A Little Summer Romance: Happy Birthday My Love!

I have had a secret for the last month or so. :)  I planned ahead with Leif's mom and asked her to watch the kids for the weekend of Leif's birthday, I reserved a night at the Victorian Inn in Kanab,  I made a CafePress shop and designed a special Chicken themed T-Shirt for Leif, and I waited impatiently!:)

Finally the date arrived and I ended up spilling the beans a little early so we could make some plans together which added more to the fun. The day before Leif's birthday we actually took Caleb and Jakob to Leif's brothers house (which they really enjoyed) and we drove over Cedar Mountain to Cedar City and watched Pirates of the Caribbean (which LEIF enjoyed;) and then we went to dinner (which I really enjoyed.) As we drove I read a book out loud that we're reading together (Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood.) It was a great way to start Leif's Birthday celebration.

On Leif's actual birthday I spent the morning finishing up last minute things and then we got on our way. However, as we were loading in the car to go I noticed that one of our front tires was practically shredded on one side. Somehow it was still holding air, but we were truly blessed that we didn't get in an accident while driving over the mountain the day before. So before any fun, we dropped our car off at the shop. We went and ate a yummy dinner at Houston's and finally, an unexpected $300 later, we hesitantly (because of the money) headed to our hotel.

We were able to quickly forget our concerns, don't worry!;) We had a wonderful time together the rest of the day and into the evening. The only damper was that I got really sick in the middle of the night. But that was just a result of my stupidity and the food choices that I made over the couple of days. Consequences, Ugg!

That morning after sleeping in we dropped by to hug the boys and then we headed out to Kolob Reservoir. Leif got a new fishing pole for his graduation/birthday present and he wanted to try it out. The drive out the the reservoir was gorgeous! We found a little nook along the lake and settled ourselves in for one of the most relaxing days I have had in years. We were together, surrounded by beauty, the sounds of nature, Leif was entertained with his fishing, and I read a good book. Who could ask for much more?

Happy Birthday My Love! 

Victorian Inn, Kanab. Think four-poster king sized bed and double sized jacuzzi tub!
AWESOME!

This is the image on Leif's T-Shirt. It's clearer on the shirt.

From Foto Friday June Week 1

From Foto Friday June Week 1

Processing

I wrote the previous post about change the night of/before my grandpa's passing. I thought those were the "big" changes that would be of note at the time. Then my dad called me the next morning (before I posted it) and so many new changes came up that I haven't posted it until now. So it's outdated, yet still applicable.

I have so very very much on my mind and soul tonight. I have a lot of historical posting that I need to do. But tonight is just a "Thinking Corner" kind of night. I really need to just process... So here it is: Processing...

*sigh* Where to begin? and What to share? Those are the first questions... This post will feel fragmented.
Sorry.

We're starting home school on Monday. I'm really looking forward to it. We got some of the curriculum (Moving Beyond The Pages) in the mail today. Jakob started flipping through the books, my favorite moment was when I heard him say to himself, "I am going to LOVE home school!" Yes, I believe we all will.  Our home is more at peace when we can roll with the waves of life together rather then sailing the storm in separate ships. I pray that this continues to be so.

Leif has completed the HCG diet. I am very proud of him!! Me and numbers don't get along, but I believe he lost around 30 pounds in the 3+ weeks that he followed the diet. He is now on the maintenance phase and doing well. He looks great and he feels better (especially now that he is able to eat more of a variety.) My theory of the HCG Diet causing a lower serotonine level in the body proved true again this time around for Leif. By the end of the HCG phase his mood was lower then normal. Not terrible. But I am an observant person when it comes to health and nutrition. Now that he is eating more carbohydrates and natural sugars (sugars in fruits and veggies) he seems to be at a more regular mood level. It is very interesting to me. I'm glad he's feeling better and I'm glad he's taken the whole thing seriously and he's lost the weight he wanted to.

Health: Such a deep word...
I finally decided to meet with a phyciatrist. My appointment ended up being the day after my grandpa passed away (appropriate.) It's is rare in my life for me to get a clear diagnosis from a professional. He gave me a diagnosis. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.) No real surprise to me. Just a name for the list of symptoms. When I am really unwell and unmedicated, I show signs of GAD (General Anxiety Disorder.) Again, no real surprise. Just a name for some of my weirdness.
It is what I do with the names that will make the difference. These "names" are what have caused my emotional, physical, and mental, dis-ease. I am on a mission to erase them from my world, with their lessons being the only residue. In time, I truly believe that they will be of the past. When? How long is the journey? Ahhh, that is a good question. One I will try not to answer or focus on. Step by step, that is my answer.

So what is the plan?
Well, the water I tread in is a bit too deep and unclear for the 'traditional medicine' route. Though I will not avoid it all together. I will simply include some of the holistic/natural medicine approaches as well. Today I went to the St. George Natural Healing and Wellness Center. They use a huge variety of healing and diagnostic modalities (Fascinating!)  - WAIT: I need to put a note to my readers here, Please DO NOT send me or speak warnings, jokes, or anything un-supportive about my natural medicine route! I do not have it in me to just brush it off. Just follow Thumper's wise father's advise when he said, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." - 
During our first visit the doctor used muscle and energy testing to determine which systems in my body are under the most stress. The results were fascinating, but not surprising. Digestion (gluten intolerance), and severe Emotional Blocks throughout the body, again no surprise. First Steps: Herbs and a gluten free diet to heal the digestive track. Biofeedback/Brainwave Therapy for the emotional and stress release. It will take a while (not too long though, I should feel results sooner then later.) It will cost money. Ugg. But not outrageous amounts. Leif and I both need some quality healing, it is time!


I should get some sleep. But before I do, GUESS WHAT!!?? Leif and his parents bought me a DISHWASHER!!! Isn't that AWESOME!!


Yes, I will close on that note. I am so grateful and so excited! 

Happy Birthday, Love!/ Farewell Lady Bug

Today Leif and I are the same age again, 21;);)! We had a fun day. We drove into the nearest town (an hour away) with a big movie theater, dropped off our kids at the Jensens (our good friends), and went to a movie. We were the ONLY people in the whole theater. We watched the new Robin Hood. We give it a B-C grade. But the chance to sit together uninterrupted was definitely an A+ time!!

We picked up the kids and went to lunch together. Then headed home and pretty much started preparing our next meal:). Leif made life VERY easy with his meal request; Steak, Instant potatoes, and green beans. He then wanted homemade sandwich cookies (two cookies with frosting in the middle) for dessert. We had dinner with Leif's parents and had a nice time. Leif opened his presents and was happy to find a couple new comic books and a gift card to Sears. Overall, I don't think I could ever show him how much I love and appreciate him, but I think it was a fun day and I hope he enjoyed it!! Happy Birthday, My Love!!

From Leif's Birthday 2010

AND, LADY:
Well, we tried everything we could to make things work with our little dog, Lady Bug. But it just wasn't working out. But I haven't wanted to sell or give her away to just anyone. So I started asking friends. Some of them have been thinking about it for a while and the Jensen's called yesterday to ask if we were still interested in giving her away. We of course were happy to let them try to make things work with her and we hope it does work out. They're going to have her for a couple weeks and we'll see from there. My guess is that they will be able to train her well enough to make it work. They have more time and a lot more energy then I have. They love her too, which helps. So here's hoping!!