OK, it has been 1 week since I decided to try the diet for adrenal fatigue and also follow some recomendations regarding lifestyle, decreasing stress, etc.
Diet - basically supposed to eat several small meals all day (easy for me, i do that anyway) and it suggested eating a protein, a fat, and a carbohydrate at every meal... the carbs are supposed to be good carbs (whole wheat, etc - no white bread, rice, potatoes, etc) and the fat is supposed to be the good fat, not bad fat (saturated fat, etc) and it says to eat 6 - 8 servings of vegetables a day and I think it was 3 -4 servings of fruit. And no sugar! So, I have done pretty good; better than I thought I would. Starbucks did suck me in yesterday, a few other give-ins; but overall, I have stuck to it. I am probably not getting 6 - 8 servings of veggies, but I need to go to the store.
I am on the diet for 2 reasons, the main reason is to try and increase my energy level. I have seen a definate improvement in this area. I am not running a marathon anytime soon; but I have had the energy to get up and do the things I need to do (within my time limits). Another thing I read about adrenal fatigue is that your body NEEDS to rest to heal itself, - so, I have not been down on myself when I have to sleep in a little late, and I have even taken a few naps this week. I have accomplished more this week than the previous weeks; although I still have a long way to go before I feel like I am accomplishing all that I need to do on a daily basis and still feel good. But I feel like I am off to a good start.
The second reason I am on this diet is because I have gained 15 pounds since my hysterectomy 2 years ago, and in the past few weeks I had gained another 4 pounds. At the beginning of this past week I was dissapointed to see a cont. increase in weight, but then the past 3 -4 days, I am finally losing a little bit. :)
On a different note, let me tell you about my grace and elegance today. We were going to do Bible (homeschool) outside on the trampoline. The kids were already up there and instead of just getting up there like I normally do, I decided I would step up on the crate the kids use as a step. I stepped up with my right foot, and swung my left leg up on the trampoline, about that time, the crate broke and shot across the yard underneath the trampoline; I landed square on my pelvic bone on the metal bar of the trampoline, then the weight of my right leg dangling down pulled me off the trampoline, and I landed flat on my back with my feet up in the air. To make matters worse, I landed right where the dog had just peed. Looking on the brighter side of things... the dog had just pooped too, and I missed that (thank God); AND - I was wearing Matt's shirt - lol!!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Not old yet
Wow! I am sitting outside watching the kids ride bikes again, and the neighbors dog came and was jumping on Madi and Lauren (playful) but the kids were screaming. I ran to them, but before I could get there my 12 year old rottie got there. He hardly ever moves faster than a snail, but his instincts kicked in just like mine. He got between the girls and the dog and was growling at him and pushing him away from the girls. Luckily the dogs owner came up then and the dog ran. Took us a minute to catch him. But I am SOOOO proud of my Duke :) I hope our new puppy will be even 1/2 as good a dog as Duke.
Tyler Hives
Last night Tyler broke out in hives on the back of his legs from his ankles all the way up to his rear end. They overlapped and looked like one big hive. He also had a patch on the back of each of his arms right above his elbows, and a patch on both of his thighs.
He is better this morning, but I am keeping an eye on him, knowing they can come and go for a while. But glad he is better this morning!!
He has eczema, so I know he is prone to allergies, etc.
So... trying to figure out what caused it. Here was our day: He ate cereal for breakfast (the boy LIVES for cereal, nothing new there.) He complained with a sore throat midmorning, then by lunchtime he was crying a little bit with his throat hurting - so I gave him some motrin with lunch. He had chicken tenders, mac-n-cheese, and a brownie (all nothing new, including the motrin); he had a runny nose all afternoon. He had some pretzels and some cheetos for snack (nothing new). As for drinks all day - water, lemon lime gatorade, and tea (all he has had before). Then we went to grandma's for dinner, we sat out on the screened in patio and that was when he started telling me that he had mosquito bites. I told him we were screened in and there were no mosquitos. He started crying saying it hurt and itched so bad...(I feel bad because I told him to chill - he is SOOO OCD and when he gets his mind set on something, it will NOT go away, so I really thought he just had his mind set that he was getting bit by mosquitos even though he wasn't). For dinner we had spaghetti, salad, and breadsticks... all of which he has had before. The ONLY thing I can think of is that he started complaining right after he sat down outside and the majority of the hives were on the back of his legs; but I don't know what could have been on the chair that would cause a reaction like that. Matt's mom has lots of plants, etc BUT we have ate out there many times... Tyler has played ball and wrestled in the grass, etc.
But I do know that allergies don't have to happen on first or second exposure, etc. SO it could have been anything - but I am leaning towards an exposure to something outside last night. The only reason I want to know is so we can avoid it in the future.
I gave him benadryl, zantac, and singulair; and bathed him in oatmeal. He slept well - lol. I slept next to him and checked on him all night long.
Today, he says his throat doesn't hurt, he isn't itching, and no hives. His nose is still running.
Will watch and see.
He is better this morning, but I am keeping an eye on him, knowing they can come and go for a while. But glad he is better this morning!!
He has eczema, so I know he is prone to allergies, etc.
So... trying to figure out what caused it. Here was our day: He ate cereal for breakfast (the boy LIVES for cereal, nothing new there.) He complained with a sore throat midmorning, then by lunchtime he was crying a little bit with his throat hurting - so I gave him some motrin with lunch. He had chicken tenders, mac-n-cheese, and a brownie (all nothing new, including the motrin); he had a runny nose all afternoon. He had some pretzels and some cheetos for snack (nothing new). As for drinks all day - water, lemon lime gatorade, and tea (all he has had before). Then we went to grandma's for dinner, we sat out on the screened in patio and that was when he started telling me that he had mosquito bites. I told him we were screened in and there were no mosquitos. He started crying saying it hurt and itched so bad...(I feel bad because I told him to chill - he is SOOO OCD and when he gets his mind set on something, it will NOT go away, so I really thought he just had his mind set that he was getting bit by mosquitos even though he wasn't). For dinner we had spaghetti, salad, and breadsticks... all of which he has had before. The ONLY thing I can think of is that he started complaining right after he sat down outside and the majority of the hives were on the back of his legs; but I don't know what could have been on the chair that would cause a reaction like that. Matt's mom has lots of plants, etc BUT we have ate out there many times... Tyler has played ball and wrestled in the grass, etc.
But I do know that allergies don't have to happen on first or second exposure, etc. SO it could have been anything - but I am leaning towards an exposure to something outside last night. The only reason I want to know is so we can avoid it in the future.
I gave him benadryl, zantac, and singulair; and bathed him in oatmeal. He slept well - lol. I slept next to him and checked on him all night long.
Today, he says his throat doesn't hurt, he isn't itching, and no hives. His nose is still running.
Will watch and see.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Chronic and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
I have been doing a lot of research on this today. Although not diagnosed by a dr.; I have every symptom, and it also makes sense with my thyroid levels being off and other lab results. I have been blaming my lack of energy on my busy schedule and depression. Althought that plays a huge role in it; and is even part of these fatigue syndromes; I didn't realize there was more to it.
Madison told me the other day, "Mommy, you look like you are about to cry". She was right, it was all I could do to keep from losing all control of my emotions. Some nights I am up till 1 or 2 in the morning, not able to go to sleep, even though I have NO energy whatsoever... then some nights I am ready to go to bed right after dinner. I wouldn't say that I ever have an abundance of energy. There are days that I feel "happier" than others - usually those are the days that I am doing something fun with the kids, or hanging out with Jenn, or Matt is home. I know depression is manifested in many different ways... my symptoms are: feeling overwhelmed, irritable, stressed out; generally unable to do all that I need to do and feeling overwhelmed by it.
Of course, reading about depression and fatigue syndromes tell you to find what stressors you have and eliminate them if possible. In my case... it is not possible. I know what my major stressor/stressors are - and I can not eliminate them at this point.
What I can do... I have read a lot today about diet and fatigue syndromes. I am going to try my best to eat according to the adrenal fatigue syndrome diet. This will be EXREMELY difficult for me!!! But, if it makes me feel better, I think it will encourage me to continue. Getting started will be the hard part.
Right now I am sitting outside watching the kids ride their bikes. I am feeling better already. However, I still have all my stuff to do inside - laundry to fold and put away, medical foster care notes to do, and laundry to wash, etc. But before I came outside with the kids, I hardly had the energy to sit up much less do chores. Now... I have more energy - just from getting out in the sun and watching/enjoying the kids playing. So, I think MAKING more time for fun time will help too.
I have an order for labwork that I haven't gotten done yet, so i am going to do that soon, and then talk to my dr. to see if there are any other things I can do to help.
Along with my other worries, ironically I worry about complaining too much too - lol. So I appologize if I come across as complaining/whining. It helps for me to look back, days or weeks from now and see how I felt, what I was doing, etc. Also, maybe someone who reads this will have experience with a fatigue syndrome and be able to help with some suggestions.
One thing that is KEY to me is that I never stop trying to fix, change, or help myself to get better. If I get to the point where I complain, but do nothing to help myself, then someone please knock me upside the head or something - lol. For my family's sake, for my sake, for me to live my life like God created me to; I want to explore, find, and use something to help my depression and fatigue. From medicine to eating right, or vitamins, or spending time for myself...enjoying what God gave me - counting my blessings.
I don't want to complain, I want to be honest about how I feel; and I want to find answers and change. I want to live my life to the fullest for Christ - from taking care of my family, serving in my church, and being a witness with my life.
Heard a song this morning for the first time, even though I don't think it is new... I think it was meant for me today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjsUie4gToM
Madison told me the other day, "Mommy, you look like you are about to cry". She was right, it was all I could do to keep from losing all control of my emotions. Some nights I am up till 1 or 2 in the morning, not able to go to sleep, even though I have NO energy whatsoever... then some nights I am ready to go to bed right after dinner. I wouldn't say that I ever have an abundance of energy. There are days that I feel "happier" than others - usually those are the days that I am doing something fun with the kids, or hanging out with Jenn, or Matt is home. I know depression is manifested in many different ways... my symptoms are: feeling overwhelmed, irritable, stressed out; generally unable to do all that I need to do and feeling overwhelmed by it.
Of course, reading about depression and fatigue syndromes tell you to find what stressors you have and eliminate them if possible. In my case... it is not possible. I know what my major stressor/stressors are - and I can not eliminate them at this point.
What I can do... I have read a lot today about diet and fatigue syndromes. I am going to try my best to eat according to the adrenal fatigue syndrome diet. This will be EXREMELY difficult for me!!! But, if it makes me feel better, I think it will encourage me to continue. Getting started will be the hard part.
Right now I am sitting outside watching the kids ride their bikes. I am feeling better already. However, I still have all my stuff to do inside - laundry to fold and put away, medical foster care notes to do, and laundry to wash, etc. But before I came outside with the kids, I hardly had the energy to sit up much less do chores. Now... I have more energy - just from getting out in the sun and watching/enjoying the kids playing. So, I think MAKING more time for fun time will help too.
I have an order for labwork that I haven't gotten done yet, so i am going to do that soon, and then talk to my dr. to see if there are any other things I can do to help.
Along with my other worries, ironically I worry about complaining too much too - lol. So I appologize if I come across as complaining/whining. It helps for me to look back, days or weeks from now and see how I felt, what I was doing, etc. Also, maybe someone who reads this will have experience with a fatigue syndrome and be able to help with some suggestions.
One thing that is KEY to me is that I never stop trying to fix, change, or help myself to get better. If I get to the point where I complain, but do nothing to help myself, then someone please knock me upside the head or something - lol. For my family's sake, for my sake, for me to live my life like God created me to; I want to explore, find, and use something to help my depression and fatigue. From medicine to eating right, or vitamins, or spending time for myself...enjoying what God gave me - counting my blessings.
I don't want to complain, I want to be honest about how I feel; and I want to find answers and change. I want to live my life to the fullest for Christ - from taking care of my family, serving in my church, and being a witness with my life.
Heard a song this morning for the first time, even though I don't think it is new... I think it was meant for me today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjsUie4gToM
training
well, here it is, almost 2:00 AM, and I am sitting up with the puppy. We have had him for 8 nights now, and the first 6 he slept all night in the room with Madi without crying or causing any problems. Yesterday we had appts all day long, so he had to stay in his crate most of the day. Then last night he cried ALLLLLLLLLL night long!!!!!!!! I really thought that it was because he slept too much during the day, and didn't get to play enough. So yesterday I cancelled the one dr. appt we had b/c I had a migraine. The kids played with him all day long. He took his normal amount of naps, etc. and I just KNEW that he would have a better night tonight. He went to sleep great at about 9:00 and woke up crying around midnight. I have been up with him since. It is raining outside, so I can't get him to go potty... 1st time he has seen the rain. So I am watching him play in the living room, hoping he will get tiredd and go to sleep soon. I can't let him scream/cry b/c he will wake the kids up. And putting him in the crate would only make him cry louder. SO... here I am.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Faith
I am going to quote Heidi Jo from her comment under the Things I have learned post:
faith is not trusting God to do what you want Him to do... it's more like the willingness to trust Him even when He DOESN'T...
That is so true, and has been evident in my life (on a short scale) this past week.
In the past week or two these things have happened:
1. my grandfather was back in the hospital with chest pains (alright now)
2. Lauren's EKG came back abnormal, and has to see a cardiologist (this after Tyler has had to have 2 cardiac ablations in the past 2 years... I am emotionally spent on worrying about my kids health)
3. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we are still waiting for all the details.
4. I had a week FULL of doctors appointments, which makes for a stressful week for me and the kids!
5. I had to reschedule one of the doctor's appointments because there was a sinkhole on the interstate between my house and there, and traffic was HORRIBLE!!!!
6. The baby was in the hospital with RSV and although not contagious anymore, we all still have runny noses.
7. Madison started with a BAD ear infection about 10:00 Friday night - you know, when the doctors offices are closed.
8. More frustrations with foster care.
9. I am feeling overwhelmed, and when I get that way, I kinda shut down - which is NOT a good response... I need to get my act together and get all my stuff done that I need to do.
All that to say, I asked a friend to watch the kids Saturday morning because I was about to have a breakdown, and I needed some time alone with Matt. We planned on going to breakfast and then going to the batting cages (my idea, I actually like that). I also wanted to ride the motorcycles. I don't like riding by myself (and I usually have 4 kids with me) so I don't get to ride much. So after jumpstarting mine (b/c it hadn't been ridden in a while, we headed off. We had a WONDERFUL breakfast, and went to head to the batting cages... My motorcycle wouldn't start. We borrowed jumper cables from a guy, tried to start it off Matt's bike; didn't work, started it off the guys car - it worked. So I am riding in circles to keep mine going, and Matt gets his seat put back on and... His wouldn't start!! The guy we borrowed the jumper cables from was gone, and no one else had any. SO...I prayed, and I prayed some more. I (in my opinion) really NEEDED some fun, relaxing time with my husband. But his motorcycle never did start, so I had to ride home alone, and get the car and the jumper cables... by that time, it was time to go home.
My point is this... God didn't fix the bikes like I asked Him to; but I still have just as much faith in Him as if he Had fixed them. I don't know what His plans are or were. Who knows, maybe He kept us out of an accident. Maybe He had another reason, but whether He answers my prayers with a yes or not; He is still the same loving God He always is. Throughout my mom's cancer, my grandad's heart disease, my daughters extra heartbeats and abnormal EKG, my over full schedule, the hurting people in our church, the hurting people in Haiti... God is still on his throne and He is still good; despite the bad in this world. He has a perfect place waiting for us one day when our time on this earth is over. So Faith is "our willingness to trust Him even when He doesn't give us what we want" it is trusting Him when things don't make sense.
faith is not trusting God to do what you want Him to do... it's more like the willingness to trust Him even when He DOESN'T...
That is so true, and has been evident in my life (on a short scale) this past week.
In the past week or two these things have happened:
1. my grandfather was back in the hospital with chest pains (alright now)
2. Lauren's EKG came back abnormal, and has to see a cardiologist (this after Tyler has had to have 2 cardiac ablations in the past 2 years... I am emotionally spent on worrying about my kids health)
3. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we are still waiting for all the details.
4. I had a week FULL of doctors appointments, which makes for a stressful week for me and the kids!
5. I had to reschedule one of the doctor's appointments because there was a sinkhole on the interstate between my house and there, and traffic was HORRIBLE!!!!
6. The baby was in the hospital with RSV and although not contagious anymore, we all still have runny noses.
7. Madison started with a BAD ear infection about 10:00 Friday night - you know, when the doctors offices are closed.
8. More frustrations with foster care.
9. I am feeling overwhelmed, and when I get that way, I kinda shut down - which is NOT a good response... I need to get my act together and get all my stuff done that I need to do.
All that to say, I asked a friend to watch the kids Saturday morning because I was about to have a breakdown, and I needed some time alone with Matt. We planned on going to breakfast and then going to the batting cages (my idea, I actually like that). I also wanted to ride the motorcycles. I don't like riding by myself (and I usually have 4 kids with me) so I don't get to ride much. So after jumpstarting mine (b/c it hadn't been ridden in a while, we headed off. We had a WONDERFUL breakfast, and went to head to the batting cages... My motorcycle wouldn't start. We borrowed jumper cables from a guy, tried to start it off Matt's bike; didn't work, started it off the guys car - it worked. So I am riding in circles to keep mine going, and Matt gets his seat put back on and... His wouldn't start!! The guy we borrowed the jumper cables from was gone, and no one else had any. SO...I prayed, and I prayed some more. I (in my opinion) really NEEDED some fun, relaxing time with my husband. But his motorcycle never did start, so I had to ride home alone, and get the car and the jumper cables... by that time, it was time to go home.
My point is this... God didn't fix the bikes like I asked Him to; but I still have just as much faith in Him as if he Had fixed them. I don't know what His plans are or were. Who knows, maybe He kept us out of an accident. Maybe He had another reason, but whether He answers my prayers with a yes or not; He is still the same loving God He always is. Throughout my mom's cancer, my grandad's heart disease, my daughters extra heartbeats and abnormal EKG, my over full schedule, the hurting people in our church, the hurting people in Haiti... God is still on his throne and He is still good; despite the bad in this world. He has a perfect place waiting for us one day when our time on this earth is over. So Faith is "our willingness to trust Him even when He doesn't give us what we want" it is trusting Him when things don't make sense.
Friday, January 15, 2010
my mom
Please pray for my mom... she got the news today that she has breast cancer. Won't know till next week what the entire plan is. Please pray for her physical safety, as well as the emotional stress she is under. Thank you very much!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
puppy tales
VERY good first day with our puppy. He is potty training very well; and every time he goes out to go potty he brings back in a stick out of the yard - lol. The first time it was a small twig, then a small stick, then a little bit bigger stick, then finally the last one was the root/vine that was about 4 feet long - lol.
He is so sweet and cute!! The kids and the puppy should sleep well tonight after all the playing they did.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
clarification - lol
when i read my own post this morning, after typing it late last night, I realized that most people don't know about hormone pellets or how they are used. They make a small incision on your butt cheek and insert them under the skin. When I read it this morning I was afraid some might think they implanted them some other way - rofl!! I am still giggling, I crack myself up sometimes. Doesn't take much to amuse me.
Our puppy's name is currently Kodiac, and I told Jenn that I didn't know if I would keep that name or not because of the astrology reference... she laughed and said "Shauna, that is ZODIAC" LOL! Then Madi said I thought that was picture paper (kodac) - LOL. Too funny.
Our puppy's name is currently Kodiac, and I told Jenn that I didn't know if I would keep that name or not because of the astrology reference... she laughed and said "Shauna, that is ZODIAC" LOL! Then Madi said I thought that was picture paper (kodac) - LOL. Too funny.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Things I Have Learned
this shouldn't be long, hee hee.
1. When they tell you to rest for a day or 2 after having hormone pellets implanted; they actually mean it. And pushing a grocery cart FULL of food and dragging 2 six year olds along with you definately does NOT count as resting. My butt is KILLING me tonight!!! Sorry for the TMI ;)
2. I have actually crossed the barrier now... I am officially crazy. As if I didn't have enough going on, I got myself something today (don't do that often) Here is a picture:
Isn't he CUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. on a more serious note... relating to the last post and video... Faith isn't simply believing that you will get what you want by asking God for it; it is believing that God is big enough to take care of all your needs and cares for your wants too. I had someone tell me one time in the middle of our infertility struggle that the reason we hadn't had a baby yet was because I didn't have enough faith. I can not tell you how much that hurt me. Even though I knew that was NOT true, it still hurt. Now that I can look back, I see that God had a plan all along, and His plan was SOOOOO much better than my plans. I did have faith in God, and He did provide for me... in His own way, in His own time; and it is PERFECT!!!
1. When they tell you to rest for a day or 2 after having hormone pellets implanted; they actually mean it. And pushing a grocery cart FULL of food and dragging 2 six year olds along with you definately does NOT count as resting. My butt is KILLING me tonight!!! Sorry for the TMI ;)
2. I have actually crossed the barrier now... I am officially crazy. As if I didn't have enough going on, I got myself something today (don't do that often) Here is a picture:
Isn't he CUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. on a more serious note... relating to the last post and video... Faith isn't simply believing that you will get what you want by asking God for it; it is believing that God is big enough to take care of all your needs and cares for your wants too. I had someone tell me one time in the middle of our infertility struggle that the reason we hadn't had a baby yet was because I didn't have enough faith. I can not tell you how much that hurt me. Even though I knew that was NOT true, it still hurt. Now that I can look back, I see that God had a plan all along, and His plan was SOOOOO much better than my plans. I did have faith in God, and He did provide for me... in His own way, in His own time; and it is PERFECT!!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
what faith can do...
"What Faith Can Do" by Kutless. Video I put together for my blog for Right to Life month.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
What happened to global warming?
It is crazy cold!! And I know it's warm here compared to most other places. I am hearing we even have a 30% chance of snow flurries Friday - Sat. That figures since we just paid money to go see snow - lol. However, I will be surprised if it snowed here. I think the last time it snowed here was 1977. The low tonight is 26!! Now, I know that some of you - Cyndi and April - are probably NOT feeling to sorry for me right now - lol; BUT we aren't prepared for cold weather like this.
Let me tell you about my day today... I woke up and saw a note from the night nurse that the baby had a rough night last night, so I went in to check on him. He always sleeps for the hour or so between when the nurse leaves and I get up. He wasn't crying, but he was looking VERY sick!!! Can't share all the details (privacy laws) but we ended up in the ER for 5 hours and the Peds floor for 1 hour. Then while we were there I went ahead and got Lauren's EKG done, after that long in the hospital, the kids were not much for sitting still for that.
Then I rushed to the church because I had to cook dinner for tonight. This was after the youth minister and secretary tried to break into our house (with my permission) to try to get food for dinner so they could start it for me; but they couldn't get in and also were afraid I had turned the house alarm on. So around 3:00 Matt got out of school and I got out of the hospital and we both rushed home and to church to get dinner started. About an hour later we realized we needed stuff from the store. I almost ran over about 6 people in the store trying to go quickly. I get out to the car and try to load the car quickly mainly because I am freezing. I went to get gas (couldn't have made it to the church without it), and went to call someone on my cell phone and realized I left my cell phone in the grocery cart. ARGHH!!
We did get dinner done on time. :)
I called the hospital and they asked if I was coming back tonight. I feel SOOOO bad about not going up there tonight, but I am absolutely EXHAUSTED!!! And they have a rule at the hospital that no kids are allowed in the hospital AT ALL unless they are the patient. It was an emergency today, so the other kids were allowed to stay with me, but I was told several times that I can't bring them back. That makes it VERY difficult to go see him! It is because of the swine flu that they have made that rule.
Got home from church tonight only to realize that I had left Madison at church (she was in choir practice helping with the little kids). Luckily we live near the church, and I just went right back and got her.
While we were in the hospital, Lauren dropped her purse, and Madi was carrying the oxygen tank for me and she accidentally hit Lauren in the head with it.
Tyler got hit in the face with door at church, then got bumped in the lip while playing a game and ended up with a bloody lip.
The cold is really making Tyler's finger hurt where the nail came completely off a few weeks ago.
AND... we started homeschool back this week. I have done well with Ty and La, but have not done anything with Madi this week... gotta catch up tomorrow. Also gotta catch up on housework tomorrow.
I am off to bed now. Praying for better dreams. I had to cut down on one of my meds for a test I had done yesterday, and now I am back to my normal dose... but I have had 3 night terrors in the past 2 - 3 weeks; and nightmares every night. Makes me wake up tired.
Sorry for all the whining ;)
On a positive note, it is all good. Tiring day,but it could have been so much worse. I am very grateful for all the blessings God has given us.
Let me tell you about my day today... I woke up and saw a note from the night nurse that the baby had a rough night last night, so I went in to check on him. He always sleeps for the hour or so between when the nurse leaves and I get up. He wasn't crying, but he was looking VERY sick!!! Can't share all the details (privacy laws) but we ended up in the ER for 5 hours and the Peds floor for 1 hour. Then while we were there I went ahead and got Lauren's EKG done, after that long in the hospital, the kids were not much for sitting still for that.
Then I rushed to the church because I had to cook dinner for tonight. This was after the youth minister and secretary tried to break into our house (with my permission) to try to get food for dinner so they could start it for me; but they couldn't get in and also were afraid I had turned the house alarm on. So around 3:00 Matt got out of school and I got out of the hospital and we both rushed home and to church to get dinner started. About an hour later we realized we needed stuff from the store. I almost ran over about 6 people in the store trying to go quickly. I get out to the car and try to load the car quickly mainly because I am freezing. I went to get gas (couldn't have made it to the church without it), and went to call someone on my cell phone and realized I left my cell phone in the grocery cart. ARGHH!!
We did get dinner done on time. :)
I called the hospital and they asked if I was coming back tonight. I feel SOOOO bad about not going up there tonight, but I am absolutely EXHAUSTED!!! And they have a rule at the hospital that no kids are allowed in the hospital AT ALL unless they are the patient. It was an emergency today, so the other kids were allowed to stay with me, but I was told several times that I can't bring them back. That makes it VERY difficult to go see him! It is because of the swine flu that they have made that rule.
Got home from church tonight only to realize that I had left Madison at church (she was in choir practice helping with the little kids). Luckily we live near the church, and I just went right back and got her.
While we were in the hospital, Lauren dropped her purse, and Madi was carrying the oxygen tank for me and she accidentally hit Lauren in the head with it.
Tyler got hit in the face with door at church, then got bumped in the lip while playing a game and ended up with a bloody lip.
The cold is really making Tyler's finger hurt where the nail came completely off a few weeks ago.
AND... we started homeschool back this week. I have done well with Ty and La, but have not done anything with Madi this week... gotta catch up tomorrow. Also gotta catch up on housework tomorrow.
I am off to bed now. Praying for better dreams. I had to cut down on one of my meds for a test I had done yesterday, and now I am back to my normal dose... but I have had 3 night terrors in the past 2 - 3 weeks; and nightmares every night. Makes me wake up tired.
Sorry for all the whining ;)
On a positive note, it is all good. Tiring day,but it could have been so much worse. I am very grateful for all the blessings God has given us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January is Right to Life Month
This is my passion. The unborn, frozen embryos, children with disabilities, the thrown away, the abused, the forgotten, the "unwanted". I think I am going to take some time this month to post about how every human deserves the right to life.
I want my first post to be to those who may have made a mistake in the past, those who may have had an abortion, or some other choice that has led to regret and grieving over a loss.
Let me share with you the biggest regret of my life... and I have MANY regrets. When Matt and I adopted Tyler and Lauren as embryos, there were a total of 6 embryos. We had 2 implanted and they both took and were born 37 weeks later. We were left with 4 remaining frozen embryos, 4 children at home, and a monthly bill to keep the remaining embryos frozen. At that point in time we couldn't see far enough into the future to imagine having more children. We were happy with our 4, but the thought of 4 more kinda overwhelmed us. So we made the choice to let them be adopted by someone else. Now, I know that they were given the chance at life... I know they were not destroyed; but because I went with our infertility clinic, and not with Snowflakes or another adoption agency; I don't know where those children ended up; and let me tell you - it eats away at me. I have broken down in tears several times. I beg God for a miracle for me to be able to somehow meet them and JUST know that they are o.k. They were my children, and I let someone else adopt them because I didn't think I could handle 8 children. Some of you may see why I felt that way, and some may not. But now at this point in my life, it is the biggest regret I have. Even if WE didn't keep them, I wish I would have made sure I knew who they went to, so that I would know they were in a good home.
Having said that, I know that is not the same as someone grieving the loss of a child through abortion or miscarriage. It is different, but it still hurts. So let me be very clear from the beginning... I want to share my passion for life for all, including speaking against abortion; BUT if you have had an abortion, please know that Jesus is waiting to hold you in His arms and forgive you, if you haven't already walked that road with Him. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings who may have made a mistake in the past... I want to prevent the loss of more innocent lives by sharing my passion for the right to life for all. Hope that makes sense :)
Picture for today(has nothing to do with the right ot life post, but cute pic):
He LOVES his teddy bear. I can post this pic because it doesn;t show his face. Wish you could see his face too, he is so sweet and cute!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Our Christmas Vacation
We had a great Christmas with some much needed family time. Matt works so many hours, and I seem to be on the go most of the time... so we really enjoyed our slowed down pace, and family time in the camper without so many distractions. We broke our all time record in how long it took us to get to my granddad's house our- normal time 8 - 9 hours... this year... 24 HOURS!!!!! It was crazy! One thing after another, but we made it. The kids got to decorate a real tree that my dad went into the woods and cut down (we do fake trees) so they were really impressed, and the tree was georgous after all the kids decorated it. I got to see my nephew, Bishop, who I haven't seen in a while. And although the cold is not much fun to me... it was kinda nice to have a cold Christmas, instead of wearing shorts on Christmas day. (Having said that, what's up with this cold front??? We have like a week of cold weather ahead of us!) We got to have dinner with Matt's brother and his family. And... I finally (after several failed attempts over the past 2 years) got to meet up with Tammy - we had lunch together and the kids all played. I wish we could have visited longer, and Matt commented he wished he had more time to talk photography with her - lol. OK, enough talk, here are some pictures:
Lauren being silly - the blue on her face is makeup she got for Christmas.
Tyler and his cousin Dawson. Tyler LOOOOOVES to go see Dawson!!! They have a great time playing together, I wish we lived closer so they could play more often.
Can't see the snow in the picture below because of the white background... but this was me "inside" the snowman/igloo that someone had built. 
Picture of Stone Mountain.
My snow "angel" :)
Matt holding the Ginger Bread House together... it didn't make it - looked like a hurricane hit it - LOL
Paw holding the baby :)
Duke enjoying a roll in the leaves, and the cooler weather.
Madi and Ty snow tubing.
Lauren being silly - the blue on her face is makeup she got for Christmas.
Tyler and his cousin Dawson. Tyler LOOOOOVES to go see Dawson!!! They have a great time playing together, I wish we lived closer so they could play more often.
Can't see the snow in the picture below because of the white background... but this was me "inside" the snowman/igloo that someone had built. 
Picture of Stone Mountain.
My snow "angel" :)
Matt holding the Ginger Bread House together... it didn't make it - looked like a hurricane hit it - LOL
Paw holding the baby :)
Duke enjoying a roll in the leaves, and the cooler weather.Madi and Ty snow tubing.
Happy New Years!!
A look back at this last year...
- our first full year at our church
- Madison accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord, and was baptised
- Tyler and Lauren accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord, and were baptised
- We took a break from foster care and I got to focus on Madi, Ty, and La for a while
- God sent us the cutest little foster baby, and we returned to medical foster care
- we moved for the 17th time in almost 15 years of marriage
- the kids got to see snow for the first time (madi had seen it before, but didn't remember it.
- Matt and I discovered a new hobby we can enjoy together - riding motorcycles
- We got to raise $$ for our local pregnancy center on our first fundraiser motorcycle ride
- Tyler was given a clearance from his cardiologist after his second cardiac ablation for atypical AV node re-entry. :)
Looking forward to this year and all that God has planned for us :)
- our first full year at our church
- Madison accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord, and was baptised
- Tyler and Lauren accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord, and were baptised
- We took a break from foster care and I got to focus on Madi, Ty, and La for a while
- God sent us the cutest little foster baby, and we returned to medical foster care
- we moved for the 17th time in almost 15 years of marriage
- the kids got to see snow for the first time (madi had seen it before, but didn't remember it.
- Matt and I discovered a new hobby we can enjoy together - riding motorcycles
- We got to raise $$ for our local pregnancy center on our first fundraiser motorcycle ride
- Tyler was given a clearance from his cardiologist after his second cardiac ablation for atypical AV node re-entry. :)
Looking forward to this year and all that God has planned for us :)
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