Peas In Our Pod

Freeman Four Family Workouts

2012-01-30T11:34:00.004-05:00

After posting last week that I would be starting back to the gym the next day I realized...crap..the schedule won't allow it tonight. Or this night. Or the next night. Then I was sick. Then I was still sick. So last night, 8pm, I carried my hiney down to the gym and treadmilled. Me and the treadmill for a solid hour. Okay...sortof of solid. That big giant STOP button on the edge kept getting hit. Then Arissa couldn't find the toilets in the locker room so I had to give her a guided tour. Then Isaiah about derailed so I had to stop and laugh at him. Anyways it was 60 actual minutes of walking at a fair pace. Then I did 3 or 4 sets of decline sit ups with the medicine ball. I like those. I get to throw a ball a Steven. And it makes my abs hurt. Hurt (should) equal flat. A girl can dream right?

I have to figure out a better schedule though. It was 10:40 before I got Arissa's hair done. Which is over an hour past her bed time. I'm ready for basketball season to be over. Then I'll have 3 free weekday nights to go to the gym.

I will admit...I felt good afterwards. I just wish the results were instant. I'm an instant gratification kind of girl. I suck at patience.

Time to Get Back to It

2012-01-25T14:12:00.003-05:00

I feel like I never have anything to say so I say nothing at all. Everything "blog worthy" usually makes the Facebook and Twitter rounds so it is old news since my "readers" are so few.

So...I'm going to start writing for ME. I need a journal. I need to have a place to vent, document, whine, cry and rejoice. I've tried a real journal and by day 4 I stop writing and next thing I know it's been 2 weeks then 2 months since I've written. I miss writing. I don't do it well but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it.

I started dance classes back in the fall. I always wanted to do something like that growing up. Our neighbors were always clogging, twirling, flipping, modeling..something. Me? I just watched them from the curb and waited for them to be done so we could play. Then wait for their recital to be done so we could play dress up in the costumes. In my house, we either had the time and no money or money and no time. So...I'm doing at 36 what I wanted to do when I was 6. I am in tap and modern. I am performing in a competition the end of April for modern and am supposed to be in the recital at the end of May for both (I'm still not sure. It depends on how well I feel I know the dances). Tap is HARD YO! Modern has come much easier to me. Both give me 2 hours a week that don't involve Steven or the kids; gives me some exercise; and gives me time with my Sara. WIN/WIN/WIN.

A year ago I was all "I can't eat. I'm so thin/weak/frail" Now I'm all..."Dude! Step away from that cookie! It's going straight to your gut and thighs!" I've never struggled with my weight (well, with being overweight...Lord knows I've struggled with being underweight). I'm not sure if it's age; being healthy instead of sick; or what but something has to give. I weigh more now that I have in probably ever (not counting being pregnant) and I. AM. MISERABLE. I think part of it is winter. I just feel BLAH all the time. So I rejoined the gym and am determined to lose about 15 pounds. But just from my stomach and thighs. Yes, I fully plan on instructing my fat cells where to disperse. I'd rather not lose the butt and boobs I've never had. I still don't eat much but there are some better choices about what I do eat that I can make. And I need exercise. Two hours a week is hardly enough for anyone.

I have to do something. I hate the gym, hate to exercise, but I hate not being happy with myself more.

Botox Baby

2011-03-12T13:36:00.003-05:00

After many years of pain, suffering and waiting the FDA finally approved Botox injections for the prevention of migraine headaches (if you'll recall I had Botox several years ago for this same purpose. That time our insurance did not cover it and we paid the entire cost out of pocket. Lots of dollars. Not cheap. At. All.). We (meaning me, Steven, the kids, my family, my friends) were all excited to hear this news. Last time I had the treatment it worked beautifully. I was migraine free for about 3 months and had a significant decrease for a total of 6 months. So the idea of having 6 months of relief was thrilling. So I had a neurologist appointment, then scheduled the Botox, got insurance approval, got the Botox and waited for the relief. And waited. And waited. Ten migraines later I was losing hope that it was going to work at all. I was still having to inject myself almost daily. My quality of life was not improving. I was still losing days to the dark room and my bed. Frustrated and sad I gave up. I decided to at least be grateful that I no longer have forehead wrinkles or crows feet.

In the past few weeks I have noticed a change. I am still getting migraines but much less and not nearly as painful or hard to get rid of. I know I will have to be injected again and the doctor told me it may take several rounds of injections to get really good results. A few weeks ago I would have told you no way am I doing it again. Now? I figure it's worth a shot. Even though the treatment may not leave me completely migraine free, it does seem to be helping and hey..who am I to deny insurance approved wrinkle treatment?

I'm Alive

2010-12-31T13:41:00.002-05:00

At my mother's urging I am updating my blog *waves HI to Mom*.

There hasn't been much to update but the Reader's Digest version is something like this:

High school is kicking Isaiah's butt. He has adjusted well to the social aspect of it but the academic aspect has been a real struggle. In a few days he goes back and as far as we are concerned, he is starting fresh. We aren't going to dwell on the disaster that was his first semester. He is working on earning back his privileges and we look forward to a wonderful 2011.

Arissa is thriving in 6th grade and is managing her heavy activity schedule and academics like a seasoned pro. She brought home straight A's on this last report card (a first for her without having the cushion of the "buy back" system that she had in 5th grade). She needed new school shoes and we added a monetary reward to get her the Sperry's she really wanted (they are the Sabago's of 2010). She has about a month left of basketball season cheering (up to 2 games a week), weekly practice, tumbling class and church. After the season is over she will still have tumbling and church but the other 2 will drop off. She has mastered her round off back handspring in the gym and is working very hard on being able to do it outside of the reassurance of the coach and the squishy mats. We are very proud of her, as she is the only new cheerleader to have come as far as she has (and has even passed several of the veteran cheerleaders).

Steven has taken up running in addition to his weight training. Unfortunately, he suffered a very common runners injury a few weeks ago and broke his foot. He is in a walking boot for 2 months and then he'll have to be reevaluated to see if he can resume his running.

At the time of the year when most people are signing up for gym memberships, I went against the grain and cancelled my membership. It was $40 a month that I was not using and have no desire to use. Now I have the best excuse EVER not to go workout. My weight is slowly improving and I've gained 5 pounds. After being painfully thin for so long those 5 pounds feel like 50. I am still struggling with my migraines and learned a few months ago that the bacteria in my stomach that has caused me so many problems is here to stay. It is "antibiotic resistant" and there is nothing more to do than treat the symptoms and watch for signs of active ulcers and/or the bacteria eating a whole in my stomach lining. So, yea, that's fun. I am still out of work and have begun to actively seek employment. As much as we feel it is best for my health to stay home, finances just won't allow it. Steven's switch to day shift has impacted us more than we expected and again we are in the position of real financial struggles. We are doing the best we can and trust that God has a plan; even though it may not be OUR plan. Which is always a hard pill to swallow.

We were able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas with our families. Having a little one in the family (Hunter) brought back the sweet side of the season we have been missing for years now. We have no plans to bring in the New Year and frankly, we'll be lucky if we manage to stay awake until midnight.

Wishing all of you a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Love to all,

The Freeman Four

When the Love isn't Returned

2010-09-02T13:32:00.004-04:00

I am in one of the worst kind of relationships. One where you love something so much. But it doesn't love you back. In fact, it doesn't just not love you but it hurts you. Yet you can't leave it alone. You keep putting time into the relationship. You change things up hoping it will be the magic bullet that turns it all around. You pray about it. You talk about it. But nothing changes. Eventually you decide to walk away. Decide that you are worth more than what the relationship is giving you. You are tired. You are done. But what do you do when this element of your life is a necessity? Something you literally can't live without?

That is where I am these days. Trying to figure out how to live. See, my problem isn't with a human. It's not a family member, a friend, or anyone else I can whine into submission. It's food. Yes, food hates me. A simple, yet sad, fact that is brought to my attention every single time I test our relationship. I have seen doctor after doctor. I have eliminated most of my favorite foods in the interest of comfort. Yet I am still in a really bad relationship. It's exhausting, really. Emotionally and physically. I am the smallest I've been since before puberty. I am 34 years old. I have a lot of living left to do. So how do I accomplish that when I can't make this relationship work?

The Power of the Google

2010-08-02T18:31:00.004-04:00

I apologize for the random pimping of sunscreen on the prior post. It was in my "contract". And Lord knows I have enough issues as it is and really don't need the product review police coming after me.

Now to our regularly scheduled programming:

Arissa has VERY high hopes for her college education/career and upon Googling tuition rates/dorm fees/books/etc. Steven and I strongly encouraged Arissa to work her brain super hard the next 6 years. Or else she will find herself at UT. In the same dorm she was in for cheer camp. College education plus medical school at the University of Miami? Right at half a million bucks. And that is figured at today's rates. OY! She smartly asked if Uncle Sam would pay for college.

Steven and I are trying to do a last minute weekend getaway. And it might as well be the vacation of the century for the time we are having deciding where to go. Which leads me to ask... How did people in the olden days plan vacations? Book hotels? Get ideas where to go? I can't imagine going anywhere without the power of the Google.

In an effort to give me some relief as well as put some badly needed pounds on me (my smallest jeans, size 2, fall off. And my smallest dress, XS, doesn't stay up. Really, please don't tell me about how horrible it must be to have such problems. I am no better off than a 300 pound person in my opinion) my lovely GI has given me a new medicine to try. That isn't FDA approved and I had to have made special at a compounding pharmacy. The point is to speed up my insanely slow gut so that I can eat more. Side effect? Diarrhea. Please Google, explain to me just exactly how that is going to put weight on me?

Still Without a Tan

2010-07-29T12:24:00.003-04:00

It's not a secret to anyone who knows me even a little bit that I loathe the sun. I love a bright, sunny day..as long as I am seeing it from an air conditioned room. I've had a long time war with Mr. Sunshine for as long as I can remember. Summer memories of my childhood always include a story of a horrible, painful sunburn. As I got older I learned how to stop the sunburn...it was this handy invention called SUNSCREEN.

Being that I am now 34 years old I have had my fair share of sunscreen encounters. I have made it my life long quest to find a brand that not only works well but is easy to apply and doesn't leave me smelling like the beach.

So when I was asked to review the new Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock I readily agreed. As soon as it arrived the first thing I did was smell it. I was thrilled to discover it didn't have a strong sunscreen smell. Really, it has very little smell at all. I put a little on my arm to wear for a while and see if my skin was okay with the formula and to see if the smell changed. No reactions and still no smell! (I've used other brands that smelled good at first then a few hours later it reaked). I decided it was a go for the bigger test.

I applied the Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock before heading out to the pool with my kids. The lotion is very light and spreads very easily. I try to stay in the shade but sometimes shade can't be found and I was worried about getting burned as the sun shined on me. We were out for about 4 hours and I didn't reapply (I should state that I did not swim; just sat in my chair with a book. Had I swam I would have reapplied). We got home and I showered to discover that I didn't get any sun. None. Zero. Still as ghostly white (see that picture? Told you I am pale!)as I was before we went to the pool. Which, to me, is the sole purpose of sunblock.

As a very fair skinned woman who aims to stay away from getting any sun, I was very pleased. I will be using the Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock the next time I head out in the sun.

Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too? Then go to http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer!
Or get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Silver Ring Thing

2010-07-09T23:14:00.002-04:00

A few months ago Isaiah asked me about a purity ring. I thought it was kind of odd coming from him since he is in no way, shape, form, or fashion interested in girls yet; much less actually touching one. I put it in the back of my head for more thought later.

I thought about it some more and decided that making a commitment like he was wanting to make was one of those decisions best made before the time came.

So as of today, both kids are wearing shiny new silver rings. Isaiah's is a wide band that is etched with the words "TRUE LOVE WAITS" and 1 Timothy 4:12 (Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity). Arissa's is a thinner band etched on the inside with the words "I will wait for" and on the outside of the band etched with the words "my beloved". We had a conversation about how important the decision is to make and to stand by. I stressed that the rings weren't simply something shiny and pretty but an outward reminder of their personal decision and commitment to themselves.

The vision of the Silver Ring Thing is "to create a culture shift in America where abstinence becomes the norm again rather than the exception." (taken from the Silver Ring Thing website; click to access their website). Parents have more influence on their child's sexual decision making than anyone else. I know this is one area of their life I don't want to blow. They only get one shot. When it's gone there is no getting it back. So while they committed to remaining pure until their wedding day, I am committing to NOT be afraid to talk to them openly and honestly. It won't be easy...but nothing worth having ever is.

My Guts: Another Chapter in the Epic Story

2010-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Why hello there, super medicated Anne. Nice nose decoration you've got there. And that bracelet? Awesome.

So yea, Tuesday was loads of fun. Actually, Tuesday wasn't all that bad. Monday? Monday sucked. Liquid diet plus drinking 2 bottles of Magnesium Citrate equals pure misery. Steven and I wheeled into Parkwest and I got (yet another) hospital bracelet. I love how the Covenant Health System has the admin folks in uniforms that look like hotel employees and they use the vibrating pager system like restaurants to notify you when it's your turn. Like you are supposed to forget why you are there and get all excited about a wonderful meal and a cozy bed. That you're not getting. Not even close.

Anyways, I visited the lab. Then went for an abdominal ultrasound then I was taken back to the GI lab. Where I was greeted with very friendly nurses and my MAIN MAN. The anesthesia man. I was very chatty with him. I wanted to be his friend. It worked. My super friendly nurse was rather confused as to my purpose there and kept trying to get me to consent to an EGD and a PEG tube placement. Hold the drugs, honey. Mama didn't sign up for a feeding tube. So, we got that figured out and I got to the bed and several toasty warm blankets. And waited. And waited. The hallway is a rather boring place. After about 20 minutes it was my turn. Dr. SleepyMan says, "hang on doc. I need more Propofol." I'm all yes, we will wait. As long as we need to wait. (This was right after I charmingly blurt out.."hey now, that killed MJ. Please use with caution."). He comes back. Everyone gathers around me. I turn on my left side. Then my other left side (I was nervous I guess). The nurse puts a bite guard in my mouth. She says have a good nap. Next thing I know, I'm drooling on a pillow and Steven's in the corner playing on his phone. So yea, that was fun.

Doc came in and told us the colon looked just fine. Said the stomach and esophagus were red and inflamed, that he took a lot of biopsies and really didn't think it was h pylori (the bacteria that started all this a year and a half ago). I was given lovely color photos of my insides, a Coke, and we were on our way home.

Friday they called with the biopsy results. No cancer..good. Positive for h pylori...bad. So, here we are, a year and a half later and no better than we were when all this started. Which really hacks me off since Dr. No English INSISTED to me that the last round would take care of it and there was no reason to re scope. Had he re scoped, we would have known it wasn't gone. And maybe the lady wouldn't have been trying to give me a dang feeding tube!

I will say, that as mad and disappointed as I am about this, I do have some relief. Relief that there is a reason why my stomach hurts so much. Why I don't want to eat. Why I feel like crap all the time. I'm not crazy. I'm not making a mountain out of a molehill. I'm not a whiny baby (well, maybe I am. But I have a reason. Sometimes).

Please, sweet baby Jesus, let these (different from twice before) meds work and let's please move on from the epic saga of my GI system.

Random Freeman Four Update

2010-06-14T18:16:00.002-04:00

Let's see here....

School is out. I'm still waiting for final grades but I am assuming no news is good news and therefore, I am now the parent of a 6th grade girl and a high school boy. UGH!

Isaiah is currently at Myrtle Beach for youth camp with church. I hope he remembers to apply his sunscreen. Lots of it. And often.

Arissa is busy with cheer practices and tumbling class. She loves both and while she is sad that her dance career is over, she is still happy with her decision.

Steven is going thru, what I call, a midlife crisis. He whole heartily disagrees (denial is the first stage isn't it?). His old beater car needed to be replaced and he decided to get a type of car he's always wanted. It's a red, 2 door, convertible Toyota Celica GT. It's way cool. And he's happy. So that's all I really care about.

I am having more gut problems and will spend next Tuesday at the hospital having multiple tubes placed in various areas. I will praise the man that invented anesthesia in advance.

We have a new raccoon that really likes Purina Dog Chow and isn't phased by TBone. TBone has ran him up a tree several times and then dances around the tree barking like crazy. We are looking to purchase a firearm for said coon.

And the biggest news of all? ISAIAH IS FINALLY 5 FEET TALL!!! He had to roll into Cliff's last week for a random issue and while we were there I inquired about his (lack of) height. Cliff took him to the measurer thingy and I waited by our room. Mr. Cool 14 year old boy came running down the hall and jumped into my arms (darn near knocking me over. Hello...the kid only weighs about 15 pounds less than me) and joyfully announced the new measurement. We will celebrate when he returns from the beach.

So, that's that. Not much else to say right now.

Don't Blink

2010-05-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

I have found myself with varying degrees of tears in my eyes this past week. It really started Sunday. I was soaking in the hot tub before church (part of my mothers day relaxation) all by myself. Just thinking. And a phrase ran through my mind.

Happy Mudders Day wif your flowders.

As I thought back I could so clearly see Isaiah. He was about 3. Big blue eyes, head full of curls. With a handful of weeds he had so carefully picked for me. He was so tender and sweet. And so very proud.

I sat and remembered with big hot tears rolling down my cheeks. Where did the time go?

Today I met Carol to get Hunter for a sleepover. I opened her van door and there sat a boy. Not a baby. In just a few days Hunter grew into a real life boy. I stood and stared. And was speechless. I felt the tears coming. Luckily, Hunter did one of his new tricks for me and instead of crying I laughed. He's not a baby anymore but a very active, often opinionated, gets down and dirty BOY.

Even as I type this hours later, tears are rolling down my cheeks. Where did the time go?

"Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster then you think
So Don't blink"

Growing Up but Still My Baby

2010-05-13T13:30:00.001-04:00

Today my baby turns 14. His eyes are still a remarkable shade of blue. His curls have long since gone away. His freckles have multiplied as the years have passed. But he's still, and always will be, my baby.

Seems that only yesterday I was hugely pregnant, melting in what had to be the hottest May in the history of ever. I remember thinking that this baby has to actually come out of me. And being scared.to.death. Sure, I knew how to diaper, feed and burp but what about the important things? Like manners and humility and love? I think back 14 years ago to how naive I was.

I thought having Isaiah simply made me a mother. What I didn't expect was to be turned into a fierce fighter for this little curly headed guy that could only whimper; to go from lamb to lion in the blink of an eye where he was concerned; to fight like hell for what he needed and be damned who got in my way. I never expected that he would become my friend, my buddy, my fashion advisor, my shopping partner. MY Isaiah. My blue eyed Isaiah.

Isaiah made me a Mommy. He made me grow up. In a lot of ways, we grew up together. We've been through so much. He supported me, in his little 3 year old way, when I made the decision to leave his father. He was always anxious to help and eager to please. There were few times that you saw me and didn't see Isaiah. He rarely left my side.

And now? He still supports me. He is the first to offer a cold rag when I have a migraine. He rubs my feet just because I ask him to. He stands in the kitchen and talks to me while I cook supper. He always, every single day, greets me with 'how was your day?' and he cares about the answer. He still stops me in my tracks to ask for a hug. He is sure to give me a hug, kiss, and an "I love you" every night before he goes to bed. He loves to help others. He loves the Lord. He loves children and is so patient with his young cousins. He loves his sister. He loves me. He loves his Daddy.

He makes us laugh. Man, that boy makes us laugh. I have come closer than I care to admit to peeing my pants over something Isaiah has said. While he has a very good relationship with Arissa, there are the occasional spats. But Arissa can't stay mad at him. She's said that he can make her so mad, but she forgets why she was even upset because he'll say/do something and she forgets all about it. He shares triumph with others and is never jealous of others accomplishments. He easily forgives and does not carry a grudge. Sure, he's your typical boy who has to be reminded to pick up his room and take out the trash. Sure, we butt heads over grades. Yes, we have days that we just can't get along. We figure it out and are better for it.

I can't wait to see what the next year brings to him. This past year has been one of remarkable growth (um, spiritually...not physically. We're still waiting on that part of the growing up process). He references the Bible often. He has stepped out of his comfort zone to learn a new skill. He has Bible verses pinned on this bathroom wall and recently went the way Jesus did by not sleeping on a pillow. Even though all his buddies bailed on the challenge, Isaiah followed through. The next year will prove to be probably Isaiah's hardest year yet. In a few short months he will transition into high school...and all that entails. I pray he doesn't allow the demons that are lurking find their way to him. I pray that between what we've done at home and what Jesus has done to his heart, he will be kept safe.

Happy Birthday, Isaiah. (Your welcome I held it together this morning when y'all overslept and I had to take you to school. Consider it the first gift of the day.)

I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I am living
My baby you will be

11 Years Ago on a Sunday

2010-04-18T05:20:00.001-04:00

(this was originally posted last year. I thought it merited another appearance. It's a pretty cool story and just goes to show...never say you CAN'T do anything because God will show you different! Enjoy. And Happy 11th Birthday, Arissa. You will forever be my Hootie Bootie)

Anyone who knows my Arissa knows she is a bird of a different feather. She thrives on being different. She is sassy and has a mouth (much like her mothers) that has a mind of it's own. She can be the kindest, sweetest girl one moment and a tornado the next. You never know which Arissa you are going to get.

Arissa roared into this world 11 years ago today with an entrance like no other..........

It was Saturday, April 17th, and Kathy and her kids were over. Kamry toppled over and I thought nothing of bending over and scooping her up. The rest of the day I felt 'off'. I wasn't having contractions or any other signs of labor but I just felt weird. I didn't mention it to anybody because I didn't think it was worth mentioning. I went to sleep that night after watching Saturday Night Live (the episode where Jennifer Love Hewitt was in labor and the cheerleaders were in the labor room. I remember thinking that would be my luck..being in labor and Carol and Kathy making jokes and cheerleading in my room). Four hours later I woke up with an odd pain. Followed by another odd pain. Then another and another. I got up thinking that walking would make it go away. I went to the bathroom. I walked some more. I packed a bag. And cussed. And walked. Called the OB, who told me to get to the hospital. I clearly remember saying that this BETTER be real labor because if this is false labor than God is an evil, evil man. I called my mom (who, for reasons that aren't worth getting into, was my way to the hospital. Where there were medical professionals. And epidurals). We were a solid 30 minutes from each other, even at 4am and she felt the need to shower before coming to get me.

I thought the bathroom held the answers to all of issues so off I went again. Only this time something was certainly not right. Not right AT ALL. Without getting too horribly graphic lets just say that pressure I was trying to relieve was NOT what I thought it was. It was MY CHILDS HEAD. Yes, right there. Cue Anne freaking out. A call was made to 911. Arguments ensued regarding my full denial of what was happening and that there was no way in the world this was happening there because I hadn't had my epidural. Clearly, Arissa didn't get the memo and was coming whether I had been medicated or not. One push...her head. Mom finally gets there, lays upon me in an effort to make it all better, only to be tossed off by my super human strength to show her the baby between my legs. Next contraction, one push and there she was.

5:20 am 4-18-1999 A perfect screaming baby girl. Perfect timing...the fire department showed up and took over. I called my OB back to tell him not to worry about going to the hospital, I had taken care of the delivery already. The ambulance came, loaded us up and off we went to the hospital. I thought that was rather stupid since the hard part was already done but wasn't really in a position to argue. We got a few hours of rest before the revolving door of visitors started.

There wasn't a minute of that Sunday where we didn't have a visitor. Maybe it was because it was a Sunday; maybe it was because of the way she was born...either way it was awesome. We were on the news a few weeks later. Arissa's claim to fame...she will forever be known as 'the bathroom baby'.

One day she'll think the way she was born is as awesome of a story as it is. Right now? She thinks it's horrible. I tell her it could be worse..at least I had the sense to get off the toilet and onto the floor! (2010 edit: she has since come to the conclusion that yes, a bathroom floor birth is pretty darn cool).

Hidden Gems

2010-04-16T23:22:00.002-04:00

I've been on Facebook for over a year. One day I got a friend request from a classmate who had a name I vaguely remembered. She had gotten married and her maiden name wasn't listed but her first name is rather unusual so I had a hunch who it was. I accepted her request and didn't think much else about it. She commented on a few of my status updates; I did the same on hers. It wasn't long before we were private messaging each other. The more we "talked" the more we realized we shared the same likes and dislikes; troubles and triumphs; convictions and opinions. It was amazing how we had gone to school together for years yet were never friends. I couldn't believe this was the same girl from back then. I finally asked her what her maiden name was. And I was shocked. This wonderfully kind, sweet, hysterically funny woman was the same girl I was terrified of all those years ago. A month or so after our online meeting we met for dinner. And we talked for hours and hours. Like we'd known each other our whole lives. We talked about why we were just now finding each other. And I told her that I was scared of her. Come to find out, she was just as intimidated by me as I was of her.

Today we were able to spend hours together, just being silly girls. We did the mani/pedi thing; walked thru shops; laughed; helped each other pick out what we were looking for; and were just US. I'm certain that to those on the outside looking in, we were two friends who do this all the time and have known each other for years. I love that about our friendship. We live four hours away from each other, but you'd never know it. We talk on the phone often. I know her children, husband, and mother like I know my own...though I've only met the husband for a few minutes. She knows all about my children, my husband, my parents and sisters....though she's never met any of them.

The only thing I'm sad about when it comes to her? (Well, besides the fact that she lives so DARN FAR AWAY)..Is that we let stupid, preconceived notions about each other keep us from finding our friendship all those years ago.

I can count on one hand my true friends. She is one of those fingers...my shiny, sparkly, spunky gem.

Because She Said She Would

2010-04-02T23:31:00.003-04:00

I remember a little 4 year old girl that once told me she was going to cheer for the middle school when she was older. I remember looking at her cheering skills and thinking to myself she had herself quite the pipe dream. Of course, being the supportive parent I am, I never told her my doubts.

But look at these pictures, taken several years ago...I don't even recall how old she was here. Probably 5. You'll see why I had my doubts:

But over the years, she worked her tail off. She cheered every single year. She was blessed with amazing coaches as well as a very supportive family. I can't begin to count the amount of hours spent by her grandparents, aunts, and us (sometimes sweating, sometimes freezing, but always waiting on games running at least an hour behind) at the ball fields watching her cheer her little uncoordinated heart out. She was always proud. She was always confident. She was never aware just how adorably terrible she was. She learned the techniques of her passion. Never giving up.

Thursday was THE DAY. The day that we had been waiting 6 long years for. Middle school cheer leading tryouts. She came out of tryouts feeling great about what she had done. She told me she couldn't have done any better. I assured her that even if she didn't make the squad, it was okay. Because you can't do any better than your best. So we came home to wait the 3 longest hours of our lives before results were posted. She asked us to wait in the van as she nervously went to read the names posted on door. I stood anxiously waiting. And she turned to me. She ran as fast as her feet would take her, yet they never hit the ground. My sweet girl leaped into my arms and sobbed. I put her down. She looked me dead in the eyes and said, "I did it".

Of course you did, baby. Because you said you would.

Just My Thoughts on HCR

2010-03-22T19:26:00.004-04:00

Let me just say that I don't know the entire bill. I don't even know half of it. I doubt there are many people that can say they have read the whole entire thing. Or even tried. What I do know? Is that as a woman with a lifelong (and VERY expensive) illness; who has had to stop working because she is too sick; who, even with very very very good insurance, has paid out of pocket at least $13k a year on medical bills; who ultimately had to file bankruptcy because of health related expenses; who has lived in fear for the past 6 years on this policy that they would rescind her coverage; you can't tell me that the current system of health care in America is okay. Or fair. Or humane. You just can't tell me that leaving the poor to die because they can't afford monthly premiums is okay. You can't tell me that having our elderly cut their pills in half or not go to the doctor when needed is okay. And you certainly can't tell me that a parent of a child with cancer has to let them die because their policy reached it's cap and the insurance won't pay to save them is okay.

I am quite certain there are aspects to this bill that I won't like. I'm sure that somewhere down the road it will directly impact my families bottom line in some shape, form, or fashion. But you know what? I don't care. Because at the end of the day, no one deserves to live a substandard life just because of their economic status. NO ONE.

Before there were was the Constitution there was a set of laws. A set of laws that folks seem to have thrown out the window these days (why hello racial slurs and spitting in 2010. Way to go, America!). How about love thy neighbor as thyself? Yup, that means taking care of those who can't take care of themselves. It's really not rocket science. Not even close. And if getting help to 32 million people isn't a good idea then you've got much bigger problems ahead of you than your bottom line.

Grow Baby Grow

2010-03-07T22:26:00.002-05:00

Today was our bi-annual "stand against the wall and look straight while your mother scientifically scratches a pencil marking on the wall so we can see how tall you are" day. Both kids have grown an inch in 6 months. Arissa is now 4'10-1/2" and Isaiah is now a whopping 4' 11-1/2". Oh yes, boy wonder is a mere half inch away from hitting the big 5 foot mark. We will have to party hard when that day arrives. Lord knows the kid has waited long enough for it.

Now, if I can get him to grow without growing out of all his clothes I'd be really happy.

What's Your Function?

2010-01-20T17:55:00.002-05:00

As many of you already know, I lost my job several months ago. My days were suddenly wide open. There were days that I hardly got out of bed and wore the same pajamas for days at a time. And showering and make up? Yea, right. Now, some of those times were during my surgery recovery but sadly, most of them were not. I felt totally lost. What was I supposed to do? Look for job...check. Read.....check. Facebook and Twitter...way check.

Then I reread something I had read before, Proverbs 31:10-31. Now while I'm not darning socks or churning butter, I am striving to be better. A better wife to my husband...to put his needs above my own, to stay up late so we can visit when he gets off of work, to prepare dinner earlier so he can have a hot meal before heading out, to pack him a dinner or snack, do as many of the household chores as I can so that he doesn't have to, to take the kids to all of their appointments. See, before I stopped working Steven and I had a very 50/50 responsibility share around here. He never flinched when dinner was cereal; he did just as much (really, probably more) laundry than I; he took kids to dance/church/dentists/orthodontists; he never complained when there was a science experiment growing in the bathrooms and would clean it himself. It wasn't a matter of having a lazy wife...it was a matter of both of us working 40+ hour weeks. It worked for us.

But now? I have a strong feeling that he should only have to work and do what he WANTS to do (basketball, gym, golf) and the housework is my job. I cook at least 5 times a week with the only days I don't cook being the days we clean out the leftovers...I don't remember the last time we had out food for dinner. There is typically a freshly baked goodie available to snack on. The laundry is always caught up and the house is clean. The kids have undivided Mommy time to help with homework. We get everything done and still have time for them to drive over me on MarioKart on the Wii. (And no, volunteering at their school is not next on my list. Hanging with a bunch of middle schoolers would not be beneficial to them or myself.)

Just yesterday I received phone calls asking for my help on a platform I am very passionate about. I was able to accept for both dates and was reminded of another one of my purposes here.

So, I guess I've found my function through the dysfunction of losing my job. I will continue to rock this gig as long as it takes to find gainful employment outside of the home. Then it's back to 50/50 on running the house and some cereal for dinner.

Repeating Myself

2010-01-16T00:11:00.003-05:00

I am hopeful that the new blog look with inspire me to post more regularly. Now that both my parents are on Facebook, as well as my sisters and the other 3 readers I have here it seems rather pointless to blog. I mean, it's like I'm talking to myself and basically telling everyone what they've already read on FB (pictures included).

So....we'll see what happens with The Pod. Not making any promises, not closing her down either.

Good Bad

2009-12-10T00:28:00.002-05:00

Good: Steven still has a job. He survived this round of cuts.

Bad: He has to work Christmas day. All day. After working all day on Thanksgiving.

Seeing the Light

2009-11-17T14:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but I've just not been in a good place. I had the surgery and was recovering really well. Then last Monday I woke up peeing razor blades. It was horrible! I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a bladder infection. They gave me an antibiotic as well as a medication to numb the bladder. The numbing medication is the BOMB! Loved it. The antibiotics? Made me so sick. I made it through half the prescription then had to stop taking it. Non-stop vomiting does not a happy Anne make. I thought that once I stopped taking them I would be okay. But the nausea and vomiting continued. Yesterday I saw my doctor and they checked my urine. Said the infection was gone and the only thing that was showing was that I was dehydrated. He figured it was a virus. They gave me phenergran. I slept pretty much all day yesterday and woke up this morning feeling (dare I say it) GOOD! I have eaten and so far, so good. Let's hope this is the end of the illness and life will resume as normal....

I'm Ready to Hit the Ground Running

2009-11-06T14:39:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, my body isn't on the same page as my mind. I knew how hard this surgery would be. I knew that it would takes weeks and weeks to heal. Well, I thought I knew. I guess I should say I knew but I hadn't accepted. Which is two totally completely different things.

Today I am 2 weeks+2 days post op. While the pain is much better than it was even a week ago, it is still there. It does subside for periods but just as mysteriously as it disappears, it reappears. I know it is part of the healing process (muscles and nerves healing) but I'm still sad.

Yesterday was a really bad day. I was so miserable. I was so nauseous (I think a good part of that was from not eating). I was hot. Then freezing. Then sweating. I was teary. I was whiny. I asked Steven if I had a fever and when he felt my forehead and said no, I protested. I was certain that as bad as I felt I deserved a fever. I finally took a Phenagran and slept for an hour or so. I woke up feeling much better.

So basically, I'm still laying around and doing a whole lot of nothing. I know that making myself get up and do things won't help anything and will just make things take longer to heal. If I've learned anything having 12 surgeries before, it's that not giving myself time to heal gets me nowhere but in a tearful lump.

Home Invasion

2009-11-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

Last night Steven, Mary Ellen and I attended a drama production at church entitled Sacred Storm, Home Invasion. The advertisements boasted "What if the unseen world – the spiritual forces at work in the world around us – could be seen? What kinds of battles would we find in our own lives and in our own homes. Home Invasion, Sacred Storm is a free graphic dramatization of the invisible battle that surrounds each one of us on a daily basis."

I was really looking forward to seeing it. I was excited to see what elements of my life I hadn't given proper thought to. To be shown parts of my life that I was selfishly thinking were okay but biblically were detrimental to my family, to my children, to my marriage. I was disappointed at what I was presented with.

The only 'forces' highlighted were an overworked/unappreciated wife and mother and an unfaithful husband who had an addiction to Internet porn. As a result of their preoccupations they were so distracted that they didn't take time to listen when their children tried to talk to them. The oldest boy (away at college) came home for break and announced he wanted to go into ministry (the father dismissed his desire). The oldest daughter fell to the pressure of her boyfriend and became pregnant. The young boy was sweet but smart mouthed and ended up being struck and killed by a car...therefore bringing the family to Jesus and reunification.

Now, I know that there are several ''forces" being played out through this story. It's not simply about sex. But there were no hidden forces. To me, the forces were obvious. And I think they are obvious to any semi-intelligent human.

It did, however, make for interesting conversations with Steven and myself. We talked about the real hidden forces in the home. Children are sponges. They soak up everything they SEE and HEAR. It's the small things that happen in daily life that shape our children. How us, as parents, act. How us, as spouses, act. It's in the little things....delaying an activity a few hours to attend church; making them return a lost basketball even though the kid that owns it is unkind to them; it's speaking kindly to each other; it's the family dinner table, movie night, sitting down and helping with homework. It's helping those around us without being asked, it's not listening to music filled with derogatory sentiments, it's reacting with kindness in an unkind situation. The list goes on and on. Yes, sexual forces are something to be addressed. I have no argument against that. But I really think that if we want the next generation to buck the statistics and grow to be productive members of society we have to look beyond the obvious.

Maybe I am missing something. In speaking with Steven and Mary Ellen they said they felt the same way and got the same messages I did. If you have seen the production and have a different opinion, I would LOVE to hear it. Everyone else I have spoken to has raved about the awesomness of it...I feel like I'm on the outside of an inside story.

Trick or Treat Smell My Feet....

2009-10-31T22:56:00.002-04:00

Introducing our 1983 Prom Queen, Ms. Arissa Freeman:

I would show you a photo of Isaiah. But he wouldn't show up in the picture. He went as his Uncle Jerry (head to toe camo and carrying a Nerf gun). He went trick or treating at Royal Blue with Aunt Carol and her family. Arissa went to a Halloween party out in Farragut. Steven and I went to a drama production at church and then had 6 trick or treaters at the house.

This year was certainly different than years past. And hopefully won't be repeated next year. I really missed our Annual Freeman Family Roast & Toast. (I will say that cancelling our festivities was a very smart move. Between my current state and the rain it would have been miserable). Next year will be better. There's always next year.

Post Op Update Day 8 (with photo)

2009-10-29T22:31:00.004-04:00

Today has not been a good day. I saw my surgeon this morning for a follow up appointment and to have the stitches removed. It was not pleasant. It wasn't the worse thing I've ever been through but I could feel it. And I think the apprehension of feeling her working in my ear was just as bad as the actual removal. He is giving me a month off and then I'll see him again and we'll decide then about PT. He said he removed the whole eminence and shaved down the muscle. He does not expect it to regrow although I've proved him wrong before.

Since having the stitches removed my incision has been very inflamed (I'm not sure if that's the correct word to describe it...it hurts, itches, stings, feels raw..."inflamed" is easier to say so I'm going with it). I looked at it when I got home and was rather shocked at how it looks. It doesn't even look like it's together. He said there are internal stitches that will dissolve so I assume that is why it looks like it does. I think it looks pretty bad. And it's much longer than my last surgery.

You can't see the back (and therefore can't get an idea of what I am failing to describe in words)in the photo but here I am after getting home from the appointment:

So basically, I've hit that miserable, cry-baby, irritable, can't be pleased part of the recovery process. And Steven is on vacation for the next 2 weeks! He'll be so excited to spend time with jolly me!!

Post Op Update Day 7 (with photos)

2009-10-28T22:24:00.003-04:00

So I've lived through the week. I have left the house exactly twice in the week. I have done nothing but rest, sleep, eat, drink, Internet, and watch TV. Tonight I was brave and tried to eat a pop tart. HUGE mistake. Here are a few pictures of me taken this morning...

As you can see, things are looking much better. I have an appointment in the morning to (I assume) get the stitches out. The nerve/muscle pain I experienced before has started up. It's like electrical shocks in my scalp.

Isaiah and Arissa are on fall break this week. Sunday night they spent the night with Aunt Carol, Monday night Arissa spent the night with the Bakers, and tonight Alexis is here. Saturday Arissa is going to a big Halloween party at her friend-who-is-a-boy's house. She has a pretty rockin costume this year. I think Isaiah is sitting this year out although I haven't heard for certain.

Post Op Update Day 2 (with photos)

2009-10-24T06:22:00.003-04:00

Today I managed a bath and clean jammies. Today was also a day that nothing pleased me and tears came really easy. Panera Bread changed their chicken salad without consulting me first. I have a strict policy that poultry and fruit shall never combine. Their chicken salad USED to be perfect. Then they went and added grapes to it. Panera Bread chicken salad is now dead to me.

I noticed today that the hospital treated me to a brow wax. It's my right brow, in the middle of the brow. Not a good look. Someone really should leave the brow grooming to the professionals.

Today I am more swollen and bruised.

Isaiah and Arissa got report cards today. Isaiah did really well with 4 A's, 1B, and 2 C's. Arissa knocked it out of the park with straight A's. She worked her tail off to get those grades and it paid off. We were both a bit nervous how she would adjust to middle school on top of having an afterschool activity every night of the week but she did it. We've had a deal with her for a few years now that if she earned an A in Math she could go to Wasabi's (Isaiah's deal is all A's and B's). Needless to say, as soon as I can eat I have a date with my girl. I am very proud of both kids and hope that in 9 weeks I'll be able to take Isaiah out for Wasabi's, too.

Surgery Recap & Post Op; Day 1 (with photos)

2009-10-22T12:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday went really well. Except for the fact they kept me totally awake (did someone forget my Versaid?) until they put me completely under. Which I really don't like. It wouldn't be so bad if I could have seen everything going on around me (most of what I watch on TV is medical shows so I am always comparing TV to real life. Which is really hard to do when you don't have your glasses and can't make out your surroundings). So yea, back to the point....I was fully awake and aware and had to scoot myself onto the operating table. And I was biting my lip and fighting the tears back. I would have much preferred to have been out of it for this portion of the program. The nice sleepy man (the same man that made Momma coffee the last time) put the mask on my face and his buddy put something into my IV. They kept saying to breath and I would be asleep any minute. But I wasn't. And to prove my point I kept my eyes wide open so they would know I wasn't asleep (side effect of watching some show the other night about surgery's gone wrong. The lady that wasn't out during her operation in which they REMOVED HER EYEBALL was fore front in my mind). Right after I reminded myself to not.shut.my.eyes. something happened. But I don't know what...because I was asleep.

Woke up in pre-op with a very sweet yet annoying voice nurse tending to me. I wanted to tell her to please clear her throat. Then the pain. Oh Lord, the pain. Dilaudid to the rescue. I fought to shake off the sleepy feeling still taking me over but closed my eyes for a little bit. Mary, the very nice patient advocate person, came over with what I really needed...my glasses! She remembered my concerns and had gotten them from Steven and put them right on my face. I looked around, never missing a chance to people watch, and noticed a man beside me...who was without his big toe and complaining that his leg was itching..something about a skin graft. And the middle-aged lady across from me who was whining like a baby. And moaning. I'm not real sure what her ailment was. I mean, I was fairly calm even though I had this

attached to my face. The pain....more Dilaudid. Nice nurse lady was on top of my pain. I asked for something to drink and instead I got ice chips. Which she dropped down the front of my gown. And then went to get out. But I didn't care the 4'11" 250 pound lady was feeling me up because she had the good drugs in her pocket. I really had to pee but kept that information to myself b/c I knew they would bring me a bed pan. This lady doesn't 'do' bed pans. More Dilaudid. It's amazing I was still breathing at this point. Nurse lady said in the next department they have oral pain meds and she wanted to make sure I was loaded up before they sent me over there. She called for transport and then pushed the rest of the Dilaudid. I was moved over to another room with my own restroom to sip on a soda and Mom and Steven could come back. Twenty minutes later they finally appeared. I was not happy at their delay. They got lost (though not 20 minutes lost; I think the message didn't get to them at the speed I wanted it to). The rebel flag hat wearing transport man had to help me to the bathroom. I'm pretty sure he saw my butt. Again, I will lobby for proper fitting hospital gowns. Why must they all be made for people that are 6' around?

Anyways, I decided I was ready to leave. Which in Anne time means RIGHT NOW. I swear it took them forever to come take out my IV and let me get dressed. Steven brought me home and I dozed most of the day. Never more than 15-20 minutes at a time but did manage a fairly decent nights sleep. I woke up 3 or 4 times. The Dilaudid of yesterday is way gone and now I am very sore. It even hurts to smile. The good news is that there doesn't appear to be any nerve damage this time. The swelling isn't too horrible. Here are some photos from today....

Me last night icing my face:

This morning:

Somehow I think whatever dreams I had of being an ear ring model are dashed:

Migraines can SUCK IT

2009-10-14T17:29:00.003-04:00

Not a very nice title huh? Well, I really don't care at this point.

I have been in pain since Monday morning. I tried all my usual tricks (3 different migraine meds, caffeine, hot tub, protein) to no avail. I slept the majority of the day and thankfully Steven was off and able to take care of both me and the kids. Tuesday dawned with my head still pounding so I called my primary care for an appointment. I got in at 11 and was walking out by 11:30. He gave me a shot in the hip of Demerol and Phenegran and sent me home to sleep. When I woke up at 4 with the headache no better I called him back and he sent me to the ER for IV meds and fluids. The wait was minimal and the nursing staff was very kind. The doctor on the other hand? Easily the worst man I have ever dealt with. He said everything short of coming out and saying that he thought I was there just looking for drugs. It still amazes me how in this day and age people are still discriminated against based on their illness and who is with them. Needless to say, I left the ER still in pain because this fellow refused to give me the meds I know work for me. I came home and slept through the night and woke up again today with my head still hurting. I managed a shower and trip to the pharmacy. My self medicating has numbed the pain to a manageable level. I am hopeful it stays that way.

While I know this sounds just horrible, I often wish I had a tangible reason for these headaches. Something that the doctors can SEE so they will believe me when I am in such pain. Something that gives a reason. Something that gives them something to say "yea, no wonder this girl is so miserable." Migraines suck. People who have never had them just don't understand how a "headache" can literally turn your world upside down. How the pain is so bad you can't take care of yourself, much less your children/family. Migraines don't just affect me. They affect my children, my husband, and even my parents and sisters. They cause me to have to cancel plans with friends; have appointments that have been on my calendar for months not even register when I miss them; have my children tip-toeing and whispering in their own home, scared of disturbing Mommy. It sucks. There is no other way to put it. This sucks.

Weddings and Surgerys

2009-10-10T21:27:00.002-04:00

First off: Super excited to tell everyone that Carol (my oldest sister) is gettin' hitched!!! We've already procured her gown, mine and Kathy's gowns, floral designs, cake design, and centerpieces are settled. Now we just need a venue and a menu. So basically my event planner hat didn't even have a chance to cool off since Mom & Dad's bash. Which is fine with me...I really like planning these things (especially for people I love).

My surgery date is set for October 21st. He told me he is probably going to remove my entire eminence on that side. He won't know for sure until he gets in there. I will, once again, have to do several months of physical therapy to avoid scar tissue and maximize my range of motion. He told me my incision will be bigger. And he threatened to shave the whole side of my head (I whined that I just got the shaved hair to grow out from his last surgery. He said he likes giving haircuts). Temporary nerve paralysis is pretty much a given since I had it last time. I am not at all nervous/scared about the operation. I am, however, nervous/scared about what happens AFTER I wake up. I've actually teared up a few times thinking about it. Which is so unlike me. I treated myself to 3 new set of jammies (yeah for the clearance rack at JCPenny's!). Although I doubt cute jammies will make me feel better...it's worth a shot though.

Isaiah's football season is over. He got in for a whopping 5-6 plays the entire season, worked his butt off, never complained, was a great support to his teammates but in the end, he was done. He was still very upset to lose the final game that ended their season. I couldn't be more proud of how he stuck with it, kept his grades up, and didn't quit.

Arissa still has 3 or 4 more games left in her season of cheerleading. She is back to dance twice a week, plus cheerleading twice a week with games on Saturdays. She keeps us pretty busy.

Steven is still working super crazy hours. He has been working back to back double shifts, going in on his day off, going in early, and flip-flopping hours. His poor body doesn't know when to sleep and he is really struggling with getting enough rest. I have tried to take all of the house duties off of him, as well as running the kids back and forth. It's the least I can do for a man that works himself crazy to provide for us.

Isaiah, The Leader

2009-09-23T01:19:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we got an interesting piece of mail from church. It was addressed to Isaiah (which means nothing to me...I totally opened it). Inside was a letter to him stating that he had been nominated to be a member of the FUEL team. It is a student leadership council. There is an application with some pretty thought provoking questions. Tonight, I had a chance to talk to Isaiah about it. As soon as I said the words "FUEL" and "nominated" a huge grin spread across his face. I could tell that asking the question if he was interested was not needed.

The paperwork has to be turned in tomorrow so we went over the questions so he would have time to think about his answers. The most interesting answer came to the question about how his life is different now? His answer, without hesitation, was "I pray everyday. Throughout the day. I know there is a God who listens. Before I was just interested in going to church to get to go out to eat after. Now I go because I want to." Those words alone solidified the decision we made almost a year ago to find a church that fit our family. I know we are where we belong.

As most of you know, Isaiah is typically pretty shy and has few words around those he isn't super close with. So either he is comfortable enough around our church family to let the true Isaiah shine through or someone he is around sees the potential that is hiding behind those baby blue eyes. Either way, it means my child isn't lost in the sea of several hundred kids that attend on Wednesday nights. We are where we belong.

Back to the O.R.

2009-09-19T22:12:00.002-04:00

I saw my oral surgeon Friday. His words: "oh shit". Which were the exact same as mine. My bones have completely regrown. He said had he not done the surgery himself, he would think it had never been done to begin with. He has NEVER seen bones regrow like mine have. We are both utterly stunned and shocked.

Sadly, the only remedy for my locking (and to prevent completely destroying my jaw) is to go back to surgery and remove the bone again. This time he will take a much larger piece in hopes that it takes longer than 8 months to regrow. He is also only going to do the right side this time since my left isn't giving me any trouble. I don't have my surgery date yet. I am hoping it is soon. We've had some changes around here, and while I'm not ready to openly discuss it...now is the time for me to have this done.

I am asking, in advance, for prayers. This surgery is very difficult and painful. The last one isn't that far back in my memory so I know exactly what I'm getting in to. And I'm actually nervous (if not a tad scared). Which for me being this is surgery #13? Is really saying something.

Party People Pictures

2009-09-07T14:53:00.002-04:00

Ok, so there are a TON of pics from Mom & Dad's big bash. WAAYYYYY too many for me to upload. So if you'll please click here it will take you to the album and you can see all 515 of them!

Get comfy and enjoy!

These Jaws are Made for Lockin'

2009-09-05T00:06:00.003-04:00

And that's just what they're doing.

If you will recall here and here I have had surgery to remove part of my jaw bones because my mouth was locking open. It was supposed to have been the end of my jaw problems. A surgery rarely performed but highly successful. It was very tough but seemed to have done what needed to be done.

Until August 14th while in line at White Water. I opened my mouth. And it wouldn't close. So there I stand in a line for a water slide, in a swim suit, surrounded by strangers and my mouth wouldn't close. Tears stung my eyes more out of disappointment and shock than pain. After a few minutes, the familiar CLUNK was heard and felt and my mouth closed. I knew then that I needed to contact my oral surgeon as soon as we got home. I knew that once it locked open, it would continue to lock. And it has happened about 4 times since then, just as recently as 10 minutes ago. Each time it takes me completely off guard and my mind starts racing about what to do if I can't get it shut. Each time I end up getting it to CLUNK shut and the throb starts.

I saw my oral surgeon Thursday who is not only completely perplexed but also feels horrible that I am going through this again. He insisted that he removed the bone, saw it under the microscope for himself and sent it to pathology for confirmation that it was, in fact, what it was supposed to be. He has never heard of someone locking after the surgery I had. He said the bone regenerating is not impossible; unheard of yes, impossible no. He's ordered a CAT scan to see what is going on with the anatomy before going back in. I am to see him one week after he gets the results and the plan of attack for his scalpel.

Just when I think things are going better, the rug gets pulled out from under me. I just have to remember that I am not in control and this is just another chapter in my ongoing story.

Isaiah Inman #8; Position: Right Bench

2009-08-29T00:41:00.002-04:00

Isaiah had his first football game last night. The above photos were the only action Isaiah saw. It was warm ups.

I am so proud of Isaiah. He didn't see one second of game time. Yet there he was, cheering on his team. He said he still had fun encouraging his team mates. His sister was so sad he didn't get to play and told him she was sorry. He replied (without skipping a beat) "it's okay, right bench is my favorite position".

Proof that ATTITUDE outweighs APTITUDE.

Hello. My name is Anne and I'm a crappy blogger

2009-08-25T22:26:00.005-04:00

Let's see here. Where do I begin??

Momma and Daddy's party. HUGE success! We had about 130 friends and family join us for over 4 hours of dinner, drinks, dancing and FUN! My parents were thrilled with the way "my vision" came together and the guests seemed to appreciate the little touches. We were fortunate enough to have a professional (and our friend) photographer present so I'm sure I'll have lots of incredible pictures to share later. Here is the link for the "sneak peak" she posted on her site. Click Here

The following weekend Steven, me and the kids heading to Atlanta to visit Six Flags and White Water. Steven and Arissa rode all the insane coasters and Isaiah and I did lots of cooling our heels and waiting. He is an awesome waiting partner and even though the 2 of us didn't 'do' much, we still had a good time. The next day we went to White Water. THAT is where it's at. I rode all but 1 ride; Isaiah did all but 2 and Steven and Arissa hit every single one.

The next day, the kids started school. I now have 2 children in middle school! Isaiah is very "whatever" about school and Arissa is thrilled. I think her locker is 95% of her enthusiasm. She is in the same homeroom and locker neighbors with her best friend, Alexis.

First day of school:

Isaiah's football season has started, although his first game was cancelled because of weather. He has one coming up this Thursday. I really hope he gets some playing time! Arissa is cheering again for the Boys and Girls Club. Her first game was this Saturday. She starts back at dance the week of Labor Day. Our schedules are pretty full these days.

One guess which one is Isaiah:

Yes, #10. My itty bitty M'saiah

Arissa first game

Speaking of schedules....Steven's is a mess. While he was off on vacation, 3 people with more time than him opted to move from the 4p-12a shift to the 12a-8a shift. Add this to him accepting a different position in the company and well, it sucks. Some days he works at 4p. Some days he goes in at 12a. There are very few days that he doesn't get called in early. It makes planning activities difficult and there are going to be lots of days that I'm trying to get 2 kids to 2 different places at the same time. It will all work out. No child has ever died from having to wait a few minutes to be picked up. I keep reminding myself to be grateful that he has a job and that he is willing to put his body (messed up sleep schedules) through hell to take care of his family. We are lucky. I know that. Sometimes I just lose sight of it.

Me? I won't even go there right now. I've been worse...way worse. But I've been better, too. I am awaiting some test results and have an appointment on the horizon. I'll let you know what happens.

Sorry for taking so long to update. I'll try to do better. HONEST!

And We Danced

2009-08-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

The exposure is terrible on this one but I love it anyways!

When Life Gets Busy...

2009-07-30T22:04:00.002-04:00

...you don't have time to update your blog. Work has been super crazy busy; I'm in the final week before my parents big bash; I'm trying to go to the gym and well, I just don't have the brain power left at the end of the day to compose a witty, informative blog post.

The kids are great. Steven is working his tail off and getting all kinds of overtime. I'll update later when my brain isn't so mushy. It will probably be AFTER the big bash (August 8-9). I'm sure y'all can wait another week or so for a real update.

Let Me Upgrade You!

2009-07-12T12:59:00.003-04:00

The bean bag in the corner was his purchase with his lawn mowing money

Isaiah's room was rather pitiful before. He's a big boy now and has a big boy bed! He got upgraded from a hard twin bed to a plush full. New linens and a bed side table and lamp. We brought the extra DVD player up and put away the VCR he had. We bagged up old toys. He loves his new room! You know, I have no idea why we waited as long as we did. I guess it's true what they say...the squeeky wheel gets the grease. I think the boy has learned the value of a good squeek!

He Tries....

2009-07-09T09:03:00.002-04:00

In case you can't see the whole picture:

This is Steven. Hanging off the end of our house. Wearing his swim trunks, a wife beater and his Crocs. With a gas powered week wacker in his hands. He is on the end of the house where, should he fall, death is pretty certain.

No one can ever say that Steven doesn't try. No one can ever say that he won't go to extreme lengths to please his wife. One CAN say, however, that his sense of safety is a bit skewed.

July 4th Weekend

2009-07-05T20:40:00.006-04:00

This has been the busiest 4th of July weekend we've had in a really really long time!

Friday the kids and I headed down to Harriman to go out on the boat with Carol and her crew. It was a beautiful day (not too hot) and I tried my hand at several activities I've never tried before. I even got dirty and didn't have a complete meltdown (whined, yes...but not a complete meltdown).

I love this picture of Isaiah. His smile is awesome!

Yes, that is me. Climbing. On rocks. In dirt. Carol didn't get a photo of my loud wail about the dirt in my nails. This is where I suffered a most hideous leg injury. Scrapes and bruises from knee to ankle. Can't say that it was totally worth it since my pitiful self couldn't hold on to the rope and slid right off of it. Resulting in several small cuts on my hands.

Tarzan, I am not. Heck, I'm not even Jane. Pitiful I am. BUT .... I get lots of credit for effort.

Yet another activity that was a try and fail. Wake boarding. I wore that wake board like I knew what I was doing. I had the proper form and equipment. I don't have the proper upper body strength. The boat took off and pulled the rope out of my hand....several times. I was completely shown up by small children (Arissa, Chloe and Olivia all got up). I am not alone though...Carol couldn't master it either.

Arissa was all about the tube. The faster and bumpier the ride, the bigger she smiled.

Tubing I can do. You lay and hold on. I have serious tubing ability.

I can even tube with a partner. Carol and I laughed so hard. My abs are sore and I think it's from laughing so much.

This would be slightly before I lost my bottoms in the lake. Luckily I have good ankles and they didn't completely come off. Times like that make me very glad the lake is not transparent. That wouldn't have been good........................

Saturday dawned for us at 645AM. We rose, brushed, dressed and headed to Oliver Springs to meet Carol and procure the Hunter boy. Carol and family were going riding so Hunter hung with us. We then headed to Farragut so Isaiah and Arissa could walk with Grandma's work and hand out loot. I dropped them off then met my best friend from high school to watch the parade with her and two of her boys. We sat. And waited. And sweated. And waited. Almost two hours later the darn parade finally made it to us. At which point Hunter was fast asleep. He was not fazed by the police sirens or the kids chasing after candy. We delivered Mom and Dad back to their car and headed home. And detoured into the Red Robin. Hunter was hungry. We were hungry. We had no food at home. As I was fixing his bottle and Isaiah was changing Hunters diaper I heard a familiar voice say "I thought you were going home" and Hey! It's Mom and Dad! They were hungry and didn't have any food either. So we got to eat with them. Very nice time and Hunter was so happy to get to throw his menu in the floor. Over and over and over. And make goo goo eyes at his Grandpa. We got home, pushed the coffee table to the side, laid out a big blanket and let the boy crawl and get some alone time. He is so mobile now and really enjoys exploring. We were getting ready to head over to Steven's aunts house for the cookout when Carol called and we had to give Hunter back.

So....we delivered him back to her then.......

went to the family cookout. We stayed a few hours and then headed over to.........

Pellissippi State for the Faith Promise Church 4th of July Celebration. There were tons of inflatables, games, food, drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, music, etc. and it was all free. Our family signed up to work moonwalks for little kids. We thought we'd just hang outside the moonwalk, make sure shoes were off and no one was bleeding. Not so much. There were over 5000 people at this event....and tons of little kids wanting to jump. Only 6 at a time. We divided and conquered. Isaiah and I worked one (I picked them up to put them in {my tubing arms were on fire} and he kept track of their exit). Steven and Arissa worked the other one. Steven checked id's {one and two year olds only} and Arissa went in to fetch the stragglers that didn't want to come out). We gathered 4 chairs and had a front row seat for some pretty impressive fireworks...all set to worship music! The display lasted about 10 minutes and we were home at 1030PM. Much better than fighting marina traffic or Knoxville traffic!

Today I launched an assault on the grocery store. I saved right at $100 with my awesome coupon skills and we now don't have to eat ice cube sandwiches for dinner.

I'm glad tomorrow is Monday...I can go to work to get some rest!

Day with the Bakers...Isaiah's View

2009-07-03T00:48:00.006-04:00

Interesting to see what is photo worthy in the eyes of a 13 year old boy:

2009-07-03T00:37:00.002-04:00

Arissa and I attended our first wedding of the season a few weeks ago. It was hands-down the sweetest wedding I've witnessed. Sarah and Blake are so cute and are over the moon in love. Here are a few pictures. Isaiah was in Houston and since he's the only one that can work my camera, the pictures turned out like crap. I was so sad.

The new Dr & Mrs Blake Tarr

Me at the reception

Arissa & I at the wedding

Arissa enjoying her ice cream sundae

I'll take it where I can get it

2009-06-24T10:24:00.003-04:00

I saw the awesome Dr Vick last week. It was time for my yearly check up and I was so pleased to realize that while I have been in and out of every other doctors office in the past year, his was not one of them. I scored big hugs as well as a wagging finger regarding my weight. I take that as a fair trade off. I got a phone call today regarding my results of his tests and everything is a-okay. Nothing scary lurking in the shadows. Mind you, I have no parts for Dr Vick to do much of anything with but still I'll take it as a health victory. These days, they are few and far between so I'll take it.

Isaiah is back from his Houston trip and isn't the same boy that boarded that bus at 4am to leave. He is even sweeter than he was before and I've gotten more hugs and love than I have in a really long time. He prepared food for the homeless, helped underprivileged kids at a sports camp, and cleaned up an old run down church. He had a blast doing all of it. I have seen him spending quiet time in his room reading his Bible. Him and Arissa got into a spat and he responded biblically, even though she kept spouting hurtful words at him.

Certainly not the Isaiah that left for Houston.

Catch Up Pictures

2009-06-16T22:36:00.006-04:00

Arissa Comes Home from DC:

Helicopter Escort

Cruiser Escort

Getting off the bus

Yeah! I'm Home!!

Arissa and BFF Alexis

Arissa's Awards Ceremony and 4th Grade Graduation:

Getting her medal from the principle

Mommy and Daughter

Arissa's BFF (Alexis) and Steven (I love this pic of them)

Arissa and her awesome teacher. She made Arissa feel right at home

from the very first day at her new school. We are so thankful.

Isaiah and Arissa

Family photo

Arissa and her awards

There aren't many pics of Isaiah because apparently turning 13 makes you too cool to have your picture taken.

Here We Go...

2009-06-16T22:35:00.000-04:00

So I said I'd let you know when my biopsy would be. It was June 2nd. I've already seen the surgeon, been told I have several active ulcers in my stomach and began another round of medicine. He feels confident this round will kill the bacteria and allow my stomach to heal. Ulcers eat holes in your stomach. It doesn't take a medical professional to know that situation is in no way, shape, form or fashion a good one.

Arissa went to DC and has returned. She loved every minute of it. She saw all the sights and brought home some of Obama's grass (that she pulled from his yard by sticking her hands through the fence). She liked Arlington and the changing of the guard the best. Their homecoming was quite the sight to see. Police helicopters circling overhead. Several cops cars with lights and sirens leading them in. Entrance ramps to the interstate closed so all the buses were sure to arrive at the same time. It gave me chill bumps knowing my girl was part of that!

Isaiah is off to Houston. Arissa and I dropped him off at 4am Saturday morning. Since the week is about serving and learning, cell phones aren't permitted. I haven't talked to him. To be honest, I'm trying really hard not to think about him. If I think about him then I worry. Is he eating enough? Scared? Lonely? Brushing his teeth? Changing his underwear? But worrying won't change anything. He is 18 hours away and there is nothing I can do from here. So I wait and count the days until he comes home.

Steven and I are doing well. We waited and trusted about the situation I spoke of previously and everything worked out just fine. God is good!

I now have a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. I never thought I'd have a van but I LOVE it. Arissa is super excited about it. Isaiah will be thrilled when he gets home (we got it Saturday after he'd already left).

I have lots of pictures to share and I'll do that in separate posts.

I'll try not to take so long to update next time!

Check It, Steven....

2009-05-27T23:46:00.003-04:00

The awesome Mortimer Ichobod Marker makes his debut about 1:30 into the clip.

And darn you Jacob Hinley for ripping up my Picture Pages (shaking fists)!!

Sadly, I remember this like it was yesterday even though I was only 4ish. Picture Pages and the Charlie's Chips delivery were the highlight of my life. Then I started kindergarten and life started....

Busy Time in the Pod

2009-05-20T23:11:00.003-04:00

Things around here are pretty busy. The school year is winding down and with that comes several field trips, meetings, class schedules for next year to be decided, football practices, and end of the year projects. Add to that several upcoming weddings and the beginning of hurricane season (loads of overtime for Steven) and we are spinning our wheels!

I am pretty much back to normal (as normal as I get) and am back to work full time and as of last night, back at the gym several nights a week. Things at work have taken a slightly different direction and I will now be in charge of all day-to-day operations, including managing the staff and overseeing project management. I am excited about this change yet apprehensive. Maintaining my health (and therefore my daily presence in the office) is even more important now and I am prayerful that things with me will continue on an upward trend. I do know that I have another scope and biopsy coming up that will leave me down for a few days. My surgeons office called today and said they have it scheduled for next week. I have to call them in the morning to see exactly when but I will more than likely have to put it off to the following week. Next week is packed and I can't imagine fitting in a surgery in the middle of everything.

On that note, next week brings a field trip each for the kids and Arissa leaves early Friday morning for the long anticipated DC trip! Tomorrow is her last day of dance. Isaiah has football practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He bought a house yesterday (in his virtual world). He has a big trip coming up himself......He is going to Houston June 13-20 with church. It's a mission trip/summer camp trip. This will be the longest and farthest he's ever been from me. He is so excited and I'm excited for him. Although, I know I'll be a crying mess when he leaves. School is out for both kids June 4. We'll have 2 middle schoolers in the house....one at the top of the pack and one on the bottom of the totem pole. I can't even fathom that after next year, Isaiah will be in high school....

This past weekend I was asked not once, but twice if the kids are twins. Poor Isaiah! He already has size issues and his little face just dropped when he heard the inquiries. We keep telling him that he WILL grow but it's just not happening fast enough for him. The more I see him around his peers, the more obvious the difference is. He has a great attitude about it around others and has learned the ever important lesson of "laughing at yourself before others have a chance to" and it has served him well.

The storms from the past several weeks were certainly difficult for those that depend on good weather for their paycheck but they provided a much needed "Freeman Family Stimulus Payment" to our family with Steven working 20 hours of overtime. Amazing how what can devastate one family can save the day for another. God provides....

Please keep Steven and I in your prayers. We are dealing with some pretty heavy situations over here. We have some tough decisions to make for our family and while I'm not comfortable going into details here, God knows what's up.

Thanks for checking in and I'll let y'all know what I find out about the biopsy schedule.

Really Isaiah? 13? Seriously?

2009-05-13T13:20:00.001-04:00

Today my baby turns 13. Me..the mother of a teenager. A teenager, people.

Seems that only yesterday I was hugely pregnant, melting in what had to be the hottest May in the history of ever. I remember thinking that this baby has to actually come out of me. And being scared.to.death. Sure, I knew how to diaper, feed and burp but what about the important things? Like manners and humility and love? I think back 13 years ago to how naive I was. I thought having Isaiah simply made me a mother. What I didn't expect was to be turned into a fierce fighter for this little curly headed guy that could only whimper; to go from lamb to lion in the blink of an eye where he was concerned; to fight like hell for what he needed and be damned who got in my way. I never expected that he would become my friend, my buddy, my fashion advisor, my shopping partner. MY Isaiah. My blue eyed Isaiah.

Isaiah made me a Mommy. He made me grow up. In a lot of ways, we grew up together. We've been through so much. He supported me, in his little 3 year old way, when I made the decision to leave his father. He was always anxious to help and to please. There were few times that you saw me and didn't see Isaiah. He rarely left my side.

And now? He still supports me. He is the first to offer a cold rag when I have a migraine. He rubs my feet after a long day at work. He stands in the kitchen and talks to me while I cook supper. He always, every single day, greets me with 'how was your day?' and he cares about the answer. He loves to help others. He loves babies. He loves his sister. He loves me. Sure, he's your typical boy who has to be reminded to pick up his room and take out the trash. Sure, we butt heads over grades. Yes, we have days that we just can't get along. We figure it out and are better for it.

Happy Birthday, Isaiah.

I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I am living
My baby you will be

The Never Ending Medical Drama...

2009-05-08T14:21:00.002-04:00

When I was in the hospital this last time I was given IV Phenegran. Several times. I learned a few summers ago that IV Phen and my veins do not get along. Last time it took 6 months for my veins to recover from the damage. I had made a mental note to protest getting that med again. Due to a series of events (okay, a series of mind altering drugs) I allowed them to again administer the med.

Fast forward a few weeks. My veins were hard and sore but it was what I has experienced previously so knew what was going on. Monday I noticed the pain was much worse and there was a nickle sized red knot. And my chest was killing me. I consulted with a few Facebook friends, one who is a nurse and one that was kind enough to call one of the docs she works for, and was told it was possible I had an infection and/or a blood clot. Seeing as how my chest was hurting I was urged to call my doc who informed me the urgent need to wheel to the ER to make sure I wasn't in danger. So Sara came to get me and off we went. The ER was packed. They bumped me to the front of the triage line and it was determined I wasn't dying right then and that yes, I needed to be seen that night but not urgently enough to not have me wait 3 1/2 hours to even be called back. It was a great 3 1/2 hours despite the fact I was in miserable pain since I got to catch up and chit chat with Sara.

So...an EKG, chest xray, 2 IV sites, and 6 tubes of blood it was determined that I do have a small clot in my arm as well as an infection in the vein. The clot is small and superficial so it's not the type that breaks off and shoots into your lungs. It will dissolve with time. The chest pain is actually the same nasty bacteria I was diagnosed with in the hospital. The ER doc was pretty sure it's an actual ulcer now. He treated me with a pain killer (sweet relief), Zofran for the nausea, and an acid neutralizer (all through the IV). I was given strict instructions to see my GI ASAP.

I saw the surgeon/GI yesterday. He's a really nice guy with a thick middle Eastern accent and rather hard to follow. The clearest thing I heard him say was...you need to eat. Gee, thanks, hadn't thought of that! He said it is possible I have developed an ulcer but the only way to know for certain is to do another scope. The treatment is the same whether there is an ulcer or not so we are trucking along. I have to finish the wretched antibiotics I was given a few weeks ago (I stopped taking them after a week. They made me sick and didn't seem to be working. Please, no lectures on the proper way to take antibiotics. I know all of that. I'm stubborn, and probably a bit stupid. There, I said it). He tried to find me different antibiotics that are 'friendlier' but sadly, I am allergic to all the other choices. I have to be re-scoped in 6 weeks to make sure we've gotten rid of all the bacteria. I'm not sure what happens if it isn't gone.

So, another week, another unplanned hospital visit and the IV bruises to prove it. If my arms ever go more than a few weeks without a bruise on them I will consider it a miracle.

True Love

2009-05-03T20:22:00.003-04:00

Man we look so young! And I thought I was too skinny then....

I wish I could wear my dress everyday. I love that dress.

This past Friday, Steven and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Five years already? Wow does time fly. On one hand, I can't believe it's already been 5 years. On the other hand, it seems so much longer because I can't remember my life before him. Five years ago he witnessed to a church full of friends and family what a true man is. He accepted me with all my health problems, impending health problems, 2 fatherless children, neurotic ways and short temper. For better or for worse/ for richer or for poorer/ in good times and in bad...his love and support have never faltered. And boy oh boy have we been through it. And are still going through it. There is no one else I would rather be going thru this wild ride we call life with.

Thanks, babe. You could have walked away so many times. But you stand strong beside me. I am grateful and blessed. Love you forever.....

Not Still at the Surgeon

2009-04-29T22:48:00.003-04:00

Never made it to the surgeon.

To say that this week has been hard would be a GINORMOUS UNDERSTATEMENT. Steven's truck had issues...to the tune of way more money than I could stomach without throwing up in my mouth a little bit. It decided to have these issues while I was trying to drive to the appointment. I was trying to make it to the repair shop, calling Steven over and over and over trying to will him awake, and having Mom track down the number to the surgeons office to cancel my appointment (doctors name? not a clue. phone number? no idea. But! they're just down the road from you. Miraculously, Mom found the number and got my appointment cancelled). Eleven hours later the truck was fixed. But only in theory. It was still messed up and had to be returned Tuesday morning. Another stressful day ensued. We got it back, Steven says it's fixed. I am refusing to drive it out of spite for the hell it has caused me this week.

Today was my day to have a good day. This was the day! Positive attitude! No more tears!Looking on the sunny side! Too bad my brain didn't get the memo. I was taking migraine meds at 7am and going back to bed. I made it to work about noon.

Tomorrow, I try again. Tomorrow will be a good day. Please, Lord, let it be a good day....

I Owe Y'all Some Photos.....

2009-04-27T00:17:00.005-04:00

First up is Easter.

These photos were taken roughly 4 hours before I was admitted to the hospital for 4 days. I think I look pretty darn good and hid everything very well. Props to me.

Next up is Arissa's 10th birthday. There are no photos of her opening gifts. She got all cards and cash. So the pictures get boring quick of card, cash, card, cash.

Finally we have the Hunter Spend the Night. He was a very good boy and we loved having him. He was a well behaved guest who did not overstay his welcome and he is officially invited to come back.

I think that's all the pictures I hadn't posted.

I see the surgeon tomorrow so we'll see where we stand on everything. I would expect nothing much to happen. Of course, I didn't expect to be admitted and all that went with it 2 weeks ago so maybe I should stop expecting......

Clarity

2009-04-21T23:14:00.003-04:00

I saw the Infectious Disease dude today. He was shocked that the scope I had done inpatient hadn't been done before because apparently this bacteria (h pylori) is rather common and is known for causing stomach pain (where I have been complaining for over a year that was hurting). This bacteria is close to e coli but not as bad and doesn't run into my blood stream. Basically, it is in the lining of the stomach, gets aggravated and goes into the base of the esophagus. This bacteria is present in many patients that have ulcers/bleeding ulcers. Some patients always have the bacteria and never have problems. Other patients have the ulcers but not the bacteria. It could have been left untreated but based on my fantastic medical history he didn't want to take the chance of me developing ulcers (which, lets face it, wouldn't be a simple ulcer..it would be bleeding and life threatening!).

He isn't convinced the chest pain was caused by this bacteria but since the heart tests checked out okay he is willing to leave it alone. As we know, I am weird and it is possible they are related.

I am on 2 weeks of Flagyl and Tetracyclene plus Previcid and Pepto Bismol. The antibiotics can't be taken together. One of them interacts with my other meds. One requires food. One requires no food. One is twice a day. One is 4 times a day. I need a spreadsheet and a coach!

He looked at me. Looked at what his scale told him and called it a liar. It said I weighed 124. It's off a good 5 pounds if not 7-8. He wanted to make sure I wasn't still losing weight and at the minimum maintaining my weight.

He is dry as a cracker but is thorough. So that is a good thing.

All in all it was a good visit and I got a much clearer picture of what is going on with this crazy body of mine (the clarity of not being on narcotics is good for that). Seems that I'm not quite as weird as we originally feared.

I see the surgeon that did my biopsy for a follow up on Monday. Hopefully he won't confuse me again!

Now, of you'll excuse me...I need to consult Excel to see what medicine I need to take.

Macaroni Mojo Mystery

2009-04-20T22:36:00.004-04:00

If you are a member of my family and have eaten my mac-and-cheese last weekend or this weekend and swallowed it but didn't LOVE it? If you've heard Steven and I, or the kids and I, discussing my Macaroni Mojo and where has it gone? Rest assured. The mojo has been found. It's been right there in black and white this whole time. Have you ever read something completely NOT the way it was written but the way you thought it read? Um, yeah, apparently that happened over here at the Freeman's. See, 4 cups cooked macaroni should start out as 2 cups dry. But when you boil 4 cups dry, you get 8 cups cooked and well, there just isn't enough liquid in the equation to go around.

So...next time, I'm bringing the mac and cheese, whether you want me to or not. If you still think it's not so great then cool. Y'all handle the m&c from here on out. But I've got to at least try to redeem my culinary capabilities.

My Arissa...A Force to be Reckoned with Right from the Start

2009-04-18T05:20:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows my Arissa knows she is a bird of a different feather. She thrives on being different. She is sassy and has a mouth (much like her mothers) that has a mind of it's own. She can be the kindest, sweetest girl one moment and a tornado the next. You never know which Arissa you are going to get. Arissa roared into this world 10 years ago today with an entrance like no other..........

It was Saturday, April 17th, and Kathy and her kids were over. Kamry toppled over and I thought nothing of bending over and scooping her up. The rest of the day I felt 'off'. I wasn't having contractions or any other signs of labor but I just felt weird. I didn't mention it to anybody because I didn't think it was worth mentioning. I went to sleep that night after watching Saturday Night Live (the episode where Jennifer Love Hewitt was in labor and the cheerleaders were in the labor room. I remember thinking that would be my luck..being in labor and Carol and Kathy making jokes and cheerleading in my room). Four hours later I woke up with an odd pain. Followed by another odd pain. Then another and another. I got up thinking that walking would make it go away. I went to the bathroom. I walked some more. I packed a bag. And cussed. And walked. Called the OB, who told me to get to the hospital. I clearly remember saying that this BETTER be real labor because if this is false labor than God is an evil, evil man. I called my mom (who, for reasons that aren't worth getting into, was my way to the hospital. Where there were medical professionals. And epidurals). We were a solid 30 minutes from each other, even at 4am and she felt the need to shower before coming to get me. I thought the bathroom held the answers to all of issues so off I went again. Only this time something was certainly not right. Not right AT ALL. Without getting too horribly graphic lets just say that pressure I was trying to relieve was NOT what I thought it was. It was MY CHILDS HEAD. Yes, right there. Cue Anne freaking out. A call was made to 911. Arguments ensued regarding my full denial of what was happening and that there was no way in the world this was happening there because I hadn't had my epidural. Clearly, Arissa didn't get the memo and was coming whether I had been medicated or not. One push...her head. Mom finally gets there, lays upon me in an effort to make it all better, only to be tossed off by my super human strength to show her the baby between my legs. Next contraction, one push and there she was. 5:20 am 4-18-1999 A perfect screaming baby girl. Perfect timing...the fire department showed up and took over. I called my OB back to tell him not to worry about going to the hospital, I had taken care of the delivery already. The ambulance came, loaded us up and off we went to the hospital. I thought that was rather stupid since the hard part was already done but wasn't really in a position to argue.

We got a few hours of rest before the revolving door of visitors started. There wasn't a minute of that Sunday where we didn't have a visitor. Maybe it was because it was a Sunday; maybe it was because of the way she was born...either way it was awesome. We were on the news a few weeks later. Arissa's claim to fame...she will forever be known as 'the bathroom baby'. One day she'll think the way she was born is as awesome of a story as it is. Right now? She thinks it's horrible. I tell her it could be worse..at least I had the sense to get off the toilet and onto the floor!

I Spoke Too Soon

2009-04-16T21:46:00.003-04:00

I jinxed myself with my last post. I should have known better.

Most of last week I had a headache of some degree every day. Thursday it was at its worst and my chest was hurting. I was just so miserable. I told Steven that if I was fat and old, I'd think I was having a heart attack. I woke up Friday morning and felt better. But as the day wore on, things went downhill again. The pattern repeated Saturday and Sunday. I forged on, trying to ignore everything and didn't mention how bad my chest was hurting. Finally Sunday I mentioned to Mom about my chest. She kept telling me I should get checked out. Eventually I agreed and she took me to the ER. Having chest pains on Easter Sunday gets you a pass to the front of the line and very quick service. They ran some tests and concluded that my heart appeared to be okay but they wanted to keep me overnight to make sure. In true Anne fashion, one night turned into 3 nights and I was discharged yesterday. I had a stress test, CT, MRI, and an EGD (? I think that's what they've called it...a scope/biopsy down my throat). The consensus seems to be 'status migraine' (a migraine that can't be stopped) and I have a bacterial infection in my esophagus that caused the chest pain. I am waiting on my doctors to figure out what antibiotic I can take to get rid of the infection since I am allergic to the ones they typically use.

I made the colossal mistake of trying to go back to work today and didn't last but a few hours. I was shaky, sweaty, my head was exploding and I was extremely nauseous. I made it home, medicated and slept for a few hours. Woke up much better. Still yucky but not as miserable. I think I'll take it easy tomorrow and this weekend and try again Monday.

Speaking of this weekend....ARISSA TURNS 10!!! I'll be sure to post pictures. And as soon as Mom uploads and emails Easter pics, I'll share those too.

Thanks for checking in....

Steven's Turn!!

2009-04-09T22:38:00.002-04:00

Steven had to have a very unplanned surgery Tuesday afternoon to remove a cracked tooth. He initially cracked the tooth back in September, while we were at the ER with Arissa and her appendix. He had gone to Wendy's to grab us some supper and he bit into something hard in his burger. Unfortunately, when it happened we were in the middle of an IV crisis with Arissa and there were a bunch of people in the room so he was very quiet about the whole thing. This is unfortunate b/c in his effort to not cause a distraction, he didn't dig through what was in his mouth and find the object. Apparently, this makes all the difference when filing a claim with a restaurant. They only compensated us a small portion of what the total cost of extraction and replacement would be. As usual, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and his tooth wasn't bothering him so those funds went elsewhere. (I am getting to the point of the story. Promise)
Fast forward to Sunday morning.....he got off work and was going to pick up his Mom to take her to church. He stopped at McDonald's to grab an egg sandwich and he felt like he was chewing on shells and he was convinced there was something lodged in his gums. He tried every dental tool we have, I tried every dental tool we have and he was miserable. He called McDonald's, told them what happened, they told him to go to the ER. (this whole time we are both stunned that this could happen twice in less than a year. Heck, even twice in a lifetime!) He goes to the ER, his tooth is cracked. Nothing they can do. See your dentist ASAP. His dentist was closed Monday and he got in with them Tuesday morning. His dentist broke the news that it was the same tooth as in September, the egg sandwich had nothing to do with it (which means there would be no compensation for the ER visit or the other costs we were getting ready to incur), and the tooth has to come out. He pulled the part of the tooth that was lodged in his gum and got him an appointment that afternoon with an oral surgeon. He called me about 15 minutes after he got there...I'd have to be there. They were putting him all the way under. He'd never been put to sleep before. He was scared to death. He did well and provided quite the entertainment after he woke up. He was pretty stoned until about 830-9 that night. He asked me a million times "what time is it? where am I? how did I get here? is my tooth gone?" He watched Jeopardy and got 99% of the questions wrong (he's usually really good). He asked about his strawberry milkshake. It was vanilla. He bumped into the wall and said he was "fine. I'm fine. just fine." At which point Isaiah looks at me and says "how can he say he's fine and he's running into walls? You know, Mom, you handle your drugs a lot better than he does!" (see prior entries about my ability to seem completely normal and coherent while heavily medicated).

By Wednesday morning he was back to normal. He has had minimal pain and is going back to work tonight. It was really odd to be on the other side of the IV and loopy meds. I will say that I would have much preferred to been on his side. Watching the ones you love scared and in pain is horrible. I can't imagine how he has done it all these years with me.

I'll Be Carrying a Gun and All....

2009-04-05T10:15:00.004-04:00

*See update at bottom of post*

So..this past week brought Isaiah's job interview. He was told proper dress was required. This to a 12+ year old means his nicest shorts. I told him that no one who wants to go anywhere in this world rolls up to a job interview wearing shorts. His response? Well, she said to wear something like we'd be wearing on the job and I'm trying to be a cop and I don't have a uniform. Obviously, kids at this age still take things very literally. I pulled his Dockers and a polo out of his closet, had him try them on, then sent him to see Steven. The irony of asking your Dad to iron for a job interview was almost as comical as Arissa's background comments (do you get a virtual badge?). The next day I asked him how his interview went. He said that overall she (teacher) said he did really good and the only problem.....His short fuse. Isaiah gets agitated pretty easy and his teacher is concerned this will affect his ability to perform his job properly and safely. I was trying to take it all in and (this conversation was over the phone) I guess he thought I was confused or something because he says....Cause I'll be carrying a gun and all. He was dead serious. I giggled and told him yes, anger and firearms don't mix. Wonder what happens if he doesn't land this job? Does he get to apply for another? He does have student loans to repay so he needs to get a j-o-b.

At least his *wife* is the best paid teacher in the education system......

*Monday afternoon update*
Apparently "anger with fire arms" is easily over-riden by your ability to look into the interviewers eyes, not mumble and to dress the part. Isaiah is now a police officer with the Nashville Metro Police Department with a salary of $30,000. He asked if we could go out to dinner to celebrate. His virtual job. My reply? Sure, any virtual restaurant you desire.

Sweet Baby James(on)

2009-04-02T11:12:00.005-04:00

My best friend since I was 5 has the most incredible little boy. He can work YouTube like no other. He can dance like a rockstar. He loves sugar. The more sugar and more processed a food is, the more he likes it. He thinks Veggie Tales are Grammy worthy and he thinks the Wiggles are pretty cool too. He thinks Gummies are a five star food. He runs, laughs, cries, and snuggles.

He will be 8 next month. He isn't potty trained. He is on a special diet, requires special schooling and close supervision. He doesn't talk.

Jameson has autism.

Jameson makes those around him laugh and smile and forget the burdens they thought were so important. Jameson lives in the moment. He doesn't care what he wears, what people think. He is a free spirit. A blessing from above. I know that for his parents, who have the daunting task of having the equivilant of an infant for the rest of their lives, the blessing is probably sometimes hard to see. Jameson has so much to teach others....he's already taught my children and myself a lifetime of lessons.

Autism Awareness Day--April 2nd.

Thank you, JC. Have a gummie on me!

A Nifty Pic of Me and Hunter

2009-04-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Here I Am!

2009-03-30T11:04:00.004-04:00

We are alive and well...just busy.

Ms. Arissa is on her last week of her 3 week Spring Break. Poor child has been bored to death since the second week. Isaiah and Steven were off with her the first week but last week and this week she is on her own. She has tried to get together with some of her school friends but nothing has worked out yet. Maybe this week something will come together. She got her report card right before Spring Break started and had all A's and B's. Last week was a visit to the orthodontist. She chose yellow. A yellow that is apparently much brighter in real life than it showed on the sample palate. She looks like she ate a highlighter pen. Oh well, it only lasts a month and I think she knows now not to choose yellow. Her teeth have made tremendous progress. It's pretty amazing. She has only complained one time about her teeth hurting and that was right after they put the chain on her two front teeth. Isaiah finds it rather unfair that her teeth don't hurt her.

Mr. Isaiah is plugging along into the treacherous waters of teenager-hood. He brought home his report card right before Spring Break and outside of the F he got in his elective virtual business class, he had all A's, B's and C's. In his virtual world he got married to a teacher, graduated college and has applied for a job as a police officer. We are waiting to hear if he lands the job. He got spacers last week in preparation to get his bottom braces this Wednesday. Of course, he was miserable and had to take Advil around the clock. He also promptly lost a spacer and had to be taken back the next day to have it put back in. He is growing his hair out and it is driving me crazy. I am trying really hard to let him do things the way he wants to do them but it is a struggle. He knows that if it gets to the point that I just can't stand it he'll be at Fade to Black getting it shaved off. He told us this week that a classmate of his is pregnant. Yes, a 13 year old little girl is having a baby. I can't even fathom. The good news? It opened a door for us to have very candid, honest discussions with both the kids about right and wrong, morals, God's view on such behavior, etc. Please keep Isaiah in your prayers. His little heart is breaking for his best friend and her situation (to clarify, not the pregnant girl. A completely different person. Pregnant girl is a classmate, someone he hardly knows). Isaiah is learning early that there is only so much you can do. That at the end of the day, it's up to the person to make changes. I will say I am very proud of the way he has handled everything. And the fact that he still comes to me when he needs to talk.

Steven is stuck in the hell that is midnights. We are praying for a way to get him back to days.

Me? Pretty much, second verse-same as the first. Still going to the gym to train twice a week; yoga on Mondays, train on Tuesdays, Pilate's on Wednesday (okay..so I haven't MADE it to Pilate's..it's on my calender though), train on Thursday. I am still trying really really hard to cook most nights and we have enjoyed having our family dinner time back. We have started a Bible study that we do after dinner as a family. So far, so good. The kids love it and ask every night if we're going to do it. We still love our new church and are looking forward to the upcoming Sacred Storm production and then Easter Sunday.

Which reminds me...I need an Easter dress.

Until next time...Hopefully it won't be too long!

My Ode to the Irish

2009-03-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

Super Hoops

2009-03-14T23:48:00.005-04:00

Arissa's school has an annual fundraiser Staff vs. Parents basketball game. Arissa signed up to be a cheerleader. Her and about 50 other little girls ages 5-9 stayed after school every Tuesday for a month to learn cheers and a halftime routine. Our very own Melissa was the faculty coach of the cheerleaders and she did an awesome job. I can't imagine having that many little girls of varying ages to coach. Arissa and her friends had a blast and two days later, Arissa still has on her face tattoo and is wearing her ring (they danced to "Single Ladies"). Here are some pics. Isaiah took most of them. He has better luck with my camera than I do. It likes him. I refuse to believe I have anything to do with the way the pictures come out.

Getting ready to dance

If all goes according to her plan; in a few years she will be cheering on the 'OR' as an ORHS cheerleader

Raise Your Hand

2009-03-11T13:10:00.001-04:00

The Ugly Post

2009-03-10T22:02:00.003-04:00

I debated what to post, what not to post, decided not to post at all then decided that y'all have stuck around this long with me and these guts of mine; listened to me whine and complain; worried with me and gotten mad with me that I decided to be a grown up and just spell it out.

I am going to be as medical as possible. I will not use words like 'butt' or 'poop'. Dignity, people. I still have my dignity (although not a whole lot after today).

So here it goes....

Basically I have several issues that alone are miserable but added together are just really big mess. Some of the things discovered today were a prolapsed rectum, major pelvic floor dysfunction (3 on a scale of 4), the internal hemorrhoids of a 53 year old, abdominal wall nerve damage, anal fissures, and irritable bowel syndrome. One makes the other worse and it all just snow balls into my entire GI system not working (hence the inability to eat without pain...full gut stretches the abdominal wall which increases my pain. The pelvic floor failure, prolapse and hemorrhoids prevent stool from passing with ease therefore creating the fissure.)

The cause is multi fold, too. Having 2 good sized vaginal deliveries, no uterus for support, 5 abdominal surgeries, hormones, just being a girl, inadequate nutrition are all culprits.

Right now we are treating the fissure with medication and making some changes to diet and bowel regimen to try and get things back on track. I am to call him in a few months if I'm not better. He did not think I am crazy. He did not think I have to live like this. He doesn't think there is anything being missed and offered to do further testing. I declined for the time being and am going with his less evasive recommendations first.

As humiliating and painful as the appointment was, it was by far the best hour and a half I've had. He was so kind, candid, caring and informative. Mom and I were both VERY surprised with his bedside manner and his ability to LISTEN and not just hear what I was saying. He didn't just say 'this is this' ... he explained the whys and hows of everything. This man is the messiah of colons.

Thanks to all for the questions, comments, concerns, and prayers. I pray this is the beginning of the end of this situation but I know if it's not, I'll be okay. Hey, I've got a colon god on my side!

PS. Not that you needed further proof that my mother is an angel but...she held my hand, rubbed my back, asked questions, added details I was forgetting, offered tissues and generally made me feel not alone. I can think of 100 other things I'd rather have been doing on my afternoon off, but she spent hers with me. Yes, I am BLESSED! Thanks, Momma...

A Night at the Museum

2009-03-06T21:16:00.006-05:00

So Arissa's BIG ART SHOW thingy was tonight. Mom, Daddy, Kathy, Josh, Kamry, Steven and I (and Arissa, of course. No Isaiah..he wasn't feeling well) met up to look at some stellar art. We got a bit distracted and saw no one's art but Arissa's (unless they were on our way to Arissa's)and proceeded to have a really fun time playing at the museum.

Pictures are below. In backwards order. I am not fixing them so just start at the bottom if it matters that much to you.

Holly Hobby vogueing

Me and my girls channeling our inner Duggar

BIG BEAR...tiny daddy

Steven workin in the coal mine

Checking out old timey farm equipment

Kathy, Kamry and Josh looking for spies in the Atomic City

Arissa, Alexis and Kamry

ALL ABOARD!!! Josh and Steven driving the train

Steve Irwin in the Rainforest

In the living room of the dollhouse. Daddy is explaining to Alexis that you have to write and pay bills if you are sitting at the fancy desk.

Arissa being very proper. Looks like she needs a spot of tea!

A midget sized Queen Anne chair for Daddy

Daddy in the dollhouse

The reason we were at the Museum! Arissa's art!!

"Owl" Funny since we call her Hootie!

Me and My Girl

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2009-03-05T11:58:00.003-05:00

A little bird called me yesterday. The little bird told me that Arissa will be receiving the award for Respect at her school today. Her faithful Daddy will be attending on our behalf and BETTER use the camera I have sent him with. Arissa does not know she has been chosen to receive this award.

That girl, she is something else.

Quick Pod Update

2009-03-02T22:34:00.003-05:00

I need to do a real update and had planned on doing it tonight. That was before I spent 3 hours at the gym. I trained for an hour, went right into an hour of yoga and then right into an hour of hip hop. I can't feel my legs and I'm so tired my brain isn't functioning. So here's the quick Pod News Update:

Isaiah has the flu. He's had it since end of last week and doesn't qualify for the flu meds. He's on liquids, Advil and Nyquil
Steven and Isaiah went to see the Cavs (Lebron James) play against the Hawks in Atlanta. Isaiah had an awesome time watching his favorite athlete. Bonus points for him being there running a fever of over 101 and spreading flu germs around Phillips Arena.
Arissa has been selected to have one of her art pieces shown in the Oak Ridge City Art Show. She is 1 of 20 children selected from her school. I didn't even know the kid could draw.
Did I mention I've gone back to the gym and did 3 straight hours tonight?

Until next time, when my downward dog hasn't kicked my warrior butt....

You're Fired!

2009-02-25T15:50:00.003-05:00

So...me and Dr GI had a come to Jesus meeting yesterday. I pretty much lost it in there and just laid it all out for him. I told him how frustrated I am, how I can't function, how I am tired all the time, how I hurt all time, that I don't really care what the scale says...I care about how I feel and for good measure even let him know that I was wearing yesterdays make up because I just didn't have the energy to put on fresh makeup today. Bonus points for snot and tears, you know just for emphasis. Well, he suggested another medication, an anti-depressant to stimulate my appetite and I flat told him NO. That I was not on board with throwing more medicine into the mix when we don't even know what we're aiming at. It seems really stupid to me to try a medication when you don't even know what you are treating. Not to mention the fact that it is an antidepressant which have tons of side effects. He told me he felt I had a thorough work up and that I was unfortunately in a small group of people that have these problems and never get a diagnosis. He told me he didn't even think Mayo would see me now and even if they did they would re-run all the tests I've already had and either a) tell me Dr GI was right or b) make up some non life threatening, non treatable disease just to give me a diagnosis. He then proceeded to tell me his best suggestion was to start seeing a psychiatrist to learn how to deal with my new life. ASSHOLE. He asked me if I wanted to come back in a few months and I replied that No, not since he doesn't want to help me. I asked for my super bill and left.

I was so upset. He made me feel like I was making everything up and that I am crazy. He really did a number on me. But today, I am better. I have a renewed fight. I have a new doctor to try. A colon and rectal surgeon that comes highly recommended from patients with 'undiagnosable' illnesses. I see him in a few weeks and I'm going in armed with a secret weapon..My Momma! She is the one that really put it to me that in no uncertain terms was I giving up. She believes in me. Which makes it easier to believe in myself.

I am starting back at the gym tomorrow with my trainer to try and build some strength. I am so weak it's pitiful. I've never felt like I do now...fragile. I've always been on the slim side but I always felt like I was strong, that if I had to do move something I could. Now? I feel like if a strong wind blew through I would tumble. I make myself eat but then end up curled up in pain. Or in the bathroom for hours. It makes eating not very much fun and I miss enjoying the fellowship that comes with sharing a meal with friends and family. Steven has had to ask me which tops are mine and which are Arissa's. He'd probably have to ask the same thing about the jeans except mine are way long. I wore Isaiah's hoodie Sunday. It was too big. We can share Under Armour shirts. I could wear his jeans if they weren't so short.

So, I forge ahead. Bring it on Dr NEW-GI

Dear Generous Anonymous Person

2009-02-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

Thank you for making Arissa's year by generously paying off the balance of her DC trip. While the curiosity of your identity is killing her, she is pretty amazed that you would pick her as deserving enough to make sure she gets to go. You have made her grin from ear to ear and made her eyes sparkle.

Thank you.

May God bless you...

EDIT:

To clear up any confusion...we were getting ready to make the last payment as we had budgeted to do when Arissa's teacher called her over to the side and said that someone had paid off the balance due on her trip and that of another girls. Someone that 'wanted to make sure they got to go'. It was totally random and while very appreciated, not necessary for her to get to go. Believe me..I would have been begging y'all for donations if that had been the case! Apparently my first post made it seem like she wasn't going to get to go if not for this person. Which made us sound way pitiful. Of course, I had to clarify cause I am nothing if not concerned about what other people think. I'm working on that weakness. Well, it's on my list of things to work on. Does that count?

Weekend Pics

2009-02-23T22:40:00.002-05:00

Blogger is slow and stoopid. It only lets you upload one picture at a time. Then it shows it in HTML instead of the image so I never know what is what. So here is your slideshow of pics taken this weekend. Enjoy.

Which One is Anne?

2009-02-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

Circa 1981ish

Big Weekend = Slideshow

2009-02-15T13:26:00.004-05:00

Snot and Muffins

2009-02-13T08:51:00.008-05:00

Monday started with Isaiah suffering from what started out to be a horrible head cold. By Tuesday he was asking to be picked up from school and Wednesday found us at Cliff's office then at Cheyenne for sinus xrays. On top of that he had an 8 out of 10 migraine that we couldn't get rid of. The xrays showed he has a sinus infection so antibiotics were prescribed. The crappy thing about sinus infections is there is not quick relief. It takes several days for the meds to do their thing, therefore delaying the feeling better reaction. Wednesday night was particularly rough for him. His head hurt so bad he couldn't get comfortable, he couldn't stop coughing, he was vomiting and running a fever. In the back of my mind I saw us at the ER getting some relief. He ended up piling up on my lap (which used to not be a big deal but now he's almost 13 and weighs only slightly less than I do) and finally fell asleep. He woke up Thursday with the headache mostly gone and spent the day trying to eat everything in the house. Which didn't serve him well, to put it mildly. He is back at school today and hopefully he'll make it through okay.

This morning Arissa's school hosted "Muffins for Moms". The children were able to bring their Moms to school with them for cereal, muffins, juice and coffee. It was very nice and Arissa was so glad I went.

We exchanged Valentines last night. Isaiah and Arissa will be at their Granny's this weekend and I won't see them until Sunday so we went ahead and did it last night. I've never done traditional Valentine gifts for them. Traditional gifts aren't something that they will continue to use throughout the year and just seems wasteful to me. Years past have brought movies, clothes, jammies, things like that. This year I was at a loss what to get them. They ended up with new shirts from Aeropostle, beanie babies, Reese hearts and cards. Steven and I aren't exchanging Valentines this year. We are going to a marriage retreat and the Boys and Girls Club Gala so that was our Valentines to each other. Of course, to me that does not mean he doesn't get a card and candy. Apparently, I broke the rules. That did not stop him from eating several pieces of his candy.

Here's My Card.....

2009-02-08T19:52:00.004-05:00

I gave Hunter my business card. So he can contact me when he needs a break. It even has my toll free number on it so he can call from the sitters if he needs to. He really liked it and thanked me for it.

Here is Isaiah, Arissa, Chloe and Olivia on a rock. They went out on the Ranger all day Saturday and unlike last time, were home before dusk. The kids had a blast with the weather being so nice, no rain, no wind. They said it was way more fun than the other trips.

Heather, Lynn, Savannah and JC came to visit today. I cooked supper for everyone (grilled hawaian chicken, homemade mac & cheese, roasted garlic potatoes, sauteed green beans and asparagus and yeast rolls; homemade choc chip cookies for dessert). We all sat at the kitchen table together and everyone ate like it was good. I find it ironic that when I became unable to eat I went into full Food Network mode. I haven't cooked as much as I have since Christmas in years. I really like it and enjoy eating what I can. The kids got to play with each other, JC got to jump and YouTube, and the guys watched various sports. We hadn't seen them in a while so it was really nice to get to spend so much time with them. Bonus points that we got a new installment of awesome hand-me-downs from Savannah for Arissa. She was in serious need of clothes and Heather has wonderful taste so getting clothes from 'Nah makes Arissa so very happy. It makes my wallet happy, too.

Things with the jaw are coming along. I still have no movement in the upper right quadrant. The shocking muscle spasms are coming less and less. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago. The big question I have to figure out.....are the migraines coincedence or is the jaw manipulation causing the migraines? I had one Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The GI situation remains the same. I am not losing weight at this time but I'm not gaining, either. I have a new GI on my radar and I'm hoping to talk to their office this week to see what needs to be done to get in with them.

Arissa adjusted to her braces without so much as a minor ache. That child is made of steel. She already has some movement.

Steven and I have a busy weekend coming up. Prayers that I will be able to keep up, my head cooperates, as well as my guts so that I (and he) can enjoy our weekend are appreciated.

Grab a Tissue

2009-02-05T10:31:00.002-05:00

First off...I promise I'm not reducing The Pod to a litany of clickable links BUT this one had my heart. If you know me, you'll know why. To say that I was sniffing tears and snot this morning is an understatement.

P.S. Real update to follow, eventually. My blog mojo seems to be taking a vacation these days. Probably because I'm so cold all the time I can hardly function. Is it Spring yet??

Hunter and Uncle Tebie's New Commercial

2009-02-02T16:08:00.003-05:00

Shank-a-potomus! (click on the word)

Metal Detectors

2009-01-29T14:40:00.003-05:00

I have better pictures. Trapped inside my camera. I have to find that card reader gadget to set them free. Check back later this evening to see if I was successful.

Randomness

2009-01-28T11:13:00.003-05:00

First of all.....

If you look on my 'Live Traffic Feed' you'll notice I get visitors from exotic locations rather often. Yet everyone I know lives in a 30 mile radius of me. Just exactly who are these people? Are they stalkers or just suckers for a smartass with a blog? So, if you're coming to the Pod and have never commented before, please leave me a comment. The curiosity, it's killing me.

Now...Here is a cheap blog post shamelessly copied and pasted from a Facebook thing that is going around. Those of you that are my Facebook friends might notice a few items have changed. I thought of more interesting tidbits to take those spots.

1) I've had 10 surgeries

2) I had my daughter on my bathroom floor. Without medical personnel present. NOT on purpose.

3) I love living in Oak Ridge. It's a great blend of small town/larger city.

4) I loathe terrible drivers, I suffer from serious road rage

5) I don't do mornings. It's not a matter of a small dislike of mornings. I seriously don't function before 8am and a one hour laying in bed period.

6) I have a very low tolerance for ignorance

7) Me and the sun don't get along. A day at the lake/pool/beach is my idea of hell on Earth

8) I hate beans and bananas

9) I cook things that I won't eat...and from what I'm told they are really tasty

10) I adore the Food Network and *attempt* lots of the recipies on there

11) I outsource school projects to family members. I hated them when I was in school, hate them now that my kids have to do them

12) I've had braces twice

13) I have experienced 'love at first sight'. Married him, too

14) My first wedding was at the courthouse. Without my parents knowing. My senior year. HUGE MISTAKE

15) I made up for it with my second wedding being the whole she-bang.

16) I am what some people refer to as "skinny fat"

17) I hate my hair. There is too much of it

18) I feel really bad for passing down the crappy teeth and migraine gene to my son

19) I need patience. And grace. Lots and lots of both.

20) I hate tags. If you come to my house, you'll see me in inside out lounge wear.

21) I have hurt too many people's feelings with my mouth. Some times it's been mended, other times not. That makes me sad at myself

22) I love going to the grocery store

23) Having my car serviced thrills me to no end. Seriously, it does.

24) I have very few "optional" organs left

25) I got to witness my youngest nephew being born. Outside of #2 above, the absolute COOLEST thing I've done in my life. There are no words. (Yet I managed to leave this one off my original list. Go figure).

Baby Steps, Baby

2009-01-25T15:17:00.004-05:00

I am still improving....little by little. I did a WHOLE lot on Friday and Saturday and today I'm tired and my jaws are sore and swollen. I must remember..BABY STEPS!

Friday and Saturday were both spent with Sara shopping for a gown for the Boys and Girls Club Gala (or Prom for Moms as I like to call it). Sara made her decision Friday. I made a purchase but wasn't IN LOVE with it like I wanted to be so we continued our search on Saturday. And I was successful. It's stunning and doesn't make me look too thin. I also look like a grown up instead of a grown up dressing like she's 17. I'll be sure to post pictures from the event (it isn't until Valentines Day).

Arissa gets her braces this Thursday and Isaiah gets his bottom braces. Both are pretty excited and I can't wait to see the difference they make on Arissa. We've already been 'wowed' by the transformation on Isaiah.

Both kids went to Aunt Carol and Uncle Jerry's Friday night for the great bonfire. There was a ginormous tree that fell awhile back that wasn't good for firewood so they got a burn permit, some gasoline and lit it up. I think Isaiah and Arissa thought they were going down to hang, roast some weenies and marshmallows and sing KumByYa. HA! Those kids worked their fannies off! Jerry told them to please not get burned because he feared after the last time spent with him adding skin grafts might just make me change my mind about being allowed to play with him! Thankfully, no one was harmed in the burning of the tree and I would be willing to bet the fire is still going. I will say that I am very proud to hear what a great help my kids are. Carol and Jerry were both very forthcoming with praises of their help.

I start PT tomorrow for my jaws. I'm warning you now to be prepared for whining. The evaluation last week flared me up so bad I was miserable. I know it has to be done but I'm not looking forward to going 3 times a week.

I can't find my card reader thingy, hence the lack of photos lately. I'll ask Isaiah where it is cause for some reason....he always knows!

"Get a Life...Get Over It"

2009-01-20T10:16:00.002-05:00

Our Pastor said it best this past Sunday. The American people have spoken; Obama was elected; he is our new President. If you didn't vote for him, don't agree with him, or don't like him and you're still having issues with his Presidency it's time to "get a life and get over it". Prayer is what is needed now, just like any other time. Want proof of this fact? Please reference the handbook for life, the Bible.
1 Timothy 2:2 reads "Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God".

Today is historic no matter how you feel about it.

Bonus points for today...SNOW DAY!

Slow but Steady Wins the Race

2009-01-16T22:25:00.004-05:00

I am improving every day but still not near back to normal. Monday, Steven took me to the office and hung with me for about an hour while I waded thru the disaster area that had become my desk and inbox. I was pretty worn out after that and came home and crashed for a bit. My nails were driving me crazy b/c they hadn't been done since before Christmas so Arissa and I headed to the Nail Bar for mani's and pedi's. (Arissa got a Nail Bar gift certificate for Christmas). Arissa chose neon green for her fingers and electric blue for our toes (I only let her pick my polish colors in the winter when no one sees my feet!). After that, we headed to Mom and Dad's so Mom could play nurse and snip the forgotten stitch in my left ear. No dice, she couldn't get it. After the activity of Monday I was whooped on Tuesday. I planned on laying low all day but Steven had to drive me out to the doctors office so they could get the stitch out. Wednesday dawned at 4am with a migraine. Thursday I went to the office for almost 4 hours! I got a lot done and was worn out! Today I hung on the couch all day. I plan on laying low this weekend and then heading to work next week. I am listening to my body and won't overdo it. I am still very weak and ran down probably due to the surgery's effect on my already weak body. I am doing the best I can to eat but am still losing weight.

The weather here is bitterly cold. The low last night here was 4 and I think it's supposed to be about the same tonight. I was worried about T-Bone freezing to death so we brought him in the garage for the night. He was very confused since he's never spent the night anywhere but his yard. Before I went to bed I told him that if I heard one peep out of him I was putting him back out in the cold. He was a good boy and not only didn't make noise but didn't tear up the garage. Well, except for the little incident of him peeing on Steven's golf bag.....

1136pm edit: Went out to hold 'The Bone' so Steven could pull the car out of the garage and lets just say it's a good thing I gave Bone an old comforter cause now there is white fluff everywhere. And why is it that he keeps trying to get IN my car? The dog has NEVER been in my car and NEVER will be. I'm extremely anal about my car and T-Bone riding shotgun ain't gonna happen. That dog, he just ain't right.

Ranger Ride and Rescue Rangers

2009-01-12T21:54:00.003-05:00

So my kids have now experienced a dark, wet, cold night on Windrock Mtn. They've seen the sun rise while not being in the bed yet. They've peed in woods. And they've met the rescue squad people that come up mountains in the middle of the night to look for the lost.

They headed out with "Uncle Jerry" and their "cousins", Olivia and Chloe at 6am Saturday morning for a day of mountain mud fun in Jerry's Ranger. It was pouring rain but that didn't stop them. It was midnight (for several reasons that aren't important here) before I realized the time and that Carol hadn't called me to tell them they were home. I figured it was an oversight and figured I'd call Carol, wake her up, she'd tell me they'd been home for hours, I'd apologize and we'd move on. I called Carol, who was NOT asleep, because THEY WEREN'T HOME. So, city girl me, tried not to panic. But who am I kidding? I was freaked out. I was comforted by the facts that 1) they were with a group so I knew it wasn't just Jerry with 4 kids and 2) they were with Jerry, who is the McGyver of the 2000's. Seriously, the man could build a fire by rubbing toothpicks together. My brain knew they were more than likely safe and warm but my heart totally didn't get that message. After several phone calls I headed to Harriman to wait for news with Carol and Hunter. On my way down there I got word that the rescue squad was getting together a group to go look for them. Two hours later, they were located and about an hourish after that I had my babies back. They were, just as we thought, safe and warm the whole time and the delay was the result of everything going wrong and nothing going right. Rangers got stuck, broke down, ran out of gas and the icing on the cake was the large amounts of rain we've been getting (and got that day) washed out the roads for their descent.

Isaiah and Arissa seemed confused as to why I was there (and hugging their stinky necks so tight) and were a bit bummed to find out that I was taking them home and they weren't spending the night another night (mind you, it was 5am and they spent their night in the woods but they couldn't seem to grasp that concept). I wheeled them through Hardee's, made them undress on the front porch, and take showers. They were snoring by 7am.

Needless to say, Arissa had a major journal entry at school today and Isaiah was begging people to ask him about his weekend.

For the record...I think they are already looking forward to their next trip.

My Cup of Crap Overfloweth

2009-01-07T23:58:00.003-05:00

Woke up feeling pretty crappy. Took the kids to school (it was raining sideways and while I'm tough on my kids, I'm not cruel) and fought puking the whole way. Came home, brushed, washed, changed clothes headed out then back in to grab an old cup, just in case. Got to the oral surgeons office where I have apparently been the talk of the office due to the difficulty of my operation. I was assured there is no infection, just a lot of swelling and fluid that needs to be absorbed and that everything will in fact go back to normal. The sweet nurse went to removing my stitches. Which felt oddly good...until she got to the left side. There were 3 that were deep and scabbed over and if I didn't know better I would have thought she was cutting through my skin to get those suckers out. Dr McCoy came back in several times to tell me how sorry he is that he had to put me through this and ask if there was anything I needed. For a guy that started out to be not too kind, he's turned into one of my favorite people. I go back in two weeks then start PT. The pain I am feeling in my head and face is not the nerves waking up but the muscles that are attached to the TMJ joint. They've been pulled tighter than he'd like but he didn't have a choice. He said getting the bones out was extremely difficult. So after crying in his office, feeling like a big ol' baby, and being assured that he'd worry if I WASN'T crying I left. And proceeded to learn that I have a talent. I can drive, pay for parking and puke in a cup...all at the same time! I can also proceed onto the interstate while still vomiting into the cup and merge better than most people can who aren't otherwise distracted. And in case you're wondering why I didn't pull over? There is one lane from the parking garage to the interstate and while I typically love attention, I didn't feel like screwing up traffic. So I headed to the pharmacy to get my script filled. Only to be informed that my previous RX coverage expired on 1-1-09 and that they needed all new information to process insurance. New card, new company, new everything. How the hell I didn't get that information is beyond me but after losing connection with the lovely automated Caremark lady TWICE I paid for the script and I'll get refunded later. I made it to the top of the hill and now I know I can pull into my driveway, open the garage door and park my car while puking in a cup. Poor Steven was coming out of the door to feed T-Bone and I about took him out running to the utility sink. All I could do was look at him and say "I'm not in a good place right now" and headed up to medicate, ice and sleep. And sleep I did. All day. Which is probably why it's after midnight and I'm bright eyed. The pain is more tolerable thanks to the new pain pills I was given and the nausea has subsided thanks to my great friends, Reglan and Phenegran.

The forecast calls for snow tonight so Arissa is wearing her jommies inside out and backwards to make it come true...which is a sure-fire way for the snow to not produce or the city to clear the roads because GOD FORBID OAK RIDGE CITY GETS A SNOW DAY.

Arissa has learned the valuable lessons of 1) don't give your friends your password and 2) don't set a passcode on your phone that you can't remember. Let's just say her Webkinz World is short one stainless steel fridge and one super hero bed. And thanks to the determination of her Daddy, her phone has been reset...although she did lose all her contacts, pics, etc. Which at 9 years old..how many contacts do you really need?

GI Man Should Be Renamed Mr. Clueless

2009-01-06T23:58:00.002-05:00

Though he's a swell guy and very sweet I'm about done with my current GI. Not sure if it's him or the process of constant hope/letdown but I'm so 'whatever' after today. I feel like I wasted energy, gas, parking fees, and a co-pay for him to weigh me and write me a script. I have lost 6 pounds since I saw him last. I have bones coming out in multiple directions. I have hair coming out by the hand full. I'm wearing a size I haven't seen since before puberty. But, you know, just try another pill and I'll see you in 4-6 weeks.

My face hurts. My scalp hurts. My teeth hurt. Most troubling? My left incision is red and puffy and there is a big ol' knot in front of it. And it hurts to move my face in any way that makes that part move. Am I making sense here? Rest assured that if it is infected and requires some wretched draining procedure that I'll be phoning my Daddy to come hold my hand (which actually means sit in the corner). Just like he did when I was 16 and I had my wisdom teeth taken out and got an infection. He had to check me out of school and drive me to the oral surgeons office (the SAME office I use now; different doctor though seeing as how my original oral surgeon died). I remember falling asleep on the way there. And I remember Daddy's reaction when he realized he was sitting under the 'sharps' container. But I also remember that I felt so much better after they did whatever it is they did. While I'm not hoping for an infection, I am hoping that whatever it is that they do makes me feel better. Cause if I haven't said it enough already....I'm kinda over this.

Surgery 10; Update 4

2009-01-05T12:17:00.003-05:00

So the whole numbness thing turns out to be cooler than I thought it was. I thought it was annoying before. You know, to feel but not to feel. Now that it's wearing off and the pain has hit I wish I could go back to the annoying. Annoying is always better than painful. I was up until 2 last night so miserable I had tears in my eyes. Steven woke up and did what every good husband does....offered to make coffee. Cause apparently coffee has some anti-pain effect. Which turned out to be true. If nothing else, having something warm to sip on calmed me down enough that I relaxed and made it until I could take a pill then I drifted off to sleep. And proceeded to sleep like shit. Dreaming that I couldn't breathe; trying to scream for help but my voice not working; that I got a really good deal on infant formula but couldn't get Carol to text me back if she wanted me to buy it or not. I told you..weird dreams. My scalp hurts. Not my head, my scalp. It hurts to touch my head. Or my ears. Or my face.

Carol and Jerry brought Hunter over yesterday to see me. I got some serious coos and smiles. I squeezed him tight, fed him a bottle and changed his underwears. Arissa styled Carol's hair and Isaiah and Jerry had it out with Ms Pacman/Frogger. It was a little while after that the pain started. Maybe Hunter shouldn't have left...

I am trying to watch the millionth hour of 'Secret Life' so I'm up to speed for the season premiere tonight while listening to Steven and Arissa finish the leaf work in the yard. Isaiah had to head back to school today. Arissa goes back tomorrow.

I see my GI tomorrow afternoon and my oral surgeon Wednesday morning. I'm off to be miserable.....

Surgery 10; Update 3

2009-01-03T11:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday ended on a better note, with the pain minimal and the stomach issues easier to bear. I got bored so I played Mancala, Guess Who and Battleship with the kids. I slept okay until 4am when I woke up in the middle of a major allergy attack. Sneezing and snotting like a mad woman did not help my jaws. I slept too late, going 12 hours with no pain medicine and am feeling pretty sore now. I'm sipping on coffee and waiting for the drugs to do their thing.

Newest revelation---my right eye doesn't work. It doesn't raise. It doesn't furrow. It blinks and droops. Nothing else. It's like I only paid for half of a Botox treatment. Prayers that the damage is only temporary and I go back to full eye function soon are requested. It's not only annoying but looks pretty crappy.

Surgery 10; Update 2

2009-01-02T09:41:00.002-05:00

Steven suggested I try a baked potato yesterday evening which stayed down...barely.. so that's progress.
I dreamt about blueberry muffins. Not sure what that was all about so I have some baking now. Steven is at the gym. He offered to make them for me before he left but I declined. Then changed my mind once he was gone.

The other aches and pains seemed to have decreased quite a bit so now its just my face. Which hurts worse today than it has before but I'm not as miserable as I was before. I have no idea what those people did to me while I was knocked out but it feels like they bended and shaped me in ways I am not supposed to go.

Today I'm going to take a bath and change my jommies. I want to wash my hair but it scares me so I'll probably wait.

Yesterday, the lady across the street fed Isaiah and Arissa lunch. HOG JAW, BLACK EYED PEAS AND CORNBREAD. GAG!! They loved the hog jaw. Are we sure these are MY kids?

Surgery 10; Update 1

2009-01-01T19:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be.
Today is worse.
There isn't a part of me that doesn't hurt for one reason or another and I'm not keeping food down....always a nice touch to post op recovery.

Word is the surgery went well although they had a hard time on my right side because the anatomy was so distorted. Not sure what that means but I do know they had to use another tool to be able to do what they needed to do. My ears are still numb but they hurt. Makes no sense. Both ears are full of stitches and blood. I won't be posting pics..it's pretty nasty. Daddy was pretty impressed with the stitches. I don't know how many I have but it feels like a ton. I came home with a pressure dressing that made me look like a person that rides the short bus and brought great laughter to Steven.

We're Home

2008-12-28T12:11:00.004-05:00

And I'm useless.

I have mountains of laundry to conquer, gifts to exchange and misc items to find a home for but I am planted firmly on my couch, snuggled up in my big Blues Clues comforter.

I am so tired I can barely function....add to that, my guts are on complete strike. I am paying a huge price for dinner Friday and breakfast yesterday. I slept the day away as soon as I got enough of the house put back together yesterday (you know my anal retentive self can't rest with the house in too much disarray). And slept all night with no problems. And I'm sleepy now.

I have pictures to post and a recap of our week away. For now, I'm off to watch mindless television.

Hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Status? Already Over It

2008-12-19T23:26:00.004-05:00

Let me start by saying I am in no way, shape, form or fashion NOT completely and totally over the moon about our upcoming week out of town. It's the 'getting there' part that has me in a slump.

Thank the Lord we don't have visitors often at our house or else I would have to issue hardhats and have people sign waivers before entering. If you come through the front door you will no longer notice my stunningly beautiful tree but you will instead be greeted by Steven's ginormous suitcase. I am certain this thing is older than me and I could totally fold up in it...yes, it's that large. And ugly. Did I mention he covets this suitcase and we've moved it several times yet this is the only time I can actually recall it being used? I bought us beautiful shiny new luggage just for this trip. I come home to find he's packed. And used the giant suitcase. Don't be looking for any tales of my trying to get that thing anywhere. If it doesn't have a pull up handle and smooth gliding wheels, I don't fool with it.
Arissa was so darn excited about the new luggage she claimed one of the larger pieces, leaving Isaiah with 2 mismatched pieces to handle all his clothes. His shoes? Yeah, she took all the room for those, too. My dining room table is covered in ecofriendly Kroger bags overflowing with baking supplies, spices, and snacks. The bar is being occupied by a large Rubbermaid container that will double as a coffin in a pinch. I have a cooler that will be packed tomorrow. Then there's the big ol' bird to wrangle and booze to pack. MUST. NOT. FORGET. BOOZE.

I should have paid someone to get us there. At this point I am thinking it would have been money well spent.

Let's not even discuss the conversation I had with Steven regarding my shoes. Let's just say they are getting their OWN suitcase. Priorities, people! And where else did you think Arissa got it from?

hm?

2008-12-19T12:47:00.003-05:00

Is it terribly horrible of me for my biggest concern of the upcoming week being that I may or may not have internet access while out of town?

Nevermind the logistics of Christmas not at home or the laundry that needs to be done or the packing I haven't even started for 4 people over 7 days or the last minute grocery shopping I need to do or the Christmas dinner I am preparing....

You know, a girl's gotta have her priorities in order!

2008-12-18T22:13:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Surgery Off. Surgery On.

2008-12-17T12:35:00.003-05:00

My surgeon had a ginormous kidney stone that had to be surgically removed therefore leaving him unable to saw on my jaws. My new date is December 31st at noon. Happy New Years to me!

In other news...Here is the most awesomest Christmas jingle going. I have been wearing it out for awhile now and it was sung at church last week. Seriously, I love some Faith Hill and this song just gives me goose bumps. In 2008 A Baby Changed Everything.

My Morning with Baby Hunter

2008-12-11T22:35:00.007-05:00

He was laughing at Al Roker on the Today Show

Aunt Anne teaching him the fine art of self portraits

Another try at the self portrait

Ceiling fan man

Aunt Anne put some clothes on me NOW!!!

All dressed and waiting for Uncle 'Tebie to get home

Basketball and Fiddles

2008-12-09T22:38:00.006-05:00

Steven is once again playing men's league basketball at the rec center. Steven and 2 other guys are the only team members who AREN'T PHYSICISTS. Let's just say scientists can't ball. It's going to be a long season.

Let me set up the above photo for you: Jayden (Johnnie & Melissa's little guy) comes into the gym and immediately drops his pants...to reveal his 'basketball shorts'. Then pulls off his sweatshirt to reveal his 'basketball shirt'. He watches the game like a hawk always looking for that perfect chance to run out on the court. He watches the guys run to the other end and off he goes, running out just enough to be 'on the court' but not enough to get in trouble. He is always back in his spot in plenty of time, thanks to his 'fast shoes'. Notice in the above picture his stance. He stayed like that until Steven and Johnnie stood upright.

Here is Ms. Arissa at her very first fiddle concert(actually its a violin but he torture her). Her portion was a whopping 10 minutes. Considering they've only been playing since Septemberish they weren't too bad. Of course, that didn't stop Steven, Daddy, Mom and I from cracking oodles of jokes. The Ode to Joy was more like Ode to Death.

And here we have what I like to call 'a lesson learned'. The lesson being that if you don't cooperate with the photographer you will most certainly be exposed on the internets. My advice, Sara Baker? Smile next time. As for Todd, well he was the victim of trigger delay on my part (and is that my finger on the edge?). He was a good sport and tried to take a friendly photo with his wife.

Short and Sweet

2008-12-08T23:20:00.003-05:00

Here's the point....

My jaw is whacked out and locks open. Often. And with great pain.

I saw the jaw guru today.

I have surgery (tentatively) scheduled for next week.

He is going to shave my bone down and repair the damage I've done since April after my FIRST surgery for this problem.

If it isn't one thing, it's another and lately it seems to just be piling up.

I am starting to think God skipped over a few people and is double dipping on me again!!

More Disappointment.....

2008-12-05T22:42:00.003-05:00

I talked to my GI today.
Latest test results were normal.
I am to wait until January when I see him in the office and to call if things get worse.

I am mad
I am aggravated
I am defeated

I will get over it
I will go on

Tomorrow is a new day
Tomorrow I will not cry about this
Tomorrow I will live
But tonight, I'm sad

Wedding Wrecks

2008-12-03T14:13:00.003-05:00

As a past bride who was pretty far from Bridezilla status (well, except for that little incident the day of with the florist) I would have LOST MY MIND if my baker had rolled up with these gems. Thankfully, my disaster was remedied with new flowers and 2 awesome friends making my bouquet 30 minutes before I walked down the aisle. I haven't the slightest clue what these poor brides did.....

Click here for the shock and awe of wedding wrecks....