This isn't a blog about my crazy life with 3 boys.....that hasn't changed at all :) But this is more of a time for me to share with you how truly blessed I am with amazing friendships. Some of these friendships were created for me before I was even born with family and family friends. Some were created for me in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Some of these were created for me when I married in to an amazing community. Some were created by different jobs I have worked at, activities my boys are involved in, or by marriages. Some of these friendships were created through crisis times in my life. But all of these were created for a reason and by the grace of God.
After a rough day yesterday, I laid in bed last night feeling truly blessed by the friends that I have in my life. I don't know what I would do without them to get through days like yesterday. I know that they will always have my back (any my boys') and always listen to me - most of the time agreeing with me but also letting me see things in a different light. They have a way of knowing just when I need that text message, snapchat picture, comment, or inside joke to cheer me up. They know when I need them to be quiet and listen or when I need their advice. They know my trials and tribulations as I go through my day to day life. I even have those friends that I know will take my secrets to the grave with them :)
Friends are people that we take for granted in life! I fully intend to not do that any longer (or at least try not to). Whether you are a friend I see or talk to every day, one that I only see once or twice a year, one that I haven't even met yet, or one that is family and you have no choice but to be friends with me (ha) ----- please know how special you are to me. I cannot imagine my life without you! So blessed!!!
Faith, Family, Friends!!!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Life is great!!
I feel like there are so many happy things going on in my life right now! Thank you, God! Looking back -- I feel like a Debbie Downer and I honestly don't think I am. HA! So here's my list of wonderful things happening in my life right now.
1. I just survived two nights of parent-teacher conferences with amazing parents! So blessed to have a great group of kids!
2. I received a grant yesterday morning for Reflex Math. Not 100% sure of what it is yet but it's used by a co-worker who has nothing but wonderful things to say about it! So excited to get started with it next week!
3. Getting ready to start a 5 day Easter break with my family and friends! Looking forward to little on the schedule, spending time with our families, and sleeping in!
4. Found out today that after our administrator recommended hiring another teacher for 3rd grade next year --- AND the school board approved it!! Thank you!! There was a lot of extra stress and worry of how next year was going to work with 28 kids in one classroom, scheduling for some split time with teachers, and having my own son in my class. Blessed to be a part of a district that puts the kids' need ahead of financial needs at times!
5. The weather is finally looking like SPRING!!
6. I get to spend some time with great friends tonight!
LIFE IS GOOD!!! Hope you all enjoy your holiday with family and friends. I know I will be spending much time reflecting on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us. He died so we may live!
1. I just survived two nights of parent-teacher conferences with amazing parents! So blessed to have a great group of kids!
2. I received a grant yesterday morning for Reflex Math. Not 100% sure of what it is yet but it's used by a co-worker who has nothing but wonderful things to say about it! So excited to get started with it next week!
3. Getting ready to start a 5 day Easter break with my family and friends! Looking forward to little on the schedule, spending time with our families, and sleeping in!
4. Found out today that after our administrator recommended hiring another teacher for 3rd grade next year --- AND the school board approved it!! Thank you!! There was a lot of extra stress and worry of how next year was going to work with 28 kids in one classroom, scheduling for some split time with teachers, and having my own son in my class. Blessed to be a part of a district that puts the kids' need ahead of financial needs at times!
5. The weather is finally looking like SPRING!!
6. I get to spend some time with great friends tonight!
LIFE IS GOOD!!! Hope you all enjoy your holiday with family and friends. I know I will be spending much time reflecting on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us. He died so we may live!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Worry! Worry!! Worry!!!
I have developed what I would consider to be one of my worst character traits throughout this winter. It was always there but I feel like it has completely consumed my life in the last 5 months. WORRYING!!!! When will it end?!?!
If you've read my earlier blogs you know that sickness has been almost a constant at our house this winter. Now I completely freak out and worry myself sick if my kids have in any way, shape, or form been around anyone who is sick - especially the stomach flu. It is not their fault at all - I know we've probably spread it to plenty as much as we've had it. I just let it consume my every thought of my day. I can't focus, eat, or even function. I find myself planning meals that won't be "messy" if thrown up (no red sauces, etc.). I lay sheets down beside the boys' beds to avoid a mess on the carpet. I don't even want to go anywhere. I lay in bed at night for hours and jump at every little sound that I hear coming out of their rooms. See what I mean?! I feel like a complete freak!!!
I try to remind myself that this is one of those things that is completely out of my hands. I turn it over to God and tell myself that we'll deal with it if it happens. But that lasts about 2 minutes. I feel like I have no control and that makes me crazy. UGH!!!!!!!!
I'm hoping that my venting here and reading how crazy I appear to be will allow me to relax and actually get to sleep tonight. Although I'm worried to let my guard down. I don't wish my kids to grow up AT ALL but I'm thinking it would be a little easier on my worrisome soul if they could tell me it's coming or know what to do in the middle of the night.
I have never, ever been so ready for winter to be over and for all this sickness around us to be DONE!! Let's move on to summer - then I can worry about sunburn, bug bites, and drowning in the pool :) HELP!! I'm a crazy lady!! HA
Thursday, March 7, 2013
The Winter From HELL
A good friend of mine suggested that I blog about our winter because I'll be able to look back at it in a couple years and laugh or not be able to believe it actually happened. So here goes.....
Our winter from hell began on Nov. 9th (the day before my 40th birthday). Our oldest came down with the stomach flu. Everything spiraled downhill from there. In the next 6 weeks, both our oldest boys had the flu 3 times, my husband got it once, and I got it twice. Jace (the youngest) had it a couple times in a smaller way - Thank God! But he also had rotovirus during that time. The last "bout" was mine on Christmas Eve/Christmas. However, we had found out on the 22nd that Jace would more than likely be needing another surgery. So, Jan. 31st we underwent another surgery to release his tethered spinal cord. He came through GREAT and is healed very quickly! Bad luck finally behind us?!?! NOPE!! This week the boys all came down with coughs. No big deal - just a winter cold. With Drew's birthday here in a couple of days I decided to take him and Jace in today to get checked out. I planned to go after school but a text from daycare telling me Jace was throwing up, cut my school day short. So Jace threw up all day along with coughing. Drew coughed and coughed. And Jax played. Took the boys to the Dr. Jace has RSV and Drew has bronchitis. Got home about 5. Jax started complaining about his tummy hurting about 6 and he was throwing up by 7. YEP! This is a true story! So 3 boys - all sick - with 3 different illnesses. And bless his heart -- Jax is asking as he is throwing up how many nights he'll be sick this time. Talk about breaking your heart!
So - my daily prayer book today told me that I would need God to get me through the day ahead. Boy, was that an understatement! It's been a rough winter to say the least. But tomorrow is a new day, God is by our side, and we'll make it through all this with His help.
Come on, Spring! That groundhog better be right or I will be hunting him down :)
Our winter from hell began on Nov. 9th (the day before my 40th birthday). Our oldest came down with the stomach flu. Everything spiraled downhill from there. In the next 6 weeks, both our oldest boys had the flu 3 times, my husband got it once, and I got it twice. Jace (the youngest) had it a couple times in a smaller way - Thank God! But he also had rotovirus during that time. The last "bout" was mine on Christmas Eve/Christmas. However, we had found out on the 22nd that Jace would more than likely be needing another surgery. So, Jan. 31st we underwent another surgery to release his tethered spinal cord. He came through GREAT and is healed very quickly! Bad luck finally behind us?!?! NOPE!! This week the boys all came down with coughs. No big deal - just a winter cold. With Drew's birthday here in a couple of days I decided to take him and Jace in today to get checked out. I planned to go after school but a text from daycare telling me Jace was throwing up, cut my school day short. So Jace threw up all day along with coughing. Drew coughed and coughed. And Jax played. Took the boys to the Dr. Jace has RSV and Drew has bronchitis. Got home about 5. Jax started complaining about his tummy hurting about 6 and he was throwing up by 7. YEP! This is a true story! So 3 boys - all sick - with 3 different illnesses. And bless his heart -- Jax is asking as he is throwing up how many nights he'll be sick this time. Talk about breaking your heart!
So - my daily prayer book today told me that I would need God to get me through the day ahead. Boy, was that an understatement! It's been a rough winter to say the least. But tomorrow is a new day, God is by our side, and we'll make it through all this with His help.
Come on, Spring! That groundhog better be right or I will be hunting him down :)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Darn Resolutions
Oops!! I guess 2013's New Year's Resolution will be no different than any other years. I made a resolution to blog at least once a week but I'm seeing it's been about..... a long time! Quick catch up and then on to my "deep thoughts". Jace had his surgery on Jan. 31st and is doing remarkable! We would like to think this was his last surgery but we have to think realistically. He is a trooper! So life continues to be back to crazy at our house but I wouldn't have it any other way :)
It's kinda funny what prompted me to get back to my blog and my love of writing. A "friend" made a comment that really hurt. To make a long story short, this "friend" said that my posts on Facebook were like reading a book. I decided to return the favor of being a good friend and deleted this friend the next day. I guess if they don't enjoy reading my posts or it bothers them that much, I will put them out of their misery. I guess I just love my life, my kids, my family, my friends, and my job! So I want to share! If you were truly my "friend" you would appreciate that!
I feel like I am a good person. Have I and do I continue to make mistakes? Yep! But I think that I treat people with respect and try not to judge unless I know the real story. I think everyone deserves that treatment. I have not always thought or acted this way. I take the time to stop and think about how what I'm about to say will make the other person feel. Do I always resist that temptation and not say what I'm thinking? NOPE!! It's just too tempting sometimes. Oops!
Sometimes it takes something to happen in your life to make you look at yourself a little closer. Everything that we've been through with Jace has been so hard on my heart. But if I have to find something good that comes from all of this -- I know exactly what it is. My faith is stronger now that it ever has been. I know that no matter what - God is right beside me and will get me through whatever He brought to me. I accept His challenges and look at them as a way to become stronger.
So, I'm not rambling now. If you don't like my ramblings, I apologize but not really :)
It's kinda funny what prompted me to get back to my blog and my love of writing. A "friend" made a comment that really hurt. To make a long story short, this "friend" said that my posts on Facebook were like reading a book. I decided to return the favor of being a good friend and deleted this friend the next day. I guess if they don't enjoy reading my posts or it bothers them that much, I will put them out of their misery. I guess I just love my life, my kids, my family, my friends, and my job! So I want to share! If you were truly my "friend" you would appreciate that!
I feel like I am a good person. Have I and do I continue to make mistakes? Yep! But I think that I treat people with respect and try not to judge unless I know the real story. I think everyone deserves that treatment. I have not always thought or acted this way. I take the time to stop and think about how what I'm about to say will make the other person feel. Do I always resist that temptation and not say what I'm thinking? NOPE!! It's just too tempting sometimes. Oops!
Sometimes it takes something to happen in your life to make you look at yourself a little closer. Everything that we've been through with Jace has been so hard on my heart. But if I have to find something good that comes from all of this -- I know exactly what it is. My faith is stronger now that it ever has been. I know that no matter what - God is right beside me and will get me through whatever He brought to me. I accept His challenges and look at them as a way to become stronger.
So, I'm not rambling now. If you don't like my ramblings, I apologize but not really :)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Another Bump in the Road
Some day I know that our crazy life will be on "cruise" and I will look back at these days and be able to smile and thank God for bringing us through these hard times. Now to catch those of you who don't know our situation up to speed --- when our youngest son Jace, who is now 16 months old, he was diagnosed with a tethered spinal cord. In easy terminology - his spinal cord was attached to some tissue on his back when it really should be "free". So when he was 3 months old, he had surgery to "release" the cord and also had some of his tailbone shaved off as it curved out rather than in.
So began the cycle of trips back to Minneapolis for follow up appts. and MRI's every 3 months. In April they noticed a small (6mm) fluid pocket along his spine. In July, it had grown slightly(9mm) and we were told then that surgery may be necessary to drain the fluid. We received word on Dec. 21st that the MRI from Dec. 4th showed "significant" growth and was now 15 mm. Amazing how those simple words spoken can break a Mom's heart. This is a child who has met all of his developmental milestones thus far - still not walking a lot but doctors aren't too concerned about that. You would never know looking at him that there was anything "wrong" with him. I say that because I hate that! There is nothing "wrong" with him. I like to think of it more as that he has a flaw that needs to be fixed.
So we will be going back to Minneapolis on Dec. 16th to consult with the pediatric neurosurgeon and then he will undergo another surgery on Dec. 17th. We don't know for sure the plan and not even sure the surgeon will know until he gets in there. He is suspicious that the cord has reattached and if that's the case - will release it again.
Each day gets a little easier - yesterday was the first day since Dec. 21st that I didn't cry. I try to put on my brave face and be strong for my boys. I was brought up to be strong and not show a lot of emotion. There's nothing wrong with that but I've also learned that sometimes it's ok to be weak. Everyone does it in their own way and own place. Mine is a huge release of tears and I choose to do it when I go to bed when the boys are all sleeping. It is so heart wrenching knowing that I have to hand my baby over again to a stranger. The first time he didn't know the difference but I know he will this time. I visualize him clinging to me and reaching for me and saying "Momma" and I honestly don't know how I will make it through that. But I know that I will because that's what tough moms do :) We have amazing family members and friends who are like family that will be there with us through every step of the way.
But most importantly, we will have God with us. He will be present in the operating room and guiding the doctors and nurses through the procedure and along the way during Jace's recovery. He will be with Mike and I as we do what we must do to get through this. I stop and think about how much my faith has grown in the last 16 months. I honestly find it very strange! Have I questioned God? Yes! Have I asked him to PLEASE let it be me instead of Jace? DAILY! But I trust in God and know that He only gives you what you can handle. So instead of getting mad and turning my back on my faith, I have turned it over to Him. I pray that He heals my sweet baby!!
FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS ----
So began the cycle of trips back to Minneapolis for follow up appts. and MRI's every 3 months. In April they noticed a small (6mm) fluid pocket along his spine. In July, it had grown slightly(9mm) and we were told then that surgery may be necessary to drain the fluid. We received word on Dec. 21st that the MRI from Dec. 4th showed "significant" growth and was now 15 mm. Amazing how those simple words spoken can break a Mom's heart. This is a child who has met all of his developmental milestones thus far - still not walking a lot but doctors aren't too concerned about that. You would never know looking at him that there was anything "wrong" with him. I say that because I hate that! There is nothing "wrong" with him. I like to think of it more as that he has a flaw that needs to be fixed.
So we will be going back to Minneapolis on Dec. 16th to consult with the pediatric neurosurgeon and then he will undergo another surgery on Dec. 17th. We don't know for sure the plan and not even sure the surgeon will know until he gets in there. He is suspicious that the cord has reattached and if that's the case - will release it again.
Each day gets a little easier - yesterday was the first day since Dec. 21st that I didn't cry. I try to put on my brave face and be strong for my boys. I was brought up to be strong and not show a lot of emotion. There's nothing wrong with that but I've also learned that sometimes it's ok to be weak. Everyone does it in their own way and own place. Mine is a huge release of tears and I choose to do it when I go to bed when the boys are all sleeping. It is so heart wrenching knowing that I have to hand my baby over again to a stranger. The first time he didn't know the difference but I know he will this time. I visualize him clinging to me and reaching for me and saying "Momma" and I honestly don't know how I will make it through that. But I know that I will because that's what tough moms do :) We have amazing family members and friends who are like family that will be there with us through every step of the way.
But most importantly, we will have God with us. He will be present in the operating room and guiding the doctors and nurses through the procedure and along the way during Jace's recovery. He will be with Mike and I as we do what we must do to get through this. I stop and think about how much my faith has grown in the last 16 months. I honestly find it very strange! Have I questioned God? Yes! Have I asked him to PLEASE let it be me instead of Jace? DAILY! But I trust in God and know that He only gives you what you can handle. So instead of getting mad and turning my back on my faith, I have turned it over to Him. I pray that He heals my sweet baby!!
FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS ----
Monday, December 31, 2012
Welcome!
I am starting my New Year's Resolution a day early this year. I'm not sure if I should call this a resolution because it is something that I am very excited about! Maybe my resolution is more to make time to finally do this. Something that is not known by many about me is that I LOVE to write - not research papers or assignments - but about life. I so enjoy following others on here so I thought "why not?!" So I hope that you enjoy and that my posts about my crazy life with these 3 boys in my life - makes your life seem a little less chaotic :) Bear with me as I figure this out and learn along the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)