Esaias

Goes without saying that I am equally pleased with each of my children.  But today I overheard a little conversation which just made me smile.  Esaias and Nathan were emptying the dishwasher together, when they heard Phineas shouting from upstairs.  So Esaias, turns to Nathan and so calmly tells him to go upstairs and see that Phineas is ok, and assures him that he will keep going with the dishwasher while he does.  I was only sat in the next room, but he just took it all in his stride.  Which is Esaias all over.  The children know a small amount about ME/CFS, they are aware that I need to rest a LOT but not once has Esaias ever complained about that.  

On top of this he is just remarkable with Nathan.  He is usually the first "on scene" to Nathan's meltdowns because they spend so much time together.  Never has he lost his temper with Nathan, he just offers constant kindness, understanding and reassurance.  

Esaias is a truly remarkable young man.

Scale

Scale Sometimes I forget that I live next to a major estuary, and even though we can see the Humber Bridge from our living room window I am still amazed at this amazing feat of engineering.  

Heavenly Father Loves Me

Depth

When I read the scriptures, I still mostly just get what is on the surface and I am grateful for the insights, blessings and answers that I have gained.  Sunday 15th of February marks 11 years since my baptism, and I need to remind myself that my gospel age is just 11.  In contrast Lewis has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of his life, however I still find myself a little in awe of his scriptural knowledge.  He talks about people from the scriptures with easy recall of names and dates.  This picture shows his favourite verse of scripture (D&C 58:26-28), and it is plain to see from the detailed markings, how much depth he goes into during his study.

I still like to think that we are an even balance in our marriage, as while Lewis can interpret the scriptures in way I can only dream of, I balance him with my compassion and empathy. It works. 

Depth

Evening Stroll at Water's Edge

Fighting battles

I am truly grateful for the NHS. I was among may proud Britons who watched the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and beamed as it celebrated our wonderful, unrivalled health care provision. 
However, it is stretched and continually short on funds, which makes battling through to a complex diagnosis is an undertaking that takes stamina, organisation and a large amount of British stubbornness. It has taken us 18 months to battle through a get Nathan his ASD diagnosis.  It has taken me over 20 years to get a diagnosis for my constant exhaustion and find a GP who is willing to treat it.  So I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...and there it is.  Three words that explain why some days I can move mountains (or all of the furniture in the house), and other days getting a shower feels like moving a mountain. 
I am now beginning medication and graduated exercise, but there are two other key factors that I think I will help me cope with this from now on.  One is that Lewis is being supportive, and most of all, he believes me.  Two is that I now have a reason to give myself a break.  
It's very liberating!

Selfies

Yesterday Phineas and I went out for a lovely walk down to Waters Edge.  We had a lovely time feeding the ducks.  I am trying desperately to go out more as Phineas is such an outdoors boy, but it was so lovely to snuggle up and watch some TV with my little man afterwards to!  He is growing up to be such a wonderful little boy, even if he sometimes stretches me to my limits with his crazy antics!  I am truly thankful to have this opportunity to stay at home with my boy.