Exciting Days!

It has been a busy, but lovely week!  Thus, why my blog design is still a work-in-progress.  I hope to really fix it up after this weekend when I'm sure I'll have pictures to add.  In the meantime, I've enjoyed having my Aunt Judy here for a week-long visit and I'm joyfully anticipating the birth of my second nephew.  I imagine that Jennifer will give birth sometime in the next few days.  I'll be sure to keep you posted...

Back Here Again

Well, I tried the Wordpress "software".  I still prefer it to Blogger, but I didn't like any of the background themes on Wordpress, so I've returned.  I'm not done decorating this blog, but I wanted to publish it anyway. I'm still not sure how often I'll write, but it is fun to have a website nonetheless.

Yesterday, I took the Reclast (Zometa) injection.  This drug is supposed to help treat osteoporosis by slowing down the breakdown of bones and making them stronger.  I took a smaller dose then what is normally given, because of my weight and because of how easily I react to medicines.  Usually, 5mg of Reclast is given intravenously once a year.  I only took 2mg and if my body tolerates the medicine, I'll have it twice a year instead.

I guess that's my news for today.  I'm too tired to write anything more...

Health Check

Good news! I was able to get my Remicade appointment rescheduled for tomorrow at 2pm instead of Wednesday. We are babysitting Annelise and Nehemiah tomorrow night, so I have something to look forward to also. Tonight, I watched Up with Qavah and it was a lot of fun. Now, it's time to sleep! Mom is feeling a little better today, as well. Thank you for your prayers.

Welcome To A New Week!

Health Check: I don't feel very good tonight. For most of the weekend, I've had trouble with pain, digestion, and other Crohn's symptoms. About a month ago, I rescheduled my treatment to November 25, because of a meeting at work and thinking that Mom would be in Ohio. However, it's now apparent that Mom is home and the sooner I can have a Remicade infusion the better. The good news is that I can still be "up and around." I do plan to call the Infusion Center first thing tomorrow morning to see if I can reschedule my appointment for sometime on Monday or Tuesday.

Other News: I received a joyous surprise early last week. On Tuesday night, I received the much anticipated book Going Rogue by Sarah Palin. The day it arrived in the mail, I had received a coupon from Barnes and Noble via email. So, on that same Tuesday morning as Mom drove me to work, I excitedly told her, "I have a coupon that's good for 40% off the Sarah Palin book, so maybe we can go shopping after work." Later that evening just before dinner, Dad picked up the mail and the book was on top of the stack. Mom and Dad had pre-ordered it from Amazon at a better price than if I had used my B&N coupon! All week, I've read a bit here and there as time allowed. The text is small, so I'm only on chapter 9, but it's definitely a wonderful read. I especially appreciate how Sarah Palin describes her faith and Conservative, family values. And on that note, I'm going to curl up beneath my warm covers and read until my eyelids grow heavy....

Recap Of Life

I know I have not updated in quite awhile. Truthfully, I haven't felt like writing online. Sometimes I think of a topic but for one reason or another I don't form my thoughts into a blog post. I love writing but my favorite method is by using the "old fashioned" pen and paper. I write best that way.

Generally speaking, my days have been busy with work, family, medical issues, babysitting, company, and remodeling projects. I stopped taking an antibiotic for a sinus infection after ten days of starting it. Since that time, I've continued using the Nettie Bottle and a humidifier. Sometimes all of the remedies help while other days I just live with it like any other person who has allergies. Next Wednesday, I'll have my Remicade infusion. This time, I'm already starting to notice that I need it.

In between all of the daily activities, I'm still piecing together my U.S.A. scrapbook. I have several states that need postcards and/or photographs. However, I think I've completed a little more than half of the fifty states. Although I've kept with the same color scheme throughout the entire scrapbook, I've tried to add personal and unique touches to each state. Thus, planning and decorating the individual pages has never become monotonous.

In regards to harp, I've stopped taking lessons, but I still enjoy playing on my own and attending various concerts. I know that I'll never be a true musician. So while I wish I had talent in that area, I'm content on not pressuring myself to achieve what is impossible on this side of Heaven.

Well, it is time to turn the computer off for the evening. I'll leave you with a Bible verse that I've been recently pondering in new ways:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

God's Creation As Seen From the Blue Ridge Parkway

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

Numbering Our Days

Like Mom said, our family has been busy with house projects and babysitting little ones. I've enjoyed the action-packed days so much! The cobwebs of my mind are dusted out with each closet we clean and organize. Last week, I sorted through my Summer and Fall clothes. Mom did the same with Qavah's and together we have a big garbage bag full of clothes to drop off at Goodwill. Tonight, we went through our old VHS tapes and condensed our collection into a simple pile that would fit onto one small shelf of a rolling television cart. I did had fun remembering my childhood as I looked through the tapes. I ended up keeping the VHS of Lawrence Welk shows in hopes that Qavah would enjoy the singing and fancy dresses as much as I did at her age.

Last night, I had an allergic reaction to some food I ate for dinner and thus took some Benadryl. I think the drug was still in my system this morning, because I was rather groggy and achy when I woke up. My body had "run out of steam," so I stayed home from church. Instead, I listened to a few hymns on my mp3 player and then fell back into a deep, healing sleep until the rest of my family returned home. I felt better as the day unfolded. And except for some minor pain, my body is remarkably healthy tonight for being the night before Remicade Day. The Lord is gracious in providing me with so many bonus days that are filled with "holy moments."

Lord, may those who are reading this blog have a week filled with seven bonus days and many holy moments. We recommit our days to Your sovereignty. Thank you for ordaining our lives within Your perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Change (Health Update)

It's amazing what a difference a day makes! Last night when I went to bed, I knew I needed to return to work but I was unsure if my body was ready for the responsibilities that would greet me. However, I woke up this morning feeling a lot better! The Lord gave me "unusual" strength to make it through the day with enough energy and very little pain.

Yesterday I called my PCP to explain that, even though the back of my head was more "firm," I was not feeling better through my forehead or behind my eyes. The doctor returned my call, stating that I probably had a sinus infection. He recommended using a saline nasal spray like 'Lil Noses instead of antibiotics. However, "Dr. Mom" had the idea to try a Neti bottle (similar to a Neti Pot). Sure enough, I was able to get a lot out of my nasal passages; it worked much better than any nasal spray I had tried before. So, if you have the "sniffles," a dry nose, or allergies, I recommend using a Neti Pot or Neti Bottle.

Despite the increased discomfort over the last few days, I continued to sense the presence of the Lord in our home. Neither Mom nor I felt panicked the night we lost sleep due to electrolyte issues. We knew God would direct our paths and reveal the health mysteries in His timing.

Think back to homes you visited where you stepped inside and felt welcomed. Maybe the air smelled clean and refreshing. Maybe there was a favorite meal being cooked in the kitchen. All you could do is step inside and say, "Aaah," with a deamenor of satisfaction and gratefulness. That is how I felt several times over the last few days as our family sought God for answers and relief. Despite the wars that raged in my physical body, my soul could rest.

Never To Young To Begin Learning

I took these pictures while Qavah, Annelise, and Nehemiah were sharpening their computer skills. While they are learning how to use modern technology, I am most blessed by knowing that these children are beginning to hide God's Word in their hearts at such a young age. All three of them enjoy Christian music and hearing Bible stories. Annelise can already recite small passages from the Bible and Qavah has acknowledged her need for a Savior. It's a serious, but joyful responsibility to teach the next generation about loving the Lord with all of their, "heart, soul, strength, and mind." (Matthew 22:37)

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6

A Good Week

Even though the season is now officially Fall, it doesn't feel like it today. The temperatures are in the upper eighties with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. I don't mind this weather one bit. Winter may be "just around the corner," but I'm already planning a trip to Florida when the weather turns cold and snowy here.

I am doing well health wise. Most of my mouth sores have healed. In addition to keeping my mouth extra clean, I've also been eating one spoonful of yogurt a day. I do have a doctor's appointment on Monday for labs. The hematologist wants to check my liver levels to see if they're in the "normal" range.

Tuesday night after dinner, we visited with Coin, Jennifer, and the children. Actually, it was Jennifer's birthday so we celebrated by bringing pumpkin pudding cake and presents to their home. Below are a few candid pictures.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer:

Jennifer preparing to blow out her Birthday candle:

Annelise will be three in November. I tried to get a nice picture of her, but she was having too much fun playing. Annelise has a plastic star in her mouth:

Nehemiah is fifteen months old:

Eva is almost two months old:

Jennifer decorated these pumpkins with special glitter paint. She got the idea from a Martha Stewart Living catalog:

I just like how this picture turned out with the candles shining:

Praying Like A Child

The last two evenings, I've babysat Qavah for a short time while Mom and Dad attended small group and Bible study. The days have been busy, so Qavah has been ready for sleep at an earlier hour. I've enjoyed the bedtime "routine," especially the part here we recount her day and pray together. If Qavah has any sense of doubt or worry about God (which I don't think does exist), I have not detected it when she prays. Qavah speaks to the Lord with such sincerity and trust that I end up leaving her room with a quieted, yet joyful spirit. Qavah may only be six years old, but she is teaching me about the Lord through her childlike faith.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt. 18:1-6)

Looking Up (Physically and Spiritually)

It has been a rough few days, but I'm praying and hoping that things continue to progress in a good direction. I still have some intense abdominal pain, but I do feel better then Friday when I went to the emergency room. Tonight, I did some more "investigating" via the internet. I visited several websites where people can write their experiences of different medical issues and remedies. Thrush is very common for those who use inhalers on a regular basis. I now remember my Aunt Judy mentioning this early last month when she visited our home, but unfortunately, her advice to rinse out my mouth after using an inhaler did not "stick". I also plan to cut back on my sugar intake. This is going to be a bit hard to do as I'm discovering how many things contain sugar. However, at least right now, the discomfort I've experienced over the weekend has been incentive enough to change my eating habits. Please pray that I'll continue to desire and find foods - especially snacks - that are better for my body.

Today, in the midst of my physical pain, I was strengthened spiritually (even though I wasn't able to attend church). I was also reminded of the importance of living my life in a way that would make others desire to seek and follow Christ. We had a visitor for lunch who used to work at the same company as Colin does, but is now in the process of returning to his home country of India. He is also a Christian and shared with our family his testimony. It was encouraging to hear of how he came to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior; it brought tears to my eyes. I'm always in awe of the length God will go to draw someone to Himself.

This young man is thankful to be reunited with his earthly family, but even more eager to share the Gospel message with fellow Indians. It was a privilege to pray for this Brother in Christ before he left our home, but I was even more blessed when he prayed for our family. Isn't that the way God works? We are told to give and be servants to others, but are often more blessed and energized than the receiver. Lord, as this next week begins, may we "look up" to You in total reliance. Thank you for the promise that You can be our strength and song for the days to come. Amen.

The Most Unique Birthday Gift

Thank you for the Birthday cards, presents, and prayers. One thing about having a birthday near a holiday is that the celebration stretches out over several days. Since the postal service doesn't deliver mail on Labor Day, I sometimes receive cards a day or two after Monday's holiday. Almost always, Dad doesn't have to go "into work" at his job. This year, Paul Burton and I also had off.

I spent my Birthday at home with my family. That is one of my most favorite things in all of the world. When I was little, I would often ask if the activity (such as meal time) would be done "as a family." It was very important to me that every member of our family joined in, so it was only fitting that this year's birthday was spent "as a family". We worked and laughed together during the afternoon. Then the evening was spent celebrating at Dairy Queen and watching a movie from Netflix.

I'll also remember this September fourth because of the uniqueness of the day's activities. I don't imagine many people would consider pulling staples out of the plywood floor or putting away fine dinnerware as fun ways to celebrate someone's life. However, I had the best day doing just that! Back in early August, Mom and I dreamed of redecorating the dining room by repainting the walls, but we wanted to wait until the weather was cooler and less humid. So, after reading the weather forecast and looking at the family calendar late last week, we decided that this holiday weekend was the perfect time to turn our dreams into reality. What a birthday gift it turned out to be, too!

We changed the walls from a dark blue to a light green, replaced the lighting, installed new flooring that is healthier than carpet, and rearranged the furniture. By late Saturday afternoon, Mom and I were ready to return all of the dishes to their proper place. We finally finished all of our work just in time to have our family meal in that room. This entire weekend-long redecorating process created some interesting Birthday memories, but now I'm looking forward to entertaining guests in the "new" and very clean dining room. May all those who join us around the table sense the Lord's joy and peace. You are certainly welcome to visit!

Before (Thanksgiving 2006):



After (I'll get some better pictures soon):

Family Celebration

Last Sunday, we celebrated my upcoming birthday since Colin and Jennifer will be traveling on Friday. It was a beautiful, Sabbath day! We had a colorful salad with grilled chicken and potatoes. Yummy! My dessert was scrumptious, too. I ate blueberry cake with vanilla ice cream, blueberry syrup, and of course fresh blueberries! It was a perfect end-of-the-summer celebratory dessert. Below are a few pictures from the evening.

We lit this candle two more times after I made my wish so that Qavah and Annelise could have a turn blowing it out!

Since most of the adults and Qavah were drinking cups of coffee, Annelise wanted to have her own cup of coffee. So after getting "permission" from Annelise's mommy and daddy, some milk and a small amount of coffee was poured into a miniature teacup. The way Annelise stirred and drank out of her teacup, you wold have thought that she was an experienced, lifelong coffee drinker! It was so precious to watch her!

Nehemiah is now fourteen months old. He is beginning to walk when holding onto furniture or other objects.


I got to hold Eva for a little bit; she actually fell asleep in my arms. That was a birthday surprise from the Lord and a wonderful way to end a joyful evening!

Hello, Weekend!

Wow, it really is Friday night! The work week has finished, the house has been straightened, and all of the doctor appointments are over. As I look back on the last five days, I see the Lord's hand in every area of my life. For the time being, God is giving me the ability to carry on each day free from the kind of dehibilittating pain that messes up my electrolytes or puts me in the hospital. I had that kind of pain every day during my first year of living with active HPS. So I know what life could be like and therefore I'm more grateful for the good moments I experience right now.

I took my Methotrexate by "oral injection" on Wednesday night and this morning. So far, I have not dealt with any adverse side effects. Several people have asked what oral injection means. Basically, the medicine is in liquid form contained inside a little glass bottle that I keep refridgerated. The appropriate dosage is drawn up into a syringe. Finally, the syringe is released into the mouth, a glass of drinkable liquid, or given as a shot. With my Methotrexate, Mom releases the syringe into a small glass of cola. I used a spoon to disolve the medicine and then I just drink the cola. For some reason, the directions on the bottle say to take the Methotrexate with either orange juice or cola. Since I'm allergic to oranges, I have to use soda, which is perfectly fine with me. The liquid Methotrexate is yellow just like the pills, but it doesn't have a distinctive, nasty taste.

Yesterday was Remicade Day. That went well, because I took a Benadryl that made me very sleepy and lessened the pain from the saline. Infact I got a two hour nap while the infusion was taking place. Meanwhile, Mom and Qavah shopped nearby and then joined me near the end of my treatment. Now, unless something bad happens, I don't have another medical appointment until September eleventh.