Best Birthday Gift Ever!

My mom gave me the most awesome gift for my 22nd birthday a few weeks ago: A 30 minute massage!  I had never had a massage, but I know how much it helped my mom when her back was hurting.  As it got closer to my appointment with Kayla from Absolute Muscular Care in my hometown, I became more and more excited because I'd I had almost forgotten what it was like to live without neck pain! My neck had been hurting for months with no relief. I couldn't even sleep good at night because of it. After visiting Kayla, I have noticed a TREMENDOUS difference!  I have slept better ever since my visit! 

I didn't have the typical massage, though. I had something called the CranioSacral massage that is designed to help migranes, fibromyalgia, and even childhood disorders like cerebral palsy! Click this link to learn more about it. I couldn't believe there was a massage designed just for me! 

Anyway, I just had to share this with everyone.  Kayla didn't not ask me to write a review.  I just believe in sharing good stuff!  If you live in my hometown, I highly recommend her!

Cutie Pie Keller

You've all met my adorable cousin Keller in previous posts. He just turned a year old this past Saturday! I can't believe how quickly time has passed. Now, he smiles when he sees you, and he's fluent in baby gibberish. :)










He's in a contest sponsored by Parent magazine. If he wins, he'll be on the front cover! There's only one problem: he needs some votes! Click here if you want to vote for him. (Link no longer works, so it's removed) You can vote once in the morning and once in the evening. Thanks in advance for all of your help! My readers are the best!

EDIT: Sorry, I had the wrong link up earlier. If you click to vote, it will now take you straight to Keller's picture. Again, I apologize for any confusion.

21 Wishes

With each birthday comes a time to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. As my mom said, "Make a wish!," Eli and I simultaneously broke out in a fit of laughter. It was a priceless moment.

In honor of my 21st birthday, I thought I'd list 21 wishes. I didn't want to do a 'traditional' birthday post. I guess you could call this my bucket list. Some of these things are just for fun. :)

1. Enjoy this next year no matter what comes my way.


2. Take more opportunities to thank my family "just because".


3. Go to Spain.


4. Learn how to use Photoshop.

5. Learn calligraphy one day.

6. Meet Denise Hildreth. She's one of my favorite authors.


7. Write a book.


8. Go back in time to the visit those beautiful, old libraries to learn how people lived, what they did for fun, etc. I like to look at people's handwriting, too because every person's is different.


9. Be able to do more in physical therapy.


10. Be able to sit up more during the day. This is getting better, but it's taking time.


11. Encourage kids with disabilities to never give up.


12. See how a popular magazine like Vouge or Seventeen magazine is designed (I think it would be cool to see it go from the rough draft to the final version!).


13. Donate hair to Locks of Love more often. I've done it before, but I want to do it again.


14. Design stylish shoes for kids and adults that have to wear orthotics or heel lifts.


15. Visit Switzerland.


16. Give journals and pens (and crayons for the younger kids) who are in the hospital to encourage creativity inspite of their not-so-fun situation.


17. Graduate college


18. Get married


19. Go on a mission trip.


20. Find opportunities to give to others in meaningful ways. Encouraging words, handmade gifts, etc.


21. Learn to slow down and enjoy life! I'm working on this one right now by watching Christmas movies. :)

My brother and I had an awesome birthday! We kept it simple and celebrated with family. What would be on your bucket list?

An Unusual Birthday Present

I just got back from my doctor's appointment. It was a long day to say the least. We got there and the order for Botox was not approved even though my doctor had sent an urgent request in. They told us this as I was getting my blood pressure taken. Ha! I looked a the young girl and said, "That was a very bad time for them to tell me that. I know you'll have to take it again." The doctor came in and said, "I'm not going to let you leave empty handed. We'll discuss other things that can be done to help you." That was a huge relief because I have been sent away with nothing being done to help me. He said that he would prepare things as usual in hopes that it would be approved.

One of my doctors said that Botox wouldn't help, but after two months of trying other things in physical therapy, we at least had to try. Since the illiotibial band is a fibrous tendon, Botox won't help. We decided that cortisone and a patch would be the next best option. He asked me where it hurt the most, brought a picture in and marked the spots. I was given the choice of a hospital gown or shorts. I chose shorts. Little did I know, these weren't your normal shorts. They were huge! Dr. V said that he would put some on to make me feel better. The nurse took a picture of him that had us rolling in laughter.

This is where patience came in. This clinic is normally a children's clinic, so they don't normally do cortisone injections. He had to put in an order at the nearby hospital. We waited. An hour came and gone. He poked his head in the door saying it was taking longer than expected. We turned the TV on and got comfortable(well, as much as possible). Another hour. He apologized again, saying that the residents on call were taking awhile since it was something they weren't used to doing. You could tell he was becoming a little agitated. The shots finally arrived a little after lunch time. We were relived and Dr. V came in singing the Hallelujah chorus(literally).

He was kind enough to numb the areas beforehand. (I have had to endure eight shots with no numbing medicine). I won't lie. They didn't feel good going in, but I knew they had the right area when I felt pain.

When I left, I thanked him. He was taken aback, but I meant every word. I needed some relief and was grateful to him for being willing to do something about it! The day didn't go exactly as planned, but I don't know of any time that ever has. :)
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I'm another year older today. I guess time flies when you're having fun. :) It has been quite an adventure having a twin. I've always had a playmate, someone to goof off with, and share my life with. We started kindergarten together and graduated high school together. As we grow older, life will take us down different paths, but we will always have each other.


We celebrated early with my mom's side of the family since my brother is going to be out of town the rest of the week.






Yummy Hummingbird Cake





Blowing out the candles


Here's to 20 more birthdays together, buddy!

Happy Birthday, Granny!

I want to wish a Happy Birthday to a very special person--my granny. She is a simple woman who doesn't want much, although she does love an occasional yard sale. She loves her family with all her heart and takes pride in hard work.

Thank you for all that you do. Your laugh is so unique. I could pick it out of a crowd. You have to have a sense of humor to be married to a jokester like Papa!

So, Granny, I hope you have a fabulous birthday, and I can't wait to see what next year brings!