Great Derby

I had a road trip last weekend with my friend. We drove down to Olympia and watched a bout with some amazing athletes. It was good to watch and fun to hang out with a friend.

Preschool Graduation

S. graduated from over two years of preschool today! I think he is going to miss his friends and teachers, but he has a whole new adventure coming up.

Derby Break

I just finished my fresh meat season and our wonderful team won the league championships on Saturday night! I am so thankful for my league and team mates for the relationships I have formed, motivating me and teaching me. I can't wait for next season! The first bout will be sometime in January. I am planning on working hard, to continue learning skills and the game, and to get stronger and faster on eight wheels.

Last 8th Grade Concert

C. Is moving into high school this fall! I can't believe it. She is turning into such a beautiful young lady. She's also a talented violinist and artist. Here are some photos of her at the combined district spring strings concert (or Fiddlefest, as her dad calls it!).

Local Derby in the news

http://m.westernfrontonline.net/mobile/sports/article_0f801554-bcb1-11e2-a607-0019bb30f31a.html

AND I skated in my first bout ever on Saturday!!

Hashimoto's

I recently was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and in the process of learning a lot about how to try to control it with the medication I have been on for years. I just want to share this info taken from this blog:
http://www.drtraviselliott.com/blog/tag/hashimotos/

To identify Hashimoto’s, it’s important to screen for TPO and TGB antibodies on a blood test. If either of these is positive it indicates the immune system is attacking and destroying the thyroid gland, causing symptoms. In this case, the main strategy is not necessarily to treat the thyroid gland (although thyroid hormone medication may be necessary), but to balance the immune system in order to tame autoimmune attacks against the thyroid.

Going on a strict gluten-free diet. Numerous studies from several different countries show a strong link between Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and other wheat-like grains. Interestingly, studies show those with a gluten intolerance are genetically more prone to Hashimoto’s disease. Gluten also promotes inflammation and leaky gut, which exacerbate autoimmune disease.

Adopting an autoimmune diet. For some people, going gluten-free is not enough to manage Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and they need to follow an autoimmune diet that eliminates common inflammatory foods, such as dairy, eggs, or other grains. A whole-foods diet that emphasizes plenty of produce and eliminates processed foods is important to manage an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.

Repairing a leaky gut. Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, often plays a role in autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. Leaky gut is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed, damaged, and porous, allowing undigested foods, bacteria, fungus, and other foreign invaders into the sterile environment of the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream these foreign invaders trigger inflammation and autoimmunity.

Stabilize blood sugar. Stabilizing blood sugar is vital to managing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. A diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates (such as breads, pastas, pastries, and desserts) creates inflammation and hormonal imbalances that make it difficult to tame an autoimmune condition. Energy crashes, fatigue after meals, excess belly fat, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, and sleep issues are all signs you may have a blood sugar handling disorder, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or insulin resistance (high blood sugar).
These are just a few of the basics of autoimmune management for conditions such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. It’s important to manage your autoimmune condition to lower your risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, such as pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, or Type I diabetes.

I want to try to get things under control as much as possible with diet, mainly vegan and gluten free. Tomorrow I will start the day with a healthy breakfast of steel cut oats with chia seeds and fruit!

Swan Lake

I went to see Swan Lake in Seattle with my two girls and mom. It was beautiful! It was my first time seeing the entire ballet, and I loved it.

Accomplishment is a good feeling

I went to my team practice yesterday morning, determined and mentally prepared. I was able to participate in every drill and finished the whole practice! I left feeling so happy with myself. At one point I fell while doing a drill, and a flood of emotion hit me...fear, frustration, anxiety. But I skated a lap, sucked it up and got back in. I am sore today but it feels so great!

RollerCon!

I have thought attending RollerCon sounded like so much fun since I heard about it a few years ago. But I wasn't sure if I could swing it this summer. I have been thinking about it for a few days now, and looked again on the website. The MVP passes have all been sold out and I wasn't sure if it would be worth going if I couldn't have access to everything offered. But guess what? There just happened to be some people who turned in their pass for a refund and I was able to buy an MVP pass with my savings!! I am very excited. It is a great motivator to get in better shape too. So, who's going with me??
www.rollercon.com

Inner voice

Many times starting an exercise program makes me feel worse about myself. I start thinking, mid squat jump or while getting on the ground for push-ups, "How in the world did you get this out of shape!" "Why even bother! Just live with the way you are." Or worse. I hate that voice! I really want to hear a positive, encouraging one that can keep me moving and motivated. Where does that one live? Until I find her, I decided I am going to reward myself immediately after my workouts with a small prize for myself. It can be a hot bath, some time reading, an at home mani or pedi, or time creating something. As long as it is not food or drink related and it is for me, it is allowed.

Don't you just LOVE my mustard yellow bathtub!

Snow, rain, crab benedict and tats

This morning I woke up early and met my mom for a late birthday breakfast at The Mount Bakery Cafe. I have been dreaming about trying their Eggs Benedict for a long time now. They had a crab benny special served on a savory Belgium waffle. Mmm, mmm. After breakfast we headed to a used bookstore where I found a few books, but I'm more excited about the vintage buttons I scored!

My mom tried to convince me to head to the Farmer's Market with her but it was so cold and wet, and even snowing on the drive home!

Today is the third bout for my team Tough Love. I have still not skated in a bout/game. I was injured and then out of town, so I really would be putting myself at a greater risk of injury if I played full contact right now. I will be working hard this month and next so maybe at the May 11th bout I will make the roster! (Probably shouldn't eat any more eggs benny though.)

Thinking about derby, and my lack of enthusiasm lately, my mind went to the tradition of the "fresh meat" tattoo. It is one that many players get their first year of a steak. I'm really not excited about that idea, and being not one of tradition, I am thinking of getting a wolf tattoo. Our recently retired coach (who is also a hockey player) liked to quote a hockey coach, "The legs feed the wolf". I think that is a little more inspiring that a slab of meat.

A love(hateRAD) poem

He may never pick me a dandelion
It's a challenge for him to give a kiss

He doesn't ask for help
Or trust when offered advice

He doesn't listen to answers I give
He would rather ask others instead

He wants to tie his own shoes
And takes a million years to get ready for school

He sneaks, lies, lurks
Looking, watching, but missing

He only shows emotion when angry
Or when served dessert

He rarely connects with anyone
Unless it's in a superficial way

He lives to annoy
And gets annoyed with everything

Many don't see it, or understand
They see his cute smile, or silly laugh
And think everything is ok

I know somewhere deep down he does love
But fear pushes love aside

Praying time and understanding will eventually break the cycle

Then, we both can feel.

I love this

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=HRR8p5bmY0c&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHRR8p5bmY0c

I can't figure out from my cell phone how to properly link this, but you should copy and paste into your browser and watch this 4 minute movie about why I do what I do.

Why do my birthdays always disappoint?

Nearly every year when my birthday rolls around, I feel sad, letdown and disappointed. I was kind of glad I was out of town this year, so I would have very few expectations. But even so, I am still disappointed. I believe no matter how old, a birthday girl should be showered with gifts. I received two, from my sister in law and my mother in law. Also a couple cards, and flowers sent to me (which broke my heart I had to leave in the hotel room). And I got a combination gift for our vow renewal.

So I guess I feel unloved. Which is silly because there is nothing I really need, and I would rather be treated to a fun activity any day. But I feel like I missed out on that too. And I feel guilty for feeling this way. I certainly know I have so much more than many others. I am thankful for the people in my life and the things God has blessed me with. I am just sad, and just wanted to express it somehow.

Now the baby is awake and I am sad I missed another day to try to sleep in. I have been exhausted lately. My eyes are tired and constantly bloodshot. I have no energy and feel like I am in a big fog. Oh, poor me. I think I will shed a few tears in my pillow.

Happy birthday E!

Today E is 7 years old! We had a fun day at church, out to lunch and ice cream sundays at home.

Heartbeat Conference

I am at the airport ready to board my plane to get home. I have been away too long, since Monday. The Heartbeat Intl. Conference started on Wednesday, and we had the final banquet last night. I have meet some amazing, inspiring and strong women and men from all around the world this week. I am so excited about the things I have learned about marketing for pregnancy clinics, how to support and love women, men and families, and much more. My travel buddy Kim and I had a great time, often staying up way too late talking. I wish the weather would have been better; we didn't feel like venturing out into the unknown city with the cold, rainy weather. When it did finally warm up a little, we were in conferences all day. I hope the sun follows us home!

Oh, and J did the sweetest thing for my birthday! He had roses delivered to my room as a surprise. One yellow rose since I was in Texas.

Inspiring

From now on, I am going to grab the good times with both arms. I am going to walk outside and feel the sun on my face and learn to laugh, really laugh again.
Most of all, I'm going to take the love that comes my way and hold on to it for dear life. Sometimes we don't need new scenery, just new eyes.

-Dawn Miller

My 37th year

To Do/My Bucket List:
1. Be joyful.
2. Be more creative.
3. Journal every day for a full year.
4. Be healthy and fit.
5. Don't waste a minute.
6. Read the bible/pray daily.
7. Take the whole family on a vacation.
8. Be open to trying new things.
9. Do the Polar Bear Plunge.
10. Run a 5k.

Today is my birthday

Today I am 37. THIRTY-SEVEN! I say that not out of excitement. I can't believe I am that old. In my head I feel like I'm in my late twenties.

We had our vow renewal and celebration and it went so well. I was really happy with all the details coming together and am so thankful for the friends and family who helped out and came to celebrate with us.

We spent four nights is Las Vegas and had a great time! I was so glad to have that time to rejuvenate and be with J.

Now I am in Dallas, Texas with a co-worker for the Heartbeat International conference. I had the weekend at home before I took off again on Monday morning. I had a nice day to myself yesterday while my friend had workshops. I was so proud of myself for spending time working out in my room and at the fitness center!

I have a lot of things swimming through my head that I want to accomplish during my thirty-seventh year. I want to share with you but I am off to register for the week!

Two days

I have two days to get ready for the second biggest celebration in my life! My first was my wedding, and now after over 17 years we are doing it all over again. I forgot how stressful it is to plan a wedding, especially on a do it yourself/cheapest way possible budget!

But Saturday will come, ready or not! I need to focus on the overall goal...love and renewal, not just the small details. I probably should go write my vows!!

Back on the horse

Last night was our first team bout. I had to watch from the crowd, and felt sad and sorry for myself some of the time. I did have fun cheering my team on to victory, however!

I went to my follow up appointment on Friday. The pain moved to the inside of my ankle, where the fracture was said to be. The doctor did more x-rays and said there was no breaks or fractures after all! He said the pain was because of ligaments and I need to keep my foot more still. He has me wearing a big aircast. I was surprised by how good it felt after wearing it for only two days!

I have done ok on my diet challenge and am currently in 11th place. I know I can do better and our wedding vow renewal is in only five weeks with a trip to Las Vegas following! I gotta kick it up! Also, there is something about watching friends on the track that really motivates a girl.

Today I had a healthy smoothie with protein, fruit and flax/chia seeds for breakfast. I am currently at the gym, working on cardio while being careful with the ankle (which feels pretty good today). I have burned over 500 calories and will go do some arm and ab exercises soon.

No pain no gain

I have my first substantial derby injury. All week I have had this feeling like it was coming. I haven't been working out much, I was sick and have been craving junk, and I had to miss a few practices too. When Thursday came I was so excited to go to scrimmage but I felt weak and off all night. While I was at the pivot line fighting for a good spot, all of a sudden I started to fall. I am not exactly sure what happened but I think I was twisting my body so I wouldn't land on my tailbone. I ended up rolling my left ankle. It hurt really bad but after a few minutes seemed ok.

The next day I knew I needed to go to the doctor and get it checked out. After and exam and xrays it was diagnosed as a sprain and hairline fracture. I have a v-splint on it and crutches to use. I go back on Friday to follow up. Today it feels worse. The swelling has gone down and all but it is sore all the time.

I am so bummed I can't skate in the bout coming up on Saturday. I was looking forward to it and was getting so excited.

In the meantime, as I heal, I am starting the dietbet challenge today. I weighed in yesterday and had a great day of eating. Today I am going to try to find ways to move my body that doesn't hurt my ankle.

Newsletter

I wrote my first article for the newsletter I publish at work every month. Here it is, for your enjoyment:

In 2008, our family welcomed a 12 week-old bundle of joy into our home. He was an unexpected miracle, entrusted to us by his birth parents in Haiti. S was born with a neurological birth defect and required special care that was unavailable in his country. His mother had told the American nurse who helped coordinate S'a care that they had been instructed to let him die. The villagers didn't value his precious life and saw him as a burden and a curse (voodoo is prevalent there). Thankfully, his birth parents loved him enough to seek help for him. He was lovingly placed in our arms during a mission trip.

At the beginning stages of an adoption process, it is easy to set boundaries for what type of child you would be willing to parent, based on age, health, race and behavior issues. We initially felt uncomfortable with the idea of adopting a special needs child, until we began volunteering with a non-profit organization helping care for several medically fragile children. Doctors' appointments, surgery and hospital stays, therapists, tests, life-long care, and many other things must be considered. It can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. However, after spending time with and caring for several medically fragile children, my eyes were opened wide to see what a blessing they are. Every single life has a purpose and important significance, and God can do amazing things!

While being cared for by a world renowned neurosurgeon, we were told that S would have major lifelong complications and that his future was bleak. We were also told that one of the reasons S'a condition is so rare in first world countries like the U.S., is because doctors would highly recommend that such a child be aborted. Hearing this broke my heart. S is the most cheerful, outgoing, warm little soul I have ever known. His smile welcomes everyone and his laugh is the sweetest sound. He has continually defied the doctor's expectation about his quality of life. He is able to do nearly every single thing a typical child can do, and he only has a few small limitations. In a visit last year with another neurosurgeon, we were asked if S could walk or talk. We pointed out the active child who was independently climbing on the patient table and talking in full sentences a mile a minute.

Becoming an adoptive parent has been the biggest gift to me and my husband. We adopted another son, E, a year later. Many times I have been told "They are so lucky to have you", or "You are so kind to adopt them". I am the one who has been blessed, many times over. The fear of adding more children to our family has been eased by watching my older children learn compassion and patience from their new siblings. The hugs, kisses, laughter, and fun these boys bring into our home is priceless. Yes, we are busy. Yes, we have a few more appointments than a typical household. Yes, the laundry pile is HUGE, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

At the WCPC, adoption is a viable life-affirming option for someone with an unplanned pregnancy situation. We lovingly support our clients as they make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives. In that support, we meet our clients in the middle of their messes and we love them, being the hands and feet of Jesus. Those clients who do choose life through adoption will have the opportunity to greatly bless a family with a child. What a blessing it is to be part of this ministry!