Chronicles

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2013-09-07T16:01:00.001-04:00

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You have what it takes to sell Avon

2013-09-07T15:58:00.001-04:00

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PhillyFIT - November/September 2012

2012-11-12T18:04:00.001-05:00

PhillyFIT - November/September 2012

very cool! I'm the one in the center right. Middle row (I think) purple/magenta tank

The Begining of Emerging

2012-01-22T13:16:00.001-05:00

Love that photo! Because I am one.
It all started after the birth of our last son. In early 2005, I started to really feel my joints hurt, thinking it was just arthritis kicking in. I didn't pay it much attention, till it started to get so bad that I would have my friend, Heather drive me places. This kept on for a month, only to get worse. It started keeping me up at night. The pain was horrible. I could hardly walk or move my arms, jaw, and hands. I was riddled with pain, and having 3 boys, 1 in first, 1 in kindergarden half day, and my youngest still at home barely walking, this was a huge challenge.
Finally one night, I went to Walmart (they are 24 hours!) And bought some of the arthritis medicines that are advertised on TV. Thought that they had to work! Anything had to work! I was desparate. Pain medicines like Tylenol, advil, and ibuprophen were like candy and pointless at this time.

I finally made an appointment with a rhuematologist. Who ordered a list of tests. When the diagnosis came back in a week later, I didn't believe him. What the heck is Lupus?! Is it because I am over wieght? Thats really what I thought! He prescribed me medicines that I was scared to take and continue to breast feed my son. But he assured me that they were safe.
So I took them.

I remember my body at Turkey day, my husband was soo wonderful! I couldn't move! I walked like a 99 yr old, I couldn't cook, I couldn't even move my neck to turn and look. I remember thinking what the heck! I was devistated. The pain wasn't going anywhere yet. This was my first major flare.
After a weeks of prednizone, and plaquinell, I was starting to move again and felt normal!
I rechecked my doctors diagnosis and did what most people do, I got a second opinion. Which turned out to confirm the first. Crap. Really? So what did Lupus mean?
I had to do research and learn about this "lupus". I read up and got books, and my sister helped me via internet. She was like my own personal nurse. Although she was states away.
I was feeling better and normal again. The meds were working. And then my life, and families changed.

I woke up early one morning, like midnight, I thought it was just the flu. I remember throwing up all night, seemed like the moment I went back to bed, I had to run to the bathroom again. The last time I threw up, this time in the morning when Jack was getting ready for work, I litterally crawled to the bathroom and back to bed. I told him not to go to work. I needed help. I was worried about the kids getting on the bus, and how the hell could I take care of the baby when I didn't even have the strength to walk, lift my head, get dressed?!
He stayed home, and he called our friends to take the baby. Then he drove me to the ER. The first ER, told me to go straight to the 'big hospital'. We arrived and I was wheeled in. I was soo weak. The staff made me wait in the waiting room, I remember asking for a cup, cuz by this time I was just throwing up constantly, but nothing was coming out.
Finally I was wheeled back to the room where they hooked me up to all the monitors. I remember thinking " I just need a shot! to make me stop throwing up and I can go home." I wanted to leave. And Jack looked at me, he was pale, he said "your getting admited".

I don't remember much of what happend in the stay. Just bits and peices, like choking and trying to talk. Jack telling the nurse in front of me that "shes turning blue" and then I passout.
I didn't even remember my mom and sister flew out there to see me. Guess the doctors told my family that this was it.

They told me I went septic. Kidneys were shutting down, my heart was acting up, and my body looked like it went through a car wreck. Covered in bloody scabs on my face, and legs, my arms were covered in bruises.
I have long recovered from that first sepsis episode. But I still have the scars. Both mentally and physically. As do my family.

We then moved, Jack quit his job in Kentucky to move me close to my family. He was worried still that I wasn't going to make it. (But I'm awnry, I knew better)
Back in Washington I was reunited with my kids. That was a wonderful moment. Jack flew them back to be with my sister and mom while I was still in the hospital. Its heart wretching to 'wake up' and not have your kids to hold. And then waiting a month, to get out there and be with them. I walked in my sister's house to my older 2 running up and giving me a big hug, I couldn't let go. Just hugging and kissing them. And then I see my baby, sitting in his highchair eatting looking at me like...I know who you are...but... almost like he was begining to forget me.
I went septic 2 more times after that, all in the same year. Each time was a bit better..if that makes sence.
Now 7 almost 8 years later, I am in good health. I have a doctor here in PA who is AWESOME! I am on a good 'cocktail' of meds that keep me out of the hospital, and the lupus under control. My family is a daily blessing to see. Because I never know when I will get sick again. Comes on quickly. But I am blessed to wake up to the dirty dishes, my good lookin husband, and kids.

Each day is a Gift.

2010-11-01T15:37:00.000-04:00

Just joined the spoon lady. Read her spoon story and its wonderful that people are so gifted in literature that they can explain Lupus. Never was fully able to explain it myself. My kids think that I am just tired or always sick. That cuts deep coming from your 11 yr. old when he, and you remember how much fun "you" used to be. Even my DH. I wonder why he sticks around somedays. And other days, I feel so bad that I have this and he didn't even know at the time when we met. When Life gives you lemons make lemonade as the saying goes.

The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino

2010-11-01T15:32:00.000-04:00

The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino

Snow day.

2010-02-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

2009-10-29T20:04:00.001-04:00

Lets go Phillies! In the world series again. Cool.
Tomorrow is my Uncle's memorial. Too early, too sad, am worried about my family. Prayers for them.

Graduation 2009 Grace Luthren Preschool

2009-05-18T12:39:00.002-04:00

Alex growing up into a big boy now. Offical last day of preschool is tomorrow followed by the end of year picnic on Thursday.

2009-03-10T16:25:00.002-04:00

A night out with the ladies:) Was really fun. Mara ( the one in the crown) turned 30!! What a yungin!

Finally some pics of last year

2009-02-11T14:41:00.003-05:00

Ok so this is from Alex's school pj party around Christmas last year. They sang songs about Rudolph and Oh Christmas tree. The works. We even had a project to make and some cookies after to munch on. Oh yeah, the little girls in with Alex are his girlfriends. Aren't they cute!

The pumpkin Farm!

2008-10-09T11:26:00.002-04:00

This was a great day. We had lots of fun going through the corn maze and picking out our own special pumpkin. But in the middle of the corn maze we decided that we were not interested in mommy taking any more photos. So we missed the little photo opportunities. ( that blowed!)
But we took a hay ride through the haunted trail. ( Was very PG for the wee ones. )
All in all we had a great time! And are going to do it again this weekend with the rest of the family!

Chronicles

2008-10-08T15:17:00.001-04:00

Funny things

2008-10-08T14:41:00.000-04:00

We as mothers all been there. Making a quick trip to the bathroom and spatting off our to do list as we (well you know). Only to check in the bathtub to notice and ask the question.... "Why is there milk in the bathtub?"

More loonie photos

2008-10-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

"what was that?"

Goofy faces

Handstands on cement!

Crazy tricks, no helmets allowed

2008-10-01T12:27:00.001-04:00

Here is Ty. Showin off his stuff. Complete without helmet! DUDE! Will you stop! But look how much hes growin. Attitude is growing with the height too. Ogh, they grow up so fast.
Dare devil. Hes practicin how to ride without hands. Thats going to be nuts.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-10-01T12:17:00.000-04:00

Alex was all super excited today! Woke up early, ate, brushed teeth, did the hair, and got ourselves out the door for his first day of school. Didn't want to pose for me though at school for his first day. Buger. But he has lots of little tots that are his friends and he loves his teacher. I should have taken a pic of her too. Both of them. Just a little nervous, Im not the camera notzi like some in the family (ahem... Dean)

And this is his sence of accomplishment at home shot. No need to fear mom, hes doin gggreat! I can do this school thing. I like it. Lets just hope he keeps that attitude for the next 13 years.

2008-09-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

Alright so most of you know that I have lupus and some in my family are finding out they have it too. Most people don't know that they have lupus.
Most doctors have a hard time diagnosing lupus due to the lack of knowledge and the frustrating criteria that you have to meet in order to be diagnosed. Lupus isn't the end of the world for us. We have some tools to help us out. Check out your local Lupus chapter, or log on to www.lupus.org for more information.
Arm yourself with awareness! Wear the purple!

The faces of Ty

2008-09-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

So here we have Ty guy. Looking all cute and sharp actually smiling! But this is very rare. Hes always giving me the crazy faces, or the tounge. Better than the bird! But doesn't he look like dad?! Hes my beautiful son. So caring and loving. Always eager to please. Mowing the lawn, and even the neighbors up the road! He really enjoys that because he gets $20! for that job! Always thinking about how to make the quick dollar. Tonight is the ice cream social at the new school. Can't wait to meet his friends and teachers!

Ty's 9th Bday party

2008-09-18T17:42:00.001-04:00

2008-09-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

I love my neighbor!Woof! Woof!

Tys fish

2008-09-16T15:32:00.000-04:00

Walkin up our property in the back to show me the fish he just caught. Super duper moment!

Ty caught 2, dad only caught 1. Daddy had fish envy. But hahaha! The boy did it! First time fishin!

Yumm yumm. But no, Im not cleaning it son. Throw it back.

Thanks Hun!

This is the drop off to the Schukill River. A little dark, But you understand. This was taken a while back. Before all the trimmings were made.

More happy times

2008-09-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

Our new school. Isn't it cool lookin!

First day of school

2008-09-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

Can we say Im not too happy bout this. Should of named one Nemo. Only ones happy! Alex is still pissed he isn't in school.

Sir. Sqeen

2008-09-16T15:22:00.000-04:00

His new 'do!! Isnt he ferocious!