I did it!

Now that I got your attention. . . just what did I do, you ask? I go tmy hair cut! Now to most people that's nothing new, and certianlly nothing to write about, but to me, my hair had always been the one thing I liked about my body.

But as life goes, PCOS has been causing a great amount of hair loss and my hair has become thin and stringy. So I decided to take the plunge and cut it short. I think it's cute, and I like it alot.

The Results are in. . .

My blood work has come back great, all clear. Nothing to watch for, nothing to worry about. . .

However, my stress test shows that my heart doesn't seem to be getting all the oxygen it needs when it's stressed, and at a raipd beat. So that means more doctors and probably more tests, and a lot more fear and stress for me. I'm waiting to hear from a cardiologist to set up an appointment to see where I go from here.

Please, if you're a praying reader, say a little one for me.

Tests tests tests

I'm so tired of getting poked and prodded. I'm not a in cushion! Yesterday I had to have some basic blood work drawn.

Today I had to have a stress test. Talk about trippy! It didn't hurt, except for the hole they put in my hand for the IV. . . (it was a chemical test) It was a strange feeling having my heart race like it did just while laying on the bed. I made the mistake of googling it last night, so I would know what to expect (BIG MISTAKE). I went in there all worked up and scared for nothing. It didn't hurt. It didn't make me sick. It didn't give me the dreaded migraine everyone else seems to have suffered from. However it has left my head swimming and me a bit loopy. . .

I hope the tests are over and we can move forward!

Blahhhhh

I'm feeling blah today. It's been one of those weeks. . . Sunday I was sick ucky icky sick. Monday I felt better, but it was a blah kind of day anyway. Tuesday, DH and I had our evaluations at the weight loss clinik. It went well I think, but we had to get a ride because we had a flat tire on the van. My brother finally came up to change it tonight so that's taken care of, well mostly, it's onthe spare, so I have to go get the other tire fixed and put back on. . . . hopefully Friday. But that brings around the anxiey of something going wrong while I drive Boo to school.

Tomorrow my FIL is having heart surgery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. The news was a set back to DH, but he's going up to be with him tomorrow. Hopefully when he sees his dad as ok, it will relieve his stress and let him continue his own healing journey.

And to put the final h in blahhhhh my 23 year old only married 2 years SIL just called to announce her and BIL are going to begin Clomid. . . . come on WLS. . . then 12-18 months later we can begin TTC again!!!!!

Some Pumpkin Carving

Here are a few more pics. These are of the kids carving pumpkins.

More Trick or Treat 2008

As promised, here are pics of my family! mily 6(the pirate) Jordan 5(Spiderman), Jacob 7 (The Grim Reaper), and Jack 1 month (Baby Bumble Bee)

Trick Or Treat

I always enjoy decorating for holidays, and Halloween isn't an exception. But my favorite thing about Halloween is seeing all the children in their costumes! Here are the kids I babysit. . . I'll post my family Halloween pics in a new blog!

Pumpkin Patch

Here are some pictures of the kids from the Pumpkin Patch. I know a little late, but that's ok. . . up next? Trick or Treat photos!

He's Here! He's Here!!

Jack David has arrived! He was born Thursday, September 25th at 4:55 pm, weighing in at 8 lbs 5 ozs and measuring 21 1/4" long

Baby Jack
Big brother Jordan holding Baby Jack for the first time!


Mommy and baby are both doing well and are expected to be released to go home on Saturday.

Baby Jack is coming this week!

The doctors are inducing Jenn this Thursday @ 6:00 am, unless she goes into lobor before then. So by week's end I will have a new baby nephew, Jack David!! I'm pretty excited!

My next blog will have pics of him!

Until then,
~Jules~

September is PCOS AWARENESS Month

Do you or someone you love suffer from PCOS?


You're not alone!


Let's make everyone aware!!

For more information on PCOS and it's symptoms please check out these sites:
http://www.projectpcos.org/news_list.php

http://www.soulcysters.com

Big Decision

We went tonight to the informational meeting on gastric bypass surgery. It's a big decision. I'm ready to feel better and healthier, and excited at the possible idea of being able to shop in a "normal" store. . . but the idea of surgery is very scary for me. What's a girl to do? So I'm going to be spending my weekend doing some serious homework on the subject, and so serious praying to God for guidence.

I mean among the health factors with the weight loss, I have a great chance for returned fertility, lowering my blood pressure, and more energy, and lessoning my symptoms of PCOS. Do you have a positive, encouraging story to share? Or a link to helpful info? Please share them with me, and pray God will lead me to the right decision for me. Thank you!

Real Friendship

I got this e-mail today. It was so great I just had to share it with everyone.


1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much w orse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well a gain. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off--
After I laugh my butt off!!

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Joshua and Jennifer Tie the Knot!

It's official!! After 7 long years, and 2 babies later. . . well almost, Jordan is 5 now, and Jack is due in 6 weeks. . . they have finally become man and wife! The ceremony was beautiful, and despite a few last minute changes and mishaps, everything turned out wonderful! Congratulations guys! Welcome to the family, Jenn! We love you!

Jenn had a time with her dress. She found out she was pregnant about a week after she had ordered her gown. Luckily the store let her exchange it for a larger size to accommodate for little Jack growing. The a week before the wedding one of the bridesmaids dropped out, so I was called in to save the day ;) Luckily I had a dress the correct color (although I needed it let out a little) it worked. Then the day of the wedding, one of the ushers, our step brother, Dustin, was bumped up to groomsmen, because someone was running late. . . It was a crazy couple days, but so worth it. I have some pictures to share (sorry some of them are dark, but I think you can still see them).

5 Generation Email

I received this e-mail today. It's a sweet story. What have your hands done? Read on. . .

JUST LOOK AT THE PICTURE A GOOD WHILE, AND THEN READ THE REST. IT WILL TOUCH YOU. I was privileged to take a photo of 'Five Generations of Women' shortly before my 93 year-old Grandmother passed away last year. The photo, shown below, features the hands of my Grandmother, Mom, Sister, Niece and Great-Niece. While I can't take credit for the idea, I was so happy to have had the suggestion & capture this moment. It inspired a friend of mine to do something similar which turned out so beautiful and a special keepsake prior to her father's passing. Grandma's Hands GRANDMA'S HANDS A must read thru to the end please!!!!!!!!!!!!!Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. 'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. 'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. 'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.' I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

-- Author Unknown

TGIF!

Thankg goodness it's Friday!! It hasn't been a bad week, but for some reason it seems like it has been here for ever!

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday I took the kids to the pool. Boo started swim lessons on Tuesday evening, and when he came in on Wednesday I asked him, "What did you do at your swim lesson last night?" His reply? "I got wet" as he rolled his eyes, like duh Julie, what do you think I did? Kids, gotta love 'em.

Told Ya

I told ya I was a slacker! 13 days into July and I finally get around to posting something. . .

Going to the Pool:
We went to the pool twice last week. By me, I mean me and the 2 children I babysit. Brian did manage to go with us on Friday, though. Boo is too fun to watch. He's 4, and has discovered he really enjoys jumping in and splashing around. He even puts his head under the water and pretends to swim. Kissy is only 2, and won't leave the steps, so I have to sit or stand right there between her playing on the step and Boo jumping in. I don't have any pics, though, I'm afraid my camera will get swipped if I take it with me.

Birthdays:
Man. . . the transition from June into July means birthday central in my family. My 4 siblings all celebrate their birthdays in a 23 day time frame. Plus I have a nephew, a sister in law, and a close friend's daughter's birthday with in the 2 months. . . It's almost as straining as buying for Christmas. . .

What else? Let's see. . . um. . . well I guess that's all for now. . . see ya!

Blah

That's how I'm feeling today. Just blah! It's been rainy, and gloomy for about a week. I'm bored, but don't want to go anywhere. I'm ready for my husband to go back to work, so I can have 5 minutes to myself. I really hope we move in January, closer to my family. With gas at more than $4.00 a gallon, and Brian not working, I have a hard time justifying the trip to visit my family.

We have seen a bunch of new movie lately. The Incredible Hulk, Kung-Fu Panda, Get Smart, Fool's Gold, P.S. I Love You, and Mad Money. The first 3 were just ok to me, but I really like the last 3, what can I say, I love chick flicks! I guess that's all the random thoughts I'm having right now. . .

What does PCOS mean to you?

Well to me, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) means many things.

It means I can't enjoy shopping with my family or friends because I have to order my clothes online.

It means I have to clean the drain out every time I wash my hair, since it's falling out by the handfulls.

It means I have to take 7 pills a day. . . and believe me that in its self isn't cheap!

It means going to the dr every 3 months for more blood work, weither I'm sick or not.

It means never knowing when you're going to start or stop for that matter. . .

It means no babies, at least not the traditional way.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCOS affects about 30% of women.

There are many symptoms of PCOS. Web MD lists these to name a few:

Early symptoms of PCOS include:
Few or no periods
Heavy irregular bleedings
Acne
Depression
weight gain/obesity
Thinning hair/Male-pattern baldness
Repeat miscarriages
infertility
Insulin resistance
skin tags
Sleep Apnea
High Blood Pressure
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Male pattern hair growth on face

If you have these symptoms, please see your doctor, get a diagnosis!

Babies babies everywhere. . .

but in my house. . .

I recently found out I'm going to be an aunt again. . . for the 9th time. . . I have an older brother brother with 5 children. And a younger sister with a son, and now my younger brother's fiancee is due in October with their second son. Plus Brian's nephew. Don't get me wrong I love my family, everyone of them, it just hurts, and no one seems to understand. I even have a cousin due in October.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE MY TURN?!?!?!? My dream, will it ever come true?

People say relax, it will happen. . . that's just not the case for me, but that's a post for another time. . . maybe even my next one!

What About You?

select all - Hit forward and place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not. Answer the 30 questions at the end and send it to your friends (including me). This is for your entire life!

(x) gone on a blind date
() Skipped school
(x) Watched someone die
() Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Canada
(x)Been to Florida
() Been on a plane
(x) Been lost -
() Been on the opposite side of the country
() Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
()Played cops and robber
(x) Recently colored with crayons
() Sang Karaoke
() Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls (before caller ID)
(x ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain.
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe!
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about (and sunset too!)
(x) Blown bubbles
() Gone ice-skating
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(x) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname? Jules

2. Mother's name? Susan

3. Favorite drink? Cream Soda

4. Tattoo? nope

5. Body Piercing? ears

7. Birthplace? Ohio

8. Favorite vacation spot? Gatlinburg TN

9. Ever been to Africa ? nope

10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? yes

11. Ever been on TV? No

12. Ever steal any traffic sign? no

13. Ever been in a car accident? Yep, more than one

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 3 door minivan

15. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch

16. Favorite pie? Peanut butter

17. Favorite number? 3

18. Favorite movie? way too many to list!

19. Favorite holiday? Christmas

20. Favorite dessert? whatever I'm craving at the time

21. Favorite food? Chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden and Fajitas from El Rancho Grande

23. Favorite brand of body wash? Avon

24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest Expressions Vanilla Mint

25. Favorite smell? Vanilla, Clean Linen, the laundry isle in the store

26. What do you do to relax? read, take a hot shower.

28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Married and hoping to be a mom by then

29. Furthest place you will send this message? Australia

30. Who will respond to this the fastest? I don't know

I'm a slacker

Nothing really to tell right now. Eventually I will fill you in on my life up to this point, but tonight isn't the night. I just wanted to get this blog started, and we'll see if I keep up with it.