Meet Raina, (scroll down a bit to find her name) a Bulgarian orphan who disparately needs a home, and FAST! Not only does she have Down Syndrome, but she also has clubbed feet. Without a family to bring her home and fix her feet, she is destined to spend her life in a crib, which could possibly be a death sentence for her.
My friend Shelley is raffling off her Blackberry Curve, with all proceeds being placed into the grant fund to help bring Raina home. Please consider entering, it's only $5 or you can enter as many times as you like!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Agates
I don't know if it's still true, but for many decades Lake Superior was the best place in the country to search for agates. The beaches are all picked over now, but you can still find small ones here and there. My ex husband used to spend a lot of time on the shores of Lake Superior picking rocks, then would bring them home and put them in a rock polisher for like a month, turning them into beautiful stones.
So, Scharlett had never seen an agate before (at least not to her knowledge) so we got her on the shore and started teaching her. (Ok, Tink taught her while I orbited around on my own search.)
First, it's necessary to remove your shoes and socks for the full experience. Tink removed hers, but it was like a bazillion degrees out and I was wearing my motorcycle boots, and felt like if I took them off I'd never get them back on again. Besides, it would mean bending over...too much work.
Then Tink went searching...and searching....
And when she found what she was looking for, she drew a circle in the rocks and told Scharlett, it's right here...right in this area.
No, really Scharlett...it's right there in front of you!
While they were doing that, I was busy looking "reflective". This is me, looking "reflective".
From there we went to see the Glensheen mansion. I'll post about that later, right now it's lightning outside so I have to shut down!
So, Scharlett had never seen an agate before (at least not to her knowledge) so we got her on the shore and started teaching her. (Ok, Tink taught her while I orbited around on my own search.)
First, it's necessary to remove your shoes and socks for the full experience. Tink removed hers, but it was like a bazillion degrees out and I was wearing my motorcycle boots, and felt like if I took them off I'd never get them back on again. Besides, it would mean bending over...too much work.
Then Tink went searching...and searching....
And when she found what she was looking for, she drew a circle in the rocks and told Scharlett, it's right here...right in this area.
No, really Scharlett...it's right there in front of you!
While they were doing that, I was busy looking "reflective". This is me, looking "reflective".
From there we went to see the Glensheen mansion. I'll post about that later, right now it's lightning outside so I have to shut down!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Split Rock Sisters (or "Falling Down")
We left Duluth on Monday, July 8th, and headed north. Tink and I, who are familiar with the area, thought it was important for Scharlett (who is not) to see the Split Rock Lighthouse. If you're not familiar with the area, this is only about a 20 minute ride outside of Duluth, and is on the road that runs along the north shore of Lake Superior.
We arrive in the parking lot, but nobody seemed to know exactly where to park although there were lots of empty spaces. This is called "female confusion" when faced with a new situation AND your decision is based on the decision of the person in front of you who may or may not have trouble making a decision. I'm not sure exactly what was going on since I was in back, but I finally pulled myself into a spot and got off my bike, with Triker Bev pulling in along side me. Tink and Scharlett pulled around to the other side of the lot, which was nearly empty.
We all walked up to the door of the gift shop/office place and discovered we really didn't want to pay $8.00 to see a lighthouse, so we headed back to our bikes. I got mine started, and pulled around to where Tink and Scharlett were parked. I watched them get their gear situated before they mounted, and waited for Bev to come around. I don't know what I was looking at, but all of a sudden Scharlett yelled, "It's going over!" and....clunk....went her bike. Apparently, because of the slope, she really had to hoist it to get it upright, but...because of the slope, it went too far and over the other side. I ran over, and the three of us grunted the 900lb bike back on two wheels, and insisted the Scharlett take a moment to regain her wits.
That's when I announced, "Hey! We need a falling down pin!"
This was met with blank stares.
"Every group that goes on a big ride, or rides together regularly needs to have a falling down pin. When someone's bike falls down, they have to wear the pin AND BE NICE TO IT until the next person falls down, at which time it is then pinned on the new fallee."
*Note* "Falling down" is not the same as "going down". "Falling down happens when the bike tips over for silly reasons. For example, you get gas and you forget to put your kickstand down and try to walk away from your bike. "Going down" is a bad thing and something no rider wants to talk about because it happens when you get hit by something or you hit something while moving down the road, and usually requires an ambulance trip and sometimes helicopters.
Tink, Bev and I all agreed this was a fantastic idea. Scharlett kind of groaned but went along with it. We marched ourselves back to the gift shop and searched every shelf for just the right pin. Finally we found it, a pin with the Split Rock Lighthouse on it. Tink paid for the pin and we had a ceremony right there in the middle of the store. As a crowd gathered to watch our ceremony, much to the disgrace of Scharlett, we used our formal words to describe the purpose of the pin for the spectators. What you have to imagine though, is Tink and I laughing hysterically as we did it! LOL
With Scharlett pinned, we went back to the lot, mounted our bikes, and headed north. We were only about 30 miles down the road when I had reason to move out of my position of bringing up the rear, and pass Scharlett. Not knowing how much group riding experience Scharlett had, I thought about this for several miles before doing so. I didn't want her to panic when I went past her. Finally, with no oncoming traffic, I moved over to the other lane and went past. What I didn't count on was TINK (who was leading) seeing me in her mirror, freaking out that there was something wrong and SUDDENLY pulling over...on the road with really no shoulder. Everyone pulled up behind her (because they had time to do so) but I came to a stop just ahead of her. In my mirror I saw her get off her bike, and when I looked back...she and her bike were gone.
Because they were on the ground.
Ok, here's how it went. Tink stopped..on the road with not much of a shoulder...and when she put her feet down, there was no pavement under her right foot. Instead there was a 2 inch drop to gravel. Being the short-legged person that she is, this put her way off balance. Her bike SPIT her off, and....are you ready for it? She rolled head over heels down the embankment! She stood up and hollered, "Give me that *&#@ pin!!!!" You have to remember that she'd just rolled in all her gear and helmet down about a 5 foot drop, which makes one very top heavy, AND makes you look quite silly climbing back up!
We picked up our second bike for the day, and pinned Tink right there on the side of the road. Poor Tink! But, if you were following my twitter, you know that I could hardly text fast enough to tell about this! LOL
Later that same day we were in Grand Marais. We had done some shopping downtown and were headed back to our hotel when we came to an intersection that was uphill AND we had to make a right turn at the light. My bike has been having trouble going into first gear lately, but I didn't know I was still in second. I was at the head of the group when I went to make the turn, and killed the bike mid-turn. This is every bikers nightmare as this heavy piece of machinery suddenly STOPS mid-lean! This is where on would fall down, only I didn't. I could, however, FEEL Tink behind me WILLING me to fall down so she could get rid of that damn pin! When I turned to look, she could hardly stay upright because she was laughing too hard about the fact that yes, indeed, she'd been doing just that!
We went on to call ourselves the Split Rock Sisters, and there was much joking about "Pulling a Split Rock" and stuff like that. I spent the entire trip being so hyper-aware of everything I did getting on/off my bike! The best part though, is I never did get that pin!
How to commemorate and epic event
*Disclaimer* Reading this particular post with small children on your lap, or impressionable 12 year olds hanging over your shoulder would not be a good idea.
When you do something in your life that is of Epic proportions, you need to find a way to commemorate it.
Saturday July 7th I arrived in downtown Duluth, MN to meet these crazy women I was going to be spending the next week with. Only I didn't know they were crazy, but I had a hunch.
I hadn't slept well the night before, nor had I eaten anything that day because I was just too excited and nervous. I pulled into the hotel parking lot and Tink came out to greet me with a huge hug. I got to drool over her BEAUTIFUL bike (she'd glued swarovski crstyals all over it and it's stunning!) We sat down on the varanda as a group to figure out what to do next. First stop, FOOD! They'd gotten in earlier in the afternoon but had waited for me. What I didn't know is the plans they'd been trying to make!
We sit down in a sandwich shop, exchanging some small stories, trying to get the feel of who each other really is, when Tink says to me, "So...uummm...last night we were trying to figure out how we could commemorate our trip. We wanted it to be something big, but..umm...well Bev mentioned how about we all get a tatoo? I told them I doubted you'd go for it, but since I really don't know you, I have no idea."
"A tattoo? I've been wanting one for a long time! Where do I sign up."
"Well...ummm...actually....we have an appointment at 8:00 tonight (it was now about 5:00) with a guy named Jeffie. Really, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. We think we're going to all get the same thing, but we want to go look at the guy's work."
And so it was decided. Keep in mind that I'm a tatoo virgin. There isn't a drop of ink on my body, but the other girls each have one or two...or 5.
Meet Jeffie. He is an artist at Dominic's Dowtown in Duluth. Doesn't he look just like a tattoo artist? The funny thing is, his name is really JESSIE but Scharlett misunderstood on the phone. And so, as would soon become a habit for us, we renamed him.
Jeffie was very patient with us. We told him the purpose of this trip...a freeing experience, and one to bond with our fellow biker sisters. An expression of independence and a celebration of life. We wanted it simple (aka not expensive!) and we all wanted the same thing. Jeffie disappeared into his studio to draw something up. About 15 minutes later he came back with a couple different designs which we tweaked a bit, each of us adding a small item to make it our own, yet the same as the others.
First there was much discussion about WHERE we would put our new artwork
And naturally we had to sign our life away!
Then more discussion about who was going to be first. Tink volunteered, and I was allowed to go watch and take pictures, which was a lot like watching Miami Ink on T.V. except different. My pictures didn't turn out the greatest, because my camera didn't like the lighting. Also Tink was trying very hard to put on a good face for me since I was still a virgin, and it's just possible my nerves were showing a little bit.
While she was getting done, this man was in the next chair. His name is Mike, and he's having a guardian angel put on his back. I don't know his whole story, but this angel holds great meaning for him, and he has survived tragedy. His spirit was very sad, and I hope getting this tattoo is a step to healing for him. From an artistic side, the shading and detail in this tat is fantastic!
Next up was Bev. She couldn't get hers in the same spot as the rest of us, because she already has one there. Bev's daughter Pam died shortly after giving birth from an embolism several years ago. On her chest, Pam had a tat of an angel blowing stardust. Bev's tattoo is very similar, only the face resembles Pam, and inside the stardust are the letters to spell out PAM.
I was next. I was very nervous by this point, but Jeffie handled me well. ;-) First he applied the stencil.
And then the work began! OUCH! I don't know how in the world that Mike guy could stand to get his whole back done, or for that matter anyone else who I know with large tats!
Getting right up close and personal!
Scharlett was next. She made the mistake of not wearing the right shirt so she had to take it off in order to get her tattoo. Poor Scharlett.
And, the picture you've all been waiting for....the finished product! Notice the slight swelling. I am such a wimp. LOL
Some of you know I've been trying to design a tattoo about my kids for some time. After looking through the books in the shop, and talking with Jeffie I've finally gotten it figured out! I know where I'll be going to get it done.
Coming soon, "Split Rock Sisters"
When you do something in your life that is of Epic proportions, you need to find a way to commemorate it.
Saturday July 7th I arrived in downtown Duluth, MN to meet these crazy women I was going to be spending the next week with. Only I didn't know they were crazy, but I had a hunch.
I hadn't slept well the night before, nor had I eaten anything that day because I was just too excited and nervous. I pulled into the hotel parking lot and Tink came out to greet me with a huge hug. I got to drool over her BEAUTIFUL bike (she'd glued swarovski crstyals all over it and it's stunning!) We sat down on the varanda as a group to figure out what to do next. First stop, FOOD! They'd gotten in earlier in the afternoon but had waited for me. What I didn't know is the plans they'd been trying to make!
We sit down in a sandwich shop, exchanging some small stories, trying to get the feel of who each other really is, when Tink says to me, "So...uummm...last night we were trying to figure out how we could commemorate our trip. We wanted it to be something big, but..umm...well Bev mentioned how about we all get a tatoo? I told them I doubted you'd go for it, but since I really don't know you, I have no idea."
"A tattoo? I've been wanting one for a long time! Where do I sign up."
"Well...ummm...actually....we have an appointment at 8:00 tonight (it was now about 5:00) with a guy named Jeffie. Really, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. We think we're going to all get the same thing, but we want to go look at the guy's work."
And so it was decided. Keep in mind that I'm a tatoo virgin. There isn't a drop of ink on my body, but the other girls each have one or two...or 5.
Meet Jeffie. He is an artist at Dominic's Dowtown in Duluth. Doesn't he look just like a tattoo artist? The funny thing is, his name is really JESSIE but Scharlett misunderstood on the phone. And so, as would soon become a habit for us, we renamed him.
Jeffie was very patient with us. We told him the purpose of this trip...a freeing experience, and one to bond with our fellow biker sisters. An expression of independence and a celebration of life. We wanted it simple (aka not expensive!) and we all wanted the same thing. Jeffie disappeared into his studio to draw something up. About 15 minutes later he came back with a couple different designs which we tweaked a bit, each of us adding a small item to make it our own, yet the same as the others.
First there was much discussion about WHERE we would put our new artwork
And naturally we had to sign our life away!
Then more discussion about who was going to be first. Tink volunteered, and I was allowed to go watch and take pictures, which was a lot like watching Miami Ink on T.V. except different. My pictures didn't turn out the greatest, because my camera didn't like the lighting. Also Tink was trying very hard to put on a good face for me since I was still a virgin, and it's just possible my nerves were showing a little bit.
While she was getting done, this man was in the next chair. His name is Mike, and he's having a guardian angel put on his back. I don't know his whole story, but this angel holds great meaning for him, and he has survived tragedy. His spirit was very sad, and I hope getting this tattoo is a step to healing for him. From an artistic side, the shading and detail in this tat is fantastic!
Next up was Bev. She couldn't get hers in the same spot as the rest of us, because she already has one there. Bev's daughter Pam died shortly after giving birth from an embolism several years ago. On her chest, Pam had a tat of an angel blowing stardust. Bev's tattoo is very similar, only the face resembles Pam, and inside the stardust are the letters to spell out PAM.
I was next. I was very nervous by this point, but Jeffie handled me well. ;-) First he applied the stencil.
And then the work began! OUCH! I don't know how in the world that Mike guy could stand to get his whole back done, or for that matter anyone else who I know with large tats!
Getting right up close and personal!
Scharlett was next. She made the mistake of not wearing the right shirt so she had to take it off in order to get her tattoo. Poor Scharlett.
And, the picture you've all been waiting for....the finished product! Notice the slight swelling. I am such a wimp. LOL
Some of you know I've been trying to design a tattoo about my kids for some time. After looking through the books in the shop, and talking with Jeffie I've finally gotten it figured out! I know where I'll be going to get it done.
Coming soon, "Split Rock Sisters"
Where do I start?
I have no idea where to start blogging about my trip. Seriously, I have about a month's worth of blog fodder!
I have to say that while I have enjoyed many friendships over the years, and gone on some amazing trips, this one takes the cake! First of all, never in all my life have I laughed so hard, so many consecutive moments, over the course of so many days. I'm talking "hold yourself so you don't wet your pants and oh my god I can't breathe!" type of laughter! I suppose most of it was "you had to be there" kind of stuff, but I will do my best to get you there too!
And of course, there are the friendships made. There were four of us on this trip, all from different walks of life. Let me introduce them to you.
First there is Tink from New Jersey. Tink is a Type A personality with ADD, which makes for an interesting combination, let me tell ya! Anyway, this started out as really being her ride, and the rest of us were kind of tagging along. She just turned 50 and this was her "Epic Journey". Not only a celebration of her birthday, but of her life. Her sister died at 50, and Tink has been very moved by the fact that it could have been her. It was also a celebration of HER, and she made the trip because she COULD. (see my reasons for the trip and you'll know what I'm talking about.) I met up with the group in Duluth, MN which is Tink's birthplace. Much of our time there was spent visiting old memories with her, and was a lot of fun. More on that later.
There is Scarlett, only I have trouble calling her that and kept saying Charlett by mistake. Eventually I forgot her real name and she became Scharlett to me. LOL Scharlett and Tink are good friends, and together formed the NJ chapter of Sisters In Spirit. Naturally she was the first one who Tink asked to come along on the journey. Scharlett is a Type A personality but is very polite about it! No, really...it took me awhile to figure this out! I think it was the day we were sitting in our hotel room, and she had a stack of envelopes in front of her. Each envelope had the name and address of each hotel they stayed at along the way. (remember they'd been on the road for a week before I joined them!) I kind of teased her, saying, "What, are you sending thank you notes to each one?" (cuz remember, she's very polite.) She said, "No, each one has a map and and the hotel information." aaahhh...see, Type A organization! Compare this to the scrap of paper that was floating around in one of my saddle bags, where I'd scribbled my hotel info just in case I needed it.
And now meet Bev. aka Foxy. She is from a little town in central Wisconsin. Last year she purchased her dream TRIKE, and was anxious to step out of her comfort zone and make a long trip all alone. ("alone" meaning without her husband.) She has only had her trike for about a year, so I have no doubt she learned a lot of skills on this trip!
Here's a picture of the other 3 ladies, the day I met them.
Bev, Scharlett, and Tink
I have to say that while I have enjoyed many friendships over the years, and gone on some amazing trips, this one takes the cake! First of all, never in all my life have I laughed so hard, so many consecutive moments, over the course of so many days. I'm talking "hold yourself so you don't wet your pants and oh my god I can't breathe!" type of laughter! I suppose most of it was "you had to be there" kind of stuff, but I will do my best to get you there too!
And of course, there are the friendships made. There were four of us on this trip, all from different walks of life. Let me introduce them to you.
First there is Tink from New Jersey. Tink is a Type A personality with ADD, which makes for an interesting combination, let me tell ya! Anyway, this started out as really being her ride, and the rest of us were kind of tagging along. She just turned 50 and this was her "Epic Journey". Not only a celebration of her birthday, but of her life. Her sister died at 50, and Tink has been very moved by the fact that it could have been her. It was also a celebration of HER, and she made the trip because she COULD. (see my reasons for the trip and you'll know what I'm talking about.) I met up with the group in Duluth, MN which is Tink's birthplace. Much of our time there was spent visiting old memories with her, and was a lot of fun. More on that later.
There is Scarlett, only I have trouble calling her that and kept saying Charlett by mistake. Eventually I forgot her real name and she became Scharlett to me. LOL Scharlett and Tink are good friends, and together formed the NJ chapter of Sisters In Spirit. Naturally she was the first one who Tink asked to come along on the journey. Scharlett is a Type A personality but is very polite about it! No, really...it took me awhile to figure this out! I think it was the day we were sitting in our hotel room, and she had a stack of envelopes in front of her. Each envelope had the name and address of each hotel they stayed at along the way. (remember they'd been on the road for a week before I joined them!) I kind of teased her, saying, "What, are you sending thank you notes to each one?" (cuz remember, she's very polite.) She said, "No, each one has a map and and the hotel information." aaahhh...see, Type A organization! Compare this to the scrap of paper that was floating around in one of my saddle bags, where I'd scribbled my hotel info just in case I needed it.
And now meet Bev. aka Foxy. She is from a little town in central Wisconsin. Last year she purchased her dream TRIKE, and was anxious to step out of her comfort zone and make a long trip all alone. ("alone" meaning without her husband.) She has only had her trike for about a year, so I have no doubt she learned a lot of skills on this trip!
Here's a picture of the other 3 ladies, the day I met them.
Bev, Scharlett, and Tink
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Scattering makes me nervous
My family is scattering this week, and it makes me very nervous. Dean is on a fishing trip with his brother and entire extended family. He's having blast, and I'm so glad!
Angela just left for a week with her dad. You may remember that just one year ago was the horrible crash that she and her dad were in when the suicide driver aimed for their truck. (actually, it happened August 18th) I'm VERY nervous about her going again, and almost said no. But there are things more important than my worry. Her brother Bryon leaves for Afghanistan next week, and she needs to say good bye to him. I just sent her off, and as she walked down the driveway with her dad I could hear her saying, "I'm so excited! I see Bryon and Robbie and the kids!" (she hasn't seen her brother Robbie since last August.), I said a prayer for her safety and tried not to be a tearful mother. Just as I was reaching up to wipe ONE tear, she turned and waved, "Bye mom! Love you! Have a great trip!"
Which brings me to my next point of anxiety. I am leaving on my first motorcycle trip alone. My "Epic Journey". Well...I'll be alone for the first 200 miles which isn't a big deal. I've been on many a motorcycle trip in my life, but I've always been either on the back of my mom's bike, or now Deans. But this one is just me....on my bike....no family along. I'm hooking up with a group of women riders I've never met before. And...can you believe...I'm sharing a hotel with one of them for the week? (and yes, I question my own sanity) Something I never would have considered doing 10 years ago! LOL I'll be riding up to Duluth MN and meeting them, and from there we'll be riding north east through Canada, and all the way around Lake Superior, down through Sault Ste. Marie, and from there I'll be riding home alone which is about 500 miles.
Tyler is just going to be hanging out here, supervising the ins and outs of the dogs and working.
This trip, because I'm on a motorcycle, makes me feel quite vulnerable, especially since everyone else in my family is going different directions as well. In each city we're staying in over the week, the forecast calls for rain. It's very possible I will melt. I get a little freaked out when it rains and I'm on my bike. I even considered keeping the sidecar on, as it's much more stable on wet roads, but it also changes the ride considerably...more than I want to give up. Our pediatrician recently put together a new "condensed health care plan" for all of her patients that is to be used in emergencies. It includes the names of all Angela's specialists, hospital chart numbers, medications and dosages, immunization dates, and prioritizes her medical issues in order of most critical to minor. I sent a copy with Angela's dad, and have one hanging on the fridge....just in case....
Please say a quick prayer for my family this week. That all are safe and happy. This week will bring many memories for all of us, they'll just be disconnected from each other.
Angela just left for a week with her dad. You may remember that just one year ago was the horrible crash that she and her dad were in when the suicide driver aimed for their truck. (actually, it happened August 18th) I'm VERY nervous about her going again, and almost said no. But there are things more important than my worry. Her brother Bryon leaves for Afghanistan next week, and she needs to say good bye to him. I just sent her off, and as she walked down the driveway with her dad I could hear her saying, "I'm so excited! I see Bryon and Robbie and the kids!" (she hasn't seen her brother Robbie since last August.), I said a prayer for her safety and tried not to be a tearful mother. Just as I was reaching up to wipe ONE tear, she turned and waved, "Bye mom! Love you! Have a great trip!"
Which brings me to my next point of anxiety. I am leaving on my first motorcycle trip alone. My "Epic Journey". Well...I'll be alone for the first 200 miles which isn't a big deal. I've been on many a motorcycle trip in my life, but I've always been either on the back of my mom's bike, or now Deans. But this one is just me....on my bike....no family along. I'm hooking up with a group of women riders I've never met before. And...can you believe...I'm sharing a hotel with one of them for the week? (and yes, I question my own sanity) Something I never would have considered doing 10 years ago! LOL I'll be riding up to Duluth MN and meeting them, and from there we'll be riding north east through Canada, and all the way around Lake Superior, down through Sault Ste. Marie, and from there I'll be riding home alone which is about 500 miles.
Tyler is just going to be hanging out here, supervising the ins and outs of the dogs and working.
This trip, because I'm on a motorcycle, makes me feel quite vulnerable, especially since everyone else in my family is going different directions as well. In each city we're staying in over the week, the forecast calls for rain. It's very possible I will melt. I get a little freaked out when it rains and I'm on my bike. I even considered keeping the sidecar on, as it's much more stable on wet roads, but it also changes the ride considerably...more than I want to give up. Our pediatrician recently put together a new "condensed health care plan" for all of her patients that is to be used in emergencies. It includes the names of all Angela's specialists, hospital chart numbers, medications and dosages, immunization dates, and prioritizes her medical issues in order of most critical to minor. I sent a copy with Angela's dad, and have one hanging on the fridge....just in case....
Please say a quick prayer for my family this week. That all are safe and happy. This week will bring many memories for all of us, they'll just be disconnected from each other.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Blood work is back
I don't think I posted that Angela had a bunch of blood draws done last week. Some of them she was due for, and others we were trying to rule out stuff. For the purposes of saving my fingers, you'll need to know these abreviations:
Ped: Pediatrician
Dev. Ped: A Developmental Pediatrician- physician who addresses special needs or special care issues for children with special needs.
Ped. Endo: Pediatric Endochrinologist - physician who deals with children who have disorders of the endochrine system including diabetes, growth disorders, and thyroid disorders, just to name a few.
GI: Pediatric Gastroenterolgoist - physicial who deals with disorders of the digestive system, specializing in working with children.
ENT: Ear Nose and Throat doctor
Ped: Pediatrician
Dev. Ped: A Developmental Pediatrician- physician who addresses special needs or special care issues for children with special needs.
Ped. Endo: Pediatric Endochrinologist - physician who deals with children who have disorders of the endochrine system including diabetes, growth disorders, and thyroid disorders, just to name a few.
GI: Pediatric Gastroenterolgoist - physicial who deals with disorders of the digestive system, specializing in working with children.
ENT: Ear Nose and Throat doctor
GAH! The ped called and started off with, "I got the blood work back, and I've put a call into the dev. ped. to get her opinion before I decide what to do."
Would that make you worry if they said that?
Ok, I'm not so smart about the thyroid stuff, and I was talking to the ped while trying to say goodbye to people who were here, so I need to have her email me the numbers so I'm clear on everything, but here's the gist of it.
The T4 was just a couple decimal points below the low end of normal, but the TSH, while on the high end of normal, was still within normal limits. (I think I have those in the right order. LOL) So she wanted the dev. ped. and ped. endo. to decide which direction we should go with this.
The MN allergy panel came back normal except for ONE slight reaction to a tree that to my knowledge we don't even have around here. And, thankfully, there was no dog reaction, which was a big worry for us! Her nose is still running, but she doesn't have a sinus infection anymore. Just a clear runny nose. I did put her on claratin last week to see if it would make a difference. I think it has, as her eyes are no longer red and itchy.
Then there is this horrid cough that she's had for a month now. It's VERY phlegmy sounding, and SOUNDS very deep, yet the ped doesn't think it's in her lungs. She *is* wheezy though, and we've been nebbing every 4 hours for a couple of weeks now. But she's not crackly, just squeeky. (I know, all these technical terms. LOL)
The theory? That her esophagus is deteriorating further and she's aspirating. That she's able to clear her lungs with with a cough, but she's keeping gunk at the level of her trachea. The ped wants us to go back to the GI, who has some tests he wants us to do, along with that 3D CT that nobody realized he ordered 18 months ago! Apparently there was a consultation with the cardiologist who suggested doing this scan to see if her heart could be compressing her esophagus. Once that's done, we'll be down at Mayo to talk to the specialists there who deal with Achalasia. We've talked to them in the past, but the ped. thinks it's time to do some real serious looking right now. Also, she said the testing that was done 18 months ago will probably all need to be re-done (sleep study w/ph probe, esophageal manometry, and another endoscopy. We'll probably throw in a bronch at the same time as the endoscopy as well.) The fix for achalasia isn't a pretty one, so I'm praying that's not the direction we're headed. Angela has HUGE PROBLEMS with wound healing after ANY surgery. From the reading I've done, if she did need surgery for this, because she's had a nissen and LOTS of abdominal scarring from having the incision opened numerous times, it's unlikely they could do a laproscopic procedure.
I hate this....I hate that things just never go well for her. I hate that when things DO settle down, they start going bad again.
I also hate that she's probably never had a comfortable day in her life. It's very likely she's always had pain somewhere at all times, (most likely in her chest) and we wonder why she gets crabby and aggressive, and yet it's not acceptable to be this way. She's probably never known what it's like to be pain-free.
Why can't she have something that will eventually go away, or that she'll outgrow?
I'm sorry, I'm having a bit of a pity party for my kid tonight. After watching Kennedy's day, and then getting this news, I'm just feeling like some of our kids need to catch a break already!
Would that make you worry if they said that?
Ok, I'm not so smart about the thyroid stuff, and I was talking to the ped while trying to say goodbye to people who were here, so I need to have her email me the numbers so I'm clear on everything, but here's the gist of it.
The T4 was just a couple decimal points below the low end of normal, but the TSH, while on the high end of normal, was still within normal limits. (I think I have those in the right order. LOL) So she wanted the dev. ped. and ped. endo. to decide which direction we should go with this.
The MN allergy panel came back normal except for ONE slight reaction to a tree that to my knowledge we don't even have around here. And, thankfully, there was no dog reaction, which was a big worry for us! Her nose is still running, but she doesn't have a sinus infection anymore. Just a clear runny nose. I did put her on claratin last week to see if it would make a difference. I think it has, as her eyes are no longer red and itchy.
Then there is this horrid cough that she's had for a month now. It's VERY phlegmy sounding, and SOUNDS very deep, yet the ped doesn't think it's in her lungs. She *is* wheezy though, and we've been nebbing every 4 hours for a couple of weeks now. But she's not crackly, just squeeky. (I know, all these technical terms. LOL)
The theory? That her esophagus is deteriorating further and she's aspirating. That she's able to clear her lungs with with a cough, but she's keeping gunk at the level of her trachea. The ped wants us to go back to the GI, who has some tests he wants us to do, along with that 3D CT that nobody realized he ordered 18 months ago! Apparently there was a consultation with the cardiologist who suggested doing this scan to see if her heart could be compressing her esophagus. Once that's done, we'll be down at Mayo to talk to the specialists there who deal with Achalasia. We've talked to them in the past, but the ped. thinks it's time to do some real serious looking right now. Also, she said the testing that was done 18 months ago will probably all need to be re-done (sleep study w/ph probe, esophageal manometry, and another endoscopy. We'll probably throw in a bronch at the same time as the endoscopy as well.) The fix for achalasia isn't a pretty one, so I'm praying that's not the direction we're headed. Angela has HUGE PROBLEMS with wound healing after ANY surgery. From the reading I've done, if she did need surgery for this, because she's had a nissen and LOTS of abdominal scarring from having the incision opened numerous times, it's unlikely they could do a laproscopic procedure.
I hate this....I hate that things just never go well for her. I hate that when things DO settle down, they start going bad again.
I also hate that she's probably never had a comfortable day in her life. It's very likely she's always had pain somewhere at all times, (most likely in her chest) and we wonder why she gets crabby and aggressive, and yet it's not acceptable to be this way. She's probably never known what it's like to be pain-free.
Why can't she have something that will eventually go away, or that she'll outgrow?
I'm sorry, I'm having a bit of a pity party for my kid tonight. After watching Kennedy's day, and then getting this news, I'm just feeling like some of our kids need to catch a break already!
Monday, June 30, 2008
How to pour milk 101
I dunno....I went to school to learn to read. I took classes to learn to drive a car, and ride my motorcycle. I don't know that I should need a class to pour my milk without spilling it. So, what do you think? Will you buy the new milk jug? Will you be able to pour it? Read the New York Times article about the new milk jug they're trying to get us to buy. I understand the reasoning, but it seems they need to make some other changes. Besides, my kid just figured out how to pour milk, and now I gotta teach her all over!
By the way, according to my husband the meat wholesaler, whenever you see a dramatic change in packaging, you can also expect to see a change in the volume the package holds. He said the next time you guy buy a pound of bacon, or a package of brats, bring it home and weigh it. They can decrease the amount by as much as 4.5 ounces without changing the label, and yet the price is going UP. It all adds up after awhile!
Twitter?
Ever heard of Twitter? I hadn't either, till my friend Tom posted about it. All I can say is, 'THANKS A LOT TOM!'
Twitter is for those of us who are truly addicted to the internet. But, it's even more than that. It's a tool to keep those who care updated about those little things in your life that only certain people really care about. It's kind of like "Big Brother" in a way. Yes, the world of technology is getting quite scary.
So lets take this trip I'm headed on. By my sending a text to twitter, anyone who cares can find out what really cool place I'm eating lunch at, or what the goofy lady at the next table is wearing. If I have a child headed into surgery I can text that to twitter, and anyone who cares will get updates such as, "Just took her to the O.R"....or..."Doctor said things are going great!" etc. And, for fun, all my twitter updates will post to the sidebar of my blog.
Fun huh? If I have any friends on my twitter, their updates will go to my phone if I want them to. If I don't, I can shut them off. Only those who I allow can follow MY twitter, unless of course they're reading my blog. I can turn off Twitter at any time.
Now, some of you are shaking your heads, thinking, "This has gone too far!" and, well, it probably has. But it's so much fun! I thought Tom was nuts, until I tried it out. Now I can quickly see the possibilities!
Twitter is for those of us who are truly addicted to the internet. But, it's even more than that. It's a tool to keep those who care updated about those little things in your life that only certain people really care about. It's kind of like "Big Brother" in a way. Yes, the world of technology is getting quite scary.
So lets take this trip I'm headed on. By my sending a text to twitter, anyone who cares can find out what really cool place I'm eating lunch at, or what the goofy lady at the next table is wearing. If I have a child headed into surgery I can text that to twitter, and anyone who cares will get updates such as, "Just took her to the O.R"....or..."Doctor said things are going great!" etc. And, for fun, all my twitter updates will post to the sidebar of my blog.
Fun huh? If I have any friends on my twitter, their updates will go to my phone if I want them to. If I don't, I can shut them off. Only those who I allow can follow MY twitter, unless of course they're reading my blog. I can turn off Twitter at any time.
Now, some of you are shaking your heads, thinking, "This has gone too far!" and, well, it probably has. But it's so much fun! I thought Tom was nuts, until I tried it out. Now I can quickly see the possibilities!
And I'm having trouble getting to Canada!
My friends the Urbans had this video posted on their blog today. All I can say is, "Wow!" Look at all the places this man has been? Look at all the people who join him in his dance around the world. I think it's amazing! And all I want to do is get a tiny bit of money so I can make it to Canada, and send some postcards to a woman who is disabled and craving some outside correspondence!
To cancel or not to cancel
That is the question.
UGH, I'm so frustrated! Because I am owed several thousand dollars, which was supposed to come in monthly installments over the past several months but hasn't, I have to decide if I'm canceling my trip.
Today I paid the household bills, which leaves me a couple hundred dollars to get through the rest of this week. The money I have left set aside is just enough for gas and hotel for the week. Which is fine, unless of course I decided to EAT while I'm gone! And when you go on a motorcycle trip, just like a car, you still keep a cushion aside just in case there were any emergency repairs that need to be made, etc.
God always makes sure I have what I need. He ALWAYS does! If the money doesn't come in this week I'll know this trip just wasn't meant to be, which is hard to swallow when you've been planning for so long. And so I'll wait on Him.....patiently.....sigh....I really want to say, "Tick Tock God!!!"
UGH, I'm so frustrated! Because I am owed several thousand dollars, which was supposed to come in monthly installments over the past several months but hasn't, I have to decide if I'm canceling my trip.
Today I paid the household bills, which leaves me a couple hundred dollars to get through the rest of this week. The money I have left set aside is just enough for gas and hotel for the week. Which is fine, unless of course I decided to EAT while I'm gone! And when you go on a motorcycle trip, just like a car, you still keep a cushion aside just in case there were any emergency repairs that need to be made, etc.
God always makes sure I have what I need. He ALWAYS does! If the money doesn't come in this week I'll know this trip just wasn't meant to be, which is hard to swallow when you've been planning for so long. And so I'll wait on Him.....patiently.....sigh....I really want to say, "Tick Tock God!!!"
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Praying for Kennedy
Some kids have it rough, and then some kids have it ROUGH!!!! Meet Kennedy. She just turned 4 years old, and isn't she a doll? Well, here is what Kennedy has been up to in the last year.
Kennedy has Down syndrome. For parents of kids who have DS, the "L" word (Leukemia) is one of our biggest fears. We always feel like we're one blood test away from this horrible diagnosis. Well, a little over a year ago Kennedy was diagnosed with AML (this is a type of Leukemia) The treatment for AML is very aggressive chemotherapy. Thankfully, kids with DS have a higher cure rate than typical kids, but still...we loose many to this horrible disease. Kennedy and her family made it through her treatment. It was a rough road, but they made it. She's not completely out of the woods yet, but things are looking very good.
Just about the time Kennedy was finishing her treatment for AML, she needed to have her neck x-rayed. You see, kids with DS can also have this thing called Atlantoaxial Instability (or AAI) which is an instability in the neck. Only a small percentage of our kids have it, but it's still something they're routinely screened for around 3 years old. Apparently Kennedy didn't think life was interesting enough dragging mom and dad through the AML thing, so she popped up with another surprise. She doesn't just have AAI, she has AtlantoOccopital Instability (AOI) which is even worse. In Kennedy's case, hers was so bad that she was IMMEDIATELY put into a neck brace until they figured out what to do. To put it in very basic terms, Kennedy's head was just "resting" on top of her spine. One wrong move and she could be paralyzed for life. Kennedy's AOI is as bad as it gets.
But Kennedy's medical history is quite complicated, so it took the doctors awhile to figure out the who/what/why's and wheres of doing surgery to fix her neck. Tomorrow she'll be traveling from TN to Philadelphia, then next week she'll have surgery to have her neck permanently fused. She'll come out of surgery in a halo, then spend a week in the hospital, then a month in Philly before she can return home to TN. She'll be in her halo for the next six months!!!! and then they'll return to Philly to have her halo removed.
One has to find good things in everything. Kennedy's daddy has been serving our country in Afghanistan. (his second tour!) Tomorrow morning, as they get off the plane in Philly, Kennedy and her brothers and sister will see their daddy for the first time since December!!! He'll be here for her surgery, and stay until they return home to TN. I praise God that they have this opportunity to see their daddy, even if it's not for the best of reasons. They'll have the weekend together for some much needed family time, then Kennedy will be admitted on Tuesday, with surgery on Wednesday.
Please pray for Kennedy and her family. You can follow their story here on her mom's blog.
Monday, June 23, 2008
6 things you want to know about me
My friend Alyssa tagged me with a "6 things you want to know about me meme". Ok, so here they are:
1) I used to be painfully shy in high school. No...really...
2) I am scared to death of water. I will swim if I have to, and can even tread water. I just don't go under....ever. Funny though, that I want to put in a pool.
3) When Dean is out of town all the dogs sleep with me. Freaks me out if they bark though!
4) I have 4 siblings, but was only raised with 2 of them. YOU figure it out. If you know the story, don't cheat and tell.
5) I have a tic disorder. Certain articles of clothing set off one of my tics (which happens to be my worst and most noticeable one), so I avoid that certain article as much as possible, and buy clothing accordingly. If I don't wear that item I can hide my tics.
6) I joined the Army at the age of 17, and was in until I had Tyler 4 years later, and was discharged from IRR right as my unit was leaving for Desert Storm in 1990.
Ok, so now I'm tagging Kathy, Karen, and Kathy
1) I used to be painfully shy in high school. No...really...
2) I am scared to death of water. I will swim if I have to, and can even tread water. I just don't go under....ever. Funny though, that I want to put in a pool.
3) When Dean is out of town all the dogs sleep with me. Freaks me out if they bark though!
4) I have 4 siblings, but was only raised with 2 of them. YOU figure it out. If you know the story, don't cheat and tell.
5) I have a tic disorder. Certain articles of clothing set off one of my tics (which happens to be my worst and most noticeable one), so I avoid that certain article as much as possible, and buy clothing accordingly. If I don't wear that item I can hide my tics.
6) I joined the Army at the age of 17, and was in until I had Tyler 4 years later, and was discharged from IRR right as my unit was leaving for Desert Storm in 1990.
Ok, so now I'm tagging Kathy, Karen, and Kathy
Epic Journey
In a couple weeks I'll be leaving on my "Epic Journey". This trip was actually started by my friend Tink, a fellow SIS rider who has a big birthday coming up, and is kind of doing it as one of those milestones in life kind of things. We decided to make it a group venture, each of us making the trip for our own personal reasons.
My reason? There are many....
1) Because I'm a big girl, and I can.
2) Because Dean says I can.
3) Because Angela has a dad who can take his time with his daughter and I can let my mom-guard down a little bit.
4) Because I want to take a big trip, but Dean doesn't want to.
5) Because I want to do something fun with a bunch of women I've never met before, only talked to online.
6) Because, much to the frustration of some of my extended family members, I'm kind of into taking risks right now.
7) Because I want to be able to say, "I did it!" when I tell my grandkids what their crazy grandmother did when she turned 41.
8) Because I can't walk away from a challenge.
9) Because it's something none of my friends have done, and I've always had a need to be "different".
10) Because I suddenly have this strange independent streak flowing through me. Well, I think it's always been there, but I seem to act on it more in the past couple of years.
11) Because I never want to look back on my life and have to say, "I wish I didn't pass up the chance to do that."
For reasons of security (this IS a group of women traveling!) I can't post the map of our route. I want to though, so I'll post it as soon as we get back! In the meantime, if you could say a couple prayers for me. The first, and most obvious, is for my health and safety, as well as for the other women in the group.
Secondly, finances are definitely an issue at the moment. There is money that is SUPPOSED to come in, and is owed to me, but the source is unreliable. I have no way of knowing if it's coming today, next week, or a year from now. If the money doesn't come in, I'll have to cancel my trip.
Prayers for Angela who will be with her dad, in his semi. You may remember the last time she went for a week in the truck. It's been very hard for me to say yes to her going again. But her safety is not the only issue. The other is her health, which is kind of in limbo at the moment. Unfortunately her dad isn't very well...ummm...well he can't handle most of the stuff that gets thrown her way. (and omg...what if she got her period for the first time while she was with him? That is both funny and scary at the same time!)
Prayers for Dean as well. He'll have some time with his brother, and lots of time with the 3 dogs. I hope he doesn't get lonely for me, but I hope he misses me! He needs to stay safe in the fishing boat, AND on the road!
Well, that about does it I guess. Oh, if you're REALLY curious where I'll be going, look at a map, and draw a big circle ALL THE WAY AROUND Lake Superior, including up into Canada!
My reason? There are many....
1) Because I'm a big girl, and I can.
2) Because Dean says I can.
3) Because Angela has a dad who can take his time with his daughter and I can let my mom-guard down a little bit.
4) Because I want to take a big trip, but Dean doesn't want to.
5) Because I want to do something fun with a bunch of women I've never met before, only talked to online.
6) Because, much to the frustration of some of my extended family members, I'm kind of into taking risks right now.
7) Because I want to be able to say, "I did it!" when I tell my grandkids what their crazy grandmother did when she turned 41.
8) Because I can't walk away from a challenge.
9) Because it's something none of my friends have done, and I've always had a need to be "different".
10) Because I suddenly have this strange independent streak flowing through me. Well, I think it's always been there, but I seem to act on it more in the past couple of years.
11) Because I never want to look back on my life and have to say, "I wish I didn't pass up the chance to do that."
For reasons of security (this IS a group of women traveling!) I can't post the map of our route. I want to though, so I'll post it as soon as we get back! In the meantime, if you could say a couple prayers for me. The first, and most obvious, is for my health and safety, as well as for the other women in the group.
Secondly, finances are definitely an issue at the moment. There is money that is SUPPOSED to come in, and is owed to me, but the source is unreliable. I have no way of knowing if it's coming today, next week, or a year from now. If the money doesn't come in, I'll have to cancel my trip.
Prayers for Angela who will be with her dad, in his semi. You may remember the last time she went for a week in the truck. It's been very hard for me to say yes to her going again. But her safety is not the only issue. The other is her health, which is kind of in limbo at the moment. Unfortunately her dad isn't very well...ummm...well he can't handle most of the stuff that gets thrown her way. (and omg...what if she got her period for the first time while she was with him? That is both funny and scary at the same time!)
Prayers for Dean as well. He'll have some time with his brother, and lots of time with the 3 dogs. I hope he doesn't get lonely for me, but I hope he misses me! He needs to stay safe in the fishing boat, AND on the road!
Well, that about does it I guess. Oh, if you're REALLY curious where I'll be going, look at a map, and draw a big circle ALL THE WAY AROUND Lake Superior, including up into Canada!
Adventure Wednesdays
When my boys were little, and before Angela was born, I needed a way to spice up our summer, both for them AND me! Money was tight, so it needed to be something really inexpensive. Or, even better, free!
One Wednesday we were out running errands, and I decided to pull into a park we'd never been to. We ended up spending a couple of hours there as the boys, then ages 9, 8, 7, 6 were really having a blast! The following week on Tuesday my good friend called, "What can we do with the kids tomorrow? Mine are already bored and we're broke!" I told her to pack a lunch and I'd take them somewhere. I didn't know "where" yet, but somewhere! We loaded all the kids into my van and off we went on our first "Adventure Wednesday". I took us to a really cool rope park in Plymouth, MN which was about 45 minutes from our house. We spent half the day there and the kids really enjoyed themselves, and I made a discovery.
I was a young mom with all these kids, and realized I didn't have to spend a lot of money to have fun with them. All I needed to do was add the word "adventure", pack a cooler, load them up, and not tell the kids where we were going. To be honest, there were a few times here and there that I DIDN'T know where we were going until we got there. I had to drive around a bit to find a new park, or other interesting place that I could tell on the drive-by that my kids would love.
Adventure Wednesdays continued even while Angela was in the NICU 75 miles away and I was recovering from a c-section. The boys, then ages 10, 9, 8, 7, really needed some sort of normalcy to their suddenly disrupted routine, and Adventure Wednesdays fit the bill. During those 6 weeks they could count on Mom's undivided attention being there on that day every week. One week someone gave us tickets to a local amusement park, and there was was, three weeks post c-section, riding a roller coaster! LOL
Now that the boys are all grown up, and Angela is having her first ever summer without summer school services (we opted out this year!) she and I will be picking up the Adventure Wednesday tradition and adding our own spin to it. Took me 12 years, but Angela will finally get her adventure.
Do you have a fun way to keep your kids busy over the summer? Write a blog about it, and share it in the "Do It Yourself Daycamp" blog carnival!
One Wednesday we were out running errands, and I decided to pull into a park we'd never been to. We ended up spending a couple of hours there as the boys, then ages 9, 8, 7, 6 were really having a blast! The following week on Tuesday my good friend called, "What can we do with the kids tomorrow? Mine are already bored and we're broke!" I told her to pack a lunch and I'd take them somewhere. I didn't know "where" yet, but somewhere! We loaded all the kids into my van and off we went on our first "Adventure Wednesday". I took us to a really cool rope park in Plymouth, MN which was about 45 minutes from our house. We spent half the day there and the kids really enjoyed themselves, and I made a discovery.
I was a young mom with all these kids, and realized I didn't have to spend a lot of money to have fun with them. All I needed to do was add the word "adventure", pack a cooler, load them up, and not tell the kids where we were going. To be honest, there were a few times here and there that I DIDN'T know where we were going until we got there. I had to drive around a bit to find a new park, or other interesting place that I could tell on the drive-by that my kids would love.
Adventure Wednesdays continued even while Angela was in the NICU 75 miles away and I was recovering from a c-section. The boys, then ages 10, 9, 8, 7, really needed some sort of normalcy to their suddenly disrupted routine, and Adventure Wednesdays fit the bill. During those 6 weeks they could count on Mom's undivided attention being there on that day every week. One week someone gave us tickets to a local amusement park, and there was was, three weeks post c-section, riding a roller coaster! LOL
Now that the boys are all grown up, and Angela is having her first ever summer without summer school services (we opted out this year!) she and I will be picking up the Adventure Wednesday tradition and adding our own spin to it. Took me 12 years, but Angela will finally get her adventure.
Do you have a fun way to keep your kids busy over the summer? Write a blog about it, and share it in the "Do It Yourself Daycamp" blog carnival!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Downward Spiral?
I feel like we're on a downward spiral with Angela's health again. A couple 3 weeks ago I noticed her hair was starting to fall out. I mean...handfuls at a time. I immediately suspected her thyroid is malfunctioning, but decided to do a "wait and see" for a few days until we got back from our trip and the family party was out of the way. On the trip my sister said she looked "puffy", and then her skin started getting scaly. All symptoms of thyroid problems. If that's what it is, it's a pretty easy fix, just one more pill to her already established daily pill regimen.
Right before we went "Up North" Angela started to get sick, of the sinus variety. The day before we left I got her on antibiotics knowing it would turn bad while we were gone. Her nose cleared up, but the rest of her did not. A couple hours ago she came home from her dad's with a horrible cough that sounds like it's of the pneumonia variety. He picked her up on Saturday morning and said she fell asleep in the truck, then slept the rest of the day, and most of today as well. She doesn't sleep like that here! Granted she had a busy couple of days with the state track meet, etc. but she wasn't "over done." She always gets sick when she goes with her dad. Lately they've been staying with his mom, and both he and his mom are heavy smokers. Angela can't be around that smoke and I've about had it.
So, at the end of last week, as I was rushing around cleaning for this party, (thank God that's over with!) I kept thinking I needed to call and schedule an appointment for her with the dr. Funny...the doctor called ME on Friday to say that Angela needs a recheck before her meds can be refilled again, and also her 12 yr check-up. I mentioned that she also has some other issues going on, mainly thyroid, and how soon could we be seen? I was told that she hadn't had her thyroid checked in...hmm....about 18 months! ACK! (for kids with DS, this should be done AT LEAST yearly, more often for her because she already has endocrine problems.) While we're there, I'm going to have the dr. write a letter to Angela's dad about the smoke. He just doesn't get it. He thinks that if he doesn't smoke while she's there, everything is just fine. Never mind the smoke that has permeated all the furniture, carpets, etc.
Tomorrow morning is swimming, but I guess I'll have to wait and see how she feels when she gets up. She's not running a fever or anything else, but the cough is bad. Then again, as in the past, she could have this cough for months and we just learn to live with it......sigh...... Dr. appointment tomorrow at 4:00, so we'll see what she has to say!
Right before we went "Up North" Angela started to get sick, of the sinus variety. The day before we left I got her on antibiotics knowing it would turn bad while we were gone. Her nose cleared up, but the rest of her did not. A couple hours ago she came home from her dad's with a horrible cough that sounds like it's of the pneumonia variety. He picked her up on Saturday morning and said she fell asleep in the truck, then slept the rest of the day, and most of today as well. She doesn't sleep like that here! Granted she had a busy couple of days with the state track meet, etc. but she wasn't "over done." She always gets sick when she goes with her dad. Lately they've been staying with his mom, and both he and his mom are heavy smokers. Angela can't be around that smoke and I've about had it.
So, at the end of last week, as I was rushing around cleaning for this party, (thank God that's over with!) I kept thinking I needed to call and schedule an appointment for her with the dr. Funny...the doctor called ME on Friday to say that Angela needs a recheck before her meds can be refilled again, and also her 12 yr check-up. I mentioned that she also has some other issues going on, mainly thyroid, and how soon could we be seen? I was told that she hadn't had her thyroid checked in...hmm....about 18 months! ACK! (for kids with DS, this should be done AT LEAST yearly, more often for her because she already has endocrine problems.) While we're there, I'm going to have the dr. write a letter to Angela's dad about the smoke. He just doesn't get it. He thinks that if he doesn't smoke while she's there, everything is just fine. Never mind the smoke that has permeated all the furniture, carpets, etc.
Tomorrow morning is swimming, but I guess I'll have to wait and see how she feels when she gets up. She's not running a fever or anything else, but the cough is bad. Then again, as in the past, she could have this cough for months and we just learn to live with it......sigh...... Dr. appointment tomorrow at 4:00, so we'll see what she has to say!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How cool is THAT?
Check out the Bob95 FM Radio website. They have a weekly "Pet of the Week" feature, with a lovely red doodle pictured on the logo. That doodle happens to be Lola, one of my puppies! How cool is THAT? Don't they look like giant stuffed animals?
What does your blog title mean?
Naming one's blog is a task that some people put a lot of thought into, while others prefer to just come up with a couple clever words that sound fun together. Some blog titles make it clear what the theme of the blog is, while others are a bit more ambiguous.
My title, "Garden of Eagan", is one of those that I don't think is completely obvious. While our yard is definitely beautiful, I wouldn't call it a garden. If someone were to do a google search about blogging and gardens, my title would come up somewhere in their search. Sadly, I do very little gardening. Instead I prefer to "un-garden", which is what I call it when I try out various plants to see which ones die the fastest in our yard.
I chose my blog name because it describes what I'm trying to do with my LIFE. I also included my favorite quote, "If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone." My mission in life for the past several years has been to try new things, and in order to do that, you have to step out of your comfort zone. You have to put yourself out there a little bit, take some risks.
The first time I decided to take a big risk was at the age of 17 when, unbeknownst to my parents, or even a single one of my friends, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. I didn't tell a single person I was going to meet with a recruiter, or take the asvab's. Since I was only 17 my parents needed to sign for me. When my recruiter and I sat down to talk to them about it, the first thing my mom asked was, "How many of your friends are doing this?" She was sure this was one of those "everyone else is doing it." kinds of things. When she realized this was all on my own, she was willing to sign.
Stepping out on a limb...yeah, I've done that a few times in my life. Most of the time I've had good results, but there have been a couple that were not-so-great. Like the time I decided to audition for the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. HA! Like I thought I had the kind of talent and SCHOOLED TRAINING required in a place like that! Oh, to be a fly on the wall and hear what was said after my audition! LOL
But the good results far outweighed the bad. I don't remember exactly how this came about, but when I was 21 years old I spoke in the rotunda of the Minnesota State Capital building about the closing of the State Hospitals for adults with disabilities. (they had a more horrible name at that time.) I think it's interesting that way back then God found a way to stick me into a position of advocacy for a group of people I *thought* I knew quite well, but would soon become far more intimate with! Funny how God does stuff like that.
And so, I spend my days tending to my "garden" that is my life. Growing in my relationship with God, while at the same time growing myself as well. Planting some seeds here and there, watering them with life experiences that aren't always easy, then sitting back to watch the flowers bloom with the changes God brings about by them.
So tell me, how did you name your blog?
My title, "Garden of Eagan", is one of those that I don't think is completely obvious. While our yard is definitely beautiful, I wouldn't call it a garden. If someone were to do a google search about blogging and gardens, my title would come up somewhere in their search. Sadly, I do very little gardening. Instead I prefer to "un-garden", which is what I call it when I try out various plants to see which ones die the fastest in our yard.
I chose my blog name because it describes what I'm trying to do with my LIFE. I also included my favorite quote, "If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone." My mission in life for the past several years has been to try new things, and in order to do that, you have to step out of your comfort zone. You have to put yourself out there a little bit, take some risks.
The first time I decided to take a big risk was at the age of 17 when, unbeknownst to my parents, or even a single one of my friends, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. I didn't tell a single person I was going to meet with a recruiter, or take the asvab's. Since I was only 17 my parents needed to sign for me. When my recruiter and I sat down to talk to them about it, the first thing my mom asked was, "How many of your friends are doing this?" She was sure this was one of those "everyone else is doing it." kinds of things. When she realized this was all on my own, she was willing to sign.
Stepping out on a limb...yeah, I've done that a few times in my life. Most of the time I've had good results, but there have been a couple that were not-so-great. Like the time I decided to audition for the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. HA! Like I thought I had the kind of talent and SCHOOLED TRAINING required in a place like that! Oh, to be a fly on the wall and hear what was said after my audition! LOL
But the good results far outweighed the bad. I don't remember exactly how this came about, but when I was 21 years old I spoke in the rotunda of the Minnesota State Capital building about the closing of the State Hospitals for adults with disabilities. (they had a more horrible name at that time.) I think it's interesting that way back then God found a way to stick me into a position of advocacy for a group of people I *thought* I knew quite well, but would soon become far more intimate with! Funny how God does stuff like that.
And so, I spend my days tending to my "garden" that is my life. Growing in my relationship with God, while at the same time growing myself as well. Planting some seeds here and there, watering them with life experiences that aren't always easy, then sitting back to watch the flowers bloom with the changes God brings about by them.
So tell me, how did you name your blog?
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