Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!!! I'm so blessed to have my Mother. She is so wonderful and has gone above and beyond for me...including saving my life. I literally would not be here today if it weren't for her. And I'm just not talking about giving birth...but giving me a part of her lung to save my life back in 2004! The ultimate sacrifice....and there are no words or emotions that can express my appreciation and love to her! I LOVE MOM!!

And of course I wish my grandmother's a Happy Mother's Day too!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day! May God bless and continue to bless all you Moms.

Here is a picture of My Mom and I this past Christmas!

This is from Graduation last May (and yes...my hat did not fit and my hair was kind of funky that day...so I know it looks good...not the point of the picture)!

Breathe Easy, Emily.

As I commented on Emily's blog a few minutes ago, I'm not even sure what to say or what to write, other than I'm in extreme shock that she is gone. Just yesterday, she was making good progress and expected to fully recover. What happened today is beyond our comprehension, and only God knows what happened. I'm thankful she is now at peace, in Heaven, with our Lord. She was such a strong Christian and God-loving person, that I know she was not afraid to walk right into the light of Heaven. But still, I am at a loss for words. Emily and I had become good friends. She was transplanted at UAB and followed by UAB as well (same place I am). We frequently talked via facebook, text messaging, and via blogging. And when she came to Birmingham for clinic visits, we tried to grab lunch together. I would visit her in the hospital when possible. She had a wonderful husband and daughter....why would God want her to leave this earth now???

(September 2008)

Please pray for Jason, her husband, and Faith, her sweet little girl (and of course for the rest of the family and friends). I'm still in shock, crying, emotional, and don't know what to do. Emily, Shaun (who passed away last year), and I were good friends and now both of them are gone. WOW! Why did such a freak thing happen like this. I can't be angry...because I know she is breathing easy, and in no pain at all. But it is still going to be tough. I think it is tougher for me to deal with when a CFer passes away that is post-transplant. Because it is from post-transplant complications and not directly CF-related per se. We get the transplant to live a normal life...not to go through all these extra complications. And it scares me too....proving that things happen quickly and suddenly, in which sometimes you have no control over. Her infections have been pseudomonas pneumonia, the same as mine....definitely a wake up call.

(Fall of 2008: Emily, Me, Shaun)

Emily...I love you and will miss you!!!! Thank you for all of your support for me and being the strong, Christian woman you are!

Checking In...

Sorry for not blogging much this weekend. As you know, I was discharged from the hospital last Wednesday afternoon. Thursday was spent resting and just hanging out at home. Friday, my Mom and I began moving furniture downstairs, cleaning, and moving stuff back in the house from the garage.

We finally got our carpet installed downstairs this past Thursday. About a year and a half ago, we had a plumbing leak, and it flooded several rooms downstairs, including part of the den. Ever since then, our floors have been concrete and covered with rugs. The entire downstairs has been recently painted, and the bathroom is being renovated as well. The decision was made about a year ago for me to move downstairs, so I could have my own little suite. FINALLY!! I love my parents very much, but I've also really really needed my own space. So now the carpet is installed and we are moving furniture in, out, around little by little. Friday night through tonight was spent working really hard. It will still probably be another week or so before everything is moved downstairs.

I will have a bedroom, own bathroom, and another misc. room that I am using for scrapbooking and storage. I will be able to use the den to watch TV, hang out with friends, etc., instead of having to share the upstairs great room with my parents. We have a so-called bedroom also downstairs (in addition to the other bedroom). It doesn't have a closet, so it can't technically be a bedroom, but it's a really good size/space. I am finally going to have an area for scrapbooking, space to spread out, scrapbook storage, etc. I'm more excited about this than anything :)

Tomorrow I start my school semester (for me that is). This is actually the 3rd week of classes, but the 1st day I am able to attend. I'm really nervous and don't like coming in behind. Last Thursday I still didn't feel that well, so did not attend classes. My nutrition class instructor has been very nice and posts everything online, including her audio lectures. So I'm not worried about that class. My physiology lecture instructor knows I was in the hospital with pneumonia and is excusing me from missing class. However, I know I am behind in reading. He has posted his power point notes online. My physiology lab instructor is deducting points off my grade, despite me providing him with an excuse (luckily it's only one class). He said there were more penalties for unexcused absences. But it still really frustrates me that I have to loose points because I was sick with pneumonia and in the hospital. I think that is just WRONG!!

Sorry for the long post!! I will definitely be back on track for blogging. I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

CFVoice.Com

I've never really known much about this website and have only visited it a few times. After receiving an email about all the resources that were available via CFvoice.com, I was amazed! I highly recommend giving CFvoice.com a visit. Many of you may already be familiar with the website. Parents...there are lots of resources for you as well. Visit the website and/or click on the links below for more information.

For the 6-8 age group: Educational CF games and cartoons include:

Team Zude & You

The Game Arcade

Color with Zude

Memory Game

Zude Toons
Germ Jumper Game

Ages 9-12 has a Wacky Workshop with different activities to teach children about CF!
Food for Fuel

Bacteria Blaster Game
Meds in Me

Up Down Sideways Puzzle
Amazing Airways Game

Tween Videos

The Game Arcade

Ages 13-17 section: It's all about U! has some very useful resources and tools for connecting with other CF patients!

Mentor U

Teen Podcasts

Teen Videos

Ages 18-24: Transitions :Listen, watch, and read tips about transition into an adult CF life!

Young Adult Videos

Young Adult Articles

Young Adult Podcasts

CF Recipes

Adults: Movin' ON: Stories of caregivers, marriage, and family planning with CF!

Adult Videos

Adult podcasts

Adult Articles

CF recipes

There is a Parents and Caregivers Section as well that seems very beneficial!

It includes CF recipes, podcasts, and articles. It also has videos of other CF families and their stories and experiences. Lots of fun and resourceful information!

The site also includes community features, a newsletter emailed quarterly you can subscribe too, personalized calenders, screen savers and wallpaper for your computer, and much more!

When You Thought I Wasn't looking...

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Post-San Jose/Francisco Trip

Sorry I haven't blogged yet about my trip!! So here is a quick overview of how the trip went!

I flew out of Birmingham last Thursday (Oct 1st) EARLY morning! I arrived in San Jose around 12:00 pm California Time (PST). The wife, mom, etc., picked me up and took me back to their apartment. I got settled it, met the little boy, and then they left around 3:00 pm on their hiking trip! I kept the little boy (17 months) until Friday late night! The couple returned home late that evening (around 9:30 pm or so)! Then on Saturday, the mom (Ginny) too me around the city of San Francisco sight-seeing, touring, etc. It was SO SO MUCH FUN!!! And beautiful weather the entire time! (a little foggy and windy in San Fran, but not bad).

The babysitting was an interesting and good experience. I had never done anything like that, but was thankful for the opportunity! The couple was so sweet and really made me feel at home and very comfortable. It was a free trip. They paid for EVERYTHING, from plane tickets to food, etc. And then I got paid to babysit!

I also got to see my new 5-week old baby cousin Saturday night. Ginny took me over to their apartment, which was located about 30 minutes away in Menlo Park!! She is so precious and I was very excited to see them!!

Saturday in the city, we visited the Golden Gate Bridge (and several parks surrounding it), Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 39 with all the seals), Lombard Street, Haight Ashbury (Hippie district), and the park (can't remember name) where Full House TV Show was filmed. And then we drove around the city looking at a few other places. We definitely crammed a lot of stuff in!! I flew back home Sunday, leaving San Jose around 9:30 am PST, and arriving back in Birmingham around 8:00pm CST. I had a not so good experience with baggage returning home! Thankfully though it didn't get lost! My stop mid-way between San Jose and Birmingham was Houston, Texas. Upon arriving in Houston, there were two planes departing to Birmingham. Well, somehow my baggage got put on the 1st plane to Houston (and my flight was the 2nd plane); So went I went to get my baggage in Birmingham and it wasn't there I started to panic. Luckily one of the security guys knew that a suitcase wasn't picked up earlier and it ended up being mine! Also, TSA decided to randomly select my checked bag to inspect...LOVELY!! They ended up turning everything in my suitcase upside down, sideways, etc. I had a box of cereal in my bag, and tennis shoes. Well, they busted the cereal box, and it spilled all over the suitcase, clothes, make up bag, etc., IT was awful...SERIOUSLY! And they didn't zip up the top compartment (open to the outside) all the way either. Needless to say, I was a little PO, but thankfully nothing was missing!

Here are a few pictures from my trip! I will post more later!

Golden Gate Bridge

Park below Golden Gate Bridge; view of Alcatraz behind me!

Lombard Street! I had never heard of this...but it was so cool!!

Fisherman's Wharf!

Park from "Full House" (house known as the "Pink Ladies")
BEAUTIFUL VIEW!

Haight Ashbury (Hippie District)!

My baby cousin Louisa...PRECIOUS!!

I LOVED seeing the seals at Pier 39 and will post those pics later this weekend!!!

Grandfather

The Lord finally decided to take my grandfather home last night!! It is so comforting to know PaPaw is pain-free and in the best hands ever!!! He definitely was the strongest person I knew and definitely put up a fight!!!! I will miss him very much, but know he lived his 95 years of life on this earth to the fullest!!!

Decisions

WOW!! My mind is overwhelmed with decisions that need to be made or will need to be made in the near future! I just got home from my anatomy lab class, and don't feel up to writing the entirety of several issues! But briefly, these decisions involve my health, and basically my entire future. Decisions that I really didn't expect to have to make! And still praying I won't have to make them. But I have to be prepared just in case!

There was no evidence of acute rejection from my bronch. Good? Yes and No. Bad? Yes and No. Bad in that we don't have anything acute to treat. Good in that my lungs are not acutely rejecting! What are the causes of very low PFT's (my PFT's have been declining a good bit over the last 2-3 years),non-response to the IV antibiotics, multiple pneumonias and infections this year: UNKNOWN! Possibilities: SEVERAL. I will begin doing things (tests, etc.,) to rule out these possibilities, but in my eyes, I would rather one of these possibilities be positive, in fear of what the final and last diagnosis is, which would basically be a progression of my chronic rejection of lungs, which was diagnosed in 2006. (But in reality, that is not a good diagnosis, and I don't care what is wrong, I just don't want that answer). I'm not ready to decide my entire future, just yet!

Step #1: Liver tests! Evidently,there is fluid around my liver. I guess they saw this either in the recent CT scan or bronch (not sure). I have NEVER had any issues with my liver or kidney, and never had any lab values indicate that there are issues. But in reality, something being wrong with my liver, could indeed, be the best possibly diagnosis in the great scheme of things.

I kind of want to cry, and sort of don't. I never give up, and will not accept the final and last diagnosis until we've exhausted all other means! And that view stands among all of the UAB Transplant Team!

In other news, I bombed my anatomy lab test..UGH!! Needless to say, I will be studying my butt off all weekend studying EVERY SINGLE muscle in the body, it's origin, its insertion, its action, its nerve supply and finally, yes finally, it's arterial supply! That shouldn't be too hard right? Na, piece of cake! Yea, right :)

Until my next post! All I can ask for now is prayers! I'm sure many of you can read between the lines on what I'm talking about. If not, then I will post about it sooner or later!

Update on grandfather: still hanging on by a THIN, THIN, THIN thread! But not responding to anything! Just waitin on the Lord to take him home!

Bronch

So yesterday I had a bronchoscopy (can't remember if I mentioned it on here or not). The procedure went pretty good for me. It always takes a LOT LOT to sedate me! And I usually sleep for 2 days straight. I did make myself get up this morning and go to work, which ended up being ok!! I still feel a little drugged though :) I did get sick in recovery yesterday, which was awful, but it went away pretty quickly!

So far, nothing has grown out of the bronch cultures, but it takes about 3-4 days to really know for sure. I did find out that my CT Scan showed some fluid (or as they called it "infusion" in my left lung (lobe). They haven't decided what they want to do about it yet. They don't think that it is causing any of my current symptoms, such as shortness of breath!

I finish my 3-weeks of IV abx Thursday. I finish my month on of TOBI tomorrow! The transplant team will be discussing my case at their weekly meeting tomorrow morning. I'm anxious to see what they say, hoping there will be some course of action to help me feel better. With the exception of no fevers, I really don't feel much better at all. And it is getting extremely frustrating! I had to miss an anatomy test last night because of my bronch!

I will update on what the transplant team decides on tomorrow, or as soon as I know!! Thanks for all of your prayers!

My grandfather is still hanging on by a thread. He is now (as of really Sunday) not responding to anything, and is basically in a coma. He doesn't recognize anybody, he is not speaking nor eating. I guess the Lord just hasn't decided yet on when to take him home. He doesn't look good, and his breathing is awful today! I'm praying he is not in any pain! The whole family situation with my step-grandmother is a little better. By no means, is there no disagreement, and frustration with her by everyone, but I think most of the family is at peace with the decisions, which is a blessing!

Grandfather

I wanted to give a quick update on my grandfather! We have continued to struggle in disagreement regarding treatment for my grandfather! It has been a family battle against his wife (my step-grandmother, etc.). My grandfather did start doing better, but she (wife) still wanted to stop treatment, even after the doctor told her that this was not "that" type of situation! That he could recover and be fine! When the doctor told her this, it was good news for the rest of the family, hoping that she would change her mine. In addition, my grandfather was alert and could understand/comprehend the situation enough to make a decision himself. And for her to stop treatment, would technically be illegal.

On Thursday, we found out that my grandfather had contracted pneumonia (hospital-based), and his kidneys were not filtering properly. They started him on antibiotics for the pneumonia, as well as supplemental oxygen! And he really started improving, and he said he felt so much better! However, yesterday morning (Friday), my step-grandmother, once again, decided that all the antibiotics and treatment needed to be stopped. That this would just prolong the pain and suffering from him, and there was no point in trying to "make him better." Everyone in the family (well, except for one of the sisters) was in complete disagreement! My parents, as well as my uncle, talked to my grandfather yesterday, and he was telling them how he was not ready to get on that "train" yet! That he had been praying to the Lord for exactly a day and a half, asking for God's guidance, and what he needed to do. My grandfather (I call him PaPaw) said that the Lord gave him that answer, and told him to keep fighting. PaPaw said that he was at the bottom of the ladder, but after praying, he had begun working his way back up! To me, that shows that he is not ready to die, and he wants to fight this if all possible.

However, my step-grandmother (she is really my grandmother I guess, since she married him before I was even born) had a different opinion. So she discussed with the case-manager yesterday morning, convinced one of the doctors to agree with her, and made the decision to call in hospice, and discontinue all treatment. He was started on morphine pump within minutes (and yet he was in no pain). Between yesterday and this morning, my parents, and my aunt and uncle, have been praying and trying to decide on what to do. How do they turn around the decision and prove to the doctors, but mainly my grandmother, that PaPaw was not ready to go home. That we was plenty alert to make a competent decision. My uncle spent the night with him last night. And he straight up asked PaPaw if he was ready. And PaPaw said no, that "what harm could the antibiotics do"?

Then this morning rolls around, and PaPaw is not doing well. He is much sicker, not very alert, confused slightly, and just sort of "out of it." One of the doctors still called my grandmother to tell her that this was treatable. However, she still said that she didn't want to prolong this for him. I'm so furious with her!! It's unreal! And it was like it was almost a blessing in disguise for her that he was worse this morning, so we would have a more difficult time "arguing" or disagreeing with her.

However, after my mom and uncle talked a little while ago, they decided not to fight my grandmother any longer. PaPaw is really a lot worse this morning (of course it's probably because they stopped the antibiotics. Pneumonia can eat anyone up quick without treatment). Therefore, it's just a matter of time. Maybe hours, maybe days, who knows! We are all fine with God taking him home when God is ready, and we were fine with letting a natural course decide PaPaw's death, but not a decision like this. However, we know God is watching over him. PaPaw is going to Heaven. He has lived an awesome 95 years, and was always going strong. But now his time has come to grace the gates of Heaven!

So I ask for your prayers, for PaPaw to die peacefully, to not be in any pain. I ask for prayers for his 4 daughters (one of them being my mom) and their families. This has been a very tense situation from the get-go, and has caused a lot of stress among family. (which I don't blame...it's caused me stress too). And I guess we need to pray for my grandmother. Especially for her spiritually, that she will learn how to trust in the Lord, and hopefully know where she is going when her time comes. Based on these last few weeks, her actions have not demonstrated love for the Lord, and she has not shown her love for her husband or family in a God-loving way.

Thank you to those who have already been praying for my grandfather! I did go down to the hospital last night (gloved, gowned, and masked) and visited with him for awhile. He was perfectly alert and had remembered things I had told him or things my mom had told him about me from MONTHS ago! He told me how proud he was of me and how he wanted me to promise him that I would be careful on my upcoming trips. He had looked at my cruise pictures a few days ago, and told me how beautiful I was. I've always loved him so much..he has had the perfect attitude, and always handled me and CF great...never pressured me, never freaked out, always loving!

Sorry for the long post. This is going to be a tough week, tougher than it has been! I'm also still fighting off this respiratory infection. I have a bronch on Monday, which really needs to be done, but may have to be postponed. I'm not sure what to do in that situation!

Inhumane Treatment???

My grandfather (whom I mentioned had a stroke last week) is in pretty critical condition..well, sort of. Critical condition from a different perspective. He is 95 years old and has had a pretty healthy life. He has been in a retirement/nursing home, but on the independent living floor, with minimal nursing assistance. The stroke he had was caused by an infection/abscess on his head (melanoma). He has had this skin cancer for several years now, but it has not really caused any trouble. The infection caused swelling in his brain, which caused the stroke. The treatment: IV antibiotics for several months.

Unfortunately, my grandfather gets very confused when he is in the hospital. (this happens to a lot of people, and hey, he's 95!!). It has been sort of critical lately, and his wife (2nd wife due to loosing his wife to cancer in his 40s) has decided that he basically doesn't need to live any longer, and she wants to stop/discontinue all antibiotics. This has been very trying on our family. My Mom, along with her other 3 sisters are having a tough time. And one of the sisters is in complete agreement with my grandmother ("step-grandmother"). He does not hallucinate all day, nor is he confused the entire day. He has been fine around my mom multiple times, and is being as normal as a 95-year old person can be. He has had some bad episodes, which I understand is hard to "watch.", but it hasn't necessarily affected his "health/recovery."

My grandmother doesn't want to let him do anything. He asked to shave, she told him there is no need to. So my grandmother met with a social worker and doctor to voice her final decision (not even discussing it with 2 of the daughters (my mom and aunt); This is very heartbreaking for me. It's not like my grandfather is on life support (ventilator, etc.). But if he doesn't receive these antibiotics, then he will die, and it will be a painful process. The doctor said after the infection clears (or clears up as much as it can), he will be back to his "normal" self. He has a PICC line, allowing him to finish the IV antibiotics back at the retirement home or skilled-nursing facility. We are not sure if he is competent enough to understand exactly what "she" (grandmother/wife, etc.) wants to do. I feel so sorry for him. I know he is old, but this just seems wrong to me...inhumane treatment. My grandmother I guess is just tired of taking care of him, although she does very little. She claims she is exhausted and that "this" has been going on for about 10 years, with the last 3 being the worse. And this is a bunch of CRAP!!! I don't think she really "loves" him in a God-loving way right now. And it seems that she has clearly not prayed about this situation at all. We (the entire family) are praying and trying to seek God's word and guidance in this situation. But it is a very difficult one, and hard on the daughters, as two of them are against their step-mother's decision.

If you could please pray for my grandfather, for his health and the infection to get better; but also for the right decision to be made here, and preferable, everyone be in agreement. If the antibiotics are stopped (or I guess I should say when they are stopped, since she says that is a final decision), that the "dying" process will not be painful. That God will comfort him and ease his suffering. I haven't been able to visit him (yet), because I've been pretty sick and do not need to be at a hospital setting.

Here are a few pictures!

My mom and I with him this year-Father's Day.

Father's Day in 2008-My Mom and Aunt

Holding his great-granddaughter: Katherine/Katie (last March) (#13 great-grandchild)

Babysitting in San Francisco

I have been given the opportunity to fly to San Francisco to babysit for a couple I know! Kind of an odd job...but hey, I'm up for whatever...and you all know how much i love babysitting and kids! From Alabama to California....here I come! This will be my 3rd (well, 4th if you count the medjet flight for transplant)to California! I've never really been anywhere else (with the exception of Florida for the beach)in the United States. I think it's kind of funny, because California is practically the farthest state from where i live! (except Hawaii). I never imagined I would travel to CA the many times I have and to Mexico! And this has all just happened in the last few years!

So...I am flying out to San Fran/San Jose on October 1st through Sunday October 4th! I am keeping a little 2 yr old Thursday night through Saturday morning! The couple I'm babysitting for doesn't really have any family out there to keep their little boy, and they have been wanting to take this particular trip for a while now. The trip (hiking trip) involves staying overnight and not exactly the right settings for a 2 year old! So she asked me :)

They are paying for my flight; I'm staying at their house!! And...they are paying me to babysit! Great deal if you ask me! On Saturday, she is taking me into the city to sight see, etc. I'm really excited! As you may recall, our trip to San Fran for the CF Conference back in July got canceled. And although I'll be working part of this trip, I feel like it is almost a little blessing from God!

To make it even better, my cousin and cousin-law, who live in the San Francisco area, are having a baby the 1st week of September (if she arrives on time). So I'm hoping that I will get to see my new little baby cousin at that time as well!

So that is my good news to share with you!

Final answers to Q&A Post!

Here's the final installment of my answers to the wonderful Q&A Post questions!! Thanks again girls for asking!!!

Kateyln asks:
Do you go to school full time or part time? Full-time. With the exception of 1 semester, I've always gone full time, or what's considered a full-time schedule. Right now I'm only taking 10 credit hours, but consider it a lot more due to the 240 hour internship! But only 1 more week of that...and graduation is right around the corner...YAY!!

Aspiemom asks:
How do you change font color within the post? After typing my response, I click on the tab "Compose." (It's right next to the "Edit Html" tab when composing a post). Then I choose the button that has a "T" and a color block. This allows you to change the color within your post! Hope this helps! (I love changing fonts too, if you haven't noticed)!

Cara asks:
What did you want to be when you grew up? What is your dream job now? A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. I've always wanted to be a nurse, and that's still my dream job. My plans changed slightly for a few years, but then I realized that nursing is truly what i want to do, and I'm going to do my best to accomplish that (on my way). Although, I do have a love and passion for CF. And having worked on staff at the CF Foundation, I would love some day to be Executive Director ( i think) of our local CFF. I've been told I possess all the needed skills and qualities (just not sure if it's something i want to pursue). I can tell you though if a permanent job opportunity opened at our local CFF, I would probably take it. My past positions have been temporary (even thought they lasted more than a year).

If you could travel anywhere in the world, were would it be? WOW!! That's a hard question! I would probably choose Hawaii! I love going to tropical places, and prefer warm vs. cold places. I've always wanted to go there!! Of course, I would love to go any place over seas as well, for the vast amount of experience with different types of culture, people, food, beaches, etc. But I'm a beach person all the way :)

What do you look for in a guy? I don't usually answer these types of questions, but will for you guys!! First and foremost, I would like my future hubby to have a relationship with the Lord! I would like for him to be open and honest. I believe that to have a true relationship, you have to be honest with each other. I want a guy that's funny, or at least has a little bit of humor (to balance out with me, because I'm not very humorous, and when I am, it's by accident most of the time). I'd like a guy that's pretty sociable, that gets along with his family and friends, that wants children, and is just a fun-loving guy!! I'm sure when I meet Mr. Right, I will know, regardless if he possess all the above qualities.

Thanks again for the great questions!!!

Party Pics

Here are some pictures from my 5 year transplant party yesterday!

Me and my brother!

This is Jeff, my other donor. I have his left lower-lobe! He and my Dad are long-term friends ever since high school.

Friends from high school/church! The girl on the left (Katy) was in town for a wedding. She lives in Texas, so it was great that she could drop by! She also came to see me Thursday night at the hospital!

This is Jeff's (my other donor) family. They have 4 kids (ages 11-17)!! I love them so much! He gave me the ultimate sacrifice!

(L-R: grandmother, me, Uncle, Aunt)

(L-R: Uncle, me, grandmother, brother)

Lady who my Mom works with. Her husband fishes with my Dad.

One of my best friends: Blakley!!

Celebrating!!

Today I had my 5 yr transplant anniversary party!! As you know, my actual anniversary was back in February, but we were just now able to get around to having a party!! It was lots of fun, and I feel so blessed to be able to share it with loving friends and family! God is so good!! We probably had over 50 people come! I'm tired now, but so glad I was able to have it! I will post pictures later!!

My iv abx schedule has been hectic, but my Mom has been helping me with the late night and early morning ones! Just two more days!! My plan is to return to my internship Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how I'm feeling. Right now I feel about the same as the last few days, desperately wanting some deep sleep!!

I hope everyone has had an awesome weekend!!!

My Valentine's Day

Ok...so since pretty much everyone else posted about their Valentine's Day or plans for V-Day for that matter...I thought I would post about my mine...very briefly!

I don't really care too much about V-Day! I don't have a boyfriend....so don't think of it in that sort of a way. On Wednesday night I did do Valentine's crafts with the kids I keep at church..and passed out little Valentine's gifts to them. I do love doing that! My family and I give each other cards...but that has actually been post-poned til tonight for a couple of reasons. Due to the economy...and our family not being in the best financial position...I told my Mom not to get me anything (sometimes she will give small gifts, candy, etc.). I told her I don't need material things to prove that she loves me! So we all opted for just cards this year!

So like pretty much every year on Valentine's Night...I babysit! It's kind of funny...because it's like a competition...who can call me first! I had one lady that called me on February 2nd to secure me for the night. I had 2 other families call me later in the week...but unfortunately, I was already taken! I love babysitting...so I'm more than happy to do it on Valentine's....

So last night I babysit for a couple who I've never babysat for before, and top it all off...they never have babysitters. They had two boys (8 yr old and 3 yr old)...but one of the boys was going to spend the night with a friend, because the Mom was worried that if I kept both boys....they would run me off and I wouldn't want to come back. Honestly...I was a little worried after she told me this. I underwent massive interview questions, and had to arrive about 45 minutes early last night before the parents finally left. All in all though...it was a great night...and the 3 year old boy I kept ended up being great! The only issue came about when it was time to go to bed. He wanted Mommy...like most kids that age (and plus they never have babysitters). So I rocked him to sleep....precious!

The only thing that drove me crazy all night was......I couldn't figure how to get ice out of the refrigerator. Obviously, this family had some money...because their house and kitchen were filled with the most up-to-date and expensive appliances, furniture, etc. Well, their fridge...was something else. I searched and searched for hours...and still couldn't figure out how to get ice out. And after asking the 3 year old...he said that they don't have ice. Which I believed at that point. I never figured it out...and still don't know if it was possible!

At the end of the night....when the Mom paid me (I spent about 4 hrs total)...she paid me a lot more than I had told her I charged! I ended up getting paid $10 an hour for 1 little boy! That was nice end to my Valentine's Day!

So...maybe next year, I'll actually be going out on a date :)

Perimeter Point

I've mentioned a few times that I also work for a local church, keeping and teaching kids! This home-based church actually broke off from my former (current at the time) church about 5 or so years ago...maybe a little longer. I started working in our church nursery (paid childcare) as soon as I turned 16. For several years, I had worked with several of the women who left to join this "sister" church. After my transplant, about 1 year later, one of the mother's contacted me about keeping the kids during their church service. What I thought was a 1 or 2-time thing, turned out to be so far, a 4 year thing! This church has changed a lot over the years, and it pretty small. I used to keep the kids on Sunday afternoons when they held their service. Then they went to Sunday mornings, where I would work every other Sunday, so i could still attend my church. They also had Wednesday night Bible studies, split up into two different groups. For awhile, I kept kids at both of these groups, because they were on different nights. There were times where I would have 10+ kids at one time...but I'm used to that, and had a lot of experience when I worked in the nursery at my former church. Currently, I only keep kids for one Bible Study group every other Wednesday night. Anyway...needless to say, I love these kids and have grown extremely close to them. I've watched them grow, and have formed relationships with their families. Although I don't "officially" attend this church, they treat me like family. I babysit all the time for different families, attend social gatherings, and take the kids on fun little outings when I can. I have a strong Godly love for kids!

This past Sunday, I was invited to their morning service for the dedication of one of the family's new little girl, Lauren, born last September I believe. I was honored to be invited, and got to visit with a lot of the families that I haven't seen in a long time. I've included a few pictures from the dedication, and another picture of some of the girls that I used to and still occasionally keep. Although we try to keep in touch via other ways, such as my CF walk team, kids sports, etc. I love them so much, and hope I can stay in touch for as long as they will allow me! Here are some pictures of Lauren and her family: (she has 2 brothers)and the last picture is 4 girls (2 on the left are sisters, and the 2 on the right are sisters).







On Sunday, one little girl gave me an iLove Valentine. I thought it was the most creative thing. Here is a picture:



Another girl made me a thank-you card for a birthday gift I had given her. They all are so very grateful, and love me as I love them! Here is a picture of the card this one girl made:


Here are a few more pictures of the kids that I currently keep on Wednesday nights (this is from last night):