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!