The One With the Burnt Toast...

Hello sweet friends and family and welcome to another fabulous week in review with MOJO!  This was a week full of many unexpected things...but also many beautiful things too!  So lets get started...

First of all you may notice a different look to my blog...I changed it around just a bit and integrated the new interface...yes I did that all by my little lonesome...proud of me????

But had the biggest scare when I got a message from Google saying my blog had been deleted!  Turns out it was a security measure as I was rearranging so many things...just goes to prove that this blogging stuff is tough!

Now a little update on J...you may remember he had a blocked mucous membrane surgically removed last week.  He is doing much better after a round of antibiotics and his stitches are dissolving quickly. He'll be up to singing his heart out (in the shower) again real soon!

The beginning of our week we were so blessed to meet with this crazy Alabama man...Marvin.  He is from the OM USA office and serves as our member care contact. We just love him and felt so encouraged by his visit!  We even took him to see his very first castle and to eat some fish and chips.  It was just what we needed and was great to hear a "hey ya'll" from someone else...other than from my own lips!

 Boy of boy did we need that encouragement...as the week proved to be very difficult physically for me.  But first the good news...we found out that my liver function had dropped back to normal and that my c-reation rate (the test done to show how much inflammation is in your body) was down from 31 to 21!

Now for some perspective...the normal healthy person's would be around 5.  The amount of inflammation in my body at these levels (21 or higher) is the same as someone who has severe burns all over their body.  Not a pretty picture but a good visual to explain to someone about an "invisible" illness such as Lupus.  You may "look good"...but you could easily feel as much pain as a burned victim.  YIKES!


So we were praising God that the treatments I have been on (for one month now) seem to be working!  But then it was on to the hard stuff...we now were at the mark in my treatment...to start to increase the dosage.

Okay...so for those of you who don't know...yes...I am on a mild form of Chemo called 6-MP.  The hopes are that this treatment will dial down my over hyper active immune system just enough to be "normal".  Remember...with Lupus your immune system is in overdrive and starts to attack healthy tissue such as skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.

So this tiny little pill...was given at a bigger dosage which then led to me feeling the first negative side effects of the treatment.  BLAH!  Let's just say that it was good for me to be able to dress myself. The poor hubs was doing EVERYTHING. I am so thankful he is able to take care of me!

One fun story to lighten the mood...J-man was making us dinner (tea and toast by my request).  As I heard him scuffling around in the kitchen and the sound of banging pots and pans everywhere... I went in to see what all was going on.  It was like a scene from Mr. Mom...without the kids.  :)

Me:  "Honey the toast is burning."
J-man:  "Yeah...I'm not the toast master like you...I'm more like the solar eclipse toast master.  Sometimes I get it right but its rare."  I love him for trying though!

 So yeah...it was a rough few days as I was dealing with the phsycial and emotional side of things.  And I did have some more than normal hair coming out in the tub.  So needless to say I started to have a little pitty party...which was not made better for sure with looking for cute options to cover my head should things go that way.

I mean have a look below at what is called "Chemo head gear".  But good news...the Doctors think that since I am on such a low dose that I most likely won't have substantial hair loss.  PTL...I mean look at these things.

So I did what any girl who wanted to feel pretty would do...I mustard up the energy and went and got a whole new do!

That's right...I went full fringe and LOVE it!  Someone asked me how I could do such a drastic cut...I say...its just hair...it will grow back...I mean after going through so many drastic changes over these past 2 years...I figure I can do just about anything!

But ain't I cute?!?!

Then we had a fright of our lives when we woke up Sunday morning to the sound of something very loud and what seemed very heavy falling off our roof!  

Yep...that's right...our chimney...that we have told our landlord about 4 times now...finally starting to come tumbling down.

And it came crashing down "like a ton of bricks" onto our bathroom's roof...breaking through the tile! Its all good and the landlord is coming tomorrow...but for now I feel like wearing a hard hat every time I go outdoors.  

Thinking of making one for bella the cat too.  Would that be cute or what?

Then it was on to watch the season premiere of Grey's.  We've seen all 7 seasons so we were super excited to watch the 2 hour premiere of what we are hearing will be the final season.  That was until...

...until these peoples went all crazy and such!  I mean come on Grey's...you got people stealing babies like they done lost their minds.  And by the way...I'm guessing no one at Seattle Grace has ever read the book Boundaries.  Just sayin'....

Then it was off to take Bella for a little spin in her cute kitty transporter.  I mean we have to get her ready for that 9 hour flight somehow.

This photo was taken at the beginning of our trip.  By the end she managed to get herself totally underneath the blanket.  Poor Bella boo!

Then I was feeling quite crafty...and was pretty much homebound...so what did I do?  I made a 31 day personalized prayer journal for us.  We had been using this poor system of sticky notes all over the place so I decided we needed to step it up a notch!

It's a 5/7' 3 ring notebook...and I added clear page protectors for the prayer (I typed out) and for pictures of people.  We like to have a name with a face.  So look out...prayers heading your way soon!  

Then it was a big ole surprise (imagine me doing the happy dance) when I found out that "Getto Netto"...our local grocery store on the corner...was bought out by ASDA (Super Wal-mart) and is set to open next week!!!  Before we had to drive like 20 minutes in traffic...yes I know this sounds so spoiled! :)

And in case your wondering...no word yet as to when J's appointment will be with the US Embassy in London.  We are thinking it will be the end of October some time...but praying for sooner!  As soon as we get his permanent residency approved (Green Card)...we can be in the States...Lord willing about 2 weeks later!  

And by the way...we laugh that they call it a green card...it actually looks like this...and most of them we have heard are pink.  Does anyone know why they call it a green card? 

Now its time to start wrapping things up.  So I will end on something that happened today.  I was and am so honored to be asked to share my testimony of how God has been my rock through my illness with a group of teenage girls from our church here in Carlisle!  As soon as I was asked I knew what I would speak on...

"Don't Let Comparison Steal your Joy".

So often...especially as young girls...we tend to compare ourselves with other girls.  This can get us into trouble quickly.  One thing God has taught me through my illness is that even if you change on the outside...you are still SO BEAUTIFUL to Him.  

So I hope to share that and encourage the girls to look ultimately to HIM for love and acceptance.  I will let you know how that goes...it will be mid October...so please be praying over that!

Well that's all for this week.  Tune in next week to see how MOJO is getting on...and in the mean time...remember...whatever hurt you are going through as a person, a couple, or a family...God can take your broken-ness and mend it.  Keep trusting Him because Life and all its quirkiness is truly a beautiful thing!  

Live for Today...Our week in Review

Hello dear friends and family. We meet once again...and we are so happy that you are sitting down to spend some time with us. We want to give you a peek into our little lives in the hopes that it encourages you...makes you laugh...perhaps cry...but in all...show that we are just normal people living out this extraordinary life that our Father has given us hear on Earth. So thanks for stopping by and here we go!

The week started off very somber as we recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Seeing all the Facebook comments and youtube videos...the emotions came flooding back. It was a terrible thing that happened but God used it for good in so many ways.

J and I were blessed to hear of one such story called "In My Seat"...the story of Steve Schibner, the pilot who was supposed to be on the flight that hit one of the towers.

One thing he said that really struck a cord with me was "Live everyday as if you are living on borrowed time". Little did I know that this theme of living for today would be the theme for my week. No spoilers...but make sure you watch his testimony. POWERFUL!

Later on that day I began having good energy levels..something you take advantage of when you suffer from chronic fatigue. So we "lived for the moment" and called up some friends of ours to come round for some fellowship, food, and of course...some family photos!

The MacKenna family have become such precious friends of ours. This is one of my favorites of the photo shoot.

Jenny and I, in particularly have become close as she is an American living overseas too! She has really helped me to settle well here in England...just in time to leave! Ha! We just love them to bits...but hope to see them soon when they come for a visit in the States!

The next day we were off to a prayer meeting at OM. When it came our turn to share...I just piped right up and started going down the list of where I'm at with my treatments etc. As I was talking it became so surreal that this is part of my life right now...and yes...I did have my pity party for a few hours afterwards. But then God reminded me that His Grace is sufficient for TODAY! Funny how God prepares your heart for what's coming next...

So they hubs...ain't he cute?...developed a lump on his lip about 2 months ago. We saw our regular GP about it...and after it not going away on its own...J was sent to see an Oral surgeon. I was super tired the morning of his appointment so J told me to stay home and rest...that "it will be fine". Hmm.

They next thing I know...J walks through the door and says that he has a blocked mucous membrane that has to be removed pronto...like TODAY! So I got myself around and back we went to the hospital for his afternoon appointment.

What was supposed to be a small incision ended up being a deep one...needing 4 stitches. He is much better now...but it has taken him a few days of antibiotics and pain pills to get through it. Poor honey!

But him being sick made me realize two things. One...how much J does for me...and two how the Lord gives His SUFFICIENT GRACE when we need it! Praise the Lord I had abundant energy (not the norm for me) to be able to take care of my husband!

Speaking of Grace...I was going to still need more...as I went for my weekly bloods check the very next day. They were able to get the blood with no problems this time...unlike last week where it took many tries over a two day period. Part of the treatment I am on can do weird things to my veins...think of the movie Steel Magnolias and "Shelby are you driving nails?!" I know gross...welcome to my world.

But please be praying over my liver as my enzymes seem to be a bit high...which could just be a reaction to some of the treatments. Please pray its not permanent and that I can continue the treatments as scheduled.

We'll let you know more about that after our Doctor appointment next week. And on a more positive note: J thinks I may have a bit more energy than normal. I don't really see a big difference yet...but I am hopeful...and plan to keep on "living for today".

But putting the medical stuff aside... most of my week was full of wonderful things. Like...

I made my first Chocolate Cream Pie for a friend's birthday and it was a hit! And I was so good and only had 2 small slivers over the course of the week...I mean come on...should I deprive myself when we are talking about chocolate???

Also Parenthood Season 3 premiered. J and I LOVE this TV show...we laugh...we cry...and even though we don't have children yet...we relate with a lot of what is portrayed. If you haven't seen it...its worth a gander!

And the highlight of my week came when I was blessed to teach blogging to a 65 year old precious lady on her birthday. Just goes to show you that you are never too old to learn. I am so excited for her!

Well that's about all for this week. I hope you are blessed and encouraged as you read this and remember to "Live everyday as if you are on borrowed time"!

London, Shipping Containers, Do You Remember...

Well back by popular demand...its our week in review. Hope you are doing well as you read this. Let me just say...I can't believe it's already September. WOW. The trees here in England are starting to sport their new colors.

And on that note I thought I would start off with a little bit of music. I-E-I...dancing in September...I-E-I...do you remember... the 21st night of September...

Now that you have that in your head...your welcome...here we go!

Our week started in a frenzy with a trip to London. We had to go for the medical exam part of J's visa requirements. So we hopped on the train and off we went. It was so neat to see the beautiful country side and then the big city as we approached! Above is honey with our awesome luggage waiting for the train at Carlisle Station.

Me enjoying the scenery.

It was so stunning going through the Lake District.

While I was enjoying the sights, the hubs spent most of his time mixing...a new hobby he has taken up...and is really good at! We're working on his DJ name and will get back to you.

So we arrived 3 hours later... safe and sound in London. It is so neat there with all the classic big red buses (and yes made me think of OM Ireland).

We got unpacked at the B&B and then went out for some dinner. We were surprised to see a line of about 400 teenagers waiting to get into a club. Come to find out it was someone's sweet sixteen party. The cops were all over it though...rightly so with what had happened in the past weeks with the riots.

Notice the Evangelical Church in the background. As we past we were praying for the young people to come to know Him and not get swallowed up by the world. As I saw the girls dressed to the hills...it touched a nerve as I can remember back in the day... being all about keeping up appearances and not knowing a thing about my Heavenly Father. My heart went out to these young girls.

Then it was back to the B&B for a good nights rest...I was exhausted by this time. We woke early the next morning to take the train on in to the city for J's medical exam.

Little did we know we would be right in the middle of morning rush hour. OH MY WORD! This was the mad scene...where people were pushing their way onto the trains...at one point we even saw people being held inside the train by others so the door would close!

So we finally made it to the medical exam appointment. As part of J's visa requirement for permanent residence to the US...he has to undergo this exam...and get a bunch of jabs (British term for shots).

I didn't take any pictures inside as the Embassy folks don't mess around. But as I sat waiting for J I was surrounded by all these people...hoping to become immigrants. I really imagined myself back in time at Ellis Island...and hearing all the new immigrants talk about how they were going to have a new life in America. It brought tears to my eyes...I know...I'm a sap.

After drying the tears it was off to do a little sight seeing. This was my first time to London so J was eager to show me around. I felt like a queen! Speaking of...

No...we didn't get to meet her like you may have been thinking...silly you! But we did get see where she lived. Here is us outside Buckingham Palace.

Here is J at the Tower of London. Glad they didn't keep him! By this time we were both so tired that we called it a day and went back to the B&B.

The next day it was a train trip home... where we kept the ball rolling...and we were off to about a billion and one medical appointments.

Oh...and our cat Bella was super happy to see us again. She had a good kitty sitter to keep her occupied while we were gone though. Thanks Miss Helen!

I think she loves her daddy...especially when she gets to lay on his laptop!

Kisses for mommy...or not...

Then it was off to the Dentist for my final appointment. As I was saying my goodbyes I began to tear up...it was a sad moment... a realization that many of the medical staff have become like family.

So I kept a stiff upper lip as much as I could...remember me telling you I was a sap?

Also remember me telling you last week I now have to wear a night guard because I supposedly grind my teeth. The Dentist said it was due to stress. Speaking of stress...

We saw this photo while waiting in the Doctors office. I was there for a blood check for a treatment I started last week. When we saw this poster on how to avoid stress we had to laugh. If you can't read it...it says "Avoid too many changes at any one time-new house...new job...new partner." Ha!

We rounded out the week with several hours on phone calls and emails...trying to sort out some of our transitioning. One huge thing...being our shipping. We were able to share a container with another person...however it is still pricy. If you would like to know how to help with this...please let us know. :)

Then for a bit of retail therapy the hubs took me to Debenhams...its like a Dillards or Macy's compared to the US. The reason I REALLY REALLY wanted to go there was...they were having a 70% sale. OH MY WORD! And score...I got a really cool blazer...originally £50 for only £5! Gotta love a good deal like that!

And yes...I envision myself looking as cool as this when I wear it. Speaking of cool...

Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how your week was...we are just as interested in cyber stalking others as they are us! :) Have a good week!