Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Holidays and Parties!

FINALLY found the time to sit down and update my blog! The holidays are a crazy time around here. This year seemed even crazier. It crept up on me, and I didn't feel very prepared. Usually I'm able to take a week off before Christmas, and that didn't happen this year. We just dove right in! We're taking this week to clean house and recover. Next year I WON'T wait until the weekend before Christmas to throw G's birthday party. We had a great time though.







One new development I've had is that I finally have a "preliminary" diagnosis. My blood work came back positive for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I go back for more workup next month. One one hand I'm relieved, but I'm also frustrated. The last few weeks have been really good. I've been nearly pain-free. Right now most of the pain is focused in my hip. Fun stuff! I'm combing the web for any information. Especially recipes and alternative treatments. I love hearing had bad the medications are, and how the treatment will kill me. I either get unwanted input, or silence. I'm not sure which is worse!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

New Blog App

I'm just testing a new blogger app I'm using!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The problem with punctuation. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

The problem with punctuation. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

Thursday, June 23, 2011

I'm UP....again.

One of the worst symptoms I've had is insomnia. I want to blame it on the medication (Cymbalta) but I don't think that is completely it. I have even tried taking extended release Melatonin (10mg!), and I STILL wake up between 2am and 4am. My eyes popped WIDE open at 4am this morning, and I wasn't able to go back to sleep. I started Baclofen Monday, which is an anti-spasm and muscle relaxer. It has been GREAT. It has really loosened up my muscles. The downside is that I am tripping more, and walking into walls. I walked SMACK into the hallway opening on my way to the bathroom this morning. I have always done this, even when I was I kid. It's just worse! I have to laugh at it. My coworker, Stephanie, has repeatedly heard me say "OUCH!"- she knows I've bumped into something, or walked into a wall. She will still ask "are you ok?!!". haha. MRI on Monday. I don't think I can wait 2 weeks on the results.
The boys get to go on a trip with College Project this morning. They're traveling to Northeastern State University in Talequah, the aquarium, and Incredible Pizza. They will be gone until 9pm, so I think Gillian and I will have a girl's night out after dance. I think a trip to Goody's froyo is in order. Woohoo!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Boxers and Bubbles

We bought Laila a bubble machine. Hilarity ensues!
 



 Mom, take a picture of me JUMPING!!
 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

What a year...

I've been trying to journal. I've been doing ok, but it seems like I have 3 or 4 different notebooks scattered around the house, and I can't keep up with them all. My thoughts tend to overflow on Facebook, but I don't think my 600+ friends care to read my "randomness". After reading  a few blogs written by friends, I think this will be a good outlet. 
I have been married to my husband for 15 years. It has been full of highs and lows, but I would say the past five years have been the most erratic. Not always necessarily in a bad way; I love the illustration in the movie "Life" with Michael Keaton. On a roller-coaster I'm always anxious and nervous on that clicking ride to the top. But the ride down is all worth it. There are turns that jerk me and sling me around, but I'm always out of breath and happy when the ride ends! We have had job transitions, divorces, job stress, new positions, illness, surgeries, and friendships ending (and beginning). Two huge events that have impacted our lives the most is finding a church family, and the death of Randy's dad.
God tried to steer us toward Mt. Olive about the same time as my parent's divorce, a little over 5 years ago. We were invited by an acquaintance from high school. At that time he said there were about 10 people that met on Friday night, and they ate dinner and had a bible study. At that time Randy was still traveling, and I was nervous about walking into a situation like that. I also had a "bad taste" in my mouth from church. I was trying to attend a larger church where we didn't feel accepted. Fast forward 2 years of church bouncing, and a friend invites me to attend this fantastic church where, despite her divorce, she felt fully accepted. I walked into the doors that first Sunday, and I think we have only missed 4 or 5 since. I got involved in the children's ministry, and our family joined a Lifegroup. Our 13 year old was baptized last year, and our 14 year and 8 year old have both talked about it. Our faith has been questioned, and grown in wonderful ways. We have made friends that have become our family.
Last August Randy's dad passed away. It changed the whole family. I doubt there is a day that goes by that Randy doesn't think of his dad. Before his death, Randy just had to worry about taking care of me and the kids. Now he also has his Mom to worry about. I have had to get over selfishness, and accept this new family dynamic. I have a whole new respect for Randy, my brother in law, and both my sister in laws. I know we would not have made it through the past 10 months without our friends, church family, and Lifegroups.
So here we go... Randy has a new job. We will have a son entering high school (who happens to be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrom, eek!). I am beginning a new journey with my health. I have never appreciated, and HATED, insurance and Dr. offices like I have the past 6 weeks. Hopefully this week will bring answers and pain relief. I don't pray for a diagnosis, but I pray for guidance for my neurologist, and a PROPER diagnosis (if that makes sense). I have Romans 8:28 tattoo'd on my arm. I didn't even hesitate when the tattoo artist put the needle in my arm last summer. She questioned it, and I told her "this verse has got me through some hard times. I know there will be more, and I can't miss it there".  My favorite version is the NIV-  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  
It's comforting to know that He is always there, and will never leave us. No matter how hard life gets, or how dark it seems, I still feel his presence. There have been times where I have gotten mad, and griped at Him. Why are YOU letting this happen?  In the end, I know He has timing, purpose, and a plan for us. We are BLESSED, and that's why I called my blog "Life to the Fullest". We'll see how it goes :)