buy here

3.

and while i don't actually own these, i am majorly crushing on them...

target.

of course.

i actually had them in my basket once,
but couldn't bring myself to pay $23 for them.
cuz i'm cheap.
but they're called amanda.
so it seems as though it was meant to be, does it not?
if that's not God telling me "buy these boots, they were made for your gardening feet",
i don't know what is.



(let's avoid reminding anyone that i have actually always disliked being called amanda, shall we?)

God Bless,
Mandy

bittersweet birthday...

my youngest is 3 today.

my youngest has never been 3.

i've always had another baby in my arms by the time the other was 2 1/2.

this is new territory.

scary territory.

good territory...

right?

because it doesn't always feel that way.

oh , we aren't having more.

as the dr. said  those parts are spit on, burned, stomped on, cut and tied.

but it is surreal to be walking through a baby aisle and not need anything.

well, except diapers and wipes, because he's stubborn ;).

i feel bittersweet about giving all those babyness goods the pink slip.

they were loved, abused, thrown up on,

and truly a part of my home decor for a decade.

i know the decision to stop having babies was necessary for us.

still it aches a little.

happy birthday my baby boy.

the littlest monkey,

my elmo, mickey, orange loving boy.

God Bless,

Mandy

1,000 Gifts for Multitude Mondays...

it's been a while since i've done this.

in light of a tough season in our little family,

i feel the need to remember all that i've been blessed with...

110. paint colors

111. children's books.

112. especially mercer meyer's Little Critter

113. and Dr. Suess

114.  the sunshine!

115. worshiping

116. time spent with just my daughter yesterday
117. seeds sprouting

118. my husband's arms

119. overtime pay

120. prayer, the ability to come before my Father

121. lemon

122. linen

123. my 4 year old's endless, insatiable desire to learn

124. my 2 year old's silly faces

125. my 9 year old's inner strength

126. my daughter's sweet , helpful, goofy spirit

127. friends.  the kind you know are covering you in prayer

(thank you and I love you guys!)

128. spring really being here. and feeling it outside.

129. smelling flowers perfuming the air.

130. buttons

brynna's 7th birthday was march 31 st.

 this was her surprise donut for breakfast.

her MRI is scheduled for april 14th,

please keep her in prayer.

and if you don't know what i'm talking about,

here is the original post.

God Bless,

Mandy