Trip to the Coast

We spent my birthday and the next couple of days following at a condo on the coast with my parents. It was wonderful! The weather was gorgeous so the kids were able to swim at least once if not twice a day. Of course that meant that we had to swim once if not twice a day but it was fun to do as a family. On the last day we were there the wind had picked up a bit so we would race from the pool to the hot tub, sit there for a bit and then race back to the pool. The kids especially loved the hot tub even if we would only let them be in there for a few minutes at a time. K especially loved being in the big pool and riding on either my shoulders or Daddy's and going around and around the pool. T taught himself how to hold his breath under water and spent most of the time down below the surface. Guess we've got a couple of water frogs who can't get enough of the water!

The second day we were there, Mom and Dad kept the kids so we could go into Lincoln City and I could spend my birthday money. If Cliff wasn't enjoying himself while we were shopping, he didn't show it. He was smiling a lot of the time and let me take all the time I needed, he's such a good man. After shopping we went to Kylos ("our" restaurant) and had a wonderful late lunch sitting at a booth with a view of the ocean. What a perfect day.

We spent a lot of time down on the beach which was just a pathway away from our back patio. T loved looking for cool rocks and it didn't take K long to get into it too. One of the evenings we had a campfire on the beach and made smores, it was my first beach campfire, lots of fun.

We would have been content staying there another week, it was so relaxing. But of course we couldn't stay there forever. Thank goodness my parents invite us to come along with them so much for vacations, we have such a great time and are blessed to have them in our lives.

Best Present EVER

On my birthday last week, September 20th, I received the best gift anyone could have given me, a letter advising that Dr. Redwine is familiar with my endometriosis condition and that he will do surgery if I wish to. This is such a huge answer to prayer after many months of losing hope. He said in his letter that he has seen, "Several cases of scar endometriosis" and that the typical outcome for removal of scar endometriosis is, "Immediate and complete pain relief." Woo-hoo!! He also noted that there, "Really is not any point in being on Lupron (menopause medicine) since everybody knows that this does not treat endometriosis and that scar endometriosis is best treated by surgery." Yea, no more menopause!! So November 1st is the big day. I'll be getting rid of endometriosis and hopefully gaining my life back.

Thank you to all of you who had my in your thoughts and prayers, it worked, I'm going to be healed in ONE MONTH! :0)

Kaleigh Margaret Guest

A week before my cousin Stephanie was due to have a c-section to deliver her second child, she didn't feel like the baby was moving around as much as usual. After calling her doctor, she was directed to go to the hospital as soon as possible. Once at the hospital, she found out the worst news possible, there was no heartbeat.

The next day, Kaleigh Margaret was delivered via c-section weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measuring at 19 inches long. She had lots of dark hair and was one of the cutest babies I have ever seen. Her mom and dad, Jeff and Stephanie, and her grandparents, Dale and Jan, plus her sister, Paige, and a few other family members were able to take the time to hold her and spend some special time with her for the first and the last time ever.

Yesterday we attended a funeral for Kaleigh. It was one of the hardest funerals I have ever attended. Such a tiny little baby, taken to heaven, why? I don't understand it. I know the logistics, her umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck but why? Over the past couple of days I have tried to imagine myself in Jeff & Stephanie's position and I just can't. How does one cope with something so devestating? Both Jeff and Stephanie spoke yesterday at the funeral and I was so impressed with them. They aren't angry, just so devestated. They are still trusting in God, and although this is an awful experience, their faith in him remains strong. What an incredible example they are to all of us. At one point during the service they played a song by Natalie Grant, the words are so touching and were so appropriate yesterday.

"Two months is too little.

They let him go.

They had no sudden healing.

To think that providence would

Take a child from his mother while she prays Is appalling.

Who told us we’d be rescued?

What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?

We’re asking why this happens

To us who have died to live?

It’s unfair.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.T

his is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.

We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.

The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we’d be held.

If hope is born of suffering.

If this is only the beginning.

Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we’d be held.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know, that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held"

Kaleigh, even though many of us never had the chance to meet you, you will be greatly missed by us all.

Endometriosis

The online dictionary defines endometriosis as the:

"presence of endometrium elsewhere than womb: a medical condition in which the mucous membrane endometrium that normally lines only the womb is present and functioning in the ovaries or elsewhere in the body"

If I had to define it in my one words based on my experience, here is what I would say,

"Endometriosis is a disease that can take your life. No, it won't kill you - or not at least that I know of but it will take your life. The pain from endometriosis is so extreme that your life is changed dramatically and it is taken from you and is replaced with a sedentary, depressing one."

I am tired of endometriosis stealing my life away. I have a great life. I have an amazing husband whose love for me is so great. I have two beautiful, funny, smart and loving children who love me so much. I have an incredible family who is so supportive during this entire difficult time. And then I have all my friends. Friends who check up on me when I don't return phone calls or e-mails and make sure I'm okay.

So I have decided I'm not going to let endometriosis win. I've gained back weight due to comfort eating, steroid treatments, lupron treatments which put me into menopause, tests and tests and tests. Not anymore. I'm back on plan, have lost 14 pounds in these past two weeks and plan on continuing to lose until every last ounce of this weight is gone.

And as far as the rest of my life, I'm trying with all my might to put a smile on my face, have a cheerful heart and do what I can do to make myself not get so depressed.

I appreciate all the prayers and support that everyone has provided. Even if I don't respond to an e-mail or call back, I appreciate it, all of it.

Inside of me there is a small little corner that has a bit of hope left in it. I sent all my information to a specialist named Dr. Redwine who is the leading expert on endometriosis in the nation and happens to practice in Bend. Hopefully soon I will hear whether or not he'll accept me as a patient and be able to do a surgery to remove this awfulness from my body. I'll keep everyone updated on that as well.

Thank you again for loving me and caring for me.

Riding Bikes

Back in June on Ts birthday, we gave him this awesome bike with training wheels. Cliff and I were so excited to give it to him but then his birthday came and he wasn't the least bit interested in it. Needless to say, we were completely crushed. However, after spending two days at school and riding the tricycles there on the playground, T came to me asking if he could ride his bike. There was no way I was going to let this opportunity get away so I got both of their helmets on and rushed outside with the bikes. I gave Trevor one push and he was off, pedaling away like he'd been doing it for months. I was amazed. K doesn't have it down yet but she tries. Most of the time we just push her and she thinks she's riding herself but that's okay for now. :0)

My School Boy

T is now officially in school. September 5th was his official first day of preschool. He has been waiting for this day to come for such a long time and was so excited to put his backpack on and head to school. Cliff had to work so it was just K and I taking him to his first day. As we were walking up to the school I asked T if he wanted to hold my hand. He quickly replied, "No mom." It was as if he no longer needed me, I wanted to cry. I held off on the tears though. We went to his class and hung his backpack on his hook and he took off to go play. I had to make him come give me a hug and a kiss goodbye. As we were leaving I'm not sure who was crying more, me or K. She so badly wanted to stay with brother. I think maybe she somehow thought that since he was going to school and since they've always done things together, she'd get to go to school too.

Even though it was nearly time to leave for the first day of school, there is always time for silliness. :0)

Day in Florence

My parents went camping in Florence with a group from the church they used to attend a few weekends ago. We decided to come over for the day Saturday and they invited T to spend the night in their camp trailer with them. The kids had such a good time. Just out from their camping spot was this huge sandbox where the kids spent most of their time. The day was great except for the bees during the potluck luncheon. I hate bees, HATE them. I hate the word, "Hate," why do I use it? Anyway, the bees got Cliff and he got stung on his arm once, it swelled up and bugged him for most of the day. All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.

The Lane County Fair

We never planned on taking the kids to the fair this year. Too many people, scary carni-workers, too many scary fair-goers. However, we thought we'd give it a shot when Cliff's mom called and said they had free tickets. We went on a Saturday morning (which we thought would be a big mistake) around 11:00. Turns out, it was perfect. Hardly anyone was there, we spent nearly four hours there. The kids rode several rides, had kettle corn, hot dogs and hamburgers. We saw many animals, some of them more than once and had a great day together as a family. At the end of the day we were all exausted, especially sis but who knows, maybe we'll even go again next year!

Day at the Farm

I am so thankful that Cliff grew up on a farm and that his parents are still there. My kids have so much fun going there - okay, I have just as much if not more fun. Anyhow, we love going there. This summer we took a couple days and picked blackberries at different parts of the property. There are apple trees and I got enough apples to make several jars of homemade applesauce with my mother-in-law. We've had several plums recently as well.

One of my most favorite parts is visiting my cow, Olive. I say my cow but she's really not, I just like to think she is. A month or two ago on a really hot day, we realized she was not doing well in her hutch. Uncle Eldon let her out and she was wandering all around, falling over, acting like she had heat stroke. So I spent the afternoon with her trying to cool her down and getting her to drink water. She laid on my lap most of the time. I'd start to get up to leave and she'd nuzzle her head further into my lap, it was like having a dog sleep on me. She was so sweet. They didn't seem to be too sure she'd live through the day but she did. I like to think it is because I took the time to take care of her. So now, whenever I go to the farm, I call her by her name and most times she comes to me. I wish I could keep her in my backyard, that'd be perfect.

Boomer

The newest addition to my sister and Ethan's family, Boomer. He's so cute and growing way too fast, before long the kids will be able to take turns riding on him! :0)

Surprise Trip for ME!!

A few months ago as I was looking through our calendar, I noticed something written on two days in August. I looked closer as it wasn't my handwriting and it said, "Date Weekend." I quickly looked at Cliff and excitedly said, "What's this?" He quickly and slyly replied, "What? I don't know what you're talking about. Who wrote that?" :0) Turns out, he planned a night away for us and also planned the childcare. As badly as I wanted to know where we were going, it was fun to experience the anticipation of not knowing.

We took off Friday morning after dropping off the kids with Cliff's mom. From there we went south. We went past Drain, Rice Hill, Roseburg and eventually took the exit with the massive sign advertising Seven Feathers. As we took the exit I secretly hoped we were going there rather than just using a bathroom. Sure enough, he pulled into the parking lot. Turns out, he won a free night in the hotel when he was there for training back in January. I don't know how in the world he kept it from me this long but he did. He also brought all our spare change, I LOVE the penny slots! :0)

We had lunch and he let me play the slots for a little while but said we had to leave in a couple hours. Of course I was curious to see where we were going because I thought this was the surprise. We left the casino and headed back north on I-5. He told me we were looking for Starlight Theater and hoped we would see it from I-5. Sure enough, there it was. An old, somewhat worn down drive-in theater. Before we had left town he told me that I needed to wear shoes comfortable enough for me to walk a bit in. As we took the exit to the theater I thought, "It is hours before dark when we could see a movie and this place is in the middle of nowhere. I didn't bring shoes to hike that mountain in, just comfy sandals." As I was fiddling with my earrings and looking in the mirror, I missed all the signs that said, "Shuttle Parking." So we parked and got out and Cliff took off walking. I had NO idea what was going on. There were other cars there though but no people. We walked to this stop sign out in the middle of nowhere where there were a few other people standing. It was so strange. Not too long later though, a school bus pulls up - I still have no clue what's going on.

The bus starts going north on I-5 and before long I can see the Douglas County Fairgrounds (which we had passed going south earlier on the way to the casino and I had actually hoped we would end up taking that exit and going to the fair.) The bus dropped us off and Cliff told me we had our tickets waiting inside as he had purchased them online. Once we get inside, the woman working the counter says, "You two must have tickets for the concert." I said, "Concert? What concert? Are we seeing a concert???!!!" I was so excited. The woman felt so incredibly bad that I didn't know and she ruined the surprise. We were there to see Blake Shelton in concert.

Since we had a few hours before the concert started, we spent the afternoon walking around looking at the many, many booths and many, many animals. It was so much fun. We rode the scrambler, had cotton candy (me) and ice cream (Cliff). They also had a dock dog competition going on so we watched that for a bit. Then it was time for the concert.

Blake Shelton was a great performer and we had such a good time. Our seats were excellent, I think it was the fourth row that we were in. I screamed so much my throat hurt afterward.

After the concert we wandered around a little more since it seemed like a whole new world once it was dark and all the lights were on. We stopped at one of those little photo booths and I convinced Cliff to take pictures with me, I had always wanted to try that.

Eventually we got our last treat, a fri-jo and headed back to the hotel. There had been entertainment in the pub that night that we missed but there were still a lot of people around so we went in and had some onion rings (yeah, I know - more bad food) and even danced a little.

It was an amazing weekend with my wonderfully sweet husband who took me out of town for no reason at all other than to have some time with each other. He's so good to me!!!

Big Smiles

I love my kids, they're so stinkin' cute. And thank you to Uncle Lee and Aunt Sherri for the fun new play structure!

Mom's Surprise 50th Birthday Party

This July was my Mom's 50th Birthday. We knew we wanted to have a special party for her and especially wanted it to be a surprise. We rented the room at Petersen Barn and had Hole in the Wall BBQ cater the dinner. It was so much fun. Mom seemed to have such a good time and it was wonderful to have so many of her family and friends there. We couldn't get in to the center until a half an hour before people were supposed to start arriving. There is absolutely NO way that my sister and I could have gotten everything put together without the help of all our family. We had aunts, uncles, cousins and friends all helping us get everything together. And we did it, within 25 minutes it looked like a changed room. Thank you to everyone who came to help Mom celebrate her special day!