...and I can't wait to hug him!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
They'll be here soon!
She lands in Chicago and will fly out in an hour, then she'll be here with HIM! We are getting ready to leave for Louisville to meet them and bring them home. Life is sweet.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Brad got promoted
Hey all, I forgot to post this. On December 1, 2008, my husband Brad was promoted to SGM (Sergeant Major), highest enlisted rank in the Army. I am so very proud of him. The photo on his cake is from basic training, 26 years ago.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
President (Elect) Barack Obama
Our new President! I am renewed in the belief that anything is possible in this great nation of ours. I feel so proud to be a Christian, an American, a military spouse and a military mom.
AMEN!
Thanks for the picture slightclutter photography
Saturday, November 1, 2008
My Irish Twins
I love when the two of them are together. It makes me so happy to see them interact and finish each other's thoughts and sentences.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Smiling
My son, James B. McDonell, graduated from Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on Thursday. Can you guess which one he is? Yup, that's right - those Irish eyes are smiling. He received honors for outstanding athletic achievement in scoring a perfect 300 on his physical training test. He ran his 2 miles in 11:06. I am so very proud of him!!!
He begins training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas on Monday for firefighter. We had to say goodbye to him this afternoon and drive back home without him. My husband and I are so proud of him and we are so happy that he seems to have found his direction. He is so looking forward to school and all that comes after serving in the Army.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
They're Coming Home Today!
I can hardly stand the waiting - my daughter and my grandson will be here this evening! I have missed them tremendously!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thanks for allowing me free speech!
Just wanted to acknowledge the blogger master for releasing my blog and allowing me to continue to post.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Six Days!
They will be here in six days - I can hardly stand it! I miss them so very much and I can hardly wait to hold Brian in my arms again! Although I know he's grown quite a bit! This is one of two of my all-time favorite photographs of the two of them. Here's the other:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hanauma Bay, HI
One of the last days of our trip to Hawaii, we stopped here to snorkel but the lines were too long. So we walked up to some cliffs and we looked at the bay and I saw this. It reminded me of our pup Sara who had passed the year before and I felt like it was a sign. A few miles down the road, we saw this pup - and felt like Sara might be telling us she was "hanging loose".
Happy Moment
This shot was a happy moment (no mistakes here) in between more formal shots of her senior pictures. We had just finished shooting at the park, golf course, and camp ground; and we had just arrived at the cemetary. She was talking about how she was glad the weather was clearing up but that it was still cold and she only had flip flops and should she put on a sweater, etc. The whole time she was talking, I was changing lenses and I shot this to test my settings on my camera. There were a couple of others, but I wanted to share this one because it turns out it's one of my favorites ever of her. I am truly blessed.
Monday, October 6, 2008
My Day with Zachary
This was taken on August 11, 2007. We were hanging our until Rachel finished work and we went to the park. I pulled him in his red wagon and when we got there - he ran for the slide. He played and I shot. He is Brian's big brother and he's such a smart and handsome boy! I miss him more than I ever thought I would.
More with Zachary.
Monday, September 29, 2008
My Budding Photographer
Just winding down memory lane and cleaning up my backup drives when I came across this wonderful photo of my daughter, Rachel. She was about 11 or 12 here. We had gone to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida and the boys went off on all the rides and she tagged along with me to photograph all the wildlife. What a patient model she was, and still is. She is one of my four favorite subjects to photograph. I just wanted to share those beautiful baby blues with you today.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I am back...
...not quite in the saddle just yet. But I cannot describe to you how WELL I feel. I just had my hysterectomy yesterday morning and I arrived home today at 3 this afternoon. I have some aches and a bit of cramping, both from the gas they put into my abdominal cavity. I am walking slowly and surprisingly upright. I feel a bit light-headed from the medications (which my doctor INSISTS that I take for the next few days) but I have no pain and I am quite alert which is another surprise given how low my tolerance for narcotics have been in the past.
My surgery was done laproscopicly and I have four incisions that are approximately one inch each. I am so thankful that Dr. Bryant was able to do the hysterectomy this way. She said my ovaries looked beautiful and seem to have at least 20 more years of life which was another relief because that means NO HORMONE REPLACEMENT!!!
SO I just wanted to give a quick update - I promised to rest and walk slow for the next few weeks. I also promised not to lift, drive or do housework (how hard is that gonna be?). Brad is home for a week with me so he gets all the fun jobs - everyone I know knows he's better at them anyway.
Talk again soon!
My surgery was done laproscopicly and I have four incisions that are approximately one inch each. I am so thankful that Dr. Bryant was able to do the hysterectomy this way. She said my ovaries looked beautiful and seem to have at least 20 more years of life which was another relief because that means NO HORMONE REPLACEMENT!!!
SO I just wanted to give a quick update - I promised to rest and walk slow for the next few weeks. I also promised not to lift, drive or do housework (how hard is that gonna be?). Brad is home for a week with me so he gets all the fun jobs - everyone I know knows he's better at them anyway.
Talk again soon!
Monday, September 15, 2008
What a view
You may have noticed that my blog style is different. The previous setup was cutting off my my pictures and it was driving me crazy! Hopefully, you will like the improvement as well.
Friday, September 12, 2008
An Old Friend
What a day I had with this wonderous creature! Flippin' amazing - a blast from the past!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Hanging out with the Beast
Do you see the bison's little friend? On the side of the road driving through Canada.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
A Flower for Audrey
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Audrey,
Happy Birthday to you!
For my Audrey Marie, who is cute as can be - she is two today!
Courtesy of Sarah Raffuse, 2008. Sarah's Flickr.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Dream
Plumeria from Hawaii. It comes in a variety of colors and smells so wonderful! My favorite after gardenias. I dream of Hawaii regularly.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Slowly slowly slowly
it's coming off. Ounces a day. I feel much better than I have in a long time in terms of stamina and strength. My allergies keep me from riding my bike or walking the dogs, but I hope to get that under control soon. Funny, I first publicized my weight loss goals here and then I immediately gained 11lbs. Then up and down for two months. It was depressing.
I joined SparkPeople 25 days ago and I have been pretty diligent in my efforts to get rid of this weight. My main motivation is being sick of being fat. My next one is to be able to run after my grandson Brian
My next motivation is I walk everyday at the gym and think about my gorgeous son, who just joined the Army.
I also think about the immediate benefit of getting my heart stronger for surgery. That's in 22 days. I know this is a lifestyle change and I am signed up for the long haul, but sometimes, I just need a daily reminder of why I want to do this. Why I NEED to do this.
Bubble Boy
How can I stand it? He's absolutely precious. He reminds me of his mommy so much. What a gorgeous grin.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Happy Saturday!
I totally forgot about this little guy - I chased him all through the gardens to get some shots of him. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Change in My Life
So I am sitting here contemplating that in 3 weeks and 5 days, I will have a hysterectomy. I am not sad about it - I actually feel relief that it is about to finally happen. One of the concerns I have is that it's major surgery; regardless of the method they use to remove my uterus. I am hoping for the Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal removal but am mentally preparing for abdominal. I have had 2 C-Sections so I know what it will take for recovering from this type of surgery - and I was 20 years younger and about 70lbs lighter. I also plan on keeping at least one of my ovaries so I don’t go into menopause but am also preparing for the possibility that I may not be able to. I still need to do further research on the pros and cons for keeping or removing my cervix. I am pretty sure my tubes will be removed and since they have been tied since 1989, don’t really see the point in keeping them. I have some anger about this whole experience; not because I am going to have a hysterectomy, but because I have been through a lot over the past 9 years; tons of tests, procedures, hormones and repeating medical history to over a dozen medical professionals, not to mention all the radiology techs that have had the wonderful job of looking at my uterus and ovaries and cervix. Until 2 weeks ago, no one could actually give me a solid answer or prognosis. I still won’t have an accurate diagnosis until my uterus has been removed and examined but at least I have a possibility that makes perfect sense. Adenomyosis, a medical condition characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue (the inner lining of the uterus) within the myometrium (the thick, muscular layer of the uterus). The condition is typically found in women between the ages of 35 and 50. Patients with adenomyosis can have painful and/or profuse menses (dysmenorrhea & menorrhagia, respectively). Adenomyosis may involve the uterus focally, creating an adenomyoma, or diffusely. With diffuse involvement, the uterus becomes bulky and heavier. Then I begin to read about the symptoms and that’s when I realized, this is what I have! I am relieved to have an answer and when I came home and read about it - I swore all the case studies could have been written about me! The condition manifested itself with me on my 35th birthday weekend (which is the age at which most women start to produce less progesterone and begin having an excess of estrogen) and I was doubled over in pain from the cramping and subsequent ULTRA HEAVY bleeding. I went to the doctor thinking I might have a tumor or cancer or BOTH; to which I was told No, you're just experiencing hormonal changes and what you need is birth control to regulate and minimize the bleeding. BTW, I had had a tubal ligation so I wouldn’t have to be on birth control pills. 60 pounds later I went off of them and decided to deal with my “problem” on my own. But it got worse and back to the doctor I went. Two D&Cs and more pills, then we moved to Alaska and I had to start all over with a new doctor, who wasn’t actually a doctor at all. She was a Physician’s Assistant and said I needed to lose weight and I would feel better. I lost about 20lbs and did feel better except during my cycle, which had begun starting to occur every 15 days. I saw another doctor who put me on a new pill and had me take it 12 weeks in a row, stopping for a week for a cycle and then back on for 12 weeks. This worked great initially and I was maintaining my weight at 200lbs not gaining but not losing. But then I went in for my yearly checkup and my blood pressure was through the roof. I had no clue! Of course, I was offered BP medication, to which I said NOPE – I wasn’t going to take a pill to take another pill. I was already taking NSAIDS to deal with the pain and taking Aciphex to take the NSAIDS. I wasn’t about to take anymore pills. So I asked again about a hysterectomy and was sent to a surgeon. She suggested an Endometrial Ablation and after reading about it and talking with a couple of women who had it done in October 2006. I was upbeat and encouraged that this would be the solution without major surgery too! I had 8 months of NO PERIODS and was ecstatic! My BP was back to normal and life was good. But then the spotting started happening and then the cramping, the pain and then the feeling of having the flu for 2-3days. Then more weight gain. Needless to say, I was getting discouraged. So during my next yearly exam I discussed with my doctor about having a hysterectomy and then my husband got orders to move. That was back last November. Now I am in Kentucky with a wonderful doctor who has listened and reviewed my records and given me some hope and answers. I cannot say I am EXCITED about it, but I am looking forward to being pain free so I can get on with my life. I have read a lot about the life after hysterectomy and I am doing all that I can to be as healthy and physically ready to resume my activity as soon as I am able. I try to focus on what I will be able to do once this surgery is done and I am back to normal routines. I am defining normal for me. I have always been active and engaged and I am looking forward to having my days back to do all that I can. I am so fortunate to have my loving husband who supports me and rubs my back and legs when they hurt, who will take vacation time to nurse me, to walk with me to gain strength and to someday run with me when I am ready. He has totally embraced my challenge to change the way we eat and live so we can BOTH be healthier and live longer. The reason I wanted to share this today is because this morning I was talking with my neighbor who I just met and had mentioned that I would be having surgery and she asked me why and then I told her. Then she said she had been experiencing the same symptoms and because of our discussion, she is making an appointment with her doctor to get help and answers. That’s when I realized that I had had few women to talk about this with over the past nine years and maybe the reason it had taken so long was I did not know what to ask. So if my story helps anyone to ask those questions and not suffer in silence anymore, then it is all worth it!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Black is Slimming
That's what they say and that's the rule I have lived by for about 10 years or so. Except I have always been too young for black and now I just want, strike that NEED color!
Except color on this fat girl just makes me look fatter. So I have been seriously trying to do something about that. I joined SparkPeople and have been focusing on getting at least 60 minutes a day of cardio exercise and limiting my calories and increasing my water intake. I have stopped drinking soda and started drinking milk. I enter my food intake, every ingredient so I have to account for a tsp. of butter to a TBSP of mayonaise. I have switch some thing to fat free but have yet to partake in sugar free. My head can't stand the sugar substitutes so I figure it's just better to go without.
I made a Spark Page and I have joined some groups who are made up of people with similar goals. My favorite group is Done With Being THE Fat Girl. I also belong to Shutterbugs and another group that has more than 50lbs to lose. I have made some friendships already and we encourage each other to stay motivated. It's all free!
Except color on this fat girl just makes me look fatter. So I have been seriously trying to do something about that. I joined SparkPeople and have been focusing on getting at least 60 minutes a day of cardio exercise and limiting my calories and increasing my water intake. I have stopped drinking soda and started drinking milk. I enter my food intake, every ingredient so I have to account for a tsp. of butter to a TBSP of mayonaise. I have switch some thing to fat free but have yet to partake in sugar free. My head can't stand the sugar substitutes so I figure it's just better to go without.
I made a Spark Page and I have joined some groups who are made up of people with similar goals. My favorite group is Done With Being THE Fat Girl. I also belong to Shutterbugs and another group that has more than 50lbs to lose. I have made some friendships already and we encourage each other to stay motivated. It's all free!
Tropical
Good Morning Friends! I thought you would like this shot. I can still feel the cool breeze of the morning that this was taken in Hawaii. Enjoy!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pearl Harbor
This is the garden leading to the launch ramp to the skiff that takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial. One of the most incredible places I have ever been to.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Bittersweet Day
I am having a bittersweet day. My son is leaving this evening for the US Army. Yep, that's right, he's joining the Army. He is going to basic training in Missouri and then to Texas for his advanced training. He's going to be a firefighter. Now, I am happy and proud of him for making these choices and it's a great sign that he is growing up. I have been waiting for this for awhile now.
But I am still sad that he's leaving. He's such a great kid with a great heart and as any mother would, I feel very protective of him. I don't want him to get hurt even though I know he will. I don't want him to be lonely but he will at times. I know this is a right of passage for him and it's not much different than if he went off to collgege (which I really wished he had done, but he isn't ready for it yet) but then again, his father and I weren't either.
Ok, it's August 15th and yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. I woke up crying and felt incredibly sad all day. I miss my son. I worry for him. I love him so much I cannot even describe. He sent me a wonderful message on my phone and it means the world to me. He said the exact words a mom longs to hear her children say to know that they have become that amazing adult you always knew they would become.
I feel a little better today. I still miss him and worry for him, as I probably will for the rest of my life. I know we will see him in 9 weeks as we will be there when he graduates Basic Training. I know he will come home for Christmas break and we will see him when he graduates from the Firefighter's school in February. But I will miss him every day.
I thought this would be easier, to let him go, than it was to leave my daughter and my grandson in Alaska. It isn't. I never really realized how much of myself has been defined as their mom. I thought I was the woman who had many definitions, a degree, a successful career, individual interests, etc. But when it's all said and done, I am their mother and that is who I am. It's the biggest role of my life and for now, it's completed. Most mothers would envy me to have raised two high school graduates who have made the transition into adulthood and self reliance (for the most part anyway, the economy is killing our young people). I even dreamed of this day when my house would be a quiet sanctuary, or when I cleaned, it woul remain that way. It's not all it's cracked up to be. And it's harder than I ever thought it could be.
Add to all this drama, my wonderful husband got promoted, which means we will not be retiring and most likely means we'll be moving within the next 3-6 months. The silver lining? I haven't finished unpacking yet. I feel like a feather (I wish that was literal by the way) in the wind. I am surrendered to these events. Talk about powerless over that which I cannot change. My dad would be proud.
But I am still sad that he's leaving. He's such a great kid with a great heart and as any mother would, I feel very protective of him. I don't want him to get hurt even though I know he will. I don't want him to be lonely but he will at times. I know this is a right of passage for him and it's not much different than if he went off to collgege (which I really wished he had done, but he isn't ready for it yet) but then again, his father and I weren't either.
Ok, it's August 15th and yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. I woke up crying and felt incredibly sad all day. I miss my son. I worry for him. I love him so much I cannot even describe. He sent me a wonderful message on my phone and it means the world to me. He said the exact words a mom longs to hear her children say to know that they have become that amazing adult you always knew they would become.
I feel a little better today. I still miss him and worry for him, as I probably will for the rest of my life. I know we will see him in 9 weeks as we will be there when he graduates Basic Training. I know he will come home for Christmas break and we will see him when he graduates from the Firefighter's school in February. But I will miss him every day.
I thought this would be easier, to let him go, than it was to leave my daughter and my grandson in Alaska. It isn't. I never really realized how much of myself has been defined as their mom. I thought I was the woman who had many definitions, a degree, a successful career, individual interests, etc. But when it's all said and done, I am their mother and that is who I am. It's the biggest role of my life and for now, it's completed. Most mothers would envy me to have raised two high school graduates who have made the transition into adulthood and self reliance (for the most part anyway, the economy is killing our young people). I even dreamed of this day when my house would be a quiet sanctuary, or when I cleaned, it woul remain that way. It's not all it's cracked up to be. And it's harder than I ever thought it could be.
Add to all this drama, my wonderful husband got promoted, which means we will not be retiring and most likely means we'll be moving within the next 3-6 months. The silver lining? I haven't finished unpacking yet. I feel like a feather (I wish that was literal by the way) in the wind. I am surrendered to these events. Talk about powerless over that which I cannot change. My dad would be proud.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
That's My Brian Boy
She said I was talking to him when she took this picture. I just love those beautiful brown eyes!
The Joy of My Life
My baby boy grandson, Brian Christian - cutest boy in town. Just not mine. I miss him so much.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)