Health Update

Friday was a very tiring day for me.  I had my naturopath appointment at 10 am in Fort Langley.  My tests revealed low cortisol which means adrenal insufficiency, iron deficiency and kidney problems.  I have started a new medication and some supplements.  So now I'll just have to wait and see if my symptoms get better.  After my appointment I had to get some more blood tests done and pick up my medication.  

It was close to 1 pm by the time I was able to get home.  I was shaky, dizzy, nauseous and exhausted. I needed to rest.  I am not able to do much activity before I get weak. I'm just happy I got through all that. So glad that my Mom can help with childcare.  

I am signed on to My EHealth so I can see my results as soon as they are ready.  I'm sure for some people and some situations this may not be a good idea.  I've tried to research every step of the way.  Some days it doesn't work with my pain and head clarity, but I have definitely learned a lot.  I still need the doctors to translate many of the tests.  And of course to be my doctor.

The tests that came back today had to do with my thyroid.  Some of them seem low but I'll have to see what the doctor says and how this fits into the other issues that have come up.  On Wednesday I go back to my regular doctor.  We'll see what he says about the kidneys and what my next steps are.  More waiting for now. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and comments. It means a lot to me.  Please continue to pray for me so that this new information will lead to healing.  Pray for wisdom that the doctors will know what to do.  Please pray for Mark as he works and comes home to do the meals and take care of the kids.  

On a positive note, today my eyes and head are able to focus a little more so I can see more clearly and not be quite so dizzy and nauseous in the second part of the day. Maybe the medicine is starting to work. Thank you God for that.

A Car Ride for a Cat!

A couple days ago Zoe followed our van down the driveway.  She looked at us like "where are you going?"  I dropped the twins off at school and came back.  She followed the van back up the driveway and came inside.  

Today unknowingly to me, Zoe followed Sophia and Ethan into the van.  I didn't know until we were heading down the drive.  Too late to turn back. The twins thought it was great.  Not sure that Zoe felt the same way? She didn't like the wipers or the telephone poles seemingly coming at her.  Funny kitty.  She was glad to be home! 

Game Day

Yesterday we got our games on.  In the morning we played a complete game of LIFE.  Start to finish.  LIFE can be a long game.  Drew was ready to give up at one pointed, but we all persevered.  He was glad he did because he ended up winning by a long shot.  Fun was had by all.  But in between . . .  lets just say if you need a lesson in patience, play a long board game with kids who have ADHD.  

After lunch we went for another round.  This time we played Catan, kids edition.  I'm actually surprised that Drew wanted to play.  He's usually not one for board games, and especially because we already played such a long game in the morning.  Sophia on the other hand, LOVES to play games.  I even had enough energy to play : )  It was fun.

It's nice that the kids are getting older so we can play games together.  Looking forward to having  some game buddies.  Well, at least I can always count on Sophia for some play time.

                                                                               Of course we had to do a crazy photo too!  : )

HaPPy CaNaDA Day !!

Happy Canada Day !

                                                             From Our Home to yours !

You may not know the significance of the blanket, but the members of my family do. The color red in the photo didn't just happen to be a good picture for today.  It actually is a Canada blanket.  Each of us kids got these HUGE Canada blankets, that we took with us when we left home. It sat in my hope chest amongst pots and pans waiting to be used.  It definitely is now. If you look at it now, the wear is evident.  It has become as comfortable as an old stuffed bear. This picture doesn't do the blanket any justice.  I've included another picture of it's younger days. Throw-back 9 years ago.  

Drew as a baby!

The kids and Mark went to our Mt. Lehman parade.  I wasn't able to make it out.  My pain was worse today.  But I am glad they had a fun day.  Drew even walked the parade as the pooper scooper for some friends of ours with horses in the parade. He was all smiles, doing his civic duty.  Sorry, no pics. And they all came back with a loadful of candy, chips, and gum.  This was not even the big parade.  They didn't make it to the Abbotsford parade. One parade a day is good for Mark.  The kids found their Easter baskets, and brought them along to collect their goods.  Believe me, I had no part in this. ;)

My Mom came by in the afternoon to take the kids to more festivities at Rotary Stadium/park.  Drew was excited when they came back.  He was telling me all about the slip-and-slide.  By the picture below, I know they all had fun.  Including my Mom!

Personally, I am thankful that I can live in Canada.  There are so many beautiful places in Canada.  We have been lucky to visit some of them.  We are blessed to live in Mt. Lehman.  It's beautiful, peaceful and a great place to raise our kids. I am also thankful to live in Canada with all the medical stuff I have been going through the last years, but more recently with the need for surgery, and extra care.  

With all the horrible things that are going on in the world, it makes me even more grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy everyday, without so much as a thought most days.  Freedom to go outside and not dodge bullets, or hear bombs as we are falling asleep, scared for our families.  Freedom to talk, and believe in God and be who we are without being imprisoned.  My heart goes out to those people, and nations, who are struggling.  My prayers are with you.  Many people have worked so hard for us to be here.  Many lives have been given to get us to this place.  It's not all that far back that our relatives and friends were fighting for our country.  Some are still fighting. 

Today, we get to celebrate OUR birthday! I know Canada is not perfect, but it's a great place to call home.  : )

ZOE

Beware: this one's a little sappy.

A couple weeks ago I picked up a new kitten.  Our other cat, Kady went missing.  She was a great cat.  One of a kind.  At times she was almost dog-like.  Every time I went up stairs she raced ahead of me.  She had no problem keeping her own with our two dogs, a miniature schnauzer and a chocolate lab.  In the winter, she curled up by the fireplace with the dogs.  She was loved.  Drew really missed her and worried a lot when she went missing and everyday after that.  She was so unique.  She was the first kitten the kids had, and I hadn't had one since I was a kid myself.  I had forgotten how much easier than dogs they were to toilet train.  Day one: done. 

Kady could also be a bit aggressive, but that was going to make her a great mouser.  She was tough.  She was also sweet, and my "hot water bottle" on bad pain days.  She was a good cuddler and companion while I've been sick in bed.  We miss you Kady!

Welcome Zoe!

A week and a half after Kady went missing, some of our friends had a batch of kittens they were trying to find homes for.  It was a great opportunity.  I hadn't planned on getting a kitten quite this soon.  After the kids went to bed, I went to pick her up.  In the morning the kids were woken up by little kitten mews.  First they went to check if Kady had come back, and then they saw Zoe.  They fell in love instantly.  The kids cuddled and played with her all morning.  Although, i did ask them to give her some nap times .  She is calmer and more gentle than Kady.  She doesn't scratch as much, which the kids appreciate.

I loved her too.  How could I not.  It was a cute kitten.  And I am an animal person.  But she is definitely NOT Kady.  But every day, Zoe and I are connecting more.  Who knows?  Maybe one day she will be a good "hot water bottle" too.

  

She is already getting bigger.

Like a typical cat, she is already on my lap and keyboard, trying to catch my fingers.

Yesterday, she was curious about the tub and water when I was having a bath.  It took a little while but she eventually, came up to the edge of the tub.  It's built in, so there was room for her to sit or walk along the edge.  Every once in awhile she'd put her front paws down the walls of the tub, but always got right back up.  Then all of a sudden, in that position, she plunged in. She was shocked and surprised.  I couldn't believe it.  I guess you have to learn, by trying, and sometimes failing. ;) of course I quickly wrapped her up in a towel.  I even got out of there with no scratches.  Zoe's first bath.  Although I don't think we'll be bathing together anytime soon!

Today, she has been keeping me company in my room for half the day.  (See endometriosis). She's either playing, or zonked out sleeping beside me.  I think she'll be good for the job!  

And if Kady comes back, we'll be double blessed to have her too.  

And its a S-T-R-i-K-e !!

I recently read on Facebook that kids can bowl free this summer!  As I am sick and not able to do much, my Mom has been coming over daily to help with the kids and give me a rest.  One day last week she didn't know what to do, I told her about the bowling as an idea, and she said, "Ok, let's go!" And they were off.  They picked up my Dad on the way.  

When they got there, they found out that you need to register online before-hand.  So this time wasn't free, but next time will be!  2 free games of bowling a day all summer long!  Still need to pay for shoe rental unless you have your own :) We won't be going quite that often, but will enjoy this activity from time to time with the kids.  A good indoor activity when it's raining or there are too many mosquitoes.

All you have to do to register for Galaxy Bowl is go to www.kidsbowlfree.com/GalaxyBowl.  Then you receive the free bowling passes every week by email, and you are set all summer long.  :)

Mom and Ethan went too.  The pictures that were sent over were a little to fuzzy to add here.  But fun was had by all.  Dad and Drew each got a STRIKE !  Today, as I type this the kids are playing bowling on the Wii.  Practice makes perfect.

Giddyup!!

Well it's been almost a year since I blogged.  It's been quite the year.  Once again the kids were invited to go to the Pony Party with my parent's church.  That is always one of our kids highlights of summer.  Unfortunately, I was too weak and sick to go.  I missed my own dose of horse this year, but my parents kindly sent some pictures over.  I guess this year I'll have to live vicariously through them. 😊

Sophia and Fire.  Ethan and Cherokee.