Lots of Lupus Pros, and One Con

Every day is a gift from God. I am thankful for my chronic illness. No, you heard me right. I feel blessed for the understanding and compassion it has given me for the rest of my time here on this earth. I truly believe that God has a purpose for each if us, and through my sickness, I gained a closer walk in my faith. I also believe that God uses my illness in my life to help others and I am humbled to be a door for which He can walk through. As a matter of fact, sometimes, I feel badly for people that haven't faced a health problem. It sounds a little backwards, but I feel as if they can't live their lives to the fullest until they really understand what they could loose. This was a picture from my backyard the other evening as the sun set and Cliff and I celebrated our 8th anniversary (but we've dated and been together for 15 years) as we watched our kids play together.

We also have a new addition to our family, a bunny named Samson. So now we have three cats and a bunny (that's awesome because we had 23 last month)!

They love playing together;)

But there is a part of this chronic illness that I do NOT like at all- the weight gain with my meds. I hate looking at pictures of myself, this is one of the only ones I have from this summer. Now I'm on a mission-to loose 20-30 pounds. I have recently come off of my birth control, since it causes an increased risk with my blood-clotting disorder, and that has thrown my thyroid out of wack...and in turn I've gained a lot of weight. So I've started The 21 Day Fix. A healthy portioning and exercise program that has you eating the correct serving sizes or fruits, veggies, protein, and carbs. I'm working really hard, so I hope it helps. I need to call and make another appointment to have my thyroid levels rechecked and my medicine adjusted. I'll feel much better once I get this under control. CONTROL! I need some control of my body here.

Another Day

Today was just another day. Nothing extraordinary, nothing horrible, nothing really eventful. Sometimes this is blessing enough.

After having moments that are physically painful, and family events that are life shattering....having a normal day is very welcomed. 

My normal is still a "Lupus" normal, but that's not bad. I have had some joint pain, which is my most common side effect. I have had limited mobility (with pain) in my right shoulder, but otherwise I have felt good today.

I have done a handful or errands, household chores and painted with my kids, all before making dinner and picking vegetables from the garden. For someone with a chronic illness this is a very successful day. I also have done some work in my first grade classroom. I am truly in love with my job and look forward to getting my new class this year and having a ball learning with them this year. After not being able to work for a few years, God has blessed me with an exuberant joy for being able to work and use my spiritual gift. 

So yes, sometimes having an ordinary day can be fairly extraordinary;)

Here are some of my sweeties from last year while we were studying States of Matter!

Beach Time was Relaxing

So as promised, here are beach pictures from our last week in Navarre, FL. It was perfect and I enjoyed every minute with my family. It's funny that when things fall apart in your family life you truly appreciate what family you do have... Life is short and the funny thing is doesn't turn out the way you thought it would.

Back in Life

So it's been 10 months since my last post, and life altering family drama. Nothing has changed...and I'm choosing not to talk much about my sister on this blog. All I will say is that I've begun taking medication for my anxiety and that has helped. I am still feeling great..thanks to my Benlysta infusions. I am still getting them every 4 weeks, but now I'm getting them in an office in Jackson, TN instead of Atlanta, GA....which means an hour commute each way instead of six!
We also just went on vacation with my mom, sister (not the one in jail) and her three kids, and my Mimi and Bud. We had a great time and I truly enjoyed getting to see my family. After being gone for a little over a week, I can say that I am glad to be home!

 Here's the view from my swing in the back yard..it's a welcome sight and so very peaceful. This is where I belong.

 I do have a new haircut (I have put on weight due to medication and needed a change). And I'm glad to be home!

 Ella McCray, Tip, and me at the beach...more pictures to come;)

All the boys...my nephews and Tip at the condo in Navarre.