Since returning home from All American Quarter Horse Congress it feels like its been a whirlwind! Maddy and I have been in full swing with ballet, barn, school, volunteer work and a bunch of doctors appointments. Some days our schedule is crazy, but we are always grateful for a life we love and people who mean the world to us!
We haven't really gotten any clear cut answers for Maddy and she continues to struggle most days just not feeling great, but she never complains and never skips her activities. Usually I am the only one who she tells she isn't feeling well. It has been a bit frustrating for me as I wish the doctors could offer her some relief. Next week we FINALLY see the nephrologist and I am so hopeful we will start to make progress. We have seen our local neurologist and tweaked some meds to try and help her near daily migraines. She continues to be very cooperative during our school work. She is learning her dances for her Winter Recital and prepping for her next horse show. In Maddy's world, life goes on and you keep smiling regardless of how you feel!
 |
| Trail at Congress |
 |
| Our Goofball |
 |
| Hart is the best sport and puts up with us torturing him! |
If Maddy learned how to live life to the fullest from anyone, it was from Alex. I am immeasurably proud of him. He has lived one of the hardest lives I know and yet he cares for others and strives to be his best in all circumstances. His semester is more than half over and he is doing amazing in all his classes. He enjoys his time with his friends and his Esports team. He is officially double majoring in Psychology and History and looking forward to attending Graduate School. He knows the reality of his life and is determined to make the most of his time and his life. Somedays I have to take a step back and appreciate the miracle of these days and Thank God. It truly is special and I never want to lose sight of that.
 |
| Alex commentating an Esports match |
While the kids definitely keep me busy I am busy of my own doing lately as well. I have suffered from pretty bad allergies my whole life and got shots when I was younger. My PCP had sent me back to an allergist last month and last week I spent a full day at the allergists office to have a RUSH procedure to speed up the process to get my allergies back under control. I am not going to lie it kind of kicked my butt and I felt pretty under the weather until today. But I am hoping this will be the first step forward to feeling better. I have also stepped back into quite a bit of Volunteer Work with Cook Children's. I am back on the Family Advisory Council, remain on the CLABSI committee to try and prevent Central Line infections, and most recently was asked to be the parent representative on the Emotional Safety Steering Committee. This may be my favorite project I have ever worked on as it hits so close to home. I am also volunteering on several projects with Maddy's Therapy program. While the kids medical journeys have kept me from working, I enjoy using my gifts and my experience to give back to those organizations that have been so instrumental to my kids living their best lives!
This week is a big week as we celebrate Maddy's 12th Birthday, Halloween and the Appaloosa World Show! Thank you for loving us well!
Ali
