Oh, where do I begin?

Hello, friends. I hope there are some out there still checking in with me every now and then. I know the blog has been silent as of late, but the internet is up and running at the new house so I will share what's inside my brain much more frequently.

The biggest news is actually something that happened quite suddenly and, unfortunately, devoured a week of productivity. Last Monday evening as I sat down to eat dinner, I started to feel really nauseous and noticed a pain in my lower left side that traveled into my lower back. The pain kind of came and went until finally I did get sick. After that, the pain really kicked in. In fact, it became pretty unbearable. Now, keep in mind, I've giving birth four times with no drugs. This was beginning to feel worse. Matthew called our insurance's medical advice line (I was worried about referral issues) and they eventually told us to go to the ER. We drove to GBMC around 1am. The pain was coming in "surges", causing me to break into a sweat and vomit every time the pain would peak. After some tests, x-rays, cat scans and blood work, they told me I had a kidney stone. I was sent home with a pain killer, anti-nausea medicine and a filter thing to try to catch the stone.

I felt better and slept quite a bit Tuesday. By Wednesday, I tried to get up and around a little more. By Wednesday night into Thursday, though, I noticed that the medication wasn't doing a whole lot. By Thursday evening, the pain became unbearable again - actually, worse than before. Matt took me back to the emergency room again. After IV fluids and painkillers, they decided to admit me because the pain couldn't be handled by oral painkillers. I spent a boring Friday in the hospital and was taken to the OR Saturday around noon to have the little bugger removed. I must admit, I was nervous. I've never been put under anethesia before. Matthew was there to pray with me and help keep me calm. The surgery felt kind of like a nap! I still have a stint in my kidney/bladder area that will have to be removed next week sometime, but we are definitely through the worst of things. I am still weak and a bit dizzy at times, but thankful to put this mess behind us!

Yes, in the midst of this we have completely moved over into the new house. My parents were here last weekend and were a tremendous help. My poor mom, though, slipped on our stairs and badly sprained her ankle. Another trip to the emergency room. After a wrap and some crutches, she kept going. What a trooper! I just talked to her today and she is doing pretty well.

I can't put into words how much I love this new house. You still have to be a bit of a visionary -- there are a lot of boxes around and the kitchen doesn't look completely like a kitchen yet -- but it feels right to be here. The yard is a blessing and this neighborhood is much different than where we lived before. We are getting things like we want them to be despite unrelenting rain, my medical escapades, and life happening in spite of everything.

It's time to pick up things with the CD as well. The feedback we're getting from those who are listening to it is encouraging. A few of you have contacted me wanting one. They're coming! Thanks for your patience.

That's all for now I guess. If you've read this whole thing, wow. Thanks. Stay tuned and come visit - my blog and at the new house. We're having a party Sunday from 4 - 7pm. Email me at supermommyof4@yahoo.com if you'd like more info...

More soon :-)

Overwhelmed

First - the good news. School is over. Yesssss.

Second - the not quite as great news. I have SO MUCH PACKING TO DO!! This week our stategy is basically to have Matt at the new house (which we affectionately refer to as Burton) working on building the new walls, painting, etc. while I am at the old/current house (aka Deanwood) packing our worldly possessions. After almost seven years, those worldly posessions amount to a lot.

Slow and steady, one bite at a time, etc.

Third - more good news. I'm very encouraged by the positive response I've gotten about the CD so far. I've kind of lost perspective on it because I've had to listen to it so many times. People seem to be blessed and encouraged by it and that is the ultimate goal.

Fourth - yummy news. We went over to Mike and Hazel's yesterday morning. Mike is graciously letting us use his truck in the midst of our remodeling/moving. Hazel baked us a big batch of her amazing chocolate chip cookies because she figured I didn't have time to bake right now. Right you are, Hazel, and so appreciated for making those incredible cookies!

Overall, life is good. I certainly cannot complain. God has blessed us with basically our dream house and our timetable has been pretty ideal.

Hope your life is full of chocolate chip cookies. I'll be back here again soon!