The Truth...

The last few weeks have been challenging. Who am I kidding??? The last few months have. I've kept it pretty quiet. But in June, I suffered 2 concussions, in just a few days. It really did a number on me. By the end of July, I was still in a lot of pain. Having constant migraines. Being forced to take a temporary leave, from the hospital. Honestly, I really couldn't function.

A lot of this, has to do with my past. I was a cheerleader for 5 years. Competitive cheerleader. With a coach, that we nicknamed "Hitler." If you knew her, you'd know why. In my senior year, I was hurt. I suffered 10 concussions, in just 1 week. Everyone around me, could see that I was barely functioning. I'm almost positive, during that week, I spent more time in the nurse's office...than I did in my classes. :( But I tried to stay positive. Tried to hide my pain. My constant dizziness. And my constant nausea.

I'd convinced my parents, that I was OK. But also, begged my Dad to drive me to school. That entire week. And when it was time to head home, go to a game, or whatever other school activity I had...I'd ask a friend. Which was completely, out of the ordinary for me. By that Friday, I really was barely going.

I remember there being a school assembly. And just praying, that I'd make it through that hour. That included a dance performance, a cheer performance, and the other craziness that we were supposed to be doing. Sometime during our cheer performance, "That Girl," landed square on my head. And somehow, in that instance, I knew something was different.

I barely made it through that hour. In so much pain. Struggling to stand. The minute the gym cleared, my Dad was trying to figure out if I was OK. Other parents were arguing with my coach. By that night, I was on doctor's orders. No more cheering. Until I had healed. At least a 6 week period.

I remember the doctor, scolding my Dad. Who happened to be the one, that took me to the doctor. He explained how serious this was. How many concussions I'd had in just 1 week. And what my future would hold, if I didn't stop all of this. I was out for 6 weeks. No "ifs," "ands," or "buts" about it!

BUT, we were heading to Nationals. In just a few weeks. What was a girl to do? Oh, my coach was not pleased!!! Not at all. I couldn't dance, in her dance class. I couldn't workout, practice, or do anything at games. Pretty much, if it was something that challenged me physically, I couldn't do it. If it was too loud, I was to remove myself. If it was too chaotic, I was to be no part of it.

But it was Nationals. My coach was beyond angry. The trip was paid for. And it was my senior year. After about 10 days, I talked to my parents. If I continued to be benched, not be involved in anyway, in stunts, and just took it easy...they'd let me go.

This is the point, that most people would think, we're all crazy!!! We were. But I was determined. I became the official "Sign and Banner" girl, during our performance. Which included me doing 2 jumps, dancing, and a lot of "Crowd Involvement."

That trip was a bit miserable. We left in the wee hours of December 26. My uncle, had past away, the night before. But we were headed to Dallas. On a plane with a "broken wing." We didn't get far. Not just because of our plane, but because of the "unusual blizzard." Eventually, we made it to Dallas.

It got worse. There was lots of fighting. Freezing temps, blizzard conditions, our coach was so sick. It was just miserable. Our performance went OK. Nothing to write home about. And then, we were expected to spend 2 days at Six Flags. In the snow!!! Um, I couldn't even ride the rides. I was miserable.

As you can tell, I didn't take good care of myself. For that, I suffer today. I've had a handful of concussions in the last 10 years. Each one, is much more debilitating to me. I find myself suffering from migraines. Unable to do much. Out for much longer periods of time.

So when My Guy suffered a concussion in late August, I knew immediately. Partly due to my "Day Job." Partly due to my past. I was surprised, when the doctor "cleared" him. And just told him to take it easy.

Then, just a few weeks ago, he suffered another. The impact, was much harder. In all, he had 3 concussions, in just 6 weeks. And suddenly, our world came "Screeching to a Halt." This man wasn't going to be able to work. At least for 2 weeks. Maybe longer. We weren't sure.

This time, he was to not watch TV, play video games, or get on the computer. He had to stay away from too much action, noise, and busy-ness in general. Essentially, we were to make him rest. Monitor his headaches, and other symptoms.

Normally, it wouldn't be too bad. OK, yes it would. He's still a man, after all. One that doesn't like to appear weak. But after making him go to the doctor, being diagnosed, and realizing the seriousness of the situation...he knew he had to stop. Just as I had done, a few months ago.

Oh, but this time around, we had nearly 100 people in town. Just for 2 events. Besides the people that had paid to attend these events. 100 personal guests. Our friends understood. As did family. And this guy's co-workers. Did it make it any easier? Not really...

The two of us, found other ways to entertain ourselves. Lots of talking. Tons of napping. And just enjoying life in the "Slow Lane." Something we don't do. Not ever!!! Days would pass. He'd feel better. Insisting, that he could go back to work. But really, he couldn't. He couldn't even drive a car. Hello!?!?!?

Until today. Just now. After 2 days of doctors' appointments, tests, and "real life" situations. He's been officially cleared. And life, is apparently, back to normal. :) My Love, is healed!!!

The first week, was tough. But we learned so much about one another. The second week, was a bit more relaxing. We slept a lot. A LOT!!! The beginning of this week, we were just flat out anxious. Again, some of our best friends, were in town. To finally get some of those postponed events done.

It's been a challenge. Especially, if you knew the second part of this. My Dad hasn't been doing well either. Just before this round of concussions, I'd been home. To help my parents. My Dad is just struggling right now. I really do wish, that I could have spent more time with them. Just being there to help out. But I'm just glad, that I got to be there, for the short time, that I was. Helping were I could.

As you can tell, it's been a very chaotic, and hectic time. I've turned to God, more times, than I can possibly count. I'm grateful to God, that he is with us, when we need him most. Comforting us. Giving us strength.

With our news, just a little while ago, the chaos starts again. At least, until Thanksgiving. :) I need to run to the store, get packing, and wrap my head around all of this. It's just been such a tough time. And I pray, that the remainder of our year, has a little less "action." ♥

Uncle and His Sweet Nieces

Happy Wednesday! How is everyone doing? I hope well. Around here, we've been crazy busy. But we're trying not to get too lost in everything. And a cute call from our "Little Nieces" always brings us back to reality!

These 2 little girls, sure do know how, to work their uncle. You see, when they really want something, and their parents aren't buying into it, they call up their uncle. And they schmooze him! "Uncle it's been so long, since we've seen you. We miss you. You are so handsome! And our favorite uncle. When can we go over to hangout?"

It really is cute. And they really do LOVE their uncle. And honestly, they don't call all the time for stuff. But there are just certain things, that grab their attention. Enter in...Stompeez.



These are slippers for kids. And when they walk, either the eyes, ears, or mouth pops up. They are actually really fun. How do I know about these? Last year, I bought Marissa and Mariella a pair. For their birthdays.

You see, they were with me. And we were watching cartoons. This silly commercial popped on. For Stompeez. They were in LOVE! Instantly! So I ordered 2 pairs. Well, recently that same commercial is popping up everywhere! And our "Little Nieces" saw it. While watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Well, uncle fell for it. And who could honestly resist, these 2 cuties? We just ordered 4 pairs. 2 pair for their home. 2 pair for ours. You know, we've got to keep fun stuff at our home too!

Is there anything that gets you? Something that you can't resist. An infomercial or commercial, that gets you. And you find yourself ordering something, that you wouldn't normally buy. Yes, we ALWAYS fall for these 2 little girls. I guess, as long as it's still reasonably priced. :) ♥

Makeup for a Cause

Not long ago, I found this company on twitter. Actually, they found me. But as I started reading about the company, I was really impressed! Makeup for a worthy cause.



Do you ever find yourself buying makeup, and wondering about making a difference? A few years ago, my eyes were opened up. As I moved closer to the border, I realized just how much violence is in the world. As I entered the medical profession, it became even clearer.

A few years ago, MAC started a controversy with one of their "Limited Edition" lines. They made a donation to the cause. But it wasn't anything like Radiant Cosmetics. Who really are using their company, to make a difference in the world. And in women's lives.



The mission of Radiant Cosmetics, is to make people aware of Human Trafficking. And all the violence that comes along with it. Every Radiant Cosmetics purchase, helps to support this cause. And helps in the fight against Human Trafficking.



This company really touched me. It really hit home for me. I've already purchased some items from Radiant Cosmetics. Not only are they supporting a GREAT cause. But their makeup is pretty amazing too! Give Radiant Cosmetics a try. You'll be helping out women, who don't have a voice. And who NEED our help! ♥

Kindergarten Graduations :)

Little K, is getting ready for her Kindergarten Graduation. As is Sarita and Marissa. Congrats to 3 sweet girls!!! The other day Little K came to me. She wants to make some gifts for her friends. Something school related. Since we'd already made them some crayon pouches, we needed a new idea.

We searched for 2 hours. With no luck! But Little K, was so positive about it. She told me, that she'd keep searching with her grandma. And when they found an idea, they'd e-mail me. Well, I got 3 e-mails. And I got to work. :)



First up, were these cute pencils. I don't know where they are from. But I liked the idea. The sayings about different pairs. I took to a company that this guy uses for his business. Come on! Uncle had to help with something. :) We ordered a bunch of pencils, in all sorts of colors. With a variety of different sayings. We also ordered some stickers, and little notepads.



These erasers are adorable! Another thing that we ordered. And when they came in, I wrapped them up, in wax paper. Super easy! And oh so cute!!!



Then I took to this cute wreath. I have 2 started. One for the teacher, and one for the assistant. They're really are easy. I just need to set some time aside, to work. But I've got the flowers made. The rest, is all about gluing down some crayons. One wreath will have red flowers, the other blue.

I think it's so cute, that Little K wanted to give her classmates a little present. And I had a lot of fun, putting these things together. All we have left to do, is put everything in a little bag, and add the little tag. Little K is coming over to help me with that. I also plan on baking some cookies, and adding them in. I can't wait to see Little K on her graduation day! ♥

If Only...

Wouldn't it be wonderful to win the lottery? There are so many things, I'd do with that money. First off, I'd donate half of it, to a Children's Hospital. Then I'd finish school. Buy my brother and his wife, a new home. Help my parents with their business. Fix my home. Things like that. Maybe just maybe, I'd also like a new car. :)



I suppose, it doesn't hurt to dream. Someone has to win the jackpot! I've gotten my share of the tickets. And have my fingers crossed. You just never know, what might happen. And well, maybe something good will come out of the money I just spent! ♥

Please Support Purple Day

Today is Purple Day. And I ask, that you wear something purple today. It doesn't matter what it is. A purple top. A pair of purple pumps. Heck. some purple jewelry, would be nice.



And why am I asking you, to do this? It's to help support Epilepsy Awareness. I know, Epilepsy Awareness Month is November. But today is Purple Day.

I'm VERY PASSIONATE about this! Because my Dad has epilepsy. He was not born with it. Actually, it was the result of an accident. I've ALWAYS known my Dad, with epilepsy. As a small child, I learned how to take care of him. Epilepsy has always been a big part of my life. And I'm very hopeful, that in my lifetime, a cure will be found. So let's wear some purple today! ♥

What Cards Really Mean...

Unfortunately, I don't live near, most of my Goddaughters. That really bothers me. As I want to be active in their lives. But I try to stay in touch with them. How do I do this? Well, a few ways. Mostly, I call my Goddaughters. I also Skype. For the older ones, that is one of the best things. :)

But I also send lots and lots of letters and cards. Filled with notes of love. And little treasures. Like stickers, pictures, and books. These are the most meaningful. I hear, that my Goddaughters wait for their "mail" to arrive. Knowing the little schedule, that we've got going on! :)

I usually get a call back. With a very excited little girl, on the other end. Which makes me smile. I want my Goddaughters to know, that I LOVE them. And that I'm ALWAYS thinking of them. Because, they each have a piece of my heart.

And then, I'm blessed. With little things that they send me too! A picture of them. A piece of "school art." And sometimes a beautifully colored picture. Yes, I hang them on our fridge. Or in my office. Because these things, mean the WORLD to me!



I think about this a lot. Because my Goddaughters, really do mean so much to me! I LOVE them with my whole heart! And I just think, that it's special to have this contact with them. But above that, I think they really enjoy the mail too! What kid, doesn't like to get mail? With their name on it!

I'm sure that Hallmark, and the USPS just LOVE this! They make bank off of me. But honestly, it's a small price to pay. When I stood up there, taking the vows, to be their Godmother, I was making promises to each of them. And to God. I don't take that lightly. And I hope that they know it. And that their parents know it. And especially, that God knows.

I know that my Goddaughters enjoy their cards. But for me, I enjoy them much more! It makes me feel amazing, to sit there, and write out a special card. To make it colorful and fun. To add something special inside. Just to let my favorite little girls know, that I love them. It means so much, when I get a scribbly picture back. That I know, they took the time to color. Just for me. Yes, those little cards, sent both ways, mean the world! ♥