Thanksgiving 2014

This is the book I am using for my devotions right now. Thank you, Al! It is a fantastic way to redirect my thoughts and feelings to remember our many praises. We are so thankful for Noelle's partial healing. We are thankful for an addition to our family;) More on that later. We are thankful for resources and family and so many things.

Our new addition is an almost 17 year old, named Hassan (far left). It is a bit of a long story, but he almost literally showed up on our doorstep. Which is what I told God it would take for us to have five children! God truly has a sense of humor. Hassan was born in Liberia. If you have read my blog forever, you might know that we originally intended to adopt from Liberia. Again with the sense of humor. Hassan is a dedicated student, a soccer player, great with Sabrina, grateful and helpful. We are in the process of finalizing legal guardianship.

At school, Sabrina had two occasions to dress up and celebrate Thanksgiving. I neglected to get a picture of Pilgram Sabrina, but so love this little Native American Sabrina!

Just a few leaves...

We love Halloween!

Yes, I know as a Christian there can be some issues with this holiday. And I will admit I wasn't sure about allowing my seven year old to be a zombie; I was outvoted. But carving pumpkins and dressing up is so much fun!

Noelle, Sabrina and Aubrey were all Zombie soccer players. Now I just need to throw away all this candy!!

Chicago and Endo update

October 24th was supposed to be my big night...the CHER concert. BUT, she postponed:( Noelle and I had already scheduled an appointment with an endometriosis specialist in Chicago for that same day so we went ahead with our plans. We liked the doctor, which is a real answer to prayer. He did not have any immediate answers for Noelle's pain. Which leaves her petrified of her next cycle:( He is wondering if some of her pelvic pain is unrealated to endometriosis. So we have been referred to a urologist and a GI doctor. Noelle will have an ultrasound of her kidneys and bladder on Monday. Needless to say, she is very tired of the endless parade of doctors. We are praying for answers that lead to a reduction in pain!

While we were in Chicago we felt the need to eat great food, shop a "little", and have some fun! Noelle's favorites are Vera Bradley and LUSH! So she is stocked up with bath luxuries for awhile.

Sabrina's latest interest is Legos, so we had to go to the Lego store. This is Noelle and Lego Ironman!

Noelle's friend, Aubrey happened to be in Chicago for school that same weekend. The girls played soccer together for a number of years so we decided to go to a Chicago Fire game.

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