Random Writings.....

2012

2012-01-01T18:11:00.001-08:00

Well, it's here and I realize I haven't written for a long time - almost a year to be exact. We had a nice Christmas. Wow. Since the last time I wrote, Marty was approved for his disability. We tried to move to Michigan. We moved back to New Mexico. So yeah, quite a bit has happened. Even more, that I have to put in a private blog. So happy new year! Lol how was your 2011?

February 2011

2011-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Yikes, it has been a year since I last posted! Quite a bit has happened, but luckily nothing major. We were able to go to Michigan last summer and visit everyone. That was awesome! I am already missing everyone again. I miss 'my' church. I have tried several churches here and found a couple that are okay. But they just aren't home. It is really hard to find a home church when they don't even have the same denomination here. We made it through the holidays just fine. I was even done with my Christmas shopping and wrapping before my birthday! Now that was an accomplishment for me. I usually am up late on Christmas eve wrapping the presents that I bought that week. LOL

Well, it is February 2011 already. Maggi got to play in the snow for the first time today. She liked it, but it was cold. I will upload a couple of pictures. Maggi is in speech therapy. She is starting to talk more. She also uses sign language. She is growing well. I have to have her gait (the way she walks) checked. Her right foot turns in when she walks or runs.

Saira is doing really well. Her reading has improved greatly! She is learning how to sew right now. She is working on her spelling too. Our next obstacle is math.

Alec just turned 16 years old. He has been a huge help with everything lately. He has been driving his truck around a few places and also the vans getting in practice.

Marcus is ........... well Marcus. LOL. He made 15th prestige on Call of Duty Black Ops. He will be 18 this summer. I am not sure what his plans are. I am not even sure he knows.

Justin is trying to get into Vista College. The policy is that they don't accept homeschool graduates, so we have gone back and forth a few times. The local people here are trying to find a way to get him in anyway. They had me bring in his homeschool diploma to make a copy of it. So, now we are waiting again. If they still don't accept it, then he will have to get his GED.

Marty is still trying to get his Social Security Disability to get approved. He was denied for the second time. Now we have to get a lawyer and have a hearing. Hopefully then it will get approved. He is in pain all of the time. He has to get up around 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning to take pain pills so that when he gets up later he isn't in so much pain. He also has other issues that I am not going to put on here for everyone to know. He is getting depressed and stressed about the whole process of the SSD claim. So please pray for him.

Me, well, I guess I am like Marcus, I am just me. I keep going back to the doctor over and over trying to get my thyroid under control. I am really tired of being so overweight and tired and depressed. I feel like I have gotten farther from God than I would like to be. I still pray, but I haven't been studying the word lately. Please pray for me. I am going to try to work on that more.

We still have good ole Rolex. I put him on a diet and he is doing so much better. He was up to almost 40lbs! The last time I checked he was down to 26lbs. He is supposed to weigh 20-22lbs. So, he is doing good.

We got another pup. Her name is Breitling. Yep, still with the watch names. I got her for my husband for Christmas. She is English Bulldog. She is definitely a cutie and a good fit for our family.

My Zodi, we found a new home for. She just wanted to play so much, and nobody here really wanted much to do with her. She was a good dog, though. I found her a home where they had another dog, and they loved her. The two dogs got along great! So, I am happy she is someplace where she can be happy too!

Well, we are hoping to make it to Michigan again this year, but not sure if we can swing it financially. Our income tax return is less than we were hoping for. So, that will make a big difference. So, you can pray for that too. Please! I wanna see everyone again.

I will add a few pictures for you to see, and I hope you like them.

In Christ,
Kathi

February 2010 already and almost March

2010-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, time is flying like crazy. Maggie is already 10 months old. Pretty soon she will be one! She feeds herself, walks, plays, throws tantrums, you would think she is already a toddler.
We went back and saw Justin's hip doctor. He wasn't so optimistic this time. AFter reading all of the reports of Justin's previous surgeries, he is concerned about the amount of scar tissue. So, right now Justin is leaning towards not having another surgery. He has 'graduated' homeschool. He is looking for a job. He is looking forward to getting his driving permit this summer, when he turns 18. He will begin taking classes at the community college this fall.
Marcus is doing good. Alec is doing good. He wants to get a job and drivers permit, but all in due time.
Saira is doing really well with her school. I think her reading has progressed about 4 grade levels this year. She was behind because of the speech issues, so now it is all coming together nicely. She is currently reading Twilight.
Marty has applied for Social Security Disability. His pain is just unbearable. If he doesn't get up at 3 or 4 in the morning and take a pain pill, then he wakes up in a lot of pain and it is hard to get out of bed. If he does anything - even washing his jeep or lifting a box, he is in pain even more pain for the next few days.
We have another boxer. We named her Zodi after our other Zodiac that ran away and got hit. I will have to add a picture of her. Rolex is still Rolex and my husband tries hard not to over feed him, but he just can't help himself. lol

Wow!! 2010 is here

2010-01-17T13:49:00.001-08:00

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't updated since September. Maggie has started walking already - 8 1/2 months. Justin is seeing a different hip specialist. This guy thinks he can fix Justin's hip better than it is. We had a nice Christmas. Check out all of the pictures above. I hope you like them.

the happenings...

2009-09-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! It didn't seem like that busy of a month, but yet I feel like it has been. We went to Albuquerque at the beginning of the month and we are going again at the end of the month. We went and got our drivers license and plates switched over finally. Justin and Alec got state ID's. Justin needed one to get his handicap placard and to take his GED. Alec wanted one.
Margarita got her first two teeth this month. They are just barely showing but they do hurt. I was letting her chew on my knuckle while she was teething, but not any more.
I have been walking everyday that I can which is at least 5 times a week. It is usually 2-4 miles. I havent' started losing any weight, but I hope to soon. UGH! here they put your weight on your drivers license. I didn't want that on there. I am pretty sure Marty fibbed about his. He is in denial about how much weight he has gained. I weigh less than when I got pregnant, but I still need to get more weight off. I am hoping that my lack of weight loss is because I am building muscle right now. I know I am feeling better - in general.
Hmm, not sure if there is anything else to add. I know it seems like it has been busier than this around here. Oh, we go to the farmers market every Saturday. I like going down there and walking around. I think it is actually more of a craft fair than a farmers market, but it is still fun to go and walk around.
We have been tossing around the idea of getting another boxer, but I still keep thinking how much extra work it is for me. I still don't get to sleep through the night with Maggie, so I am not sure I want to add a puppy to that mix yet.
Well I will add a few pictures for you to enjoy and see how things look around here.
God Bless

Albuquerque *******

2009-09-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of the prayers. It was an extremely long day meeting all of the new doctors.
It went well and we seem to like everyone we met today. Justin got fitted for new braces and a new wheelchair. We got all of the prescriptions that he was going to be needing. We did however, get a bit of bad news.

The hip that he has had 4 or 5 surgeries on to keep it from popping out of socket is popping out again. The doctor said that it looks like everything possible has been done and he just don't think there is anything else that can be done. He said that once it gets to the point that Justin can't take the pain, then he will just be in the wheelchair full time. So, Justin wasn't too thrilled with hearing that.

We did get a lot of info about help and such for going to college.

We go back the 29th of Sept. to get his braces and wheelchair. Then we go back on Dec. 2nd for some other tests.

I will try to post some pictures later. They are on my desktop comp.

Have you ever had it where stuff just disappeared? I am missing my favorite shirt, Justin's handicap placard (for parking), and my WIC card. They are just gone. This is just too weird. Hmm, maybe gremlins?

love to all,
God Bless,
Kathi

The end of August

2009-08-24T21:53:00.001-07:00

Maggie is a little over 4 months. She was 24.25 inches long at her 4 month check up and 15 pounds. She is still growing like crazy. She is starting to try to crawl already, she has actually only gone forward one time. I don't think it will be a lot longer.

Justin has his first appointment at the Spina Bifida Clinic in Albuquerque next week. So begins the long process of going over his entire health history.

We have started school for the year. Everyone is cooperating - so far!

Rolex is supposed to be on a diet. He may have lost 2 or 3 pounds. He was a little friskier. But I caught Marty giving him more food. So who knows where it will end up?

Here are a couple of pics for your enjoyment.

I have been walking almost every night. The average is 2 miles. Hopefully I can keep off the weight that I lost while I was pregnant. I already started gaining some back and I am not happy about that.

We tried a new church and have gone there the last 2 weeks. I really like it so far. I think the kids do too. This one feels a little better than others that we tried.

God Bless and have a great Autumn!

An update....

2009-08-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

HI I had some new pics of Maggie I wanted to post. I am biased I know, but I think she is cute.

Wow we have had a few things going on.

2009-07-14T14:03:00.001-07:00

Justin got his wisdom teeth out Monday. (all 4 at once!!!!) He did awesome. He was eating soft foods that evening and didn't spend too much time complaining. The same day, Marcus got some fillings and Alec had an orthodontist appointment.

Today, I took Maggie to get her 3 month photos taken. They turned out cute of course. Hopefully, I will be able to post them. Saira is doing good with her learning. Her reading and writing is getting better. Of course, I have to be thankful for the computer and all of you that take time to IM back and forth with her.

I am still asking for prayers for Marty for a job. Hopefully the one at Fort Bliss comes through. That would be awesome!

Me - well I am just me. I am okay. I have been fighting my usual depression, but it hasn't gotten the best of me and some days it isn't bad at all. Other days, I just can't seem to get motivation to do much of anything other than take care of Maggie and make dinner. The reason I cannot take my meds is because I am breastfeeding. Once Maggie has decided that she has had enough of that, I can go back on my meds. Till then, I just pray about it and push myself to do a little more.

Well, I hope you are all having a great summer!

God Bless you all!
Kathi

Happy July!!!

2009-07-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

I was going to update on the 4th but oops.... I got busy and forgot. We cooked out and my folks and aunt came over. It was a pretty nice time. I have a few new photos of Maggie and even another video for your enjoyment.

Things are going well with us. The kids are all adjusting as are Marty and I. This week is in the 100's. But it isn't horrible.

Maggie is growing like crazy. I think she has more than made up for the slow start she got on weight gain. She continues to be a gassy baby. If I don't take her out a lot, then it isn't too bad. But if I take her out in the wind, then I pay for it the rest of the night. Unfortunately, it is pretty windy here most of the time. It is great for keeping the heat bearable, but not good for babies. lol

We had to get a new pump for our swimming pool. We are finally getting our levels all evened back out now. Saira and Alec have been enjoying it a lot this summer.

Marty has a chance at a job at Fort Bliss. It is a civilian job, but would be a great job for him to get. It would be good pay and good benefits. So, please pray that things work out for him.

Well, not much else to tell. I hope you are all doing well. I miss you all!
Blessings,
Kathi

Well, I had trouble with the pictures, but the video seemed to load okay. Enjoy!

Maggie's 10 week pictures and more...

2009-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Maggie. She is so cute - but I am prejudice, I know. I love the pouty face picture. That is my favorite. I love the way her lip pokes out there. She will probably hate those pictures when she grows up. haha. I borrowed my mom and dad's scanner, so I will post a few of Alec's baby pictures soon. You will be able to see how much he and Maggie look alike.
We had a good Father's Day here. My mom and dad and aunt came over for dinner.
Our pool pump broke, so now I have to find where to get a new one. The water is turning green quickly, so I have to move fast on that one. I have to go to town today so, I will try to get some pics and post them later.
Hope you are all having a great summer so far.
Love and Blessings,
Kathi

Maggie's 2 month check up

2009-06-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Maggie had her 2 month check up and she weighed 10 lbs. 2 oz.!! Yeah. After her slow weight gain at the beginning, it is good to see that she is gaining. She is 'talking' a lot now. It is so cute to see the faces she makes when she is trying to get those 'words' out. ;o)
I have sent all of the releases to the doctors for Justin's medical records. I am having them all sent to the spina bifida clinic in Albuquerque. He has an appointment there in September. He has been having a lot of back pain lately. Please pray that it isn't anything serious. He thinks it is tethered cord again. I hope not.
The rest of us are doing fine. Justin turned 17, Saira turned 10. Marcus will be 16 next month. It is hard to think of him that young, because he is so tall. I think he is 6 foot 2 inches now. Alec is finally starting to get some height. He is taller than my mom now. That was always my goal - to be taller than my mom. She is only 5 foot 2.
We found a church that we have been going to. It seems nice. The people are friendly. It isn't 4th Church, though. They do have a 'passing of the peace', although they don't call it that. Their songs are pretty good. We have sung 1 or 2 that I know. The messages are pretty good. They have deacons but no elders. They have a spot every service that the deacons go up front and anyone that wants prayers can go forward and they pray for them there. A little different..... They have a website, www.sierravistacommunitychurch.com . You can look it up if you want.
I will add a few pics for you to enjoy. They are of Maggie and of Saira's birthday.

A couple of pics and a video...

2009-05-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

I wish I had a scanner right now. I have a picture of Alec when he was a baby wearing a white onesie and sitting on the couch. He and Maggie look alike. I mean they could pass for each other.
Here are the ones of Alec when he was a baby. You be the judge.

time seems to fly sometimes....

2009-05-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, Maggie will be 6 weeks old this Sunday. That time seems to be passing quickly. It doesn't seem like we have been here almost 4 weeks already. I would say that we are pretty well settled. I advertised on Craigslist that I wanted to get a pool for my kids and someone responded. So, we got a 4 foot pool at a fraction of the cost. The kids love it. I think Maggie will as she gets older, because she likes sitting in bath water.
We visited a church last Sunday that Saira and Alec really enjoyed. I enjoyed being in church again. I missed not attending and worshipping. During the music at the beginning I had tears in my eyes because it just felt so 'right' to be praising God. I liked it, but still have a few reservations. I told the kids that we would give it a shot for the next few weeks, but that I did still want to try a couple of other churches before I made up my mind. This church was Sierra Vista Community Church. I think they have a website if you google it with Las Cruces in the search.
Justin will be 17 in a week and a half. I can't believe it!! It seems like it hasn't been that long since he was Maggie's age. Saira will be 10 a few days after Justin's birthday. Wow. It makes me kind of sad, while at the same time I am very happy and excited to see what they will become.
I added a few pics for you to enjoy.

Margarita is 3 weeks old today!!

2009-05-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

Here she is - our 3 week old beauty. I can't believe how much she has changed already. She looks more and more like the other kids looked when they were babies. Right now I think it is a toss up between Saira and Alec. She is more and more alert every day. She has started lifting herself up a little onto her arms when she is on her stomach - enough to get her head up in the air. It doesn't last long, but she still does it - pretty strong little lady.
Kathi

Las Cruces, New Mexico

2009-05-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't update every night of our journey as I intended to do. I was just too tired to bother getting the laptop out and updating. Wednesday night we stayed in Illinois as my last post said. Then Thursday we made it to Olathe, Kansas which is a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas. We visited my best friend from high school and she fed us dinner. Thanks Susan! Friday we stayed in Amarillo, Texas. That stretch across Kansas and Oklahoma was very boring and mundane. Saturday we made it to Las Cruces. We actually got the truck unloaded on Saturday as well. That was another long day. We are grateful for all of the people we had praying for a safe journey! Our journey was safe and uneventful - a smooth trip.
Today, Friday we are actually pretty well settled and getting used to our new surroundings. We are starting to get familiar with the area and are slowly learning our way around.
Marty has started scouting out some work possibilities. Rolex, our pug, is not liking the goathead burrs. They hurt his feet whenever he goes outside to take care of his business. I think other than that he is okay with the move. He did very well during the long trip.
Speaking of doing well, Maggie did great! She hardly fussed at all - usually just to eat or get changed. The rest of the kids did well too. By the last day they were beginning to get cranky from all of the couped up car time. But overall, everyone was awesome.
I am of course tired. But I think that would have been that way no matter where we were. ;o)
Here are some recent pictures of Maggie and also the mountains that we can see out our front door. After living in Michigan for the last 20 years, it seems strange to wake up and see mountains. The weather here is awesome (sorry about that for those of you who don't want to hear it). It has gotten to 90 degrees the last couple of days, but it doesn't feel like it because there is no humidity. It only feels like it is about 75-80 degrees because of no humidity and the breeze that is blowing.
I am going to turn in for the night - well at least until Maggie lets me know it is time to eat again.
God bless you all,
and thank you for the prayers!
Kathi

We are on our way!

2009-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

We left Michigan today to start our new chapter in our life. We made it into Illinois, where we are spending the night. We are about an hour from the Iowa line. It was difficult to leave all of our friends and family behind. A few people did show up at our house before we left and that was hard to say the least.
Maggie did very well for the first day of her cross country journey. Having her here is amazing. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about being a 'new mom' again after so many years, but it is as awesome this time as it has been every other time. I just can't believe how much I love I feel for her.
The kids are all pretty excited still. They are happy that the weather is getting better and warmer the farther south we go. I think stopping to feed Maggie is giving them ample opportunity to stretch their legs and move around, so they don't get to sick of being in the car for so long.
Well, I better get to bed.....another big day of driving tomorrow.
Thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes. Please pray for safe travel!

love,
Kathi

Baptism today!!!

2009-04-19T02:07:00.003-07:00

I will post pictures and write when we get back from church. What a beautiful day for a baptism!

It was a bittersweet day! We got to have Maggie baptized and had to say goodbye to our friends at church. I should say family more than friends. Here are a couple of pictures as promised.

My Easter Present!! Margarita Kathaleen - Maggie - 8lbs 7oz and 22 inches long!

2009-04-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

She was born at 6:41am on Easter morning. I couldn't have her baptized on Easter, but I got to have her!! She is absolutely perfect! She will be baptized this Sunday.

Have a blessed day!
Kathi

Uugghhh!

2009-04-08T06:16:00.001-07:00

Friends,

I am letting you all know that our precious little girl will not be baptized at church this Sunday – because she has decided that it would be best to wait until next week to make her ‘debut’. They were not able to do the test this morning, so we have to wait until next week. The only way that she will be here before next week is if I go into labor naturally, I did already have one episode of false labor – so who knows? Thank you all for you prayers and keep them coming.

Kathi

Oh my......

2009-04-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Justin is running a fairly high temp again. I don't know what to think or what is up. I am hesitant to start him on another round of antibiotics - unless really necessary. He isn't as bad as he was before. He is up and functioning, whereas before all he could do was lay in bed. I am trying to push fluids into him and tylenol. Please pray that we get this figured out or that he just gets better!

On the other hand, I am up at 2 in the morning because I am having contractions. I figure I will time them for awhile and if they seem to stay consistant or get closer together, then I will call the doctors office. So, only those of you that actually read this will know that it is a possibility right now.

My mom and dad made it in safely. They got here Saturday evening. The kids were really excited to see them. It is nice seeing them again.

It also makes me realize that our big move is just around the corner. As excited as I am, it also makes me sad to be leaving so many people behind.

Please pray for Justin to get better, and then me to have a safe and uncomplicated delivery (whether that is today or tomorrow).

Thank you and God Bless,
Kathi

Saturday....

2009-04-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad should be here this evening. It will be good to see them. We are really getting close to the countdown for everything now.
Wednesday, I go to have the babies lungs checked, if they are good, then she will be delivered that night - hopefully. Now the doctor says that if she is still breach, he won't be able to check for lung maturity. Please pray that they can check. I really want her baptized on Easter! If they can't check then, she will be born the week after Easter and probably baptized that following weekend. So, now we have to wait and see just how stubborn she is! Of course, she is my daughter and well, that says enough. I have been having contractions for the last week, so maybe that is a sign that she is getting ready to make her debut!
We are down to less than 20 days until we move cross country. That is getting a little scary, exciting, happy, sad and just about every other emotion you can think of! We already have the truck reserved, so I am not going to change our date to move, regardless of when baby girl decides to make her appearance. I don't want to lose out on the good rate I got by reserving early. This trip is going to cost us quite a bit, but I truly believe it will be worth it in the end. God is good and he will provide and take care of us!
God Bless you all,
Kathi

I forgot to update after the last appointment...

2009-03-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

Well, the last appointment went well. Her heart rate was 152. So she is still doing great. My numbers have been awesome with the GD. Actually, they have been normal. Everything is set as far as hoping to deliver on the 8th. I go in the morning to have her lungs checked to make sure she is ready. (She should be - it is only 10 days early.) If all is good, she will be born that evening. I would have preferred first thing in the morning, but I keep forgetting that things happen in God's time, not mine. So, as long as it is the 8th I will be happy. Everyone things I am crazy for getting her baptized on Easter, because she will only be a few days old. We will try to limit how much she is being passed around because of all of the virus' floating around right now. We don't want her to end up sick.

Speaking of which, I am on antibiotics for a sinus infection right now. Justin is on them for whatever. He was still sick and lying around sleeping all day acting like he was on his death bed. You can tell he never got sick much as a kid. He has dealt with over 30 surgeries but can't get over a cold/flu. Saira was on antibiotics for a bladder infection. So, I think we are all on the mend now and getting better. I hope so, I need to get all of these sick germs out of the house before the baby gets here.

So, anyway, one more appointment for next week, then the next week we find out the big day.

I know I edited the last post to say that I had an awesome baby shower with my church family, and it was! I am going to miss those ladies so much when I move.

God Bless,
Kathi

I am excited today!

2009-03-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of very dear ladies from church are throwing me a baby shower today!! Yeah!! Thank you Jane and June!!! I can't wait. I love hanging out with all of these ladies and it will be fun, I am sure.

The only bad part is that I have a cough and head congestion. I am waiting for the pharmacy to open so that I can get some sudafed. Then I will feel better and more up to the whole party. I woke up at six feeling miserable. At least I didn't get the flu like the kids had. Justin, Saira, and Alec all just have the cough now. We sound horrible, but all in all are feeling better.

They all want to go to the shower, so sure why not? They may get bored, but I think they will have some fun. June always makes yummy deserts!

Nancy is still doing well. She is weaning down to lesser pain killers. God is Awesome!

My mom and dad will be here in 2 weeks. Our little one will hopefully be here in 2 1/2 weeks. They want to check for lung maturity that morning, and then will deliver her that evening if everything looks good. So, she is going to be an evening baby, like Marcus. The other 3 were all born in the morning. She is still breech, but since it is a c-section that isn't a problem. Everything else looks good. My numbers are still about the same for the GD, so no meds. This is a blessing, being able to control through diet (and exercise). Her heart rate was 154. That is good and strong. We go to the doctor every week now.

Well, Walgreens should be open soon, so I gotta run....

Blessings,
Kathi

I just wanted to add that I had a wonderful time at my baby shower. There were so many lovely ladies there! My baby girl got tons of great gifts! June made an awesome lunch! Thank you all very much! I am gonna take a nap and when I get up, make dinner and start writing thank you cards to all of the wonderful ladies!

uuuggghhhhh!

2009-03-17T16:48:00.001-07:00

Well, 3 out of 4 kids have the flu. I am trying very hard not to catch it. I am spraying Lysol daily.lol. Alec is on the rebound now and doing better. Justin and Saira just started yesterday really so they have a few more days ahead of them. Yuck!!
On a good note - 3 weeks from tomorrow our little one should be here. I can't wait to hold her in my arms instead of my stomach. haha.
The weather has been gorgeous the last 2 days. It is supposed to be cooler for the next few days but not too cold.
Please pray that I don't catch the kids flu.
thanks,
Kathi

An update on Nancy!

2009-03-15T15:31:00.001-07:00

Word from her husband was that she was going to be able to go home today! Praise God! The bleeding stopped and the pain was under control. They are confidant that since it stopped bleeding on its own, that she won't need to have surgery. She is on her way to recovery! The doctor said that it will take a good 6 weeks for her to get back to herself fully. Thank you all for the prayers!

Currently.....

2009-03-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment today. The doctor was in surgery so I had to see the nurse practitioner. She said my numbers were really good on my sugar levels, so no need to change anything there. She said the blood test for my thyroid levels came back normal so, my medication is still working. Sometimes, the hormones can throw it off again and you have to adjust your medication, but I am good. The baby's heartbeat was 146 today but went up to 170 when she was squirming around. That is a good thing, it is supposed to go up when she moves around and then come back down and it did. I see the doctor every week now from here on out. Next week, we should be able to officially get on the schedule for the c-section. Hopefully. I have a lump on the inside palm of my hand, and I was a little afraid that it might be blood clot, but the nurse said it looked more like a cyst. She said it may or may not go away after the pregnancy. Weird.

On another note, a friend of mine from church wasn't feeling well at church last night. She said her head was pounding. On her way home, she got into a crash and ended up at Holland Hospital. They did a cat scan and she has a brain bleed. Please pray for her! She is an amazing lady and deserves all of the prayers that she can get. She has ongoing health issues that could potentially complicate things. Please pray that the brain bleed stops bleeding and that the blood that is there is reabsorbed. Thank you all!

God Bless,
Kathi

Things were pretty productive.....

2009-03-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

I made it through the garage. Alec helped me sort through everything. We have one corner of stuff that is what we are taking with us. The rest has to go. It was pretty liberating getting that done. Praise God that we had warm weather for a couple of days. We sold the trampoline and basketball hoop already. I have some stuff on Craigslist. We threw out a bunch of stuff. A friend/neighbor is in the process of moving and they got a big dumpster. I asked and they said we could throw out stuff in there because they were never going to fill it. Thank you Nova!

We have gone through most of the stuff in the house, but I did realize that there is one set of cupboards that I completely forgot about. So, that will be the next area.

I go to the doctor on Wednesday and I will be able to see what he says about baby being so big. I also have to ask about something for heartburn. I am getting tired of chewing on tums. blech.

Only 4 1/2 weeks until my mom and dad get here.

Well, I think that is about it for now.

WOW! That is all I can say....

2009-03-04T07:16:00.001-08:00

I will start out saying that ultrasound estimates can be about a pound off. She measured 6 pounds today! So, she could be 5 pounds but still. I still have 5 weeks to go before the c-section. She is still head up - which doesn't mean too much since I am having a c-section. I think she is going to be the biggest baby I have had so far.

An update...

2009-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

I got back from the doctor and he said still no meds for the gestational diabetes. That is good news, I hope. I have had some numbers that are high, but he said that overall they look good. And the ones that are high weren't horribly high. I did get an ultrasound scheduled for next week. They want to check on her size and weight and make sure she isn't getting too big. I guess that can happen with GD. I hope not. I want to hold my little newborn. Her heart rate the last time was 160 and this time it was 154. It has been staying pretty high. I don't remember what the other kids were. I have to go for another blood test to check on my thyroid. They haven't checked it for awhile and I guess that it can go haywire when you are pregnant. I hope it is okay - I don't want to increase meds.

The colds are pretty much gone now. Everyone is healthy.

I packed up a few more tubs. I threw out a couple more trash bags full of stuff that we don't need or isn't really usable to anyone else. I have some stuff set aside to sell. We have the attic floor and upstairs done. (Meaning that we have gone through everything that we can right now.) The main things upstairs at this point is clothes. I have gone through mine and Saira's. Marty still needs to go through his. Alec went through his and so did Marcus.

Well, I better go. I gotta start supper.

There is a cold going through our house.

2009-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

I started it all. Of course, with being pregnant, my immune system isn't what it could be. I caught a cold. Then Alec and Marty caught it. Now it looks like Justin and Saira might be getting it. It has been a week and I am feeling better for the most part. There are certain times of day though that I just feel beat. Hopefully, it won't last much longer. I hope everyone else is avoiding being sick. I hear there is a lot of flu going around. I am thankful that I only have a cold and not the flu.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

My hubby surprised me and took me out to dinner. (without kids) That was nice. I definitely have a cold. My head is miserable. Being pregnant, all I can take is sudafed and tylenol. It helps a little, but I still don't feel good.
I went to Breakfast with Baby today at church. It is a program for women who are 7 months pregnant through their baby turning 1 year old. I got some clothes, diapers and wipes. It is a great program. I think they said they had a lot of first time people today.

Oh, Marty and I were watching a show on tv yesterday - well he was watching and I was on the computer. Anyway, they were showing men proposing and he asked how he proposed. I said that he didn't we just sort of decided that we were getting married. Next thing I know, he comes over and asks me to remarry him. He said we would get remarried in New Mexico. I thought that was sweet. He even brought it up again today saying that we would wait until the baby was old enough to be flower girl. I promised Saira she could be my maid of honor. She was very excited.

So, this was a pretty good Valentine's this year. I hope you all have a good day.

It is cold again.

2009-02-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Ever since the other day it has been cold again. I had to go apply for medicaid today since our insurance runs out tomorrow. Hopefully we will hear something soon. I went to the doctor yesterday and he said that even though my overnight numbers are a little high, he doesn't think that I need to be put on medication. He said we will just watch if for now and to keep working on keeping it down. So, I guess that is a praise - it isn't out of control.
Well, I had better start figuring out what needs to be done around here.

The weather was beautiful today!

2009-02-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

That title says it all! It was in the 60's today! Yeah! I wanted to let you all know that my mom's surgery went well. The lump was actually bigger than they thought. Now they just have to wait to see how the tests come back. Pray that it is not cancerous.
I have been working at getting rid of stuff. But there is a lot more to go. I go back to the doctor on Thursday. My numbers have been mostly on, except those overnight numbers. I did finally get one that was good, but this morning it was over again.
I guess I don't have too much to say. Take care and enjoy every day to the fullest.

What a beautiful morning!

2009-02-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

It actually made it to 50 degrees yesterday! Woo Hoo! I love warmer weather. A lot of snow melted so now our basement is wet again. That stinks. But there isn't really anything down there to get ruined this time. The sun is out this morning making it a beautiful day! I love sunshine, I need sunshine. I am waiting for kids to get ready so that we can leave for church. The baby is moving like crazy. That is a good thing.

Oh - before I forget, my mom is going in tomorrow to get that lump removed from her breast. Please pray for all to go well, and for it to not be cancerous. The doctors don't think it is, but please pray that it isn't. It hasn't grown any, so that is a positive thing.

Well, I have to go unclog the toilet before church. Fun - not.

It is supposed to be 45 degrees tomorrow!

2009-02-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

Yeah! I can't wait! Finally a break in all of this cold weather. Maybe I will get a chance to go out and start going through the garage. I have to sort through everything out there to see what we are keeping and what we are getting rid of. I did list a bunch of stuff on Craigslist for free and some for sale. So, I have been getting rid of some stuff. I even listed some stuff on eBay. Some of it is selling, so that will help. I am putting all of the money away for the trip.

The gestational diabetes stuff is going okay. My numbers are okay all day long. But my number first thing in the morning, after not eating all night is the problem. It isn't horribly high, but it still is not where they want it. I have until next week Thursday to get them under control or the doctor may put me on medication. So, please pray for them to come under control.

All else is well. The kids are all doing good. Baby girl is moving constantly, but that is a blessing! Rolex is getting fatter. With Marty being off work, he feeds the poor dog way too much. Here is a picture of them watching t.v.

February has already started out to be stressful

2009-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

We still haven't gotten any unemployment for Marty. I had him call today and after he was on hold for about an hour and a half, he finally got to talk to a real person. They told him that his employer hadn't turned in any wages since 2003! What is up with those people. So, Marty came home got his W-2 and got on the phone again and of course that meant being on hold for another hour. He finally talked to someone and got it worked out by giving them the info on the W-2. We should get a check this week. Then there was the issue with my gestational diabetes supplies not being covered by my insurance. So, after calling the insurance company to find out why, I found out that it has to billed as a medical expense not a prescription expense. Whatever! I swear, everyone likes to make things difficult. On a positive note, we got a 3D ultrasound done of the baby and they even gave me a short 4D clip of her moving.

TODAY

2009-01-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Today is Alec's 14th birthday. Boy time goes by fast.

Thursday the 15th, I went for a glucose screening test. I failed. But not by much, one number was only 1 over and the other was only 2 or 3 over. So, I technically have a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes. I went to the doctor today and he said that all of the stress that I went through could have been a factor, but we will keep an eye on it. I will have to test my blood 4 times a day and see if things stay in a good range. But on the bright side - I will get another ultrasound to see my baby. The doctor also thinks April 8 is a doable day for delivery. So that is only 10 weeks from today.

Oh, and I lost another pound. I had gained 3.75 lbs and have now lost 1.50 lbs. I am up 2.25 lbs right now. So, I think I am going to come out of this weighing less than when I went in. AND NO - I AM NOT TRYING TO LOSE. I just can't eat too much, I get full really fast. The doctor isn't worried because of my size when I got pregnant, I had some to spare. So, everything looks good. She had a heartbeat of 150 today. It was good and strong.

On another note, a friend of mine lost her baby. She was about a month behind me and when she went to her appointment, they found that her heart had stopped beating. She has to go in today and deliver her daughter, who passed away at about 5.5 to 6 months gestation. Please keep her in your prayers. I can't even imagine what she is going through. I am so thankful everytime I feel my little one kick.

Have a great day!

It is starting to sink in.....I think....

2009-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, tomorrow will be 10 weeks until our little one comes along. That means about 12 weeks until we move cross country. We have already secured a place to live. That takes a big load off my mind. I know that we will have a roof over our heads. We have started selling some stuff that we don't plan to take with us. We have a lot more to go through. I have started going through tubs of stuff in the attic and weeding out anything that isn't absolutely necessary to take with us.
I called a lady from church that I am close to and explained to her what we were going to be doing. That was hard. She is so close to my family, but luckily she was very understanding. She did make it a little easier for me to tell her. I told another close friend, and she almost started crying. That was hard. She said she was trying not to, because she knew that would make it harder for me. She was right, I almost started crying. But these people are the ones in my life that I really connect with and it is going to be hard to leave them. That is the hardest part of leaving ~ my friends, and my church family. I really love them and saying good bye is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. When I moved to Michigan 23 years ago, it was easier because I only had one friend and my family. My family will always be my family and we connect when we need to. Friends are the hardest because it is easy to grow apart when you don't see each other. I will be giving everyone my blog address before we go - so that we can keep in touch through this as well as email, phone and any other means possible. I don't want to lose my friends.

I still have a lot more people to tell. My husband on the other hand has been telling everyone. I have told some other friends and they are being pretty supportive. It will still be hard.

My newest development

2009-01-25T01:24:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it is 4 in the morning and I am awake. Yesterday and the day before I woke up at 5. I don't mind getting up early but this is not fun. I get so tired during the day. Yesterday I tried to take a nap but couldn't sleep because I could hear everyone in the house. I think it is because my husband is not working. Before he would get up around 4 or 5. Then I would have the bed to myself and be able to sleep - not because I move a lot or need the whole bed. I sleep in one spot. More, I think because he moves a lot. He wakes me up all night long - not on purpose - he just does. Every time he touches me to put his arm around me, or bumps me when he is turning over, I wake up. You see, confession time here, I like to sleep alone. I sleep so much better by myself. Him, he is the opposite. He loves to have me next to him. He says he sleeps better. How do we solve this development? I really don't know. Until I figure something out - I guess, I will try to take naps when I can - alone. But of course, that is always easier said than done. Maybe part of it is that I am overly sensitive right now with being pregnant. Of course, I don't think I will be sleeping any sounder once the baby comes. It is a mom thing. I hear every sound the baby makes. I was just getting to the point where I could sleep good at night and not hear every sound the kids made. Being teenagers the boys stay up later than me half the time.
Well, I am going to go lay back down and see if I might fall back to sleep. Otherwise, I might fall asleep during church and that would be embarassing.

Man is it cold out there....

2009-01-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon! It is a lovely crisp 12 degrees out today! Eww, I do not like cold weather. The prettiness of the snow has worn off. So there is nothing appealing to me right now. I am getting accustomed to the idea of moving. It still seems so far off, but yet it is only 3 months away. I know that being pregnant this time will drag, and being the coldest months of the year, this time will drag. But with so much to do - I think it is going to go by fast and I am going to have trouble getting everything done that I need to.

LOL Did that even make sense? I have started packing some of the stuff that we are taking that we don't use every day. I am going through and sorting out a lot of stuff that we are not taking with. I have thrown away a lot of stuff already. I have a couple of boxes of stuff that I am going to try to sell, and then some other stuff that I am just giving away. Selling stuff is turning out to be difficult, because everyone around this area is having just as tough of a time as we are - financially.

The kids are excited about moving. People are starting to find out more now. I know that it is inevitable but it is so hard to tell people. I had a couple people from church ask me if it were true. I it is so hard to tell them that it is. I am going to miss my church family. I know I will keep in touch as much as possible, since it is the electronic age and most people have email now.

We found a place to rent and they are willing to hold it rent free for two months. We will start renting in April. It is a 4 bedroom modular house, but it is on property not in a trailer park. It is going to be so much smaller than what we are used to. It will be all on one level though and I think the boys will like that more. The boys will have 2 bedrooms to divide between the 3 of them. They can figure out how to make it work. They think they want to use one for a bedroom to sleep in and the other for their own living room. Saira will have a bedroom by herself until the baby gets bigger and moves in with her. Of course, Marty and I will have the master bedroom. And yeah!!!!! there will be 2 bathrooms again. That will be the best part. We have had only one for the last 2 years, and while that was doable - it will be nice to not have to wait or to have to go downstairs in the middle of the night to go potty. ( of course, I am the only one that gets up in the middle of the night - and not just because I am pregnant. I always get up in the middle of the night to go. It is just 2 or 3 times now instead of once.)

I think Rolex is going to have a hard time adjusting to the heat. With Marty being off work right now, he is feeding that poor dog so much that he is putting on a lot of weight. Hopefully, he will lose weight when we get down there, but I doubt that can happen until Marty goes back to work.

Speaking of work, Marty applied for his unemployment and calls in next week to get his first check. I hear that it is $360 a week max. I set it up for them to take taxes out because I didn't want to get in a bind next year at income tax time. So, I don't know how much we actually get. I know it is going to be hard to live on when he used to bring home quite a bit more than that. We will do what we can and keep our faith and keep praying that God will provide. We are getting his 401k and will pay 6 months rent in advance. That way it will give him time to find a job. Hopefully and prayerfully he will find a job that pays well enough for us to live on. Otherwise, I may have to go to work too. I still plan on homeschooling the boys. I am not sure about Saira, though. I have been looking into Montessori schools. I know that they could help her with her speech and her dyslexia. So, I am still praying about what the right choice is for her. Hopefully, Justin will take his GED before we leave Michigan and graduate. In Michigan you can do that at 16, but in New Mexico you can do that until 18. It would be nice if he were done with school before we leave.

My mom and dad are excited for us to be moving near them. They are glad that they aren't going to miss out on this baby growing up.

I guess I should get busy. I will probably start updating this a little more regularly now - and especially after we move. I think this will be a great way to keep in touch with everyone.

Hmm, I think I will get around to cutting the boys hair tonight. They need it.

God Bless,
Kathi

I wanted to share this poem...

2009-01-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

My best friend from high school sent this poem to me when I was pregnant. We found out that my son was going to be born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. That was almost 17 years ago! This poem is so true....it isn't bad - just different than you expected. I wouldn't change a thing, because Justin's disability has made him who he is, and in turn made us who we are. Please enjoy.

Welcome to Holland
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this…

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!" you say. "What do you mean, Holland?" I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy.

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to some horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy a new guidebook. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

The pain of that will never, ever, go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss.

But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

Written by Emily Perl Kingsley

God Bless,
Kathi

Update

2009-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

We made it home. Justin is recovering from having 2 surgeries in the last week. He got his shunt put back in on Monday. We came home on Tuesday. It is good to be home. I am so happy to have my family back together. I miss my kitty, though.

Marty and I have made some decisions. They weren't easy either. We will be moving to New Mexico. We will be going after the baby is born. The baby will be baptized on Easter Sunday.

I guess I don't feel like writing much right now.

Wow 2009 - what else?

2009-01-11T07:49:00.001-08:00

I am almost afraid to ask that question. First - Justin ended up in the hospital for a week. It looks like he will be getting his shunt back in on Monday. yeah!! Second - My kitty had to be put to sleep. Now Third - Marty is getting laid off this week. His shop is slow.

Marty and I have been really trying to figure out what to do. The job situation in Michigan is horrible. We always talked about moving south after Marty retires. He asked me about going now. I told him that if he thought that was what we needed to do, I would be behind him. It is a hard decision to make though. I love my friends, my church family, and my house and yard.
But most of all I love God and if this is where He is leading us - who am I to question? The kids are excited to move - which surprised me. They have always been against it before when we talked about it. (and that was still 8 years in the future) To me that is a God thing. Why else would they have such sudden change of hearts?

So, we have started the process to see what we need to do to get everything organized to get this all started. We won't go until after the baby is born, because I don't want to change doctors mid pregnancy. I also don't want to travel in ice and snow being pregnant. I also want to have the baby baptized at 'our church' like the other kids were. No matter where we move, and no matter what other churches we may join and may love - New Community Fourth Reformed will always be our church!

So friends, our time together might be limited, but I want you all to know that you have all touched my heart and will forever have a place there!

Blessings,
Kathi

Another vent ~ sorry......

2009-01-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Justin's doctor came in this morning and said that the soonest they would put his shunt back in is next Tuesday. I asked if there were an infection and he said not yet. Okay so why did you initially tell us 4-5 days? His reply - he must have been delirious. Uhh Gee thanks?!?! I am so irritated right now. I just want to be done with this and go home. I am 7 months pregnant and trying to sleep on some little cot like thing is not comfortable and I am not getting much sleep, let alone - no exercise. This just royally sucks. It was bad enough before, but now it is worse. On top of that, I can't quit thinking about my kitty.

Okay enough feeling sorry for myself. I just needed to get that off of my chest.
gotta go......

Wow! I thought 2009 was going to be a pretty good year....

2009-01-07T12:09:00.001-08:00

Well, when it rains, it pours! That is all I can say. As I type this, I am sitting in Detroit at Childrens Hospital. Justin's shunt was having issues. We got here on Monday and they ran tests all day long. We got in a room at 6:00pm. Tuesday they took him into surgery and removed the shunt and externalized it so that it drains on the outside of his head. Apparently, with all of the tests, it showed that he had a psuedo cyst at the end of his shunt tubing. The fluid that was there is typically there because of an infection. So, they drained that and are culturing it to see if anything grows. The first initial result showed no infection, but we still have to wait 3-4 days to see what the other ones do.
Then if that isn't bad enough, our cat has gotten very ill while we were away. So, my husband is taking her to have her put to sleep. I feel bad that I am not there. She was more my cat than anyone else's.
I know they say things happen for a reason, but seriously, I think I have had enough this week. I tell you my week has really sucked!
Of course, I keep looking to God and of course, I don't want her to suffer until I get home, but that doesn't make it any easier. I know that Saira is going to be heartbroken. Alec handles everything, but I know that it bothers him.
Well, here are few pictures that I actually have on my laptop of our kitty Omega - rest in peace.

Whoops! It is 2009 now! Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Well, I am heading to Detroit on Monday morning. Justin is pretty sure that his shunt isn't working. So, that is how we are starting the new year. Other than that, I have about 13 1/2 weeks left until our newest little bundle makes an appearance into the world. Yeah! I can't wait to hold her in my arms.
Marty goes back to work Monday after being off for 2 weeks. Hopefully he will find out soon if he is getting laid off or not. We have a lot of major decisions to make. I think that 2009 is going to be a year of changes for us. We will see. I have to get to bed so that I can go to church tomorrow. I am getting to the point in pregnancy where it is getting harder to sleep and yet I am always tired.
God Bless,
Kathi

It is almost 2009!

2008-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, this year has gone by pretty fast. Summer didn't seem long enough. Before I knew it Thanksgiving was here and now Christmas just got over. Three more days and it will be 2009. I am looking forward to the new year. We made it through Christmas without charging anything so no new bills. Yeah! Also, the baby will be born in April. I can't wait to meet her. I am still getting used the idea of another girl. Right now Saira brought all of her stuffed animals to the living room to 'have' a wedding with them. Oh boy.

Christmas was nice again this year. It was laid back and everybody woke up on their own for the most part. Although, I think Saira woke a couple of the boys up because she couldn't wait. She woke up at five and I made her get in bed with me because there was no way I was getting up that early. Next year I think I will let her stay up late for 2 or 3 nights prior to Christmas so that she can sleep in on Christmas Day. ;o)

The weather has been bizarre. We got 4 feet of snow over about a week and a half. Then the day after Christmas it was about 25 degrees. The day after that it got up to 60 degrees! All of the snow left, our basement got wet. Now it is just cold out, but no snow or rain. Yeah.

Saira played piano at church on Christmas Eve. Alec was a wise man in the program. It was nice.
Yeah! it worked. I loaded the video of Saira playing. It is dark but you can still hear her play.

This Wednesday will be about 14 weeks before the baby will be here. So, I am trying to make sure that I have everything ready. I have been trying to make plans in my head for the hospital and everything else. Well, thank you all for being in my life. I hold each and every one of you dear to my heart. God Bless.

Wow - ultrasound results today.....

2008-11-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

The ultrasound says it is another little girl. Wow - 2 daughters. I still can't comprehend. I have always thought of myself as a boy mom. Saira is exstatic! The boys are a little bit bummed. I think they will come around though. Marty has a grin that won't wipe off of his face. He can't believe he is having another girl.

Ewww another winter...

2008-11-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it is here again. We have our official first snow of the year. I like the way it looks the very first time. After that - I have no need for snow and winter. Luckily, I got all of my leaves mulched just in time - except for the ones still in the trees. :oP Well, with being pregnant this winter I will probably hibernate unless I need to go out for something. At least when I hibernate - I won't spend much money. That is good because Marty's hours have been cut back.
I don't have a lot to say. I know, that is a shocker. I have nine days until my ultrasound. I found out that my doctors office doesn't offer video or dvd of the baby's ultrasound. SO, I called Holland Hospital and they don't either. However, HH used to because I have videos of my first 4 kids ultrasounds. Now I won't have one for this baby. That kind of sucks.
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? I think we go to Marty's sister in the morning for breakfast and then I will just make dinner for my family that afternoon. Not too exciting. But that is okay. I am thankful for my family. I love spending time with them. So, it will be a good day.
praise God for all things (including snow)
Kathi

It is November 7th!

2008-11-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

We made it into the next month. Yeah. November brought about a few new changes. We have a new president voted into the White House. Obama is 1/2 African American. It is our first black president. We will see what this change has in store for America.

I went to the doctor and my big ultrasound is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. We will find out all the good stuff then. We will find out if the baby is healthy and if it is a boy or girl. My sister in law dreamt I was having twins. It would be so cool, but I don't think so.

It was in the 70's for the last 5 days and now it is taking a dive into the 40's. Welcome back fall! Winter is getting too close. As I have said before, I am not too fond of winter. It is beautiful for about 3 hours.

That is it for now....
God Bless!

It is almost November!

2008-10-29T09:42:00.001-07:00

Well, let's see. Mido is doing great in his new home. They have renamed him Mr. Bean. They love him very much. I am happy he has a good home.

I am officially 16 weeks along now. I only have about 5 1/2 months to go. It will be sometime before April 19th. I should have an ultrasound around the end of November. Please pray that everything looks good. We might even be able to find out if it is boy #4 or girl #2. I am still feeling kind of like it is a dream. I am still wearing my own jeans - no maternity pants .... yet. I don't think it will be long though. My pants are starting to get snug. I think about having a baby in the house again, and I can't wait. I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that this will be the last baby for us. We have talked about adoption. So, that may be our next endeavor - a little later of course.

I should update on Justin. He is 16 now. We aren't looking at anymore surgeries in the near future. He is doing good and getting stronger every day. He is pretty much walking full time now. He is finally out of the wheelchair for awhile. He has decided to wait until he is 18 to get his license. We gave our kids the option that if they wanted to take drivers ed and get their license earlier than 18 then they would have to pay for it themselves. As far as I know, all 3 boys have chosen to wait. I think it will help ensure a little more maturity as well.

We did testing this year to kind of see where everyone is with homeschool.Justin did exceptionally well. His average tested at the end of 11th grade. He is technically the beginning of 11th grade right now. I told him that if he wanted to change his course of study to the GED, then he could do that now and possibly take the GED yet this year in the spring and be done with high school. He is thinking about it. (I am being a little selfish - it would be nice to have one less to homeschool with a new baby coming.) Marcus and Alec tested a little behind. With Marcus, I think he knows the stuff - he is just not good at taking tests. He sits there telling himself he can't do it. The two tests that he said that the most on was the two he did worst on. I started catching on and when it came to the science portion - he started saying that, and I stopped him. I told him that science was based on the power of deductive reasoning and we all have that skill. I told him that 'I knew' he could do it. He did better on that test than all of the rest. So, I think that he defeats himself when taking tests. But I have always known that he is a hands on learner, and that tests are tough for him. Alec, I was a little more dissappointed in. I know he could do better if he tried. He really didn't have motivation or try very hard. We talked about it and hopefully he will start to try a little harder. I didn't have Saira tested this year because her reading isn't real strong yet. Because of her speech issues, I have not pushed reading at all. Her speech has been steadily improving and along with that so has her reading. I think she went from about beginning kindergarten level to near end of second grade level just this year alone, already. She is motivated and eager to learn. That is so refreshing after dealing with boys attitudes the last couple of years.

I think that is about it as far as updates for us. We are currently down to one vehicle. That is hard. I am stuck at home a lot more. I have been getting a lot more in depth cleaning done. But I can't wait until we get another vehicle, hopefully a mini-van.

Take care and God Bless,
Kathi

Well, I thought maybe I should update a little.

2008-10-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

We found Mido a new home. I just wasn't able to bond to him after losing Zodiac. He is in a home where they all love him dearly and are so happy to have him there. I think he will be much better off. He was cute pup. I am about 14 weeks pregnant now. That is about 3 1/2 months. I should be able to get an ultrasound around the end of November or first of December. We will be able to find out the gender then. I am kind of hoping for a boy, but 'feel' like it is a girl. So, we will see what God has in store for us. I also found new homes for our bunnies and our leopard geckos. I just felt like it was time to be done with so many things that are time consuming. I have a lot of things that I am dealing with that take up enough time. This includes homeschooling. Well, I have to go scoop ice cream for some kids I am babysitting. I will try to write more later.

Since this is safe.....

2008-08-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

None of my family or friends read my blog. It is a good thing right now. I want to announce to the world that I am pregnant with baby #5! I am excited. I think my husband is too. I know my family will be excited, but my husbands family is a whole different story. My kids that I have now are three sons 13, 15, and 16, and a daughter that is 9. My husband has 2 kids from his first marriage. They are 36 and 38 this year. Between them they have 8 kids. So we are grandparents to 8 kids. I will be 43 when this baby is born and my husband will be 54. He wants me to get my tubes tied after this baby. I agreed to it half heartedly. I don't know if I really want to but.....So we will see. Maybe I should just because of my age and the fact that I have had 4 c-sections already. I will be having my fifth c-section with this one.

I thought I would add a few new photos ....

2008-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

There is Alec, Saira and Marcus in the first pictures. Then there is Rolex, Mido and my hubby with both dogs. Then the last one is Justin on our bike ride.

We have been trying to do a lot of things as a family this year - well at least me and the kids. We have been going swimming and bike riding a lot.

Our new puppy - Mido!

2008-06-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Well, I decided that I couldn't get another boxer so soon after Zodi. My husband wanted a black pug, but at $600 there was no way that was going to happen. So I found this little guy. He is half pug and half shih tzu - a pug-zu. He is about 10 weeks old now, and he weighed a whole 3.5 lbs when I took him to the vet. He has a great personality. He is doing really well with the housebreaking. Take care.....
Kathi

R.I.P. Zodiac.....

2008-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, with everywhere that I put our name and number out - I did hear about Zodi. It wasn't a call I wanted and I never want to get a call like that again. It is like a punch in your gut. A gentleman called and said that he worked on I-80 where we lost Zodi, he had taken her body off the interstate a few days before. He knew it was her from her 2 collars that she was wearing. I pray that she went quick. It is bad enough knowing that she was out there alone, but it keeps going through my mind that she suffered. I feel like a real heal! I should have spent more time looking for her.....or something.........

bye bye Zodi - you were a beautiful dog and I do miss you!

Well, Iowa was quite the trip......

2008-04-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

My grandma with my dad.
My grandma Sarah with my daughter Saira.
Bye bye Zodi. My mom and dad and aunt and uncle with my grandma.

We left Friday and went to Iowa. We took both dogs with us. When we stopped at a rest area in Iowa about an hour or so from Des Moines, Zodiac decided to bolt. She took off and we couldn't find her. We looked and hollered for over an hour and then it started getting dark so we had to get going. We went on to see my grandma. She is holding her own medically. Mentally she isn't remembering a lot of things. She is very small and frail now. On Sunday on our way home we stopped at the same rest area to try to find her, but still no luck. So, please pray that she found a home or someone that took her in. We did contact a lot of the farms and homes in the area and left her name and our number and name. I even contacted the humane society in that county and the surrounding ones. So, bye bye Zodi - we miss you.

Prayer request please....

2008-04-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there. We are on our way to Iowa to see my grandmother. She is 92 and has pneumonia. We will be back on Sunday. So, pray for safe travels. Marty's friend Stan passed away this last weekend. So, it has been one of those weeks! We found a hotel in Iowa that allows dogs - so we are taking them with us. The only highlight - the hotel also has a pool. I will try to get a couple of pictures and post when we get back.

Blessings,
Kathi

Beautiful Pictures......

2008-02-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures from my back yard. You can see Graafschap Church in the distance. I really can't stand the cold and winter so much anymore, but it is beautiful! God does awesome work! I love the sunshine! I hope you enjoy these pictures.

BRRRRRR! Winter is not letting up!

2008-02-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today is cold. And there is still no sun! I need sun. I really get depressed when there is no sunlight. I am sooooo ready for Spring. I filed our income tax papers yesterday. Hopefully, we will get it back soon. I am waiting to pay off some bills and get caught up on others. This is the most depressing time of year. I have a lot of ideas floating around in my head.

My parents leave in April. Then Saira will get her old room back. I want to make it pretty neat for her. I am going to move all of her toys to the basement. Alec moved up to the attic with Marcus. They each have half of it. Marty will have a watch room. Hopefully, all of the watch stuff that is filtering through the whole house will get limited to that one room!!!!!! We will see. I will post all of my ideas here for the house. Then I will let you know how much I actually accomplish.

Better go for now,
Kathi

2008-01-27T04:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some awesome pictures of the snow that we have gotten. Like I said, I don't like winter much or snow, but even I can't deny how beautiful it is. The picture with the pine trees looks cool because you can see Graafschap Church behind there. It is just a cool looking picture with the sun shining. God is an awesome artist! The other picture is of our house in the winter. My Zodiac loves playing in the snow. She jumps around like a little puppy.

My baby boy turns 13 tomorrow! Today I am making homemade pizza for his birthday. I am making gluten free crust for me and him. I am making regular crust for everyone else. Just making the regular crust made me 'headachy' and made my sinus' act up. I am also making 2 different cakes today (one gluten free). He is having a friend over. I think they plan on staying up and watching movies all night. It works because they are both homeschooled. So after they sleep on Monday they can do school, or make it up on Tuesday.

Saira is taking piano lessons now. She had her first lesson and so far she loves it. Hopefully, this is something she will stick with. It would be nice to have at least one kid in the family that can play an instrument. Although, Alec and Marcus play around with the piano too.

Well, I have to get going so that I can get ready for church.

God Bless and have a great day.

Snow, snow, snow.......

2008-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Well, we woke up today to a driveway full of snow, probably about six inches. Snow is not one of my favorite things. Don't get me wrong, I think it is beautiful. It all looks so fresh and clean - until the plows go through ~ then it loses its appeal.

I am on the 6th day of no pop. Boy do I think about it and want it. I miss that taste. But I am determined to beat this stuff. I made some gluten free cornbread tonight to go with bean soup. It tasted really good. It didn't look as good as the regular cornbread I made for everyone except Alec and me. Right now I am getting ready to take a loaf of gluten free bread out of the oven. Alec has been doing gluten free for about 2 weeks now and he says he is feeling better than ever. It is funny because I have noticed that our tastes are changing. For example, Alec never used to like chili, or bean soup, or ham and now he is enjoying eating those things. He is eating stuff with more chopped up veggies in it. It is strange how things just taste better now. I did find out that I have to make chili from scratch. If you buy canned chili beans, there is wheat in them. So, I make it from scratch now and I put 3-4 types of beans in it. It is so good! My first clue about getting wheat is a headache. After that, the regular allergy stuff sets in.

One of the side effects is that I think I am losing weight, but I am afraid to get on scales to find out. I hope I am, I have tried for so long. But with my thyroid, aspartame, and wheat all fighting me, I think that is why it was so hard. I will see where I end up. Pray for me!

Bits and pieces

2008-01-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I usually end up writing because I feel strongly about something. This time I can't say that. I wanted to write - so I decided to see where it took me. I have been fighting a cold/bronchitis for about 3-4 weeks now. I just can't shake it. Even so, I feel better than I have in a long time. I haven't eaten wheat/gluten for about 3 months now. It is weird how much better I feel without eating it. It isn't that easy either. There are quite a few substitutes out there which is awesome, but it doesn't help when you walk through the grocery store seeing donuts and rolls. Oh do they look good! I am going strong on day 2 1/2 without pop or soda or whatever you want to call it. I was one of those diet coke addicts. I loved the taste of it. I even liked diet sprite or diet 7 up. But I think the aspartame isn't good for me. So, no more diet pop for me. Since I don't like regular pop then it is going to have to be no pop at all for me. The biggest side effect that I have noticed besides craving it - is how tired I am. I hope this will pass as my body becomes accustomed to no carbonation and caffeine and aspartame.

Okay, I am going to go for now. I will write again in a few days and see how I am doing with the whole pop thing.

Good night and God bless!

Here's to a great ~ 2008!

2008-01-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, did 2007 ever fly by. It seemed like a very short year to me. Of course, each year seems to be just a little shorter. (Is that an age thing? The older you get the faster time seems to go by?) I hope not. I know a week seems like forever to my daughter. We only have one birthday this month. My baby boy officially becomes a teenager. 13!?!?! That hardly seems possible. I remember when he was this cute little peanut. My puppy. That is what I used to call him. He made little whimpering puppy sounds when he was a baby. Now he has braces on his teeth ~ and it isn't such cute little noises that come out of him now. lol He has a quiet subtle sense of humor that gets me every time. He told me that his friends say we laugh too much. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Being able to laugh at everything - including ourselves is what keeps us real.

Talk about getting off track. 2007 wasn't anything like I intended it to be. I had plans but found out along the journey that God had different plans in mind for me. I was going to get a lot of yard work done and help my dad finish the attic. Instead I broke my foot. There were 2 months shot - doing only what I could. I did get my fire pit dug out and and blocks around it. It is nice to sit around that. My foot healed in time to get fall trimming done. My mom and dad were moving to Texas at the end of the summer. Instead they moved into my house. There was a chance that my mom had breast cancer. Praise God that it just turned out to be a cyst. Their move, instead of being canceled now is postponed until April. I love my parents but it is like having 2 more kids in the house. My mom can't get along with my middle son, (who incidentally has adhd, dyslexia, and who knows what else?)

I developed a deeper love for my husband this past year. We began to connect on a different level than we ever did before.

Both of my older boys got their braces off this year, one in March and one in December. My younger son got his on. My daughter doesn't need them yet.

We got another boxer - Zodiac, to go with our pug - Rolex, and our siamese kitty - Omega. Yes, there is a theme there. My husband collects watches. So, all of our pets end up with watch names.

2007 wasn't bad - it just wasn't what I had planned. Is it ever? So, here's to a great 2008 - whether it turns out how we have it planned or not.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

This year Christmas seemed a lot more relaxed. We didn't wake anyone up. Well, not until 10 o'clock anyway - then Daddy couldn't take it anymore. Alec was the first one up and he got his stocking and did his 'treasure hunt'. I take 3x5 cards and write rhymes and clues on them and they have to search for each one in turn until they find the special gift. We used to do a Santa gift, but I wasn't comfortable with that, so that is why I came up with the 'treasure hunt'. I don't have anything against Santa - I just didn't like lying to my kids. The kids enjoy the hunt almost as much as the gift. lol They look forward to it each year and always ask me to make sure I am going to do it.

We went with quite a bit less this year for gifts. I don't think anyone was disappointed. They all got the 1 gift that they had wanted the most.

After a little while, Justin got up and got his stocking and did his hunt. Then around 10 Daddy couldn't take it anymore ~ he went and woke Saira up. Marcus woke up at about the same time. So, after they went through their stockings and did their hunts, then we all opened our presents. It was nice to not be rushed and to have kids that had enough sleep. The day went on without grumpiness or grouchiness taking over. The boys are playing video games and Saira is riding her scooter around the house. Praise God we have our house - she actually has room to do that!

Well, Merry Christmas to you all. May your hearts be filled with joy, peace, and love. I have a new sense of peace right now that I haven't felt in awhile. Thank you Jesus!

Some days.............

2007-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

I love my kids! Remind me of that please!? They are normal kids - sometimes they don't listen. I holler and they get louder and louder. My husband turns the tv up louder and louder. Right now I can barely even think - they are all being so loud. It doesn't change how much I love them, but I wish there were a volume control. When I holler for quiet, my husband doesn't say a word. He just turns the tv louder. I think if he would help voice his opinion to them instead of always to just me, there might be better results. I have stopped hollering. It has been about 5 minutes and they aren't any quieter. My husband just looks at me and then at them. What does he want me to say? I am out of things to say. If it doesn't bother him enough to say something - why should I let it bother me? It really doesn't bother me - other than the sheer volume of it all. But I have decided not to stress myself out, trying to keep them quiet for him. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband. I just hate that he puts me in the roll of the bad guy. Well the tv just went up even louder. He doesn't say anything because he doesn't want the kids mad at him. Well, about 10 minutes later, the kids have toned it down a little, but the tv is still blaring. I will probably hear about it later. What do I say? That I hate yelling at them as much as he does? It is true - I would rather be their friend. But I also know that God gave me a responsibility to raise these kids right. That means I need to be their parent not their friend. In all honesty-I feel like they respect me more than they do him. I encourge them to do things for their father and show him respect. I don't know if he does the same for me. I do know that my kids like to hang out with me. Even their friends like to hang out with them and me. Well, my instigator of a son, just stopped and got everyone ice cream. It is quiet now except for the tv. Honey, can you turn the tv down? Please?!?!?

NEVER TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED....

2007-10-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, that is something that I should know by heart by now. Of course, I always forget. My 15 year old son just had another surgery. That makes him very close to 30 surgeries now. This was supposed to be 'a piece of cake' compared to a lot of the others that he has been through. Well,..... that was our first mistake - thinking this was going to be easy. This has turned out to be one of the most eventful surgeries with the most setbacks that he has ever experienced. He has really been tested this time through. In the moment, he gets frustrated - who wouldn't? But once the pain and aggrivation passes - he is back to himself. He amazes me with his strength.

2007-09-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

I wrote this in 2005. It still applies today. Although our life isn't typical ~ I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Blessings,
Kathi

Good evening. My oldest son was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. That was 13 years ago! Wow! Honestly, they told me right away that I could always have an abortion. Here I was in shock and they were saying that to me. This is right after they gave me the worst prognosis possible. I wonder how many women are overwhelmed and actually do it. I was more sickend at the thought of doing something like that to the child I felt moving inside of me than I was at the possibility of a handicapped child. They basically told me that he would be mentally challenged and pretty much a 'vegetable' (for lack of a better word - I don't mean to offend). They said he would be stuck in a wheelchair forever and never amount to anything. I will tell you that he has turned out to be an awesome kid who has inspired many people. He has done almost everything they said he never would. I think about all of the things I would have missed out on had I made that horrible decision. Of course I wouldn't have to deal with surgeries, stress, fear, worry, inconviences, disruptions, accomodations, etc. But I also wouldn't have to deal with seeing a son walk that they said never would, see him learn to read and do math when they said he never would, holding that precious baby in my arms, raising awareness in others, seeing him inspire others and much, much, much more! Thanks and God Bless,
Kathi

MY SON ~ MY HERO

2007-09-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is something I wrote a few years ago. This amazing kid is now 15 years old. His number of surgeries have almost tripled since I wrote this, and my perspective of him hasn't changed a bit.
I hope you enjoy reading this and it gives you a small glimpse into our lives.
Blessings,
Kathi

I am always sitting here wanting to write. I always seem to have plenty to say, however when it comes to writing, I draw a blank. Tomorrow my son goes in for yet another surgery. I know that he is luckier than some, but it still doesn't seem fair that he should number more in surgeries than he does in age. He is such a happy, easy going, easy to get along with kid that you would not know that he has endured what he has. He will be nine this June. Wow, where have the years gone? He was born with Myelomeningocele, otherwise known as Spina Bifida. He was also born with Hydrocephalus. I am not going to go into all of the details of what that all means. (Maybe that will be the next publication.) I will list all of his surgeries to date:At 1 day old - They repaired his back.At 2 weeks old - They placed a VP Shunt.At 2 months old - They did a shunt revision.At 2 ½ months old - They did another shunt revision.At 18 months old - They did a Tendon Release - both feet.At 6 years old - They did a Hip Osteotomy and Tendon Reversal on both feet.At 8 years old - They did a Tethered Cord Release (on his back).1 week later, they did 2 shunt revisions back to back.That brings us up to number 10. Tomorrow they are taking the plate and screws out of his hip that they put in 2 years ago. Is he scared? Yes he is! Who wouldn’t be? In my opinion, he has gone through more than any kid should have to. I have four kids altogether and they are all great! In my honest opinion, I think God chose him because He knew that this son would have the personality to handle anything thrown his way. My other kids, as great as they are, would not be able to handle what he goes through.He accepts the fact that he is different. He goes with the flow. He has such a charming personality and happy disposition that people notice right away when he isn’t himself. Everyone that meets him tells me how fantastic he is. As his Mom, I know this. As his Mom, I also lose sight of this. He is a typical kid. He balks when I tell him to do his chores. He makes excuses for not getting ready when asked. He begs to play one more computer game. In between surgeries, he is just another kid. When he has to have a surgery ~ HE IS MY HERO! He is brave, he is strong, he is courageous, he is MY SON!