Rolling with the punches!

You know what is awesome?  Its Thursday!  And even though it has been a really rough week, Im going to 

roll with it.  

Sunday I actually went for a run before noon!  And Monday I made 3 miles, pain free!  That was the highlight of my week so far.  I may have been slow, but I got there and I didn't feel like my insides were beat up afterwards!  

Tuesdays I had a follow up with my hematologists.  My labs have been all over the place but yesterdays results are in and my INR is on its way back down.  She also put in an order for a home testing kit for me.  If it all goes through, my veins are going to be very happy.  I can handle a weekly finger prick!  One less needle and bruise, Ill take it!

Yesterday was bad.  My meds sucked all the life out of me.  And I could not hydrate myself enough.  I didn't keep any of my food down.  But it made me angry and managed to clear up a few piles of paperwork and mail that had piled up on my desk.  And God bless left overs.  Man am I glad I made that big ole lasagna Tuesday night.  No cooking meant I could get some rest. David ran out and got me some Gatorade after dinner which seems to be helping!

And now its Thursday.  I crawled back in bed after dropping Ant off at the bus stop and sending David off to work. My sister was up early, so I crashed.  Didn't wake up till noon.  I had a sandwich for lunch and its staying down! Knock on wood.  

I had planned on running 6 days this week, but since I'm rolling with it, I've knocked it down to 5 days and yes I know that means I will lace up for the next 3 days.  I got this.  Right?  

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After 3 years, I am done waiting!

Today marks my 3rd year listed for a liver transplant   I have been dreading this day, well maybe not dreading but I have been well aware of it creeping up on me. I didn't know quite how I would feel about it, but I am OK with it.

Still listed!

The last 3 years have brought so much joy and so much pain in my life.  I found strength in myself that I didn't know was there.  Life was turned upside down and shaken, but today we are all right where we need to be.  My boys are healthy, happy and thriving.  David and I have never been better.  I can look forward and see a future with me in it.  I found friends I didn't know I needed.  I was able to get over a lot of the pain and guilt that held me back all these years.  I have had more good days than bad.  I spent less time at the doctors and more time with my family.  There were lots of tears.  The hardest part was saying to say goodbye to my Dad last July.  But a promise to be strong and knowing that he was proud of me and had faith in me has been a constant reminder to me to keep my head up.  Even when I am at my worst, I can feel him helping me breath and wiping away my tears.

This morning when I jumped online the first thing I came across a video on Your Sassy Self and I realized that I have still been letting my illness hold me back.  Yes I have big hopes and dreams.  There are things I plan on doing, but there was always something keeping me from taking that first jump.  I think I am ready to go now.  This week I will be going over my lists and trying to figure out where the heck I am going to start.

So, Happy 3 years on the transplant waiting list to me.  For the past 3 years I have been doing just that.  Waiting.  Its time to start living.  Really living.  I thought I was, but its clear to me now that I have been holding back so much.  Time to jump!

Do you have a bucket list?  What are some things you want to do before your time here is over? Have you crossed anything off yet?

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Happiness is________ {week 11} #happinessis

This week has been full of all sorts of surprises. Most which were good ones :)  This week happiness is....

New books.  All I have read in the last few months have been cookbooks, but nothing looked good, so back to some good reading it is.  I started with a book about a man in prison whos last wish is to give his heart to his victims dying sister.  Right up my alley :) 

And how can these sweet faces not make you happy?  My friend is fostering them for the next 4 weeks so If you or anyone you know is looking to add to the pack, let me know!!  They will bring you a life time of happiness!

Speaking of the pack, here is how we spend our afternoons.  This dog has brought so much happiness to our family!  Nothing makes this kid happier than a cuddle with his dog!

Happiness is finding this very cool guy that kept us busy for a few hours.  Time freezes for caterpillars   The boys and I can watch them wiggle around all day long.  My son was more than happy to explain the whole process of becoming a butterfly!  I love that he loves nature as much as I do!

And the greatest happiness this week was watching this guy win a good behavior award at school. He was so nervous but her earned it!  And I am so proud of him :)

What brought you happiness this week? Leave a link in the comments to your status updates, tweets and Instagram photos that make you happy! Or tag them with #happinessis! I would love to see them!  And don't forget to stop by Crazy Adventures in Parenting and see what is making others happy!

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Menu Plan Monday: May 19/26

I'm pretty sure the weekends are getting shorter.  Or maybe I am just aching for summer break. It was a pretty laid back couple of days for us.  But tomorrow it is back to grind.  Backpacks are emptied, clothes are laid out and lunch is packed.  Now to focus on this weeks dinners.

I'm keeping it pretty simple this week.  And cheap.  Breakfast is usually toast and eggs.  Lunches are leftovers or sandwiches.  Here is whats for dinner. 

Monday -  Spanish rice w/beef, beans and tortillas. 

Tuesday - Lemon pepper swai, roasted potatoes and salad.

Wednesday - Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

Thursday - Pork chops with leftover spaghetti and salad.

Friday - Baked chicken quarters, stuffing and broccoli.

Saturday - Homemade turkey sloppy joes and roasted cabbage.

Sunday - Fridge sweep.  Mix and match of leftovers to clean out the fridge.

When ever I make spaghetti I always make enough to stretch out between two days.  The next day it is a smaller portion served with a meat and some sort of veggies.  There is usually lots of leftovers come Sunday, so its kind of a fend for yourself kinda night.

Quick question for yall.  How much do you spend on groceries?  I will be getting this plus some staples on a $100 a week budget.  Is this crazy? I have talked to quite a few people about this and get such mixed reactions.  I don't use coupons very often.  We don't eat super healthy, but not very unhealthy either.  David takes leftovers to work for lunch.  And I usually buy lots of fruits for snacks, dessert and Anthony's snack for school.  So what what is your grocery budget? Do you shop weekly?

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It takes 5 minutes to save a life!

Last week I was honored to have the chance to talk with David Fleming.  For anyone who doesn't know, David is the President and CEO of Donate Life.  And organization very dear to my heart and liver!  May 25th will mark my 3rd year on the liver transplant list.

Most of the conversation was based around the results of a survey taken recently to help determine just how well the public understands organ transplantation.  When broken down in numbers, the results are unbelievable.  I will have to cut this into a few post, but I just have to start with this!  Do you know how to register to be an organ donor?

Sixty percent of the respondents were familiar with their state’s donor registry. BUT... 48%  agreed that they really don’t know how to register.  Forty Eight Percent!!  Almost half of the people!  So to keep this short and sweet, here is how you do it!

First go to the Donate Life America website here -----> DONATE LIFE and you will see this!

It will take you a whole second to push Register Now.  And hopefully only a few more seconds for this page to load! All you need to do is select your state from the drop down menu or just click on it!  Easy stuff here right?  

Just hang with me for a few more minutes.  After you click you will be brought to your states Donate Life page.  For Texas we get straight to the point.  Some of the other states you have to look for the "Register Button"  But you have come this far, don't let that extra step stop you now!  Click it!!  Fill in your information and submit it.  I promise you that the chance at saving a life or 8 is worth the few minuets it will take you to fill it out and become an organ donor.  

Now that you have done this here are a few more ways to make sure your wishes are carried out.

• Talk to your friends and family about your decision to be an organ donor.  And encourage them to register too!
• At the DMV, let them know you wish to be an organ donor.
• Let your doctors know that you wish to donate your organs.
• Make sure and include your decision to be an organ donor in your advance directive and or your wills. 

Please share this if you get a chance. The 118,102 people on the transplant list would be very grateful!  If you haven't registered yet, could you tell me why?  There are so many myths about the whole process so I would love to help clear them up for you.  I have a new post coming soon on all the reasons people don't register.  So I would love your input!  

Big shout out to David and all of the people at Donate Life who do all that they can each day to help support and grow an organization that is saving lives.  Thank you for reaching out to me and giving me this opportunity.  I look forward to talking again soon!

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Lets go to the Zoo!

What is it about the Zoo that turns me into a child again.  It might have a lot to do with the memories of going with my family when I was little.  I have only one memory of the Albuquerque Zoo.  That one involved a huge snake that followed me though the glass of its enclosure as I walked along the ledge.  I remember feeling much better once I was back in Dads arms.  I'm pretty sure that started my fascination with the slithery kind.

 

The San Diego Zoo was next.  And many of trips to the Honolulu Zoo helped strengthen my love. We visited one in Massachusetts one Summer.  And we have taken the boys to The Brevard, Houston and of course The San Antonio Zoo.  The boys love Africa Live.  The Hippos and Giraffes are always favorites of theirs.  Me, I could spend an hour in the Snake House.  I love it.  As terrified as I am that one of the glass windows will pop open and a snake will fall at my feet, it is my favorite part of the whole zoo.  That also explains why I have hundreds of pictures like these on my hard drive. These were taken this weekend.  The boys bought me a family pass for Mothers Day.  Perfect!

Did you make it this far?  If you did, what is your favorite part of the zoo?  Did you go there as a child and do you take your family now?  Be back soon with more pictures of the legged animals! Happy Tuesday!

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Why I love Mothers Day: Pt2

Alexander-

The morning that I went to the hospital to have you was one of the happiest days of my life.  And I had no idea how much my life was about to change or just how special our bond was going to be.  But as soon as I heard your little cry I could not imagine a life with out you. Someday you will understand the whole story, but always know that you are my saving grace. When daddy handed you to me and I held you, I knew that there was so much more to come in my life.  I knew that I was about to embark on a whole new journey and you have not disappointed me there.  Life in your eyes is one big adventure.  I am just lucky enough to be here for the ride.

It was clear from the start, you are a mommas boy.  And while some days I could use a few minutes to myself, I have come to accept that is not very likely.  You are a lover and shower me in hugs and kisses every day.  And even though you are only a 1/4 Marshallese you run on island time.   Most days you are as silly as can be.  You are cute and you know just when you flash those big brown eyes for a little help in getting out of what ever trouble it is you are finding yourself in.  And it works.  Your smile is contagious and a smirk that always makes me nervous.  They will both get you in to some trouble later on in life!

Your energy amazes me.  You are the boy that pics weeds for me instead of flowers because they are just as beautiful.  You hover around me when I am sick and always remind me to take my meds.  You are 4 years old and my hugs and kisses still fix your bumps and bruises.  I will hold on to that for as long as I can.  Lucky for me, unlike your big brother, you are perfectly fine being the baby.  You won't hear me complaining about that either.  Stay small and sweet for as long as you can.

Mommas Boy?  I think so!

I hope in time I am able to help you understand just how thankful I am to have you here in my life.  A life I would have lost if it weren't for you.  I will always do my best to show you that!  You are my angel.  Thank You for saving me.  I love you little man!

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Why I love Mothers Day: Pt1

Anthony-

I remember sitting in that worn out rocking chair.  Nervous, excited and scared out of my mind. But the second the nurse laid you in my arms my whole world changed.  Right there, that very second, I was instantly filled with so much love I though I would explode.  Your jet black hair peeking out from under your tiny little hat.   Lips just like your daddy.  I was sad that I was going to have to wait another year to celebrate Mothers Day.  But I didn't have to wait, because that day, I became a mom.  That is the day I celebrate being a mom.  Yes today is Mothers Day.  Its marked in calendars and people buy flowers and chocolates.  But me, I'm content just having you by my side.  Seeing you smile and listening to you laugh.  That is better than any piece of jewelry. I cant imagine a life with out you.

You were in such a rush to be born.  You are in such a rush now to grow up.  Slow down son! Watching you grow up in the boy you are today has been amazing.  Sometimes at night I look at all our old videos of you.  You used to be so shy.  Your raspy morning voice always makes me smile.  Your facial expressions, the way you smell everything, your laugh, the way you hug me even when you are mad at me.  Please don't ever stop.  You are you.  I love that most about you.

You know what else I love about you?  You challenge me.  OK sometimes it might not seem like I like it, but I promise, I do.  You push me to be a better mom.  You have no shame in calling out my flaws and telling me straight what I am doing wrong.  We butt heads A LOT.  And sometimes that leads to hurt feelings.  But and the end of the day you are my baby.  I love you.  And there is nothing in this world that will ever change that.

There is no denying it!

I am so thankful to celebrate Mothers Day with you because you were the one that started it all. You make me a better mother and a better person.  I hope one day I am able to make you truly understand that.  I love you sweet boy!

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Red flags and alarms.

Lots of little red flags going up over the past few days.  My balance is off.  Nosebleeds.  Head and muscle aches.  Fatigue. Loss of appetite. Last week was rough.  Saturday was better, and Sunday I felt amazing.  But come Monday, I was nervous.  I had to literally roll out of bed.  Managed to get lunch pack and Anthony to the bus stop on time.  Luckily David was going in late so I was able to rest until noonish.  But by the time he left at 2 I wanted to beg him to stay.  I have always been so good at sucking it up.  Yesterday I just couldn't.  

Luckily for me my boys are amazing when it comes to mom having a bad day.  Alexander cuddled in bed with me until my alarm went off to go to the bus stop.  So off we went, still in our pajamas.  You couldn't have paid me to get out of my sweats yesterday.  Got home just in time to bleed out of my face and get back it bed.  The boys hung out with me for a while.  I got a foot rub from one and the other made a fan to fan me with.  They really know how to treat a woman!  After a good 30 minuet rest until another alarm reminded me that I had to get up to make dinner.  I made some dessert.  The boys played for a while until another alarm rang out.  "Meds!"  The boys call out to remind me to take them.  This also meant bath time.  Another alarm at 7:45 sends Anthony to bed. Sweet Dreams!  Can you believe they went a whole day with NO fighting.  Thank the Lord for that! Alexander and I crawled back into bed at 10.  He passed out and I stayed up for a few more hours.  Big mistake.

This morning, I heard my alarm go off.  I hit snooze and closed my eyes for a little longer.  Then I got up and went to the bathroom.  I sat on the side of the tub and looked down at my phone.  6:39.  WHAT?  Then the alarm to go to the bus stop went off.  A ran to Anthonys room.  He was snoring away!  Talk about a rude awakening.  We rush but there was no way we were going to make it.  So we just slowed down.  Today he has a big reading test, so I'm hoping that the extra 30 mins of sleep will help.  The walk to school sure woke him up.  He was full of questions this morning though.  We walked and talked about why I didn't feel good.  Poor kid apologized for sleeping in and me having to walk him to school.  I explained that I should have been up earlier so he was not at all to blame.  It actually ended up being a great conversation and hopefully he has a better understanding of my being sick but not looking sick.  Ill save the deets for another post though.  It deserves it!  

Now to finish my grocery list and see who can take me shopping.  Just another reminder that I am unable to do things for myself.  But instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am going remind myself of how blessed I am to have people here who are willing to help.  You have to look on the bright side.  Otherwise life will swallow you up!  Here is to hoping the week only gets better!  Much love!

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Oh Friday!

Am I the only one around here just dying for summer to be here already.  The past few weeks it seems like everything just got harder.  Waking up, cleaning, homework, cooking, sleeping... I could go on and on.  Its like a race to a finish line that seems to be moving farther away.  Its not really, I'm just being dramatic.

Anyways, its Friday again and I am so excited.  I'm not really sure why yet, but not having to get up at 6am sounds like a nice place to start. Tomorrow will be interesting.  The AC on the van is out, so its going to the shop.  I am going to be volunteering at an event for the soccer team. Concessions anyone.  That should be fun, I think.  And I have jumped back on the healthy eating train.  Which I fell off of a while back.  Got stuck on a wheel and just kept going around and around.  Horrible.

Yesterday I decided to join some friends who are doing a health challenge.  Guess what.  Mom made a bucket full of cookies the day before, my sister baked a double chocolate cake and we got some chocolate flan from my friend.  She got it from her neighbor after I have given her half a cake and some cookies so they would be out of my house.  Now a 1/4 of that flan is in my fridge. Lord help me.  This is the exact reason why I never buy snacks and sodas.  If they are there, I can't resist.  The sodas that my mom bought last week are finally gone.  And while I am not usually a chocolate person, the cake was really good.  I had a few bites off the boys slice.  Hangs head in shame.  I do have to admit, I am not one to just cut things out.  I'm more of a healthy proportions and snacks kinda girl.  When I deny myself things, I only want them more.

Hopefully sometime this weekend we will be able to get out for a good long walk with the dog.  Maybe explore some of the trails behind our community.  I've always wondered whats back there.  I also checked out some more cookbooks from the library, so grocery shopping on Sunday will be fun.  Pretty much the plan for the weekend is to move more and eat less junk.  And the fact that I am excited about that means only good things will come of it!

Anyone have any plans for the weekend?  Its been cold here the past 2 days so fingers are crossed for warm air and sunny skies! Have a great one!

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