Video of Olaf's Mouth

Vlog

Thanks Heather!

Look at my coolio blog. Thanks Heather for telling me about that website. If you use Blogger, look at the little link up in the left corner and you too can have cool backgrounds.

Olaf's mouth is such a mess again. He called the doctor and asked to be put back on the medicines. I have no idea what is going on with that man. I sure hope we can get a diagnosis. He cannot live on antibiotics and antivirals forever. I want to take a photo of his mouth to post just so you guys can have an inkling of how bad it is. His tongue is nothing but a huge white patch that bleeds when the white gets rubbed off by eating or swallowing. All of the soft tissue in his mouth is white puss pockets and his entire esophagus is covered in the same stuff. He can't talk, he can't eat, he feels like crap... And I cannot do anything to help him. Pray for him. He needs it.

Simon caught the cough that the girls had, but when Simon get something respiratory it is always bad. His chest rattles with every breath. The next two weeks are not going to be fun.

Oh, Zoe asked where my last vlog was. I took it down before I reformatted the blog to see if that was the reason my sidebar was all wonky. I just never put it back up. I still have your pen pot. I will get that in the mail next week if it kills me.

In order to get my comments back...

I had to reset my blog. I absolutely hate the awful pink color background, but until I figure out how to change it, you're stuck looking at it. The good news is I now have comments. The picture on top is Olaf and I on our wedding day, January 23, 1988. Gosh I was cute! Where does all this self esteem come from I wonder? Hmmmm.... I think it comes from Cheri.

Bragging a little; OK, a lot!

I absolutely have the best husband in the world.  While on our lunch/breakfast date at Cracker Barrel, my husband looks at me from across the table and says, "I don't know how it is possible to love someone more each day, but I love you so much." Then he started to tear up.  He took a deep breath and composed himself so I wouldn't cry too.  After lunch we did a little shopping.  We went to Rack Room Shoes because he needed some new shoes for work.  While we are there, I start looking at dressy sandals and pumps.  After he found his shoes, he comes over to me and is genuinely interested in my shoe purchases.  He is pointing out shoes and giving me his opinion.  It was fabulous.  I don't even care if he was faking it!  It was still fabulous.  We walked next door to TJ Max and I bought two more pair of shoes.  (And I am not even a shoe gal!)  Then to top it off, today he asks me if he can give me a pedicure.  He asked me.  He said, "You really need a pedicure. (He noticed my awful feet from trying on the shoes.) Do you want me to give you one?"  So off we go to the bathroom where he scrubs my feet with Basin Sugar Scrub, rubs lotion all over them, files my toenails, then paints them red.  What is even better is he said, "This is hot!" as he was painting them.  I think I'll keep him.

Olaf Update

Olaf finished his medicine for his mouth a few days ago, and now his mouth sores are coming back.  He was on a strong antiviral, a very strong antibiotic, and a steroid for 14 days!  He goes back to the doctor on Monday, however his mouth and throat will be covered by that time.  My guess is that the doctor will want to biopsy the sores and perhaps do more invasive tests to look for leukemia and other cancers such as a bone marrow biopsy.  I'll keep you posted.

Tomorrow is our 21st wedding anniversary.  Camille is going to watch the children for a few hours so we can go out to lunch or perhaps go see a movie.  I want to see Slumdog Millionaire since I have heard so many great things about it.  I hope Simon doesn't poop.  She doesn't like to change poopy diapers:)  The temperature is supposed to be 63 degrees tomorrow which reminds me of the day we got married in Hesperia, CA.  I think it was in the low 70's that day.  It was a sunny, gorgeous day and I remember being nervous as I walked down the dormitory stairs with my 2 girlfriends.  I remember thinking (or maybe even saying out loud) I am about to get married!  That is crazy!  To be honest, I never expected to be married for life.  Neither did Olaf.  We were kids and we thought since we were dating, we might as well get married and get some extra money from the government.  The military pays you extra to live off base and you get a supplement for food as well.  So, hey...  Why not get married?  Who knew that twenty one years later we would actually love each other more than the day we got married?  Not me.  

Something I read...

Rosa sat so Martin could walk,

Martin walked so Obama could run,

Obama ran so our children can fly.

Only three days!!

Until LOST returns!  I can't wait to see what happens.  

Five days until my 21st wedding anniversary.  January 23, 1988 I married a 19 year old kid and now I have a 40 year old hottie.  Why do men look better as they age?  It really isn't fair.  I just look old and fat.  

I am listening to Luther right now, holding sleeping Simon, and typing one handed. Talented, eh?  We went to Costco today and spent a wad of money.  I love Costco though.  

My friend, Raylene, gave me a new drink recipe.  It's called a Cloud and it's made with 2 shots Grey Goose Vodka, 1 shot Creme de Cocoa, 1 shot Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, splash of cream.  Shake with ice, strain and drink.  Yummy.

Olaf is off tomorrow for MLK Day.  I plan on talking with Camille about Civil Rights and what Dr. King accomplished.  If it weren't for him, Mr. Obama would not be taking the oath of office in 2 days.  No matter your political affiliation, our country is making history on Tuesday.  

Oh, Dance With My Father is playing now.  You must listen.

My Vlog with Cheri

Can be seen here.  It was too long to upload to YouTube:)  This one is only 10 minutes and we have FIFTY minutes total, so there will be more people.  Oh yes, much more.

Olaf saw the doctor yesterday and all his blood work came back good.  That was great news!  So now he is on some serious antibiotics, steroids, and an antiviral with the hopes that it will finally cure him of these mouth sores.  If this round of medications do not work, then they will put him under and biopsy the sores themselves.  Thank you to everyone who has asked about him.  I appreciate it so much:)

Chewing...

"I have three things I'd like to say today.  First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition.  Second, most of you don't give a shit.  What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night." - Tony Campolo

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding.  But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.  As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.  This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." - Lao-Tzu

"Man is a religious animal.  He is the only Religious Animal.  He is the only animal that has the True Religion - several of them.  He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn't straight." - Mark Twain

"Gandhi sought to follow Jesus without being a Christian, whereas we try to be Christians without following Jesus." - Brian McLaren

2009

Here it is. A New Year. A fresh start. A clean slate. LOVE THAT!

However, I need to update everyone on my husband's health. For the several years his health has been declining. He has odd symptoms off and on like numbness in his arm or hands, muscle weakness, very tired all the time, generally not feeling well. The symptoms come and go and no matter how much I nagged, he never went to the neurologist. Well, fast forward to November 2008 while we are on vacation at Disney World. He starts getting mouth sores. You know, like canker sores. By November 15th the man cannot eat because his entire mouth and throat are covered in white patches. He sees our family doctor the day before Thanksgiving who tries to treat him for oral thrush. Nope. Didn't work. He then goes to a PA at our Ear, Nose, Throat doctor who prescribes an antiviral med and some magic mouthwash. He follows up with her 2 weeks later with a little bit of relief, but not much. So, today he sees the ENT Doctor (Dr. Heindel whom I love and adore) who believes that what is going on in his mouth and throat is caused by a much larger problem. He ordered a whole bunch of blood work and Olaf follows up with him next Friday. I mean, this could be very serious. Serious such as leukemia, lymphoma, or another autoimmune disorder. To say I am nervous would be an understatement, but I also know there is not one thing I can do to change things. So, I wait. I wait until someone tells us what is wrong so we can begin to fix it. To look on the bright side, Olaf has lost about 20 pounds so at least his blood pressure should fall:) So keep Olaf in your thoughts and prayers as he endures this awful pain in his mouth and throat. I can't imagine not being able to eat or heaven forbid, drink alcohol. I will keep you posted as we learn more.

Merry Christmas 2008

Tonight we celebrate Christmas. We eat cold cuts and crusty rolls, we open presents, we wade through wrapping paper and boxes; but tonight we will have a 19 month old who may (or may not) be able to open his own presents and that makes me excited just thinking about it. Tomorrow we open stockings and eat lasagna, garlic bread, and Ceasar salad. The 26th is Josiah's birthday and we will spend a few hours at the germ infested Chuck E Cheese. It's an annual tradition at this point. Of course all Christmas traditions that we know and love come from very pagan traditions. It really isn't Christian at all. However, as we Christians are prone to do, we made it a Christian holiday by declaring Jesus was born on December 25th. (It's really Mithras birthday, but shhhhh...) That doesn't negate the fact that I still ponder my salvation at Christmas time. I think about the grace and the mercy that I have been shown and marvel in its peace. As I was praying last night, I recited the Lord's Prayer. I haven't recited a prayer since the last time I went to mass which was eons ago. It felt good. I felt peace. I knew He was listening to me. And that is what I wish for all of my friends and family who visit my blog. Peace. And to go back to mass (you Catholics will get this, my evangelical friends, not so much...)

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.

(Amen)

The Peace of the Lord be with you always.

(And also with you.)

Let us offer each other a sign of peace.

Look at this!!!!

I can't believe it is almost Christmas

It is the 16th! WOW! I haven't wrapped one present yet. I need to get busy. Not only is it Christmas, but my little guy turns SIX on the 26th. Yep, Josiah is almost six. ALL BOY! He punches, kicks, screams, whines, yells, and makes so much noise that I want to smack him sometimes. He is so tall, so thin, and so handsome I cannot even tell you. His permanent teeth are coming in and he looks so grown up. He looks just like my brother, so I guess that means he takes after my side of the family. He is my only brown eyed child too. Just like his Mama. He is in Kindergarten and is reading well. Let me rephrase; for Kindergarten he is reading well:) "Jan and Pam sat on a log, Pam fell off. Pam got wet. Jan will help." You know, that kind of reading:)

We may go to Los Angeles in January for a week. We will go to Disney Land, do the touristy stuff, go to Victorville where Olaf and I were stationed... It should be fun.

I'll blog soon:)

Vlog with Gracie

Vlog with Camille

Simon is so cute

I just took video of Simon trying to jump. Only one foot leaves the ground, but he thinks he is jumping. It is adorable. I did a video blog, but decided not to upload it. It is late and I have no make up on. No make up + very fat = quite ugly.

Have y'all heard of Pandora? Oh my word. Best website ever. Go try it out. Totally free.

We are going on another vacation in January. This time we are going to California. Los Angeles to be exact. We are going to Disneyland and Disney's California, then do the touristy things like the Chinese theater and Beverly Hills. We will definitely go to where the exterior shots from The Office are filmed and drive up to Victorville for a day to reminisce. It should be fun. All of this hinges upon the flights being open of course.

Thursday is Thanksgiving. I hope all of you have a wonderful time with your family and friends. I am very blessed. I have a husband who loves me, children who think I really am a Queen, and more than a woman could ever want or need. I cannot believe how fortunate I am.

Adjusting

The children are back in the groove.

The week is almost over.

I heart Thursdays because it's the best TV night evah! The Office, Survivor, My Name is Earl...ahhhh, heavenly.

Fris in the freezer.

Life is good.

If you need me, email me at mistyjorek (at) gmail.com

We're home and all is well

I don't want to be home. I want to be where the sun warms the sky. When it's time for siesta you watch them go by. Beautiful faces, no cares in this world
Where a girl loves a boy, and a boy loves a girl. Hee hee. That's Madonna lyrics in case you didn't know.

Olaf goes back to work on Monday. I am sure he will be overwhelmed with all that has transpired since he has been on vacation. The merge between Delta and Northwest is now official and the process of integration begins. We just hope and pray that he still has a job when it's all said and done. You just never know for sure.

The children will start back to school on Monday. They have had over two weeks off and we need to get back into the groove. I need to work with Josiah on his special sounds and get him reading proficiently in the next few months. He will be six the day after Christmas after all. He is so tall for his age. This child has to be at least 4 feet tall with a HUGE foot. He weighs 48 pounds soaking wet though. He is almost as tall as Grace and she weighs 60 pounds.

Simon has a well visit with the pediatrician on Wednesday. He hasn't been for a well visit since he was 6 months old. I choose not to vaccinate on the recommended schedule and he has not had one vaccine yet; however I think I will get the Tetanus shot this time. No Pertussis though. Just the Tetanus and Diphtheria. Most people get the DTP for their children which is all three viruses in one vaccine. Grace and Josiah have only had the Tetanus shot so far but I am thinking of getting the Chicken Pox shot as well for them. I kind of hoped they would get Chicken Pox by now, but they haven't.

Hopefully I can get another Disney Blog up soon. I will work on it this weekend.

All good things must come to an end...

...and tomorrow we leave this place to drive the 7 hours home to Georgia. The family is in the pool, I am in the Clubhouse using the WiFi, and life is good. We are so blessed to be able to go on vacation for almost 2 weeks to the most Magical Place on Earth. We are true Disney freaks and this vacation has been the best family vacation by far. It was a great, nay I say fabulous, idea to take the weekends off from the parks just to hang out at the pool or go shopping. We are considering joining the Disney Time Share and have been crunching numbers and looking at points and figuring out how long it would take to break even and... you get the idea. There is no way on God's green earth that I would ever join a time share of any other kind, ahhhh, but a DISNEY time share is another thing altogether. You can also vacation all over the world so you are not limited to just Disney parks, but I am quite certain for the next 12 or 13 years we would be at Disney most of the time. We went to the shpeel on Sunday and have been crunching numbers ever since.

Last night we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and that was super fun. Cinderella's Castle had beautiful twinkling Christmas Lights all over it, there was a special Christmas fireworks display, but the best thing according to my children, was the dance party going on. They had a DJ and a dance floor and characters who danced with you . We have great footage that I will post when we get home. We ate sugar cookies and drank hot cocoa. We sang Christmas songs and watched a Christmas Parade with Santa Claus and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Was it worth the extra money? In a heartbeat.

So tomorrow we leave this Paradise called Disney and return home to school, work, life. Looking forward to another vacation already.