Project Complete

Today, our appraiser came and gave us a thumb's up for all the hard work that occured around here this summer. It is as though a huge burden has been lifted from our shoulders. We will be able to close on the house and put the construction loan behind us soon. And now, I have a basement where the kids are already playing, new siding, windows, and flooring! Can you say Yee-Haw?

Brian has worked extremely hard on this project, but he could not have done it alone. Many friends, especially the Harris', Muellers, and Wattles, have helped. And a shout out to those who offered words of encouragement and prayed for us! There is NO WAY we could have done it alone! Thanks to you all!!!

How relieve is Brian that this project is over? When I called him today, he was on the way to work with the sun roof open, jamming to Kid Rock while saying, "I can't wait for vacation, baby. Nashville - here I come!"

(We are headed to Nashville in a few weeks)

I will post some pictures of the house soon!

Latest Neuro Update

Well, at my last appointment, the good ol' Doc said that I looked the best I had looked neurologically all summer. That was a good thing to hear. He also said that we are not looking at MS alone as a cause. That was good too. Then he said it was time to diagnose me. I leaned to the edge of the seat just as he said, (and I quote) "I don't know."

So, he said he would be more comfortable making a diagnosis after I get a second opinion. He referred me to Northwestern where I will be seeing Dr. Bruce Cohen. He is a BIG WIG there. " He is director of the Northwestern Comprehensive MS program in the Department of Neurology. And chair of the Multiple Sclerosis section for the American Academy of Neurology, and the current chair of the clinical care committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society." That is a direct quote from Northwestern's website.

Getting in to see Dr. Cohen is extremely hard. He only sees new patients on Mondays and he was booking months out. I am praising God that there just happened to be a cancellation on October 19th. So, we snatched it up and are heading to Chicago!

I feel like I am in excellent hands, and quite frankly am ready to find out what is going on.

Neuro Appointment

I have my next appointment with the neurologist on Thursday of this week. I would be lying if I said that I am not scared. I just want an answer to why I am having these symptoms. But, if the answer is what I think it is, then I am scared of that diagnosis.

I have faith that God will carry me through anything. The human part of me is scared to death, however. I want to see my children grow up. I want to continue to be able to do Lizzie's hair. I want to feel their little faces and hands without tingling or numbness in my hands. I want to be able to function as I once did. I am coming to the realization that things might not be possible.

Am I broken inside? Yes. But I can not fix that brokeness. The doc can not fix it. Brian can not fix it. Only God can fix that brokeness. Will you please pray for me that I won't hide from God and try to do this on my own. Because I know I can't!

Mahomet-Seymour Homecoming '09

Yesterday was Homecoming for Mahomet-Seymour. We had a great day of dressing up in our Bulldog apparel, watching the parade, and an exciting game where the Bulldogs pulled out a victory!

This is how Zach went to school for orange and blue day!

Lizzie loved her new Bulldog "stuff"

Jacob got in on the fun too!

We welcomed home our local soldiers at the start of the parade.

Zach walked with the Junior High Student Council and handed out candy!

He was loving it!

We honored the soldiers at the start of the game as well.

No game is complete without a band.

And here is crazy Jake during the game!

Happy 39th Brian!

Brian turned 39 on the 14th. Unfortunately, that was a long day at work for him. So, we went out tonight to celebrate. We headed to O'Charley's where the kids love to eat.

Checking out his present - a print of the "winning catch" from last year's Super Bowl. For a Steelers fan like Brian, that is huge!

Zach gets a bite of the "birthday" dessert.

Jacob was loving that whipped cream!

Brian enjoyed his special dessert too!

Showing off his print!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful hubby and daddy!

Curly Lizzie

Lizzie decided she wanted to have curly hair like her friend, Maddie. So, we got the good ol' sponge rollers out and she slept in them!

She was so excited, she had to tell everyone!

Where did all that hair come from?

She was loving it this morning!

It was sooo cute!

Flower Pics

I am absolutely amazed by one of the ponds on the third fairway at Lake of the Woods. It is right across the road and I love watching the Lily Pads and seeing the flowers bloom. Had to sneak over for a few pics!

Look at all those lily pads!

I never knew the flowers were so pretty.

And, my favorite! This one is so graceful and perfect. I am in awe of how God made such incredibly intricate and beautiful nature for us to enjoy!

Dawgapalooza 09!

Friday was Dawgapalooza 7 here in Mahomet. Basically, it is a big street party/pep rally held before the first home football game of the season. It is always a fun time and a great way to drop $50 in an evening :> !

All decked out in our orange and blue and ready to cheer on the Bulldogs!

A highlight of the night? The game ball was brought in by a skydiver. Even cooler? We know him! The kids were excited to see their friends' uncle diving in! I have to admit it was awesome!

Shew - he made it safely!

Jacob loved all the inflatables before the game. He was one tired puppy when we finally made it home!

Here is Lizzie at the top of the slide screaming "I am scared. I can't do it!"

There goes daddy to save the day!

And now she is having fun!

Lizzie tried real hard to do cartwheels and stunts like the cheerleaders!

Again this year, no pics of Zach at the event or game. He was busy playing football with his buddies and loving every minute of it!

Flowers

Brian has been through a lot this summer. He has been trying to help me around the house, remodeling, adjusting to his new role at work, and being an emotional rock for me. He has done a great job and I really appreciate all he has done. On Friday, he lifted my spirits once again with these beautiful flowers and a sweet card saying "Hang in there!"

Optic Nerve Test

Today, I went for the optic nerve test at the hospital. It was an interesting test. I had to stare at a white circle in the middle of a checkered tv screen. The checkered pattern would move but I was to focus only on the circle. It was an easy test. The easiest test I have had this summer - no needles, MRI tubes, or other torture devices. It did fatigue my eyes and I had a slight headache afterwards. I see my neuro again on September 24th and will fill you all in when I get results.