The Last Few Days

Sorry didn't mean to leave ya'll in the dark the last few days. It's been a little crazy. Monday night after I packed all my stuff, I decided it was probably too heavy and had to repack everything. I actually went to bed somewhat early. I got up and went to Dr. Rhodes for my appointment at 7:30 AM, I actually got there early, so they started to train me on the new machine. It's rally cool and all the things it does. I was on the testing mode for a really long time, then it finally told me that a new protocol was needed. They sent me home with a new protocol. As soon as I got back to the house I hurried and hooked up since I needed to leave for the airport. Trisha came in a brought me some pancakes which were super yummy! She just sat in my room with me and we talked. I finished putting the few last items in my bags and off to the airport we went. Trisha parked and helped me in with my bags since they were so many and they were heavy. I totally wore the wrong shoes - platforms, but in my own defense I wanted to look really cute for Kelvin. I checked in and went to my gate. the guy that was waiting next to me was made because he was headed on a business trip and security confiscated in toothpaste and shaving cream. He was like did they really think unopened toiletries are really bombs? Oh yeah... when I went through security they patted me down and bomb tested my machine. Good times! I passed! I told him what had happened to me. He was really nice. The plane ride was pretty smooth. I couldn't fir my machine under the seat so I had to put it in the overhead and my laptop bag under my seat. They valeted the other carry on since it was a little plane. After I got my other bag back I went to go ride on the skyline to take me to the other terminal. I couldn't wait to just get home. Some ladies came and sat next to me, they'd been trying to get back to Phoenix for a few days now. They had been on a cruise and missed their flight back to Phoenix (the only plane that actually left on time with the bad Miami weather. They were at the airport but still waiting to deplane. They'd had all sorts of bad luck. When we finally boarded I had told them about my machine, so they didn't have issues with me having 3 bags. The pilot decided not to show up so we sat in the plane for 45 minutes with no one to fly us back home. I was sitting next to an executive at Pilot. He was very kind. It was cool that I could tell him about Dr. Rhodes because he has a 20 year old son that had back surgery a few months back and it's healing. Hopefully Dr. Rhodes can help him. He helped me get my bags all off the plane. I was trying to figure out in my head how the heck I was going to carry all 4 of my bags to meet Kelvin outside. I was walking out of the terminal heading towards baggage when I felt like someone was following me, I turned a little and saw a man in a red shirt, then on a double take realized it was Kel! I gave him such a big hug! The of course I kissed him. He helped me with my bags and we went to baggage claim to get my other suitcase. The we walked out to Big Truck which he had the shop detail and clean for me. I did however notice the Arizona pinstriping on the passenger side that wasn't there previously. I texted my mom to let her know we were on our way home. I told her not to tell the kids. When I walked through the door they were in the kitchen and didn't hear me come in, Payton was the first to see me. He ran down the hallway "Mommy!" and ran into my arms, then Hais came running around the corner. She was crying a little. She was so happy I was home. I loved to be home again. I missed my kids so much! After dinner I put them to bed. It was really nice to be able to lay in bed with Hailee and read to her. Skype just isn't the same quality time. When I was finished I hooked up to my machine. It's going to be challenging to figure out the machine schedule with the kids. I didn't even check my emails, just went to bed. it's nice to be in my own bed again. I missed my pillow!
I have to go get Hailee from school, so I'll finish yesterday a little later when I get time. I'm home safe though and I am so grateful for Trisha and Jeff and their kindness and love for me. Trisha is definitely going to be a friend for life!

Should I Stay or Should I Go???

I got up this morning and went to Dr. Rhodes. Since I didn't have my appointment yesterday I wasn't sure what time I was supposed to go in, so I went at 9 AM since that's my usual time. Nope it was at 10 AM. I could have slept another hour! Shoot! But they saw me early, since I had really severe pain from my sneeze, they tested me and put me on a new frequency. Dr. Rhodes came in and talked to me. He really wants me to stay through the rest of the week and maybe into part of next week until the machines come in. Especially since my pain isn't 100% gone, I was so torn about what to do. I started crying. He said I could go home and come back in a few weeks. They just want to be able to train me on how to use the new machine.
I came home crying because I don't want to stay. I want to be home with Kel and the kids. There's bills that need to be paid, work to be done, my kids need me. I talked to Kathy - she told me to stay. I called Dr. Rhodes office and asked if they can train me tomorrow morning. Tamara went and checked and Sara can train me as best as possible tomorrow while I'm there. I check my account online and after I pay them for all my visits ($100/day) I'll only have $283 left in the medical account. I can't afford to stay anyways. I prayed about it a lot and I need to go home and I feel peaceful about that decision.
I took a shower then a nap for the rest of the afternoon and felt much better. I ate dinner and finished my laundry. I started to pack. I hate packing - really it sucks. I talked to Kel, he said Payton was really upset when he left. I read to Hais and then helped Trisha with her wedding album. Now I'm sitting here hooked up to my machine. And then I get to repack because my suitcase is going to be overweight. Agggg... This is my fun night - but glad it's my last! I'm so excited to see Kel and run into my house to see my babies. I miss them so much!

Our Peaceful Home

Well, I always have good intentions of going to bed early but that seems to never happen. I never did adjust to Texas time - who could they are 2 hours ahead of Arizona! So i go to bed when I usually would in Phoenix, but get up on Texas time. It's so not a good idea! Especially when you have a Dr. appointment at 8 AM and church at 9AM. I set mu alarm for 6:50 so that I would have plenty of time to do my hair and make up, 7:30 rolls around and I figure I should probably get out of bed. I hurried and got ready with half frizzy hair. Quickly ran the flat iron through it - still frizzy. I ran out the door, got in the car as was half way to my appointment when I got a phone call from Sara at the office that all appointments were canceled today because there was no power in the entire building. So I got up early for nothing. She said just stay at the same protocols and frequencies as I have been on for this last week. I got back home and laid in bed messaging with my mom until Trisha was ready for church.
Sacrament was great, missionary farewell. He strayed from the church for a few years but now at 22 he's back and ready to serve the Lord. Dora came and found me in sunday School to just say hi, she's so sweet. I really like her. They were discussing Number 11 in class. I LOVE this wards relief Society. The sisters are so kind and so nice. Everyone is family to each other. The sister that was sitting next to me hugged me and said I'm so glad you are still here. They really have made me feel so welcomed. Afterwards, I told the RS President thanks for all her help while I've been here. She was sad I was already leaving, but said to make sure Kathy contacts them when she comes to see Dr. Rhodes. At home, Jeff made lunch, then I went and did my treatments and took a nap for the rest of the afternoon. I called and talk to Bill and Kathy. Bill's almost done with my guitar. When he sells them, this style is called the "Ash". I feel so privileged to have a guitar named after me!
I sat in my bed and studies my scriptures, this is something I want to try to do a lot more when I get home. Really have scripture study a part of our daily routine. Personally but with the kids as well. hopefully Kel will join us at some point. Being here has really made me evaluate our lives and the things I want to change. I really want our home to be peaceful and like a heaven on earth. I want our kids friends to want to be at our house when they are older because it feels different. After dinner, Anthony & Lynette came over to play games and eat scones. I rally like them a lot. Dora called while they were here and we talked for quite a while. She made an appointment to go see Dr. Rhodes to help with her Fibromyalgia. Trisha and I talked for a little while about life. She has a rally good perspective on things and I'm always grateful for her listening ear and her input.
Hailee was ready for her story so I read to her. Payton kept telling me that the train in his book was broken and the car crashed! He's so funny. I got to talk to Kel for a few minutes. He loves to drive me crazy and kept telling me he was going to finally go get the mail. That is my one thing I hate him to touch - the mail. He messes it up. He half opens stuff and doesn't throw the trash away. He'll probably get it and leave it on the desk for me. He just likes to threaten me, silly boy. Well I got 30 minutes left... good thing because I have had to go to the bathroom for the last 35 minutes. Good night and only 2 days until I'm home!!!

Jellyfish on Shore

I woke up today and was pretty amazed how little pain I have in my body. I truly believe that Dr. Rhodes is amazing and am so grateful for his gift and knowledge to heal people from this awful disease. I see people everyday who have suffered so long from this RSD and even children and teenagers. it breaks my heart how badly they suffer. I'm so glad I've only had to suffer 8 months. Actually less than that because I've been hooking up to Kathy's machine since January. When I started on her machine my toes were curled and I could move them, extremely painful. It felt like my foot was broken, it hurt to walk, drive, move it, not move it, everything I did hurt. I'm just so grateful. I went for my testing again today - they tested upper body again. What do ya know... I get to stay on the same protocol and frequencies. My body is really responding well to the protocols he has me on, they are working great. I just have to make sure I be smart and not get injured. Or let the kids jump on me or it will all come back instantly and I'll have to start all over.
When I got home, I hooked up and watched a movie. Trisha was trying to do her toe nails but she's got a preggo belly so I took her polish off for her. Oh I miss doing nails!
Then we got in the car and drove to Padre Island. I think we were at Padre Balli Park Beach. It's crazy, you can drive your car up to the water here. So different from Cali. Oh, the water and the waves. I love the waves, I could sit there all day and stare at them. We took our shoes off and went to walk on the beach. Jeff was so crazy - he kept walking further and further out into the water. It was to his shoulders! I got soaked too, but only just above my knees. A huge wave came up on shore and soaked us. The water was great, I would have loved to go for a swim and I don't even like going in the ocean. It was so warm and inviting. As we were walking there was a jellyfish on the sand. I got excited and took a picture, the lady near by said it was a cabbage jellyfish and they don't sting. There are the one's the sea turtles eat. Walking further I actually saw 3 more. There was also this super fuzzy worm, it was pretty big. I love this picture - I'm going to turn it into a black and white. I picked up a few shells for Hais to keep in our shell candle holder in the kids bathroom. On our way back to our chairs, there was this guy making a sand sculpture of a shark eating a human. it was awesome! So we took pictures with it, it wasn't finished yet, but it still looked cool. We actually talked with them for a little while. He owns Davies Trees. He's actually done the tree work at the San Antonio, Nauvoo, Salt Lake, and one other temple. Pretty interesting. They were such a nice family! We went back and sat in the chair for a few minutes watching the waves. Then we sat under a little ramada when it became available. Then we drove to this cute gift shop and I got a few things for the kids. I came home and took a shower, yuck I was covered in sand. I'm totally going to have to scrub the shower, there is so much sand left behind. Then I took a nap and watched another movie. Trisha wasn't feeling well, she gets really bad pains in her stomach. I went out to see if she needed anything. I decided to pain her toes for her so I gave her a little pedicure. She's never had anything but pink or red on her toes before. I couldn't believe it! So I painted them purple and put a cute white iridescent daisy on her big toes. they turned out SO cute! Then we decided to go to Whataburger for food. It took them forever to make my burger (another hour and I could have had breakfast food, too bad it wasn't a guy at the register, I could have gotten him to allow my to get pancakes - girls are harder to convince how much you would rather have pancakes than a burger). Anyways, since it took forever - they gave me free fries.
Oh yeah... and Kel called while him and Payton were at Jack in the Box. He said Payt was so insistent on there being icecream cones there and he kept telling Payton no they don't have ice cream. he finally realized that Payton thought jack was an upside down ice cream cone. He's such a funny little boy!
I got to talk to Payt for a few minutes on Skype - he made faces at me. I then went and finished Trisha's manicure. I did french tips with daisy's on each finger. It looks so good. She never does her nails so it was a real treat for her. I'm so glad I could do that for her, I miss doing nails. Hailee called while I was finishing so I called her back, we read a story then here I am now blogging. I'm trying to decide if I should straighten my hair tonight or just do it in the morning. I hate waking up early. My appointment is at 8AM and i have to be ready for church when I go because church starts at 9AM. Well I hope you enjoyed my day!

70 mph Winds

So last night I had every intention of going to bed early. Then the winds started. My window was rattling so badly! I started looking at radar on different websites and went to tornadovideos.net. There were tornado warning and even one tornado in the more western part of Texas. There was an extreme wind advisory here until 4 AM. The winds got to 70 mph. It was crazy, at one point the power went out. It reminded me of AZ's fun monsoon storms with out the lightning and rain. I finally decided I should go to bed.
I woke up this morning actually feeling pretty good. My right foot was hurting pretty badly and my left shoulder, but for the most part I was doing a little better today. The office was super excited for the cookies! I did my testing and they kept me on the same protocol and frequencies since they seem to be working. I just have to be super careful not to do anything stupid that is going to hurt myself. I love that I've made so many new friends here at the clinic. We see each other driving in/out and we wave to each other. There a genuine concern for each other and our well being.
I came home and had some pancakes, then hooked up to my machine. I had every intention of taking a nap but instead watched all my shows I missed last night on hulu. When I finally did fall asleep, after an hour or so, Doori called to ask me if I took her a package yesterday. I said yes. She had been asleep and the front desk guy knocked on her door and said there was a package for her. She was confused thinking that maybe somehow he sister had gotten her crackers and gatorade, she called to see if she had sent them, but nope. I guess when she went to Dr. Rhodes she asked if they sent them over to the hotel, they had no clue what she was talking about. Then she realized it must have been me. She just called to say thank you. I imagine it's hard for her to be here all by herself and now they want her to stay 9 extra days. I'm glad I followed my prompting to help her - I told her if she needs anything to please call me. Also that Trisha is a nurse in case she needs anything.
I've felt really lethargic this afternoon. I was sick to my stomach. I've not felt really hungry, but know I need to eat. I lied down and started to watch a movie and passed out for like 3 hours. Ate some dinner and came in here to talk to Hais and to read to her. My Grandma is out of the hospital and back home. I'm grateful we get to keep her a little longer. Hais just informed me she has no school Monday, so she'll have to stay with Mamo an extra day. I think they are going to go to the Glendale Public Library. She will be amazed, out library by our house is pretty tiny. Well... I'm going to go grab another brownie and hook up to my machine. I have my appointment at 9 AM and then in the afternoon we are going to the beach! Yeah I'm so excited! That has to be one of my favorite place on this earth. Good night!

The Coast Guard Experience

Last night I was tired but just could go to sleep. When I did sleep it was actually a pretty good night sleep. I got up and got ready for the day. Last night Jeff and Trisha were given tickets to the boat show today. I went to my appointment. Dr. Rhodes came in and talked to me. For the most part I was feeling pretty good. The pain was really bad in my shoulders and across my sternum, in my right ankle and calf, and my left knee. I told him that my sinuses have clogged up again. I said a silent prayer that he would be guided in his decisions today for my treatments. He decided to keep my lower body protocol the same since it seemed to be helping a lot. He changed my upper body back to the shoulder and sinus protocol. 5 days left! He's hoping the machines get here in time, they are supposed to be here next week. This volcano has really messed things up! If I get home before they come they will send me the new one and then I'll send them my machine back. I guess I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with gladness. I'm finally starting to feel somewhat more relief. I asked him about some medical questions. I have some moles that have gotten a lot larger He said it's from the lack of circulation in my body from the RSD. Hopefully when I'm in remission, they will shrink again. If not and I have to get them removed then I'm supposed to call first so that they can put me on a special protocol before the removal so it won't relapse the RSD. I also asked him about braces. My teeth have shifted and it's driving me crazy. He said NO! At least not for 1 year. That will relapse the RSD quickly too. (Trauma to the mouth). He's really hopeful that I'll be in remission really soon.


When I got home Trisha and I left for the boat show. It was SO windy! It was incredible! There were some huge yachts! I loved watching the water, it's so beautiful and peaceful. You could actually see the USS Lexington in the distance. Wow, it was so large. I made friends with some of the Coast Guard guys and got them to hold Max and Ducka in a few pictures. Then we went to the 81ft Coast Guard ship and took a tour. It was incredible. They have a rescue boat that comes out of a hydrolic door. On the bow of the boat the have 2 - 50 Caliber guns on each side. If you look really closely at the Coast Guard on the right and notice his right arm, he's got a really cool tattoo. Since I love tattoos, I asked him what it meant. He said that's the tattoo they get when they've finished 50,000 miles out on the sea. Above that tattoo, you can't really see it but I noticed he had a hula girl. When we were inside, I noticed a hula girl doll on the dash (or whatever they call it). I asked if there was some meaning behind the hula girl. He said yeah it's kinda their motto/ logo it keeps them going. I thought that was pretty interesting. The ship was just so amazing. They said we were like those kids on the field trips that ask a million questions. The guys that was giving is the tour was pretty new so his buddy had to come and answer questions he couldn't answer. It was funny. We got to inside and see all the radar equipment. They were excited that they have XM radio so they can actually listen to music while out on the ocean. They protect our coast from drug and immigrant smugglers, illegal fishermen, etc. When the tour was over we saw these really cool benches and tables. This is the biggest yacht I have ever seen in real life. It was huge! It also had a ski boat it pulled or somehow connected to and also another boat on the top deck, maybe as a safety vessel. We peeked in the front door area and saw into the dining room. The chandelier was a blown glass - incredible! I can't even fathom how much that thing cost. They also have the Selena memorial here, here's a picture. We walked back to the car. We ran a few errands and went to the grocery store. Doori wasn't feeling well this morning (another patient at Dr. Rhodes) so I dropped some crackers and Gatorade at her hotel. Hopefully the front office guy took them to her, she's been pretty sick the last few days. Then when we got home, I hurried and hooked up to my machine. I didn't get to finish the 2nd half of my upper body protocol. I got sick to my stomach and had to stop it early. It was ok though cause the Missionaries came over for dinner. Trisha had made the most delicious chicken enchiladas in the crock pot. After dinner I helped clean up and then made cookies for the office. Oh... and Jason Faras called! (He's my best friend from High School) He called to see what I was doing, I told him I was in Texas. He said how far from El Paso are you? I googled it 9.5 hours. Shoot! He was heading to AZ but would have stopped to say hi if I wasn't the complete opposite direction. He was heading home from the weekend because he's leaving for another tour to Afghanistan. That so bums me out that I don't get to see him again, we missed each other last time he came home too. Kel and I usually go out to dinner or go shooting with Jason. He has very colorful language so it's usually adults only. LOL! He's funny, he tries not to cuss so much around me, but it never works.
I was able to Skype with both kids tonight. Oh I can't wait to see them next week and just hold them in my arms. I'll probably cry when I get home and not want to put them down. I sure miss Kel a lot too. I'm really grateful for him and how he's really stepped up to take care of Hais. Well 3 more minutes for my lower body treatment then 40 more for my upper. Then I should probably go to bed at a somewhat decent hour tonight because I need to get up early and take a shower. I was so sticky when I woke up this morning. Gross! Oh yeah and can we say it is super crazy windy here and even more windy at the beach. I'd hate to be here during a hurricane. Well hope you enjoyed my picture from today!

Another Sunny Day

Last night was pretty rough. It took me hours to fall asleep then I was having a hard time staying asleep. I woke up in good spirits though. I got up and got dresses and put half my makeup on. Trisha had me drive myself in the accord this morning. As I was driving I saw a another older model civic that was the exact same color, same spoiler, same everything as hers. I freaked out thinking someone had stolen their car since Jeff meets others and they car pool while leaving their cars in one place. I got a good look at the guy and the license plate. I tried calling 3 times and no answer. I finally got a hold of her and luckily it wasn't the same license plate. How random to see the exact same looking car.
At Dr. Rhodes this morning, I was actually feeling pretty good. Now don't get me wrong, a good day for me is having bearable pain. The pain is still there just not a severe today. No more migraine either. I made the office cookies last night and of course forgot them! At least they were tasty! I'll have to make them more. After my testing, they kept me on the same protocols and frequencies today since they were helping.
When I got back to the house I talked to my mom and Paytie for a few minutes. Then Trisha and I went over to the church to help make dolls for the humanitarian project. I'm actually a really good whip stitcher! The dolls were really cute! They are bringing me the template to church on Sunday. It was nice to be able to get to know a few of the sisters in the ward better.
When we got back I hooked up to my machine then pretty much was asleep until 6:30PM. I made a sandwich, watched American Idol online, and started my 2nd treatment of the day. I got to Skype with Payton - he's so funny!He kept making faces at me sticking out his tongue and making himself burp. He can burp multiple times on command. It's really humorous. Kel and Hais called me. Kel shaved his head, I was so mad! At least he didn't BIC it, it's just really short. Hailee told me about her day. I can't believe she graduates from Kindergarten in a month! She getting so grown up.
I'm going to finish reading my scriptures and go to bed, I'm a little sick to my stomach tonight. Need that rest! Good night!