In the Middle of it all...

Rewind a few months back. January 2011, to be exact. Most of you fellow readers are aware that my last job- was the most rewarding, educational, I love my job, kind of job. If that makes since? However, the only doenside of the job, was that it was a state/ federal funded job. Funding was "up in the air" every year, and there is no need to specifically discuss why, as we are all aware of the current economic issues. Every single year, state and federal employees, and agencies literally, sit on pins and needles as June 30th roles around (the end of the fiscal year), as they await to see if they are employed, or no longer employed. You see, you have a general idea before that, but, nothing is for certain until the Governor signs off on the budget (for Missouri folks). Anyway, it can sometimes be worry-some, I will admit. After welcoming Mia into the world on September 7, 2010, I knew that it was time to begin exploring different options, in regards to employment. I needed something more stable. We knew that she definitely, would be the 3rd and final child before she was even concieved. My explorations, leaded me to choose a career path that had been in the back of my mind since graduating college in 2004. Has it really been that long ago? Anyway, I decided that I would buy the book that would allow me to study for the RN Entrance Exam, required to attend Three Rivers College's Nursing Program. I studied, a little. Took the exam in February, passed and applied. Before I left on my trip to New York, I knew that I had been admitted, but kept it a secret, because, I still was not 100 % certain that I would commit. It is kind of a big deal, because only 30 students are admitted per year. As we all know, Daniel was diagnosed with his life changing disease on April 30, 2011. I decided to commit to enrolling, after many long conversations with Daniel. As we all know, this decision could completely change the dynamics of our household for the next 2 years. Fast forward to Monday, August 15, 2011. First day of school. I have picked up 9 textbooks, and still lack 2, I am completely overwhelmed with information overload, and well... right now, I may have jumped off of the deep end. Yesterday, I thought that I was absolutley out of my mind. Today, is a little better. Bare with me, please?

Since being home, the girls and I have gotten into a normal routine. As normal as it can be. Getting 3 girls ready, packing bags, getting them to their desired locations for the day, going to school, feeding them, gymnastics on Monday nights, bathing them, household chores, and finding time to fit in homework has become a challenge. I have not turned on the television since last week, have not returned MANY messages, and have not been to bed before 11:30, in sometime (getting up at 5:15 to make it all happen, by the way). What I can tell you is, I am not looking for any pity. I am simply telling you, exactly how it is at our house, in this moment.

I had my first true melt-down last night on our way home froom gymnastics. The kind of melt down, that if it were to happen, should happen in private. But no, it happened in front of Ashlynn and Avery. I regret letting it happen, but honestly, I had zero control of it. It freaked the girls out, and I had to make up some sorry excuse as to why it occured. My excuse- I hit my knee and it really hurt. It was simply the best that I could come up with. I will tell you that not only did I have an exhausting day, yesterday, but, I went grocery shopping (only bought a few groceries), and left them in my car, in 90 degree weather. Completely ruined.

I am trying to tell myself- "Get it together, Kristin".

Everyday is a new day, right?

As for Daniel, he started the weekend out running a 103.5 fever. Maintained that, pretty much the whole weekend. Puny, not eating, below 200 lbs, not feeling worth a darn, saw his kids very briefly. That was his weekend. Blood cultures, chest xrays- the whole routine for a fever, took place. Ct scan, for a previous infection.... No results. Just a fever. Colon/ Rectal Specialists viewed the CT, and decided that the previous inefection, the one that kept him hospitalized the 1st time, for a week longer, has reappeared. The good thing is, they are giving him different antibiotics to help treat it, the bad thing is, they can not specialize the antibiotics, until they know the type of infection. That, my friends, can not be know until his platelet count is higher than it is, currently. They would like for the counts to come up on their own, but will increase them, by transfusion, if needed in a few days. So, he currently has low-grade fevers. Still recieving transfusions, as needed. He is beginnign to feel better, eat a little more, and the best news of all... HIS COUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO RETURN! I guess that you can tell that I am a little excited? I am headed up to visit him this weekend- Friday to be exact. No school on Friday's. I will be without children. So, if you see my mother-in-law, please offer her a pick-me-up. She has been filling in as I am absent, and will be caring for my children this weekend. It is a big job fullfilling both roles, especially, when you have household chores to complete as well.

I sincerely appreciate all of the kind words that have been sent to myself, and our family. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Much love to all of our followers... XOXO Kristin