News from Us

I finally went to the doctor today for the pain in my shoulder. Dressing, lifting, and even closing a cabinet door were causing me immense pain for ten days. I do not remember injuring my shoulder, but something is causing the pain. I can barely do my hair each morning! My husband told me I needed to see the doctor. I'm in the habit of taking his advice.
The doctor prescribed a very strong anti-inflammatory drug for me, instructed to rest my right arm and apply heat to the area. He said that lifting a heavy toddler and caring for four children could easily strain my shoulder. My right wrist is hurting also. However, resting my right arm, even for a lefty, is going to be challenging. After all, it IS a right handed world! ;) I use my right arm a lot more than I had thought I did! If this treatment doesn't improve my shoulder, I will have to have a cortisone shot, and then possibly an MRI on the area. I humbly request your prayers. I have so much to do with homeschooling and church work and work in general. I decided that whatever the Lord has for me during this trial, I am to going to accept with as much gratitude as I can. I know from experience that every trial only leads me closer to Him and that's exactly where I want to be! I am hoping, however, that I will get there without being in the trial too long! ;) I suppose that's the human side of me talking.
Leslie is almost back to 100%! She is playing and laughing again with no recurring fever. She doesn't have the same old appetite she once had, but she is still on medication, so that might be the reason.
I am not sure about blogging. I am only able to use my husband's laptop because of my shoulder. All of my photos are on our desktop. I have them on CD, so I may be able to place them on here, I'm not sure. It may be a while before I get the kinks worked out. Thank you for continuing to to check in here, despite my irregularity in posting. I know there are a million places - literally - to surf on the Internet. Your stopping by here is much appreciated.

I hope you have a terrific day!

Just an Update...

Hello, friends and neighbors! I just wanted to check in and give you all an update. My arm is improving, praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayers! Laci is doing much better from her sinus infection, so that is a blessing. Leslie, however, is not doing too well. She has not responded to her antibiotics. Her fever has been about 101-102 every day this week. I called our doctor today and the nurse told me that she should have improved by Thursday. She told me to take her to the ER, since his office is closed today.
We just returned from a 2.5 hour stay at the hospital. After checking for everything, they told me she has a severe ear infection. Post nasal drip is causing the sore throat and coughing.
We are now starting a round of stronger antibiotics, as well as a decongestant. I am hoping she will be much improved my Monday!
Thanks for your patience with my blogging break. I hope to be back soon!

Blogging Break

Due to the regular "busyness" of my life - church work, sickness, housework, homeschooling - I am taking a break from blogging. I do not know how long it will last. Perhaps a few days, maybe a few weeks.
I have to be careful to keep my priorities in order. I always put blogging last on my agenda, but then I feel guilty when I don't get to it, so I squeeze it in by forfeiting sleep or time with my children.

Thank you for your understanding.

Hope to see you soon!

Simple Woman's Daybook #4

FOR TODAY... January 5, 2009

Outside My Window...c-c-c-cold rain falling...maybe ice later! Brrr. Bring on the hot cocoa!!

I am thinking...about the Bible studies I will be working through this year. I am looking forward to finishing up the study on God's Sovereignty, and beginning a new one from Regular Baptist Press. I'm having a hard time picking just one!

I am thankful for...our good friends, the Butlers', visiting us this past weekend; for the record attendance we had at church yesterday (even though I had to be home with a sick child), and for the dear lady who trusted Christ as her savior last night after church. What a blessing to have a birds' eye view of God's miraculous work!

From the learning rooms...homeschooling resumes, but we are easing back into it. Mitchell resumes on Wednesday, and Lauren is doing half days this week.

From the kitchen...right now, it's empty. I buy groceries on Mondays...but you probably gathered that since every Monday my pantry is bare! I am making my menu today and buying groceries.

I am creating...new computer graphics with my Paint Shop Pro X2 program.

I am going...to take down Christmas decorations today. :(

I am reading...my Bible through using a new schedule this year. I'm also reading some devotional books, and a book of poems that a friend of mine wrote! :)

I am hoping...to see the Lord work in my life this year. I see many areas that need growth and improvement.

I am hearing...the pitter-patter of rain on the roof.

Around the house...everyone is subdued from two weeks of being out of routine. Laci is running a fever and sleeping a lot. Things are abnormally quiet!

One of my favorite things...blogging!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Homeschooling, housework, and lots of time cuddling with my children, enjoying the fact that we survived the Holidays!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...a family I'm praying for:

Jeremy, Amanda, Josiah, Jonathan and Judson Tyler are Missionaries to Brazil.
I've known Amanda since I was fifteen. We met at summer church camp and have kept in touch for fifteen years now! She and her family were such a blessing to us when they were here on December 14th. They are getting close to leaving for Brazil!

I am thankful for men and ladies who are willing to go anywhere to serve the Lord, and I desire to be the same way.

Have a wonderful week!

Special thanks to the hostess of the Simple Woman's Daybook.

He Gave Me His Life...Insurance

Today, I am celebrating eleven wonderful years as "Mrs. Terry Basham, II". If I had been able to find a good price on a scanner, I would be showing you our wedding photos. Perhaps I can do that in the future.
Terry and I got married at nineteen years of age! I don't think we drugged our parents to get them to agree to this, but maybe someone did...what were they thinking? I suppose they had the same faith that we did, that while life wasn't easy, when you have the Lord and someone you're deeply in love with, it will all be okay.
Terry was making $6 and some change per hour when we said "I do". He was not able to get any vacation time because he was in the midst of an annual inventory at work. So, instead of going to Washington D.C. (we both love history), we went to a quaint resort in Heber Springs for a two day honeymoon. He sold his truck to get the money for a nice honeymoon, but when we realized that our tiny duplex didn't have a refrigerator, we spent over half of it on that. I still have the fridge by the way, and it holds a special sentimental value to me. I sometimes look at it and imagine that it is a Hawaiian beach, or a cruise ship.
We didn't have much money back then. We still don't. Four children, eight moves, and hundreds of dollars of medical expenses (from having no medical insurance) have sucked away any hopes of financial prosperity.
Many folks would shake their heads at our "foolishness", but they don't understand. I have something which money could never buy. I have a husband who would give his very life for me. In fact, he does, everyday. Everyday he gives us his time, and time is the stuff of which life is made. Everyday he tells me and our children that he loves us, by being around us and doing things with us.
Shortly after we moved to Texas, my husband purchased some life insurance. He was fearful that he might go on to Heaven before me, leaving me with four children to raise and no money. I appreciated his wisdom and foresight.
The premium isn't astronomical, but it's a good portion of our money. Once, when things were tight, I asked him if we could let that policy laps to save money. He said, "Valerie, I'll do whatever it takes to keep that policy. If I have to get second job, we're keeping that insurance."
I know, you're thinking, "What's the big deal?"
The "big deal" is love. My husband loves me enough to work a second job, not to buy a boat, or a deer lease, or a new truck - but to purchase life insurance for me and our children.

Today my husband wanted to take me to Hot Springs for an overnight stay, but financial constraints kept us from the trip. I was very disappointed because I had my focus wrong. I am thankful that the Lord shifted my focus and helped me see what really matters.

Terry, I love you with all that is in me. I'm so sorry I fail you - and you know I do- over and over! I let you down; I disappoint you. I wish I could be perfect, for the Lord and for you.
Thank you for loving me for over eleven years. I don't want dinner at Olive Garden or a trip to Hot Springs. I just want you.

And the Winner Is....

To show that this contest was above board and completely legit, I photographed the actual drawing. If giving away $25 worth of books from CBD doesn't say "I love you", then perhaps my willingness to photograph myself this way does.

Here are the names - all seventeen of them - in the bowl. I typed them out, cut them evenly and folded them twice.Then, I stirred them around vigorously - and I got such a clear picture thanks to my hubby buying me a brand new 10 mega pixel camera for Christmas. I was actually moving when I took this!! Thanks, Honey!♥
Then, I reached in without looking, and asked my husband to take this stupid photo of myself - all in the name of honesty - and I drew out the winning name:


Can you see it?? No? You can only see my horrible looking fingers? Sorry 'bout that. The winner is Heather!!!! Heather is a sweet lady whose husband is currently deployed in Iraq. Thank you, Heather, for entering my FIRST giveaway! Just go to CBD, select the books you would like, and email me your order and your address. Email me at valerie@graceinhope.com

Thanks so much, ladies, for taking time out of your day to read my blog. Thank you for entering! I absolutely loved reading your favorite books!
Here are some books that I will be reading thanks to your suggestions:

Pride and Prejudice
First, We Have Coffee
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God
White Chocolate Moments

I will have to have another giveaway soon...it's sooo much fun!!!

Times Up!

Thank you all for entering my giveaway. I will be announcing the winner tomorrow, so stay tuned!!

Happy New Year!