Yet Another Medical Update

Well, my brain MRI was the same as the original - which is good news. We still don't have a definitive diagnosis as to what is going on with me neurologically. However, the doc started me on some meds to hopefully help control my arm tremors and movements. He also scheduled an optic nerve test for me this coming Wednesday. At this point, all symptoms and "things" are leaning towards MS. But, I do not have this diagnosis yet, and it could still be something else "wierd." The one thing the neurologist said that gave me the chills? We may have to do another lumbar puncture! Oh goody - can't wait. Can't you see the sarcasm pouring down your computer screen as you read that? I will keep you all informed as I learn more.

Bribery Works

We have had a terrible time getting Lizzie to sleep in her bed this summer. She would go to bed in her bed and then literally sneak into our bed at sometime during the night. Then, after she found out we were going to send her back to her bed, she started coming in and sleeping on our floor. Then, after she saw me the night I had to go to the hospital, she wouldn't even go to her bed. So, we let her sleep on our floor. Finally, we started an "incentive" program - yes a BRIBERY program. And it worked. After she slept in her bed an entire week, she could get her nails done! So, today, we headed out for a little mani and pedi!

Of course, she picked the brightest pink she could find.

Getting them painted

Drying them off!

The final product - complete with cheesy fingers!

She told me today, I am going to keep sleeping in my bed. I think now that we are in the habit again, it should help!

Back to School

Well, August has arrived and so has the new school year. Jacob is in 2nd grade and Zach is now in 6th grade.

Posing on the first day of school!

They get to pick their favorite meal to celebrate the beginning of the new school year.

Jacob picked Subway - and yes he can eat that ENTIRE footlong!!!

Zach wanted spaghetti and breadsticks. He made the sauce (added all kinds of veggies to the bottled sauce) and I must say it was yummy.

Our back to school cake for this year. Yes, I know it is pretty simple and messy. But remember, I have a neurologist note proving I am "right handed clumsy!" Ha!

I am still teaching kindergarten students who need extra help with their early literacy skills! I am still loving it!

Medical Updates

My spinal fluid from the lumbar puncture (which by the way was worse than childbirth!) came back abnormal. There are proteins in my spinal fluid which are not in my blood. So, we will do another MRI of my brain so that we can compare the two films. What does this all mean? It could be anything from inflammation due to a virus to MS.

Throughout all this, I developed panic attacks. Thanks to some wonderful legally prescribed meds, I am handling these attacks much better. However, at times, my arm tightens and I lose control of it. I had an EEG and these are NOT seizures. Rather the doc believes they are still the results of some subconscious panic. Not quite sure I agree with him, and may seek a second opinion after this is all done. In the meantime, I am learning to relax.

I am going back to school full time tomorrow and I am praying that I have the stamina to do so. Won't know unless I try, huh?

Swimming

Today, my friend Tami and I headed to the pool. I was a little concerned my arm wouldn't cooperate, but it only acted up twice and the kids had a great time. I am glad I let her talk me into going!

Jake (on the right) and two of his buddies!

This smile says it all. He LOVES water!

Lizzie was enjoying herself too.

He must have jumped off that diving board at least 50 times!!

And the highlight of the day - Lizzie decided (all on her own) to put her face in the water - which she did over and over!

No pics of Zach because he wasn't with us. He went with friends to Peoria to a minor league baseball game! Sure he is having a grand time!

Tomorrow we go to the neurologist for the results of my lumbar puncture, Zach has his physical and we register Jake for 2nd grade! Busy day!

Random Indiana Pics

Just some fun pics.

Lizzie loved dressing her cousin, Brycen

Jacob was actually happy here!

Mamaw Wellman made Lizzie a newspaper hat!

My grandma scared Jake to death. He thought it was Lizzie pestering him but when he turned around it was my grandma! He jumped and yelled! Thought my grandma was going to fall off the couch laughing!

Look at those eyes - my nephew, Brycen.

Mamaw and Papaw Wellman and all the great grandkids.

My niece, Kaitlyn checks out the slip and slide.

She LOVED this kid!!

Two sleeping cuties!

New Playground

Mamaw and Papaw Burton built an awesome play area for the kids. We jokingly say it looks more like a daycare than a grandparent's house.

Swings, slides, rockwall, sandbox, horse swing made out of tires. What more could you want?

Lizzie loved the sandbox!

No playground is complete without a playhouse!

I reminded them that I never had a cool playground like that when I was growing up :>

That is my grandparent's new house in the background of the last pic. Porch is to come soon!

Wonder Lab

The kids and I went to Indiana for a quick little trip. We had a great relaxing time. Just what the doctor ordered! My sister, sister in-law, and myself took the kids to Wonder Lab in Bloomington. It was fun!

My niece, Katie, liked the Nemo fish.

The boys made it all the way up

My sis, Kelly, in the "funky" mirror!

Jake loved the water!!!!

So did Lizzie

Molly and Ben

Golfing the "Big Course"

Zach and his friend, Mitch, golfed the "big course" last week. They were tired of the Par 3.

We went outside and watched them on the 3rd hole.

Making their way up the 3rd fairway.

Zach posing for the camera!

Lining it up.