New Family Picture (kind of)

This was taken in October.

Test Results for Larkin

All the tests were normal. We are left wondering, 'then what is the deal??' As of now, we are still simply treating the symptoms. Good news: with the new regiment of meds, she is doing just wonderful. I believe the biggest difference has been the Gas-X. She takes 1/2 a tablet 4 times daily. She is a new woman!! I haven't seen her this consistently happy EVER. And, she's 'going' like, dare I say, normal?? Is this the answer? Has her problem all these years simply been gas? Only time will tell. For now, we're ecstatic.

Our Little Conservationalist

Isn't it interesting how our children, raised by us, can be completely different from us? Having all sorts of ideas, interests, and beliefs that are totally their own? First of all, Rainey Jewel is a dog-lover (well, animal lover)....where did that come from?!? Not me, that's for sure. Not only that, but she's OBSESSED with turning off the lights and making sure we don't waste water. We knelt down for family prayer this morning and I placed the wrapper of my protein bar in front of me (with the intent of throwing it away after prayer) but she told me that littering will make the Earth sick. Then she got up and threw it away. We are expecting snow later today, which is very rare. I told the children that we are so lucky and blessed to have a warm home in this super cold weather because not everyone has a home or a place to stay warm. I should have seen it coming. Rainey said that we need to invite the homeless to stay with us. I told her that there are homeless shelters, but she still wants the homeless to come to our house. Don't get me wrong....I care about the Earth, animals, and the homeless, but I'm not planning on opening any shelters or starting any 'Save the Earth' campaigns. Rainey doesn't want to get married or have children. She wants to grow up and have dogs. I explained that she can be married and have dogs too, but she can't seem to wrap her brain around the idea. We love her big heart. She is a good person and cares about the Earth, people, and animals. I believe that is rare, especially for a 6 year old. It will be extremely interesting to watch her life unfold.

Results

Larkin's blood work came back normal. No Celiac's disease. I have mixed feelings about this. While I'm thrilled to not have to put her on a special diet, we're still left wondering what the heck is going on. Waiting for the other test results.

LASIK!!

On January 15th, I underwent LASIK surgery. Totally worth the $$$$ and I couldn't be happier. The pain was minimal and it didn't take very long at all. I've been dealing with glasses and/or contacts since I was 5 years old and it's totally weird to wake up and be able to see. I still find myself reaching for my glasses in the morning. I'm still healing and my eyes will sometimes go blurry, but that will go away in time. If you're on the fence about getting LASIK, let me be the one to push you over the edge! Get it. Get it now. You will LOVE it.

Tests and more Tests (and some drama)

Larkin's battle with IBS continues. But, first let me say that I wouldn't trade this challenge for the world. I thank my lucky stars that she has IBS and reflux instead of a serious disease or terminal illness. I, in no way, want to come across as whining or complaining. This is what is simply what is going on in our lives. SO having said that, Larkin had a routine check up with her Pediatric GI this past Thursday. On her last appointment they noticed air in her belly and we took her off cow's milk to see if the air would go down. Nope, but I'll keep her on soy for fun. Because she is still filled with air they did blood work (so sad) to check for Celiac Disease. They also ordered another test that is totally gross....I'll spare you! We are waiting for the results.

The drama. Larkin is now on 5 different medications some of which are taken 4 times daily. Late last week I filled her Rx for Prevacid which is an antacid for her reflux. I noticed that the packaging was different, but didn't think anything of it. She got her Friday night and Saturday morning dose. On Saturday night, Jim noticed that the name of the meds on the label didn't match the name on the actual packaging. He did not give it to her and we skipped her dose on Sunday morning. After church, we called CVS pharmacy to check it out. They gave us the wrong meds!! She was supposed to get Prevacid and they gave us Orapred ODT which is a STEROID!! Needless to say, we freaked out. Long story short (too late), Larkin is fine with no harm done. Double check those Rx's people. Human error would be a horrible way to die.

Catching Up: Larkin's Birthday

Larkin turned 4 years old on October 17th. She had 2 birthday parties. Our family party was a costume party. As you can see, Larkin was a witch. For her friend party, she wanted a princess party. She loves Princess Tiana from 'Princess and the Frog'.

Catching Up: Lego Land

Catching Up: Disneyland/Boud Reunion

Catching Up: Disneyland

Larkin loves the princesses!

Catching Up: Disneyland

Catching Up: Bales Family Reunion

In late June, we rented a beach house in Galveston. 15 kids, 12, adults, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a partridge in a pear tree. It was crazy and sand was everywhere, but we had a wonderful time. When we weren't on the beach, we were inside playing 'Just Dance' on the Wii. Very fun! I had such a good time watching our kids who look just like us. It was like we're little kids playing together all over again.

Catching Up: Memorial Day

My Dad's family is from Dayton, Texas. On Memorial Day we drove across Lake Houston to Dayton to visit the cemetery where most of the family was buried.

Jackson & Rainey





















Dad loves to give us history lessons and we love to pretend to hate them.












Dad giving Jacob and Jackson a history lesson.

Dad at his parents' grave.
Frances Adelbert Bales and Jewel Stevens Bales

Catching Up: Larkin

Houston, we have HAIR!! I'm very happy to report that Larkin has a full head of hair. She has been working very hard over the last year to grow it. It's been a long time coming!

Larkin is my little 'home-body.' She loves being at home and having Mom all to herself. She loves to read (or have me read to her) and she takes her coloring very seriously.

Larkin is still battling her IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and acid reflux. The head of her bed is propped up on books to let gravity work and keep the acid down. She takes Prevacid twice daily for reflux. She's also on a heavy regiment of Lactulose aka, the 'poop shoot'. It's an oily substance that coats the lining of her bowel to allow 'everything' to slide right out. I know, TMI.

Larkin is a little sweetie with lots of love to give. She's my only child that will cuddle with me. She lets me hug and kiss her whenever I want and crawls into my lap all the time. She loves to play and take care of dolls. I can tell she will be a wonderful mother someday.

Catching Up: Rainey Jewel

Rainey Jewel. This has been a difficult year for our Jewel. Her beloved dog, Malijah, is no longer with us. He attacked Jim leaving blood oozing out of 3 puncture wounds in his arm. As much as it broke our hearts, there was only 1 decision to make. Jim and I cried together as we realized what needed to happen because we knew Rainey would be devastated. And she was....is. After several weeks of acting out, constant melt downs, and sleepless nights, I took her to a physiologist. While the visit was helpful, the poor doctor was almost in tears as Rainey described how Malijah would sleep with her at night with his tail draped across her legs and would stay right next to her until she fell asleep, then he'd move to the bottom of the bed. We had another session scheduled when we adopted Krystal - the kitty. Krystal has filled a small portion of the gaping hole in her heart. She is happier and sleeping better. Not all is well, but it's an improvement. Another visit to the doctor may be in order.

Another huge change for Rainey was that she started kindergarten in August. She loves her teacher and being with friends, but could very well do without school. She asked me daily if she has to go. Picking out clothes is a nightmare. I do my best to get this done the night before, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.

Rainey loves her kitty, playing littlest pet shops, and is enrolled in ballet. She is a firecracker that always makes us laugh.

Catching Up: Jacob

Jacob has been growing and thriving! He's getting so huge that Jim no longer holds back during wrestling/tackling matches. Jacob started the 3rd grade in August. He is doing very well and being tested for the GT (gifted & talented) program. On January 11th, he will be competing in the school-wide spelling bee.

Jacob's love for football is also thriving. Jim is always involved in a fantasy football league and for the first time Jacob was allowed to participate and held his own. He completed his first session in HAFL (Humble Area Football League). His team made it all the way to the superbowl and lost. He had a great time, but doesn't want to play again because he 'never gets to touch the ball.' Well, if you think about it, not many people actually get to touch the ball. He eats, sleeps, and breathes football. Players, stats, etc.
We are enjoying this stage in his life. He's very fun and helpful. I NEVER thought I'd say this, but he is my easiest child (for now).

Jacob was baptized on February 20, 2010. We are so proud of our not-so-little boy. Almost all of my family was here (minus my younger sister, Bethany). Even my brother, Steve, drove all night from Atlanta. It was a surprise to the rest of the family and when they came to the church Steve was there. So fun. We were also very happy to have Grandma and Grandpa Boud with us. We don't get to see them as often we we'd like.