Crazy Busy

It's been over two weeks since I've had the chance to blog. I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago and I should have known that my life would be hectic after that point. Each year I celebrate my birthday and then stay busy until after the new year. Unfortunately, that's when Michael starts to work a lot of hours and we don't truly get him back for months. I have plenty to blog about, but it may just have to wait until the new year! I'll do my best to blog about Julia's 8 Month birthday tomorrow, but I'm not promising anything. I will give myself a pat on the back if I even get her picture taken. I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!

Five Question Friday - 11.12.10

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Well, it's not childbirth because of wonderful medication. I developed an autoimmune disease in April, right after the birth of Julia. It's called Pemphigoid Gestationis and I was absolutely miserable. I hate remembering that month. I almost always cry thinking about it. You can go to my labels on the right if you are interested in it.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

Not enough. Last night, it was my own fault, but I got about 5 hours. It always seems that if the girls give me a good night, I mess it up in some other way. Ex: caffeine, watching a game, or just thinking.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

I have a horrible memory. I really have no clue!

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Like I said, I have a poor memory, especially when it comes to movies. I think I saw that Facebook movie last. I want to see that overly girl movie, Morning Glory. Any girls want to go with me?

5. What do you wear to bed?

I wear shirt and leggings during the winter time. I wish I could be more "appealing," but I'd rather stay warm.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Embrace the Camera - Date Night!

Audrey and Daddy had a date night Tuesday night. Michael's been pretty busy lately and Audrey has been missing him a lot. She was so emotional about him leaving for work Tuesday morning that he promised to take her out on a date when he got home. I was thinking Chic-fil-a. He took her to Romano's Macaroni Grill. Lucky girl! She had their yummy bread, spaghetti, and lemon ice cream. Wednesday was a much better day for Audrey and I believe the date is what made it better!

Footed Pajamas

I absolutely love the warmth, coziness, and cuteness that are footed pajamas. But, I had forgotten how difficult they are for the child that goes potty. I now understand why they made those pj's with flap at the bottom!

Baby Books

Well folks, I did it. I FINALLY pulled out Julia's baby book. Just now, you ask? Yes, my baby is 7 months old and she finally has writing in her baby book! Mom of the year right here.

Do you know what's worse? The ONLY pictures I have of Julia were the ones that were taken at Portrait Innovations when she was 3 months old. I will be visiting Shutterfly shortly.

And do you know what is the worst of the worse? All of the picture frames in HER room are baby pictures of AUDREY!

Please don't take her away from me! I love her tremendously!

So I updated Audrey's baby book and got started on Julia's. Do you guys actually fill out everything in those books? Some of it I find a little ridiculous. Maybe I wouldn't when I was seventy years old. But as a thirty year old, it is ridiculous.

I Better Get to Workin'!

Is it November 8th ALREADY?! That means I have my two year old for just a little more than a month before she's another year older. I was so fearful of the "Terrible Twos" but I just loved this past year! Audrey went through the "Terrible Two" phase for about a week - the week she turned two. It was like someone gave her a memo or something. I have heard that 3's are worse, but since year 2 was fun, I'm gonna look forward to 3 as well.

I was getting all proud of myself because I had taken care of all of Christmas and Audrey's birthday presents in the first week of November. I forgot one thing - Audrey's party! In the past, I took months of slowly putting her party together. I'm not creative in the least, so I really work hard to put together something that's just kinda cute. Now I have just about a month to get it all sorted in my head and bring it all together. Thanksgiving is sitting there right in the middle of it all. And it's Thanksgiving with the Halls, meaning it will be at least a week-long celebration. I was inspired last night with a theme and I'll go to Hobby Lobby today to see if it's doable.

Here's a little video for me to remember how Audrey was at two.

Five Question Friday - 11.5.10

1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

I believe I would enjoy being a writer. I don't read books all that often (when do you find the time, people?!), but I would love to have the talent of a good author. I can just imagine cozying up to a fire, sipping on a cup of joe, and typing away.

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?

I would definitely choose a cabin in the woods; it would be the perfect backdrop for my mystery book writing! Have you seen my skin tone? The beach would not do this skin any good! Although, I would feel safer on the beach, that is, until a hurricane came through.

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?

Oh yes. I blogged about it HERE. As a teacher, I couldn't have a name that reminded me of a problem kid. I wanted a name that didn't scream a certain year or decade and you would have no problem spelling it. Also, I wanted a name that didn't leave you guessing if it's a boy or a girl. So far, I have Audrey Grace and Julia Kate.

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)

Right now, I have two guilty pleasures. 1) My daughter's peanuty Halloween candy. The poor girl will never have the chance to taste the goodness of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or a Snickers bar. 2) Blue Bell's Pumpkin Spice Pecan Ice Cream!

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?

As of yesterday, straightened! October - aka, the month of illness and Ranger baseball - my house took last place on the priority list. I do have an excuse though. I can't vacuum with Audrey in the house. I finally got her back into school and I finally had a day home, so it was straightened up just a bit. Anyone want to deep clean? I've got peanuty candy and ice cream!

Embrace the Camera - 11.4.10

There's No Place Like Home

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Most of you have probably seen these pictures on facebook already, but I know you can't get enough! Ha, yeah right! Here are my little ladies dressed up for Halloween. Audrey wore a Dorothy dress that she received last year. I found an infant Toto costume for Julia. I didn't find out it was for an 18 month old until it arrived. Oh well, it got the job done. It was itchy inside, so not only was Julia wearing long sleeves and pants on an 80+ degree day, she topped that with faux fur and fleece. She didn't complain much; she's a trooper!

Audrey really enjoyed it this year. She lost her shyness when she figured out that these scary adults would give her candy if she went up to them. She even said Trick or Treat a few times. My church does the best Trunk or Treat I've seen around here and I'm so glad my kids get to experience it. Afterwards, we even went up to one of Michael's coworker's house to do an actual trick or treat. This coworker can't get enough of Audrey, so we had to surprise her with a visit. She offered Audrey candy about 10 times. Audrey always obliged. Then at the end of the night, Michael's folks dropped by to see the girls. After a Cowboys loss (I don't care about them) and a Rangers loss, I'm glad I got to enjoy Halloween with the family and a morning of service with my church with another round of "The Church has Left the Building."

7 Months Old!

Julia celebrated 7 months on Halloween! You'll have to return tomorrow to see her as Toto.

Julia has really developed a cute personality. One of the funniest things she does is crinkle her nose, smile, and nod. I love it! Of course, isn't that supposed to be how you respond to crazy people? Perhaps I'm crazy. I like asking her questions and having her respond like this. Do you have a poopy diaper? *Smiles and nods* Is Daddy a weirdo? *Smiles and nods* So fun!

She also is doing the Ranger Claw. Now, I'm sure it's just a development thing, but it is very appropriate.

She is sleeping much better. She occasionally needs me to put the paci back in her mouth, but that's about it. I think she's teething a bit and that has caused some problems, but mostly during the day.

Julia also got her first haircut last week. I've been wanting to cut it for awhile. I needed Audrey to not be home since Julia has to watch Audrey's every move. Audrey finally went to school on Thursday after being sick all month. Here are the before pictures:

Business in the front.

Party in the back.

And now the after pictures:

Embrace the Camera - Pumpkin Patch

A couple weeks ago, Mom and I took the girls to the Arboretum for pictures with pumpkins. Sure wish Julia had learn to sit up then! She's getting much better and I just might be able to get a costume picture with her sitting by Audrey on Halloween!

The Illness That Would Not End

Man, this family has suffered from the daddy of all colds this month. We are closing in on three weeks of the SAME cold! Michael and Audrey caught the cold while we were in Abilene. Fortunately, they weren't sidelined until Sunday, the day we drove home. Michael took the day off that Monday and was able to beat it. Audrey, on the other hand, has allergies and it compromises her ability to fight this nasty bug. She's been to the doctor twice. Of course, I've been holding her a lot and have received many a cough in my face, so I got it too.

This bug is a tricky one. It makes you think you are about to get over it and then slaps you in the face with a fierce cough and a low fever. I thought Audrey was about over it two weekends ago. We had gone to the Arboretum on Friday and she seemed to do well. She was scheduled to go to the State Fair on Saturday with her cousins and Michael's parents. She had a rough night Friday night, but I just couldn't keep her away from the fair. Bad mom, I know. But how could you say no to this:

Her cousins were here from College Station. She just had to play with them! She had an absolute blast at the fair. She loved the rides! She didn't seem too sick that day either. But this day set her WAY back in her illness. I'm REALLY hoping that she gets to go to school tomorrow. They're having their first class party! And of course, there is Halloween on Sunday. She also has a birthday party to attend on Saturday. She MUST get well!

Goin' to the World Series!!!

Michael treated me to a Rangers game for my birthday (in 3 weeks). It just happened to be the game that sent us into the World Series.

*Breathe* WORLD SERIES!!! AAAHHH!!! *Breathe*

I've been watching the Rangers since I was born. I'm certain that every Ranger game was being played on the tv in my house when I was just a few month old. I watched most games until I became a mom and because that requires most of my time, I only caught a game here and there. Then we got rid of our cable. So as the season progressed, we began to rely on mlb.com to keep up with each game's events.

We went to the game even though I was sick. I stood in the rain even though I was sick. I screamed my poor voice away. It was pure bliss.

I'm not even going to try to explain the euphoria that was experienced. It ended perfectly by A-Rod watching the third strike go by. While we were making our way out of the stadium, my ears were literally ringing from all of the cheering.

Rangers fans, IT'S TIME!

LDN Awareness Week

I'm behind on my blogging because my daughter has had a cold, complicated by allergies, the rest of us have gotten it, and the Texas Rangers have been distracting me. Audrey is hopefully getting better, the rest of us are feeling better, and Michael and I going to the Ranger game tomorrow!

What has me blogging tonight is Low Dose Naltrexone, or LDN. I have a rare auto immune disease called Pemphigoid Gestationis. I have a 92% chance of it flaring up if I get pregnant again. Right now, the main treatment is high doses and long term use of Prednisone. Prednisone is as awful as it is wonderful. I was relieved to take it and as relieved to get off of it. I REALLY don't want to take Prednisone in that way ever again...meaning I wasn't going to try for another child.

I recently read about a wonder drug that can regulate your immune system and it has very little and mild side effects (vivid and/or scary dreams). It's called LDN and it is a lower dose of an FDA approved drug, naltrexone, that is used to help heroine addicts. Large doses are safe, so one can assume that small doses are too.

It can help with all of these diseases:

From ldnaware.org

Cancers:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Carcinoid
• Colon & Rectal Cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell)
• Lymphocytic Leukemia (chronic)
• Lymphoma (Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's)
• Malignant Melanoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuroblastoma
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer (untreated)
• Renal Cell Carcinoma
• Throat Cancer
• Uterine Cancer

Other Diseases:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Behcet's Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• CREST syndrome
• Crohn's Disease
• Emphysema (COPD)
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• HIV/AIDS
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Pemphigoid
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
• Systemic Lupus (SLE)
• Transverse Myelitis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Wegener's Granulomatosis

Isn't that a long list?! So why haven't you heard about it? It's a cheap drug and pharmaceuticals can't make money off of it and won't fund the proper research in order for the FDA to approve it. Remember, regular Naltrexone is approved by the FDA. Why not take the high dose stuff? This video will explain how LDN works and why only low doses work.

Here are some websites you can do more research with:

www.ldners.org

www.ldnscience.org

www.ldnaware.org

www.lowdosenaltrexone.org

www.ldnnow.co.uk

If you research LDN and believe it's a wonder drug, please spread the word about it. It can help and save so many.

Sick Baby Girl

Audrey went to the doctor again today. She's got a horrible cough that kept all of us up last night. We've been putting a lot of Vick's VapoRub on her and in her humidifier. I've never seen anyone love VapoRub as much as Audrey. Just look at that picture! She's also been given breathing treatments because they seem to help with her cough. The doctor said that it is still just a cold and has given us some medicine to hopefully knock out that cough. Michael took her to the doctor and he said that she didn't cry! She badly wants to be better and so she was happy to go to the doctor. She even asked for a breathing treatment at 2am when she normally screams when we bring out the nebulizer. Praying that she is well soon!

Five Question Friday - 10.8.10

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Candy corn...mmmm! I like candy corn with peanuts. Have you ever had that? Super yummy! But I have a daughter that is extremely allergic to peanuts, so I will probably never eat that again. *sigh* If I went trick or treating, I'd go for the Whoppers.

2. Do you fold your socks?

Yes. Not much of a pain with just one guy in the house.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

I wish that I had been warned that when teachers don't like their job it is rarely because they don't enjoy teaching; they just wish that they could teach without all the other "stuff."

4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?

Probably that he comes from a very touchy-feely, let's always get together and talk family and I come from a nice to see ya, but it's been a few hours kind of a family. Neither is wrong, just different.

5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? (And, just for fun...if your significant other is around, ask him/her what 3 words they would use to describe you!!)

Me:

1. Analyzer

2. Passive

3. Fanatic

I understand that #2 contradicts #1 and #3, but I have different personalities in different areas of my life. I'll analyze something to death if it's important. I'll do whatever someone else wants if it's not important. I'll cheer my team on like crazy, but if we lose, I still live life happily.

GO RANGERS!

Husband's:

1. Eccentric

2. Caring, like a CareBear

3. Fun

Embrace the Camera - ACU Homecoming

This past weekend, we headed west to Abilene to attend Homecoming. This was Audrey's second time to be at Homecoming (3rd if you include when I was pregnant with her...she was very much there!) and Julia's first (again, 2nd including pregnancy...still feeling very sick at that point.). They are well on their way to becoming Wildcats!

We had planned to get there early Friday and attend the carnival. The carnival is my favorite part now that we have kids. It gives the kids a chance to play while you visit with your friends with no rush to make lunch, dinner, chapel, game or whatever else. Unfortunately, Michael couldn't break away from work and we didn't pull into Abilene until 10:30 that night.

I didn't attend GATA Breakfast because I only go on reunion years. It's just too difficult with kids. And money is a factor too. I did donate to help the 12 GATAs give their 41 pledges a fantastic pledging experience! SO glad that THE OLDEST CLUB on campus didn't die out! Sorry KJK, I'll say that as long as GATA exists!

The football game was a fun one to watch. So glad we pulled out the win in the end! Audrey LOVED the game. Julia preferred me to walk around with her. They both did great w/o taking a nap all day!

We also got to eat meals with wonderful friends. Lunch was with the Potthoffs and Dinner with the Dows.

Audrey watching the parade go by.

Audrey's favorite parade item - the R-E-D Red (it's a song) firetruck.

This float won. Good job NuNu's.

It is miraculous that the SubT van made it. The boys were destroying the shocks while it was beaten with baseball bats. No comment on the goat in a grocery cart. Sorry I didn't get a picture of it.

Here are two GATA friends and our daughters. Paizlee (red bow) is about 3 or 4 weeks older than Julia and Lucy (blue bow) is 5 weeks younger than Julia.

Audrey got to see her long-lost friend, Anna Lee.

Audrey had a TON of fun (after she warmed up) with roommate Lori's girls. Faith is looking at Julia and Sophia is smiling at the camera. Baby Eli, one day younger than Julia, was too busy eating to make the picture.

We had a lot of fun and wish we could have talked more with friends. Love all of my ACUers!