And a couple of cute pics for good measure!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
"You look older than that!"
Some background information: I volunteer in the 3 year old Sunday School classroom once a month. There are assigned "teachers" in the rooms, but then the volunteers "help" out. I don't love doing it, but I don't mind it either. I feel I should help out because I do have children in the Sunday School classrooms, so it is only fair.
So yesterday was my day to take on the 3-year-olds. I was ready for them. Usually Bug is in there with me, but she spent the night at her grandparents house, so I was on my own. The teacher, D, and I were talking while the kids were eating snacks. He is probably about 26-27 years old. He is very much a goofball. The kids adore him. He doesn't know how to take something seriously if his life depended on it.
Ok, back to the story...we were chatting while the kids were snacking and he was telling me that he was graduating next month with an Associates in Pastoral Ministries degree. He then proceeded to tell me he has been in college for nearly 10 years and added that he had obtained a bachelors degree in Marketing before he decided to go into ministry. He asked about my background and I told him that I went to school for a long while also. I explained I had 2 business degrees, a teaching certificate and a Masters of Education degree. He was rather impressed, which wasn't my intention. My purpose for telling him that was that I had changed my mind a few times too.
Somehow we started talking about the year we graduated from high school and it turns out that I graduated 4 years before him (different school). His mouth hit the floor and he exclaimed, "You look older than that!!!"
Well, thanks, dude. I appreciate being told I look like an old hag. Geez! I mean, seriously, just what a woman wants to hear, right? He could have said, "Oh, I thought you were older because you seem more mature than me." He could have said, "Hmm, I figured you were older because you have accomplished a good deal of education." Nope, none of that...simply, "YOU. LOOK. OLDER. THAN. THAT!"
As I reflected on that, I realized I probably do look older than him. Here are a couple of things that I have experienced that God willing, he will never have to experience in his lifetime.
We struggled with infertility. The stress that goes with that is high. Most of my readers are familiar with that stress. That ages a person.
While 20 weeks preggo we learned that Bug had Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. HELLO! Talk about stressing a person. That ages a person.
After Bug's birth, we have experienced 3 brain surgeries, eye surgery, back closure surgery, multiple hospital stays for various infections. That ages a person!
We traversed the adoption journey for 2 years...17 months of waiting. One failed match and even more emotionally stressful, one failed placement. We lived through the birth of our daughter through adoption. We lived through the week her first mom brought her home and loved on her and bonded. We lived through the wait for her to be legally available for adoption. We are still living through the wait of finalizing everything. That ages a person!
The list above doesn't even begin to mention the move cross country, twice. Building a house. Selling a house. Buying a house. Job changes. Career changes. Arguments with family. Watching your "baby" go to school. Running day in and day out to various dr. appts and other fun engagements.
Sure, I probably do look older than I am. But, I wouldn't change any of it. Not one moment. If any one thing were changed, I would not have the life I have right now. My daughter, Bug, is worth every gray hair that is beginning to appear. My daughter, Princess, is worth every fine line and wrinkle that is developing on my face. The dark circles under my eyes are a badge of honor...clearly announcing to anyone who sees me that I am a mother...a tired, worn out mother.
So there, Mr. 3-year-old-Sunday-School-teacher-dude...I might look older, but look at the blessings I have in my life. I will take older any day of the week if it means I get to keep my life just the way it is. So, thank you for the compliment!
So yesterday was my day to take on the 3-year-olds. I was ready for them. Usually Bug is in there with me, but she spent the night at her grandparents house, so I was on my own. The teacher, D, and I were talking while the kids were eating snacks. He is probably about 26-27 years old. He is very much a goofball. The kids adore him. He doesn't know how to take something seriously if his life depended on it.
Ok, back to the story...we were chatting while the kids were snacking and he was telling me that he was graduating next month with an Associates in Pastoral Ministries degree. He then proceeded to tell me he has been in college for nearly 10 years and added that he had obtained a bachelors degree in Marketing before he decided to go into ministry. He asked about my background and I told him that I went to school for a long while also. I explained I had 2 business degrees, a teaching certificate and a Masters of Education degree. He was rather impressed, which wasn't my intention. My purpose for telling him that was that I had changed my mind a few times too.
Somehow we started talking about the year we graduated from high school and it turns out that I graduated 4 years before him (different school). His mouth hit the floor and he exclaimed, "You look older than that!!!"
Well, thanks, dude. I appreciate being told I look like an old hag. Geez! I mean, seriously, just what a woman wants to hear, right? He could have said, "Oh, I thought you were older because you seem more mature than me." He could have said, "Hmm, I figured you were older because you have accomplished a good deal of education." Nope, none of that...simply, "YOU. LOOK. OLDER. THAN. THAT!"
As I reflected on that, I realized I probably do look older than him. Here are a couple of things that I have experienced that God willing, he will never have to experience in his lifetime.
We struggled with infertility. The stress that goes with that is high. Most of my readers are familiar with that stress. That ages a person.
While 20 weeks preggo we learned that Bug had Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. HELLO! Talk about stressing a person. That ages a person.
After Bug's birth, we have experienced 3 brain surgeries, eye surgery, back closure surgery, multiple hospital stays for various infections. That ages a person!
We traversed the adoption journey for 2 years...17 months of waiting. One failed match and even more emotionally stressful, one failed placement. We lived through the birth of our daughter through adoption. We lived through the week her first mom brought her home and loved on her and bonded. We lived through the wait for her to be legally available for adoption. We are still living through the wait of finalizing everything. That ages a person!
The list above doesn't even begin to mention the move cross country, twice. Building a house. Selling a house. Buying a house. Job changes. Career changes. Arguments with family. Watching your "baby" go to school. Running day in and day out to various dr. appts and other fun engagements.
Sure, I probably do look older than I am. But, I wouldn't change any of it. Not one moment. If any one thing were changed, I would not have the life I have right now. My daughter, Bug, is worth every gray hair that is beginning to appear. My daughter, Princess, is worth every fine line and wrinkle that is developing on my face. The dark circles under my eyes are a badge of honor...clearly announcing to anyone who sees me that I am a mother...a tired, worn out mother.
So there, Mr. 3-year-old-Sunday-School-teacher-dude...I might look older, but look at the blessings I have in my life. I will take older any day of the week if it means I get to keep my life just the way it is. So, thank you for the compliment!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
We got a response
I emailed the coordinator or the nerve rerouting surgery I mentioned in my last post. She responded a couple of times.
First, Bug has to be 6 years old before she can be accepted in the study. At first thought, that is disappointing. However, we know that God will take care of our daughter until the time comes for the surgery and cathing for a few more years is nothing, really.
The results that are starting to come in from the surgeries conducted in the US are looking really good. The children are regaining bladder AND bowel control, it appears.
As I think about the significance of this surgery a couple of things come to mind. First, I am ecstatic that Bug might be able to go to school in big girl underpants! She won't have to explain to her friends why she has to use a catheter. She won't be "different" in that sense. She won't suffer from recurrent UTI's. She won't have to take medicine to help her empty her bowel. She won't have accidents where children become so cruel and tease her. Truly her future looks very bright.
On the other hand, I don't want to forget that God has blessed her (us) in ways beyond measure already. If the surgery doesn't happen or if she is the 1 in 10 that it doesn't work for, that would be ok. God has already done miracles in Bugs life...she was never to walk and she is VERY mobile with her walker and/or her arm crutches. She was never to talk and to be honest, she never stops. So much so that it drives me bonkers sometimes. She was to be severally mentally challenged and in no way is she challenged. She learns things very quickly. She understands. She inquires about things that are far beyond her years. She astonishes me, and many others. God has been so good to us.
The coordinator also gave us a range for the price of the surgery (in the study). I was guessing it would be in or near the $100,000 mark. I mean, we are talking about moving tiny, delicate little nerves here. She responded that the surgery runs about $30,000-40,000 not including travel and hotel. That is doable! I am still trying to decide if we should start fundraising now or wait. Part of me wants to do it now because if we have the money on hand, the minute it is available, I want to have it done for Bug. Part of me wants to wait because what if, by another miracle, the insurance pays for it...then what would we do with the money? My best thought on that one is that if it were paid for, then the money could be given to another child waiting for a life changing surgery...we could do a lot with that money. Or, set up a scholarship fund for the Spina Bifida Association. There are definitely good things to spend that amount of money on.
Just thought I would share what I know thus far. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, please.
First, Bug has to be 6 years old before she can be accepted in the study. At first thought, that is disappointing. However, we know that God will take care of our daughter until the time comes for the surgery and cathing for a few more years is nothing, really.
The results that are starting to come in from the surgeries conducted in the US are looking really good. The children are regaining bladder AND bowel control, it appears.
As I think about the significance of this surgery a couple of things come to mind. First, I am ecstatic that Bug might be able to go to school in big girl underpants! She won't have to explain to her friends why she has to use a catheter. She won't be "different" in that sense. She won't suffer from recurrent UTI's. She won't have to take medicine to help her empty her bowel. She won't have accidents where children become so cruel and tease her. Truly her future looks very bright.
On the other hand, I don't want to forget that God has blessed her (us) in ways beyond measure already. If the surgery doesn't happen or if she is the 1 in 10 that it doesn't work for, that would be ok. God has already done miracles in Bugs life...she was never to walk and she is VERY mobile with her walker and/or her arm crutches. She was never to talk and to be honest, she never stops. So much so that it drives me bonkers sometimes. She was to be severally mentally challenged and in no way is she challenged. She learns things very quickly. She understands. She inquires about things that are far beyond her years. She astonishes me, and many others. God has been so good to us.
The coordinator also gave us a range for the price of the surgery (in the study). I was guessing it would be in or near the $100,000 mark. I mean, we are talking about moving tiny, delicate little nerves here. She responded that the surgery runs about $30,000-40,000 not including travel and hotel. That is doable! I am still trying to decide if we should start fundraising now or wait. Part of me wants to do it now because if we have the money on hand, the minute it is available, I want to have it done for Bug. Part of me wants to wait because what if, by another miracle, the insurance pays for it...then what would we do with the money? My best thought on that one is that if it were paid for, then the money could be given to another child waiting for a life changing surgery...we could do a lot with that money. Or, set up a scholarship fund for the Spina Bifida Association. There are definitely good things to spend that amount of money on.
Just thought I would share what I know thus far. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, please.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Cautiously optimistic
I just received an email from The Designer's aunt asking if I had heard anything about an experimental surgery being done in Detroit. It is a nerve-rerouting surgery for children with Spina Bifida. Seven children from around the country have gained bladder control back compliments of this surgery.
Do you know what that means? Do you? AGGHHHH!!!!!! I am so stinkin' excited because that means that there is something out there for us to explore for Lil Bug. She might not have to be catheterized every 4 hours for the rest of her life. Oh my goodness! OH. MY. GOODNESS.
Yes, I know that this doesn't automatically mean Lil Bug is a candidate, but this does mean that so far 7 other children are experiencing a whole new life thanks to this surgery and it means that Lil Bug might benefit too.
I emailed the coordinator of the study asking for details. I hope she responds sometime next week. Until then, I will pray that if this is Gods will, something will happen so that Lil Bug will benefit from this as well.
Do you know what that means? Do you? AGGHHHH!!!!!! I am so stinkin' excited because that means that there is something out there for us to explore for Lil Bug. She might not have to be catheterized every 4 hours for the rest of her life. Oh my goodness! OH. MY. GOODNESS.
Yes, I know that this doesn't automatically mean Lil Bug is a candidate, but this does mean that so far 7 other children are experiencing a whole new life thanks to this surgery and it means that Lil Bug might benefit too.
I emailed the coordinator of the study asking for details. I hope she responds sometime next week. Until then, I will pray that if this is Gods will, something will happen so that Lil Bug will benefit from this as well.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Well, that explains it!
Lil Princess has been sick with a nasty cold for over a week. Instead of getting better, it has gotten worse. I have been worried for her over the past couple of days because she is coughing up lots of phlegm and rattling a lot.
I finally decided enough was enough and brought her into the medi center tonight (Sunday night). He said her lungs were clear (YAY!) but that she has a massive double ear infection.
1 hour and 3 Rx's later, we left. Hopefully we will turn the corner now.
I finally decided enough was enough and brought her into the medi center tonight (Sunday night). He said her lungs were clear (YAY!) but that she has a massive double ear infection.
1 hour and 3 Rx's later, we left. Hopefully we will turn the corner now.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Yay, my first Etsy sale!!!
I have made several carriers and sold them to people I know or friends of people I know, etc., but today was my first "real" sale to someone I don't know. Since this person is fairly local (maybe 20 mins away) I am thinking it might be someone whom I handed a card to in the mall one day. But, maybe not. Who knows. Regardless, I sold a carrier on Etsy and that is exciting.
I have a craft show in two weeks. I need to get sewing. I have a few completed carriers that I haven't sold yet, but I need more than a few...I need a lot because I want to prepare for success! :)
Thanks for sharing my moment of joy with me. Good night.
I have a craft show in two weeks. I need to get sewing. I have a few completed carriers that I haven't sold yet, but I need more than a few...I need a lot because I want to prepare for success! :)
Thanks for sharing my moment of joy with me. Good night.
AAAGGGHHH!!!
I really want to scream right now. But, what is the point? At best, I might let go of a little bit of tension I have built up. At worst, I will lose my voice. So, I will just keep quiet and pray (and blog a little, I suppose).
Sorry, this is going to be a boring post. I don't really have a lot to share publically. It really boils down to the fact that a couple of people that I care about are making some really bad choices and there is not one darn thing I can do about it. NOT. ONE.
I know that one of the individuals is hurting inside. I mean a deep, raw hurt. This individual has had a miserable past and as a result, she is making choices that are going to lead to a miserable future if she even has a future at all.
I am scared for her. I am scared that her choices now are going to take her away from me prematurely. I am sad.
The other person that I am referring to in this post also has had a rough past. Contratry to the first person I referenced, this person appears to be making some good choices at this exact moment. I hope it lasts, but regretably I expect it won't. Is that fair to expect someone to fail? No, it really isn't. But even so, my fear is real. I don't want this person to fail for many, many reasons. Sadly, most of them are selfish reasons though.
That's all I can say. Please pray for them. God knows who they are, so don't worry about names or initials or anything like that...just pray, k?
Thanks.
Sorry, this is going to be a boring post. I don't really have a lot to share publically. It really boils down to the fact that a couple of people that I care about are making some really bad choices and there is not one darn thing I can do about it. NOT. ONE.
I know that one of the individuals is hurting inside. I mean a deep, raw hurt. This individual has had a miserable past and as a result, she is making choices that are going to lead to a miserable future if she even has a future at all.
I am scared for her. I am scared that her choices now are going to take her away from me prematurely. I am sad.
The other person that I am referring to in this post also has had a rough past. Contratry to the first person I referenced, this person appears to be making some good choices at this exact moment. I hope it lasts, but regretably I expect it won't. Is that fair to expect someone to fail? No, it really isn't. But even so, my fear is real. I don't want this person to fail for many, many reasons. Sadly, most of them are selfish reasons though.
That's all I can say. Please pray for them. God knows who they are, so don't worry about names or initials or anything like that...just pray, k?
Thanks.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
1-800-GOOG-411
Have you heard about this? You can call 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411) and they will connect you to a local business for FREE. I think the regular 411 is a couple bucks a call, but this is FREE.
Oh, and if you have a phone with internet, they will send you a map of the area too! Gotta love GOOGLE.
In case you don't believe me, look here: http://www.google.com/goog411/index.html
(Nope, I wasn't paid to post this. Just excited to find something for free and wanted to share!)
Oh, and if you have a phone with internet, they will send you a map of the area too! Gotta love GOOGLE.
In case you don't believe me, look here: http://www.google.com/goog411/index.html
(Nope, I wasn't paid to post this. Just excited to find something for free and wanted to share!)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Ah, it is FINALLY up and running
I have been talking about setting up this silly old Etsy store for some time and I finally got around to doing it today. You can go directly to www.luckybugboutique.etsy.com to see my goodies. Also, I have included a gallery (to the left) of some of the items I currently have listed. If you click on an item, it will take you there as well.
Be honest, tell me what you think! I would love to hear suggestions for fabric choices.
If you are interested in making a purchase I would love to make a carrier especially for a little bundle of love in your life.
Be honest, tell me what you think! I would love to hear suggestions for fabric choices.
If you are interested in making a purchase I would love to make a carrier especially for a little bundle of love in your life.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Change of pace (and pics of my carriers)
I have changed things up a little around here. Now that spring has FINALLY sprung, I have been spending much less time on the computer. As a result, I am not IMing much, reading blogs much, and obviously not posting much either.
I have been outside enjoying walks, working in the yard and playing with the girls. I have also been sewing a lot. I am trying to get things up and running for my Etsy store. I haven't posted anything in there yet, but here are a few of my amature photos I have taken of the carriers I am selling. I have already sold a few just by word of mouth. I plan to be in a few arts and craft sales coming up in the next few weeks. I also plan to get Etsy running soon...it is taking longer than I anticipated.
I am guessing few are still checking in on my blog these days. I can't really blame you since there isn't anything to read. I will try to think of some good stuff to share, I promise. :)
I have been outside enjoying walks, working in the yard and playing with the girls. I have also been sewing a lot. I am trying to get things up and running for my Etsy store. I haven't posted anything in there yet, but here are a few of my amature photos I have taken of the carriers I am selling. I have already sold a few just by word of mouth. I plan to be in a few arts and craft sales coming up in the next few weeks. I also plan to get Etsy running soon...it is taking longer than I anticipated.
I am guessing few are still checking in on my blog these days. I can't really blame you since there isn't anything to read. I will try to think of some good stuff to share, I promise. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
