Update on Paula

She finally had her appointment at Emory on Monday.  The doctor confirmed that the cancer in her lungs and abdomen is pretty much gone.  Praise God!!!  And he agreed on the chemo treatments that they are giving her - but he said that she really needed to have surgery to remove the ovaries.  That patients respond much more successfully when they are removed.  So she will be having surgery at Emory at some point in the future.  She still has to schedule appointments with the surgeon.  Her doctor here said "no surgery" so we are a little ticked about that.  But I'm glad that she got that 2nd opinion that we all had to ask her to do for us!  He also said that the chemo she is receiving now should work on the cancer that showed up on her spine.  Her next chemo is Monday.  It will be her 4th treatment. 

Number 20

Guess what?  This is my 20th post this month!  I think I might actually have gotten back into the habit of this blogging thing.

Last night the service at the church was pretty good.  I'm looking forward to the sessions today!  The couple doing the conference was divorced and remarried.  And it was a very ugly divorce that dragged out over 15m and involved custody battles (and cost them around $30,000).  Then 23 months later, they somehow started working it out.  So last night we heard the testimony of their divorce and how they came back together only through their relationship with the lord.  Funny thing was, they were very strong Christians when their marriage fell apart.  He was a deacon at the church and taught Sunday school.  They went to church and did all the 'church activities' - but their spiritual intimacy was not intact.

This is something that I think a lot of Christian's struggle with.  You can 'know' the theories/scriptures, but making those your reality is hard.  Applying those principles to your daily life, and not just putting on that happy face on Sunday's when you go to church is the key.  I have issues with that.  I have a hard time consistently applying God's word in my life.  I do the daily (most days) bible studies, I go to Church and Sunday school, but sometimes it is hard to FULLY rely and trust in God.

I have more to add, but I have got to start getting ready for going to church. 

Finally Friday

This week (make it MONTH) has been rough at work.  Everyday has been slam packed with stuff, more meetings and new requirements/projects.  Yesterday I thought it was Friday for a few hours - I guess the week has been loooong.

I'm looking forward to tonight though.  Eric and I are going to a marriage conference at a local church.  So that will be tonight and Saturday morning.  Sunday we will be going to Eric's parents for lunch after church and we are all giving Paula a 'gift' - money to help pay some of her doctor bills.  We don't have a ton of extra money right now, so we agreed to give her our tithe out of this paycheck.  Eric had some issues with that at first - because it is God's Money, but I felt that it was on my heart to do it.  Then in church Sunday, part of the preacher's message (which was on Children) was about us taking care of our parents as they get older.  They made tons of sacrifices when we were younger (things you don't realize until you are a parent yourself) and that we will honor God by taking care of and caring about our Parents.  More people came down during the invitation than I have seen in a while.  Lots of people are hurting b/c of the fall out or problems with those relationships.  This whole month at Church has been great!!!  The focus was 'A new home for the new year'.

I guess it is time for me to head off to work. 

Goals

Ok.  So if your wondering why I didn't post my weight this week, it is because it was up and I'm a wee bit depressed.  I have decided to just make a few goals, and not a big - lose 20 lbs by March/April type goal.  Problem is, I'm having a REALLY hard time getting started.  How on earth did I lose 43 lbs?  Of course, right now I'm at a whopping 25 lbs down from my starting weight because I have gained back almost 20 lbs.  SADNESS.

So - Goals. 

1.  Work out 3 times this week.  And today is Wednesday, oh well - nobody said Goals need to start on Monday.  So I still need to work out 3 times before Sunday.

2.  Take my vitamins daily

3.  Track all my calories and try to eat around 1500 calories a day.

We shall see if I keep these 3 goals going until Monday!  Maybe if I do I could at least post my weight again.  Maybe.

Saturday

Yesterday was a typical Saturday.  It was busy and flew by without us really getting to relax and just hang out.  Eric was gone all morning for church work day - we are getting new carpet in the Sanctuary so they had to move everything out of the whole building.  The pews, all the books from the library, the organ, etc.  He helped out a lot and was careful not to hurt his shoulder. (His shoulder has been very messed up for about 6 months, and the last few weeks have been really bad.  He had to get a steroid shot in the tendon last Friday).

Peyton and I went to the grocery store (just a fruit trip), and then we came home and I cleaned, did dishes/laundry and we ate lunch.  Nothing too special, but busy none the less.

Then Eric had to go get his Papa who was traveling with his uncle, and take him to him Mom's house.  Peyton and I had a nap (an awesome long nap by the way) and then Peyton and I joined Eric at his mom's and spent about 3-4 hrs visiting.  While visiting, I started 'interviewing' Papa for the album that I want to do - a tribute to his life and Grandma's life (she has already passed).  Learned a few things I didn't know, and made sure I got the facts straight on what I did know.  What I did discover that I thought was interesting, he was only in the military for 3 years.  And that is just about all that he talks about, is the military years and his time at war.  I guess now that he is getting older and we hear the same story over and over - those are what he remembers most and that is what he talks about.  That and the fact that Grandma died and he is alone after 60 years.  Which is sad.  I think he gets lonely and the house is so quiet, so he loves it when he visits or we visit him, and the house is slap full of people and kids running all over the place (driving us crazy) - but he loves it.

Then we get home, and E moved funny and hurt his back really bad.  I mean, he can't move without hurting.  I think he is going to go to the hospital when he gets up to see if they can do anything for him.  It is really high up, like between his shoulders.  I think he pinched a nerve maybe.  Of course, none of the places that could help him will be open until Monday.  And he was supposed to be going to the doctor in ATL with his mom on Monday.  I don't know if the hospital will be able to help him, but he is in so much pain that I don't think he can wait another day.

Paula

E's Mom, Paula, has had 3 rounds of chemo.  Her 'tumor marker' levels went from over 3,000 to 201 to 26.  She is definitely responding well to the chemo.  So Monday E took her to have a scan for the doctors to check the progress.  She got the results yesterday.  The cancer in her lungs/abdomen/uterus responded 'remarkably' well.  Remarkably was the exact word that the radiologist used in the report.  We have no doubt that her faith and all the prayers going up for her have help with this!  But we did get some bad news.  There is a spot on her spine where the cancer has spread.  That is the only spot right now, so they are going to start radiation at that spot (i think).  This is the very scary news.  Once the cancer get into the bones it can spread all over the body and into the brain.  E was really down yesterday, but I told him we just have to keep praying like we have been and have faith!  Luckily, her appt at Emory has FINALLY come.  It is Monday afternoon.  I can't wait to see what they have to say and see what they decide would be a good method of treatment.  Not that we don't trust her current doctor, but this is a specialist in her type of cancer (not just a cancer doctor) and the 2nd opinion is something that we have wanted ever since she was first diagnosed in Nov.

Why does it have to be so hard

I did a quick weight check this morning, and I'm up.  UP.  And I have been eating great for the last few days.  I'm driving myself insane.  Maybe I'm just ment to be a bigger girl and will never get back into my old clothes ever again. 

And I woke up at 3:00 with a nightmare.  Laid in bed trying to go back to sleep until around 4:45, finally go back to sleep only to have another nightmare within about 20 min, so I got up at 5:09, only about 20 min early, but still.  I know how today is going to be, as I've had nights like this all too many times.

Today is payday.  I will be rich for about 1 day, until I pay all of our bills tonight.  Ha.

AND today I get my first check of the year with my raise.  It was a pretty decent raise, enough to get a wee bit excited about.  Of course, every single deduction went up (taxes, healthcare, dental, life, etc).  EVERY SINGLE ONE.  Oh well.

Oh - and I keep forgetting to mention that I cut off all of my hair a few weeks ago and donated it to Locks of Love.  I need to get a picture of me with my new shorter do.  It is up to my shoulders now!

Took Peyton for another speech evaluation (his 3rd).  The last few times we agreed to do a home plan, but now we are going to start taking him to therapy twice a month.  She thinks a few sessions should really get his words to sound right (a lot of his words sound the same - block, box, bowl for example).  He pretty much starts words pretty good but doesn't 'end' them.  So we will re-evaluate after a couple months I guess.  I'm not really all that worried, but I would like to help him catch up so he will be more eager/ready to learn when we enroll him in preschool in the fall.  Speaking of preschool - it is time to start looking and registering already - some schools register in Feb and others in March. 

AND it has been 22 degrees the last 2-3 mornings.  WAY too cold for this GA girl.

Finished

We had another crop at the church on Friday night.  I got my December Daily album finished!!!  And completed about 6 layouts.  I really need to get some inspiration before the next crop though, I hated every layout that I did.  Just couldn't get my creative juices flowing!

I had to wait on my pictures to get in from Scrapbook pictures.  They print out all the pictures in awesome sizes, like all the small squares.  I LOVE scrapbookpictures.com - they have made me become a picture snob.  I can NOT develop my pictures anywhere else, as the quality is horrible and I've gotten used to the best!

Weigh in - Week 2

Official weigh in - after 2 weeks.

Starting Weight: 198.6

Last week: 196.8

Today: 196.8

Total Change: -1.8

Looks like I have stayed exactly the same weight for two weeks.  Which I actually think is pretty good because last week I was in a week long "meeting" at work, and each day there was something bad to eat, biscuits, cookies, donuts, bagels with cream cheese, etc.  And since I wasn't in the office, I went out to eat two of the 3 days. 

This week, I hope to break the 195 lb marker.  We shall see.

Weigh-in Week 1

Official weigh in - after one week.

Starting Weight: 198.6

Today: 196.8

Change: -1.8

The wii fit told me last night that I was down 2.9 pounds from last Monday.  But I do the wii fit at night after dinner, so I'm sure that will fluctuate some.  I'm just glad to see the numbers going down.  Saturday AM I was actually down to 196.4, but this is what my weight was this Morning...

January So Far

I'm going to attempt to do the Project 365 again this year.  Hope to make it past Jan 19th - which is where I crashed and burned last year.  This year, this project has really taken the 'web world' by storm, it seems like everyone is doing it.  This year, I'm not going to feel guilty if I miss a day though.  And I'll try to keep going even if I do miss a day...so, right now it is the 12th, and I have 7 pictures...go figure.

You can follow my project here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peytonsmom/sets/72157612449758637/

These are my favorites so far...

1-3

1-4

1-11

(that was one of the first times Peyton has ever caught the ball)

Halftime Hamburgers

Yes, I'm supposed to be on a diet.  Yes, Hamburgers aren't typically diet food.  But when you watch 2 shows on the travel channel about the best hamburgers in America, you kind of get a crazy craving.  We made it almost 24 hrs before breaking down and going to buy hamburgers for dinner.  At least I'm making them, so they should be more low fat than at a restaurant...at least I'm going to tell myself that to make myself feel better.  E just ran to Publix during halftime of the Sunday afternoon playoff game (Chargers at Steelers) to get the meat and all the fixin's.  Oh, I can't wait to eat one.

You know, the one hamburger that stuck out most on the travel channel - was grilled cheeses (2 of them), 3 fried eggs, bacon, 2 kinds of cheese and a 1/2 pound burger.  The grilled cheese (one on each end) was the bun for this mega sandwich.  I think we will have to try that some time, but it will not be tonight.

I'm sick. I've been sick since Friday and it really stinks.  At least the body aches seem to be over today, but the constant throat itch has taken their place.  I don't know which is worse!?! 

This weekend has been a very lazy one.  Not much housework or cleaning has gotten done, but that is typical when you don't feel like moving.  Keeping up with a 2 year old while sick is enough of a challenge within itself.  So that means that the house will be a complete disaster by next weekend.  Maybe I should actually get some housework done during the week...one can dream!!!

Weigh-in

Yes, I know it isn't Monday, but I took a peek at the scales this AM.

Starting Weight: 198.6

Today: 197

Score.  I know weight fluctuates, but I've been working hard and I'm going to use this to help me keep going.

Latest Uppercase Stuff

**this is the email that i sent out last night, the new uppercase catalog is in, and it is so purdy!!!  And I love the Little hands keepsake (see picture below).**

Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to the New Year!  I have something exciting that I want to share…the new Spring/Summer 2009 Uppercase Living catalog.  You can view it on my website here:  http://natalie.uppercaseliving.net/OnlineCatalog.m  Or if you would like to see the catalog in person – please let me know and I can arrange to get you a copy to borrow or purchase.

Of course, the new catalogs are gorgeous in person, and have many new ideas and products that I would love to share with you.  Below I have listed the current customer, hostess and demonstrator incentives for the months of January and February.

Hostess Incentive:  In addition to the normal hostess rewards, for the next two months Uppercase is automatically bumping all hostesses up one reward level when their party closes out – which means more free and ½ off products for you!!!

Customer Incentive:  The special is a beautiful project pack called “Little Hands Keepsake”.  With any $50 purchase,  you can get this project pack for just $25 (a $50 value).  In the project pack, you will receive the  board, expression, decorative easel, paints and sponge brush. You can see a picture of the keepsake below.

New Demonstrator incentives:   Discounts on the starter kits. 

· Essentials Plus Kit for $199.00. Regular price is $249.00  That’s a savings of $50!   (Don’t forget the $100 product credit you will get as well!)

· Essentials Kit for $119.00.     Regular Price is $149.00   That’s a savings of $30 and you get $25 product credit! 

 

Thanks so much for helping me get my Uppercase Business off to a wonderful start this year.  Please let me know if you would like to schedule a party, view the catalog, or make an individual order.

Thanks,

Natalie

Uppercase Living Demonstrator

http://natalie.uppercaseliving.net

Scripture Challenge 2009

I think I'm going to do the Scripture Challenge that is going on here: http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2009/01/scripture-challenge-2009-weeks-1-2.html

I love scrapbooking, and I have trouble sometimes making time to study God's word and/or scrapbook.  So what is wonderful is finding a way to do BOTH at the same time. 

I think this will also go hand in hand with a course that I'm sort of organizing in my head to maybe teach at church.  I organize the monthly scrapbook crops, but I've really been thinking about trying to teach a class.  This will help me get some material for that.  I bought Spiritual Scrapbooking (an idea book) about two weeks ago, and it has some pretty good ideas in it too.  I would just like to capture more of my values and beliefs in my scrapbooks,and I think this is one way to do it.  My first course that I want to teach is a spiritual journal (that is decorative of course).  I don't know, we will see.  I always put so much of my heart into stuff like that, so we will see...

Gulp

Ok - time to get serious.

This weeks weight - 198.2 (insert sad face here)...

My goal, is to lose 2 lbs per week.  We will see how it goes.  Weigh in again next Monday.

Room Re-design

As you can see - we made some pretty drastic changes in  his room.  Mainly the bed.  We put away the new full size bed we bought for him last summer, and got one of the twin beds from upstairs to take it's place for now.  Honestly, I really wish we would have left him in his crib much longer - as that is what most of the sleep books say - but we really thought that he was ready for a big bed.  However, he runs to our room each time he wakes up at night and is still sleeping with us most of the time.

We were having a hard time figuring out where to put a play room, and honestly, the main reason why he wasn't  playing in his room as much was because the bed took up most of the space.  Now we don't have to change our dining room or worry with upstairs yet (I don't think he is 100% ready for the stairs).  So this was the perfect solution for about a  year or so until he is ready for playing upstairs. 

This was Peyton's room before:

And this is his room now:

Now - all that is left is taking that table upstairs and getting it out of the way, and pulling the toys that have taken over my living room into his room.  I hope this bed holds up for him as well.  It is over 100 years old (the bed, not the mattress), and Peyton can be rough with things...

2008 In Review

- I started organizing Scrapbooking Crops in Jan. 

- Bought a 'lemon' minivan in Jan, then traded it in for a brand new minivan in Sept.  We are LOVING the van.

- March - got a free trip to Disney World (the condo was free) and went to Magic Kingdom with Peyton. 

- Went to the 2008 Scrap ETC event in April.  Had a BLAST.

- Emily was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, had her thyroid removed, did radiation and will now be on Thyroid med's for the rest of her life.  It was very scary.

- May 5th - our 7th Anniversary

- May - I broke my arm, they found a tumor - and it wasn't cancerous.  I had surgery at Emory in Atlanta, then had months of physical therapy to learn how to use my arm again and build back the strength.

- June, I signed up to be an Uppercase Living demonstrator.  That went pretty well for a few months and helped pay some bills and fund Christmas.  I need to get it going again.  You can see my website here: http://natalie.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m

- August - Peyton got a new bed.

- October - made some pretty big decisions financially

- Oct 5th - finally joined the church we had been visiting for MONTHS.  We are beyond happy there.

- Nov - Paula was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 Ovarian cancer. 

- Dec - Falcons make the playoffs!!!

And this  year, Peyton turned 2, E turned 29 and I turned 29.  E went through some major stuff this year, lots of testing - he has had issues with his job (work has been on and off all year - right now he is actually 'laid off').  He is doing great right now though, and we have grown closer this year, learned many lessons together, and grown spiritually. 

2009 Journal

This is it:

This is the inside:

Each section is one month.  I plan to use this kind of like a planner, but with Pictures and Journaling added.  Each section only has about 4-5 pages, so hopefully this task won't be too hard.  I can use a few favorite pictures from each month.

Peyton - Right now - 27 months

Weight - between 31 and 32 lbs.

Height - 34 inches (we think)

Latest words - He learned how to say 'I love you' over the Christmas Holidays.  It is the cutest thing.  He is also picking up on new words a lot easier lately. 

Activities - Coloring, Playing with Cars, OUTSIDE and BOOKS!!!

Cartoons - Wow Wow Wubbzy is his latest favorite!  He still loves Mickey and Dora as well. 

He now feeds himself (mostly), he loves shoes, he pats the couch or floor when he wants you to come play with him or read to him (which is almost constantly).  Naps are much harder to come by these days, and the only way I can get him to nap is by taking a ride in the car. 

Welcome 2009

I really want to set some goals for 2009, and capture them and track them, but so far I haven't even been motivated to figure out exactly what they are.  Geez!  I guess I'll figure them out eventually, or not.  I usually only accomplish about 1/2 of my goals anyway.  The two I know for sure are 1. Weight Loss and 2. Exercise.

I was reviewing my goals for 2008 and 2007.  My weight loss goal 'overall' was 45-50 lbs.  You know what is sad.  I was at 42-43lbs lost BEFORE I started gaining weight back.  I'm so mad at myself.  So - as I've stated before, 2009 goal is 25lbs.  Hope I can do that in a few months.  I've decided to do calorie counting this time, and limit myself to 1400-1600 calories a day - which is what is needed to lose 2 lbs per week (according to webmd).  Enough about that though.

I would also like to blog more.  2006 - 250 posts, 2007 - 154 posts, 2008 - 77 posts.  I'm not liking this trend.  Would it really be too much to ask to post 2x a week?  So that is what I'll try to do, post at least 2x's a week.  Twice a week should be enough info to still consider the blog as a way of tracking my life to some degree.

I've also designed a 2009 calendar scrapbook.  I plan to capture the year in that album, much like I did with my December album.  I'll share more on that once I take some pictures of the cute album.

I decided to take today off - so when I go back to work I will have a total of 2 hrs leave!  Yikes.  Hope I don't get sick.  The plans for today...hum.  I made the yummy breakfast casserole again and that is in the oven now.  I plan to go shoe shopping for Peyton - it is the hardest thing to find the shoes in the 1/2 sizes.  Nike (which is what we buy most of the time) only carries shoes in whole sizes.  Then Target did have the 8.5 size, but all the cute shoes were sold out.  So I got him a pretty dorky pair of white sneaks.  Really, the shoes aren't that bad and he has this pair in 2 smaller sizes, but being all white and most of his pants being dark - they just stick out so bad.  Ok - kind of got off on a tangent with the shoes.  I also really need to start packing away some of Peyton's clothes that are too small, toys that he has outgrown, etc.  We have also decided to do some rearranging in his room, and that will be a whole post within itself.