My polka-dot chair is happy today :)

I finished this pillow last night.

I'm basically inlove with it.

Got the inspiration from a pillow my sissy got from Target:

I hesitated in putting this up cause I really do think the target one is cuter than mine :( HOWEVER- I really really love mine! If I did it all over again, I would've put those danged flowers closer together/made the flowers bigger. Oh well. Live and learn. I know this phrase is probably getting old, but there will be a tutorial on it soon! teehehe. Seriously- just give me a weekend and I'll get em up! PEACE!

Merry Christmas!

Okay- so first off I have to show you what I made my sister-in-laws Harmoni and Makayla! I've been dying to put them on here but just to be PERFECTLY safe I didn't want to risk it before Christmas. I made them both jewlery boards! And those ribbon strips are for headbands! They loved them and I am soooo happy. And jealous! My jewlery board is SO BORING compared to theirs!

HARMONI'S JEWLERY BOARD

MAKAYLA'S JEWLERY BOARD

I also made Patty this pillow! She just recovered a chair a lot like mine- and she said she wanted a brown or gold pillow to put on it- so I thought, oh I'll just make one! I LOVE IT! I need to make one for my chair now!


I really wish I woulda taken a pic of the wallet/makeup holder/whatever she wants to use it for thing that I made my mom. It is soooo cute. So cute in fact that I DID make one for myself, but it's a titch different. I'll just wait for my momma to put a pic up later.

PS- the tutorials for the pillow and jewlery boards are coming later this week if you're interested! Both are pretty simple!

Good things happen to good people

Me happy about my Jamba and cute cute card- seriously love that card!

Today and yesterday, Clay has felt kinda like death. When that happens, he doesn't want to eat ANYTHING! Seriously- nothing sounds good. So the thing is, he needs to eat. Especially cause he has to take his pills...which require food. So anyway- I asked a number of options if he wanted and finally asked if he wanted a Jamba (for those who don't know that's a smoothie place- yummilicious)...FINALLY that sparked some interest. So I went ahead and scooted myself down to Jamba Juice and after what appeared to be three teenage meth addicts got their jambas, I ordered ours. Well it just so happened that they were doing this special. The girl talked to me about it. And somehow, I ended up with a free hot chocolate! Without spending any extra money! Fabulous. Then to top it off she asked if I wanted a carrier for my stuff, and well yeah- I did! Cause I don't know about you non-coffee drinkers but it always just LOOKS cool when people are carrying a bunch of drinks ya know? So anyway...I was pretty excited about that.

Another great thing about today...a girl from Canada bought one of my camera strap covers, and I received her check in the mail today along with a CUTE CUTE card. In the card she basically said that she knew about my husband's and my illness, and that even strangers I've never met like her are praying for us. She said that my positive attitude will pull me through! Seriously...made my day. What a sweetheart. I love making new friends- I now consider her one!

Dante is just about the cutest little (big) thing ever. I just love him. Clay and I have talked about how it is SUCH a blessing we have him right now. He honestly brings SO much joy. I sit with Clay and we are both stressed and down and all I have to do is look at Dante with his most innocent loving face- and he just makes everything seem easier. I dunno. I really think that having a perfect spirit, and such an innocent being in the home makes a difference. And he really is SO loving. He loves us soooo much. Which is why it's so easy to love him!

I have Christmas pretty much complete. Just need to finish off the dad's. Seriously? Is it like this for everyone else? Our dad's are always the last ones I get presents for cause they are SO dang hard to shop for. I think I know what we're doing but still I just am not sure.

A few things I'm excited about for the new year:

• BACHELOR! YESSSSSSSSSSSSS- Seriously...I know this is shallow but really? Everyone is shallow I'm pretty sure...in SOME aspect. And guess what- this is my aspect for sure! Bachelor is legit. As in...every episode never fails to entertain. My sister Amy and I can seriously talk on the phone for like an hour before we realize that we've just talked about Bachelor for an hour. We pretty much like to discuss every facial expression and sentence said. I have a feeling this will be a good one :) And don't you worry- I'll be here to talk about it like I always do.
• New Years Resolutions. I totally need some. I do really well with fresh starts. Like in school- semesters...I always set new schedules. I loved it. It's like a new semester...a new schedule...it'll be great!
• This isn't very specific but I just KNOW 2011 is gonna be a GREAT year for us. I feel like we will make some major strides and accomplishments. I just know it.

You know what I want? COOKIES! Unfortunately, however...that wont happen. You should be proud of me! I was at Jamba Juice, which is right next to Albertons, and I really wanted to go over and get some Cadbury Mini Eggs....but I resisted. I think the hot chocolate gave me motivation. I know...i know...I shouldn't have had the hot chocolate either! But whatever. We already decided Christmas Eve is a cheat day cause we are gonna be having lots of goodies with Clay's family. Did I tell you I'm hosting Christmas Eve at my house? I'm pretty excited.

Well I'm feeling pretty good tonight, so I think I'm gonna go do some sewing. Wohoo! I have some little presents to make for my co-workers that I think they just might like! I will show you them after I give them to them on Monday:) Can't wait! This is when Christmas starts getting good- when you give stuff to people! Yay!

I hope everyone is enjoying the season. LOVE to you all.

Pictures!

Yay! Lizzie, my sister, is an AMAZING photographer. She took these pics of me and Clay when we were down there for thanksgiving! I LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

One year ago today...

PAHAHHA- One year ago today, Clay and I decided to take Dante for a walk. I remember it was snowing and so we decided to try and wrap him up in something. This is what we came up with! One of Clay's old fleece jackets. I seriously laughed and laughed over this. Probably not as funny to everyone as it is to us. But oh my- so cute that dog.

Curly Hair

When I was in Cali, Lizzie taught me how to do my hair like hers. It's still a work in process BUT I am really diggin it! And so far both time's I've done it it's only taken me 20 minutes, and Lizzie said that I'll just get faster and faster! Yippee!

New items in the shop

Just to let you all know, I have some new items in my etsy shop! Feel free to click on the linkys on my sidebar and check em out! I've had these made forever...I made them for the farmers market and never got around to putting them online! There are camera strap covers for digital SLR cameras, and cloth napkins :)

New items in the shop

Just to let you all know, I have some new items in my etsy shop! Feel free to click on the linkys on my sidebar and check em out! I've had these made forever...I made them for the farmers market and never got around to putting them online! There are camera strap covers for digital SLR cameras, and cloth napkins :)

I have Lyme Disease.

Yep. So basically, from our first appointment we knew it could be transmitted to me from Clay. We didn't tell anyone really because if I didn't have it, we didn't want to worry anyone. But, I did get tested and we just found out yesterday morning that I do infact have Lyme Disease.

I've had symptoms for the past like...6 months probably. I've tried to convince myself that I just need to go to the chiropractor, or just have a lot of stress or something...but the first symptom I can clearly remember is when I was trying to do this exercise tape and I had to jump up for it, and my hip KILLED! Like, I seriously couldn't do it. It hurt so bad and so I had to stop. I tried again the next day and same thing happened. Then I started noticing my joints would just randomly hurt. The other thing is, I get exhausted REALLY easy. Like, I noticed it a lot at our family reunion last weekend- when I saw most of my sisters doing lots of things and not looking tired or anything. I would make my apple pies and feel SOOO tired afterward. I am not nearly at the level Clay is at. It is clear that this is early on for me-therefore not as bad. Which thank goodness we are getting it now rather than 5 years from now when I'd be in bad shape!

Our doctor suspected I had it, and said that it will be a LOT easier to get rid of. It's hard to explain but basically it sounds like when you get Lyme disease from a tick, it's like it's pure form and a LOT stronger and smarter and harder to kill. But if you get it the way I did, it's like I got a portion of it that is weaker and easier to kill. Also, because Clay got his from a tick, it multiplies and grows quickly- mine not so quick. So she said it SHOULD be a lot quicker and simpler to cure me. So that's good news. But we'll find out a bunch more after I get all the blood work and testing done so she can see what shape my body is in.

I tell ya, this Lyme disease is just killer. I wish so badly that people were more educated about it. The medical field in Idaho and Utah don't believe Lyme disease exists in this area. THEY ARE WRONG! Our doctor has so many patients from Idaho and Utah and it's just so silly to think that it doesn't exist. And just the mere fact that this disease can be transmitted sexually, shows that it can be ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

I was very proud to be a Mormon this week. Our doctor was talking about how important it is to have a good support system, and she said, "You live where there are lots of mormons right?" and we said yes. And she said, "That's good. Mormons are so nice. They are really there for eachother. Every mormon I've met is so nice and it seems like mormons are so into families and helping eachother. It's good for a lyme patient." haha! It's true though. Our families have been so supportive and so sweet and kind. It is so nice.

Clay and I talked about how Heavenly Father is with us always. Through this big trial in our lives we see soooooooo many blessings. We talked about that poem "Footprints"- where there are two sets of footprints, one a man's, one the Lord's, and then they turn into one set of foot prints...when the man wondered why the Lord left him by himself, he realized that the Lord was carrying him. We feel that is the case in our life right now. I can't really believe how blessed we've been. I'm so grateful. It makes it easier to bear this trial.

24 days till Christmas! YES!

4 states, 4 airports, and 22 hours later...

we were home.

Wowsers- so Yesterday morning, 4am wake up.

Leave for Orange County airport at 4:30 am.

Get through security and walk straight onto plane.

Get to seattle airport, stay in seattle for 4 hours- including doc appointment.

Get through security and walk straight onto plane again (yikes! we're lucky)

Connect in Sanfransisco airport layover for 2 hours and buy $7 worth of gihardelli chocolates and eat all of them...both of us...yum! We think the benefit of our moods outweighed the health negatives...

Land in Salt lake airport 10pm....get home to Idaho about 2 am...

Get out of bed today about noon.

I don't think I've ever been awake for 22 hours straight. Clay thinks I have once when we drove to Oregon, but I'm not sure. All I can say is.......exhaustion!

We are glad to be home in our Christmas decorated house, with Dante. I missed him.

The reunion/thanksgiving was great! Don't feel like talking too much about it just cause I'm still tired- but it was way fun and I love my family so much.

I love December. I think It's the happiest month ever. I hope I can feel that way this year! I have some good Christmas presents in mind that I will be posting tutorials for. I'm excited. Happy Holidays!

Blogging from the ipad

Yep, blogging from the iPad...well see how this goes.

So a few great things:

Tomorrow I'm getting a piano! It's from the early 1900s and is pretty much awesome! Got it for $335...purty good deal! Clay and I finally agreed on what were gonna paint it...and trust me when I say this was way more of a discussion than I bargained for! Clay and I are both REALLY opinionated...so it makes for some long decision making periods. Were both impatient too....so we usually have to hack it out till it's decided! I won't spoil the surprise...but we are planning on painting it right away...so hopefully you won't have to wait long!

Tomorrow we are seeing Harry potter! yES! I am sooooo excited. I plan on wearing my Harry potter scarf...made by myself!

We decided to sell some random stuff that's been taking up lots a space in the garage. One thing I sold seriously like an hour after I posted it on craigslist. Another will probably be sold this weekend too cause someones already asked to come see it! We are blessed.

Well I know this is kinda random and stuff but I'm tired! Time for bed...got a big day tomorrow!

California is in days! Yay!

Good things

So in my Stake Conference last Sunday, the theme was gratitude. It really made me think of how I need to focus more on the blessings in my life than on the struggles. I guess it's hard for me to post lately just cause I don't ever really know what to say. I look back at posts from a couple years ago, and I just feel like I had a thousand times more personality and passion and things to talk about...I don't really know what's happened, but I just don't feel the same anymore...

BUT- with that, I just want to update on some great positives in our life lately:

Clay told me over the weekend that he feels like he is getting better. This is pretty much amazing. He still feels like crap ALL the time...but he said he thinks his joints are getting better. Wonderful.

This morning Clay didn't feel sick! That is good.

This weekend I tried these buttermilk pancakes, and buttermilk syrup recipes that I found online that are gluten free and sugar free- and guess what?!??! Clay loved them! And that is saying a lot cause Clay normally doesn't really like pancakes...but it was great! So I'll be making that on weekends probably. Also tried sugar-free hot chocolate, with agave, and it just never seemed to be sweet enough. Need to experiment on that one some more.

One of our home teachers who I've never spoken to before stopped by our house and gave us a box with a frozen turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce in it. He said he's a trucker and had leftovers to give to people. I don't know how true that is or not, but I was very grateful.

This happened a while ago, but our bishopric stopped by our house to check on Clayton randomly. I was so grateful. Clay and I have kind of felt invisible in most of our wards, which I know is probably our fault, but it was so nice to feel like they noticed us and cared about us. They said that they are always thinking of us and praying for us and they gave Clay a priesthood blessing which was also really nice because Clay is the type of person that will NEVER in his life ask for one. Now that I look back, I think it helped a lot because Clay hasn't had a herx since then...he's felt nauseous and really sick still...but no full on herx- which is a blessing.

Next week is my family reunion and I am SO EXCITED! Oh my gosh, it really can't come soon enough. One, I get to see two beautiful babies I've never seen in real life yet. Two, I love being with my family. Three, it's in SUNNY CALIFORNIA! Four, a WEEK off of work is heaven.

Ummmmmm OH YEAH! How could I forget? Guess what I have? An IPAD! My boss is cool, remember? So like...last year about this time...he randomly bought us all the new ipods. Well, this year he came into the office bearing ipads for each one of us. Let me tell you- it's awesome! I love it! Clay is totally jealous, which is hilarious. But really- I'm diggin it.

Oh- Harry Potter comes out this week and I'm basically so excited I can hardly stand it! We are going Saturday at 1:00. Which is heartbreaking. I had been planning on going at 7:30 on Friday, but no. Danielle failed. I have NEVER failed at getting the tickets I want...NEVER. But I waited too long and they were sold out. Foolish.

Do you guys watch dancing with the stars? Well- I love Bristol and Kyle. They are my favs. I know they are not the best dancers, but they are the most interesting. Jenifer Grey probably deserves to win, but she just kind of acts like a cougar sometimes and it bugs. But she is VERy fun to watch dance. Brandy- love her, but she really needs a chill pill! I want her to have fun...

I love Christmas. I am so excited for a few of the presents I'm making for people. This week I think I'm gonna make a Santa apron for myself cause I have leftover fabric and things from when I made Patty's last year....maybe I'll do a little tutorial for it too.

I basically am 100% addicted to Friday Night Lights. Clay doesn't like to watch it QUITE as much as me...which is frustrating cause I can't watch it without him...but he's been awesome the past couple days. I just love it. I love it all. For those of you who don't know, it's on netflix instant play- so you should check it out! It's good television. Oh also, something funny but real...I totally talk southern after we've watched it. Not like heavy, and not on purpose...I just find myself saying things and then Clay and I laugh cause I totally sounded like a Texan. It's silly. But I think Clay likes it :)

Well, that's all for now- I'll try to take more pictures so my bloggy isn't so boring.

This is why I ache for Christmas so early...

ohhhh Idaho...

Nov 6

Well, we have officially owned our house for a year! Isn't that nutsoid?!?!

This is the front of our house...and you see that wimpy mailbox that is held up by leaning on it's neighbor's mailbox?
Welp, we have totally fixed 'er up! We totally cemented that bad boy and it stands up tall all on it's own! It's truly such a nice thing to have a strong mailbox...cause before we did that, we'd come home to find it laying on the sidewalk! As in MAIL BOX ON THE GROUND! Yikes.

Here are some before's and afters...you've seen most of these before but you know, it's fun.
I know some people are into the whole tan couches...tan carpet...white walls...nothing on the walls kind of thing, but we aren't so much!

Incase you didn't notice, we painted the wall LIME green, took out the icky carpets and put in hard floors, and really just added a lot of colorful furniture! Still in need of curtains :( Someday.

This kitchen....well, it's really nice with it's woody look and all...but why not change it too?

But this is really sad cause right after this picture was taken I got a new double oven, and a new dishwasher! So really, the kitchen is even better now :) We basically just deglossed the cupboards and painted white and replaced hardware! Made SUCH a difference.

Lastly, our bedroom...

Replaced floors, painted orange wall, repainted other walls cause you can't tell but they were nasty weird.

We've done a lot of other stuff that I just haven't taken pictures of. Like...Clay's kind of re-stained our banister...and it could look really nice if he'd just touch it up :) hint...hint... And then there's just random things like ya know...fixing our ceiling fan...hhah. Pretty exciting stuff. But those three things were really the major changes.

We are SO blessed to have this house. We have loved being homeowners...even with the extra stresses it brings. I definitely don't miss having wall to wall neighbors/floor to ceiling neighbors...where I can hear anything from lassoing their chairs and slamming them on the floors (nope, not joking on that one- we definitely had cowboys living above us once)....to overhearing a couple physically profess their love to eachother, loudly (and then have that same couple come tell us our movie is too loud... PULEASE- i'd so rather over hear THAT). Yeah...having a house is definitely worth the extra stresses!

Well, we've officially become Friday Night Lights fans. Clayster was always saying he never had any interest in it...but THEN for some awesome reason he randomly said, "Tonight is all about you- we can do whatever you want"....HOLLA! So I said we should watch Friday Night Lights! We haven't been able to stop. It really is just so tender. In EVERY episode...I say these words to Clay, "Hun, this show...it just pulls on my heartstrings". I am always sighing and saying "Oh no! Oh my gosh..." and making whining noises whenever someone is hurting or reveals a sad story in their background...and Clay is ALWAYS like, "hun- it's a show...STOP it." haha. I can't help it. Cause I just know things like that happen in real life.

Aight. I'm out. Prolly gonna watch some more FNL here soon! :)

OH! PS- My sis Rebecca told me about this awesome treat/snack thing. You make popcorn (from kernels, not a bag....so like buy the kernels bulk from winco, or costco or somewhere...) and add a bit of honey, a bit of melted butter, and salt- and LET ME TELL YOU IT'S DELICIOUS! I've already made it twice! As in...last night and tonight! Wowsers. It is seriously yummy. I will work on getting a specific amount of everything down for those of you nervous to try it. But it's seriously yummo. And healthy! Cause I mean...no sugar and it really tastes a lot like caramel corn. K that's it.

Just a little update

• Went to Seattle this weekend. Clay has officially been diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and Bartonella (a disease that travels with Lyme). Our doctor went over all the lab results and he tested positive on multiple tests.

• Clay is SICK SICK SICK. To give you the readers digest version...our bodies have these cells that are our fighter cells...CD57's I think? Anyway- you are supposed to have a count of over 100, Clay's count is 15. Which basically means his body isn't fighting for him and has kind of given up. She said that his immune system has become auto-immune...meaning it attacks itself now...and that his immune system is basically the same as an AIDS patient. This explains why he gets sick ALL THE TIME!

• Clay's vitamin D is low low lowwwwwww. So low, he had to get a prescription of a really high count of vitamin D that he is now taking.

• Clay's blood is THICK and really quite messy. It is very thick with bio-film. This causes his organs to not get the nutrition they need and the oxygen they need...so it's pretty bad news. This is all of course, caused by the Lyme.

• Clay has mono, two types of pneumonia, and basically a ton of other things I can't remember right now.

• Now that she sees how bad he is (she said he's the youngest she's seen that is this bad, meaning he's had this for a LONG time...but she keeps saying how good it is that he's only 25, because he shouldn't suffer permanent damage from anything...because his body is so young still), she thinks the best thing would be to go once a month for a while...so that's what we'll do.

• His treatments are gonna be pretty heavy for a while..and she said he will definitely herx BIG with this next treatment. It'll probably be this week...so that'll suck. Oh well- the fact is, it's actually GOOD news when that happens cause it means it's working. So it's like...we are happy when he herxes, cause we are thinking "DIE LYME, DIE!"...but at the same time, I wanna break down and cry cause Clay is in soooo much pain.

• We finally nailed down with the doc what he should stay away from- food wise...and it's a definite NO REFINED SUGAR, and NO GLUTEN. She said it's a good idea to stay away from dairy...but it's okay to have a bit now and then. Like- she said don't drink glasses of milk, and absolutely NO ICE CREAM! hah. She emphasized that a lot. Oh yeah, and NO YEAST. But all other grains and natural sugars are okay. So I can totally work with that.

• She said that Clay shouldn't fly in airplanes, go on buses, be around sick people, or lots of people really. She said if ANYone is sick, he will get sick. And his immune system is fighting hard enough. Clay said he still wants to fly though...because it is too stressful for him to drive. So...we'll see. But he probably wont be going to lots of church (he's not anyway cause he is usually sick these days)...so that kinda sucks.

• We are so grateful that we found our doctor, and we are so grateful that we both have such understanding employers and family and friends. Can you imagine if we just gave up and never sought out this doctor? Clay's immune system would just get worse and worse and he could even possibly have a heart attack from his blood getting so thick (that happened to one of her patients that was 39)! I'm just so grateful for so many things.

• With that, I have a hard time not being SO ANGRY with the medical field in southeast Idaho. Do you know that multiple doctors said to Clay, "There's no way it could be Lyme Disease" when he presented them with the idea? And wouldn't even give him the time of day about it? Do you know that he was tested for Lyme disease before? But in the worst way possible, making it come back a false negative? But of course the doctors just accepted that? This all happened years ago...can you imagine? Clay could've been cured by now had they just been humble enough to listen, and educate themselves a little more. I feel like shouting on the rooftop to EVERYONE about Lyme disease. No one knows about it, and it's ridiculous because SO MANY people have it. And they don't even know it. Or they've been "treated" with 2 weeks of antibiotics and told they are fine, when the aren't. I could go on and on. I just wish that doctors weren't so prideful.
  

• On other notes- I have eaten enough candy for an army...and I've started listening to Christmas Music. I know, I know. I just can't help it. I'm so excited! I only listened to three songs on Josh Groban's cd. But they are so good, I don't think I can stop!

Today will be a great day

Right now I'm listening to Mindy Gledhill, California, which I basically love lots! I keep find myself wiggling my shoulders in a dance-like fashion:) Her music is just soothing, happy, and really really lovely.

This morning started with me sleeping in till 7:30! I don't have to work today, and so I woke up when Clay got up. Last night I asked Clay, "What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?"....he quickly said, "Bacon and eggs". Well, you see...he told me recently that he was sick of bacon- so I didn't restock that item in our fridge when I last when grocery shopping. So, I told him so. He then said immediately, "Eggs and hash-browns". Eggs and hash-browns it is! So this morning I got up, peeled two large red potatoes, heated my skillet with olive oil, salt and pepper, shredded the potatoes on the Bosch mixer attachment, and started them on the skillet. I then gathered 3 eggs (not from my chicken coup- my egg carton I got from the fridge), three scoops of cream cheese, scrambled the eggs, and placed them in the OTHER skillet with the cheese. Salt and pepper. Soon enough, they were done and ready to go in their separate tupperware containers. I neatly put them each in their own perfect containers, got a fork, and put them in a plastic bag. Then I filled Clay's pill baggies (numbers 1-6), filled his water bottle, and placed all of the above on the table. About that time Clay was putting on his shoes in the living room. He took his first pills, we prayed, kissed, and he was on his way! Not before he told me, "Dante probably wants out after I leave okay?"...."Okay honey". Of course.

So seriously? This is probably the most ideal morning in the world for me. I loved it. It made me feel so good inside. I always make us breakfast, but it is never too exciting because I am getting ready for work myself. And then we are always so rushed out the door cause I'm always so much more rushed. This morning was perfect.

I know that when the day comes for me to stay home full time, life will still have it's many challenges. And lots of new challenges, that I've never faced before. But I also know that I'll be leaving a lot of challenges behind. I really hate to be preachy or anything, but those of you who get to stay home full time whether it's because of kids, or to take care of the house, or whatever the reason be- try to count the blessings and realize that those little things like making breakfast for your husband in the morning and having time to kiss him and say prayer, is a dream for some people. I know it's on my dream list. I'm so excited for it. And I know it will happen, in time.

Well, today I'm gonna try and get the laundry done. And PUT AWAY! That never happens around these parts. Laundry gets done, but put away? Yikes...that's asking a lot. Clay usually does the laundry around these parts- the washing and drying (yes, I'm thanking my lucky stars he does this!), and so I'm gonna be a sweetheart and do it instead! Dishes, and mopping the floors are also on the to do list. And while I'm at it I should probably clean the bathrooms. But maybe that can wait till tomorrow. All I know is today will be a great day, because I'm home. And that is so much better than an office.

Wanna learn about Lyme Disease?

This is a book we got off amazon for like 3 bucks. Clay says it is perfect for explaining how he's felt for so long. Just incase anyone's interested. We will be loaning ours out too once we're done reading it.

I also got this book in the mail today:
Just from skimming certain parts I'm starting to wonder if we should probably cut out all dairy and carbs too. Which would leave us with meat, vegetables, eggs, and nuts. We'll see.

I'm so excited for the weekend. Saturday, I plan on sleeping in:) And maybe doing some projects. And vacuuming. I'm embarrassed to have anyone come to my house right now in fear that they'd see the massive amounts of dog hair lining the walls and floor. I wish I was a better housekeeper.

Alright- I'm now going to pick up that green lyme book and head to the bedroom. I think Clay and I are going to be major activists or whatever on educating people on Lyme Disease. I just feel so horrible for so many people out there right now that are in so much pain and suffering, half of them having their families and doctors tell them they're crazy. Clay had a doctor tell him there was NO WAY it could be Lyme Disease. He wouldn't even consider it. This is the ignorance and pride of the medical field. So sad. Had they taken Clay seriously back then, he could possibly even be cured by now. It's just going to take that much longer since he's had it that much longer. I just feel SO PASSIONATE about this. I need people to understand this horrific disease. And know it's out there, and that they can be treated and feel better! If only the medical field were more knowledgeable about this, and if only more people understood it...so many people could be treated earlier, and so many people could live a better life. If you know ANYone who has a mysterious illness/pain or anyone who's been diagnosed with fibermialgia even...please suggest Lyme Disease to them- and tell them to research it. They may be surprised. Anyway...........

Off to bed.

The herx is a beast

So Clay had the feared herx reaction. Ohhhh it wasn't nice. In fact, it was horrible! I hated it. I felt SOOOO helpless. He was in pain in a way he is not normally. I'm used to him feeling crappy but this was like...torture. He would get these pained faces that are so OBVIOUSLY not faked. And all I could do was stuff pills down his throat. Thank heavens, it only lasted a few days. He still feels crappy, but the intense pain is gone. We have pills to give him when a herx happens...but we still had to give him all his normal pills too...and so it literally felt like he was taking pills like every 5 minutes. Anyway- I'm happy to report that he is beyond the herx and on to work again.

I'm finding grocery shopping to be almost a daily thing for me these days. And I hate grocery shopping because I'm turning out to be one of those people. You know the ones. Who stand in the middle of the aisle looking at the back of the item for what feels like HOURS until you can figure out what is in it. Then sadly put it back on the shelf realizing you can't get it. I'm finding that just about every product in America has sugar in it. I'm also realizing this is why most foods taste so good. I had to make homemade spaghetti sauce last night for the first time cause guess what? Every spaghetti sauce has sugar in it! So I got tomato sauce- which doesn't taste like spaghetti sauce...and I pumped it full of Parmesan cheese, basil, and garlic salt. It didn't turn out too bad. In fact, after the first few bites I forgot that it was not as good as normal!

Also, is there ever such a thing as sugar-free yogurt? No. Or sugar free anything? Basically not. Wheat/gluten free has been a whole other challenge.

I'm hoping to experiment with agave, stevia , and honey. And a bunch of other grains and stuff.

I've been thinking something lately. The past few days. There have been some controversial issues regarding one of the talks in General Conference...and I am so grateful and PROUD that for me, no matter what the topic, once the Lord speaks, the debate is over. And in my world, that means once a Prophet or apostle speaks, the debate is over. People may call this blind faith, but it's not. Either you believe in Prophets, or you don't. I am so proud that I do and that for me, there is no confusion. If a prophet or apostle says something, I know that it's coming from God. I feel so blessed to have that knowledge and guidance in my life.

There was frost on my window today. I had to sit in the truck and wait. It wasn't a good start to the day. But I'm getting to that point that I always do in mid-october when I feel like...it's just time for Christmas already. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I want to decorate and listen to music and watch movies. The only sad part is I probably wont get to make any yummy Christmas treats. Not too often anyway. Oh well. I wish I loved Halloween more. It just doesn't grab me like it does a lot of you. Maybe someday.

Oh yes- I'm happy to report that Dante survived the neuterization (real word?). He was so silly after he got home and was still on anesthesia. He just seemed....lost. That's really all I know how to expalin it. But it was cute.

Does anyone feel like Glee is like...inching and inching every week more towards ickiness? I keep feeling uncomfortable. And I don't like feeling uncomfortable. So unfortunate. And soon they are doing rocky horror picture show? From my knowlege of that, I'm thinking next episode they will be dumping the ickiness all over.

Aight. This was kinda boring. Oh well.

Fall is Pleasant

I've decided that fall is quite pleasant. I was thinking about it, and I really don't think I've had a true fall for like...7ish years. My last few years of high school I lived at the beach...and the trees there just aren't quite like trees that are awesome during the fall. Not to my remembrance. I mean...we never had to rake the leaves...like we did in the valley. So anyway- then I marred and stayed in Rexburg and the entire time we lived there...we lived in apartments, where no leaves would fall. Even when we moved to a small house to rent, it was AFTER fall, and into winter...so I just didn't really experience fall like I should. This year, it's awesome. Cause everytime I do the dishes, I look out at this.

Notice the dead herb plant on the window sill? Ugh. . . I should really never be allowed to grow herbs again. I've killed everyone. I have no idea why but I always just stop watering them thinking I'll do it later and before I know it they're dead.

Sometimes when the sun is setting, it's particularly enjoyable.

This morning I made Clayton and I quinoa for breakfast. It was quite nice!

I cooked up some quinoa, mixed in some cream and pure maple syrup, and topped it with pecan chunks and strawberries! For those of you who don't read my sister Lizzie's blog, Quinoa is a perfect protein. It is seriously just awesome. It's non-wheat, and non-gluten, which is PERFECT for Clay! And it is PACKED FULL of protein! And since cream has less than 1 gram of natural sugars, and strawberries are on the lower sugar side of fruit, and pure maple syrup was approved of by the doc, this makes such a great breakfast! I truly enjoyed it.

My baby is getting neutered on Monday. At first I was like- dude...what's the big deal? But all of a sudden I'm realizing it's a pretty big deal. I mean...he has to stay a the vet's office ALL DAY LONG! I'm kinda nervous. I mean...what if something happened to him? What if there was an accident? I just couldn't bear it. But, the truth is...it's time. He is just pushing the limits these days. He thinks he is soooo cool and can do whatever he wants. So, it's time.

But I've gotta say...I have been loving this doggie more and more every day. It's been quite a blessing to have these two extra dogs stay with us, because it has made me realize how much I love my dog. This is saying quite a lot too, cause one of the dogs we are watching is SERIOUSLY the best behaved, most un-annoying, sweet dogs I've EVER been around. This is gypsy
She seriously like...is crazy good. You say sit, and BAM her bum is on the floor within a second. You say come, she's there. She is constantly trying to get out of your way and walk behind you...she is never pushy...NEVER whines or barks (unless provoked by Dante..:) )...doesn't slobber or really anything annoying at all. She's awesome! But seriously, I still love Dante so much more.
I realized that I would never trade him for the world. He is soooo funny, sweet, loving, goofy, good and handsome. I add handsome, cause I seriously think he is. No other dog is better looking in my opinion :) But I just realized how much of a personality Dante has and how he really is such a big part of my life. I was thinking today- what the heck would our lives me like without him? It'd be so boring! I can't remember half of what we talked about before we had him. I'm not joking...it's like, half our conversations are about him- and he really is quite a source of entertainment, anddddd biggest of all- just such a source of love. I love having his perfect love in our home.

Well, now that I've bored you with my doggie sappy love........

Life is good...busy...I'm just trying to figure out Clay's food and pills and stay on top of everything else in life at the same time. Clay has to take pills 10 times a day! And they are different each time so it's quite the accomplishment to have it all figured out. It's possible he might have what's called a herx reaction sometime soon...basically meaning all the medicine is finally in his body and starting to kill off bad stuff...and it isn't guaranteed it will happen, but it happens to lots of Lyme patients...and basically from what I read he'll want to die. Whether it's from feeling like someone is stabbing your ear with a knife, massive shakes, constant nausea, or more...who knows! Each person reacts differently. But, we are hoping he just doesn't have one of these reactions! Our doctor said it is unlikely, because Clay doesn't have much bad stuff in his body to begin with (except the Lyme)- and it is more likely to happen with people who drink, smoke, do drugs, drink coffee, etc. I'm happy to report that Clay doesn't do any of that! So hopefully he cruises past the herx reaction. If he has one, we'll see from there...there are things he can take to try and alleviate the symptoms.

Well- I've got things to dooooooooo better head off. Have a happy fall day! Maybe you can warm up some hot apple cider for yourself like I did :)