Pink Ribbon

Last year Noelle and I participated in the Pink Ribbon 5K. I think it may become a tradition! This year we did not take a wheelchair. In fact, Noelle has not used it since April. So we walked the whole thing:) Sabrina rode most of it especially since it was very cold! The blanket was necessary.

It is very frustrating that now, later in the day, Noelle is in tremendous pain. It is so difficult to accept. Things are much better than they were but still a far cry from "normal" for an 18 year old. On another health note, we have made an appoinment in Chicago with an endometriosis specialist. We are also waiting for our insurance to approve Botox for Noelle's daily migraines. A few years ago, just prior to her Lyme diagnosis, she had two Botox treatments and felt that they lessened her pain. We now have new insurance so we are waiting for approval.

September pics

I had minor finger surgery on the 24th to remove a cyst that keeps growing back. I still have the stitches actually. Everything went well as soon as I stopped taking the pain pills:/

Noelle and her friend, Aubrey, at the UNI homecoming. This was the day after Noelle had her wisdom teeth removed. Strong girl, as usual!

Every September we have a local fair called Cattle Congress. When I was younger it was actually 10 days, I believe. It is now just a long weekend. Friday is always Kids Day and all the public schools cancel. The schools pretend it is for "professional development". Sabrina was able to go with her class for a special Iowa State Extension program. But on the weekend the whole family went. Well, everyone but Jake:)

Really good Lyme article in Runner's World!

Runners and Lyme Disease

Seven years!

I got an email from a fellow adoptive parent who had been referred to my blog. After answering her email, I scanned back through my blog. My first entry was August 23rd, 2007. So much has happened during that time, yet so much is the same. I read with dismay the beginning of Noelle's health journey. I read posts written years ago that could have been written today about the stress I often feel. I read with great joy the journey of our family. It is especially fun to follow the years through pictures.

Has anyone turned their blog into a book? Which service did you use?

Sentimental

Many years ago my Grandma (who is now 100!) gave me some family spoons that she had framed. I found them as I was sorting and had them re-framed. I LOVE the way they turned out!

With Sabrina going back to school today and the other kids out on their own I am excited to have time to reinvent myself. One of the things I plan to do is go room by room and sort, repair and improve. I have always loved to decorate and do house stuff so I am excited.

Quick Visit

In July we had the pleasure of seeing Scott's sister, Rachel, and her family for a quick visit. Here are some photos from that visit.

Apparently we took no pictures of our beautiful niece, Holly. Sorry, Holly!

Sabrina's First Day!

Sabrina goes to a small Christian school. There are 11 students in her class. These are the 7 girls!