Busy Day/Wonderful Day

Busy Busy Day. But, today has been a great day.
It started with Blake having his awards show at school. It was the same time as Kyra's Fall Festival, so me and Wesley had to split. He went to Blake's since I was working a booth at Kyra's.
Blake did great. He got A Honor Roll, and other awards. I am very proud of him. As he was getting awards, Kyra was having her Fall Festival. I love days like today. I found myself wondering, "what will I do when I have no more little kids and parties to go to"? Kyra's Festival was so much fun. Even for me. She was being shy and would not wear her minnie ears and kept her jacket on, but she had fun. Seeing her happy makes me so happy.




After that we had a lunch break and short nap at home and then it was time for Blake's Halloween party. It turned out great. The kids had a lot to eat and there were lots of giggles.
It was strange for Haley to have no party. But, thats called growing up I guess. She was not happy about it. HEHE.
After leaving school we brought pumpkins to carve. Can you believe. Wal-Mart was all out of pumpkins; well the big ones anyway.
Tonight was spent having family time. Haley did her own pumpkin and Blake had Wesley help him a bit.


Today has felt like a "normal" day. What used to be normal for us. But, it gives me hope that things will be normal again. Wesley had a good day. Thank you God. He was off and we all got to spend it together.
Now the countdown begins. A week and half and we will be in NY.
Tomorrow will be another busy but great day. We are going to a Fall Festival at church and then Trick-or-Treating tomorrow night. Lots of candy for mommy to eat ;)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone. Look for pictures of my cuties tomorrow night :)

Kyra Bug

Her MRI is going to be Nov. 5th at 3:00pm at Children's Medical. Many have asked, we have to go to Children's because at her age they have to be put to sleep. I really can not even explain how I feel. One day I feel so positive then the next I am a bundle of emotion. What scares me, is seeing her in any kind of pain. Just the IV in her arm, breaks my heart. Nov. 5th will be a hard day. But, we have to know. We have to know for her sake. If she does have it we need to know how bad, before things get worse. Hopefully it is nothing. I hope she just says it because she hears Wesley say his head hurts. I do not know. Only God knows. And, all I know is God has taken care of us so far and he will continue no matter what.

Church Member

I meant to add.. There is someone that I go to church with that breeds dogs. I am not for sure who it might be. hehe. If you could please contact Theresa again about taking pictures. On her website now, it has all her contact information. She asked for your name and I just was not positive who it was. She does an AWESOME job and will be doing our Christmas photos.

Holding on...

By a Thread. Thats what I feel like tonight. I did so good this morning. After taking the kids to school, me and Breanna got a lot of errands ran. I finished everything I needed for Halloween and Halloween parties. I am about ready for our Christmas pictures. I was on a roll. Then I pick Kyra up from school and my day starts going like everyday. She said she had a headache and she got very anger and upset. She calmed down, we came home took tylenol and ate lunch. She has complained off and on the rest of the day.
Wesley is about the same. Kyra's regular Dr. called today and our insurance is not wanting to pay for the MRI, because she is not diagnosed with anything yet. Her Dr. is trying to get them too. He just wants an MRI ran first to rule out tumor, Chiari, anything, before going to other Dr.'s. He is working on it, we will see what happens and what needs to happen next. More waiting. Joy- The story of my life. Really!
So by lunch time I just found myself very crabby and my patience very thin. I am trying so hard to be strong. And everyone keep telling me, to not stress and be upset until I for sure know that something is wrong. Really!! Well, that is easier said then done. This is one of my babies. Do you even know what I have seen Wesley go through. Even a 1 percent chance that Kyra may have this disease scares me to death. Not that it is fun seeing your husband go through what he has, but your child is different. I can not even think about her getting an MRI.
But at the end of the day all I can do is lean on God. He has showed me time and time again that he is in charge and that he is taking care of us. And really I know that. But, that does not mean I am not going to be upset and worry. Because tonight thats exactly what I am.

Hmm...

Ok, coming up with a title is to much for my brain tonight ;)
Friday.. Again, already. Well the stomach virus has found the Bounds House. Ugh.. Haley had it first. Then Breanna and now we wait. You know those things spread like wildfire, no matter what you do. Hopefully it is over with I hope.

I had a trip planned with some friends today to go to a Pumpkin Patch with the little girls. Well, Breanna had to miss. Me and Kyra went. She had a lot of fun. As they played and had so much fun, I found myself thinking, "look at her, there is no way she has Chiari, she is so healthy". Ugh.. I can not help but worry. But, thats how Chiari is. One min. you are fine, the next you are so sick. I am going to call Monday about her MRI. Ready to get it over with.

The Chiari hospital in NY called this morning. Everything is still a go. No setbacks so far. The nurse did state that all MRI's and such will have to be done again there. She said the quality of the ones done here are not good. So I am sure the insurance is loving that, NOT. So we are waiting to here from them. Hopefully no setbacks because of insurance.
Our flight is booked, hotel almost. Everything else will fall together.

Here are some pictures from the pumpkin patch. Enjoy!! Look how happy she is :)

In God's Time

"In God's Time". This has been hard for me to understand. I am now starting to understand it more. I am learning patience. I am learning to let God take over. Weeks before I have been trying to do everything concerning New York. When it did not happen in my time I was so upset. Well this past week, I have kept it out of my mind somewhat. Yesterday, I thought to myself when I woke up. "It happens today or it does not". Well we get the phone call. Wesley's case passed the review broad and he has an appt. Nov. 12th and 13th. It came on the best day. I was able to go to church and tell everyone. It happen in God's time. I have also had in the back of my mind, when a good date would be. The second week of Nov. was great. Blake's football is over with, Kyra's birthday had passed and there was nothing major going on. So the nurse says, "Nov. 12 and 13th is when we need to see him. PERFECT.
God, this is all God.

I really feel if there is any help for Wesley this is where he needs to be. We are going to fly up on the 11th. Tickets are already booked. WOO HOO!!! The 12th they will do all day testing. Then on the 13th we meet with all the Dr.'s. If it is found that he needs surgery, we will have to go back. If medication and physical therpy can work, then that will be set up here. Best of all, we will have all kinds of information on Chiari.

As far as Kyra. Because she is having around 1-3 bad headaches a week, the Dr. wants to rule it out. If Wesley did not have it, then they would probably not be thinking much about them. And the chance she has it is low. But, we need to know. Because if she does have it, we need to know how bad. If gone untreated and it's bad, she can have all kinds of problems happen. Like Wesley. The only way to find Chiari is a MRI. Because of her age she will be put to sleep. This will be done at Children's Medical. I do not have a date yet, or know how fast it will be done. Sooner then later I hope, so we can rule this out and move on.

Now we can plan and start getting everything ready. Thank you all so much for your prayers and help.
Love You All

Kyra

For about an year now, Kyra has been getting a headache here and there. Nothing to bad. Of course Chiari is always in the back of our minds now, but. Well they have continued to become more often. I have started keeping a journal, but the past week she has had three. She screams and cries, holds her head and neck and says, "they hurt". Well as bad as it sounds, I have still been just pushing it under the rug. This morning, I thought she was sick. She had a cough, low grade fever. With how the flu is going around I wanted to make sure. I figured while I was there I was going to give him an update on the headaches and see what he thought.
Well she just has a cold. Wonderful news!
Her Dr. has suggested that we have an MRI done. He said, just the fact Wesley has it is a reason to need to know. But, the fact that she is having headaches and should not be at her age, we need to make sure nothing is going on. If she does have Chiari, we need to know how bad. If it is just a light case then we would just watch over the years.
The MRI has to be done at Childrens' because of her age. I do not have a date yet. I think I am numb. I have no feelings today. We know this is something we will have to watch in all the kids, but Kyra is the only one that has showed any signs so far.
Wesley is having a rough day today. I hope he gets some relief tomorrow.

Sunday's

I love Sunday's. Me and the kids went to Sunday school and church. Then we came home and ate some lunch. The best part, after lunch, we ALL took a nap. I love naps.
After we all woke up I had some errands to run. Haley needed a binder for school. Hers already broke. I had to get some laundry soap so I could try and start washing some clothes. For the ones that do not know. I LOVE coupons. I can really save some money. I have lots of tips I can share. But, for tonight, I will share this one.
At CVS you can earn extra bucks and they really help. It's like free cash.
Today I brought a big bottle of Gain and paid .27 cents. It was on sale for $11.00, I had a .25 cent coupon from today's paper and then I had $10.50 in extra care bucks. How AWESOME is that.
You earn extra care bucks by buying something that CVS states you get so much in extra care bucks back. When you by the item you can also use a regular coupon and then you get the extra care bucks too.

The little girls did some finger painting today. Are they cute or what?


Everyone have a good Monday.

What a Blessing..

Healthline Medical where I used to work held a benefit garage/bake sell for us today. I went last night and helped organize. And, I kid you not the whole store was FULL of items people had donated. It lifted my spirits so much. This morning we were there early and the day could not had gone any better. God was shining down on us. People were so kind. People we knew, people we had NEVER met. I met someone that was kin to Wesley, that I did not know. I met a lady that her daugther has Chiari. It has been 11 years, and she is doing great. And, none of her children are showing signs. Healthline sold hotdogs, there were bake goods. I had a fun day. I enjoyed being there, I enjoyed seeing everyone. It was great. We profitted a GREAT amount of money. A lot more then I would had ever dreamed. It is going to help more then I can even say. I do not know how I will thank everyone enough. But, what a blessing today was. God. I am telling you, it was ALL God today!

Wesley is just hanging in there. He has been better then somedays. So that is great. His head and neck have been hurting pretty intense at times, but no throwing up or anything in the past couple days. Hearing is still messed up. It comes and goes in one ear. Only three more days and I feel like we will walk one step forward. Not for sure if that will be with his Dr. here or NY or both.

The kids are great. Kyra had her first Halloween party last night at her gymnatics center. She had so much fun. Here she is Minnie Mouse.

This photo made me realize how much Kyra is growing up. She looks older :(
Here is her Pre-K photo.

After taking Kyra to her party, I spent sometime with just Haley. We went out to eat. She helps me so much, not to mention she made the honor roll the first six weeks of middle school. So proud of her!

This has been a really good weekend for me. I hope that is a hint that the week will be great too :)

Before you go, please check my sidebar, click on the ICON and please pray for The Cripe Family. The mother has cancer and has been told she will not live until Christmas. She has two children with health problems and also her husband has health problems. Please include this family in your prayers.

Wednesday Will be Busy

Wesley Neuro. here in Dallas called back today regarding the MRI report and new medication to try and get the pain under control. He wants to see Wesley. Wednesday the 21th. What a busy day this will be. Hopefully answers and an appt. to NY. He stated it was hard to gather anything from the MRI report; he did not have firms just a report. He stated that he has set aside to slots for Wesley and wants to do a detailed examination. ABOUT TIME!! AMEN!! He just has to hold out until then. He did not do anything with medication until he sees him. I think it is safe to go ahead and go there on Wednesday and let him run tests. Who knows. I still think NY is going to be needed. But, these tests and information will also help NY. The neuro. of course would not be the one to perform a surgery anyway and Wesley's surgeon is not on the same page with us anymore. So NY is still, we think, going to be the answer. But, we know it is going to be weeks, so Wesley needs something to get him by until then for pain.
So Wednesday will be a busy day. And it's already Friday.

We also heard from NY again. She explained the whole process and was very sorry for all the mix up. Bascially Kathy (nurse that is on vacation), she decides who is bad enough to be seen, and she takes it to the review broad. So he needs to be seen, now the surgeons just have to look at everything and see what else we need (if anything), and how fast they want to see him.

Many have e-mailed about wanting to know about the rumors, etc. Sorry, I have not responded to everyone. Bascially all I need to say, is people are just running their mouths because they have nothing better to do, I guess. I have plenty for them to do here at my house, maybe I should call them up.

And this is something from my heart that I feel I need to say. We appreciate everything people are doing for us. I really think we would not be able to cope with out you all. The prayers are amazing! One rumor that has been very hard to swollow. Anyhow, money. I want everyone to know that anything that is donated is going into the American Bank account for medical expenses. Whether you take money to American Bank or you donate on our blog, it goes into that account. This account was set up about a year ago to help with medical expenses which is what it has always been used for. I can not even explain all the medical bills. At present time we are letting it build to pay the medical bills, medication,NY trip, and anything medical in between. I feel I should not have to explain this, but it is so hard on us when you hear the rumors. Anyhow, thats all I need to say. But, I want everyone to know that.
God Bless

21th

At least we know that six days from now we will have a date. If nothing else happens. Today was a rough morning. We had heard we would get a date today, but that can not happen. She was very polite today and this is how the process goes.
1. Send in paper work along with anything else the nurse says they need.. DONE
2. The Nurse decides if he needs to be there and if so it goes to the review broad.DONE
3. The review broad. This is what will happen the 21th. The Surgeons look at everything. See if anything else is needed and how fast he needs to be seen; by looking at MRI, etc.
4. Appt. Within a few weeks to a month after review broad.
Like a friend said this morning, "getting into specialist take time", and actually ours is happening pretty fast". And she is right. That we have to be thankful for and move along.

I had to go to the mall to get some vitamins. I decided to sit in the food court and eat me a corndog and enjoy some quite. As I ate, I noticed a man, that I had seen many times before that is homeless. He sits in the mall during the day. He was eatting something out of a can. I realized as I always do how very blessed I am. And, how could I be down today. We have so much to be thankful for. As I got up and dumped my tray, I gave him a $5.00 bill. The look on his face just warmed my heart. I went to a store and when I walked back by he was eatting a warm meal. Made my day!!

Really!! Is this a Dream!!

What Else! I find myself asking God, "how much more, do you really think I can handle". But, you know what I keep handling it and really I think I am doing a pretty good job. So, I think I answered my own question to God. I am not giving up.
Here is my Tuesday.
We had put a call into Wesley's Dr. here for something to help with his pain and headaches. The Dr. calls and wants to see the MRI that he had done two weeks ago. Not for sure why. Who knows. So I ran and took care of that! Check one.
I somehow made it to bible class, in which I hoped my phone would ring from NY. It did. The nurse now helping us, can not find his paperwork. She has no clue what Kathy did with it and her vacation consisted of going out of the US, so there is no calling her.
She is probably drinking a drink in Paris as I type. Ok, was that a little hard. Maybe, I hope she is enjoying her vacation, but I am a little angry. Anyhow, nurse says she is going to keep looking she will call me back. So I wait!
Three hours later she calls me.
"Ms. Bounds, I am so sorry,but I can not find them anywhere". Can you please fax them again and I will try to get something done faster. Sure, why not. I have nothing better to do with my time.
So I run to fax these papers again. Went to two different places, and the line kept being busy. I called the hospital and they told me to keep trying. Guess what I kept trying and the line kept being busy. So, that got me no where.
So now tomorrow morning I will be up faxing papers again.

We are Ok..

I have calmed down and actually I took it well, compared to some of the other million times.
I had been sending the nurse coordinator e-mails, and was getting nothing back. So I called. She is on vacation! What, really? She said nothing to be about that, infact the last I heard she was going to be calling me. So I spoke with another nurse, that knows nothing and could not even find anything on her desk. She is looking into it and is supose to call me back, I do not look for that to happen.

This is how she explained the process. The nurse coordinator (Kathy), takes the cases in front of the review broad and then it goes to this other nurse (that I spoke with today) and she calls and explains everything and makes the appt. So to her knowledge Wesley's case is waiting to go infront of the broad. And since Kathy is on vacation, this will happen on the 21th. So unless something happens between now and then we are doing more waiting.

Ok. So yes I was angry. I mean really. Why? What is God's plan? I can not help but worry that this is a sign that it is not meant to be. We just want to know something, anything. How did the MRI look? When can you see him? Is surgery needed? Anything!
But, we are ok. Wesley just said, "thats my luck". :(
In the meantime, Wesley called his Dr. to try and get something for pain. We will see what they say.

The Weekend is Gone

It flew by just like I knew it would. I stayed very busy. Friday night I went to a movie with a good friend. I just love her. We are the type of friends, that you would think we are sisters. Something looks bad on one of us we tell each other, we are mad we yell, we have something on our tooth we tell each other. Saturday I went with her to do some clothes shopping for her. I mean, seriously she brought camo shorts to put some kind of jewels on. I had to set her straight really quick on that. But, she brought them anyway. LOL. I had a really good time with her and I needed that.

Today me and the kids went to church. Wes had a bad morning. His nights have been rough, he has not been sleeping. Like I have always said he is a trooper and he just keeps going. After church we all took a nap. Then I went to Wal-Mart. Ugh.. That store. So crowded, not enough workers, spend way to much money; should I go on.
I came home and did some cooking for the week and did my menu. I try and plan a weekly menu, so we eat at home, eat fairly healthly, and do not spend money eatting out.
I have a receipe for you. This came from my good friend. And they are great.

Spicy Pretzels
1 lb Tiny Pretzels
4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (I would just put 2 unless you like spicy stuff)
1 tsp Seasoned Salt
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Pkg Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1 c. Canola Oil
Mix Ingredients in small bowl. Stir Well. Pour over pretzels,stir well until coated .Pour out over wax paper and let dry. Yummy!!


I hope we hear something tomorrow, but I am not going to dwell on it. I know the nurse stated that she usually shows everything to the surgeons on Wednesday's, so that maybe the day. But, gosh I would be nice. Maybe tomorrow, we will see!

The kids are out of school tomorrow. We do not have anything planned. We might go to the park or something. I need to check the weather. But, this is what I have to do most of the day!! Ugh.. This is after three loads already. Really, where does it all come from!

No News is Good News!!

I hope. We still know nothing. Ugh. The hardest thing is the unknown. Not knowing anything. First one of the Dr.'s were out and now the nurse is out sick. So looks like next week. But, thats ok. We are hanging in there. I want them to really look over everything and I want him to get the help he needs so if that takes time, then we will wait. Believe it or not, the days fly by. I stay so busy! So it will be Monday before we know it.
Wesley is about the same. No better no worse. Well, I will write more this weekend.
Keep praying. :)

Patience

Ugh... This is hard. I spoke with the nurse today and she stated that she was at the hospital and ready to present everything to the surgeons (each case has two), when she finds out that one had something come up with his family and could not come in. Ugh.
Lucky, I was in my van parked waiting for Kyra to get out of school. I prayed and asked God to please be with the surgeon and his family for whatever has happen, but I also begged God to please quit this waiting for us. Let us know. PLEASE. Please make Wesley better. So now I hope tomorrow is the day, that we know something. So there is my update, we know nothing.
Wesley is now losing hearing in one ear. This happen when we first found out that he had Chiari. So related, I do not know. Maybe it is just sinses.
Well I am going to get ready for church. I always feel so much better when I go.
Hopefully I have good news tomoorow. Love to All!!

One More Day

I am hoping by this time tomorrow we have heard from NY. I do know they received everything, that is a start. After Wesley being so sick on Saturday, the last two days have been a bit better. We love days like those.
I went to bible class today and I am glad I did. We are discussing the Holy Spirit. Which I think is great timing for me. I am keeping myself busy.
I do not plan to sit on pins and needles tomorrow. I am going with Kyra's class to the firestation tomorrow, that will be fun. She is very excited. So am I!!

So many children are sick right now with the flu and other illnesses. I would like you all to stop today and say a pray for everyone that is sick right now. So far, God Bless, my children are staying well. But, it is all around them. Haley said that her first period class only had ten students a few days ago. Scary!!

Check back tomorrow, I will update as soon as I know something. Enjoy this raining day! Well, here is Texas anyway :)

Sleep

I missed church this morning, which I do not like when I do that. Me and the kids go Sunday and Wednesday whether Wesley can or not. But, today I was a tired. I woke up and then went back to bed. I needed the sleep.
I do not think Kyra and Breanna realized it was Sunday. If they would had I would not had heard the last of it. They love going to their class and then "big church", as Kyra puts it.

When you are going through hard times, you sometimes feel alone. I know I have said this before, but you feel like you really do not have anyone. I feel like I bother people, like they are so sick of hearing me complain. I have a couple of friends, that have just not been around for me like I would had thought. I know everyone is busy, but it still hurts. Anyhow, so I have been down about that. Yesterday we get a card from Wesley's cousin. She had saved her money from working at church and sent it to us. It touched my heart so much and made us both feel so much better. God bless her.

Horrible Day

Is that the word to use, probably not but that is the word I am going to use. Wesley was sick all night throwing up with a mirgaine. So this morning he could not even get out of bed. I felt like he needed to go to the Dr., but he said no. So, I loaded kids up and went to Blake's football game. Blake played well. Wesley had to call into work. As the day went along Wesley has gotten a little better. He has a cold on top of everything else, so I guess he is just sick. Brain related, we do not know. I do know his headaches are getting worse. This morning, I had a bit of a breakdown. I am just worn out. I do not want pity, but I just feel like I am a single mom handling everything myself. And, let me just say I have a new respect for single parents. After laying the kids down for nap, my mom made me get out of the house for a couple of hours. I am glad I did I feel better.
We went down to the Main Street Fair. We just walked around and had a hamburger. One thing I did get. I love books.
Have you heard of "The Christmas Pumpkin"?

This book was written by a local lady. And, I love supporting our local talent. Anyhow, a wonderful children's book. You can check out www.beebopbooks.com
This story proves that if you believe in something, you can make it happen.
And speaking of pumpkins, here is one of mine :)

My kids are what keep me upbeat. Tomorrow is a new day and I pray it is better!

Happy Friday

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
I have had a busy day. I helped decorate at Blake's school this morning. They are having a play on Monday. Wesley got his MRI done. I went directly to the post office and got everything sent. The hospital should have it by Tuesday and then the nurse can present to the surgeons on Wednesday and we should hear something.
Wesley has a cold so that is not helping things any. He has just been sick. I feel so sorry for him.
Until Wednesday we just stay busy and keep praying. We will know something before long.