So I just found out I have shingles. This after a week + mix up thinking I had an allergic reaction to a bee. It was very quickly confirmed by a doctor (not my own) that I did not have a bee sting, a spider bite, or poison ivy. It was much more painful, my neck was burning and stinging more than it was itching and we just assumed that I was having an allergic reaction to whatever the bee was carrying. After 4 more days, the rash was worse and now I had the front half my neck itching and the back half of my neck burning. But only on the left side. So Sunday morning, our wonderful family doctor who worships alongside us graciously looked at me and immediately diagnosed shingles. When I read the description of symptoms online, they fit me to a T. No doubting it, that is what it was. I go and tell Chris and he says, "I thought that was really bad and painful?" And I replied, "THIS is what I have been trying to tell you!". It does hurt a lot at night and in the morning. Now I won't give Chris too hard of a time, because I have reciprocated the same lack of concern multiple times when he had ailments. But none the less, it was quite funny. So please pray that these don't form any blisters/become contagious. Besides the fact that I actually got these the week I turned 35 and often shingles is associated with aging (which my father in law was quick to remind me about)---I think this came along due to stress. Ugh....I haven't had any of that--right? :)
In other news, the auction is wrapping up loose ends. We will hopefully be posting a grand total soon, but preliminary estimates are close to $1600. PRAISE THE LORD! Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It is so overwhelming (in a good way). For those of you that don't know, I also got a job. I am a Title I Para at South Point where Eden & Eli attend. So in that regard, it couldn't be more perfect. I drive them to school and take them home shortly afterwards. I like South Point and am grateful for this answered prayer and this step in helping us bring Chloe home and working/teaching with kids which I also love to do. The downside, is I won't be a part of my normal day MOPS group that I have been in for six years. But now I will attend night MOPS, which is a bit different b/c most of them are working moms. Weird to think after 6 years I am a working mom? The last time I worked full time I was pregnant with Eli and in Forsyth, MO. The hardest hit from this transition is definately the cleanliness of my home. :)
Also, this past Saturday I ran my very first half marathon. It was a very fun weekend of friends, food, and running. My time was 2:39. Not bad, for a girl who had shingles while running. The weather was beautiful. The course was very hilly. And for some reason I enjoyed most of the entire run! Weird, huh?
(Still Smiling and this was afterwards!)Please pray for Ethiopia, the drought in Eastern Africa, for some movement on the waiting list, for stress to be relieved during this time of transition, for our kids, Eden as she takes on more responsibility (Bible Bowl, homework, piano, choir) and balances school and other activities, Eli as he transitions to full day Kindergarten and being completely drained by the early evening, Tobe as he heads to the babysitters and I don't get as much cuddle time as I would like, and Chloe wherever she is at for her health, safety, and quick referral to our forever family, for necessary funds to come in (I would LOVE to be done with fundraisers by the end of the 2011 year), and for God to be glorified in all that we do.
On the most final precious note, my Tobiah was being sad one day about having to go to the babysitter's (although he does normally loves it) and we had to have a talk with him about why mom is working and why he heads to Mrs. Amanda's, etc. We told him "mom was doing her part to help bring Chloe home" and it would be good if you could help us by having a good attitude when heading to the sitters. Now each morning, he cheerfully wakes up and lets us know he is "doing his part" to help bring his litter sister home. He literally says it "I am doing my part." Isn't that precious? I think so.
