Saturday, July 3, 2010

Interesting but a Great Day!!!

Everything was great today. My parents came over, cooked out and had a really great visit. Perfect day to grill and be outside. The kids were able to play in the sprinkler and just have fun.

So, we were eating and shortly after we were eating, Ren started SCREAMING!!! And then Hunter started screaming. Then I jumped up and was not sure what was going on. A yellowjacket had stung Ren right by her right eye. The stupid bee was following her and then Hunter and then it was coming after me! Stupid bees.

So, we had to all come inside. Ren's eye started to swell and that's when I called the pharmacist. She said to give a dose of Benedryl and Motrin. And of course, no benedryl in the house, due to the fact the kids can't really have it because it dries up the secretions in them, and I had already given her tylenol. Aaaargh.

Then I called up to the on-call Dr. at Childrens and she was so sweet. Love Dr. Nevin. Apparently when she was younger she had stepped into a hive of yellowjackets. Ouch!!! She said that I was right about the Benedryl but she is having an allergic reaction to the sting being she was swelling up and to go ahead and give her some. I did and the swelling has gone down but she still looks like she got punched in the eye. She's feeling better though and that's all that really counts. Always something in the Kunkel house!! :)

We had a great time with my parents and really glad they came over. Don't get to see them very much even though we live only a half hour away. Just things get so busy. Life is busy, for everyone. I miss them at the same time though.

Going to a new church tomorrow. I'm really hoping this one is right for us. It sounds like it is. We are going to get there a little early to talk to the Childrens teachers and make sure they are aware of the kids' CF and that they can't eat any snacks unless it's Cheerios or something of that nature. I hope and pray they respect us and remember, most of all.

Hoping everyone has a great weekend and enjoys the nice weather while it lasts. Storms for the next 5/6 days. Ugh.

Love my parents and love my family.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Another Antibiotic

Ok...Today was quite the day. I have been trying to get back into homeschooling Hunter over the summer to get ahead in 1st grade. A little difficult now that Serenity is getting older. Running around, wanting my attention constantly because I am focused on Hunter. It gets quite trying at times. I have tried to give her things to do. Color, watch a movie, even playing games on the computer. This morning, I decided with the type of morning it was turning into to not do school today. I have decided, which I probably should have a long time ago, to do school while Ren naps now.
This morning started out with me trying to pay bills. Hunter was still sleeping and Ren was already up. I didn't hear her, but found her in the kitchen at the sink. There was water EVERYWHERE, going from the sink to the fridge. I just wish I had 2 minutes to just even pay bills.
Then Hunter wakes up. He had been complaining of a sore throat for the past 2 days and had to take him to Drs. Took him in and they did a throat culture. This kid has severe Dr. anxiety. He pushed the Dr. this time. At CF clinics, he has actually kicked and hit the nurses and Drs when they go in for a culture or labs. I am not able to take the kids by myself to the Dr. I wish I was because then Brandon wouldnt have to take off work. They did a strep test and it came back positive. He's on an antibiotic now as is Ren for her coughing. This is the first time he has gotten strep.
What I'm dreading is the clinic visit on Tuesday at Childrens. Labs this time and it is so hard to get a needle and blood from Hunter. And what makes it worse is that Ren sees him and then she starts flipping out. I can hold her down though. It takes 2 or 3 people to hold Hunter down for labs. This will make for a long day as they will do PFT's and there normal CF team visit.
We live 2 hours away from the hospital and I can't stress how long it is.
So, all in all, the Dr. at the pediatricians office was ok with everything that happened. They tend to understand our situation as we are the only ones that have children with CF that are seen there. They literally are taken aback when they see the Kunkel name on the schedule because they know what they are up against.
So, needless to say, early night for the kids and probably me too.
It's just been very stressful for me lately. I have to figure out a way to get the kids listen (if that's even possible) I'm tired of the disrespect--figure out the homeschooling thing, make sure the kids get their treatments in, be a housewife and everything else.
I know God doesnt put on us what we cannot handle, so I know I can do it. I just need to find a way.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Just a little extra help

Today was a very long day. School with Hunter was very trying as Serenity was in everything and a lot of distractions. Going to make out a schedule this weeken to try and get structure and order in the house--especially during homeschooling. Hunter is doing very well though and is on his way!
Tonight we took the kiddos to hockey practice. Both did awesome, however a little more help would not hurt. I requested to speak to someone about private lessons and got a really good price for some one on one time with an instructor.
Serenity starts her antibiotic tonight--omnicef--for a cough she has had for the past few days. It's weird because it comes and goes. Her doctor just wants her on and antbiotic as a precaution and to get rid of all the bad stuff.
I am going to half to call up to the Hospital again tomorrow to get Hunter on something if his throat doesnt get any better. I really wish he would tell me when he starts to not feel well instead of telling me a day into it. He said he scratched his throat while eating a chip. Hmmm...is it a ploy or not? Going to see what the Dr. says anyways. Better to be safe than sorry in my book.
Not a whole lot more went on today. Just really tired and ready to call it a night already.

Tomorrow, another beautiful day and will see what God has in store for us!!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Breathe Easy

Today was Connor Jones' day to be laid to rest. God called him home and he is breathing easy now and has his angel wings. I continuously pray for the Jones' Family for their loss.

Connor, without even knowing us, has touched our lives in so many ways. Especially me as being a mom to 2 CF kiddos. He has taught me to see the good in everything, he has taught me strength, he has taught me to live life to the fullest, and he has taught me to love those around me. He has touched thousands of people, people he doesnt even know...until now.

As a mom, I have learned to look at my kids and thank God for another day with them. I have learned to hug harder and give an extra kiss. I have learned that my kids are fighters and they don't even know it. To go through what they have been through - Hunter surgery at 3 months old, numerous hospital stays, many pokes with a needle, and Serenity--even more hospital stays (6 in her first year of life) many pokes with the a needle, I know my kids can do this. They know they can do this. Above all, God will do this for them.

I thank God that he brought Connor here. Even though he may be in heaven, he is still here with so many people in our hearts. He is truly and angel and deserves those wings. Breathe easy Connorman, and know that you will be missed by thousands.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Why the Deceivement

When I went onto facebook last night, I was appalled by what I was reading. One of my friends had let people in the CF community know that there was a person out there that was taking not only photos of her daughter and her meds but lying about the fact that she had a child with CF. This not only hurts but is unimaginable to know that someone would go to these lengths to get attention.

Living with CF is no joke. Nor should it be taken lightly as if it's the common cold. So many innocent children and adults lose their lives to this disease every day. And to have someone take someone else' pictures????

Why can't people just be understand that they are given one life and one life only. Be thankful for what you do have, sickness or not. I dont understand this person. Get a different hobby. Stay off of facebook to where people actually ARE friends and can use it as a good source of information.

I have to live with this disease along with my children. What they have to go through every single day just to eat, so many take for granted.

Don't go wishing you had the life of someone else. Don't go pretending to have a life you don't have. Be happy with what you have. God has given you this one life to make the best of it.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

First For Everything

So, yesterday we were able to go to my mom and dads house for a really great visit. Mom and I went to a few garage sales and I was able to get a lot of things for the house.
We haven't been to church in a great while and was planning on going back to one we were going to last year, but when we got there...there were only 3 cars in the parking lot. We knew they had a Saturday night service, which is ideal for us, but come to find out no childcare/Sunday School for the kiddos. We were bummed, big time. So looking for another. Finding a church is the hardest thing to do. I want to make sure that not only do the kids have a great time and taken care of (meds, etc. when they are having a snack) but also somewhere where Brandon and I can really learn from.

But today was the kicker. We took the kids for the very FIRST time to the movie theater. We went to go see Toy Story 3 in 3D and the kids schocked both Brandon and I. They sat in their seats and wore their glasses to see the movie and did so well.
Bought Hunter some popcorn that was gone in literally 10 mins. and Ren her own candy and they thought this was the greatest thing. We were nervous about taking them, only because we never had in the past. Now that Ren is 3--she is definately old enough and behaved surprisingly well. Although it was expensive, it was so worth it. I think the last time I was at a movie was 6 years ago while Hunter was in the hospital for the second week after his surgery. A lot has changed since then--mostly the prices lol.

Serenity went without a nap today and having a really hard time with her tonight. Not wanting to eat, crying, and actually wanting to go to bed. We managed to get food in her and bedtime in a bit.

All in all, it was a really good weekend. Not quite sure on what this week holds for us, but I am ready for it.

Tomorrow, starting homeschooling with Hunter again and hopefully getting Ren potty trained. We were so close with Ren a couple weeks back, but had a setback due to her body not agreeing with the Creon and having to go on Miralax a lot. But now, we will conquer it. (praying)

Lord, we just ask that you watch over us tonight and the week to come. We ask for guidance, strength and patience for mommy :) We trust in you Lord with all our hearts and love you so much. Thank you for keeping us healthy and we just ask that you continue to keep us healthy. We ask that you watch over all the sick ones out there and bring comfort and strength to them. We trust you. We love you. In Jesus' name...Amen.