Update....finally?!

It has been a long time since I have updated. Partially because I have been so busy, and partially because I haven't had much to say.

These past few months have been a bit crazy for me. I have had my usual "winter" sick, except this time it came in longer bouts and with a lot more weight loss. I am now feeling pretty great, just very under-weight and weak. I am slowly building up both- my energy and calorie intake. It is frustrating. I would think it would be similar to when an overweight person works so hard to get to their goal weight, and when they finally achieve it, they get sick (or lazy) and gain it ALL back. Gaining weight for me is just as hard. I have to take in almost 5,000 calories a day to gain an average of 1-2 lbs a week. The bummer is- like the overweight person- I have literally NO clothes that fit me. I stupidly got rid of all my size 2 jeans after I gained that 25lbs last year, and there is NO way I can wear my size 6 jeans right now. They slide right off- or look extremely silly even with a belt. I refuse to buy new pants. I will gain the weight back and then be able to wear my old ones (or then buy new ones to celebrate!!!)

Other health, we have had some other crazy life things going on....and for once, everything has finally seemed to slow down. We have had beautiful weather this past week, the sun has been shining, and my kids are happier than ever. We are so excited about Easter and Caleb's spring break coming up soon.  I hope to have a lot of family fun that week!

My mom is now feeling pretty good- and everyone else is doing just fine! The kids are spending this weekend in Columbus with their grandparents, so Ross and I have the WHOLE weekend to ourselves. I think we are going to have some fun too! Haven't decided yet....but we will find something!

I promise to try and keep this updated more often! I hope this finds all of my family and friends well!

Extra Snuggles

Caleb asked me to cuddle a little with him tonight in his bed. Of course I very happily snuggled up right next to him. I am always up for a few extra hugs and kisses. Holding my not so baby- baby boy- in my arms made me a little teary eyed, I must admit. The snuggles from him are becoming fewer and further between, he is becoming so independent, and is growing just a little too fast for my preference. I cannot believe in less than a month he will officially be a kindergartner, heading off to school everyday, learning all kinds of new things, and exploring this big and amazing world. I could of held him forever, and I may just have if I didn't have to hook-up my IV meds for the night. Tonight was a great reminder for me to slow down, enjoy every single moment, and really take the time to cherish my time with my babies. Time just seems to pass us by so quickly!

Have I mentioned lately just how blessed I really am, and how much I love my family?! They really are my world and give me so much happiness. Pure, true, raw happiness.

Sum, Sum, Summer Time!

This summer has been flying by so fast. I cannot believe it is already July! That means only a few more months until Matt comes home, a few more months until my mom is hopefully finished with chemo, a few weeks until I become an aunt for the first time (congrats Michelle and Jon!), and one month until my birthday! I have already told my husband that I so badly want a hot tub for my birthday- to soak my 90 year old joints! But, with finances being a huge issue, it looks like I may have to do some major persuading! I am usually good at that, so we shall see!

In two weeks from now is my mom's benefit Luau. It has been a very fun, yet time consuming event to plan....and I am only helping! My aunt, and her friends, have taken on the role of organzing the most of it. It is going to be amazing! The donations we have recieved to auction off are just phenomenal! Duma's meats have donated a few pigs to roast, Giant Eagle, Beilers, and Hartville Marketplace haved donated tons of food. It will be a blast! If anyone in town is interested in attending, tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for kids. I have them in hand and they are ready to sell! All proceeds are going to benefit my mom, Judi Sammons, to help offset her medical costs.

Other news this summer: Ross and I just celebrated 7 wonderful years of marriage! I sometimes take a look at my life and wonder how I have been blessed with such an amazing husband who works so hard to give me such a wonderful life, and two beautiful babies who make me smile and give me a reason to get out of bed every morning. I just love my family! They are my whole world!

I have been healthy most of the summer. I have gained the 20lbs, doctor ordered, that has been a work in progress since last February. I am officially at my goal weight! My joints are still my main issue. Some days I can hardly walk, and others are doable. I did come down with a new lung infection last week that I have been fighting off, but so far, it has not got me down much. Fingers crossed that I can stay away from the hospital a little longer!

I hope this post finds all of my family and friends having a great summer as well! I know I have been horrible at keeping this updated, it is just so hard to maintain my normal routines with so much going on in my life right now. I am hoping that change soon.

Rambling.

I am in need of some good BBQ. Craving it. Does Parker's ship? That is something I need to look into. ASAP. I am also craving brownies.

That reminds me, my new stove was delivered today. I have an oven again! It has been almost 2 weeks without one!

I am ready for the weekend. My week has been so jam packed with "stuff" that I haven't had time to just relax and love on my kids. I am thinking a trip to the zoo, or something fun, should be on the agenda soon.

Last night Caleb went to his first Cancer support group for kids ( at The Stewarts Caring Place, amazing AMAZING place by the way!). They gave him a giving doll. It is adorable! A little boy doll that he named "Dillan". He said that he has always wanted a baby brother. He brought one home to Addy too. A little girl one named "Ava". People sew these adorable, handmade dolls and donate them to kids going through tough times. Caleb told me last night that he was supposed to hug Dillan anytime that he feels sad about Cancer. He paused, smiled, and then said: "I don't know why I would ever be sad about Cancer! Maybe Dillan will be the one that is sad. He can just hug me when Cancer makes HIM sad." Bless his sweet little heart.

I think it is good for him to hear a little bit of info geared towards his age group and in terms that he understands. It makes things a little less scary, and helps him to be ok with some of the changes that he is around. A five year old should have no worries!

He loved being there too! This morning he was asking when he could go back and telling Addy about how much fun she missed.

On a side note, I just realized that in exactly one month from tomorrow, I will have a three-year-old little girl? Where did time go? Is she really turning 3???? My little Adalyn.

Time for me to get planning. I guess I have a Strawberry Shortcake party to throw, yes that is what she really wants!

What Easter means to me...

Easter is not just another "holiday" to me. Yes, I do enjoy the family meal, baskets, candy, laughing and fun. But, I also remember what was done for ME, and what was done for you too.

I am so humbled and amazed that God gave his son, that Jesus gave his life, in one of the most brutal and unimaginable ways, to give me everlasting life. That I, an unworthy sinner, have been given the opportunity to have a person relationship with Jesus, and to be forgiven- just because I ask. He who has created everything beautiful and good. He who loves perfectly and without condemnation. He who loves me unconditionally, in the most perfect way. I do not have to go through some high priest, or anybody else to get to him. He is there, waiting for me. I can approach him with no fear. I can pour my heart out to him, and  leave ALL my worries and anxieties with him. He holds me, comforts me, and gives me hope. He made all of this possible because of his gruesome suffering and death. Our eternity together awaits us because of his unbelievable, but undoubtedly real resurrection. My Savior lives, and my heart rejoices! Jesus died on the cross for my sins and inadequacy. He has victoriously defeated the sins that entrap me. Whatever I find, whenever I find it, He's redeemed it. Renewed it. The parts of me that feel unlovable, unusable and broken are created, cherished, and healed by Him alone. My selfish, unrighteous, imperfect ways are forgiven because of Jesus, and because of Him alone.

How could I not be full of joy, love, and thanksgiving?

I am forgiven.

I am loved.

 ...and so are you!

There is nothing too big, or anything too horrible.

"According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading..."

1 Peter 1:3&4

This evening my parent stopped by to give Caleb and Addy their Easter gifts. My mom made them each a beautiful blanket and they were both thrilled. The smiles on their face says it all...and now they are all cozied up in bed, waiting for the arrival of the Easter Bunny!

This is the first year of our new tradition. Because the traveling was becoming too much for our children, we decided to do the "every-other-year" thing. This year we will spend Easter day with Ross' side of the family, and next year with mine. I am hoping for a more relaxing day.

Happy Easter to ALL of my family and friends!

The roller coaster I am on...

Life has been a roller coaster for me lately. Actually for my WHOLE family.

My mom was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer a few weeks ago, and had her first chemo last Friday. With me always being the "sick" one, I never really understood how hard it is to watch someone you love be sick (and in pain). Both of my kids have had surgeries. But the pain lasted days, not weeks and months. I have experienced every emotion possible over this past month. Anger, sadness, worry, and lastly hope. What is life without hope? I don't even want to know. I do however know that my mom means the world to me. She is not only my mother, but best friend, mentor, a great person to laugh with, my health advocate when I can't be...and so much more. She has taught me how to be the strong person I am today. She will beat this. In the mean time it really sucks.

To top off the emotions (yes, I can get emotional), I miss my brother like crazy. There have been many moments that I just so badly want to pick up the phone and call him, or have him here to joke around with. That is our very inappropriate way to handle tough times. We are strange. I like strange. I miss him.

There has been drama that I have been thrown into (and jumped right back out for my own sanity), my own health issues, and what feels like a million other things being thrown at me (all at once). If there was ever a time I needed it, many prayers, nice words (or at least not mean ones), and hugs (and maybe a little understanding) would be nice. I have the best family and friends in the world, and my God is taking care of me.

He has already given me two beautiful, cookie covered smiles to wake up too every morning and wee little arms to wrap around my neck. A wonderfully supportive husband who will let me talk his ears off (not too sure if he is really listening after the first few minutes, but that doesn't matter!). And hope. I do have hope. This too shall pass.

Matt is Home...(for a few weeks, that is!)

Baby Addy

One of Addy's "Get Well" gifts came all the way from a special nana in North Carolina. This has to be her most favorite baby doll she has ever received. Addy even named her baby "Baby Addy". It came with a doctor kit so that she could make her all better....I get such a big kick out of watching her play doctor! What an imagination this girl has. I am 110% sure that she will make an amazing mommy one day. I have never seen a 2 year old so gentle and loving with a baby doll. I have so much fun hiding in Addy's doorway, just listening to her interact and making "Baby Addy" all better! This really puts a smile in my heart!

Out with the old, in with the new!

Happy 2011 everyone!

We rang in the new year with a few friends and of course my babies! I can't believe that they both stayed up until midnight (let me add that they have a 7 pm bedtime), that was quite the accomplishment. We cheered 2011 in, and 2010 with a toast of sparkling grape juice, which the kids loved.

2010 was a great year for me, with a few not so great moments. I was sick a lot off and on, but now that the bacteria has been identified, I am hoping that 2011 is spent kicking it's butt!

This past year I went on an amazing vacation with my family, parents, grandpa, and cousins. I also had the amazing opportunity to go on yet another road trip with my best friend, and brother Matt. We went to North Carolina and met relatives and loved ones that we have not seen in many, many, many years. I was also Matt's guest of honor at his military ball, which he made VERY special for me. Saying "see ya later" in September to him as he headed off to Iraq was a down, not so great moment. Now that we are in 2011, I am even closer to seeing him again!! Caleb started school at the place of my dreams (for both of my kids), we knocked down a huge tree in our back yard, I got to spend TONS of quality time with my grandpa....the list of great memories could go on and on (and by far outweigh the bad!).

I hope your 2010 was as special as mine, and I hope 2011 is even better! I am ready to create more amazing memories and have a year of health and love. God is so good!

It is starting to look like Christmas!

Christmas. It is starting to look a lot like Christmas in our home. The tree is up. Presents are wrapped. Cards have been mailed. Snow is on the ground. And the official Christmas pajama pictures have been captured.

The kids always get excited when I pull out my backdrops and camera equipment. Of course, a 7:30 am photo session is the best way to go...that is when my kids are the happiest (Lord help me!!)

Yesterday was Ross' birthday. What a fun weekend we had celebrating! Happy 29th birthday honey! 

Other than that, not too much going on. I am staying pretty busy with all of the December birthdays in our house, plus getting everything ready for Christmas. I would say, considering all of the stress I have been under lately, I have stayed relatively healthy. I couldn't be happier for that! Knock on wood... 

We are planning a fun week with family and friends, celebrating the birth of our Savior. This is all after my root canal tomorrow of course! No fun in that!!
I pray that all of my friends and family ( especially the ones living away who I won't get to see...) have an amazing and wonderful Christmas.

...And a VERY merry Christmas to my brother who is now overseas, serving our country. I love you Matt!

Caleb turns 5???!

It has been awhile, I know. I have had so much on my plate lately, my blog has been pushed to the back burner. The most recent huge news is that my baby boy, Caleb, turned five last Thursday! Unbelievable that is has been five whole years since I gave birth to him. It really does seem like just yesterday...

5 years ago I was 36 weeks pregnant, preparing for my baby boy to arrive on January 9. He had a different plan for me! On December 9, 2005 I woke up at 5 am to a soaking wet bed; my water had broke. Being a first time mom, I had no clue. I had just thought I peed the bed. Seriously. At 8 months pregnant, it could happen! Moving to the couch, I realized that it was a little more than that. With a little urging from my husband, we headed out to the hospital to make sure. Good thing I did, I was 6 cm dilated and 100% effaced at arrival. I had never imagined it would happen so fast. Labor was well underway and could not be stopped at this point. At 12:34 pm, after only a few pushes, my beautiful baby boy, Caleb Ross, was born with no complications and completely healthy. I could not have asked for a more perfect delivery, or a more perfect baby boy. He was the most wonderful Christmas gift I have ever received. That little boy blesses me daily and fills my life with so much joy.

Fast forward 5 years. I just want to freeze time and keep him five forever now. He is growing way to quickly, right before my eyes. Caleb had school on his birthday, so we celebrated Thursday evening with a family dinner at Bravo, his request. The family birthday party was this past Sunday. We had a wonderful time celebrating with cupcakes, ice cream and lots of laughing (...and presents!)

Loved all the way from North Carolina!

WOW! Iron Man! Wowwwweeeee!

Even Addy got to join in the fun! A remote controled My Little Pony???!!

Has not set it down since! Hello new favorite toy!

Thank you Nana Sharon and Doc!

Grover all the way from New York? Thank you Uncle Logan!!

Cowboy boots. Real cowboy boots! Caleb slept in these for two straight nights!

Woody pajamas and a sled?! We will be using that sled a lot!

...And a Dairy Queen Blizzard maker??!

Thanks for the pillow pet sister!

Time for candles and cupcakes...

About to blow out candles, holding his prized whoopee cushion!

Monday came and my poor little (newly turned) five year old woke up sick, just like his daddy. He spent the day laying on the couch moaning and groaning... the stomach flu is no fun. We are all snowed in (major Ohio blizzard), so I guess the timing is okay, if I had to choose. I am sure he would much rather have spent the day sledding and building a snowman, like most kids did today (all the area schools have been cancelled), but we did enjoy a lot of Gatorade, ginger ale, naps, and movie time.  So far, and surprisingly, I have been the only one in the family who has managed to not get sick. Vitamin C, I swear by it.

...Now I should go get some sleep. Santa has more shopping to do this week. Christmas is coming fast!

PS. I am feeling great right now! The antibiotics did their job and I am cough and fever free, and pray it stays that way though the holidays! Thank you for all of your prayers!