The beginning of 2018 was full of snow and cold. Just a typical South Dakota winter.
I was diagnosed with a new food allergy at the end of January...granulated sugar. I was itchy all the time and had painful stomach and digestion problems. Taking out sugar has had it's ups and down but I do feel better without it. I am thankful I can still have honey and maple syrup to sweeten up my life!
March and April brought warmer weather and the snow started to melt. King and I enjoyed driving around the farm checking out the pasture and water run off.
In May my mom and I were blessed to go on a ladies retreat to Branson MO with my Kansas City church. I'm so thankful for all these ladies and their encouragement as Sisters in Christ!
My dad and I this summer built a strawberry box! We love strawberries and don't feel like sharing with the wild animals.
In June my niece Emma was born! She has brought our family so much joy. Auntie life is a blessing!
I still work as a Medication Aide at an Assisted Living. I love my job. It has it's good days and hard.
I do a lot of janitorial, housekeeping, and cleaning jobs.
I enjoy giving people DoTERRA essential oil massages and sharing the oil benefits with people. The massages really do a person wonders!
And I enjoy baking for people. I still have a dream of having my own bakery!
This summer I enjoyed Kayaking, reading in my Hammock, and many visits with friends. King loves to go swimming while I kayak. He is a faithful doggie! He even puts up with me when I try new things. Like putting a life jacket on him with no complaints but an annoyed look.
I have had many sick days October-April while May-September I feel almost normal. 7 months of feeling sick and 5 months of feeling healthy this year. It's hard to explain to someone that doesn't understand chronic illness. I strive to enjoy my life even while sick. Life is not always easy but I choose to count my blessings everyday. God has blessed me with this kind of growth in counting my blessings. Recently, October-December has made me see how hard my organs work to keep me healthy. My organs struggle to keep me going. I've seen that recently with some new lung, stomach, and digestive issues. Despite those recent pains, as well as, allergies, cold flu, and fibro pain, I find my life quite enjoyable. I am still able to laugh, smile, and find things to be thankful for. I would never ask for a different life. I am so blessed!
South Dakota has had some of the best Sunrises and Sunsets this year!
2018 was the first year I didn't have a major surgery or medical test. I find that as a blessing! I was able to enjoy this year in all it's highs and lows. I have learned so much. This year I was able to experiences many new things both hard and fun. I sought after my good God and found new growth in my relationship with Him. I pray that 2019 is a new year of new growth, learning experiences, and joy. I couldn't ask for a different life. My life is a blessing!
I hope and pray dear reader that you can find ways to count your blessings looking back and looking into the new year.
Happy New Year Everyone! May God bless you!
