What a week....Glad it is FRIDAY!!!

Been a busy, busy week.  Lane & I didn't feel good Monday, so we stayed at home.  I got a VERY long nap Monday afternoon.  Barry has been building our new entertainment center this week and I'm so excited to see it finished.  Got our new dishwasher installed last night.  Never thought a dishwasher would make me so happy, but it has.  YAY for clean dishes!!  My physical therapy has been discontinued due to it not helping any.  While it did teach me some exercises, it did NOTHING to reduce my pain levels.  Go back to the rheumatologist on Monday, so I'm not sure what the next steps will be.  We have decided that I am going to go ahead and file for my disability through work.  I will be able to keep working while waiting on the decision.  Was very dismayed at the estimated timeframes for a decision ... 6-8 months!!  Praying that it does not take that long.  I hope that being out from under that stress will help some.  We know that it will not stop the Fibromyalgia or the arthritis, but maybe it will help.

The Disease That is Tearing Us Apart

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last near. I know, it's not a brain tumor or a terminal illness, but it was still a diagnosis I dreaded to hear. First of all, there is no "cure" for Fibro. Second of all, it is usually progressive. Thirdly, I never know what is going to hurt from day to day. The chronic pain causes me to spend a lot of time on the couch or in the bed. That leaves Barry to do EVERYTHING. I thank God daily for sending me such a compassionate, selfless, understanding, and loving husband!! He NEVER complains!!! The other problem with Fibro is how it messes with your mind. I have problems concentrating, with memory, motivation, depression, and anxiety. I am being treated my a wonderful Rheumatologist and an amazing Neurologist. They are both suggesting that I stop working because the stress just makes it all worse. I am undergoing physical therapy (torture) and am on a laundry list of medications! The stopping work...this is something that Barry and I have been discussing and praying about. If you don't mind, could you say a prayer as well. As the chief breadwinner, this is an extremely difficult decision to make.

"Buddy-isms"

We are constantly remembering things that my Daddy would say. Barry suggested we write them down. I'm constantly forgetting where I have written things down, so I immediately thought of the blog! I will be updating this all along, as we remember things.

• KISS - Keep it simple stupid
• It's your monkey, you can s@#$ew it any way you want to.
• Don't write a check your butt can't cash!
• Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.
• I'd treat that like a possum does a hoe handle.
• That is one determined child. (He was referencing Lane.....just didn't realize how true that prediction would be!)

Guess I'll Just Start From Here

WHOA!! Didn't realize it has been 2009 since I last posted!!!! Guess I will re-enter the blog world slowly. I can't remember so many things now, so writing them here will be much better!! Look forward to more posts soon. I promise!! (I know, I've said it before!)

Lane is THREE!

Where has time gone???? My sweet little man is now a testy three year old!

His birthday party was 1/10/09 but his actual birthday is 1/12. (That night was spent at his favorite restaurant.....Hooters!)

His birthday theme was CARS and all things Lightning McQueen & Towmater. The Oak Grove Senior Center was transformed into Radiator Springs! He had a wonderful party with all his family. More loot too!

Pictures......soon! I promise!

Christmas 2008

Well, we don't do anything "normal" in our family! Christmas Eve was spent at home with 3 unexpected houseguests. Barry's dad, Pop, had to be put in the hospital Christmas Eve because of pneumonia that just wasn't improving. We had planned to attend a candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve and after Pop's prodding, we went. We finally got home, with Jake, Savannah, and Austin in tow. Santa had sooo much help! It sounded like quite the party Santa and his elves had while setting up Childersburg's newest ToysR'Us in our living room! Hits: Thomas the Tank Train set; Radio Flyer Big Wheel; ESPN Better Batter Baseball.

We got up Christmas morning, saw what Santa brought; Barry & I exchanged stockings; and we loaded up. We went to Birmingham first, to have Christmas with Pop & Nonnie in the hospital. We left there, headed to Barbour County. We missed Christmas Dinner with my family, but arrived just in time for presents. I think my brothers attempted to out-do Santa! They almost succeeded. Lane came away with a lot of loot! His favorite.....The "Trigga Gun" his Uncle Allen carved for him and the John Deere Camoflauge Boots his Uncle Jimmy got him.

My Birthday is the day after Christmas. Barry & I woke up early and got camo'd up. As we were getting the guns out of the truck, Barry noticed deer practically in my Mother's backyard. I hurried and got in position and took a doe. My first deer! Barry made me cry when he reminded me that I had gotten my wish.....my first deer - on the farm I grew up on - with the gun Barry gave me - with a bullet my Daddy bought me - on my BIRTHDAY!!!!

We left Barbour County that afternoon. Barry, Lane, my mother (Nana), and me. We drove 2 vehicles..... almost a requirement due to all of Lane's presents. We stopped in Montgomery for my Birthday meal. Steak! Yum! Barry & I decided to split from Nana & Lane and let them head on back to our house and we would go straight from Montgomery to Birmingham (saving about 1 1/2 hrs). Lane went without a fuss (probably helped that we put his new Cars PJ's on him before putting him in her truck). Barry & I were well on our way to Birmingham, when Jake called to report they were stranded due to truck problems. So much for our saving time! We rode backroads and picked them up and then headed for the hospital. I think we got in bed sometime after midnight!

Overall, I'm thankful for all the distractions we had for Christmas. Made it a little easier to deal with since it was the first one since Daddy died. Things will never be the same, but from experience, we know they do get a little easier.

Pictures.....soon!

Big Boy Undies

Yep, Lane is potty training. FINALLY!!!!! He has been doing the poop on the potty for months and months now. The pee-peeing.....that's been hit or miss (pun intended). On Thursday night, I promised him that if he stays dry all day he could buy Madagascar 2 at Wal-Mart (he saw the commercial last night and had a fit!) . Yes, I've stooped to bribery and I'm not ashamed at all!!!! He didn't stay dry, but per Miss Felicia, only had a "little bitty" accident because he couldn't get his pants off quick enough. So we bought Madagascar 2 of course.

Yesterday, I sick and went to the doc (walking pneumonia). I was in a semi-coma when Lane got home from daycare. He ran to the couch waving something in my face....two little matchbox cars. Cars! Miss Felicia had promised him a car if he went dry all day. I said, "Is that a car from school???" He said, "It is Mommy....I've been dry all day! Miss Felicia gave me a car and then Daddy bought another one". He was so proud of himself. This Mama is too!

He wants an "Undie Party" when he's fully trained. The problem is that he told us that everyone has to come to the party in their undies! Ummmm, don't think so!