Thankful for the small stuff!

So who will admit that they actually hate/despise "Black Friday"? 

The stores open before it is even daylight, and people are lined up over night outside wanting to get a certain bargain on a great gift for someone or maybe even for themselves.

Is it really worth getting up so early for something that will not go with them when they die?  

Down deep, I really wish that Christmas did not include buying gifts and everyone wanting so much when we have already received the greatest gift of all, Jesus, our Savior!

Wedding in Iowa

We are in Cedar Rapids, IA. We
Drove this far last night and now we R headd to Iowa City to see Tom's cousin, Paul & his family. After that, we R headed to Fairfield, IA. Another cousin of Tom's, Darrin is getting married. We will then head back tomorrow.

SimpyFun is Simply Terrific

Well, September is drawing to a close, and I must say that I am doing very well.  I am making very small, but definite progress since I started n Tysabri.  I have had four Indusions so far.  So far,so good.

MY business with SimplyFun is taking off. I am so glad!  I love this company & our mission to help children learn through play and help families stay connected.  We have so many wonderful games, puzzles, & a few other activities.  If you want to host a fabulously, fun party give me a call & we will get it set up.

The New School Year has Begun

Well, yes, the school year has begun.  Olivia had her first day of PK4 yesterday.  Tom started his inservice days the end of last week.  Things are going very well.  Praise God!  I have started to relaunch my SimplyFun business and things seem to be going very good.

I am loving SimplyFun.  I truly believe and have strong feelings about our mission.  We help children learn through play & help families stay connected!  The best part is the values run right down to the home office.  Thank you SimplyFun for this blessed opportunity!

Summer is going WELL, but too fast!

So here I sit, and it is already August.  WOW!  Summer is certainly flying by.  I have had 2 infusions of Tysabri and it seems to be going well.  My legs are getting a little bit stronger and more easily movable a very little bit every day.  It actually is hard to notice on a day-to-day basis, but there is improvement.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 

So I never updated about our trip out west.  It was really good!  We spent around 2 days with Pat, Molly, & Graham.  Graham and Olivia are so much alike in the way in which they play.  What I am saying is that they would both be playing side-by-side in the sandbox nicely, but not really playing with eachother.

We went to Skamania lodge, which is in the Columbia River Gorge.  We stayed there for a night and Tom &Pat even went golfing there.

Molly & I stayed with the kiddos and played at the lodge.

They had a really nice little playground.  They also had a big open area with soccer balls and other outside toys for the kids.

After our visit with the WA Ranks, we headed to Bellvue, WA for my SimplyFun convention.  It was very good.  They revealed the NEW SimplyFun!!  I tool a lot away from our training sessions and am looking to rebuild my business!

A Cloudy, Gloomy Day

Wow! Wow! Wubzy!

So this is the title of a TV program that my almost 4yr. old watches  Sometimes when life gets to a point that seems like it is too much to handle, I feel like I could use this title to describe my feelings.

I am going through a lot of changes right now, and I know it must be very rough for my daughter, who is still just figuring life out.  I know that nothing is directed to me, but she is just really struggling with all the changes I am going through as am I. 

They say when life hands you lemons, make lemonade, but lemonade does a number on my bladder so npw what???

What is going on in the life of Erin & the medical front

ok, so my MS has been a little topsy-turvy as of late.  I already let you all know that I did rehab for a week @ St. Agnes Hospital.  Well, I have also gone off of my Betaseron, which was the "disease-modifying" injectioins that I was doing.  I did my last injectioin on May 4th.  I will be switching to Tysabri, which is an infusion treatment every 28 days.  The reason I am already off the Betaseron is that I need to be clean of that med for 4-6 weeks before starting the Tysabri.  I am in the interim now, and I am doing ok.  I have a doc. appt. on June 4th to get the process started with Tysabri.

Behind...I know...FEELING GREAT though!

Ok...so it has been a few weeks, but I am all about an update.  Well, last week, I was admitted to the hospital for 7 days of rehab and steroid infusion.  It went very well, and praise God, I am on the up and up.  I am continuing PT as an outpatient.  I feel very good.  I have not felt this good in a long time!  I am able to walk short distances with my walker.  I am driving again!!!  It is so nice to have a bit of independance back!

I am going to continue fighting and working to improve my abilities.  PRAISE GOD!

SNOW on April 8th!

Ok...so SNOW on April 8th?????   I know this is Wisconsin, but my oh my!  It was /is a nice blanket on everything!  Unreal! 

Frustrated with all the twists & Turns!!!

I am unbelievably FRUSTRATED with the ropes I need to jump through just to get what I need!  I am praying that God will get me through this.  I know he will, but it is really becoming a BIG CHALLENGE!!

So I found out today that even though my insurance said they would cover my wheelchair through the Agnesian Healthshoppe....now I am being told that only 80% of it is covered because Agnesian Health Shoppe is an out-of-network provider even though initially, they were told that they are.

GGRRRRRRRRRR!

I just want to get around.  Why does everything have to be so difficult and then even more difficult on top of that?????????

Turning Point

Well, some turning points have come with my MS.  I am to a point of acceptance to have more of a sense of independance!  Today, I was evaluated for my ultra-light weight wheelchair.  The women who are helping me from St. Agnes were/are very helpful and thorough.  Here is the absolute best part for anyone who knows me well...it  will be an ORANGE chair! 

All is really helpful in my emotions stablizing.

Happy Easter!!

Well, the eggs are died, and things are ready for church tomorrow morning's sunrise service followed by breakfast.  Thank you LORD for defeating the devil for us sinners!  Good Night!

A joyous Good Friday to all!  Christ died for our debt of sin.  Praise be to God for his undeserved love for us!

We have a busy weekend ahead, but it is always nice to spend quality time with family.

Looking ahead, Monday, I will be evaluated/fitted for a wheelchair.  This will just make my life so much easier.  Yes, all...It will be ORANGE!   Yeah!

I received my informational packet from the NMSS so I can go ahead and get started on the process to be able to receive SSDI. 

A somber Maundy Thursday

First off, I only say 'somber' as I am reflecting on what my LORD and Savior was about to face.

Well, today was a pretty good day.  Hard as to get out of bed lately, but I am not giving up the fight, just coming to terms with reality.

I had a physical therapy appt. today.  Due to insurance, I only have  appts. left that they will cover.  Gina, my PT, is going to work with me and my wheelchair when I get it.

What is new in our lives...

Good Morning!  I am starting to blog and I think it will be very good for me.  I can keep all up-to-date on what is going on in our lives.

Currently, I am FINALLY going to apply for SS Disability Benefits again.  The Lord is leading me in a direction where I NEED to take the next step.  This is by no means, me giving in to the MS, just taking advantage of what is out there for me to live a better life!

I will let everyone know how it all turns out.