Magic Eggs

I made myself some magic eggs this morning. We call them "magic" because that's what my mom says they are. You know, when you throw an egg or two in a bowl, cover it, and zap it in the microwave? If you don't know, it's a fun trick.

Anyway, when I cracked the egg into my bowl it had 2 yolks. That's right, one egg with two yolks. Can a chicken have twins? Has anyone seen that before? I was baffled myself. The kids thought it was really cool. As Cobb always says, "Cool huh??"

typical morning

They have their chocolate milk, we have our coffee.

mini-adventures

Well, I realize that it's been a while since my last post, but the good news is that I have felt much better. Since my last post, we have gone on some mini-adventures including: walking around the neighborhood as a family(Ridge sat on my shoulders while we looked at Trisha & Marc's lot); leaving for a 24 hour adult get-away at the Bowlin lakehouse with the Fifers and Matthews; going to church as a family (The Matthews carpooled with us. Aren't we green!!); heading to the post-office; braving Costco for diapers and wipes; and going to the library so we have new books to read with mommy and/or daddy.










For the most part, we've continued to hang at home resting and playing. Ridge has been exploring and creatively dumping. . .



Charly has been playing princesses with whomever is willing. . .



And Cobb has been working puzzles and climbing



Tonight Cobb said our dinnertime prayer again. He said, "Thank you God for this blessing. Thank you that you sent your son to die for us. I hope you change me. . ." PAUSE
(Naturally, I thought he might truly be understanding, and then he finished)
". . .to be spiderman."

Well, at least Cobb understands that our God is all-powerful!

Please pray for our friends

Our sweet friends Chris & Lindsay Carreker recently found out that Chris has testicular cancer. He had some tests run this week & tomorrow they will find out if the cancer has spread to any other areas. Lindsay is pregnant with their first child. Please pray for them during this time. Thank you!

haircut

Uncle B cut Cobb's hair this morning at Rob's office.


Ridge was fascinated by the whole process. Especially because he has never had a haircut (not sure if baldy will need one any time soon)

Thanks B!!!

Fun at the Jack Carter Pool

This is two days late, but oh well. . .
Tuesday my friend Trisha came over and helped me take the kids to a park nearby called the Jack Carter Pool. The kids had such a good time, and it was so fun for me to be able to hang with them and watch their smiles. Ridge loved it because he could be so independent in the pool. Charly enjoyed lounging around and sliding. Cobb enjoyed all of it.


At one point, Cobb and I went to the big pool and I sat on the side as he jumped off the diving board again and again. He thought he was SO big standing with all the big kids. He really enjoyed talking to the boy in the green shorts. Wish I had overheard the conversations.

Conversations with doctors

Last night I received a message that my bloodwork thus far is normal. So I do not have Celiac or Lupus. This is great news! Earlier today I saw the neruologist, and he is sure the tremor is an essential tremor that is most likely exasperated by my being sick. I also got confirmation from the cardiologist, that the fatty cells on my heart are not something to worry about. They do not usually see that on younger patients, so they will continue to watch it.

And I just got off the phone with my internist, and she feels that we need to keep pursuing the root of my B12 deficiency. The B12 shot I had last week (got my 2nd today) seems to be helping with my energy level and lightheadedness. In order to pursue the B12 deficiency idea, my internist is going to send me back to a GI doctor for a GI work-up. Not sure when that will be, so I may not know anything for awhile. In the meantime, I will wait and enjoy the new found energy. My internist seems to have taken a real interest in my case, and she and I talked through many options on the phone. I praise God that I have the privledge of being under her care.

dinner time

Charly and/or Cobb usually say our dinner time prayer. Tonight Charly started off. She sweetly began by naming everyone at the table, and then thanked God for practically everyone she knows. We were sure that our dinner was cold by the time she said Amen. And then Cobb piped in. His prayers usually begin with "I love. . ." Well, tonight it was, "I love mommy's voice, and I love when daddy plays Indiana Jones with me. Amen"

Usually when we sit down for dinner, Charly looks at her plate and asks, "How can I be done?" So as Rob is explaining the concept of eating to Charly, Cobb makes us laugh once again.

Rob: . . . and after you swallow, the food goes down to here (pointing to stomach). Do you know what this is?

Cobb: I do! It's Na sha.

Rob: Nausea?

Cobb: Yeah, it's kind of like speaking Spanish.

God works in the little things

Rob is singing this morning at church. I always love to hear him sing and watch him worship from the stage as I worship from the congregation. I hate to miss it, but this morning I had the opportunity to stay home and rest thanks to Nana & Pops offer to care for the kiddos. It's been a good morning of reflection for me and time of thanksgiving for all the Lord has provided in the past month and a half.

This morning I listened to Blake Holmes's sermon from last Sunday (Rob & I had missed due to our little get away). I encourage you to listen/watch if you haven't heard it already. (click here and go to the series called "The Story of Ruth," and listen to the second sermon in the series called "Under The Lord's Wing.")

The thing that stuck out to me the most was when he said, "The Lord works through the seemingly ordinary moments of our day." Often times we wait for a miracle or something amazing to give God credit, forgetting that there are no "lucky moments" or coincidences. Every good thing comes from God even for those who don't believe. It's our choice to open our eyes and see God working, and when we do it is a huge blessing. Thanks friends & family for allowing God to work through you, for being His hands and feet, and for loving us as He does.

Ringworm??

Well, after mom left this past Thursday I noticed a round circle on little Ridge's head. It didn't seem to bother him, but I was pretty sure it was ringworm. We confirmed it at the doctor later that day. Ringworm?? How'd we get that?? So I immediately took Mulligan in to the vet for his yearly (which unfortunately for him, I've put off). We're so glad to say that Mulligan is ringworm free and had a clean bill of health. So, now the culprit is a mystery.


But the ringworm didn't stop Ridge from being his fun, happy self. He dug into the popsicles we had made the day before. I think Cobb & Ridge were having a race to the finish!


I think I could have possibly overdone it on Wednesday, and so Thursday morning I woke with the headache & nausea. I decided to push through it, which could have caused yesterday to be worse. Despite not feeling well, fun times were had. Playing cards with Cobb, cuddling withe the ringworm master, and even getting a makeover from my soon to be make-up artist!

(I had to close my lips really tight because a glob of lipstick was being pushed ever so gently between them).

Mimi's left today

Oh we are so sad. She is so helpful and fun.

She said that Charly was often a big help. . .



But was frequently caught red-handed

Good day

Today was a good day. I was encouraged at the internist's office. She gave me a B12 shot, and wants me to come in weekly for the shots. I think it definitely helped with my energy level today. Other symptoms were present, but not overbearing. She also had some more bloodwork ordered to check for certain deficiencies and to add to the bloodwork taken yesterday(checking for Celiac and Lupus). Turns out I have a low grade fever going on (who knew??). I finished the bloodwork just in time to go to lunch with my hubby (thanks Mom for keeping the kids!).

When I got home, Cobb, Charly & I played Chutes & Ladders. Cobb was really into the game while Charly kept changing her mind as to whether she was in or out. So we just skipped her turn when she got distracted.

After dinner, Mom, kids, & I took a short walk to the park. It was SO nice to be outside and watch them play. I absolutely loved it. (oh, and yes, Cobb is still in his PJs from last night. . .he didn't feel like getting dressed today).

Back in Diapers

(if you are confused, see Rob's earlier post called "Princess Line-up")

Free

Update: I went to the GI yesterday, and he does not think it is a GI problem. He did have me come in for more bloodwork today, and he asked that I go see an internist who can pull all my info together. So I'll be seeing an internist tomorrow morning.

I'm free of the heart monitor as of today, and I sent it off in a UPS package. I guess I will hear results from that at some point. It feels good to not have those little patches connected to my skin, and wires hanging off me. Supposedly the fatty tissue connected to my heart is not causing symptoms, and the monitoring was just precautionary.

But the reason I titled my post "Free" is not because of the heart monitor, but more because I have realized some things. Yesterday, I was discouraged, and I woke up this morning frustrated that I felt sick. . .my head ached, I was nauseated, and just wanted to sleep. I was just so ready to be "normal" again, and I want some answers for why I feel sick. "Rest" is not a popular word in my vocabulary. I would much rather "do" because I truly enjoy being active. I guess all that is to say, I am so tired of being tired and weak. After all, who wants to be sick on their birthday!

But I have had little bits of encouragement from the Lord that have humbled my complaining spirit, shown me He loves me and my family, and honestly kicked me in the rear. My husband's sweet post, all your encouraging comments, a birthday package of my favorite things from my biblestudy girls, and a sweet birthday party with my husband, kids, and parents. . . Genny, a long time friend who lives in connecticut provided a wonderful meal, my mom made a special cake , and the kids were super excited about me blowing out candles. So I realized(yet again) how blessed I am.

Today, my kids got to play at the Smiths house, but before that, we had a surprise visitor. Sarah Tucker showed up at my house with a huge basket of fun toys, etc. plus a goody basket for me, all from her community group. As the kids tore into it with my mom, I was both humbled and grateful at the same time. God continues to teach me to trust him during this time of "weakness." When I am unable to be strong, God is strong for me. When I can't take care of my kids or be the mother I want to be, God does it for me. The Journey entry from today speaks to that very thing(read it if you have a chance). "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"(2 Cor 12:9). God has not answered my prayers for the cause of my symptoms, but he has grown me through this. I am realizing my weaknesses. Not only physical, but also that I need Him. I like to be independent, and sometimes it is so hard for me to receive help. So let's just call it what it is....pride and a need for control. I hate it when my sin rears it's ugly head. I am not super-woman (although I sometimes wish I was), and I am in need of a savior. How grateful I am that I have found one in Christ. God continues to show me that I need to rest in His provision & plan, because it's better than mine. It's so much better. Not sure why I fight that so much. I feel like this is a lesson I learn over and over again. I'm so glad He loves me enough to allow me to grow. He is definitely showing me His power through the hands and feet of our community, friends, and church. I'm grateful to be weak, but I pray I will never grow tired of hope in the Lord. "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"(Joshua 1:9). I am free to depend fully on the Lord.

Happy 36th birthday to my wife.

Today is Haley's birthday. I remember memorizing her birthday long before we were even dating. In fact, 9 years ago today, Haley and I sat at Curtis Park and I read her a letter I had written. It basically said, 'I'm crazy about you, you aren't crazy about me, so I think we need to stop hanging out'. And we did. We stopped hanging out. Then we both started going to Watermark independently. Then we kept being thrust into each other's lives, which wasn't easy for me, considering I was trying to 'get over' her.
Flash forward, she eventually came around which is probably the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

I love so many things about Haley. Starting with her smile, to her friendliness, to her compassion for others, to her love of the Lord, to her spunky-ness, to her looks, to how she loves me, to how she loves our kids... I could go on... and I will.

I love her brown/hazel eyes.
I love that Charly has them too.
I love that Ridge is obsessed with her (like I was early on)
I love that Cobb needs her more than anyone.
I love that she looks to Scripture first for wisdom.
I love that she clings to the Lord for strength.
I love how well she loves her friends.
I love that she doesn't mind me telling you her age.
I love that she loves exercise.
I love that she is a bit clutzy... except when she spilt water on my computer... I didn't love that.

If you have time, please write her a birthday wish in the comments. Haley and I are so thankful for the love and support we have felt from so many. We praise God for the way he has taken care of us and especially how he has used our community of friends and family.

Restful weekend

I haven't posted in a while. I've been resting, and so glad because it has definitely helped. Friday afternoon I was able to lay down while my friend Laura took care of the kids and dinner. Then my parents arrived yesterday afternoon allowing Rob and I to escape to the Stonebriar Westin to sleep. We got there around 4, and I think I stayed in bed until this morning at 10:45! We ate a great breakfast & got back in bed til we checked out at 1 p.m. To top off the weekend, I got a massage for my birthday, and then an early dinner at the cheesecake factory near our home. This much rest/sleep is not a possibility with three young children unless you have brave grandparents, so thanks Mom & Dad!

The sleep/rest has definitely helped me feel better, and I hope that tomorrow's visit to the gastroenterologist will provide answers for the symptoms I'm having. I'm so thankful that Rob got a lot of sleep & rest too. It was definitely deserved and needed for the double-duty dad.

Thank you God for the rest you provided so that we may be rejuvenated during this journey.

Haley enjoying a massage at Stonebriar Spa.

Eating a great breakfast... At 11AM!

In the lobby with Starbucks. Haley sleeping in. This has been a great break.

Getting a couple things at Best Buy. Haley chillin'.

Night away! Starting with custard.

This was my first time to ever try this place... it is so good! I wasn't expecting how good it was.... Look out Wild About Harry's!

Amazed at all the love and support!

Last night 5 sweet friends of mine came over and cleaned out our media room (which we've been using as a storage/pile-up of outgrown clothes and things we don't quite know what to do with). Now, as I told them, the mess in there has nothing to do with me being sick, but solely due to my own procrastination while I was well. It was humbling for me, but so so relieving to see the room cleaned up! Thank you girls! You amaze me, and it was so good to see all of you. Missing the real world :)

Thanks Sandra!

Today the Damers came over to play. The kids had so much fun! Sandra brought a fun recipe for gooey goop. Charly used a cup to push hers down, while Cobb and Koben made sounds with theirs (I don't think I need to necessarily specify which sounds they made. . .)

Selah made yummy, slimy hotdogs.

Cobb & Koben played the Wii Star Wars game.

Sandra had her hands full with both Brantzen & Ridge.

Thank you Sandra for all you did in the house and with the kids.

The Princess line-up (random post)

Charly gets a princess taken from her when she goes potty (either one) in her pull-up... knowing that makes this picture hilarious to me.