HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Well, I can not believe we say good bye to 2007. I tell you, it has been a LONG year, yet filled with so many good things. Blessings from those around us, gifts that can only be given by God, strength to sustain, giggles from my babies, hugs from my husband! As we usher in the new year, I find myself TRULY thankful for what I have! HAPPY NEW YEAR every one!!!! Oh, and might I mention, I'm snuggling with my tissue box, blanky and pillow to ring in the new year! This month has finally caught me! Sleep it off and start again tomorrow! =) Night all!!!!!

Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know to most, this may come across silly to be so excited, but to me it is GREAT! My kids miss out on so much because they can not be around germs during the flu season. Joey especially does not handle it and his intestines fail a bit more each time he gets sick. Not to mention, the set backs in physcial and speech development! The last time he was sick, he lost ground on all speech and we are still fighting to get those words back. But today, I was able to find some masks online made by kimberly and clark (the same masks used at Riley) to purchase for the kids! They are a bit pricey, but they are worth it. We can wear these to our ped appointments (they don't offer them as Riley does) and we can wear them to special occasions at church. It may take awhile for the kids to learn their importance, but we are hopeful. It has been VERY hard to get ahold of these! I'm so excited!!! A lot of companies do not make pediatric masks. So, this gives us a bit more chance at life during these winter seasonal times that we are shut in. =) Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cute picture night!

Ok, so Joey decided to help clean tonight! I have the cleanest carpet ever!












Then, he passed out!

Needing a blanky...

The last 24 hours have been the most frightening of my life and I think I need a blanky and a corner!!! I'm so tired! Abby spiked a fever of nearly 104 within 20 min. last night that through her into cluster seizures. As I was driving to the ER, I'm not sure but what I spent more time looking back at her sleeping in her seat than I did actually looking at the high way. In a moment like that, you have to pull it together and be strong, but I wanted to crack. My heart begged to sit some where and hold her as close as I could. Abby has never had a seizure until last night. We learned today though, that many that close together really isn't safe. So, we have a new med that daddy and I are learning to use. It's only used in a situation like last night, not one she will take every day. I pray that was the first and the LAST!!! She was so brave though! She took every thing in stride. I don't know how she does it... She is still running a low grade temp tonight, so I think I'm a bit on edge... I guess waiting for strike two... but praying we are all done with that business! I don't think I'll have any trouble falling asleep tonight. I got three hours last night and then a 1 hour nap today. So... sleep is coming quickly!!! =) Night all!

winding down...

I tell you, the rush is over and my body has OFFICIALLY let DOWN! I'm so tired. I am thankful for the holidays with family gatherings at all of them, but when they are over... it is hard to get back to life. Abby had to go to the doc today... you can read that story on her page if you like... www.caringbridge.org/visit/abigailpfohl and Joey has been laying around resting... www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephpfohl Me? I'm just trying to soak in life. Jeff and I did very well I think over Christmas with our eating... the week before... not so hot, but back on track and we are back in weight loss mode. I am so desiring to just feel good again! I pray that every one had a wonderful Christmas! Feel free to stop in and leave the kids a message! Night all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I have to just that I am so grateful for my entire family. I have a husband who loves me more than I could ever ask or dream and two precious children. We may have been through a lot of ups and downs this year... but I'm grateful to have walked it with these three precious people! So, it has arrived and we have successfully celebrated! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!!

Well, it is officially here! Christmas eve has arrived! I have been feverishly trying to get my baking done this week and alas... it still is not complete! So, today, Abby and I have pulled out all of the stops and we have that oven fired up and workin' hard!!! I tell you though... I'm cheating!!! I have not had good success with home made this year... so, I went to walmart and thanks to Pillsbury, I have wonderfully shaped sugar and chocolate chip cookies! Once these are done, it's off to making puppy chow!!!





This is my sons help today... he is passed out on his spider man couch with his bottle! Alas, the rest for tonight's marathon of opening presents at mamaw's is more important than baking some silly cookies!!!

I took this picture of Joey yesterday. I think he is preparing for the new years celebration! I thought it was hilarious when I turned around seen that his sister had dressed him for the action!

Tossed aside....

Well, for those of you who do not read the caring bridge, I thought I ought to share that joey has decided to throw out his diapers! We were awakened this morning at 4:30 a.m. by our 18 mth. old, Joey at our bed side. Oh, this wasn't our typical awakening... something very odd happened... we hear fluid GUSHING onto the floor. I was a bit taken by it and not sure what was going on as I was coming out of sleep, but my sweet husband screams "NO JOEY!" By the time I get the light on... there stands Joey in his little T-shirt... YEP! that is it.. his t-shirt... He decided to toss the luvs asside and go commando!!!! Not only that, but he thought he'd pee pee on Mommy and Daddy's bedroom floor! Good thing for Jeff he closed his sock drawer... the puddle was awful close to that drawer!!! So, if you thought you have had a strange awakening... there ya have it! Pfohl style! Tonight... we went to bed in a fully fastenable onseie!!!! Night all.

Wonderful Blessings...

I just wanted to take some time again to say thank you to all of you who have given our kids a wonderful and memorable Christmas. They have been so blessed! Every day has been so exciting. Thank you to the one's who have sent gifts by mail or via cards, thank you to those stopping to visit with gifts, to whom ever is doing the 12 days of Christmas for the kids... this has been much more than we could ever ask for. It is overwhelming to watch their little faces light up. This year has been so hard with a lot of ups and downs and mixes of emotions... but every one of you who has surrounded us is a blessing. Even if you haven't given us but you have thought about us and prayed for us... you are part of this blessing! The kids are doing so much better than they should be and then the doctors say they should and you are ALL a part of that. THANK YOU!!!

Also, This morning was a bit of an emotional morning this morning. I so much wanted Abby and Joey to get to go to church and be a part of the Christmas service, but because of sickness around, they just aren't able. HOwever, we were thankful to watch from home. Abby was so thrilled when she seen that her "friends" were on the computer. She was climbing onto the desk to watch. So, I'm very grateful we have the ability to watch online for our 10:30 services. There are so many things I just want them to be a part of and I can't tell you how many times some one has found some way for them to be a part... this year... the A/V booth had it done! Thanks guys! Abby was extatic! Ok, so hope you all have a wonderful day!

Challenges...

Well, today has been one of those roller coaster days... have you ever done that? Emotions are here there and every where... NO IT IS NOT A GIRL THING ONLY FOR THOSE OF YOU MEN READING THIS! There have been highs and lows today. The high was that Jeff, the kids and myself all opened our Christmas together (got that in before tomorrow when the rat race begins) the low was watching the kids struggle to get it all in today. They want so badly to play with every thing and do everything and walk every where... but that energy supply just isn't there. I had a moment of break down today, but it was resolved by a tickle fest and lots of giggling! =) Laughter truly is like a medicine! Just ask Jeff! The kids and I had a raspberry blowing partyon the wayhome and we were all cackling... HE DIDN'T see the humor, but hey, we were having fun! =) there is nothing that brings me more joy than to hear my babies laugh!

Breath of Heaven...

I purchased one of the cd's at the christian book store that was just sitting in a "discount" rack. I didn't know it had one of my favorite songs on it. I just was in the mood for a Christmas album and well... it looked good... so I took it. Anyways, the song basically talks about Mary as she was pregnant with Jesus. I think I like it so much because the chorus is what I cry out for every day "Breath of heaven, hold me together." Some times life seems like too much. Tests on my kids that are painful, pains in their body that most don't feel until they are extremely old, fears they face, every thing with the extended family... Some times I sit and beg God to hold me together. Here lately, I have felt like the hold isn't enough and pieces are about to fly. I have been doing a lot of praying and asking God for more strength to face each day... My moto has become "One day at a time." I can't look to tomorrow because today is enough... The strength that God has given me in that is incredible. I don't understand why we face the things we do in life, but I do know that God has given us what we need for today. I listened to this song over and over tonight on my drive home from Muncie. Both kids were asleep and it was just me... so, I hit repeat and each time I sang it, I felt this closeness. God is here in the midst. I remember before we had Abby, I begged God for children. The doctors said would never happen with out medical intervention... I finally let go... then came Abby. When I realized I was pregnant... The first prayer I prayed was to tell God that this child was his for his glory... She has been. The kids have faced so much, but not with out cause. Their lives have impacted many... Jeff and I are changed... people around us talk about how they are changed. Abby's faith has spoken to many... People in the medical field have watched how we hold together and trust God... Joey's joy has touched so many... through all the pain, he never stops smiling. If one life is changed by all that we have gone through... then may we call it all for God's glory and rejoice in it! So, tonight, I'm asking you to do something... if the kids lives has impacted you in some way... tell us about it! We'd love to hear it. Those kind of stories keep us going... So, click comments below and tell us your story!

Thankful...

The rush of Christmas seems to set in and unfortunately, we some times forget why we celebrate Christmas. The birth of Jesus! So, Happy Birthday Jesus! I am celebrating because of the gifts that he has given me throug his sacrifice. I'm so thankful for what I have... Life has taken some turns for us, but this Christmas... we are all here! We are together. We have had the good news now of my brother moving back! Mom just got word that she is safe to proceed with her surgery, so her heart is strong enough! Still has the murmur, but is safe! Dad is feeling fairly well. Jeff's mom is sick, but we are thankful they found this when they did! We can look at all the good things in the midst of this and realize that God has given us many blessings. It doesn't matter that there have been hard days, what matters is that God loved us enough to get us through and He's given us another Christmas all together! So, I'm excited to see Christmas come! I hope you all have a wonderful evening!

Oh, and an update on our 12 days of Christmas from a secret Santa... The kids got 6 bouncing balls last night of which had every one laughing! we were having a "ball" with them! =) Then today, on the 7th day, Abby recieved 7 carebears and Joey recieved 7 dinos! =) Again, to whomever you are... THANK YOU!!!

Well, first came going to the post office today. There was a blessing there for our kiddos towards their Christmas... whomever you were... THANK YOU. I am so amazed that the self-less giving. So many are giving and not signing... your reward will be great in heaven!

Next up, came the 5th day of Christmas... a knock at the door... and 5 shiny things were left! The kids each recieved a package of stars and a moon to hang on their walls... of course, they had to go up the MINUTE they arrived! =) Thank you again to whomever you are!!!!

Then came the finale to the day... a hot meal came to our door! Thank you pinkerton's for an AWESOME meal! The food was great. Stir fry, rice and egg rolls... mmm.... I can still smell it! Ever so good!

I can't say thank you enough to all of you who are standing with us through this! You are a blessing beyond anything you could imagine! Night all!

The snowy weather...

Well, I thought I'd take a break from the activity of life to bring to you these special pictures! Saturday, Abby was so excited about the snow because as most of you know, She prayed for it!! Well, the kids can't handle cold/hot weather because of temp regulation issues from their disease... but we gave in and took them out for 5 minutes! They had a blast. Abby learned to throw her first snow ball and well, Joey didn't manage to throw any but remained on the receiving end... HOWEVER, he did not mind it at all! It was hilarious! He'd giggle every time the snow ball would smack him in the face! Poor guy!!! It was great fun to watch but lots of tears when we came in. Warming up for the next round though! Better watch out!!! Abby's got some GREAT AIM on those snow balls... Just ask Joey's red nose!!!

ON the fourth day of Christmas....

Ok, the 4th day has struck! I really am dying to know who thought this up and who you are! This is absolutely wonderful! My children are thrilled! A knock came at the door and my daughter tairs through the house yelling "Mommy! Some body's here and it isn't Aunt Kisti!" So, I'm slow moving thinking that some one has dropped and run! Well, I look up.... NOPE..> There stands some one at the door. I'm in comfy jammies, so I send Jeff to the door and well... we have never met her but she hands him a gift and says "merry christmas" and walks away. Curious! A phone call last night, a real face tonight!!! What is next!?!??! Anyways, whomever you are or how ever many of you there are... THANK YOU! Tonight was those little creatures you soke in water and watch them grow. My daughter sat for an hour and a half with a glass of water waiting on a monkey to grow! Too cute! She loves it! Ok, so great thinking! The kids are thrilled! Night all!

3rd day of Christmas...

You know, I really don't know who you are... but I'm greatful! The kids are into the third day of Christmas a secret "santa" drop off! Tonight was brought alert by a cell phone call... Oh I'm so stinking curious!!! I am just so thankful. It really doesn't matter who you are, I just hope that if you are reading this, you know that you are making my kids day! They are absolutely thrilled! Abby and Joey recieved three piece dish sets tonight. Joey latched onto Tony the Tiger and Abby right away chose the Rice Krispy guys. So, thanks! It brings much joy!!! We are all doing fine. The kids are holding up well. You can check their caring bridge and even leave them a Christmas message if you'd like. Their address are lifted to the left under their personal stories, or in my list of friends. You pick! Same pages, just two locations to choose from! Hope you all have a wonderful evening! I'm off to weight on more snow! Night!

Here is our day today...

First hair cut! Oh so cute!!!!

























First Bath in the new bath tub seat AND HE SAID DUCK!!!!!!!!! Numerous times!!! YEAH BUBBY! This bath seat is a God send... made my life so much easier!!!!

Watching our anual round of Frosty the snow man, the grinch stole christmas and Rudolph... bubby's belly is hugely swollen and he is so not interested in tv! Let's jump on daddy! It's coming...

Having fun with our new gifts. Chemo Angel Linda from Colorado sent the kids a WONDERFUL gift package in the mail today. One of the gifts was these little pull back toys. They are lady bugs that actually RACE. Oh man! We haven't laughed like this in a long time! The kids were falling over themselves playing with them! =) Then, if you note the jammies they are proudly wearing... these were dropped at our door for the second day of Christmas. So, whoever is bringing the blessings... THANK YOU SO MUCH. You have brightened my kids day with your generous gifts which brightens my day more than you could imagine!

There was a knock on our door tonight... Jeff opened it an no one was there. But... there sat a red gift bag... he brought it in and inside found a note that read "on the first day of christmas a gift was left for me: a dino and a care bear I see." And there they were... a wonderful care bear and dino! both kids shook with excitement! So, if you are reading this tonight and you were the one who left the blessing... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! The kids have had a rough go right now and it just meant the world to them! Joey hasn't put it down... Abby hasn't stopped talking about it! She even told Aunt Christi over the phone!

Walk walk walk....

Ok, so I have really been trying hard to loose weight. I'm at that 20 lb. marker... so now it is really time to start working on the inches as well. I have gotten up two times this week early enough to do a walking video before the kids get up! It's been feeling good to do this. I used to walk with my friend Donna, but, it's been hard to do that in the winter. My poor lungs just don't handle that cold air right now! So... wish me luck... we'll see if this begins to help! =)

Feeling the crunch...

Before I start... I thought this picture was too good to pass up... we tease that Abby has OCD... this is how she lines her care bears up every night... No kidding! The kid is goofy! But, that's part of what makes her her!!!!

The last few days, I haven't been on because I just am not sure what to say. I like to be very positive and I like to be uplifting, I LOVE encouraging people, but I have lost sight right now of how to do that. I have been very tired lately and life seems a bit much. Recently, we have had the news broken to us that Mito is probably not a combo of daddy and I... it appears to be coming from me. Among all that is going on right now, I wasn't ready to handle that news. Now, I'm finding out that they believe my mom has mito (mito can happen as an adult onset as well and could happen in me any day). I am trying very hard to find the positive in life right now and to hang onto that. I know God gives me strength to face each day. I know that God loves me. I know that God means every thing for good... I know all that God promises... so today, I look on god and I think on these things. He has a purpose and a plan... and He knows every tear that is shed getting to that purpose. I just need to say thank you to those of you who are surrounding our family. I'm so thankful God has put LOVING PEOPLE in our lives. We have met many on our CB sites for the kids, we have people in the church... THANK YOU. I think of Moses and how he was too tired to hold his rod up... they came along side and held his hands up for him... many of you do that through prayer for us. So, THANKS FOR KEEPING US UP. We love all of you. Off to get some sleep.

Scrubbing it all...

Well, today I spent scrubbing EVERY THING in our kids rooms. we even made some good will donations of clothes that are too small, toys that are never played with, etc... I was so thrilled to do this today. Their rooms are a huge task some days. I got a lot of laundry done today, AND even got to put it away! Sundays are wonderful for accomplishing things... no docs are in to call with questions, no tests, rehabs, or anything to be scheduled... sweet bliss I say! So... I worked! While I listened to church via the net today, I even cleaned my bedroom floor (my catch all!) It was just a nice feeling to accomplish somethings. So...

over all... it just felt nice. =) Hope all had a great weekend... I'm still trying to rebound from my crazy hives! (see my last post...) Until next time my friends!

NOT GOOD!!!!!!!

Ok, I never thought I'd see the day.... I have been so stressed out that I now have hives all over my entire body!!! (ok, thankfully not my face! =) I took some benadryl last night in desperate relief... didn't help the hives... but I didn't know I hurt either! Ha! I was out! Ok, so Jeff through those away today... apparently I was dangerously loopy! It isn't good when you have children with medical issues to have the parent who knows the most about what to do an emergency to be uncontious most of the night! I haven't found any relief yet... My ulitmate relief would be the release. I have struggled so much this last month with the kids. The medical issues have just been firing left and right. I haven't had time to stop. Then Jeff's mom with the new issue of cancer on top of numerous issues that develop every day, my mom with her heart and need of surgeries, Jeff's brother is loosing his mother-n-law... the list continues on. My relief will only come in my ability to release. MY HIVES TELL YOU... I haven't succeeded. So... you can pray for relief that I can release this all to God... and well... I'll keep trying to pry my fingers off of life! Don't forget to stop by the kids Caring bridge pages. They have enjoyed hearing the comments left. Night all!

Here's life from the last several days!

we started with our sleep study on Friday. If any of you know Abby, the look in her eyes will make you cry!

This is Bubby waiting on sissy in surgery. He was watching Jack's big music show on the DVD player on Aunt Christi's lap! =)

Then came the surgery. This is Abby just out of recovery.

Leaving Riley after having her endoscopy, Extended PH probe (note the reason for the arm splints and tape on the face) and the muscle biopsy.

recovering at the motel after surgery watching Dora Re-runs! =)

My little skeeter...

well, my little skeeter bug faces surgery today. I'm not sure why, but I'm just a mess... ok, I am sure why... It's scary for a mito kid to go under... it takes a lot of energy to bounce back and she hasn't had much energy the last week. jeff is at peace though... so that always feels comforting. I haven't been able to sleep but an hour or two tonight. I so much wish I could raise more awareness of what mito is, the affect and the SERIOUS NEED for a cure. As a mommy, I feel helpless within myself as I watch my babies suffer. They look so normal and at times, they act normal... but the painful times are when you watch them suffer at home because they did what "normal kids do" They can't control their mouths, they have trouble with muscle pain, weakness and tremors, they cry because it hurts to move, they some times don't want touched because it hurts to feel... that's the side many DON'T see. I try so hard to protect them, but I just wish they could run free and feel normal. Play and not worry about the after affects. Anyways, I'm really struggling right now. I think it is all just because life has taken some scarry turns this week that have been hard to swallow, but we will make it through this hurdle and trust God has a reason and he's with us. Some days, it's harder to focus on that then others... but today... I'm just clinging to him and crying out for him to hold my baby. we'll update when surgery is over. You can find more at www.caringbridge.org/visit/abigailpfohl I am keeping things updated there more. Talk to you all later.

It's Christmas time...

I love this time of year. The snow (when I can drive in it), the shopping fun, the new things on the shelves, the giving, the carols, the Christmas music on the radio, the memories we remember and the new ones we make! I just realized tonight that I hadn't posted any pictures of our Christmas tree yet. So, here it is! Abby drinking her Crystal Light posing for you and little mister Joey decorating Abby instead of the tree! =) The kids had a blast decorating and I enjoyed watching them... however, I was a bit flustered at how QUICKLY they wanted the decorations out and I couldn't unwrap them fast enough! I think the holidays have snuck up on me. But, life is busier right now than it has ever been. In the last three weeks, I have not had ONE day that I'm not on the phone with docs at Riley. It's been so frustrating and tiring. Today, I was back and forth with the outpatient surgery and GI for abby. She seems to be passing some blood in her stools and GI is thinking of adding another test to her already long list when she goes in for surgery on Wednesday at riley. Anyways, I am really struggling to figure out how to balance life. There is so much new that is going on that it's been hard even emotionally for me to catch up. My body and brain is moving forward because it has to but my heart is left behind still wondering what struck I think! Anyways, I would ask that you pray for me to figure out how to fit every thing in one day that has to be in. between rehab, MULITIPLE doctor appts. each week, meds, phone calls... I just am really not sure where to place things and in what order they need to come. I've become an awesome organizer, but in the last few weeks, even that has had a toll taken on it... I am just learning to make every thing mobile. we never know day to day when we'll be here or staying at Riley. So... more planning and more learning is my main goal! Night all!

I did it!!! I did it!!! I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I totally did it!!!!! I have obtained loosing 20 lbs!!!!!! Ok, I have like oh... only like 154 more to go. =( But for today.. I'm excited I'm not saying 174!!!!! YEAH!!! I didn't start out measuring myself, but I did 2 mths. ago and over a 2 mth. time period... I've lost 9 total body inches!!! I'm so EXCITED! Ok, I thought that was worth the post! Hope you all have a GREAT night! I know I'm excited!

It has happened!!!!

Well, I kept seeing these at wal-mart wondering when the question would hit "mommy, can I have one of those?" Well, we took Abby shopping with her birthday money today from her party and it hit! She seen the oven and within seconds... "I want that! I don't want anything else!" So, it has arrived! It's plugged in and it has begun baking it's first back of cookies! I absolutely love cooking in the kitchen with Abby, but I never thought I'd see the day this would arrive so soon. She is absolutely ecstatic to have her own "oven". It's all she's talked about! Oh well. We are having fun regardless and she is sitting in a chair patiently waiting for her 10 min. wait to dive into the 1 cookie the batch made! Hahaha!!! I can't help but chuckle!!! Oh No! The timer just went off! Gotta get those cookies fresh out of the oven!!!!!! I'll post some pictures of our first extravaganza!!!

Where do I begin!!?!?!?!?!

Oh man! There is BIRTHDAY EVERY WHERE IN MY HOUSE!!!! I'm not kidding. There is not a corner of my house that doesn't have a new toy, a gift bag, left over party supplies, etc... =) Oh it was so much fun! I'm working very hard today to pull the house back to a some what orderly fashion. I don't think my house is ever 100% clean. My kids just don't permit that. I have struggled with that here recently, but I'm learning that they come first and the rest will fall into place when it does. You know, this season of life has taught me so much. The importance of life, the importance of people and family, the reality of spending every moment to its fullest. In my last posting, I listed all that is going on in life and I can spend my time trying to make my house perfect, trying to keep my van spotless, trying to put my time into busy work to please others, but the reality of it comes down too... there is nothing more important than spending that time with my children and my family who needs me. Things are going to be out of order at times and it is important to keep things in order... but it's so much more important that people see God in me and my family knows that mommy loves them. I doubt that my kids are going to look back and say "Man, mom really kept the house clean, she must really love me!" nope, I think they'll look back and say "mom held me when I didn't feel good, mom snuggled me when I was scared because of the bad day I was having..." That's what I want them to remember... not a mommy that was so busy keeping the house clean that they didn't have their literal needs met. I have no idea what any of our futures hold... but I know one thing... no matter what... I want EVERY ONE TO KNOW, I loved my family and I loved my God with all of my heart. I want my babies to grow up and look back and say "man, mom was such an example to me. She loved me so much and wow... look at how she loved God." I want my extended family and friends to know that as well. So, I am stiving to put my focus where it belongs in ALL of our situations right now. We love you all! Thanks for being there for us! Stop by the kids pages today to leave them a message if you have time! They love it!!!

Taking a deep breath...

Well, my week is hopefully OVER as far as EXCITEMENT goes. I am not sure my poor body can take one more thing. Abby had her sleep test. I don't think she'll get as good of results this time as she did last... however, I don't think the results are going to be that bad either. She was VERY RESTLESS. I was hoping they'd get to see that because she is OFTEN that way at home. I am not sure if it is pain and discomfort causing it or if it is a sleep issues... but regardless... it's killing her sleep and making her more tired. We'll know more in a week or so when the final results have been read and given to our doc. We spent today in the Riley ER with Abby. She was dehydrated. Poor dear! If it isn't one thing, it's absolutely another in our family. Things have just been hitting left and right. Jeff's mom has cancer, she had to have a gtube placed, she is then having her bottom teeth removed and she starts radiation and chemo TOGETHER Wed. the 12th of dec. Jeff's brother is loosing his mother-n-law. Her blood levels have been acidic for too long and has DESTROYED her liver. They expect her to pass within the week. My mom has some health issues going on that are going to require a couple of surgeries. On surgery is diagnostic related... they are concerned there could be some major issues. Then you put every thing with the kids on top of that and spells TIRED. I think most days I am chasing my tail! Oh, and Jeff's sister is bleeding internally and they can't find it... PLUS she's just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis... DO WE HAVE A BULLS EYE ON OUR Heads??? I'm beginning to think so. We are hanging in there though. God has given us incredible strength and blessings these days! I'm not sure who prayed for us on my last post, but thank you! Thank you to every one of you who leave comments here or on the kids caring bridge pages. (listed to your left in the column under Our story of mito myopathy). Those comments get us through some days just knowing that people are there! So, thanks! I think it is time for my tired bones to fall into bed. I need to clean up after our birthday fun, unpack suitcases and do laundry... WE leave Tuesday for Abby's surgery on Wednesday... SO LOTS TO BE DONE! Night all!

Sleepless nights...

You know, usually it is my kids who keep me up, but tonight, nope... it's that thing called emotions. Yeah... they get me every once in awhile. Today has been very hard. Abby got to go to chuckecheese for her birthday today. Yesterday was her party with her family and friends. she got up this a.m. and cried most of the day that she was hurting. Joey was weak and fell so much he was hurting himself. Then came chucke. I was hoping that it would pull them out of this. don't get me wrong, she had fun, but she wasn't herself. She was slow to switch games and pretty much stayed in one area for a REALLY LONG time. When she finished, she cried to go home and didn't even want to pick a prize. If I set her down, she'd just start crying saying "Mommy hold me, don't let me walk, I hurt mommy." I controlled my emotions for her sake, but now, I just don't know what to do with them. I called Nuero today to ask about this weakness especially in Joey. I knew the pain was the usual Too much, but I've never EVER seen this much weakness. They thought we were seeing "drop seizures" but after some questions, that was quickly ruled out. So, she dropped the bomb. We are simply seeing a "true" flair up. She explained this is why they order the wheel chairs. it absolutely broke my heart. Have you ever done that? You know something can happen, probably will happen, you're just sure you'll be ready... it hits and you crack? I've cracked. They are both so precious! They just smile and move on. I wish I could have that kind of faith. Well, I guess I'm off of here to try and focus on the right thing... get my eyes off of this storm and onto Jesus! thank you for those of you who have stood beside us, loved us and been there for us through prayer, e-mails, comments here or on the kids caringbridge pages. You are all wonderful. Abby has a sleep test tomorrow night. Please pray for her with this. Night all.

HAPPY BIRHTDAY MY DEAR ABBY!!!!

Today is officially Abby's birthday. However, yesterday was her party. She had an AMAZING PARTY! Thank you so much to every one who helped make this so amazing! She was so tired when we got home. In the van, she told me that she had fun but it was hard cause she was tired. She's so sweet. Her little legs and back were in severe pain by 9 last night. However, it did not affect her gleaming smile as she just kept saying how nice it was for every one to come and to giver her a present. She is such a little pumpkin! I couldn't tell you how a child who can be an absolute stinker can be an absolute sweet heart! I tell you, as a mommy, I was so proud. Nothing does my heart more good than to see my children smile. They go through so MUCH and I just wanted to see her have a care free night with out thinking about the scary things they face. She did at that. As I tucked her in last night, she kept saying thank you over and over. So, I say thank you. Thank you to every one of you who blessed her with cards and gifts and even donations to her fund raiser. We are marked at $70.00 right now. That's just wonderful! Both kids are asleep still. They have been in bed with out waking for 10 hours now. So, I know this party did a number on their little bodies, but they both had too much fun to speak of!!! God bless all! AGAIN... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Joey's big dance...

Ok, I haven't been on much because life has just been busy. I don't know what has hit, but life just feels over whelming... so I wanted to bring to you the one thing that can always make me LAUGH NO MATTER WHAT... My son dancing! So, click play and enjoy! Hope it makes you smile as much as it does me! night all! Oh, don't forget to leave your revues for Joey! You wouldn't want to leave him feeling like an unloved dancer!

Worn out....

Well, Jeff returned home from church today. I informed him of how Joey's day had gone... so we packed life up and AGAIN headed for Riley. Joey's worsened with his breathing. We are back home, THANKFULLY (for details, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephpfohl ) This whole week has been a struggle to know when the lines been crossed as far as keeping him home or racing to Riley as quickly as we can. It's so hard as a mom to know when to draw the line and make the call. I pray every day that God gives me the wisdom to help the kids. I have two complex kiddos, and neither one of them came with an instruction manual... Hmm... Oh well... Here's hoping for some sleep tonight. I was up all night last night with Joey. So, hopefully tonight, we can all rest easy! Hope you all have a wonderful evening... ok, night... evening is pretty much over! Night!

The madness...

Today came with mixed emotions for me. We didn't take off early to do the "Black Friday" shopping frenzie. The kids can't be around that big of crowds and you know every germ is out on this day because many let NOTHING stand in their way for the big race to save some money on great Christmas deals. So, we waited it out... Went in late morning and had to retreat because the store was still PACKED! I found myself a bit emotional today. Watching the other kids and some wishing that my kids were "normal" and able to be out and not fret the flu bug. I shook myself out of it though and managed to enjoy the rest of the day. We took the kids to Sickles tree farm outside of Lynn and let them pick a tree today. They both were VERY excited. They can't regulate their body temps, so we couldn't take the time to cut one, but it was fun to pick one out that was inside the barn anyways. Joey really enjoyed watching them cut the bottom, position it on the tree stand and wrapping it to go home. He thought that was great! Abby, well, she wasn't feeling good so by that time, she barried her face and just wanted held. Her ear has worsened... I am so worried about her. Hopefully the new med we got today will bring some relief. I am looking forward to the Christmas holidays. I am beginning to cherish these times MORE AND MORE! Hope you all had a wonderful day. God bless you! Hope to hear from some of you! Oh, don't forget to check out the plan for Abby's birthday in the column to your left! She got her first card and shook with excitment! It meant the world to her. Night all!

What a wonderful day!

I don't think I need many words to express this... but I'm so thankful for my family. Today was the most wonderful day we have had in a long time... Abby prayed for snow and she got it... we had to play inside... but we had SO MUCH FUN! We cooked, we ate, we laughed, my ribs hurt from laughing, but tonight, I go to bed with an EXTREMELY THANKFUL HEART for my entire family! I love you all!