Tweeney boppers!

We had Abigail's birthday party last Saturday night.  She was beyond excited to have a party back home with old friends plus a few of her new friends from school. I had a few more pics to add to my last post of our special out of town birthday weekend, too.

The birthday girl with one of her besties, Laurel.  She and her mom came over early to help me get things together- so nice and very much appreciated!

Tons-o-fun with twister, karoake, and of course, some volleyball!

Sweet group of gals!

Blowing out candles on the famous cookie cake that stressed her momma out making!  It was worth it because she was thrilled, and it turned out tasting and looking pretty good.  I love Audrey An's face in this pic, too!

Team Volleyball found their way to the driveway to "set things up".

Medical update:
I went to the new dentist on Monday for a consultation.  I had three cracked fillings and a broken tooth!  Knowing that Dr. M  thought possibly the root of my infection might possibly be coming from my mouth I asked them how soon can we have the fixed!  Well, I went back on Tuesday and after three hours of drilling, fixing, and a hefty dental bill...I'm all fixed (at least for now as far as my mouth goes).  He made sure I understood that he was not a miracle worker and he just fixes teeth, but if I had as much decay under all those filling s that he said I did I can't help but wonder if MAYBE it's a contributing factor to my illness...bacteria creeping throughout my body from my mouth...eeek!?!?  We shall see.

Praises!
*I totally forgot to post last week that Abigail made her serve over the net in her game last week plus had several good vollies...woohoo!
* God's protection over me while coming home from dentist- flat tire along with a contact in my eye that decided to not cooperate while I'm driving!
*Abigail made a 97 on a math test today (she's been struggling and stressing over this subject)!
*Parent/teacher conference with AA's teacher today!
* Neighbors who were willing to take the girls to church on Sunday because I was wiped out from being birthday party planner momma!
*Bathroom renovation is getting closer to completion thanks to our friend, Merle, who did the drywall!  Now, we need to pick a potty, paint color and vanity (David's installing the floors right now)!

A few surprises...

Last weekend David and I had a few surprises up our sleeve for the birthday girl.  I picked up both girls early from school.  I think I scored at least a couple of cool mom points for that!  David had a long overnight in the thriving metropolis of Valdosta, Georgia so we joined him there.  I wish it had been a bit more of an exciting destination, BUT at least we had the ability to hop on a plane "just because" and be together.  I'll never complain about that!  It was a special weekend...love me some Abigail!

The birthday girl got a special ride from her favorite captain!

 She must be her momma's girls...it's nice getting love notes from her main squeeze!

HUGE surpirse...hee hee!

Medical update:
Last week I posted that I did take a couple of steps backwards.  Well, I got my labs back earlier this week, and indeed I did.  My CPK jumped back to 1285 and my hormones were (are!) completely whacked...uggh! I was really bummed about having to take that "extra" steroid pack a few weeks ago (from the other doctor) and Dr. M said it's proof that the steroids are doing me more harm than good.  She didn't need to convince me of that as you know.  She wants me to decrease my steroid again in about 4 days (hopefully I'm very close to giving them good riddance...forever!).  She also said she's not worried about the CPK right now because it was from that evil steroid pack.  When the immune system is suppressed then my infection goes wild.

She thinks now that my infection could possibly be rooted in my mouth so she's sending me to her dentist!  I have no tooth, gum or nerve pain, but she said that many people don't when they have in infection in their mouth (hmmmmmm....).  So, guess who's going to the dentist asap?!?! I can't get in until October 3.  I'm first on their cancellation list, I'm praying that I'll get in SOON and see if this has anything to do with anything! UPDATE: Since I drafted this post I got a phone call this morning saying the dentist had a cancellation for THIS Monday!  Isn't God so good!!!

Bottom line...chiropractor tells me my head isn't screwed on straight, blood work (hormone levels) tells me why I want to claw everyone's eyes out in my home, Dr. M tells me I've got enough yeast in me I could feed the 5000 (ok, she really didn't say that, but you get my drift!), but the bible tells me "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."  Maybe this dentist 15 miles up the highway is the distant land...lol! In all seriousness, Truth tells me that, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  I've definitely had some weary days, but I have to remember that He's brought me this far and He'll not leave me or forsake me as I trust in Him.

One last thing...took Abigail to see Dr. M today, and I'm so glad I did!  I took her all her records from Vietnam and her latest blood work from her pediatrician here.  It was a flashback to my initial appointment with her June in a few ways.  As she sifted through past records she said, "There are some significant markers that indicate INFECTION.  No wonder she is so tied and doesn't feel good."  My poor baby hasn't felt well for a long time either (no energy, etc) and she's not been treated for it....arrrgh! I'm praying for accurate new test results and wisdom for the doc (for both of us!).  We'll follow up  in about 3 weeks and see where we are on things with Abigail.

I'm thinking it's not a real great thing when your pharmacist sees you walk in and doesn't even have to ask your name...just sayin'!!!  Okay, off to get some sleep. Please pray for extra strength this weekend as we have Abigail's birthday party.  Thankfully, I've got a sweet friend to come give me two extra hands at the party.  Abigail is SO excited...new friends, old friends, karaoke, pizza- a lot of squeeling tweens!

On a side note...I was listening to a podcast of Beth Moore this morning.  I loved this quote: "God is just as deliberate about what He does not reveal as He is about what He does. "I'd be lying if I didn't wonder why God is choosing not to heal me (my daughter) at this time.  There is a reason.  I choose to trust Him.

Snap, crackle....

POP...and I'm not talking Rice Krispies.  Well, I went to the chiropractor for the first time last week.  I've always been a bit freaked out by them, but I do have several friends who go to one regularly and promise they couldn't live without their chiropractor!  I figured Dr. M would soon be recommending me go since she offices with one...it was just a matter of time.  So, I put my big girl pants on and went for a consult like she recommended. This doctor does NOT do any "snap, crackle, pop" (or I'd been running out out of there so fast!).  She uses the Atlas Orthogonal method which is a specialized method in chiropractic practices.  Well, what do ya know, after pre-adjustment x-rays...I have a severe neck injury.  Who would've thunk it!?!  Long story short...honestly, does this surprise me!?!?  What's one more issue, ya know ;-)  I was in a bad car accident back in high school and had lots of sports injuries so I guess all of that balled up made one nice neck misalignment for her to treat.  I'm grateful though.  Maybe this is just one more piece of my puzzle that God continues to reveal to me.  Dr. D (the chiropractor) is extremely nice, gentle and puts up with all my questions!!  She even called me at home to check on me the next day!  After one adjustment in my neck my left leg "dropped" an inch (back to where it should be).  After trying to educate myself and listening to her explanations, it really all does make perfect sense how being misaligned can cause a host of issues.  When one's spine and neck aren't aligned properly it inhibits the central nervous system to work properly.  Now I know my head has never really been screwed on straight...lol!!!

As many of you know the past few weeks have been less than stellar for me healthwise.  To quote Dr. M yesterday, "Well, we've had a little set back.  Sometimes healing in one's body takes one step forward and two steps back." Dr. M took blood work again so hopefully I'll find out those results at my appointment next week.  She changed up some meds again, gave me 6 infusions, and I went to the chiropractor again all in one day.  I'll be going twice a week for at least 5 more weeks to the chiropractor since I'm in what she calls "intensive care".  I AM GOING TO RISE ABOVE THIS!!!  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!"  Phil. 4:13  Of course, the steps backwards begin to take a toll on anyone mentally...me included.  Thanks goodness I have hope in the Lord or I don't know how I'd handle any of this (or life!).  Praise God that He's so patient with me because I'm not always very patient in His timing and His choice of how and when to work in my life.  I must remember that "His Ways are not our [my] ways!"

On a lighter note...  Abigail came home from volleyball practice last night jumping up and down with excitement!  God's timing is so wonderful, ya know (ok, I need to read that again!  God's timing in wonderful.  There. I said it again.).  She made TEN serves in a row during practice...woo hoo!!!!!  The coach told the girls they had to complete ten in a row before she would let them start practicing overhand serves.  Abs was 1 of 3 on her team who could do it.  This was a HUGE confidence booster for her and SUCH a tangible way for her to see God working in her life.  We've been praying, and she's been practicing with her daddy. PRAYER. POWER. PERSEVERANCE!!!!  She even said during P.E. they played volleyball and she kept serving them over and over and everyone was clapping.  She said, "mom, it got kind of embarassing with everyone cheering!"  HAHA...now THAT'S what I call an "above and beyond more than we can ever imagine" answered prayer!  Now, let's transfer this success to her game on Monday and she'll been super duper stoked!

Praises!
* Abigail's volleyball success!
* Audrey An's teacher set her up with a reading tutor!
*We've just hired a friend to help David do the drywall in our guest bath!
*Dr. M readjusted some meds to get me back on track!
*I finished that "extra" steroid dose pack so sleep is slowly improving!

Thank goodness for walk-ins!

This week I've had some kind of allergic reaction to something and my rash has worsened tremendously, and a lovely itch has decided to accompany it!  I decided I probably couldn't make it through the weekend very comfortable so I tried to get in with Dr. M.  Unfortunately, she was booked solid yesterday.  Although I didn't want to see her partner (because she knows nothing of my case) I decided to go on in...surely she could help me in some way. It's a bit hard to get a new doctor "up to speed" with my condition in five minutes.  I tried my best, and so did she.  David has demolished our guest bathroom this last week, and we're pretty sure that's what I'm reacting to negatively.  Well, mentally I am  reacting very positively to getting rid of our 1970's yellow tile, tub and toilet!  Physically...not so much!  The mold and mildew must be causing this reaction.  So...much to my dismay I was given an additional steroid (orally and in an IV) to calm things down.  By the time I finished up all my IVs my itch had calmed and I was a taaaaad on the sleepy side since they injected a small dose of benadryl, too.  The itch started back up early evening and I was up all night since I went ahead an started on the first dose of this additional steroid around 5pm last night (probably should have waited to start it this morning, but....I was desperate for relief!).  I think my rash is worse today...uggh!

So...calling on all my prayer warriors.
Please pray:
*That my symptoms will lessen this weekend and sleep will be restored.
*David can finish up this remodel quickly.
*Find someone to deep clean our entire house, power wash our exterior and driveway so we can rid ourselves of as much mold and mildew as possible .  The doctor told me not to even go into this bathroom much less clean it (well, fooey...lol!).  Breathing is always nice, but breathing this contaminated stuff is so not good right now.
*Also, for Abigail...she's trying so hard in volleyball and her request is that her serve improve.  She has a game Monday and Tuesday next week, and I'm praying specifically she'll get serves over in both games to encourage her little heart!
*Audrey An- her short term memory will improve and we can give her the skills to improve reading and memorizing.

I know it will clear, but it has been a discouraging week physically.  With this reaction and having to add in another steroid plus trying so hard to eat the right things so as to not complicate the issue of yeast in my body (then being told pretty much everything is bad for you...remember the salad conversation??).  This too shall pass!

Praises:
*The last few weeks my sleep had improved!
*Abigail attended her first student rally/revival at our church this week...praise God is moving in our youth!
*Audrey An loves school despite some apparent academic issues David and I see.  Praise that she's not discouraged at this point!
*Exchanged several email this past week with AA's foster sister and got to see updated photos of her foster  brothers!
*Carpools!!!

Adjusting...

We've just finished our second week of school, and...well, I'm exhausted already.  Praise God I have 3 other families to carpool with plus David drives on his days off (yes, a bit of a logistical nightmare at times!). I don't know how I'd physically be making it without the help!  Both girls get out at different times plus Abigail has volleyball practice everyday after school except for Wednesday.  Wednesday is the only day they're picked up at the same time.  I know we've entered a new season of life with school (just GOING to a school, and now school with a sport!), and I'm quite sure all of my other friends are as exhausted, too.  I'm just hoping all of them are healthy and exhausted!  Needless to say, these past two weeks have been a HUGE adjustment to our entire family.  I mean, c'mon...last year my girls had school in their PJs in my bed with a sick momma most days.  Now, we actually have to set an alarm, get dressed, and...pack lunches!

Abs had her very first volleyball game on Friday! She had fun and felt like she did her best...that's all that counts in my book! Abs, I'm so proud of you for trying something new, and I'm glad you're making new friends and having fun!

Her first dig of the game!  Our middle school team played a JV team...let's just say we came in second.

Just warning ya....this post will probably be all over the place because that's how I feel  my life is right now, but as you know... blogging is therapy for me so I just might type a book today, and I better get out my "rant" before my hunky monkey gets home from a four day trip (not exactly the best kind of welcome home present, ya know!).   I'll start with some praises!  My lab results from two weeks ago indicate I'm still on track!  My CPK remains at 269...yay!  I've actually wondered if the lab really did the test again because it's more than bizarre that it is the EXACT number from last time.  I'm still testing positive for mycoplasma, but it has decreased.  So I had more IVs on Tuesday plus she added an oral antibiotic again. Yes, I continue to house my own little pharmacy, but hey...it's working.  Thank you, God, for not giving up on me.  Thank you for putting a great doctor in my path.  Thank you for your grace, protection and patience!

I guess part of my struggle is with "re-entry" from living overseas.  Things are just different- different in good ways, different in not so good ways.   David and I were warned and we tried to prepare for it.  In so many ways the transition has been flawless and wonderful, but now that summer is over and school has begun it's a tad more difficult.  Even with my health...I'm doing so much better, but I think I've plateaued again (in my eyes...not the doctors).  In some ways I feel like it's not even worth talking about because if you've not lived overseas you just wouldn't understand.  Not to be rude- but you just wouldn't.  To come back to America after living in a third world country...hmmmm, well, you'd think I'd have a great appreciation of a lot things (and I do!).  I guess to come back to America and see the absolute depravity of a so-called "christian" nation is simply unbelievable and quite depressing.  I'm not surprised though because end times are nearing and that's what His Truth states will happen.  How it must break God's heart!  Revive us, O Lord!  May we be different.  May our Light shine!

Okay, let's see...back to school.  Now, those who know me well, KNOW my heart on this.  I am SO extremely grateful the girls are IN a good school.  We prayed earnestly for that, and I know they're exactly where they are suppose to be this year.  I'm just on overload with carpooling, homework-ing, uniform buying, lunch packing, KJV memorizing, last minute notification-ing, and throw in doctor appointment-ing overload- information overload.  Sunny day carpool line, rainy day carpool line, 8:00 drop off, 8:10 drop off, 2:30 pick up, 3:05 pick up, back of school, front of school, turn left (NO!), turn right, 5:30 volleyball pick up...except Wednesday.  Pick up at "normal" time so we can stay at church until 8:30 at night ;-) 

Okay, then... there's church.  So grateful for our church.  So grateful for the freedom we have to go to any church we want and choose from several classes, courses, choirs, etc.  So thankful for the sermons and music that has been so worshipful and meaningful.  So....how can I say all that but church be on my list of frustrations???  I've been praying that God would show me and show David our place.  Where is our new place of ministry?  What does He want us to do be doing? Well, let me add in some more frustration...David's schedule is NOT like it used to be.  It's certainly not a great schedule like when we were overseas.  He's not had many Sundays off since we've returned so that makes it even more difficult for us to sense where we're suppose to be.  The girls are happy as clams at school and church, but honestly...we've got to pick and choose from the smorgasboard of activity or our lives will be completely chaotic!  There's lots of great things in which to be involved- important things, godly things, wonderful things!  Unfortunately, lots of those "great things" make family time a hard thing.  Wednesdays and Sundays are our longest days of the week.  That's where David and I have always struggled and quite frankly butted heads on for years.  So, we're obviously working through where the balance is.  Forget that Audrey An is begging to take gymnastics and play soccer...can't even begin to think about that.  We told her "no" and it will be a "no" until I'm feeling on top of my game and we've discovered the wonderful answer to "how to train your child in the way {she} should go" without losing our mind!

Okay, then...parenting things.  I will not name names, but certain people in my household have difficulty listening.  (Oh my....surely I'm not just dedicating this paragraph just to my children!?!?).  Again, if you know me well, you know one of my pet peeves is REPEATING myself!  Absolutely, drives. me. nutso!!!   So, I've tried implementing several handy dandy things to help aid in this deficit, but I must say I shall still be on the hunt for better tools!  Yes, I'm fully aware that this is normal behavior for most children, but part of my job is to train these preciousnesses (is that a word!?!) how to be responsible, how to listen, how to take pride in their room/work/chores, etc.  It's not just to make me happy, keep their room clean or check off their chore chart.  It directly correlates with their walk with God.  As soon as they can realize that and act on that....oh, will it be a happy day (and I mean for them-truly! Well, there will be a happy momma, too!).

So...all I know to do is pray.  I can do that.  I will continue to do that.  I'm not even very "good" at it (because my thoughts are all over the place!), but at least I know God wants to hear from me.  It's the only thing I've committed to doing...prayer group.  He wants to hear my "rants" and He wants to hear my praises.  That's why I started out this blog with praise.  The girls and I started out our day with praise, too.  We each praised each other.  I asked them how that felt, and of they both said, "Awesome!".  Well, of course, it does.  That's why we praise God.  We're acknowledging to Him for the wonderful attributes He has and what He has done for us.  I told the girls that's part of my prayer life that I really need to work on.  Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in all of our requests that we forget to praise...guilty as charged. 

Like my sister posted on her facebook last week: "Parenting is exhausting.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." and I commented, "and so is marriag-ing".  I guess I should have added "life".

This I know:  John 10:10 states, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  Forgive me when I've allowed circumstances in the past few weeks to come in and do some stealin'.  Lord, may I not leave the door cracked one itty bitty bit for the thief to come in!!!! 

okay. rant over...
(maybe...lol!)

First Day of School!

Abigail started SIXTH grade and Audrey An started SECOND grade yesterday...where did my summer go!?!?!?  They both had a great first days of school, yesterday.  AA said, "Mommy, school is so much fun!  This is the best school ever!"  WOW...how thankful David and I are for a new beginning with school this year.  I know it's going to have such a positive impact on them- new friends, new activities, new teachers (yay...taking the pressure off of ME!), new life lesson, new lots of things!  It makes my heart happy to know they are in a place where they start off their day with a headmaster hwho prays for the school at the beginning of each day and with teachers who I know love the Lord.  Now...if I can get used to being in the car for drop off and pick up (at multiple times!) for ummmm, quite a bit longer than I'm used to, we'll be a-okay!

I have to tell a funny story on Audrey An! During the summer we are obviously a little more flex on their bedtime, and I've been even more flex as we've been staying up watching the Olympics.  Over the weekend I warned the girls that we'd have to start going to bed at a "normal" time (and even a bit earlier this week) since school is starting.  Audrey An's bedtime is usually 8:30.  When I told her she'd be going to bed at 8:00 she was THRILLED!!!  I just smiled and said, with the same excitement, "Yes, 8:00...isn't that great!?!"  Abigail and I just stared at each other in bewilderment but later shared a good hard laugh together in private when we said to each other, "OH, Audrey An thinks that 8 is later than her "normal" time." Ahhhhh, the innocence of not having a clue about telling time...lol!!!  Guess that's on the list of concepts to learn this year.  Well, maybe....it could work to my advantage if she stayed in the dark a bit longer ;-)

Medical update: I'm down to 10 mg of the steroid and doing quite well at this dosage.  Dr. M is still very pleased with how my body is responding to the steroid reduction and all (yes, there are many!) other treatments.  I went from 20mg down to 10mg in two weeks- which is verrrrrrrry fast for me, but wants me to hang out at 10mg for a couple more weeks and increased my thyroid medicine though.  Have I even mentioned that I have a thyroid issue on here???  That's another story...there's so much going on I can't keep up anymore!

My sleep is improving, and I know that has direct correlation with the steroid reduction along with many faithful prayer warriors who've been praying specifically for this aspect of healing.  Oh goodness, can we say THANKFUL for better sleep!  The doctor took blood for all new labs last Friday, and I'll find out those results next visit.  We're both looking forward to seeing where I am with all my numbers so she can re-evaluate where I am on everything.

Vitamin D Therapy!

So I'm a couple of weeks late posting pics from our Florida trip.  I decided I should post these before I posted the girls' first day of school from today!

and they were splishin' and a spalshin'...

Houston, we have a tween on board!

Little Sunshine girl!

Although we were staying with David's family, my sis and her family happen to book their trip the same week and were staying 20 minutes away so we spent a day with them...so fun!  This is Jonathan and Abigail boogie boardin!

Cousin Steven teaching AA how to play handball with our new friend, Kate!

Sorry I didn't quite get Reagan and Jake's face in the pic ;-(

Jake coming in from a wave.

Diva Jessica!

Audrey An's only GIRL cousin...GIRL POWER!

The girls and I happened to have look alike swim suits!

Our little stair steps: Steven Bryant, Abigail Lindsey, Jonathan Alexander and Audrey An Xiaoli

J-Man is King of the Hill!

My beautiful sister and all her handsome boys!

Steven in 16 this year AND as tall as his Papa D (who is 6'4")!

Our other little stair step that happen to be sitting down: Jessica Lauren, Abigail Lindsey, Jacob Patrick and Audrey An Xiaoli.  It was so cute watching the kids this trip.  Jake and Abigail really hung out a lot because they were both little fish- boogie boardin' and "diving" into the waves looking at fish while the girl girls really enjoyed each other playing in the sand (well, they loved the swimming pool the most I think!).

David's beautiful sister, Deborah, and her handsome/cute crew!  Thanks, Deborah and Reagan for helping me out with our kiddoes while I was (am) still having to take it easy.

John and his kiddoes...thanks for a great trip, "Poppy"! Sea and sand is the best vitamin D therapy.  I think our family was meant to live at the beach!

Hey, babe, wanna match today???

A House Divided...

Okay, so obviously the Olympics are in full swing this week, and we are glued to the tv!  I've thought it has been interesting that AA keeps asking, "Who do we cheer for?"  This is her first Olympics she's probably ever been exposed to so we've been explaining what it's all about, etc.  On numerous events she says, "I want China to win!"  Okay...that's cool with me. I actually love that she says that!  To me, that's a confirmation that's she knows her heritage.  She knows her roots.  We've been very intentional in trying to keep that alive in her life.  She is chinese, and she lives in America now.  So, it's really not a house divided...at all!  It's a house blessed with awesome conversations!!!!

As many of you know today is Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day declared by Mike Huckabee in light of the recent media blitz/controversy over CFA's Dan Cathy's statement of supporting traditional (biblical!) marriage.  Many of you know the Cathy family are sweet friends of ours and their daughter, Rachel, was our "angel" overseas during the height of my illness.  Our girls LOVE Miss Rachel (as do I!).  Audrey An asked me this morning, "Which CFA will Miss Rachel be at today because that's the one I want to go to for lunch?!"  I told her Miss Rachel is in London watching the Olympics, and AA FLIPPED OUT!  She said, "MOMMY, she gets to see the queen, the princess, the gymnastics people????  Did she get to stay at the palace?  Did she have a tea party with the priness?"  Can you just hear Audrey An quizzing me?  The list of questions went on and on!

The controversy sparked discussion in our household with our eldest child, too.  Well, she's now entering the youth group at church, and they had an even last Friday night.  Since we are entrenched in CFA country  here at school, church, and community, David and I felt it approriate and necessary to discuss this with Abs since she'd probably hear about it at the "event".  We wanted her to hear from US first.  Not the kind of discussions we look forward to, but so glad we all can talk openly about it and have the honor of training our children what the Bible says about how we should live, treat people, and how to honor God.

This photo was from earlier in the month when we  (yes, ALL of us!) dressed up like cows to eat CFA for free.

I promised a friend I would add this picture to the blog this week...so here it is, Pam!  Another friend, Leslie gave Audrey An this "twirly" dress on Sunday, and I can't peel it off of her...seriouisly!  You know my little energizer bunny is a girly girl so she's been spinning and twirling since Sunday!  I couldn't even get out of the church parking lot Sunday without her asking me if she could change in the car...lol!

Okay, off to eat me some Chick-Fil-A....for several reasons! I support and love the Cathy family, CFA, their love for God, and the unwavering stance in their biblical stance on anyand everything...I'm hungry AND the noise of getting a new roof over our heads today is driving me a little nutty!!! 

GOOOOO, Team USA (and China) nad Team CFA!!!!

Teeth, camp and....salads?

I have NEVER heard a child ask for a tooth to be pulled yet this isn't the first timeAudrey An has asked daddy-o to pull out her teeth!  Watch...she doesn't even flinch...one tough cookie!!!!

Cute little snaggle tooth gal! (little does she know she's going to have another pulled by the dentist in a couple of week. Actually, I don't think she'll mind!

Guess who visited last night? 

 Sisters at camp drop-off today...praying for a great weekend, girlies!!!

 Audrey An's FIRST overnight camp...she's SO excited and SO excited to be with her best buddy, Grace!

 Abigail's LAST "kid camp"...sniff sniff!  How can she be growing up so fast?  This is Hannah, one of her best buddies from church!

Medical update:
Grateful.  Thankful. Surreal.  WOW....are just some adjectives I'm feeling since I returned for another follow up doctor appointment. I'm feeling so much better, but I went in because I feel like my stomach is about to explode!  She said the medications are flushing out so many toxins and I am having so much problem with digestive issues, it's settling in my gut.  Sooooo....yep that's why I can't fit into any of my clothes;-(  Glad there's an additional reason added to the side affect of the glorious steroid...HA!  The ironic thing is I'm eating healthier with lots more salads and smoothies for meals, but she said that eating lots of salads is actually more hurtful to me right now because I'm unable to digest it properly, and it just settles in my gut.  SO...can't win for losing....argggggh!   Off to eat more cooked not raw foods.  Have you ever been told to NOT eat salad...lol!?!?  Oh well, maybe I'll go eat a Snickers for dinner- JUST kidding.  Well, okay....yep, nevermind....

She also said my vitals and adrenals are the best she's seen in me so far so my body is tapering off the steroid just fine. So she think I'll be fine reducing the steroid more rapidly. So we're going for it.  My endocrine system is shot due to the steroid so she's as anxious for me to get off the evil steroid as I am.  I had five more infusions yesterday (two were antibiotics). Dr. M is very pleased with my progress.  I told her I've made more progress in 6 weeks with her than the last year and a half.  I think we're on to something! It's a 1/2 day affair when I go, but it totally doesn't bother me because it's working!!!!  Praise the Lord!

GOTCHA!!!

Today, we celebrate THREE YEARS with Audrey An Xiaoli!!!  Last year I asked people to vote where they thought we'd be this Gotcha Day since we'd been in a different country for the first two.  Well, USA was the vote, and USA was the winner!

Abigail started off her mei mei's special day with a pancake breakfast...complete with crepe paper decorations, too!  I love how they both always make special days special for each other without even being asked or reminded.  Blessings!!!

Special sisters...mei mei and jie jie together!!!!  We've had a great day together.  We were just missing daddy.  I took the girls to a movie, ate at Chick-Fil-A (AA's request)....then I took her to a orthrodontic consult (was't that SO nice of me to do to her on her special day...LOL!?!?!).  We're going to have another celebration when daddy comes home and east chinese food per Audrey An's request!  We can't have too many parties.

Love those dimples, love that smile, LOVE this girl!  July 12, 2009 will forever be a special, special, special day for us.  You've come SO far, baby.  At times, I cannot believe it's already been three years since you came into our family, but in other ways I can't believe it's ONLY been three years.  Mama, Baba, and jie jie can't even imagine life without you in it.  You're a perfect fit, and it seems you've been with us since birth!  You are quite amazing.  You are joy.  You are resilient.  You are smart.  You are beautiful.  You are energizer bunny.  You are Miss Smiley Face!

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" 

Okay, I just put her to bed and part of her prayer was, "Dear God, thank you for my fun Gotcha Day, and thank you for my special family."...ahhhhh, MELT MY HEART!!!

Medical updates:
My grandmother who we visited last week in Texas sounded like a different human being when I spoke with her this afternoon....amazing!  She sounded so much stronger AND her new physical therapist got her up and walking yesterday.  Yes, this is GREAT accomplishment....it's been five weeks since she's been able to walk!  What an answer to prayer.  One of my specific prayers for her is that her heart would be encouraged and she'd feel hope.  THAT is exactly what I heard in her voice today...so thankful!!!

GREAT NEWS!  I received word on Tuesday that my CPK is down to 269!!!!!!  YES...2.6.9!!!  TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE!!! We are so excited it continues to come down! (remember, just five months ago it was in the 8300 range....uggh!).  Also, remember that this number and how I'm feeling hasn't always correlated exactly, but this time I think they go hand in hand.  I told a friend last night if I were a betting gal when my doctor tested my CPK a couple of weeks ago that it would probably be lower.  I AM feeling better.  I AM getting stronger.  I AM so thankful!!!! I've decreased my steroid this week as well, and so far I'm doing fine. This particular dosage has always been been "sticking point" and have always tanked a bit so I'm praying that my body will adjust quickly and handle the change of the steroid dosage so I CAN GET OFF THIS STUFF!!!!!!  Sleep continues to be an issue, but I'm going to try a new Rx as soon as David comes home from his trip.  I don't like changing up meds when he's gone.  SO.....you better hurry home, baby!  SLEEP =  Feeling much better!! SLEEP= I can function!!! SLEEP=Happy momma!!!

One more quick thing.  I've had a few people ask me if we know what the infection is, and if we know how I got this illness.  Well. we don't know how I got sick, and we don't exactly the source of it all.  We do know that it's most likely been "brewing" in my body for quite some time.  We do know that I have infection (and this has been somewhat controversial with a couple of doctors, but let's just say..."The proof is in the pudding!"- my white blood cell count, neutrophyls, mycoplasma and many more things are high which indicate infection).  Basically, there are two schools of thought: 1. Doctors who believe that auto-immune disorders and rheumatical diseases are infection based (here are two websites that have been instrumental in educating us: Rheumatic.org and The Roadback Foundation) AND  2. Doctors who don't believe that.  David and I are in "camp 1" based on our own research, how I've responded to antibiotics, etc.  I do NOT discount any of the doctors treatments in the last 1  1/2 years because each of them have had a vital role in getting me where I am today!  David and I do feel that this newest doctor has gotten me further along in the shortest amount of time, too.  We do think there are many factors that have played into my improvement- changes in environment, diet, medication, but most of all answers to our prayers from a very Mighty, Powerful, Loving and Gracious Physician.  We give God ALL the credit.  He has placed us on a path of healing- a strange one at that I must say, but we know and see how He's orchestrated our steps.  If you or someone you know struggles with a "auto-immune" disease or arthritis, it's worth your time to browse the two above websites in my opinion.  I hope that clears up some questions...David's much better at explaining it than I!  I've got a long way to go, but I've COME a long way, baby!!!!

note to self:  don't give AA ice cream, cookies and sprite in the same day....again!!!  I'll let you read between the lines ;-)

Walking on water!

David, the girls and I were fortunate to return back home this week to see my parents and my grandmother who is very ill.  I wasn't sure if it would work out since it was a holiday week, but it did! It was a mini reunion for me because we got to see two sets of aunts and uncles who were in town, too!

My precious grandmother "Nini" with the girls.  There's about a 86 year gap between oldest and youngest!  She's a special lady to me (all of us!).  We love you, Nini, and are praying for you!

Okay, remember this post?  I know I took this picture about six weeks ago, BUT I didn't have my wedding ring on....SO, I had to take it again.  I know I'm goofy, but I just love this picture.  It represents a lot of things, a lot of years, and four generations!

My hunky monkey tearing up the lake!

Glamour girls!

A patient daddy teaching the Abster to water ski for the first time.

Here she goes...

And...she's walking on water!

A good sign that she had a blast!  Way to go, Abigail!!!!

Time for sweet Xiaoli to have some fun!

Driving the boat with Papa D

Audrey An, you have no idea how many times I've felt the same way...lol!

Not a care in the world...

late night Boggle game with Nana

 

We had a GREAT time this weekend.  I hadn't been on the lake back home in  years and it felt oh-so- wonderful to be out there even though I personally couldn't ski this year and I was wrapped up in a hat, sunglasses and long sleeve shirt plus sitting under the boat shade with sunsscreen SPF 45!  To see my girls having a blast on the lake like I did growing up and getting to experience skiing, tubing and swiming at the lake meant the world to me (and David!).  Surely, I got  a little bit of "vitamin d therapy" ;-)  Thanks, mom and dad, for taking us.  I know you both were exhausted from being out of town right up until you picked us up at the airport.  It was worth it, right!?!  Love you!

Okay, signing off....that flight this morning came a bit too early for my taste!