Big Fat BUMMER!!!

So I just found out today that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.  This will be my one and only post about it, and after this, I am going to hold my head up and stop complaining.  

It all started back in May.  My feet and knees began aching, and I thought it was an injury from running.  I stopped running for a few weeks, hoping it would heal itself up.  After it spread to my shoulders, elbows, hips, neck and hands, I decided it was time to see a doctor.  He ran several tests, but was unable to find anything.  I was referred to a Rheumatoid Specialist, but had to wait five months to see him.  My pain has been so intense, I am unable to walk without my tennis shoes on.  Some nights, I even sleep in them.  It has been especially frustrating for me not to be able to do anything..... run (I was almost ready to run my first half marathon), get on the floor and play with my kids, and even take Kate out of her crib.  I'm just not content sitting around.

I saw the doctor last week, and just got my results back today.  I'm really not sure why I am so disappointed, because this was the result that I have been expecting.  Luckily, there is some help available.  I have been taking steroids to help with the pain and swelling, but the side effects are a KILLER.  They make me a little moody (OK... a LOT moody), so I take them at night, but when I take them at night, I can't sleep.  It's really a no win situation.  When I'm irritable, the kids don't hesitate to tell me that my steroids are working ;)  I will start Methotrexate (a drug used for Chemotherapy) and Folic Acid (to minimize the side effects of the Chemo drug) tomorrow.  

On the bright side... the doctor is really optimistic.  He thinks that we will be able to get this under control and that I will be able to run and play soccer again.  

Here's hoping..........

Choir Concert/Geography Bee

There's been lots keeping up busy at the school the last couple of weeks. First, Emily  joined the school choir and had her first concert.  She was really excited, maybe a little nervous too?  The jitters didn't last long with her friend Megan standing next to her.  They were funny to watch.  Megan was really singing, and I think Emily was trying to compete to see who could sing louder.  She did a great job and was really proud of herself (as were her parents!)

Tyler was one of twenty four students (out of 700+) chosen to participate in the school's Geography Bee.  He was given a list of questions (very hard ones too, I must add.  There are countries out there that I didn't even know existed!) and told that these were the questions he would be given.  He studied HARD.  Every night for at least an hour, for about a month.  He knew the questions front, back, up and down. Imagine what a disappointment when he got there and NOT ONE QUESTION off the list was used.  He lasted three rounds before he was eliminated.  He was frustrated.  I felt so sad for him.  Regardless, he did a fantastic job.  We were proud of him, the dedication he showed and the great kid that he is!

I love to see the kids anxious to be involved.  

We are so proud of the both of you :)

Happy Birthday Kate!

We celebrated Kate's birthday yesterday.  I cannot believe how fast this year has passed.  She had a great day!  

She wasn't interested in opening the presents, but once they were opened, she loved everything. She got a piggy bank (and money in her savings account), a couple of outfits, and a toy blender shape sorter from her family.  A scrapbook, a Cabbage Patch Doll, and a dress from Grandma and Grandpa Shorty, money from Grandma and Grandpa Paul, a beautiful quilt from Ty and Jess, a snuggly outfit and an electronic storybook from Cari and Guy, and a outfit and a ball from Aunt Sandra.  She was definitely spoiled.

She loved the birthday cake (the frosting looks blue in the picture, but it was purple.)  

It took her a few minutes to dig in, but when she did, there was no stopping her!  

She was such a mess afterwards.  Nobody (but her mom, of course), wanted to touch her!  I scooped her up and put her in the kitchen sink to clean her up a little!

The kids and I thought it would be fun to come up with a top ten list of the things we love about Kate (in no particular order).....

1. She really enjoys her food.  When she tastes something she likes, she says "MMMMMMM."
2. She is a thumb sucker.  We especially love when she is snuggling and rubs your face with her fingers while sucking on her thumb.  I know I shouldn't love this, and will probably struggle to break her of the habit, but for now, it's pretty darn cute!
3. She love to play peek-a-boo.  Sometimes she gets so excited that she covers one eye and one ear.  So funny!
4. She's a dancer!  She loves music.  She dances and bounces whenever there's music.
5. She's only as big as a minute.  There have been times when she's pulled herself up to my leg and I have to look and see if she's standing or kneeling.
6. Her outie.  She's fascinated with it.  Whenever she's in the tub, she pokes it with her finger.
7. Her giggle.  She loves to be tickled and her laugh is adorable.  There's nothing in the world like a baby's laugh!
8. She HATES socks.  Whenever I put them on, she immediately pulls them off and throws them.  I decided that with the cold weather, I would put some shoes on her, just so her feet will stay warm.  She cried for 1/2 hour, until I took the shoes off.
9. When asked a question, she'll respond with "Ya!"  I got her out of bed a few mornings ago and said, "Good morning Kate.  Would you like a pancake?"  She responded with an enthusiastic "YA!"
10. She brings so much love to our family.  Tyler adores her, Emily mothers her, and Gavin... hmmm, pesters her?  She is very tolerant and it's easy to see how much she loves her brothers and sisters.

Happy Birthday Kate!  

You are such a sweet baby and you have blessed your family immensely!

Sweet Dreams

Emily had a bad dream about a witch with skinny legs last night, so as she was saying her prayers tonight, she said, "please bless that I will have good dreams.... about rabbits."  I had to start fake coughing to cover up my laugh!!!!!!  What a little darlin'!

O Christmas Tree....

It all started with putting lights on the tree.....

I like to string colored and clear lights on the tree.  I tested every single strand before putting them on, of course.  I got 3/4 of the way done, and ran out of lights.  No problem, I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart, and finished the top of the tree with brand new lights. 

After I finished, we stood back to light it up, and what do you know? The bottom 1/4 of the tree wouldn't light.  

UGH!  I HATE STRINGING THE LIGHTS!  

So back to Wal-Mart I went.  Took the bottom part of the lights off and re-did them.  Drum roll..... Now the TOP didn't light up!  Brand new lights!  So I am getting REALLY frustrated at this point.  Travis made another trip to Wal-Mart ($40 later) and after the third attempt, the lights were looking fantastic.

I decided to stand back and let the kids decorate the tree by themselves.  After all, isn't that what it's all about?  (Not to mention, I was exhausted after spending 8 hours putting lights on the tree.)  It turned out surprisingly good!  They were all so proud of themselves!

With Gavin's help, I wrapped a few presents.  His job was to place the presents under the tree after they were wrapped.  When I noticed what he had done, it made me smile (and giggle a little).  Instead of putting the presents UNDER the tree, he put them ON the tree.  

* I regret to inform you that now NONE of the lights on the tree light up.  Travis said that I had too many plugged into one outlet without a surge protector.  If HE doesn't fix them, there will be no lights on the tree this year!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am coming to appreciate the holidays more and more.  Maturity in my old age?  Maybe.  We had a great Thanksgiving this year!  I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my family.  We went to Cari and Guy's house for our feast and it was fabulous!

The turkey sculpted butter was a big hit!

After dinner, the boy's relaxed and watched football...

and Tyler challenged me to a match of ping-pong!

9 PIES!!!  Unbelievable!  Of course I had to have just a small bite of several ;)

Kate enjoyed her very first piece of blueberry cheesecake.  She was a happy baby!

Thanksgiving this year was a great opportunity for me to reflect on the past year and all of the blessings that we enjoy.  I am truly grateful for my wonderful family, a nice warm house, and full tummies!  We are truly blessed :)