Updates

So many things have happened since I last posted. So many that I don't know where to start. I'll try to hit some of the highlights.

After fighting panic attacks daily, I finally conceded and went to see my doctor about getting back on anxiety medication. I wish I had had the strength to handle them on my own, but it came to the point where I couldn't function. The doctor prescribed me Paxil. The first week on it was horrible. I would not have made it through it without my sister Sendai. She even came and stayed with me one night to comfort me while I was adjusting to the medicine. I'm so glad I stuck with it. I am only taking half the dose that the doctor prescribed, but I am no longer fighting the panic attacks daily. You don't realize how much energy goes into trying not to freak out all the time until the burden is lifted from you.
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Jody had a bit of a tree cutting mishap. He decided to cut down a tree by the house unsupervised. Her forgot that Sendai and I consider ourselves professional tree removers after we cut down a tree in the front yard.


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We now have 8 chickens, 4 rabbits, 3 cows, 6 pigs in the pen and one in the freezer.
The rabbit shed (it has a plywood back on it now):

The chicken coop:
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We had one of the wettest years on record in 2009, and now 2010 is one of the coldest. The weather has been crazy. We normally get a week or two were the temps get down in the 20's. We have been in the teens for weeks and have been getting in the single digits for several days. If I wanted cold weather like this, I would move to Nebraska. I'm hoping we get at least one good snowfall out of the deal.
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Christmas was absolutely wonderful. The kids stayed at the IL's so we could put their new beds together for a surprise on Christmas morning. It was our first kid-free night since we had Olivia. We need more of those. The kids loved their presents and Jody spoiled me. We had our traditional crab supper at Sendai's house in the evening. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
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We went to Missouri to celebrate New Years with my dad's side of the family. It was a completely impromptu visit that Sendai and I planned when we found out mom and dad were going. Sendai and I got adjoining hotel rooms. We spent a lot of time at Uncle Mike's house. My parents and my Uncle Rick and Aunt Linda stayed with them. We had several meals together and spent lots of time talking and reminiscing. We got to see Papa and Lucille. And we got to do a little shopping. I had a wonderful time. I am so glad we decided to make the trip.
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I'm really torn about what to do with Paxton for school next year. I've been, reading and researching and asking lots of questions. This parenting gig is tough sometimes.

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My niece has convinced me to read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series. I am on book 4 and have surprisingly enjoyed the books, but man I have had some crazy dreams while I'm reading them.
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Olivia just had her second meet of the gymnastic season. Despite having a cold, she did a great job. Everyone was thrilled to see her round-off back-handspring during her floor routine. She's worked very hard to be able to do it. She fell off the beam 3 times and it didn't seem to phase her. She just hopped back on and continued her routine. She got 3rd place on bars, but she was most excited that her gym won 3rd place and they got a "big trophy".