Not a great new year

 If I am being honest this has not been a great start to 2021 for us!

Maddy has been sick, Alex hasn't felt 100%, Bruce is still going through Chemo and I am missing "normal Life". 

Maddy is finally better after 5 days of being really sick. We are not sure what virus she had, but she ran fevers of 102-104 for 5 days. Luckily it was not Covid.  She is back to school, ballet, and horseback riding now and seems no worse for the wear. She videoed for her first virtual horse show last week. She did amazing. Unfortunately she is dealing with quite a bit of anxiety bleeding into all areas of her life. We are trying to get to the bottom of this and help her deal with her fears. She LOVES every minute at the barn and riding her horses. 

Videoing for her show

Finally lost her other top tooth!

A Painting of one of her horse by an amazing volunteer

As for my Alex...We aren't exactly sure what is going on with him. He is sleeping about 14-16 hours a day and just doesn't feel great. We had two appointments this week, but no one is sure exactly what to make of it. We are just keeping a close eye on him. He continues to work on school and is getting ready to start working on his driver's permit. He has already started fundraising for Cook Children's again. I have added a link to this year's fundraiser to the right side of the blog. 

As for Bruce, he is currently on round 6 of 8 of chemo. Each round he experiences more exhaustion and he is anxious to be done. He met with his oncologist this week. We continue to watch spots on his lungs, kidney and pancreas, but for now all is okay. He LOVES his job with 7-11 and we are so grateful for his job, his boss and the ability to work from home during these crazy times.

For me...Most of you know I try to always remain positive and focus on the bright side. But if I am being honest this last month has been rough on me. I am such an extrovert and after almost a year of being quarantined, I miss people and getting out. One of the ways I always filled that social need was through my workout group. Not being able to workout has been a double whammy. I miss my morning crew and I am frustrated that I am gaining weight. I am anxious for the day I can rejoin my 5 am crew! Anyone who knows me well knows that my biggest source of stress is always money. Even when we are fine, finances cause me anxiety. The start of this year has been laden with a number of bills that just add to my worry. But we are okay and I just need to turn off that voice in my head! When I am having a rough day these two make it better. 

I ask for prayers for Maddy's anxiety, Alex and Bruce's health, and for me to have peace and find ways to connect. Thank you for allowing me this space to be honest even on the days that it is harder to choose joy.

Ali