Checking In

I've been neglecting the blog.  We've had so much going on, I just took a step back and let it go.  (sorry about that).  In the last 5 months a lot has happened.  My husband got hired on in a new position in the company, and it's been so crazy and hectic for him trying to be personally thankful and sympathetic to others who were not so fortunate but are still finishing out there last days.

Personally, I've had one heck of a time.  Not sure if anyone remembers my mentioning that I was having some thumping noises in my ears quite a while back, but I went to doctors and no could figure out what it was, and it just kept getting worse and worse.  The thumping sound (which is my heart beating) started in my left ear, and then my right, and just kept getting louder and louder, with the noises sometimes changing.  Then the vertigo (spinning sensation) that I've had for years started getting much worse and happening more often, and then I started having problems with my eyes.  My vision was blurry and I was having a hard time focusing.  And I was getting these killer headaches behind my eyes and at the base of my neck, that happened more and more often, to where I was having them all day long, to the point of tears.

Anyways, they finally figured out what's going on, I've got a 'pseudo-tumor cerebri' or 'intracranial hypertension', or in normal people terms...too much fluid around my brain and spine.  And it's putting too much pressure on my brain just like a tumor would.  (Don't worry, it's just a scary term, there really is no tumor).

So it kept getting worse until I found the right dosage of medication to take, and my swollen optical nerves are starting to get back to normal, and the headaches are much less often and not nearly as bad.

But I'm tired.  I'm depressed.  And I'm tired.  And it's been really hard for me to stay home and watch my kids while I've been so sick.  And even now that I'm feeling better, I still don't feel like myself, and am desperately trying to get out of this slump.

So, that's where I am.  That's where I've been.  Hopefully I'll be somewhere better soon.  I really miss blogging, sharing crafting, and seeing all of the wonderful things everybody is making.

What a roller coaster.

Just last week we were excitedly announcing to everyone about my husband's awesome new promotion. 

Yesterday his entire department was told that their location is being closed.  He was offered a new position if we relocate to their office in Illinoise, and there are few prospective positions he can apply for in the only other department at his current location, here in Washington.

Around 40 people were let go, some with only a few weeks until their last day, and no positions offered at other locations.

What a difference a week can make.

We're staying positive and know that we can get through anything.  2 years ago, right after our move to Washington, and days after we had our son Matthew, Allen was let go from his plumbing job in Seattle, and it turned out be a blessing.  He was without a job for 2 weeks, the first 2 weeks of Matthew's life, when I needed him at home the most, and then he found a new and better job.  So we're just going to keep reminding ourselves that all things come and go, and we've got a strong, happy and healthy family, and we can get through any trials that come our way.  (I'm reminding myself again, and again...right at this very moment.)  We'll be okay.

Exhale.

Sick little ones

It seems like we've been sick more this season than usual.  Poor Lilly, this is day three of not being able to keep down any food.  I've put a call into the Dr and they're going to call me back.  Poor thing, she's just such a little sweet heart, all she wants to do is lay in bed and watch Princess movies.  

Over the weekend we moved a little tv into her room for a special Fairy Campout, it wasn't supposed to be a permanent move, but it's working out nicely for now.  And we put a make-shift canopy (aka sheet) over her bed, that she LOVES.  

So one of our next projects is going to have to be to make her a real canopy for over her bed.  I've been looking online to find some good ideas.  I found this REALLY cute one from Pottery Barn Kids (of course! I love everything Pottery Barn!) :)

But I also think she might REALLY like one that covers her whole bed!  Maybe more like this one:

Except she doesn't have a 4-poster bed, so we'd have to figure something out.  But my dad just happens to be an AMAZING craftsman and artist who can make literally anything!!  So I know he'd help me whip something up if I asked.

But for now, the sheet is working wonderfully.  ;)