Beautiful flowers from my brothers family!

A big thank you my sister-in-law Becky and my brother Lee for the beautiful flowers, dinner, and stopping by to see me this week!  Their thoughtfulness brightened my day!  It was great getting a chance to catch up, get a little fresh air, and see my sweet nephews play for a few minutes.  Thankful for my family and friends!

It’s been a wild month, who knew how much a herniated disc in the neck clamping down on the nerves could cause so much pain in multiple areas of my body!?   I am thankful for the doctors who figured out what was wrong, what was causing the shooting pains down my neck, back, left arm, and numbness in my left fingers this past month. I am not a big fan of doctors or hospitals, but praying that the epidural steroid shot in my neck earlier this week will fix it so I can get back to life as normal.  I had the fun side effect of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting with the shot as well so that has been a challenge this week.  The ceiling fans spinning, people walking by, reading, and even the TV would make me sick.  A box of no-salt saltines, tums, a little bit of rice, and a couple of other bland foods have gotten me through the last few days.  The good news is food is starting to smell good again and the room isn’t spinning anymore so hopefully that it is good sign.

I want to thank my family and friends who have been going through this journey and praying with me.  Your notes, texts, emails, messages, and calls have been huge encouragement during this time. I am truly grateful for my amazing husband, Jake, who insisted that we continue going to the doctor until they were able to figure out the cause of the pain and who has pitched in helping me, driving me to the hospital/doctor appointments, helping around the house, cooking, cleaning, running errands, grocery shopping, taking care of the kids, balancing a very busy work schedule, and so much more.  He has been such a blessing and encouragement during this time. I love him so much!  The girls have been a big help around the house, pitching in when needed, giving me hugs, making their own school lunches, and taking good care of me too. I am a blessed!

Although, it has been a little extra crazy this past month it has made me slow down and reflect on my own heart and life.  God is good all the time.  We may never know why exactly we have to go through times of pain, but He ultimately is in control and can use it for His good.  The medicines have helped some with the pain, but they have also made me a lot more tired and foggy feeling.  Daily activities and multi-tasking have been more frustrating and helping the kids with homework has been very stressful while taking the meds.  The kids especially have noticed a few things I missed or have not done correctly during this past month.  I know that it has taken a toll on them too.  Praying that the treatment I am doing now works so I can get back to taking care of myself and my family again.

Karlie told me a couple days ago “I am tired of you being broken Mom!” Me too kiddo!