Happy New Years Eve!

Its been an interesting few days. Ive had a steady headache since christmas. We met with my nurse today and got a new script set up to hopefully help my pain. Im hoping that it will get everything back under control. Time will only tell. Problem with it all is that they increased my steroids again, so no sleep for this chick!

I have managed to get a lot of housework done with all this new found time and energy! I even went on a girls lunch with my mom and grandmother Monday. It was nice getting out and enjoying a quiet lunch. I love my boys, but sometimes a girl needs a break. Girly conversation really does wonders for the soul. I try to do a girls get together with a friend once a week. I really don't know what Id do without them. They take time from their busy lives to throw me a lifeline at times.

So as far as the new year goes, I don't have any resolutions per say. Its just my typical live every day to the fullest mantra. I plan on trying to eat a bit healthier. (my current meal plan could use improvement) As Ive just been eating literally whatever sounds good. (gummy bears for dinner?) So other than that I don't have much. Stay close to family. Spend time loving my little boy. Its what we all should do. Just spend a year focused on loving and appreciating each other.

Christmas

I hope everyone had a good christmas. My family and I did! We spent time with my family and my husbands family. I overdid it as usual, but it was worth it. Seeing the nieces and nephews opening gifts, and our white elephant exchanges go off was fun. I always enjoy time with my family. I truly believe I lucked out in that department. Its never a burden to hang out, or spend time with them. It makes the holidays so much more enjoyable to not dreads going somewhere.

All that said, I know whats on everyones mind this year. At the back of all our minds is that this is most likely my last christmas. Which really sucks to think about, in all honesty. There isn't a better word for it. Ive thought about it a lot these past few days. My son is terrified of paper (which makes opening gifts a nightmare for him). Will I ever see the day he enjoys opening a gift?? I mean he loves his gifts this year, but how much can a 19 month old understand? So my motto was to take what I can get, and enjoy the moment. This could technically be ALL of our last christmas's. We don't know what is in store for us. Why worry about tomorrow, when today I have energy and can play pirate with my kid.

Elliots favorite toy is his new pirate ship. He loves it. Ive never seen him sit down and become so attached to a toy. He played with it for 2 hours straight christmas, and all day today. He got a ton of other great toys too. I myself got my Zombie lawn gnomes. Im excited to put them out in my flowers! (thanks mom!!!)

I will admit that I went ahead and put up our tree today. Maybe bah humbug of me, but Elliot was all up in it, and I was tired of fighting him for ornaments. Its much easier having it put up than it is shedding everywhere, and having a toddler trying to climb it.

Overall, I think I handled christmas well. Its my favorite time of year. Ive had my depressing moments with it, but once more Im looking toward the bright side. Dwelling on the negative doesn't get us anywhere. For me and my family we are focusing on today, we don't have time to worry about tomorrow.

On our way to Grams and Paw Paws!  (Christmas morning)

Playing Mr Potato head. 

Christmas Nap 

We're BAAACCCKKK!

What a superb trip! I got to do everything I wanted. We toured a wax museum, the titanic exhibit, saw santa, toured the lights, and even got some shopping done. I even figured out some food that I can keep down. (win win!!)

Elliot had a blast. He didn't cry with santa, and enjoyed watching the christmas parade. The lights were beautiful. He even got to get some new clothes, and a new tractor toy. Paw paw got him a john deer tractor. E-man toted that thing everywhere. He loves his new toy. He was very sweet and well behaved during the trip. It took him a big of cuddling in bed to get  him to sleep at night. There is nothing like having your toddler roll over and kiss you on the cheek, then just pass out asleep. Or when he strokes my chest to fall asleep. I love it!

Im glad we took the wheel chair. I needed it more than I thought I would. Eric got quite the workout pushing me up and down hills at silver dollar city. His legs are sore!!! I couldn't have walked it, no way no how. The chair also allowed us to go shopping, and go thru the wax museum. I couldn't have done it without it.

We got some great pictures of the trip. I also got to spend the past few days with my parents, in-laws, sister in law, and brother in law. I cannot express how happy I am that both of our families get along so well. I really did marry into a great family. The fact that they all got together so I could get my christmas wish is amazing to me. I always enjoy spending time with them, but with this time of year for them to drop everything really touches my heart. I love you guys!!!

Now for your enjoyment….pictures. I look a bit fluffy thanks to my new white coat! But its WARM!!!

New truck!! 

He was more interested in staring at Santa. 

This was his fav spot. Right in the middle of bed with us. (he did end up sleeping in his pack-n-play)

Me and Forrest Gump!

Eric, me, and the Terminator! 

Our gang! Me & Elliot rollin in style. 

Packing

What a busy day! I spent the day yesterday packing, seeing my hospice team, and just over all getting ready for our trip. I did discover that when on hospice more packing and stuff is involved. I have an  emergency med kit, my normal meds to take, and paperwork that has to be on hand at all times. Add that to the "remember to pack" list and just the meds start to fill a bag.

The visit with my nurse went well. They are changing up some meds too hopefully help my headaches. Ive been suffering from their return all week. So for now we go back on the steroids, and are trying a new pain killer. We will test it and see how it works for me. I really cannot explain hope much I loathe steroids. hate hate hate hate them. At the same time if they help my headaches, then I guess Ill try them again.

I felt like we won the lotto today. We had 2 cases of little debbie snacks basically fall into our laps. We really really really appreciate them. (not that I don't have enough sweets already….I still have bags of m&ms) I have enough sweets to last a very long time at this point. But Im not refusing my favorite snacks…who in their right mind would!??? So my thanks goes out to those than supplied the snacks.

We have loads of things planned that I can't wait to do on our trip. I just have to remember to not over do it, and just take it slow. I don't want to come back and sleep thru christmas due to a simple family trip. :)

Over did it again...

We woke up bright and early this morning to take may Aunt up on a breakfast offer. Home cooked pan cakes with real maple syrup, bacon, eggs, orange juice and hot chocolate. YUMMY! That said, all I could manage to eat was the bacon. I really do hate this whole changed of taste thing. It really screws with my social life. Nothing tasted good today except water.

It was an awesome time at my Aunts house. Little man went roaming around her new home. I foresee him having many fun times there. They have a tree house, pool, quest room has a loft….good times in store for any kid. The best part is??? They finally live close enough for more visits! (they just moved back from across the state) I always had fun spending time at my aunts house as a kid. I hope Elliot gets a chance to do the same.

After my Aunts house, we finished our christmas shopping. I am officially done except for one tiny gift, that is a quick pickup. Im so glad to be pretty much done. After shopping we ended the day with dinner at my parents. WHEW…. what a day.

You would think with not really eating anything all day I would be hungry for dinner….wrong. I thought I was going to be sick. I even took nausea medicine before we got there. I couldn't eat. Once again all I could get down was water. Now? Im eating Cool Ranch Doritos just fine. Nothing else even sounds good. Go figure.

That said I over did it today. I came home and went straight to bed. This is my 11 pm wakeup with doritos. Luckily not nauseous anymore, but still have a headache. My legs are weak and shaky from being up all day and eyes hurt too. So there is my update. Had a blast, but paying for it now. :)

Rant

Im angry. I ordered a coat last week, and chose 2 day shipping. It has been 8 days and I have yet to get my coat delivered. Fed-ex keeps saying "local delivery not attempted". Yet, I saw the fed-ex truck drive by at 6pm tonight. Down my street, turn around and leave. So why can they not stop and drop off my tiny box?

I ordered the coat since I didn't have a winter coat that fit right. I needed a warm coat for our trip to Branson. (that trip has been postponed due to weather) That said, I still want the coat I paid extra for. I had the option for free shipping, but paid more to have it here. So Im mad. I even called customer service and complained. Basically they said since the weather has been bad they won't refund my $$. But they have no excuse for it not arriving today. So that is my rant for the day.

Date Day!

I had a pretty awesome day today, if I do say so myself. I got to go on a date with my hubby! First date we have been on in a very long time. I joked while in the car that its the first time we've been alone, and not headed to a doctors appointment or treatment. We dropped the baby off at my moms, then we were on our way. We started our trip at the revenue office. (romantic right?) Did our errands there, then lunch then a movie! I can say the last time I saw a movie with my hubby was before Elliot was born. So its been a while.

I learned a few things during our outing today. Stadium theater seating stinks when you have to walk up stairs. I still don't have much strength in my legs, so stairs are challenging and sometimes impossible.  We only went up 5 steps and I was done. I couldn't pick my foot up anymore. Another lesson was movies give me headaches. I guess its the loud noise or something. So basically my legs are killing me, and I have a splitting headache. That said, I had a really good time just spending time alone with Eric.

We were very blessed that my mom was able to watch Elliot today so we could go out. Tomorrow I think we will venture out again. Im ready to get my christmas shopping done. Well that, and the fact Ive been cooped up here due to snow for a week. Im so ready to be out and about.