Drip Drop

I was originally suppose to be blogging about Diagon Alley but I decided against it. Why? Because it started raining. I was just drawn to get out in it. I put Jackjack in boots and myself. We were splashing around and having a great time. Then magic happened. I felt arms encircle me.

The working giant had emerged from his cave and we have spent sometime dancing in the rain and the puddles. Chris laughing and letting his hair get soaking wet while spinning Jackjack and me around and around. We all looked like drenched rats but it felt good.

Honestly, it felt like weights had been lifted. Just because we are married doesn't mean we have to be all adult all the time. We have love. Love isn't suppose to be boring. It awakens the soul. And the love that flowed today did awaken me. It made me laugh, giggle, and grin like I was in hog heaven.

It feels good having my man dance and do amazing things with me. I never even have to ask.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 25: Letters

Mother:

I love reading over your journals. I now have them everywhere I go since I have scan them and they now on my iBooks. I only wish I had gotten to know you in real life. My heart twists knowing that you died giving me life. Your excited about getting married floored me because it was like reading my own thoughts. I love reading your pregnancy journal. Seeing the other names you came up with for me makes me laugh. You were so excited about being pregnant and being a mom.

Father

We have not always agreed on everything but what parent and child does? I have respected you and you have respected me where most parents do not. You realized that I was strong and smart enough to handle myself. You instilled love, faith, hope and kindness in me. You gave me the foundation of a Godly life and I thank you so much.

We won't agree on everything in coming years and even things now. Just remember that I love you. Thank you for giving me away to the most amazing man and giving me the tiny blessing that stole my heart as well. You are an amazing man yourself. I am truly blessed at the positive impact you had on my life. So many girls complain or cannot say that about their daddy. You on the other hand make me proud to say I am daddy's little girl.

My Girls:

+Maria , +Mary Ann , +Hunter, +Jessica, +Lillian, Hannah Lombardi, and +Carolina; All of you have inspired me in each your own ways. I feel like I can conquer the world with the support and resources you each give me. The impact each of you have made on my life makes feel like I am the woman God wants me to be as I sit here writing this. I feel as though the inspiration you all give makes sense now at where I am in my life.

Jackjack

You started out in my life as my final sibling. I held you a lot when you were first born because your biological mother suffered from postpartum depression so bad she didn't even want to look at you. From the beginning she thought of giving you up for adoption. And now I gladly hold you in my arms at night. I fall in love with your smile, your giggle, you whimpers, and your voice every day. You made me a mommy. My heart clenches when you are in danger or are sick. Seeing you look at me admiringly and then look at Chris like that makes me realize why all the hard spots in my life were placed where they were because I cherish those moments.

Chris:

My other half. The only person to really see me at my worst and my best and totally fall in love with both. The person that calls to me spiritually, physically, emotionally  and soulfully. I never realized that not only would you become so important but also that you would become my best friend. I hold nothing back from you. You impacted every single faucet of my life. You build me up. You test and tempted me. You challenge me. You nurture me. You care for me. Protect me. But most of all you love me. I am always proud to say that I have never thought of leaving you and you tell me all the time there has never been a second that you have thought about leaving. How many couple doubt their relationships? I am not saying that's a bad thing because for many it's a way to show how strong their relationship is in most situation. Sometimes the pity factor gets in or the old "we've been through so much."

We have gave it our all since the very first date. I will always look back on those days and cherish the innocence they held. They showed us in our growing and learning stages of innocence. We will always been in a stage of growing and learning of something. Whether it be career, marriage, or parenting we are going to be learning and growing together. I love you so much and I thank you and the good Lord above for both loving me. 

Together We Are Kicking the Bucket

AND JUST TAKING OVER THE WORLD!

Chris and I are known for our bucket list but we have forever now and that isn't long enough for us.

Today has been amazing for us. It felt amazing being his wife because I still blush at the sight of him in a tank top or even shirtless. Yes, yes it's been two years of dating and countless trips and nights where I have seen him shirtless. But he is ripped and the world knows it there for I will continue to blush. Anyhow we are going take over the world one goal at a time together. And this is just Part 1. As we grow and complete this list I am sure Part 2 will surface.

1. Be the couple everyone is jealous of. For the record Chris says this is ongoing goal.
2. An hour of naked time together a day.
3. Write a book about God and dating together and have it published.
4. Play naked Twister. 
5. Do a couple's journal.
6. Gondola ride. Seriously how many times have we been in Italy together and not done this?
7. Help pursue each other's dreams. Technically we have and will continue to do this as our dreams change and evolve over time.
8. Food Passport! We will write down 50 local places we've never been and then visit one per week for the year as a date.
9. Make out with pop rocks in our mouths.
10. Run the Grand Canyon in a day together.
11. Carve our names into a tree.
12. Bury each other in the sand.
13. Beat him at a thumb war.
14. Spend the afternoon having Mario Kart Tournament.
15. Candle lit bath
16. Disney dates
17. Let go of 100 balloons filled each filled with a Bible verse inside.
18. Go on mission trips together
19. Give Odette rainbow roses.
20. Stomp on grapes and make our own wine.
21. Knock him down unexpectedly down in the front yard and tickle him.
22. Get revenge on her for the above goal.
23. More PDA.
24. Stand on the equator together.
25. Be on all 7 continents together.
26. Play baseball together.
27. Make love on six different continents. 
28. Do a fitness challenge together
29. Go on a dark date. (This has always been an interesting idea to me.)
30. Make our own sex tape. Yes we went there
31. French kiss at the top of the Eiffel tower.
32. Stroll through New York while it's snowing
33. Go on a flea market date.
34. Sing Karaoke together and publicly (not at church)
35. Dress up as Derek and Odette and go around town.
36. Eat spaghetti without utensils.
37. Play Cranium together while eating candy
38. Ride the tallest roller coaster.
39. Ride the tallest drop ride
40. Christmas movie marathon on July 25
41. Try hot yoga
42. Play Super Nintendo all day
43. Read all day together.
44. Going roller skating.
45. Take a week long road trip.
46. Shave each other.
47. Dance on his feet in the kitchen. 
48. Build a fort out of boxes and blankets.
49. Buy land in Washington State.
50. Have a Happy 50th Wedding anniversary... See you soon 2064! 
51. Visit all 50 States together. 
52. Be caught on the kiss cam
53. Go skinny dipping
54. Build a huge fort out of legos
55. Matching pajamas!!!
56. Dance down the road
57. Scream from a mountain top how much we love each other.
58. Go cliff diving together.
59. Spend a week on a houseboat.
60. Go sailing
61. Kiss while skydiving
62. Get matching underwear.
63. Pick out each other's clothes for a week.
64. Watch 26 movies in 26 days, each starting with a letter from the
65. Build a cottage the New England coast.
66. Going skiing together.
67. Do the Husband does my make-up Challenge
68. Do the vice versa from above.
69. Play in a sandbox together.
70. Join the mile high club.
71. Play naked hide and go seek in the dark.
72. Learn to spin plates together.
73. Spider swing on many playgrounds and parks.
74. Paint or draw each other naked.
75. Renew our vows at Disney World for our 20th anniversary.
76. Either learn a new language together or strengthen our other languages together.
77. Have a year where each month is themed "Titanic" "Egypt" "Dr. Seuss" 
78. Try and break a Guinness record together.
79. Visit all the Wonders of the World.
80. Go to the Olympics together
81. Go back to the place where we had our first kiss and make out.
82. Craft things together for the house or for gifts.
83. Go on a couples retreat with church.
84. Attend a retirement seminar and plan accordingly.
85. Once every six months read a book separately then discuss it over coffee.
86. Do things backwards... Wake up at night and start the day there by going to IHOP.
87. Go to a war memorial together.
88. Trace our families to see our family come together.
89. Take photography classes together so we always have awesome family photos.
90. Take a helicopter ride together over volcanoes. 
91. Play bossaball.
92. Go to La Tomatina
93. Ride a cable car.
94. Prepare our wills.
95. Create a family crest and use it.
96. Go shopping on Rodeo Drive.
97. Pray together every morning before we get out of bed.
98. Give Jackjack 8 siblings.
99. Create a family take over list.
100. Grow old together but stay young.

Always

When I first started blogging I wrote a post about my future engagement. It's interesting to know that almost two years ago I didn't want Chris to propose to me. I was content with him just loving and I believe that's how it should be.

Finding love at a Jimmy John's will and always be crazy to me. Yes I had met Chris before but alone and speaking to him not out of being polite was life changing. What if I had decided to eat at Subway or Quiznos? What if he hadn't been upset about his just ended relationship ended with his ex being pregnant by his brother? What if I had went to a different Jimmy John's location? What if I had been determined to return to Jeremy? What if I had turned Chris down from shyness? But the fact remains God put us there and it wasn't by some crazy meet up website or dating website. This was God's plan all along.

We were strangers, starting out on a journey

Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through

Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing

At the beginning with you

We started out on a courting relationship. It was beautiful we had the best times. Even on May 24, 2012 when he gave me my first kiss of my life from a guy I knew Chris was special. We let God lead the way but you all know our story if you have been reading my blog for the past two years. We were completely crazy about each other but we kept the Lord at the center. We prayed together all the time, and nothing has changed at all. I mean how many times does a guy take a girl clear across the world to see a group that she loves last concert before they disband? How many guys find the grandparents she hasn't seen since she was 4 years old?

No one told me I was going to find you

Unexpected, what you did to my heart

When I lost hope, you were there to remind me

This is the start

Then Chris moved to Huntsville himself to live closer to me. Then Jackjack came into the picture and we settled into a relationship of quick kisses, diapers, playing, and taking Jackjack to one house one night and the other house the next night. Jackjack is my half baby brother in reality. My stepmom died and my dad was in no condition to take care of him. So we became parents and took those ropes easily. A small little family.

You're the answer when I prayed

I would find someone

And baby I found you

Then December came for us... We were at Chris's brother's wedding at Disney and Chris says he would like to make an announcement in the middle of our solo dance. I was figuring it was a speech to the couple like normal people do at weddings. Key word: normal, and Chris just isn't that. He told everyone he wanted to tell me something specifically. He proposed right then and there in front of all of Erica's wedding guests (so much for a small quiet engagement right?) The moment he slide my great grandmother's ring on my finger I just cried and cried. We danced and danced that night. I think I could have danced forever that night.

All I want is to hold you forever

All I need is you more every day

You saved my heart

From being broken apart

You gave your love away

I can't find the words to say

That I'm thankful everyday

For the gift

Dancing... This word means the world to Chris and myself. We love to dance. I have come to the conclusion I will never have thin thighs because I have muscle things between regular dancing and pole dancing. But Chris says they are amazing. Dancing to us is the movement of love. We have the sexy wild dancing for releasing energy and anxiety. Our slow dancing can either help us when we are sad or when we are in a romantic mood.

Our lives continued as an engaged couple into the year 2013. We discovered Jackjack's cancer had returned. Being back at St. Jude's was difficult because I wasn't going through those doors as his sister but his mommy. But like his Daddy Chrissy he showed cancer who was boss and my little man is strong as his daddy.

Chris and I did have the wonderful amazing opportunity to travel to Israel together. If there is anything that makes you feel like you are a couple meant to be it's when you touch the bottom of where the cross was together. I felt like this strong force was holding me there and the urge to grab Chris's hand took over me and what's amazing? He was already holding his hand out. We prayed there together.

There's a laugh in my eyes 

There's a waltz in my walk 

And it's been such a long time 

Since there was hope in my talk 

If you never knew 

What it is that's new.. it's you

And now,

We are married. Our big wedding hasn't happened and Lord no I am not pregnant. Chris decided that after someone told him that girls were still thinking they could move in on him that he wanted to show the world who had his heart. He scared the daylights out of me before he told me he was getting us married at midnight. Our wedding date is May 14, 2014. It's a beautiful day. We got married on the same ground and same spot as our first date two years ago.

'Cause when your hands are in mine 

You set a fire that everyone can see 

And it's burning away 

Every bad memory 

To tell you the truth 

If it's something new.. baby it's you

My grandmother from Paris laced up my dress. Lisa (Chris's stepmom ) placed my diamond necklace on me. Mary Ann did my make-up and Hunter did my hair. My daddy being the weirdo that he is insisted  that he was going to put on my garter. And my grandpaw helped me slide on my shoes. My veil was fastened on by Mrs. Greene who helped Chris's mom raise him because she was his neighbor. My daddy drove me and my grandparents.

The world's a different place 

Where nothing's too hard to say 

And nothing's to hard to do 

Never too much to go through 

To tell you the truth 

Everything that's new.. baby it's you

My bouquet was the most gorgeous bunch of white and red lilies. And I felt so gorgeous when I stepped out of that car and my daddy slide my arm through his and told me that he was so proud of me and that my mom would have been proud of me too. He had not spoke of my mother without me bringing it up since I was eight years old so I instantly was ready to cry anyhow and then we walked further and everything came alive at once. Candles where hanging in the sky and in the trees.

So if I get to grow old (oh if I get to grow old) 

With many years behind me (many years behind me) 

There's only one thing I want (aahh) 

One thing I need beside me 

For all that you are 

For everything you do 

For all that you've done 

Just for showing me the truth 

It's you 

It's you 

Baby it's you

Dani was my bridesmaid, Chris's littlest sister. All four of my older brothers where beside Chris and each one of them their lapels were sporting a different Hogwarts house color. I started crying when Jackjack walked in front of me and went running to Chris, who scooped him up and handed him over to my brother Jared.

When it was my turn to walk towards Chris the music that bellowed from the speakers was that of Patrick Doyle's Magic Works. I started crying thinking about the date two years ago dancing in my living room (before we started taking lessons). I felt my daddy start to tremble as he walked me to Chris and when Daddy lifted my veil I kissed him and thanked him for raising me and my poor daddy lost it. He started crying so hard. "My only baby girl." And when Wayne, our minister, asked who was giving me away. My daddy barely whispered, "Her mother and I do." I was bawling. 

We both slid off our True Love Waits rings and placed them a long white candle as Christina Perri's A Thousand Years started playing which was the first song we danced to in the same spot two years ago. This is to burn the night we make love for the first time. Even though Chris isn't a true virgin he is a secondary virgin. We both had soil from our childhood yards and we planted a small bush together. We tied a knot in a rope.

We both had wrote our own vows ages ago and sadly being the perfectionists we are we both had our memorized or well enough to not look at the notes we were able to look if we wanted to do so. We both said poems and Bible verses. Wayne added many Bible verses that we didn't say. Wayne said the traditional "Do you Odette Belle Diana Molyneux take this man Christopher Allen Ryan Raposo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and health, to love, honor and obey, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto him for as long as you both shall live?" I didn't hesitate at all.

"Always."

Chris's eyes grew big and then the humor shown in them. Wayne himself had humorous tone to him as he continued to Chris. 

"Do you Christopher Allen Ryan Raposo take this woman Odette Belle Diana Molyneux to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in heath, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"Always."

"If there be anyone present who may show just and lawful cause why this couple may not be legally wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

We exchanged rings saying, " With this ring, I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone, may my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home."

Then Wayne and Chris exchanged a look.

The next thing that happened shocked me to the very inside of me.

Wayne took out a wand and told Chris to take my right hand. We held hands while looking into each other's eyes. He tapped the wand on our joined hands.

"To Odette, these are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant

with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises

to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you

build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost

secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your

stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so

gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family 

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you

through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your

eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you

when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your

cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are

filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you."

"And to Chris these are the hands of your

best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on

your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all

the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing

them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along

the way, and knowing when it is time to let go

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back

in the evenings after you've both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through

difficult times

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or

console you when you are grieving.

They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you

through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope,

each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that

together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you

to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for

can be realized."

"Will you both hold cherish the hands that are holding during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment and be sure that God blesses these hands Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Saying Always is making the unbreakable vow."

We both said in an unison, "Always." And gold sparks went up behind Wayne. 

"You may kiss your bride and update your Facebook."

Chris dipped me backwards as Westlife's version of "Ain't that Kick in the Head" started playing. 

So Snape married his Lily with an Unbreakable Vow. Now maybe some of you will understand why Chris was so upset the other night. 

Now we are still having our big wedding celebration in October. So there will be another wedding day post! 

Fresh Start Challenge Day 7: Family Isn't Always Blood.

Part of me wants to write about all of my siblings and family members. I love my blood family dearly. My dad is an amazing man with faults. They tell me my mother was a Saint. My older brothers were my rock and shields for many years. Charlotte was my best friend until the day she died. And my baby brothers? I miss them, except for two of them.

Why don't I miss those two? Well one of them my cousin Viv is raising though right now with all she is going through my dad has him. And the other one has become my son. Jackjack will be mine legally in October.

Bridgitte is the cousin that I grew up with all of my life. We traveled the world together. Anything we wanted to do we did it during the school breaks.

And my family now?

Chris is one heck of a husband! He provides well for me and Jackjack. We are already a perfect little family.

Mary Ann is an amazing sister in-law already.

Frankie is so sweet and caring.

To all of the rest of you who I spend all of my time talking to you and hanging out with you know I love you more than my own blood.

Turn the Page

Today begins two new chapters in my life.

For the rest of my life I am no longer single (unless something happens to Chris.) Our engagement party is today. After this people will know it is legit. It exhilarates me. I have someone in my life who actually wants to spend the rest of his life with me. So yes he put a ring on it. I couldn't be any happier about that. We are starting a big chapter in our lives with this step. One where our stories will overlap. Our stories already interweave together.

Our engagement party is tonight. We were going to do it with a 50s theme but since we have had to shorten the time so we can get to Memphis we are going with elegance. My best friend is jumping up and down because I get to wear my hair all fancy. She was so excited when we changed the theme for tonight. She has dubbed my hair style for tonight as being mermaid style. Not really sure what that means but I think I will post pictures of it tonight or she will one.

I know the party will go smoothly no matter what. It's our families getting together for the first time so it's food, music, and small talk. I feel confident about tonight because well really I don't know. I guess it's just because with the other trials in my life the party tonight pales in comparison. Yes we are getting engagement presents but that doesn't matter to me. Maybe I'm wrong in saying that but I feel like I have more pressing issues and I know the party is suppose to take my mind off of those things but I'm not sure that it will.

It's after the party I'm worried about because this begins a gigantic chapter in my life. The last time I went through the doors at St. Jude's I was a patient's sister. When I go through those doors this time I'm his mom. I cannot describe how differently I feel. 1) I have grown attached to Jackjack like he was my own. 2) The last time through those doors my dad and stepmom were the ones taking responsibility for Jackjack.

Those papers that scattered my dad's hotel bed will be the papers I stare at trying to decipher them. The words that I didn't understand and didn't want to sound stupid by asking what they meant I will have to know. Realizing that those cries coming from Jackjack may not always be soothed away by a cookie or a gentle song. I feel helpless slightly. I know God has Jackjack and me in His hands but I feel so out of place already. I'm scared that other mothers will laugh and scoff at me. I know I shouldn't but it has crossed my mind several times.

I just ask that all of you keep Jackjack in your prayers. We have surgery and chemo starts.

Black Friday and No. 2!

What happens after Santa arrives at Macy's, the turkey is gone, and the last piece of pecan pie is gone? Why shopping of course! Well this year that's halfway true. I will be napping after finishing up my plate at Erica's because we plan to be lined up at Belk's by 11:00 pm on Thanksgiving Night. Yep Night.

We started this tradition two years ago. We were dumb and young and went to the Galleria and Walmart. Those have been axed since that year. We are staying in Tuscaloosa and avoiding Walmart like the plague. Yes great deal but I don't feel like getting bruises or dying for them. Belk is bad enough with the bruising.

We are already planning our plan of attack because the so-called "leak" sales are out now. However, everyone knows to save up money and buy their own newspaper Thanksgiving morning. I have many places I want to go because I have lots of people to buy for this year. Some I have already started buying and hiding. I had to go ahead and buy my grandmother's because she arrives tomorrow.

I have to go to JcPenny's every year! This will be my 11th consecutive year of shopping on Black Friday in the States! We always came over here for Thanksgiving and I went shopping every year even the ones I had to work I managed to get the afternoon shift. The reason for going to JcPenny's is because they have the snowglobes which prove I have been going every year. I have them displayed on my desk this year.

Do I push and shove? No. I am going to get a few things for my family and friends. I like hanging out with my friends and family coming up with ideas to come back and get later on. This year being no exception because our family and friends have grown and continue to grow each day. I think God really has blessed us in this year. Many of them have gotten married and are starting families.

New stores come into play with babies on the way or babies that have been born this year. New stores also come into play because there have been stores that have been built this year or have reopened. It's a wonderful thing knowing that Tuscaloosa has rebuilt so much and keeps on building back stronger every week. CVS on McFarland and 15th Street should be opened by December! It's a wonderful thing knowing that it's coming back so strong.

I look forward to letting all of you know what deals I score that day. If you are in Tuscaloosa that day, I promise I'll be in Bath and Body Works during that day! I love that store and have a whole list of things to buy!

Oh PS.... Roll Tide! Bama's back at the number 2 spot!

Crismon Tide

Happy Alabama Homecoming 2012

Today is the homecoming for the University of Alabama! I was a student here a year ago and I remember how I hated all the noise and people. Now I am part of the noise and crowd of people. I came here last night for the bonfire and pep rally.

Source

Got up at 5 this morning to get our bundled up butts to stake out a good spot to tailgate and to watch the parade. I am in charge of Esme and Ariel while Gene and everyone else set everything up to tailgate and to watch the parade. I am have had the awesome job of keeping up with the gang's kids. Which has been a lot fun. We have danced, sang, face painted, made origami, and I taught them the Alabama cheers. Of course the LSU and Auburn section of our group wasn't up for that hey I do what I can.

Source

The parade this year is suppose to be wild and huge. I'm excited about that! The kids are all excited to watch the floats and get ready for the game. I'm very excited because my guy should be here soon from his retreat and get here just in time for the parade. I know one thing that has made my day is Gene's littlest one, Esme. She is the sweetest little girl and adorable at that. She has clung to me all day. She is just two and is so sweet and polite.

We are finishing out Vampire Week with a book review that I have been promising for two months now tomorrow. Also tomorrow is Bridgitte's baby shower. Which is theme Halloween/Nightmare Before Christmas/Rockstar. Ridge, Gene and I have all been working on it. It will be held at Mrs. Ray's house (Travis' mom's house) and the gang is invited. Bridgitte didn't want a lot of people. She was satisfied with the gang. I really cannot believe that they should be here in 7 weeks!!! I swear it was just like yesterday when it was 7 MONTHS! Now we are down to just 7 weeks. Also Claire's shower is coming up very soon. Maddy, Viv, and Claudette showers are in late November. It's so crazy. It's baby central! I love it.

Sorry today I have baby fever thanks to Esme. Her little, warm chubby cheeks and big blue eyes. Those sweet little hands is what really gets me. The dependency when she is grabbing my hand is what pulled my heart. Which gets me even more ready for Jackjack to come home! But for now I am going to enjoy baby central here in Tuscaloosa! Roll Tide!

Simple Things

I have a lot going on, but I have center in my life. God. At times it may seem like I have a different center, but I will knock whatever is trying obstruct my view of God out of my way. Is it easy? No, not always, but God is the one who gives me peace.

Jackjack is doing great. He is starting to pick back up some energy. He's slightly confused that his mom hasn't come to see him. That has me slightly worried. Last week she committed suicide for those of you who don't know. My stepmom was found dead in a hotel not far from the hospital where my one year old brother is fighting cancer. I have been devastated, angry, and confused. How could she take her own life knowing she had sons all under the age of 13 and daughter of 22 with a baby on the way? Everyone keeps saying she hated the responsibility of being a mom. It burns me up. How can you be that selfish? Was it really to just get attention? These questions may never be answered and I accept that. I'm mature enough to accept that.

Work is fabulous. I love going to work. I enjoy the conversations I hear between small children. It makes me realize how my problems really aren't that big. It brings simplicity to my life. I love the many cards I get. The situation of when Mrs. Who's (that's me) boyfriend comes in and makes his wallet catch on fire (he has a joke wallet) and the kids just love him. And Mr. Chris just loves them. We are doing all sorts of fall arts and crafts. I also do artsy food on Friday and they love that!

Mr. Chris? Well he is doing just fine. We did run into a slight problem yesterday. He got to thinking about his past and how he still treats a certain friend. It really had him down. Then our date was cut short because he had a slight stomach bug. We worked on both problems and he is back to being his normal self. We have really enjoyed our new finds of records We love the songs "Do What Lovers Do" by The Channels, "Stay" by the Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, and "Play a Love Song" by The Jaguars. The last one we have danced to in his living room with the lights dimmed and drinking wine and the fire crackling. 

Me? Well I'm enjoying life. I've decorated for fall and Halloween. I'm loving this cold weather! It makes me just feel like I've been cooped up in a hole all summer and I pretty much have been for a while. I'm on my porch as much as I can be now. I love talking and hanging out with all of my friends too. I have friends that vary with their personalities. I love it though. Some friends I get to see and others I don't but will get to see soon. 

For now though, I'm heading to the salon to get my eyebrows waxed. Enjoy your Tuesday night, or whatever night you are reading this on.

****PAUSE MUSIC BELOW IF YOU ARE READING THIS ON A DESKTOP OR LAPTOP****

Mixed Emotions

I'm really confused right now with everything going on. I know God has plan and purpose for everything. I just need a little bit of guidance on how to handle everything and what should I do first.

So last week was a wonderful trip to Disney World. I came in the top 25 runners of the Tower of Terror 10 miler. It felt great during the race. However, it was so humid during it that it felt like I was breathing oven air. I was a nice sweaty mess afterwards. I washed off with wet wipes and stuck my head under a sink faucet and put foam mousse into it and then put my hair under the hand dryer (Disney beauty at it's finest.) We stayed in the park until at least 4 in the morning because it was opened to those of us who ran 10 miles and our family and friends.

The trip really was wonderful. Yeah it rained and it was extremely humid, but we were able to look beyond that. We did a lot of shopping and shows that I know I had never really explored before and I've been there several times in my life. (I'll be honest. I did more shopping this time because I was desperate for some air conditioning.) Chris and I danced in the rain. I spent long hours in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I still never get bored there. I am almost finished my collection of wands. To me a trip to Orlando is not complete without a stop at WWoHP!

When we came home I knew I had school work to do. I did manage to remember my Google course that was due on the 10th. I did a review on the class HERE. I did get to take a survey on the class today. I cannot wait to get my certification from Google. For me it means more knowledge and I really love that.

Now for the part of the blog that has me upset. I got a message around 9 on Monday night from my dad. "You need to get to Memphis as fast as you can." My blood went cold and one thing came to mind; Jackjack. I packed two days worth of clothes in a bag and left immediately. I drove all night. I cut corners getting there as fast as I could. I'll admit I was speeding. I know at one point I was literally going 90 mph. I went to the hospital only to find Jackjack fine and my oldest brother sitting there. He looked sort of ashen to me when he turned to me and told me to go to the hospital.

I was so scared it was dad. Let me make it clear that for most people my age my dad is like a grandfather agewise. I pulled in and I come face to face with my other brothers. I really start to panic because I know it has to be severe for them to come out of their shells. Job looked at me and said, "She's gone." I stared at him. And may God forgive me for thinking this but my mind flashed with "Oh my God. She killed dad and took his money." I was afraid that dad was telling me to get there because he knew she was about to kill him.

However, I heard dad's voice, but then what was Job talking about. Dad was asking for me. I went to him and he had tears in his eyes. It finally dawned on me. My stepmom hadn't just left this time. She had taken the last resort to get away from everything. Dad hugged me for a long time. He asked me had I talked to Viv who is my stepsister, who is pregnant. I hadn't and I really didn't want to be the one to tell her that her mother was gone.

Everything the next day was a blur for me. I was stunned. My mind kept going to Jackjack, Jonah, John, Jacob, and Viv. What does it take for a mother to not want to raise her children or see her grandchild? It has bothered me all along. It has hit my immediate family, for the most part, hard. My oldest brothers never really had anything to do for her and they wouldn't even go to the funeral so they are staying with Jackjack. The funeral is in Paris, where she was from growing up.

I am in Paris as I write the last part of this blog. We are in a nice hotel because Lance (Viv's husband) said that we would spend the rest of the time here at his house, but he wanted to stay in a hotel for now. I had no problem with staying in a hotel for the night. Chris, of course, hide me a surprise in my luggage. I have a new novel  and journal. That man never stops amazing me and I love him more everything day.

I leave you all for now.

Sick and Tired

**Warning** Strong views on this subject if you disagree please don't bother commenting, if you agree and want to tell me go ahead a comment. I've been thinking about these decisions since I was young and they aren't going to change. Also when I say child (2-18)

I have had the urge to be a mother since I was just a baby myself. I had so many baby dolls it on the point of pathetic. The thing is my dolls were not like the some other little girls' dolls. My dolls could be bad and they were punished. No I did not beat my dolls, but they were spanked. Just like I was and I am not ashamed to say it.

I am a pro spank. I do believe however that there is a way you should do it. I do not agree with child abuse and do not start telling me that it is. If the child believes it is ok to hit people because you are spanking them then there is some hitting going on elsewhere in their lives. I never once thought it was okay to hit someone.

I was spanked a lot as a child. I wanted to do what my brothers did. I thought it was awesome to climb trees even when dad told me not to climb them. And let us not forget the time I thought it was so cool that I climb the hay bale trying to chase after Jared. I do not resent my dad for spanking me for those things at all. It was a consequence.

It amazes me how America claims it was started to get away from Government telling them what to do about church and here 200 and 300 years later they are doing the same thing to their own country. "Allow gay marriage." "You do not have the right to spank you kids." I'm sorry, but if the people back in 1700s heard this they would be screaming witchcraft at all of us. I don't blame them.

I'm tired of parents giving in to their kids. "Oh his mother walked out on us that's why he acts the way he does." No the real reason is he wants your attention and guidance dummy. "Well it's just a phase." Yeah it's a phase that won't end unless you put your foot down. "I raised them better than that they wouldn't do that." Apparently you didn't because they are telling everyone but you and the people in charge that they did it. "His teacher isn't teaching him right. I never see him crack open a book." Well duh you are too busy at work and/or you don't make him study at home like he should. Open your eyes parents. You think the world is turning into such an awful place you can change it by starting with your own kids.

Stop living like granted all sorts of freedom to your child will help rectify that you felt like you were enclosed as a child. I realize you want to be the cool parent, but what a child really wants is love. Just saying I love you and buying things doesn't get it. Rules and consequences will be what really sticks out in their head because it shows that with all that is going on in your own life you care.

If your child messes up do not stop loving them. Yes crack the rules down further. Do not compare them with a sibling or friend because that does hurt and brings down self esteem. A child has to realize right and wrong. I see the same problem with my stepmom and dad. They give in to my oldest brother so much because they don't want to deal with his tantrums.

He is twelve years old. I do not allow that crap when he is with me. I meant business with him. I might have been mean sissy afterwards but he respects me now and talks to me like a human being and not his slave. I know he reads my blogs and I know for a fact he doesn't care that I'm putting this out there because 1) It is my own right. He is the minor. Yes he is a human being with feelings, but I am not shaming him for this. 2) He knows he deserves it. His own reaction to when I put him in his place? He hugged me.

Parents stop thinking your children are little innocent angels. They aren't and they won't be unless you teach them wrong from right. That goes back to you, not church leaders or school teachers, you! What you do you child will do.

I never knew my mom. Did that justify me not getting to my butt spanked? No it didn't. If anything it should have furthered it so I can make her proud. I want to make her proud and being a spoil brat that gets in trouble all the time and nothing happens.She would not be happy if my dad beat me for nothing though. So it does balance out. I do not fear my dad at all. I love him for spanking my butt as a child. If you do not feel loved after that then they either did it wrong or you are just close minded to understand.

Also if you feel like you need to work 2 jobs, spend outrageous amounts on clothes, and material things and you cannot afford a child do the whole world a favor and close your legs and don't have any. I get so sick of hearing "I'm having to work 2 jobs because his dad is a good for nothing that never comes around." 1) That problem could have been solved with you a long time ago. A relationship takes time. A baby will not help things in many cases it makes then worse on the relationship. So many times couples don't talk about having children. Well they talk about having them with all the sweetness and happiness they don't talk about budgeting or how to disciple a child. And if there is a conflict they just shrug it off but then they have sex and you can shrug it off when the child is actually in the world. Close your legs or make role model decisions.

On an ending note. I do plan to spank my children if they need it. I'm sure like most children they will from time to time. Please do not try to persuade me it won't do you any good. Below is a perfect example I'm sure we have all seen and heard where a child needs a spanking.

This Halloween

I should be doing some school work, but I'll finish it soon. It's easy that's why I put it off until the last second. My cousin and I went to Target yesterday. I wanted to get a few things before the trip. I was struck when an idea while pouring over the Halloween items.

I love Halloween. Jeez I can hear the gasping and I haven't even published this yet. Yes, this die hard Christian girl loves Halloween. I am not all about gore and scaring people. A little scary is fine, but to the point where people have hysterics, no. Nor do I believe in pulling extreme mean jokes and pranks on people. I think it might be the teacher in me that loves watching the little ones dress up.

My idea is I'm going to do treat bags a little differently. "Oh no she is going to put Bible verses in the treat bags." Lol no. I'm putting other things beside candy in the bags this year. I am going to put a few Christian like things in there because I'll be making Trunk or Treat bags. But I think I'm only going to do half candy and half other things to use. But not Halloween things because that always irked me. Oh Halloween erasers on Halloween, still using them at Christmas.

But my big surprise is I'm going to make Jackjack a huge Halloween basket. I'm going to make the rest of my brothers one as well. But Jackjack's is going to have things he can play with while at the hospital. So that will be my gift for him!

Go For the Gold this Month!!!!

Chili's Grill & Bar began its Create a Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer promotion for St. Jude in 2002 in its Memphis-area restaurants. For me back then cancer was all the same. By the time it reached our Chili's in Alabama during our break before school started I just always thought it was leukemia. I've become a lot wiser and knowledgeable about cancers and the different kinds.

My first dose of cancer in my life started with mother of my stepmom I have now. All I heard was she had colon cancer. I realized then when trying to understand what was going on then that there were several kinds. Aurora, came into my life as a friend and family and she had always had cancer. She has been fighting it all of her life. Before I knew him personally Chris had to battle cancer. Now here I am with it as close to me as it ever has been. My tiny baby brother, Jackjack, suffers from Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

So we are in the first week of September which actually is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I have never made this a big deal before because honestly I wasn't aware of it. I colored the pepper at Chili's but I never put much thought into where the donation was going. This time when I make my pepper look like Harry Potter I will be dedicating it to Jackjack. And Chris has said that he will be drawing the Incredibles Logo on his.

If you want to learn more please click below:

• National Cancer Institute
• St. Jude's Children Hospital
• Cure Childhood Cancer

Be sure to Create Your Pepper and Donate!

Chili's Create A Pepper

A Surprise for Tomorrow

Ok so first true week of school is over and it's been a week. God and I have talked through a lot of it. I've tried listening while also listening to my professors and advisers. I can't do that. So, I've been trying to take some what of a break at the very least 5 minutes and just telling God "Look I can't do this without you." Tiny prayers do it. I'm telling you. Major mess ups with advising and God fixed all of them. One of them I was really starting to panic and I told myself stop listening to the professor and stop panicking. I prayed and by the end of the class time it was resolved. So for those of you who have been praying for me as I go back to school, thank you!

I'm sure you are all wondering about Jackjack, if you have been keeping up with me through Facebook and on here. He is doing fine. They are taking his bone marrow. After reading about how they would do it I cried. I have a feeling I'm going to cry a lot. Not because I don't think its fair, but because of the pain he is having to go through. Just please keep him in your prayers as my family and him start this journey.

We leave for Dallas in a few hours. The first football game for the University of Alabama is being held in Cowboy Stadium. Many of my family and friends are going together. That's why this post is going to be cut short for today because I need to finish packing and get moving. I do apologize and I promise a surprise tomorrow!

He Will Continue to Surprise Me

I grew up with the Disney Princesses and home videos of past recordings. When my mom married my dad they received a VCR and my mom was crazy about taping little kid shows. For that I'm grateful. She also bought so many children book for me it was ridiculous. My grandmother in Paris said she was almost crestfallen when she had Jared because she wanted a girl so bad. She wanted a girl to dress up and have tea parties with air for tea.

I was and still am a slight tomboy, but I have always loved romantics. I took dance in Paris. Yes, people are gasping in Tuscaloosa reading this. I am actually able to stand on toe for ballet. I took dance for over ten years. It's amazing I have been able to keep it a secret for this long. I realized that yesterday I missed it. When I was stretching and Viv said something about me taking dance and Maddy almost fell off the couch. Yes, miss-fall-down-the-stairs is a Prima Ballerina in Paris. Maddy wouldn't believe it.

I had to prove to her that I really could. I think my favorite thing was Chris's facial expression. Why I thought he would be astounded I don't know, but I looked over there at him. He was giving me the famous look at this point.

It wasn't until he stood up that I got slight nervous. He kicked off his shoes and grabbed me and told me to do a certain position quickly. Next thing I know he is one foot on his tiptoes. I know my eyes were wide. I was completely shocked. Maddy had Dr.Pepper dripping down her chin. Constance was doing a half-cracked smile. "You have taken ballet?!" I know I almost screamed that at him. "Yes, eight years." So apparently my boyfriend has been honest to his word. We have much to learn about each other.

So, we were talking last night and I looked at him and asked him was there anymore hidden talents. He just grinned. I asked him did he ever get made fun of because he liked to girly things. Again the Flynn Look came from him. "I love to learn; stereotyping has never stopped nor does it change my orientation." My love grew him for him at that statement. We put in Beauty and the Beast. We fell asleep with Jackjack between us.

Surprise!

Ok, so most of you should know I go back to school tomorrow. I'm slightly anxious because a lot of my classes are online. That way I can work and still go to school at the same time. So on Mondays and Wednesday you won't be able to reach me from 11am-1pm. I have a class that I can take while at work but I really need to keep my focus.  On Thursday nights I won't be able to talk because I will have a class then as well but that's actually requiring me to go to the campus.

I also have to more classes but they are on Podcast and I just have to have them finished by the end of the semester. So I will be working on a few things here and there while writing blogs and such. This is probably where the blogs will start to dwindle, however, I will strive to keep the same pace.

When I arrived home yesterday I had a small party waiting on me. My dad, my stepmom, my lovely stepsister/cousin, my other cousin and all my baby brothers were there. I was really excited because yesterday the two oldest of the baby brothers started school and I was happy to hear how their days went. John starts having after school practice today after school. I cannot believe he is in the 7th grade.

They all wanted to know how my first day back at work was and how Sunday night went going to the Target Takeover with the School. It is really nice having family that cares about you and is dying to know how even the little things go. I quickly made some snacks and fixed drinks. While I was gone they produced a big present. I was quickly pushed and coaxed into opening the box. Inside was something I had to laugh at to myself.

Vera Bradley

I had just bought a wristlet from her company on Sunday, but inside my present was a backpack that matched the wristlet I had bought yesterday. The outside is black and white flowers with a red background. The inside is black and white houndstooth. I'm sure I'll post pictures soon but for now here you go:

However, that was not all as I quickly told by my 2-almost-3 year old brother who popped my hand and told me to "ook or!" (Look more! for those of you who don't speak toddler talk.) I smiled at my stepsister, Viv, who I'm sure I'll be discussing more now that she has moved from Paris, France to Huntsville, Alabama for good. I know she had something to do with the next thing I seen.

If you kept up with my Summer Bucket list you know one of my things was to get a personalized planner from Erin Condren. I did get that but they had gotten me a personalized iPad folio. Which is similar to a cover for it but it also folds certain ways so I can do more with my iPad. 

designer ipad folios -favorite things

This matches my planner and Viv was very sneaky about how she got what my favorite 50 things were for the design. But once again I was told to keep digging in the big TV box. (Which hopefully means dad got a new tv. He desperately needed one.) There were many more gifts. I'll just list them below. 

Storage Bath Rolling Mirror

Houndstooth and Black Faux Leather Instead of Zebra

Jewely & Storage Organizer

Dry Erase Collegiate Calendar

Now the reason I got these things was something I wanted to know. I was stunned, shocked, and overwhelmed. I asked daddy why. He didn't respond instead my stepmom answered. "Because you deserve it." The woman that for over six years and more I had despised, and was the reason I had to ask forgiveness so many times, was complimenting me. She told me I had worked hard to get to where I am today and that I deserved a little pampering. I hugged her and for the first time ever I think we both felt like it was a real hug.

We all talked for a while. They left because they were all going out to dinner. They offered to me and everyone staying at my house if we would like to join and we declined. I just sat there in awe with my youngest baby brother Jackjack who was playing with Abby. I sent my stepmom an email and I think now we might have realized what we have been missing out on all these years.

Just to Make Her Laugh More:Updated

You aren't scared of Erica?

Oh, you seriously think you aren't?

Are you asking for death?

Oh ok.

or

For Erica

You mean to tell me you messed with Erica's daughter?

Crohn's

Crohn’s is a disease that is just now getting some public recognition. People have been suffering from it for a while and nobody believed that they were suffering.  It’s frustrating for the patients with that disease because nobody can really understand their pain.  Another reason it’s hard to understand is because the disease affects each person differently. Completely different in some cases with how it affects patients.

I have two people in my life that suffer through this. Frankie, one of Chris’s triplets and Erica, who is a very close friend and will be marrying Chris’s brother in December. I say suffer because I have seen both of them doubled over in severe cramps. I have seen then both in the bathroom for hours dealing either with diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Both have had surgery because of their internal organs have failed them. Erica is in remission with few flare ups and Frankie never knows if he will be able to keep going on through life.

Realistic pain scale chart for Crohn's Disease!

I finally got frustrated enough with seeing how people treated them both. I have done research on this. It’s heartbreaking what they have to go through. I never knew some of the information until today while reading this information for this blog. For starters I love how these patients call themselves Crohnies. I want people to be aware of this disease like they are aware of cancer.

People devote time to cancer patients because so many are dying. I have to wonder if living a half-life is any better than dying. Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. Affecting both males and females Crohn’s doesn’t pick just a gender. Smokers are two times more likely to develop Crohn's disease than nonsmokers. So the cancer sticks cause more disease than just cancer. This would be another good reason not to smoke.

Crohn's disease tends to present initially in the teens and twenties, with another peak incidence in the fifties to seventies, although the disease can occur at any age. Both people I know are in the twenties. Frankie has the more serious symptoms has known that he had since he was 17, but suffering from it since he was 15. This disease has no exact causes. Genetics and environmental factors are closely monitored.

There is no medically accepted pharmaceutical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, maintaining remission, and preventing relapse. Some people have relapsed from it just like they do cancer. Years later the symptoms come back.

If people are having remissions after 10 or 15 years doesn’t that make this an old disease? Yes, as a matter of fact it. The disease was named after gastroenterologist Burrill Bernard Crohn, who, in 1932, together  colleagues Dr. Leon Ginzburg and Dr. Gordon D. Oppenheimer at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, described a series of patients with inflammation of the terminal ileum, the area most commonly affected by the illness.

When reading about inflammatory bowel diseases, it is important to know that Crohn’s disease is not the same thing as ulcerative colitis, another type of IBD. The symptoms of these two illnesses are quite similar, but the areas affected in the gastrointestinal tract are different.

Crohn’s most commonly affects the end of the small bowel (the ileum) and the beginning of the colon, but it may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon, also called the large intestine. In some cases, however, it may not be possible to tell the difference, in which case the disease is classified as indeterminate colitis. Frankie has been classified as indeterminate colitis.

Crohn’s is characterized by periods of improvement followed by episodes when symptoms flare up. With treatment, most people achieve a healthy weight, and the mortality rate for the disease is relatively low. However, Crohn's disease is associated with an increased risk of small bowel and colorectal carcinoma, including bowel cancer.

There is no cure for Crohn's disease and remission may not be possible or prolonged if achieved. Sometimes when remission happens relapse can be prevented and symptoms controlled with medication, changes in life, and in some cases, surgery. In some cases where Crohn’s treatments have worked the disease may not significantly restrict daily living. Erica can live a semi-normal life. She still has a ton of medication to take and treatments she has to do every week. And at times she has to have notes from her doctor to take to her classes because she is still in college. For her sometimes mandatory classes are not an option.However, Frankie is not that lucky. He lives with assisted living village and is younger than my 23 years.

It is proof that doctors and nurses don’t always have the answers. They both have had lifestyle changes. They both have had success and let downs when it comes to changes things in their lives to see if it helps with their symptoms that are called flare ups. Erica quit smoking and it helped hers to a certain degree. They both have found that eating in small portions has helped. They both have food diaries where they keep track of how every little morsel put into their mouth affects them. They both have foods that affect them. What is weird none of their foods match up at all. As for medicine they both have a pharmacy that they have to take.

A lot of people find this disease taboo because it deals with bowels and find it gross. For them, it makes dealing with their situation worse when people are grossed out by their problem. There are things you shouldn’t say to people who have lost a child, has AIDS, has cancer, or lost a limb. And there are things for people suffering from Crohn’s that they don’t want to hear. “That’s gross.” “You look great.” “You can’t always be this tired.” “You don’t look sick.” “You have to go bathroom again?” “You have to eat more than that.” “Just try this.” “You can’t eat that but you can’t eat this?”

After reading forums and articles all day I realized how much a hassle this is for these people. They both have handicap tags which some people don’t deem that it’s fair. Well they can’t control their bowels as the rest of us and they need to be able to access a bathroom as fast as they can. Erica told me when I was planning our Disney trip for Frankie that he would need a medical pass from Disney in the case he has a flare in the middle of the line and has to run to the restroom and we don’t have to back at the end of the line. I had forgotten that she too has to have a pass like that. If either one of them had jobs they would have to have a doctor’s note. Well Erica has a job but she is the owner of the company so she does her own thing.

A Graphic Erica Gave me which makes her smile.

Looking great because they have lost up 50lbs is not great for them. It means everything they have eaten has revolted against them in some form. They suffer from fatigue differently. Frankie has to deal with this symptom more than my female friend because he cannot get up as easily and move around like she can. Erica runs and does core building strengthening exercises. He has recently found that yoga helps him more than anything else.

They both find that enemas are beneficial to them. It helps them both. It is embarrassing for them however because once again it is not a very common practice or attractive procedure. They both tear up sometimes while talking about them. It can be painful for them at times. 

The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia, and professional guidelines suggest routinely monitoring for this. Adequate disease control usually improves anemia of chronic disease, but iron deficiency may require treatment with oral iron supplements.  Both of them have to take those supplements.

Crohn's cannot be cured by surgery, though it is used when partial or a full blockage of the intestine occurs. Surgery may also be required for complications such as obstructions, fistulas and/or abscesses, or if the disease does not respond to drugs. After the first surgery, Crohn's usually shows up at the site of the resection, however it can appear in other locations. After a resection, scar tissue builds up; this can cause strictures, which form when the intestines become too small to allow excrement to pass through easily, which can lead to a blockage. After the first resection, another resection may be necessary within five years.

Both of them have had to deal with fistulas and abscesses. An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. An anal fistula is almost always the result of a previous abscess. Just inside the anus are small glands. When these glands get clogged, they may become infected and an abscess can develop. A fistula is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus. Both of these are common with Crohn’s patients.

Frankie is one of the more severe cases so he is always a contender for surgery. He recently had part of his colon removed. It breaks my heart because they had to staple his stomach back together because stitches wouldn’t have worked. He and Erica both have also suffered through rectal prolapse, which is when the tissue that lines the rectum falls down into or sticks through the anal opening.

In some cases, intestinal transplant surgery may be considered; though the number of transplant centers offering this procedure is quite small and it comes with a high risk due to the chance of infection and rejection of the transplanted intestine.

They both are prone to getting sores on their legs called pyoderma gangrenosum, or erythema nodosum. Neither of those do I recommend looking up if you have a weak stomach. Crohn's disease also increases the risk of blood clots; painful swelling of the lower legs can be a sign of deep venous thrombosis, while difficulty breathing may be a result of pulmonary embolism.

Crohn's disease may cause osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Individuals with osteoporosis are at increased risk of bone fractures.Crohn's disease can also cause neurological complications most common of these are seizures, stroke, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, headache and depression.In the oral cavity crohn's patients may suffer from cheilitis granulomatosa and other forms of orofacial granulomatosis, pyostomatitis vegetans, recurrent aphthous stomatitis. None of these would make me feel good about eating especially knowing that my body is going to be going through everything even worse when digesting the food you are eating.

Along with high fevers and night sweats and for Erica losses of a menstrual cycle are all other symptoms that they have to deal with when the flare ups hit. They both love hot baths, hot water bottles, enemas (when they don’t have medicine in them), and green tea. So Crohn’s may not kill you but it can throw your entire lower have into chaos.

More than half of people with Crohn's disease (including Erica and Frankie) have tried complementary or alternative therapy. These include diets, probiotics, fish oil and other herbal and nutritional supplements.

I think a lot of these patients need help from their families. 

After spending hours reading into this I cannot imagine living the lives these two extraordinary people do, and living with that disease.  Below are the websites that helped me to better grasp what these people deal with on a daily basis. I will be a lot grateful to God that I have normal a digestive track from now on every day.

I HIGHLY recommend looking at these if you have a friend or loved one that is struggling this because there is no cure and it won't get better over night. Even if you are going to be around someone that has this disease you need know what to do or what to say when they aren't feeling well.

• Crohn's & Colotis Foundation of America
• The Great Bowel Movement
• Life of a Crohnie Girl
• Crohns and Me
• Living With Crohn's Disease
• 11 Things Not to Say to Someone With Crohn's Disease
• Bright Side of Crohn's
• Crohnies