I am an open book...With some missing pages I guess.

After several months, I figured I needed to finally take a minute and just write a quick blog post.

*Warning: most of my blog posts, are not quick...*

Why do I share all of this stuff??

I am an open book...With some missing pages I guess. I enjoy writing, and wish I was better at it. I enjoy true stories and experiences that I can relate to. I don't share every detail about my life, but I do share enough.
Even if there is just one person out there who enjoys reading my blog post, I am good with that. Sharing is caring *Wink*

Here goes...

I have had some health issues that sorta kicked my butt....Kicked my butt Into gear!! 

*I know-Cheesy.*

I had blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, an MRI...I have seen plenty of  different specialists since October. What the heck! I simply went to the doctor to get a referral for a podiatrist, and left with much more than that. And if you know me, you know I am a 'Man up' kind of gal...Mind over matter.

So...

After having an abnormal EKG, I finally took some time to think about what in the world was
happening in my life, that was contributing to all of these silly issues that I was having.

By allowing so much crusty stuff into my thoughts, and by allowing negative situations to disturb the positives in my life, I really was making myself sick. Literally.

Time to Focus! I mean really focus...*Again!*

We do that. We focus and do better. And then we become complacent with our lives. We then lose our focus until we get knocked around a little bit...and then we regain our focus and work at things again. Does that make sense? Why do we do that?

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change...Courage to change the things I Can...and...Wisdom to know the difference!"

**Just thought I would throw that in there. 

There are a couple of things I deal with, that stress doesn't have to much to do with. However, I have found that the more worry I feel and the more stressed I am, these issues are more noticeable. Crazy, isn't it? How our situations effect us-Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. Pull it together!!

The dermatologist.

Precancerous sores on my face and arm. I had the one on my arm removed, but still need to get the treatment done on my face. I have been dragging my feet, because I know that it is not going to be real fun or pretty. Please know, I am so thankful that these sores are not cancer, but I was told that they could turn into cancer-So I shouldn't procrastinate much longer. Blah!
Take care of your skin!! Go and get screened, especially if you are out in the sun a lot... *Sunscreen Folks!*

The Cardiologist...WHAT! I am a runner...ok. I haven't been able to run for about a year-not like I used to.

After rocking all the 'Heart' tests and Blowing away the Cardiologist with the results of my treadmill stress test, I was cleared to get my toe surgery, and was told to never come back again!!

For my situation, I believe stress had a lot to do with the abnormal EKG test results. Learning to take a deep breath and simply taking a minute to feel what I need to, helps so much. Feel and GO!(Carry on. Keep moving forward!) 

The Toe! **We are in December by now.

I had a broken Sesamoid bone in my right big toe. Long story short...I did a lunge and felt a pop. Over a year later, I found a doctor who would finally find the problem, and would do surgery to remove the broken bone and to fix the bunion that the injury had created. Painful! Not fun..But I am a survivor *Wink! Wink!*... 

  

The Bug. 

Then comes the flu or whatever that icky bug was . No need to elaborate on this...We have all been super sick this year with the stinky sick bug...I am just now, starting to feel a bit better (nearly 4 months later). 

Then comes the Neurologist. 

Even though, I was working on my stress levels, by the time I got to the Neurologist to discuss the results of my MRI-I was tired and extrememly emotional. Even though you learn how to manage situations and the stressful stuff...It doesn't take away the situations or the stressful stuff.
Life is still life. 

I broke down...In the doctors office. Tears and not being able to speak because, I was just that emotional. You know, it just all catches up to you. 

  

I have migraines. I have had them for years. I get headaches every day...I believe I have just gotten used to them. With some days just being worse than others. You know...Just take some Ibuprofen and carry on. Well, I was told that my brain was being effected by these migraines. I now have several brain lesions. I really didn't realize that. Just thought it was 'Pain'. I am trying to learn the symptoms that I have before I get a full blown migraine-That is not an easy thing to do. The Neurologist told me to get plenty of rest every day, do not over do it , avoid as much stress as possible, and to exercise.  I will get right on that. I just don't live that kind of life right now...But I am surely working on it.
Now I get to go and see this Neurologist every six months. Don't mess around with headaches...

Moving on...

The  Post Office.

I was feeling a bit discouraged and down in the dumps after seeing the Neurologist.... The ride back to Saint David from Tuc son was a quiet one.  

When we got into town, we had stopped at the P.O. to pick up a package. My old boss just happened to be there. While Michael went inside to get the package, I was able to visit with my old boss for a minute. She hugged me, and told me the sweetest things(I sure needed that). Her and I were both teary eyed by the time Michael came back out. We hugged and said goodbye.  I am not sure I will ever forget this woman who was so kind to me.  There are just some people who leave imprints on your heart-forever.

Now onto this package. No return address, and it was for me. It was the best package that I have ever received.  We have no idea where it came from (my guess is-The White Mountains)...

I opened it, and was overwhelmed with great emotion-I was uplifted and reminded that there are some truly good people in my life. I just cried.  We had held onto the package slip for days, but for some reason I took that slip and told Michael that we needed to pick whatever it was up, that day. It was as if I needed to open this package at that very minute in my life. Does that seem a bit over dramatic? Maybe to some, but I know that there are people who know what I mean.

I was given 2 of my favorite pictures, 2 picture frames and one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis all ready for me to hang on our wall.

Thank you!! To who ever felt inspired to be so kind to me. I will never ever forget the feeling I had when I opened your gift to me. Thank you very much!!

Gratitude.

A short time after all of this, my sweet mother passed away. I will save my feelings about this for another blog post...But for now-Some 'Thank you's'.

I just wanted to tell everyone who reached out to my family and I, how grateful I am for the kind words and hugs and prayers. The love and comfort was felt.

Thank you to some amazing People from Bagdad who immediately contacted me to see how they could help. Please know-Your kindness will never be forgotten. Ever!!

Thank you to my in laws who helped keep my husband, kids and animals alive while we were gone. Along with everything else that they did.

Thank you to our oldest daughter and her awesome husband, for EVERYTHING that they did-When I had my surgery and also when I needed to be down in the valley with my parents. I don't know what a I would do without you two.

Thank you to our sweet Jessi! She helped keep this place running the best that she could. Getting the kids up and ready for school...I know it wasn't easy. You are amazing Jessi.
All of the kids were so good. I feel so blessed with such wonderful kiddo's.

A HUGE Thank you to my sister who took me to get my hair done just before our mothers memorial. I cannot express enough how much that meant to me. Our mother always liked us to look our best..Thank you so much sis. *An old friends daughter did my hair, and she did amazing*

Thank you to my big brother who was there for mom every day for a very long time. A special thanks to his wife, who supported him during the hardest and longest days.

Thank you to my other big brother and his wife who found the most beautiful and perfect spot for our angel mother.

Thank you to the sweet sister from our ward who brought our family dinner after all was said and done, and we were finally home. That was so kind and thoughtful.

Another big Thank you for all of the meals prepared and brought over to our family after my toe surgery.

There is so much gratitude in my heart. How blessed we are to have the family and friends that we do  in our lives.

I cannot thank our church family enough! Thank you for everything.

Now that my life is a bit more settled down...I am on the mend-Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. Spiritually.  Life is simply moving forward whether I am ready or not.

**Stress and worry are very destructive. Take a minute to make the changes necessary so that you might have more than a minute of peace in your life. It is up to you!

Take care of yourself, and NEVER EVER become complacent. There is always room for improvement. Be the BEST you, that you can be!! BE Happy.

Remember who you are... You are a Child of a very loving, kind and ever so forgiving Heavenly Father.
 
Here are the pictures that I received. For whatever reason, the pictures I took, won't upload, so I found the pictures and quotes online so that I can share them with you... Oh my HEART!

  

 UIKEYINPUTDOWNARROW