Solomon's face update AND 30 Days of Thankfulness - Days 17-20

It's Bluebeard!  Solomon got a blue lollipop from the doctor

Solomon had his consultation with the plastic surgeon today about the lump on his face.  The doctor said it was an "epidermal includsion cyst" (aka "sebaceous cyst). 

The cyst will have to be surgically  removed at a hospital and, unfortunately, he will have to be put under anaesthesia.  (Lord willing he will handle it fine - just like Lilly did the 3 times she was put under.)  The doctor will cut along his natural smile line so that the scar will be less noticeable.  There is a cellular sac that must be removed.  It will then be tested to be sure there is nothing malignant. There is about a 5% chance that a second surgery would be necessary one day.  That kind of cyst can have "barnacles" which infect other areas outside the cell.  The cyst has to shrink down some more, before surgery, so that there's a better chance for the doctor to get everything. 

Surgery is currently scheduled for December 29th.  (They initially offered me December 15th - Lilly's angelversary date - but I knew I wouldn't be able to handle that day well.)


Sheesh!  I never knew a cyst could be so involved!  Thankfully we seem to have a very good doctor.  He has little children at home so he was understanding and gentle with Solomon.  And he was very thorough in explaining everything to me.

goofy blue toothed boy

Day 17 - Herbs:

I love herbs and continue to be fascinated by all the things to do with them.  (I don't think I could ever learn everything!)  I've developed quite a stash of them over the years.  I like make new tinctures for us to try, of different mixtures for this or that.  I even make an herbal mixture for the chickens.  As I study them I continue to marvel at all natural medicine that is growing all around us, that God has supplied.

My "chimney cabinent" is well stocked:

And this cabinet has all my bigger jars:

Day 18 - Entrepreneurial ideas:

I enjoy thinking of different ways to earn money (like our goat milk soap) and in teaching those ideas to my children.  Earlier this week, Solomon took over Tabby's old "chollipop" business.  (Chocolate lollipops made with melts in candy molds.)  We made 4 different kinds of chollipop's (dark, light, white, and peanut butter) using Pilgrim candy molds and packaged them.  I fixed them up old soda crates to put them in and Frank took them to work and put them out in the school's break rooms.  We've sold a couple - and one of the soda crates.  I have no idea if we'll sell many more, but Solomon enjoyed the process and I think it's so good for kids to develop this way of thinking.  That will give them more experience and choices about how to make a living when they are adults.

While Solomon and I were working in the kitchen, Hunter had several freshly washed mason jars drying on the counter.  He had had another order for a jar lamp!

Day 19 - Sunsets:

 I love a beautiful sunset almost as much as an amazing sunrise.  The colors are fantastic and it is incredible how fast they can change.  Try taking a series of photos over several minutes and then you can see just how fast that light changes!  Thursday evening I could see some pink out my window so I grabbed my camera and stepped outside.  Then after I got a few photos I decided to go to another area  of the yard to get some pictures without the wellhouse and fence in the way.  By the time I got my boots on and got out there it was too late.

Day 20 - Water & electricity:

When I was outside, getting some water for the goats, I started thinking about the original people that built this old farmhouse that we live in, in 1907.  We have been blessed to have their granddaughter in our home twice, and hear about her memories in the home and how the house has changed.  Probably the biggest changes were the additions of electricity, running water, and bathrooms!  I'm not sure when they were added exactly but I am SO grateful for them!  (Interesting aside - Frank grew up in eastern N.C. and they didn't have an indoor bathroom until he was about 7.  They used a "johnny house.")

Apparently, next to our kitchen sink, is where there used to be a handpump. 

And oh how I love electricity!  That is what runs our well pump now.  Plus, of course, lights, appliances, computer, heat and air conditioning, etc etc.!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." - James 1:17