Living Life as a Snowflake

Happy 4th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:08:00 +0000

We have three dogs in our family, Bella, Buddie & Skyra. We love them all very much. They all have different personalities and make us laugh all the time. Many times they make us frustrated also with their behavior. My baby, Skyra, has a special place in my heart that I can't put into words. She is my personal therapy dog. She is by my side all the time. We lay on the floor together and watch tv. Of course she loves all the shows I do. She shares my food, bed and anything else she wants. Today Skyra turns 4!!!! Unfortunatley for her and all of us in the family the gift she has gotten is a diagnoses of cancer. I haven't been able to get this sinking feeling out of the pit of my stomach. I have cried more than I can say and can't seem to put myself together. Am I crazy for feeling like this over a pet. I will argue with anyone who says yes. When we decided to take on the responsibilites of having pets, our furry family members, we took this job very seriously. Now as a family we have some decisions to make on how to care for Skyra now. I don't have all the answers on what to do right now but I'm hoping when I take Skyra in next week to have her sutures out from her surgery I will get more information to help me be a bit calmer. I'm not good at loss. No matter who it is. Animal or human it is hard to deal when someone leaves your life. For now I will just hug on her and get all the doggie kisses I can get.

Times are Changing

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:08:00 +0000

I haven't been on here in over 6 months. I have become obsessed with Facebook. It is so easy to keep up with everyone at a time. So may changes going on at my house & life. Some big ones thanks to Facebook. Making some connections with family that have gone off the radar. So nice to be able to reconnect. I have a niece that I haven't seen in at least 15 years due to some crappy circumstances but we have been talking for a while now and she will be coming out to my house in a couple weeks. My boy has graduated from 8th grade and is now going to be a Freshman in high school.(Pic is of Mitchell & best friend Nick) Where does the time go. I have now become a "Football Mom". Basketball has been put on the back burner. Braces are going to become a part of Mitchell's life in a few weeks. Life with my hubby is good. We have been so busy we forget to take some time for ourselves. I haven't forgotten about my MS friends. I do try and at least read everyones blog. My MS is in standby mode I would say. Not really showing its ugly head but there enough for me to not take it for granted. I still haven't been able to get my memory back to the way it was but that is ok. It is my reminder that I have a disease. But I do know there are people out there dealing with it much worse than I. I still watch my baby friend and he makes me laugh and realize how precious life is. Not that my own son doesn't do that but when you have an 11 month old think you are the greatest and a 14 year old that still at times thinks I know nothing, I want to be around the 11 month old. :) I have learned in the past months that having my house spotless clean isn't all that important. Spending time with family, friends and people is more about what life is. A couple weeks back my eyes were opened to realizing how life is passing and not to take a moment for granted. One of my 4 brothers has had to go to the hospital and have two stints put into one artery. I am actually taking him again today for more. I have learned a lot from going to my church about change and that it is a good thing. Sometimes I have a hard time with that. I have learned who my true friends are and who steps up when times are hard. Life is good right now because I have my eyes wide open and I am learning. I will still make mistakes, big ones at that, but I will keep my eyes open for the experiences that everything will bring.

New Season of Our Life

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:02:00 +0000

Tonight I will be going to the local high school in our town to hear our first orientation for the incoming Freshman of 2009. Where has the time gone? Where is the little boy that used to sit on my lap and cuddle? Wait, he still does that at 5'10" 180 pounds of solid boy. The boy who once listened to my every word with eyes wide open like I was the smartest person in the entire world. I have totally taken my time with my son for granted. The worst part is I can't get any of it back. The best part is that I can change and learn from that mistake and never let it happen again. I look at the young man my son has become and do nothing but smile. I couldn't imagine anyone else as my kid. It is funny when he is doing something that drives my husband crazy, my husband just looks at him and says "You are definitely your mothers son". I take it as a compliment. The hard part now is listening to Mitchell talk about how he wants to join the military when he gets out of school. I have such mixed emotions. What I have learned as a parent that I think is one of the hardest things is to sit back and let your child make mistakes so they can learn from them. But the best part is being there to pick up the pieces if needed and be the shoulder to cry on when it doesn't work out. I think I am going to need the mother load of klenex to get through these next years with my boy. Happy or sad I will need them. I love my #1 boy!

My New Little Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:50:00 +0000

I started babysitting part time at the end of September. I only do it one to two times a week. I love this little guy so much but he is a hand full at only four months old. He is my friend Nicole's little guy. I have never seen a baby at such a young age know exactly what he wants and scream until he gets it. It makes me appreciate the great , laid back and easy going baby Mitchell was. He spoiled me when he was a baby. I would have had a dozen more with how good he was. My new little friend, named Garrett, makes me laugh and cry all in the same day. When he starts the waterworks I can't help but cry with him. Nothing seems to calm him down. On the other hand he gets this pouty face and I can't help but laugh. Garrett teaches me the meaning of patience and a whole lot more. I am excited to watch him grow and see his personality develop. I just had to share what an adorable baby he is. I'm sure I will have some stories of "Baby G" as my son calls him. Stay tuned.

Basketball Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:18:00 +0000

Not to long ago my husband and I were talking about all the away games Mitchell has for basketball. At that time gas prices were not the best and his suggestion was for us to maybe not go to all those games. My husband has changed his work schedule around the best he could to try to go to all Mitchell's games. His feelings are that Mitchell will only play 8th grade basketball one time in his life and even though there are many games they are all different and he didn't want to miss one. So when he brought up the topic of not going to away games I was shocked. I did stop and think about where he was coming from with his thoughts but it still surprised me. With the way gas prices are (were) and the economy in general, I got it. So it really got me thinking and this is what my heart was telling me: Since I was diagnosed with MS I have had a pretty good health. It has just been in the last year and a half or so that it has gone down hill. I am going back up the hill now but it is a struggle every day. I told Mitchell when he started sports that I would be at every game no matter what. I know one of his concerns was that my health would stop me. So I make every effort to go. So far I haven't had to miss one. My thoughts are that as long as my legs will get me there I will be there. I don't know when the time will come and I won't be able to make it. Mitchell is only in 8th grade and has many years to play sports but if I miss any I can't get that time back. Don't get me wrong, Mitchell is very understanding about this. He knows that I might miss a game. He says he doesn't want me to push it. But there is nothing like it when you are in the bleachers and your son makes a basket and as he runs down the court he looks up to see you sitting there. It just tears at my heart like nothing else I have felt. When I told my husband this he said he never thought about me ever missing a game. He figured he would get me there one way or another. One thing that has been weighing on my heart since dealing with my health issues this past year or so is that there are big things and little things that come into our lives, why miss anything if you don't have to, just because there is an obstacle in the way. Find a way to get over it and keep going. No it won't always be easy but at least we tried.

Where do I begin......

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:37:00 +0000

I feel like it has been forever since I have been a routine blogger. I don't even know where to start with what has gone on since June. Crap it has been a long time. It started with a med reaction, then two weeks later thinking I was having a heart attack. Docs seem to think coming off the meds sent my heart into a turmoil. No significant damage done but had to take it easy for a long period of time. Of course being in the hospital even overnight for observation made me extremely ill. So for about 3 weeks after I was dealing with upper respiratory infections. No meds were taken because of the heart thing. I am completely off meds again. My body is clear and free of an pills, except for my large doses of vitamins I am taking nothing. I started watching what I eat more carefully. I am so sick of the weight gain from all the steroids and emotional eating. To date I have lost about 20 pounds. I know I have a long ways to go but I am taking it one day at a time and not letting the scale rule me. I still slip up but I am trying not to beat myself up about it as much. Along with all that I was dealing with my son, the amazing Mitchell, having a girlfriend. To make a long story short, she turned into a................. I can't even find the right words. Stalker, psycho, bully. I'll stop there. They started dating in March and lasted until July. But she didn't stop until just a month ago. I had the principal involved and the next step was going to be the cops but the principal was on our side and told the girl if she didn't stop that he would be expelling her. Don't even want to go into details because it is finally behind us, I hope. Mitchell started his 8th grade year in September. Things are going well. He is in basketball again this year and just this weekend has made the traveling team for basketball. My life as I know it is over until the end of March now. Between practices and games plus all the 8th grade stuff he will be doing, I pretty much will have no social life. Not that I had much of one anyways. Mitchell is now 5'10" and weighs about 180. He is the greatest kid. I can't keep up with his teenage social life. He does have a great group of friends. Many of the girls love having him as a friend because they say he is just so open to listen to what they have to say plus it is like having a big brother. He is very protective with the girls. No girlfriends in the near future after this past experience, which is fine with me. I am working part time still at the same office as my husband. I really enjoy it and am so thankful I even have a job. It is really nice to be working with my hubby. We get to see each other more and it is fun to be goofy with each other. There is such a unique set of personalities in the office it is always interesting. One of the girls had a baby in July and now that she is back to work I get to watch the baby one to two days a week. It is fun to spoil him and then send him home. He is so very different to what Mitchell was like. Mitchell was so easy going and carefree. This little guy at only 4 months knows exactly what he wants and get it to him now. His mom and dad are about 16 years younger than my husband and I but we have made some friends for life. Just the greatest couple you would ever want to meet. I have been battling with bronchitis for the past three weeks. Except for the cough I could handle it. The cough is still here and doesn't want to go away. Besides that things are going very well. I can't complain. These past five months or so, I have had a lot of time to think and I don't want to always be crabbing about how I want things better. I need to except what I have and be happy more with it. I am happy with my health and feel good about how I am going about things. Do I want the weight to come off faster, well dah, of course I do but if someone is going to judge me because of my weight then they aren't worth having in my life. Am I still going to be crazy when things don't go according to plan or flip out because I have limited time and want to get a ton of things done and the big one of opening my big mouth when I should stop and think about it first. I'm not saying miracles are going to happen overnight. Some of the big things I want to change in my life are going to take time because I have been a certain way for a very long time. I like to think of myself as very passionate about certain things. One thing I have definitely learned is who my friends are and who sticks by me when times are tough no matter what. Boy, I am getting to deep for myself. I just want to be happy and not take things for granted. Too much of my life has passed me by and I can't take any of it back. My boy is starting high school in less than a year. Where has the time gone. My husband and I looked at each other the other day and said . "We have been together for almost 10 years." Holy Cow! time to stop and smell the roses.

Well, this went into a bit of a rant and I am sorry. Not how I wanted to make my comeback. I'm just trying to be comfortable in my own skin. I'm sure some of you know what that means. I miss my MS blogger buddies. Hope everyone is doing well. I have been trying to keep up with everyone. Well time to get going. I need to get myself off to Mitchell away game. Blog to you all soon.

Patiently Waiting......NOT

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:57:00 +0000

I said awhile back that I would be around soon. Well wouldn't you know it that my computer has decided to take a nap. I am actually writing this quick post from work. A new good friend is trying to work out the problems. I can't really complain about my life right now, I'm feeling great and life is good. Hope to be back and blogging soon.

FRESH START

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:08:00 +0000

I'll be back soon. I am just trying to find some balance in my life with everything going on. Hope everyone hasn't forgotten about me. I have enjoyed reading everyones blogs over the summer.
Be back in a flash......or two.

Special Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:20:00 +0000

This is a special friend of mine named Molly. She is special to me in so many ways I can't even tell ya. Last year at this time Molly went through brain surgery because she was diagnosed with Chiari l Malformation. Can't even begin to explain exactly what it is but to you MSers out there, her symptoms are pretty much just like ours. I never thought I would know someone that can relate to what I go through with my MS but not have it.
Well, in the last week or so Molly's symptoms have come back. She has a call into her doc and she will be getting an MRI soon to see what is going on. She is one of the strongest women I know and has a strong faith in God to get her through this. Please put your prayers out there for her and the family.

Off To See The Wizard

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:22:00 +0000

I'm going to take a short break from blogging again. Just when I was trying to get my MS health in order I was slammed by something new on Thursday. I wasn't feeling well all week, just thought it was overload of trying to get Mitchell's party together and having the party. On Thursday I came home from work early because I just wasn't feeling right and by mid afternoon I was having a tightening feeling in my chest and my left arm went numb. So off to the ER I went. The initial tests were showing I had some damage to my heart but it looked like it was a couple days old. So they admit me to do further testing. Of course I didn't get any sleep that whole night, I was battling with my roommate about the air conditioning. She was always freezing and I was dripping in sweat. I was woken up every six hours for more blood work and every couple hours for blood pressure. I think I got a total of two hours of sleep. I was off to my stress test at 8:00 am. Now how they thought I could walk on the treadmill after getting no sleep what so ever and with my MS, my legs were like jello. I did it though. After four hours of many tests, everything was coming back ok. They couldn't figure out was was going on. Now after eating, I don't know how many aspirins, this all aggravated my gastritis. So now the pain I was having was that irritation. I just couldn't win. I was now put on some additional protonix and sent home with a follow up with my doc this week. I have done nothing but sleep since Friday afternoon when I got home. I am completely exhausted. The final diagnoses they were saying is that what I had was worse than an anxiety attack but less than a heart attack. All I know is I feel like I have been run over by a truck and then he backed up to try again in case he missed the first time. I haven't even had a chance to start my healthier living with my MS. So I will be taking a break to try and get myself into some kind of working order. I will be checking in on all of you to see how every one else is doing. Hope you all are doing well. Talk with you all soon.

Happy 13!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:09:00 +0000

Thirteen years ago at 7:58am this little blessing came into my life. Well he was little at the time anyways. Just fifteen years earlier I was told I may never be able to have children due to medical reasons. Many hours on bended knees brought this amazing child into my life. He is meant to be here and I believe God has a great plan for him. Mitchell has brought such joy to me over these thirteen years. I can't wait to see what the next thirteen are going to be like. I know every parent says it but he is growing up so fast. I remember my little buddy going to the stores with me and sitting in the shopping cart so curious about everything going on around him. Even the grocery store was an adventure. Now he is asking how to shave instead of why is the sky blue or when I have my license in a couple years will I drive your car or dads. It is the greatest thing to be able to experience life through your childs eyes. Even now at thirteen I have such experiences with Mitchell. One of my brothers who Mitchell is very close to came over last night to spend the night since we are having Mitchell's party today. We just sat and talked about things going on in his young teen life. It was just a moment I can't put into words to see my boy talking about grown up boy things with his Uncle. I know it will be a memory Mitchell will carry with him forever. So happy birthday to one of my greatest blessings. You have brought me so much joy and happiness. Ok a bit of frustration too. I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

Here is to your day today Mitchell. May you keep having your dreams come true. Don't change and keep thinking outside your box. I love you.

Doc Appt.

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:14:00 +0000

Today was my check up with my neuro to see what we should do next. Some might not like what my doc has to say but I can honestly say I really trust his thoughts and judgements. So this is the plan: he would like me to go back to my old way of dealing with my MS before I got sick about 2 years ago. When I say sick I mean when I ended up in the hospital because my gastritis acted up so bad I felt like I couldn't breath. I love my mother in law dearly but eating her cooking for almost three weeks did me in. My fault totally because who could say no to home made Mexican cooking? If you say yes, you are lying or haven't had real good homemade cookin. Anyways this episode sent me into a spiral of failure and I let myself go and didn't try to hard to stop. Oh, sorry back to the plan. For me what worked best was exercise and healthy eating. By healthy eating I don't mean only once or twice a week at the fast food joint either. I ate REALLY healthy. No processed foods, mostly everything homemade, more natural and organic when I could. I'm sure this will really piss off some MSers but it worked for me and I want to at least try it again. He wants me to clean out my system of these drugs. Even though the Copaxone did work for me in the beginning of my MS, the time when I was off it and the healthier life style, I felt the best. While I am trying this he does want me to look into information on Rebif and Tysabri. Ultimately this is my choice but I feel grateful that I have a doctor who is willing to take a step back and think about what has worked for me in the past and not want to fill me up with drugs. I go back in three months for another check up and then we will talk again about how things are going. I need to get my mind back into the positive mode and push forward. I want everyone to have their own cure for this crappy disease and I am hoping this is what it will take for me.

Small Update

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I appreciate all the nice comments and emails I have gotten. I was supposed to see my doc last Friday to see what direction to go in but we had a MAJOR wind storm so I couldn't go. Next try is for June 10th. I guess that is good because it gives me some time to figure out some things. I'm not really up to date with any other meds except for Copaxone so this will give me some time for research. I would like any input from my fellow msers to see what questions they think I should ask or any info that I should bring with me when I see my doc. Brain just isn't going in the right direction right now. Not that there is ever a good time for these kinds of things to happen but with the end of the school year next week, Mitchell turning 13 and the anniversary of my moms passing coming up I have alot I am trying to handle. Work is so supportive so I am lucky with that. My family is by my side all the time. I have a dear friend who has been really there for me. One thing in my favor is that the roid food rage hasn't hit me. I actually don't even want to eat most of the time. I can't seem to shake this sadness I have that this even happened. That is the only way to describe it....sadness.

BIG Bump in the Road

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:21:00 +0000

I'm going to be taking a bit of a break from blogging. Tuesday night my husband gave me my Copaxone injection and leave it to me I had a (what they call normal) side effect. I have had these in the past. The tightening in the chest, hard to breath etc. But this one took a new turn. After about 20 minutes of "normal side effect" I went into having severe chills. That lasted about an hour. I finally fell asleep and woke up to my body itching and feeling a burning sensation. I started to rub my eyes and they felt funny so I went into the bathroom to see my adorable face swollen from ear to ear. Actually even my ears were swollen. I was covered from head to torso with hives. So I sat for about half an hour deciding on what to do. I woke my husband for round three of the reaction and we decided to call the doc. He wanted me immediately in the ER. He said if it starts getting worse it could go to my throat, which it did. So off to the ER at 1:00am. I got two nice big shots in the butt and went home. I am feeling much better but can honestly say I am mentally worn out with this disease. I see my doc tomorrow to decide what we do next. I think I hit a new level of fear. One thing that has me curious is that the only time I have had a mild reaction is when the shot is in my stomach. And on top of this my son has the teacher from hell and she decided to mess with him yesterday morning after he had to witness this ordeal with his momma. Not to mention I spoke with her in the morning to let her know what happened and that he would be running a bit late for school. So into the principal I went this morning. Oh, did I tell ya I am dealing with roid rage right now too. Not a good time to mess with my kid. So I need a little break to figure some things out but will be checking in to see how my fellow bloggers are doing. You all take care, I know some of you are dealing with your own stuff right now.
When I do post again I will tell you about the most amazing husband who was by my side the entire time without one complaint and full of support. I am sooooooo blessed.

LISTEN

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:26:00 +0000

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART
The mind determines what's possible. The heart surpasses it.
-Pilar Coolinta

When Does it Stop!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:41:00 +0000

School usually ends at 3:30 for my son Mitchell. Today at around 2:45 my phone rings and when I look at the caller id it is showing my sons cell phone number. My stomach just sank. I pick up the phone to hear Mitchell's voice saying that he is at the elementary school behind his school because there was a note written on the boys bathroom saying there was a bomb in the school. Of course I don't get all the facts since the school is in the middle of trying to keep our children safe and find out if this threat is real. What I just can't wrap my brain around right now is that this is the third threat in a week in our school district. Last Wednesday it was the high school. They caught that kid by the next day. Yesterday it was the other middle school on the other side of town ad today it is my sons school. What is in these kids minds that they find this something amusing to do. Our kids were sent home with a note saying that the police were there today searching and they would keep us updated on what is going on. So tonight I have a talk with my son about this entire situation and after it is over he just looks at me with his big blue eyes and asks if he has to go to school tomorrow. As of right now I am not sending my son to school because I haven't heard anything yet from the school. I have all these questions rolling around in my head. Am I ever going to feel that sending my son to school will be a safe place for him. How do i as a parent ever really keep him safe. This whole situation just has made me sick to my stomach.

Mothers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:55:00 +0000

So I'm a day late but my Mothers Day was spent mostly on the couch because of a reaction from my MS injection. I was woken early Sunday morning to find my son had made me my Mothers Day breakfast. I look forward to this every year. My son was a bit disappointed because he usually make me crepes but couldn't get everything he needed. It was all OK. The best part is the clean up. I don't have to do it. That is where the hubby comes in to play. Poor guy. If you could see what the kitchen looks like after Mitchell gets done cooking. EEK! My gift was a new necklace to go along with the charm he bought me for Christmas. I'll have to get a picture of that. It is a snowflake. If you have read my blog I don't need to say anymore about that or its meaning. The picture is of my sweet little boy asleep after his busy Mothers Day. I love those pics of the little ones sleeping. So peaceful and innocent. Well onto the next major event for our family. Mitchell's 13th birthday. Let the planning begin!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:38:00 +0000

It has been seven years today since I married the most amazing man. We had a simple ceremony in my girlfriends backyard. But it was the most beautiful day ever. He came into my life when I thought I would never want to be married. He became this awesome father to my son and took on a wife who had such an unpredictable disease. How many men would do that? We have had our ups & downs but we get through them together. I can't ask for a better role model for my son. There is a bundle of emotions when living with this man and you never know which one is going to be coming out. He handles many situations with his smile and humor. He tries to not let things get him down. I haven't met a person that doesn't like him or get along with him. He is patient, kind and at times oh so frustrating. He keeps me balanced when I need it. I guess to put it in the most simple of words is that we compliment each other. We keep each other grounded. So happy anniversary to the man that is meant for me. It has been an eventful seven years and I can't wait to see what the upcoming years have for us to share.

Busy Time

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:49:00 +0000

This time of the year gets a bit crazy. It seems like the teachers forgot to teach some things throughout the year so they are cramming everything in the last 6 weeks of school. Plus everyone is crabby because they just want school to be over. The weather has been nuts so at least it hasn't been to warm in the schools yet. Earlier this week we even had some snow showers again. But today we hit 70. So my MS is going a bit nutso with this extreme weather change. So the results are in on my son and he has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia. At least it isn't something so bad we can't deal with it. It has been a bit of a challenge to get some teachers, or should I say two in particular, on board with knowing what Mitchell needs and when he needs it. I give a big shout out to teachers. It isn't the easiest job in the world but if you take on this profession then you need to have some compassion and Oh let's say common sense! If I email you letting you know exactly what is going on plus the school nurse has notified you then how much more info does one need. I have had two teachers at three different times just in the past five days refuse to let my son have his snack in school. I called the school again this afternoon asking what I need to do to get the teachers to understand this is important. I emailed the one teacher politely reminding her about his need for the snack. Then yesterday she did it again and I sent another email asking if I need to come into her class and make sure my son is getting his snack. Because I would be more than happy to come in every day during her class period and make sure she is letting my son have his snack. I haven't heard back from her yet. This has been very upsetting for my son going through all the testing and now worrying if it will get worse. Why is it so hard for a teacher to have some compassion. Or am I being overboard because when my son tells a teacher he needs to have a snack because of a health issue she looks at him and says "I don't believe you". I'm just very disappointed that this whole matter hasn't been handled more smoothly.

Most Important

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:37:00 +0000

So I was going to post about my new job and how I am loving it! I am even remembering my training. (go figure) But we something else going on around here that is way more important and has taken our attention. For about the past month Mitchell has been complaining about headaches, queasy stomach, cold sweats, chills. This happens around the same time of the day, only during the week and it has happened only once during the week the last three weeks. So I took Mitchell to the doctor yesterday to see what is going on. He had an exam, checked vitals three different times and three different ways. So this morning I am taking Mitchell in for blood work and tomorrow my hubby has the duty of going with him for the three hour test to check his sugars. Every hour on the hour he has to go back to see the technician. I'm sending my husband on that one because Mitchell will be super cranky by then plus hubby will find a way to make the time go by faster. This poor kid is so scared. He bites my head off when I try to talk to him about anything right now. So I am learning my patience and trying to hang in there for him. Right now the doc doesn't think it is anything major. He thinks it could be something as simple as Mitchell needs to eat more frequently because with going through puberty his body is adjusting and needs a bit more vitamins. I'm keeping a positive attitude and we will just wait for the results. I believe in prayer so if anyone would like to join our family in prayer we would appreciate it.

My Birthday Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:53:00 +0000

So yesterday was my birthday and it started out as my usual Sunday with going to church. After church Mitchell came up to me to say his stomach didn't feel well and he was going to walk home and lay down. (church is like 100 feet from our house, we usually walk in the nice weather) So by the time we were done talking with everyone and I was ready to go home my husband suggested we go to my favorite store and get some coffee. (suspicion starts) After that he says he needs to stop at Walmart because he noticed we were out of toilet paper(suspicion grows) All this time my husband has been secretly talking on his cell phone with my son. So when we finally get home and walk through the door some of my family is there to surprise me. Without going into to much detail, I have four older brothers who have their own lives and we don't usually spend all that much time together. We know that if we needed each other we are only a phone call away. Since my mom has passed away we have all gotten closer but my one brother who has since divorced has also been around more lately. My nephew and niece showed up who I haven't seen in a long time. It was just a nice day all around and I wouldn't have changed a thing. One of the best parts is that my son planned the whole thing. What twelve year old even thinks about doing such details and my boy did. He just made my day. It wasn't some big major thing but just the small details that were done showed me how much my son really knows me. It was scary how he had things set up to the point that he really watches what I do when we have someone over. My husband had told me how proud he was of our boy because he did everything on his own. I am so very blessed to have such a great family.

Spring Cleaning!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:54:00 +0000

No it's not my house. I am Spring cleaning me. I feel like I have been in such a dark place lately. I know the early part of the year can be so depressing. Here in IL, after the snow starts to melt you are left with this gloomy, muddy landscape to look at for three months. Who can be happy and motivated with that to look at. Well the sun has been shinning and the weather is warming up so I decided to clean up me. Yesterday I went to get a new haircut. I have been letting it grow for awhile and just pull it up when I don't feel like doing so much. So I went in yesterday and let the girl cut away. Do I like it? I'm getting used to it. I have been walking a bit more. I'm not getting as far as I want but I have to start somewhere right? My neighbor told me she ran 2 miles the other day. I was so happy for her. But deep inside I'm thinking, Wow, I WALKED 2 miles. I need to quit looking at it as a bad thing and just keep on moving. I need to stop being so depressed about the weight gain from all these drugs I have had to take.
Now for the bigger news. Yesterday I was officially hired, part time, at my husbands work. I'm going to be doing some clerical work for the office. I have a very flexible schedule. I can come and go as I please, which is good to be able to work around Mitchell's schedule. Plus I can be at home at night and help Mitchell with homework and not rush through dinner. For the past year and a half I have been making Vietnam Veterans call to set up donation pickups. I have enjoyed it but not being around the family at night for a couple hours has been hard. So Monday I start training. I think this will also help with my memory getting back to my normal. It will be a little different once school gets out but if I do my hours in the morning it won't interfere with Mitchell to much. Plus what teenager is up before noon in the summer? So there is my Spring cleaning. Since Sunday is my birthday I thought this would be a good time to start new with myself. What better present to give myself then a new healthier ME.

One Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:58:00 +0000

If you were given one day to do anything you wanted, what would it be? If you have any sort of disability it is gone for this day. Nothing is holding you back. No weak legs, no fatigue, no nothing. I guess my mind started to wonder about this when Ms. Cheese was talking about her runs. I was looking out my window today since the sun was shining so bright and it actually got up to 50. I was thinking what I would do. One thing for sure is WALK. My husband, son and I used to take walks on trails. We would have the best time. Ever since taking the many doses of steroids my legs don't want to do so much. My husband and I have taken some walks lately with our dogs and by the time we hit maybe two miles I am dragging my right leg home. This is so discouraging. I remember the good ol days when working at the hospital and having to run down the halls chasing the elderly who had escaped from their beds. I want to be outside enjoying the sun on my face, running with my dogs and not worrying about falling on my face. I'm sure there are many out there with bigger and better adventures but I will keep mine simple. So, what would you do if you had one day to do anything you wanted?

Working

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Lately I have been spending alot of time working on being a more understanding and better wife. A friend from church recommended a book for me to read, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I am actually reading it with my husband. I'm reading, he is listening. He hates to read. So I thought it was a good compromise. The other book I have been reading is Finding the Hero in Your Husband -surrendering the way God intended by Julianna Slattery. If there is a wife out there that has never read this book you should get it. I am only on page 54 out of 280 pages. I am usually a fast reader but this book has me reading and rereading. It has truly opened my eyes to a new way. I want to be a better person so I thought the best place to start is obviously within my home. I think working to be a better person is always good. Let's wait and see if my family feels it is helping.

Is it Snooping or Not?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:18:00 +0000

When doing laundry for the family it is not unusual for me to check pockets for "whatever" might be left inside from the week. It has not been unusual to find pens, pencils, gum or even notes for home in Mitchell's pockets. Now with Mitchell having a girlfriend the notes are a big thing to find in his pockets. I don't read them when I find them but I feel guilty even opening to find what they are. It used to be just notes from the teachers for an upcoming event at school so it isn't unlike me to open up a folded peice of paper in his pocket. Now when I see on the outside that it is a personal note I just hand it to Mitchell. Of course he gets that look on his face of "Did you read it!" So why do I feel so guilty that I am intruding on my sons personal life. This is all a new feeling to me. We still have our talks and he seems to be pretty open with me about what is going on. It is kind of funny how he has this whole new part of his life that I don't know everything about. Or am I fooling myself and I really never new everything he was up to. I always thought that we had a pretty open relationship. Don't get me wrong I don't think he is doing anything he shouldn't be doing. It is just a new phase in his life and as his mom it is hard not be involved the way I used to be. This is harder than I thought it was going to be. My son is growing up and he is not my little boy anymore.