Legs for Lorisa

Legs for Lorisa 2010

2010-05-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Once again I had a kick butt team at the MS Walk. People never cease to amaze me and support me. I so appreciate it and can't even put it into words! The MS Walk was a huge success and though we haven't gotten to our goal of $20,000, Legs for Lorisa still has time. We are still the largest team in size in the North Central States Chapter! Thank you to everyone who supported me by either walking, fundraising, or donating. I appreciate it all!

It's Finally Here!

2010-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I am a horrible blogger, I know it, but at least I am doing it now. It's finally here....THE ANNUAL MS WALK!!! We are so excited for this weekend and couldn't be more happy to see our friends and family!

After over 2 months of planning, recruiting, fundraising, door knocking, and begging...we finally get to actually walk for a cure. Wouldn't that be something if our efforts and money actually made a difference? I believe it does! Some day, this will be a memory and we will be a world free of MS!

Speaking of those fundraisers, a HUGE thank you to my sister Lynelle for having a social hour on her birthday at the Peacock Alley in Bismarck. What a great idea! To LeAnn for hosting her annual MS party and chinese silent auction. It is always a great hit! To Lisa who tried her hand for the first time at a fundraiser and served taco-in-a-bag at her employer. And (in my opinion) the best fundraiser of all...our Phone-A-Thon! Terry and I hosted a new event that was a great success!

Thanks to everyone on our team, Legs for Lorisa, who is coming to walk this weekend and has done their fundraising share. It means so much to me!

See you Friday night at A&B pizza, Saturday morning for the Walk at Wachter, then the Post-Walk party back at the school, and finally a poolside gathering Saturday evening. Cannot wait!

Location Secured!

2010-03-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well it is the time of the year again....MS WALK TIME!!!!

The MS Walk for Bismarck is scheduled for May 8th at Wachter Middle School. Every year our team, "Legs for Lorisa" meets after the walk to celebrate our fundraising efforts. Every year we grow bigger and bigger and thus, out growing each and every location. It is a good problem to have, yet still a problem!

So, after LOTS of looking and asking, we have found our location. It will be right at Wachter! YAY!!! No need to follow directions or consult your map, we will just move to a different part of the building just for OUR TEAM!!!

I am so totally excited about this and we have EXCITING and FUN things in store this year. It is going to be bigger and better than years past....what to join us?

Giveaway

2010-03-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

My friend Kimberly has been making adorable hats. Check out her giveaway:

http://kimberlysdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/ffs-giveaway-in-loving-memory-of-amanda.html

4 years ago

2010-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

4 years ago I learned what being a mother was all about. If only for an instant. I learned that I would give ANYTHING for my children and would have done ANYTHING to save our little girl. But, I could not and she was born an angel and will forever live in my heart!

Happy 4th Birthday Isabella Faith!

January 19, 2006

I miss you every day.

I miss you in every way!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have SO many things to be thankful for, I had a hard time summing it up. But, here it is:

I am most thankful for my son, Kael, who entertains me daily; My husband, Terry, who provides for us and is a wonderful guy; Being a stay-at-home mom and the opportunity to be able to do this; My health that has remained in remission though having Multiple Sclerosis; My dog, Buckets, who still loves to lay and cuddle; my awesome friends; my family; my grandparents still with us; my cokes and coffee; living in ND; a kitchen (didn't have that last year); getting to take naps; and most importantly...I am thankful that God has provided ALL this for me!

American Pie

2009-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Again...late post! But, here are apples off our NEVER ending apple tree in the back yard. I really despise those trees. What a mess they make. But, if I have them cut down, we will have NO shade and NO apple pie filling for years to come....hee hee!I actually found that I enjoy canning. I know you can just buy a can of apple pie filling in the store, but heck, it was a pretty good time. The smell was wonderful and the bonding time with my kitchen was fantastic!

Downfall...ignoring my child while I did something with the apples. Here he is caught in the act of eating Pringles as I peeled and peeled away. That boy sure does love his chips.

Happy Halloween...a little late!

2009-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

So, I have been HORRIBLE about keeping this updated. To be honest, I was so excited after my last post, I just don't feel anything can compare to that. So, I haven't posted. But, here it is....a belated Halloween! Kael was a monkey and we took him around the neighborhood....he LOVED it!

MRI, neurologist, and a great day!

2009-10-05T07:14:00.001-07:00

This is an update on my MS. I know a lot of you read my blog and want to know, so here it goes!!!

Last Wednesday Terry and I went to Bismarck for my MRI and then meeting with my new neurologist, Dr. Dunnigan. I was super nervous that morning, but kept occupied by buying a new backdoor from Menards right before our appointment (totally not relevant, but filling you in on all the details)! Let me just say that I haven't had an MRI in 5 years. With MS, that isn't good. As an MS patient you should have an MRI every year to 2 years to check the status of the lesions on your brain and how they have progressed or gotten worse or have accumulated. But, since I was pregnant and then miscarried, pregnant and had Isabella (stillborn), and then pregnant with Kael and then breastfeeding, MRI's weren't a possibility. So, finally after 5 years, I scheduled my MRI and dreaded it.

The MRI went pretty smoothly itself. The fire alarm went off when I put on my robe in my own dressing room. Wasn't sure what I was supposed to do, so I opened the door and saw no one. Great...just my luck. But, a tech came to my door a few seconds later and said that I don't have to do the "drill". Off to the machine I went. Strapped in, head secure, and 45 minutes of MRI"ing" I was in for. After the first set of "pictures", the tech pulled me out and inserted the contrast dye, known as Gadolinium. I usually get super sick when this is injected and throw up for the majority of the day. It is a sick joke, really. But that day...nothing. I did not throw up at all! So, back into the machine I went for the 2nd round of "pictures".

Terry and I had a quick bite to eat and then headed over to Dr. Dunnigan's office for the results. Waiting in the waiting room, and then waiting in the dr.'s office for him to come in, was excruciating. Man, they say time flies when you are having fun, but we were NOT having fun waiting. He finally came in (which wasn't even that long) and started reviewing the MRI that I had just had taken over at St. Alexius. Terry and I pulled our chairs up closely and were looking intently at the computer monitors as he scrolled through 100's or even 1000's of scans.

After quite a few minutes of silence, Dr. Dunnigan confirmed what I was thinking...the scans were WONDERFUL!!!! ONLY 1 NEW LESION IN 5 YEARS....INCREDIBLE!!!! It was a silent attack since I didn't have any outward symptoms of this lesion and it looked to be older. He was impressed and thought it was amazing that I would only have 1 lesion in 5 years. God is awesome! All the prayers that have been lifted up have been answered (answered in the way we were asking, that is)!!! It is pretty unheard of for a Multiple Sclerosis patient to go 5 years with only 1 lesion!

With that said, we don't see him again for another year for another check up (unless something major happens) and another possible MRI. We did not have to decide on what interferon injections to start me on, we didn't have to figure out how we were possibly going to pay for them ($1000-$1800/week), and we don't have to worry that my MS is progressing fast. God is great!

***I wanted to put a disclaimer at the bottom of this post. First, MS is a highly unpredictable disease. The results I got today and how the last 5 years have went doesn't mean that tomorrow I couldn't have a huge attack or in another year when I have my MRI I don't have 100's of lesions. I pray that I will continue to maintain my physical activity, mental stability, and the progression of MS in me remains minimal to none. But, wanted all to be aware of the devastating effects MS can have. Also, MS is different in EVERY patient and EVERY person. So, please do not email me and tell me about this person with MS or that person with MS and how they do it, because EVERY patient is different and the plan of action with their MS is different as well. (unless of course you would like me to add their names to my prayer list!)****

Go Twins!

2009-09-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Terry, Kael and I had the opportunity to take in a Twins game in the cities. Thanks to our friend Jess, we got great seats and had a wonderful time. Kael was totally soaking it all in.

Here's daddy and Kael from the parking garage looking at the Metrodome:

The cutest new Twins player, Kael!

Watching the game so intently.

Our family before the game started. Players on the field warming up.

Leaving the game....tired and done, so need a ride from Daddy.

MOPS Ice Cream Social

2009-09-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

We have been working our little tails off getting ready for the MOPS ice cream social. This year I am Co-Chair of MOPS and Co-Chair of MOPPETS. It is a big responsibility and more work than I ever thought it would be. So, when last night was a HUGE success and more and more moms and dads and kids kept coming through the door, it was INCREDIBLE!!! Here's a few pictures of the evening!

Now I just can't wait for MOPS to start. Next Thursday can't come soon enough!!

Randomness!

2009-08-23T22:34:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of such random things that I haven't even posted for a while. Seems like we are crazy busy, with nothing in particular happening! Couldn't resist this one....Kael in his Elmo undies helping with the dishes!

We moved the piano I had growing up from my parents' house in Bismarck to our house in Hazen. Mom has been wanting it out for about a year, and we finally made it happen. Here is Kael helping Daddy get it loaded and tied down.
At home and Kael climbed in the piano bench with his hammer to "fix it". I actually got my camera out in time to catch this one!

Piano with all my willow tree angels on it. I LOVE it!

Kael eating a "pickle on a stick" during Crazy Days in Hazen. I told you these were random!

Locks of Love

2009-08-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had 12 inches of hair cut off to donate to "Locks of Love". I thought I would be more sad then I actually was...it was a great experience and I have a cute new hairstyle. A picture is worth 1,000 words:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! Thanks Amber...you did a fabulous job and you are great!

Spillway Pond

2009-07-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

A group of friends took our kids to Spillway pond last week when it was SUPER hot. We had a wonderful time catching up and the kids had a BLAST! Even though I put sunscreen on 3 times, I still burnt the crap out of my back. My MS stayed under control as I spent most of the time in the water staying cool. If I would just have been out in the heat, I would have never made it.

Here are pictures of Kael (red life jacket/red trunks) and his friends!

Splish Splash

2009-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of "water" going on this weekend, so thought I would title this post "splish splash". Friday night we had Terry's old boss' retirement party at Hazen Bay and got to go watch the shop guys tube. Kael got to go on his very first boat ride. It was a blast!

Today we had my family out for a birthday get-together for myself. Kael, Mara, Aubrey, and Evan had a great time on the slip n' slide (or slippery slide as Evan calls it). We also had a water balloon relay and fight and running through the sprinklers. The adults enjoyed playing some games and hanging out in the shade. It was HOT! My friend Kimberly stopped by with her boys and Kael and Cayden played on the slip n' slide for even longer, but I didn't get any pictures of that. Dang it!

So, since it was entirely too hot for me to be out in the heat all day, my leg is killing me. My left arm is ok right now, but my face is tingly and numb. Off to watch some t.v. with the hubby!

Wonderful Weekend

2009-07-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Lynelle and LeAnn brought the girls over on Friday to have a "spa day" at my house. This was a total impromptu appointment at "Spa Aunt Risa's", but the girls had fun! Here is Aunt Nell working on Mara's nails for her mani.

LeAnn was working on Aubrey's pedi while I was making slushy drinks for the girls.

Evan got to enjoy a cherry slush to keep him occupied during all this girly time. Kael missed the whole thing as it was during his nap.

Lynelle gave LeAnn a pedi and I made them frappuccinos. LeAnn then gave me a pedi...I think she would be the only person I trusted to my MS left leg...she was very, very gentle and it still hurt!

Saturday we went to Minot, played at the park, did some shopping, and then went to my cousin's wedding reception and dance. Here are the girls doing the limbo. It was hilarious. Aubrey really got the hang of it though.

Mara was just about to give it a try when I snapped the camera...but you can see on her face she is having fun. Little Evan is holding the bar a smidgen higher for his sister.

Then Kael wanted to get on the action, but didn't understand the concept...oh well, he made it under the limbo bar!

We got home early on Sunday morning, went to church, took a nap, and then went out to the lake where Lisa (my sister), Al, and McKenzie were camping. McKenzie was trying to teach Kael how to use the slip n' slide.

Kael didn't really like the water splashing on him, but loved to bend over and try to drink it. I finally pushed him on his butt and that was so fun for him. Oh the little things in life that can make a 2 year old happy...like slip n' slides.

McKenzie and Kael got in the inner tube to dry off and bounce...fun!

It was a great weekend and we had a great time. And, I used a TON of coupons at Target which always gives me a "coupon high" for the Targetaholic. It was great! Off to bed now to try to catch up on some sleep....after I unpack a couple bags from the weekend!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

We set up the Elmo sprinkler for Kael to run through since it was so hot. He thought he should just drink it until I demonstrated how to run through it....thank goodness no one got a picture of that. It actually felt really good because it was so humid outside and with my MS, I just can't take the heat....more like, I just can't process the heat. My body doesn't know what to do when I get hot, so I just shut down. I guess more water and pool time is in store for Kael this summer!

Grandpa and Grandma Newman were in ND (from Kansas) because Terry's grandmother passed away. So, here I caught a picture of Grandpa helping Kael with a bubble machine they got him for his birthday. Took him a minute to get the hang of blowing, but he finally got it! And yes, he is just in undies and not shorts, because we are working on potty training!

Ladies Men

2009-06-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here is Kael with his buddy Cayden, sporting their "Ladies Man" t-shirts. Aren't they adorable? Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog...

Oh, I love me a good coffee date and play date for the kids....the little boys aren't going to like us mom's some day for this!

Where in the World is Kael?

2009-06-21T21:58:00.001-07:00

Looking out the back door of my sisters house onto her deck, I saw this:

Then I heard giggling and found this:

Kael, Aubrey, and Evan (cousins) all hanging out and drinking from their little cups. Kael thought this was a HUGE treat!

Took him home and the next morning I couldn't find him again....and found him doing this:

Yep, he got into his closet, pulled up his handy tool bench, reached for the "powder" and went to town. Oye...this boy is hard to keep up with!

Happy 60th!

2009-06-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

We surprised my Dad with a little 60th birthday celebration. Not sure why I didn't take more pictures, but here are some with Papa, Nana, and all the grand kids.

Papa and his 3 grandsons. When you ask Kael how old he is, he says "two". When you ask Kael how old Papa is, he says "OLD"!

Kael trying to ride an old trike I rode when I was little. He can't peddle yet, so he is pushing with his tippy toes.

Aubrey (6), McKenzie (7), Mara (8), and Evan (5) all eating at Papa's surprise party!

It turned out to be a really good day. We played a couple games of Bocce ball, tricked my Dad really good, and even got him to play a game of Dominoes. The kids had fun running around and playing together, too!

Potty Training 101

2009-06-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

We decided to start potty training Kael this week, since I stayed home the entire week and babysat my friends' 5 week old baby. I tried to do the "potty training in a day" theory where you are naked from the waist down and let it run down your leg gross feeling. It seems to be working. Here are pictures of me entertaining him in the kitchen where carpet wasn't involved in the clean up (if you catch my drift)!

Eating batter on the potty in the kitchen!

Putting together party favors for his upcoming birthday party.

Couldn't resist this one...having a treat of some sort with no undies!

My little baby looks SO BIG compared to Taylor (5 weeks old). Notice the "big boy undies"!?!

Praying for another successful week of potty training. Man, it is more work than I thought it would be!

That's Life!

2009-06-14T06:25:00.002-07:00

This picture feels like MY life right now. He is pouring himself a bowl of Life cereal and poured a little more than he bargained for. We've had so much going on and been crazy busy, that I feel like my "bowl" is "overflowing"!

Yesterday we went to Kael's little friend's birthday party. The twins turned 3 and it was so fun to help with the John Deere cake. It took us many, many hours, but it was worth the look on Tanner and Hunter's faces when they saw their cake.

After the birthday party we went to my friend Laura's baby shower for little Taylor. Can't wait to babysit her all next week. Other than she is coming before 7:00am and I am not used to that! I am anxious to see what it will be like watching a newborn and a toddler. Yikes!

We are off to Bismarck today for Kael's 2 year old pictures and a family get together. Better run...loading up on Dunkin' Donuts coffee and a bowl of Life to keep me going!

Facebook and Viruses

2009-06-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was so frustrated yesterday. I opened a facebook message from someone that I trusted and I got a nasty virus on my computer (come to find out, this person didn't actually send me the message). So, after my computer went crazy, I updated and installed new anti-virus protection and I am good to go. You would think that I would get off of facebook, right? But, I guess I am too addicted!

With the viruses on my computer, I thought I was going to lose all my pictures and videos. I was so sad about this, knowing I had videos of Kael from when he was a baby that I hadn't done anything with. I am ecstatic to tell you that they are not lost. Here is one that I LOVE from when he was 20 weeks old. He is so happy in this video, and this was after his colicky stage!

Buckets my Baby!

2009-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

After Isabella died 3 years ago, Terry decided to cheer me up with a puppy. We decided to go with the miniature schnauzer breed since they are great with kids and don't shed! I had never had a house dog before and knew nothing about owning a pet. But, I instantly fell in love with him and he is totally my baby. Poor thing...I carried him around like a baby, dressed him up in onesies and every dog outfit I could find, and LOVED on him! The past couple days he had been acting lethargic and just not quite himself and then actually got sick. We took him to the vet and to make a very long story short...he will be fine. Now he is going to get a lot more TLC from me this week! Since I was scared of losing him, my mind went back to when he was a puppy and was so dang cute. I just had to share my baby Buckets!

This is my all time favorite picture of Kael and Buckets together. They absolutely are best friends and they both love each other so much. I thank God for both these babies in my life!

Happy 6th Anniversary!

2009-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Terry and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary last weekend. Honestly, it feels like WAY longer than that. We have actually been together for 10 years, but married for 6. We have been through SO much together that it is hard to believe we were once so young and naive. Happy 6th Anniversary Babe!

The day before our anniversary I had primed the back entry way of the house and had left the gallon of primer (now 1/2 empty) sitting back there. Well, the next day, Kael wanted to go outside at lunch time and decided to throw a HUGE fit and "throw" the can of primer down. I wish I would have taken a picture of all the destruction, but I was to busy getting it off our NEW kitchen floor, the dining room set, and the heater. I left the splashes on the wall, because I can paint over that. But here is the proof:

My parents and my sister, Lynelle, came down for the afternoon to help Terry and I put up the fence in our backyard. Terry and I already had all the holes dug and the posts put in, it was just the day to stretch the chain link. Lynelle watched Kael (thank goodness his aunt came to his rescue because I was still very mad at him) and the rest of us worked on the fence.

It is so nice to have the fence up and for Kael and Buckets to be able to go outside and play! Overall it was a good anniversary, though we didn't do anything special, it was nice to be together and work on our home projects.

Now I will leave you with this BEAUTIFUL picture of Isabella's tree. We planted it 3 years ago this month and it is blooming so amazingly. I can only imagine how beautiful and gorgeous the flowers and tress in Heaven must look to her. I can't wait to see her again!!!

Artsy Fartsy

2009-06-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

I found this VERY UGLY picture at a rummage sale for $1.00. I wish I would have taken a picture of the whole thing before I painted over it, but here it is 1/2 primed. I remembered about half way through to grab my camera!

I painted the whole canvas the "Cincinnati Hotel Briggs Beige" that my living room is painted first. Then gave Kael the sage green paint from the kitchen and let him go to town.After the green dried, we went on to "Merlot" and then "chocolate chip brown". These are all colors in my house and I had the leftover paint. So, for only $1.00, a little mess, and a good time, I now have abstract art to hang up in my house. Maybe over my couch?

Not exactly what I envisioned it to turn out to be. But, it's pretty cool that Kael did this all on his own and it matches my house. What do you think?

Show Us Where You Live Fridays - Children's Rooms and Nurseries

2009-05-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Kelly at Kelly's Korner and follow her blog. I have only played along once, but decided to do it again. This week we are showing off our nurseries. I thought I had more pictures than this, but I guess I don't. And since Kael is sleeping, I am not going to go in there and take more pictures and I just couldn't wait!!!

Isn't it cute? Ok--so it is hideous! This was the way it was when we bought it. Not digging the peach curtains?

Wallpaper down...baby blue walls behind it. This picture was taken after all the patchwork had been completed. Just waiting for it to dry so I could prime and paint!

Old dresser turned changing table!

Kael's room is a monkey/jungle theme. The dresser was something Kael's great-grandpa made and my husband refinished it for a changing table. It worked perfect! He loves to sit in his little chair and read his books. I think that he thinks he is an "adult" when he sits there. It is so cute!

These are pictures of his room when we lived in Iowa. The rocking chair is now gone and his room isn't as neat and nice as it was when he was first born. I guess that is what happens when the baby you have always dreamed of starts to actually "live" in the room! Seems like this room sat like this FOREVER as we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited for a baby to arrive!

And, I just couldn't resist putting these pictures on here. Now that Kael is almost 2 years old, it seems like this was eons ago. What happened to my little baby? It just goes so dang fast! He LOVED that mobile. It was the ONLY thing that would actually entertain him (that's when I got my showers in)! And, this was one of the RARE times he actually slept during the day when he wasn't in my arms...ugh, those were some long days!

Neurology Day and Memorial Day!

2009-05-20T20:23:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Bismarck for my neurology appt. I haven't had an appt. for 2 years and I was totally due. And since we moved to ND and my fabulous and wonderful MS dr. in Minneapolis retired (Dr. Shapiro), I have been putting it off. Well, today was the big day and it was absolutely worthless. Dr. A (as I will refer to him) was not the type of dr. I am looking for....at all! Terry actually got up and left 1/2 way through my appt. because he thought it was a complete waste of time. So, I guess I will try another one out and see if I find a neurologist in Bismarck that specializes in Multiple Sclerosis. I just need somebody who understands the disease and knows the daily issues of living with MS!

Since we were in Bismarck we got some flowers for Isabella's grave for Memorial Day and then took pictures next to her tree we planted 3 years ago this week. It was a bit windy out, but the temperature was gorgeous! Here are some pictures:

Bucket's even got to come with and check out the action. He loves going up to the cemetery because there is a lot of open space for him to run.

Family photo by Isabella's tree (3 yrs old). Buckets, Daddy, Kael (23 months) and Mommy!Buck is licking Kael's face and Kael is giggling. They are totally best buds!

Wind blowing and Kael looking out to Daddy. I LOVE this picture!

And by this point...both boys are DONE!

Beautiful tulips in my parents' front yard. I love tulips!

The MS Walk...FINALLY!

2009-05-17T19:58:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to post about the MS Walk for a week now, but have been super busy. I have a friend that had a stillborn baby and I have been with her, and our friends. I also went to little William's funeral and loved that us girls could do that together and be there for each other.

Also, I have another close friend that found out she has an aortic aneurysm this week. She is 23 weeks pregnant and I have been spending time with her and keeping her company. Please continue to keep both these ladies in your prayers....they totally need it!

Now...onto the good news. We had hoped and prayed to have 100 teammates for Legs for Lorisa this year and to raise $10,000.00. Well guess what? WE RAISED OVER $12,000.00 AND HAD 186 TEAMMATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was absolutely wonderful! I enjoyed the day so much and was sad when it was over. There are so many new teammates on our team and it is so fun to meet them all! Here are some pictures from the walk!

I am waiting on a team picture, and can't wait to post that. Thank you to EVERYONE for their contributions....whether it was donations for the party, donations of money for our team, walking in the cold weather, or fundraising yourselves. I TRULY appreciate all the support. It is overwhelming to me and I thank God for the wonderful turnout!

Prayers Needed...big time!

2009-05-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wanted to get my fellow blogger friends to come together with me in prayer. I totally believe in the power of prayer!

Yesterday my good friend found out that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. She is 22 weeks pregnant and was induced last night to deliver her stillborn son. Having been in her shoes before, my heart just breaks for her. There is NOTHING I can do for her, except pray. I feel at such a loss.

Also, tomorrow is our annual MS Walk that we have spent countless hours, weeks, and months planning. Please pray for a successful turnout, great weather, and for our fundraising goal to be met!

2009-05-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

The MS Walk in Bismarck is this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. Friends and family from around the 4 state area are coming to walk with me and help fight for a cure for MS. What could be better? If you would like to sponsor me, you can click on this link below:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Lorisa

Here is a poem that my sister found by a lady that has MS. She SO nails the feeling of MS, I just had to post it.

MS Attack
by Sylvia Brown

MS makes it's attack on me
Whack after whack, oh where can I flee?
My body feels weak, my movements so slow,
I duck and I dive to avoid the next blow,
It beats me up. I'm black and blue,
Nine rounds with Mike Tyson, how many more can I do?
My body is numb, I start to shake,
Please Rescue me, I need a break!
But no one hears my desperate plea,
So I have to search inside of me,
I reach inside, what can I find?
A Will to Live and Strength of Mind,
I am so determined to Survive,
To Live my Life, to Stay Alive,
So this torture I must withstand,
With Faith I'll find a helping hand,
Deep inside myself I find a Strength,
To help me swim that extra length,
My stubbornness drives me from within,
To continue my search and Never Give In,
So I ride the storm. The skies WILL clear,
I KNOW that sunshine will appear,
And my sinking feet in the Quick-Sand,
Will find themselves on Solid Ground,
and Gingerly I'll get back on my feet,
For I will Never Accept defeat!

Please do your part and help find a cure for MS!!!

Kitchen Tour!

2009-05-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Kelly from Kelly's Korner is hosting a "Show us your House Friday". I LOVE her blog and her faith in God, so I thought I would play along. The first tour of my house is the kitchen! Here are before and after shots.

Picture of the kitchen the day we moved in.

Completely gutted. Knocked out the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

Completed kitchen with all new everything! (except the fridge)

Looking from the back door into the kitchen. Kind of dark...but you get the picture.

Taking a bath in the brand new deep sink. Kind of blurry, and kind of too big for kitchen sink baths, but it was fun!

Fundraisers!

2009-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy busy week getting for fundraisers and presentations. I went to Bismarck with my sister on Wednesday and we spent the entire day running around getting donations and supplies ready for both the MS Walk and for her fundraiser on Friday night. I was exhausted. Today brought my presentation for MOPS, where I discussed the trials of MS and the faith that has grown from it. After MOPS, they organized a fundraiser for me and we had "taco in a bag" for lunch! It was a wonderful time and I am so happy to have found such a great group of women to support me.

Tomorrow is my sisters huge fundraiser in Center, so I am off to help with that. I am super excited that I get to be here for it this year. Some great friends of mine are coming to join us as well. I can't wait!!!

The flamingos were flying around Hazen again last night, but are sleeping now in my mini-van :( I think they like the car better, too, but it has been easier to get them in and out. They will migrate to Center for a night (for the fundraiser) and be back in Hazen on Saturday. It has been a great success!

Well--I am off to bed to get some much needed sleep for tomorrow. My MS is REALLY bothering me tonight and walking has become a chore. Only a few short steps to my bed and I am out!

As the snow melts

2009-04-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

As the snow continues to melt, the flamingos continue to move around Hazen. Though it has been challenging to get them into what little snow remains or into mostly frozen ground...the challenge still continues. These houses are shown in NO particular order of when they have been flocked!

Also---we had a great Easter and trip down to Kansas...only a couple mishaps on the whole trip. Here are pictures from Easter and visiting Grandparents while we were there:

Easter morning goodies!
Daddy and Kael at the Dinosaur museum. Kael was scared of them!
Kael with Grandpa and Grandma at the park.

Terry and I being silly!

Hope you all had a blessed Easter!

Anonymous

2009-04-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

My fellow bloggers are telling me I need to blog and get something on here...but I have nothing to post! I have been flocking my little heart out, but everyone is paying to be "anonymous". So, I can't post pictures of houses because someone might figure out where I have been. Tonight I flocked, but that was not anonymous...I will drive by tomorrow and try to get some daylight pictures!

Other than flocking, we have been busy with the purchase of our first mini van. I swore I would NEVER drive a mom van...much, more, or less own one. But, I am the proud new owner of a used 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Touring. But, with automatic sliding doors, a push button open hatch, and a dvd player, how can I go wrong? Plus, it will give me more room for flamingos!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter! God has been so good to us this year and we have lots to be thankful for, including Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead! Wow...what an awesome story to pass on to our children!

Flamingos are Free!

2009-03-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

The flamingos have been set free!!! Finally...they are out flying around the city of Hazen and have landed at their next house. They were excited to get out of the back of the Suburban!

Kael and I went to storytime at the library this morning and checked out some neat new books along with a couple movies. He is watching one now. The story time leader does such a great job with the kids. It's a great excuse to get out of the house!

Sick...ugh!

2009-03-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a nasty case of Influenza A. Horrible. I haven't been this sick in a LONG time. I forgot what laying around in bed feels like. My great friend, Alicia, watched Kael for me for 3 days and 2 nights. I seriously don't know what I would have done without her. He is now at Papa and Nana's house until Sunday so I can get to 100% and disinfect the house. Right now, I am headed back to bed.

The flamingos will probably be flying away again for a couple days, but sounds like bad weather may land them back here on Monday. We will have to wait and see.

Speaking of bad weather...pray for Fargo! They are getting closer and closer to the 43 foot crest level that the dikes are built for!

Good night!

Flooding and Blizzard...all in the same week!

2009-03-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of our little man as the snow was melting. It was warm enough out this past week to be out in a spring jacket.

Here comes the water! Water creeping up the road on the road going south out of town...next to the grocery store.

It has been a crazy past few days for us with Flamingo Flocking. Not only was it flooding in our little town, but we had a blizzard last night on top of it. We have sandbagged around our house and cleared out our basement for the potential of water. In the mean time, some flocking has been done. Check out the houses I haven't posted for a while:

The flamingos have officially "hibernated" in the back of the Suburban. We went and "captured" them yesterday as the water was rising. Here is the suburban in the driveway....stuck:

My car in the driveway...this is taken from my kitchen window:

Buckets looking out the front window as the snow blows.

That's it for now....more posting when the flamingos fly away! Hope you are all staying high and dry!

Arrested?

2009-03-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of days we have been out of town so we had friends of ours "flocking" for us. We found out that they had been pulled over by the police while trying to flock a house. They were having a hard time finding the house number in the dark. I felt HORRIBLE that they had got "caught" and not me. Until I found out that not only did the cop not care that they were flocking, but he actually helped them find the house for flocking. I guess that even he thought MS was a good cause to be flocking for!

Here is the house that Chad and Laura flocked for us. They even got a couple up in the trees!

Then they passed them on to some old neighbors of theirs, so Kael and I went flocking today:

Also...our team is getting signed up for the walk...here is the link so you can check out our team and fundraising efforts. If you would like to join us on May 9th in Bismarck to walk, just let me know via the "comments" section below and I will get you signed up!

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/NTHWalkEvents?px=2099331&pg=personal&fr_id=10333&s_tafId=117742

A little behind

2009-03-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind in blogging. It has been a busy weekend, but here are the last two we flocked:

The house below was done today, and they don't know they have been flocked yet!

I seriously think all the pictures are starting to look the same, but it is really fun to look at them! People are truly enjoying getting flocked...I would have never guessed!

Get Em' While They're Hot!

2009-03-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today the Hazen Star and The Beulah Beacon came out and we made the front page!!! I was SO excited to get our story out there. The reporter, Chris, did a FABULOUS job reporting our story and telling people about Multiple Sclerosis. I had MANY phone calls today of people wanting to flock other people and others just wanting to make donations to my cause. I am feeling truly blessed! I have a list of "flocking" to be done...yeah! I just got back from yet another house. I was told to go later in the evening and no lights were on, so I think I am safe!

I wish my camera took better pictures in the dark, but I just couldn't get it to work. Here is their front snow bank:

Super hard to see...but view from straight on looking at their house:

Two lonely flamingos were placed on the corner (they live on a corner house...does that give you Hazen residence a hint?) so you could see from the side street:

Getting excited!

2009-03-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am getting more and more excited that people are REALLY liking this fundraiser. The people who have been flocked are truly thinking it is funny and enjoying it. In fact, the reason I didn't hear back from the last people was because they wanted to keep them for a few days. Who would have thought! So, Terry went and collected them last night, and today Kael and I went and flocked the next house. It is freezing out, so Kael stayed in the car while I did the "dirty" job!

No response...but they still flew away!

2009-03-10T21:03:00.001-07:00

Our next house on the "Flamingo Flocking" was done without me. Terry and his buddy did a great job. They went late at night to not get caught and were successful. However, we still haven't heard back. Only 2 more days until our story runs in the Hazen Star paper...we are excited to read it!

Terry took these at night, so they are REALLY hard to see. But, I think you get the idea by now!

Third times a charm?

2009-03-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

On to our 3rd house this morning. We had inside information that they would be gone at around 9:00am, so Terry, Kael and I picked up flamingos from the previous house and "migrated" them to the next house for "flocking"! The snow was a little hard to get in, but it sure is fun!

Since Terry is a lot taller than me, some flamingos made it higher up the snow banks:

Shot from across the street...I wonder what the neighbors are thinking:

Up close and personal:
Until the flamingos fly away again....signing off!

Take Two

2009-03-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today we flocked the 2nd house in our Flamingo Flocking adventure. My friend Annie helped me while Kael stayed in the suburban. And...the Hazen Star was there taking pictures. Chris, the reporter, also interviewed me this morning to "get our story out there" and for people to understand why Hazen has pink flamingos moving around town! We'll see how it turns out in next weeks paper!

Thanks Annie for your help...I appreciate it!!! Where will the flamingos land next?

The Flamingos Have Landed!

2009-03-04T20:56:00.001-08:00

Terry and Kael are both in bed sleeping and I just got home from my first "flocking"!!! It was a bit scary...not like I was scared of the dark, but scared that they would see me doing it and wonder what the heck I was doing outside in their yard. "Oh hello Mr. Soandso...just sticking pink flamingos in your yard at odd hours of the night...sorry to bother you"! Now I am nervous to see what the reaction will be and how much will get donated. Oh the things I will do for "Legs for Lorisa" team fundraising week! What are you doing for your MS fundraisers this week?

2 boxes of Flamingo arrive by UPS while Kael was napping today...I tore into those boxes!

View from the front driveway....pictures are too dark because it was at night and I was in a hurry to get out of dodge!

Front yard. Hard to see in the dark, but it was my first shot!

View from the inside of the suburban as I drove away with my lights off.

The birds will "migrate" again tomorrow, so look for another posting of where they have landed! I hope these people purchase "flamingo insurance" so they don't land in their yard again!

Save the Date!

2009-02-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Mark your calendars now! We want you to join us for the annual MS Walk!
Stay tuned for further updates!

Pink Flamingos Anyone?

2009-02-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

What would you do if you woke up and you had 20 to 30 pink plastic flamingos in your front yard? And then, you find a note saying that they have "flocked" your yard and for a donation they can "flee" your home and move onto someone of your choice? This is my MS fundraiser this year, and I am so excited to do this. Not only do I think it will be fun and hilarious, I think it will be pretty simple. Problem: getting pink flamingos! Does anybody have any or know of anybody that has pink flamingos? Maybe in grandpa's old garage? It's a thought! What do you think of this idea?

Worms? Ewwww!

2009-02-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

Check out this link that my friend Jeni found about advances on the cure for MS. It is unbelievable to me that scientists can figure things like this out. Thanks Jeni for thinking of me when you saw this article. You're a great "Legs for Lorisa" teammate!!!

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/63837

25 Random Things About Me!

2009-01-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

1. I love taking pictures, especially of Kael.
2. I used to crochet a lot before I had Kael, now I never have time.
3. We have remodeled our bathroom and are now working on the kitchen.
4. I have Multiple Sclerosis.
5. I can't stand Terry's favorite show, Walker Texas Ranger.
6. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
7. My marketing degree is worthless in Hazen ND, but still expensive to pay off.
8. I love reality tv, sadly.
9. I'm not a big fan of chocolate...I'd rather have skittles or starbursts.
10. I HATE when people are late, and I feel horrible when I am late.
11. I believe in the power of prayer.
12. I miss a good Mexican restaurant in the town I live in.
13. My husband and I met in Micro Economics in college, though I didn't really like him then.
14. I love watching life through the eyes of my 19 month old!
15. I look forward to the MS Walk every year to see all my friends and family...it's like a reunion. (would you like to join us? May 9th...Bismarck)!!!
16. I got a paper route in the 4th grade and gave it to my brother and sister when I graduated from high school. Those were a lot of early mornings!
17. I am NOT a morning person....please don't talk to me for the first 30 minutes after I wake up. (made #16 not fun)!
18. Buckets, my miniature schnauzer, is still my "baby" and helped me so much when we lost our baby, Isabella.
19. I have always wanted to go in a hot air balloon, but I am afraid of heights.
20. I hate not having everything organized and in it's place, labeled, and neatly stored.
21. My teeth don't go together...open bite is what they call it!
22. I sell Uppercase Living and absolutely love it!
23. I play the piano but wish I was better at it.
24. I have been blessed with new friends in the Hazen/Beulah area!
25. I should be in bed, but enjoy my quiet time alone!

For Lynelle:
26. I still don't know, nor do I want to find out, what Weiner Shnitzel is!!!

Isabella Faith Newman 1.19.06

2009-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

Today is Isabella's birthday. We struggle with what to call today, since this is the day she was born into this world an angel. So, we just call it her birthday, because that was the day she was born into Heaven! Though we didn't get to see her sweet eyes, we will never forget the impact she made on our world. Without her, I wouldn't have...

I wouldn't have been blessed to see the face of my daughter.
I wouldn't have known such tremendous love and such devastating loss.
I wouldn't have been able to see how the Lord can work through such uncertain times.
I wouldn't have been brought to my knees and my face in prayer.
I wouldn't have had this heart for families that have lost a child.
I wouldn't have known what it meant to truly long for Heaven.
I wouldn't have understood peace that passes all understanding.
I wouldn't have been overwhelmingly surrounded by friends and family.
I wouldn't have known the meaning of being united in everything with my husband.
I wouldn't have had such a beautiful way to share about Heaven with Kael.
I wouldn't have witnessed how God can dramatically answer prayer, even if it isn't how we imagined.
I wouldn't have been on the receiving end of such love and service to our family.
I wouldn't have realized how short, yet precious life can be.
I wouldn't have understood what Christ means by trusting Him in all circumstances.
I wouldn't have felt the Lord carry us as we persevere under trial.
I wouldn't have been able to share our testimony of His faithfulness with so many people.... I simply wouldn't have understood how God's plan could be fulfilled through a baby that just lived an instant..I wouldn't have known my Isabella.

If I hadn't had Isabella, I would still be a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend that sought to understand suffering and trials... Now I can be more than that person, because of her.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will received the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."- James 1:12

Ultrasound of her entire body a couple days before Christmas.

Terry and I holding, crying, and looking at our baby girl, Isabella.

Lisa (sister), Lynelle (sister), my mom, my dad, LeAnn (sister), Ben (nephew), and Kyle (brother). They all came from ND to Iowa the night that Isabella was born. Kip (my brother) must be taking the picture, as he was also there. Don't they look sad?

Isabella's casket, blanket, toys, books, etc. and flowers at her funeral service at Parkway Funeral Service in Bismarck.

My family planting a tree on her due date to watch it grow through the years. This was planted at my parents' house in Bismarck.

Kael (14 months) sitting by his sister's headstone at the cemetary. Wow--have we come a long way since that devestating day!

P.S. Turn up your volume and listen to "Glory Baby" that is in honor of Isabella Faith!

I've been tagged!

2009-01-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

These are the instructions: Go to my picture folder on my computer, go to the fourth folder and the fourth picture in that folder, post it, and explain it...no cheating. Then forward to 4 people, including the one that sent it to you. ***this was an email forward, but thought it would be fun to post it on here***

I found the 4th folder, which was when we went home in October 2005 to tell my family that we were pregnant (with Isabella). Mara, my niece, had lost a tooth and wanted me to see it, so I took a picture. She would have just turned 5.

Please send me your pictures of the 4th folder, 4th picture with an explanation! newmans@beu.midco.net

National Sanctity of Human Life Day

2009-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

I am celebrating today for the National Sanctity of Human Life Day. And, how appropriate in George W. Bush's final days as president!

Opinion?

2009-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

My sister and I have been contracted out to do interior painting. It has been so successful, that we are wanting to name our "company". We have come up with a few options, but want your opinion. Leave a comment and tell me what you think. And, if you can come up with a better one for the two of us, please share!

1. Paint Perfect
2. Brush Strokes
3. The Paint People

Location Secured!

2009-01-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

It's official...the planning for the MS Walk has begun! In fact, the post walk party location has now been booked and grand plans are beginning to take place. Stay tuned for more details of the new location, MS Walk recruitment week, and Save the Date emails! This year is going to be a blast! Aren't you all excited? Here is our team picture from last year....do you think we can beat it?

1 Cor. 7:5 Challenge...I'm in!

2009-01-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

I joined this challenge and am encouraging all my married girlfriends to do the same. Are you in? Click on the button on the side!!! Why not?

First Time for Everything

2009-01-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

They say there is a first time for everything, and this is true for blogging (for me anyway). I have been on the other side of blogs (following them), but never blogging myself. I thought it would be a fun way to stay in touch and also give you status updates on my life. Nothing too exciting, but hey, staying in touch with friends from many different states can be challenging!

About me...I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 4 years ago. I struggle daily with pain and have to limit myself in activity. Though I have learned to live with it and it is just become a "normal" to me, the pain is constantly there. I would say that most my friends and family don't even know it is a daily battle, because I choose not to let MS control my life, so it tends not to come up on conversation!

After being diagnosed with MS my husband and I along with my MS doctor decided that instead of going on interferon injections, we would try to start a family. We got pregnant right away, but ended up miscarrying the baby. This was a tremendous blow to my faith. First being diagnosed with MS and then miscarrying a baby....all within a few months of each other.

We waited the 6 months my MS doctor advised to wait to try again to have a baby, and successfully became pregnant. To make a VERY LONG story short, we learned that our baby was not growing correctly, found out that the baby had a chromosomal abnormality (Triploidy) and our precious daughter, Isabella Faith, was born an angel on January 19, 2006. Her life brought us closer to our families, brought out faith in God we didn't know we had, and her little life served more of a purpose than we would ever imagine!

Again, taking the advise of our OBGYN, perinatologist, and MS doctors we waited on the interferon injections and the 6 months to try again and most importantly, waited on God to tell us when to try again. We became pregnant in September 2006 and had a healthy baby boy in June 2007. Our little man, Kael, keeps us busy as he is an active 18 month old. As I type this, he is playing catch with his daddy and trying to keep the ball away from his dog, Buckets.

"Legs for Lorisa" was the team name that was invented by my sisters for the MS Walk. The diagnosis of MS was not only hard on me, but also hard on my family. How do you help, comfort, or fix a problem that is unfixable and incurable? Well, you create a team and raise money for the MS Society to find a cure for MS. Every year my sister who is the team captain, LeAnn, motivates our team, recruits new members, and promotes the MS Society in the annual walk. Our team has grown every year and this May will mark our 5th year our team will participate!

With the tribulations of a diagnosis that was heart shattering, a miscarriage, and a stillborn baby, (and many other challenges that are too many to list) my life has certainly been tested. One thing is certain, God was and is ALWAYS there! And looking back, there is NO way I would have made it through all of that without Him! Now I have a beautiful son that was SO worth the wait and a faith in God that cannot be broken!