July 15-20

I really don't write in here enough

I've been kinda worried about the month of July. I knew I'd be busy. I didn't think I'd be busy enough to distract myself from the fact that July 17th would be one year since the crappiest homecoming and the crappiest phone call ever. And yeah. It was on my mind. But I was wrong. I was very very busy. And it's going to be blogged about in parts. And on different days because I'm lazy.

The first part is the easy one. Long story short, mommy wasn't feeling well so she decided to go to the hospital and get some meds. Turned out to be a minor skin infection and at no point was it terrifyingly serious, but she did have a ten minute surgery and she was given lots of antibiotics that kept her in the hospital a total of three nights. We knew she would be okay. But I'll admit, sleeping in an empty house is a lot less fun when the reason is because your mom is in pain. It was a tough time for her. But I'm grateful.

I'm glad we found the infection when we did, and that a quick surgery was all it took for my mom to feel some relief. I'm glad my mom was actually willing to go in the first place, since usually it's a big argument. I'm glad that Nestor stepped up as my knight in shining armor and drove all the way to my house just so he could give me a ride to the hospital so I could drop blankets and toiletries off to my mom - even though it was close to midnight. I'm glad that her coworkers, our family, family friends, church members, and even my friends who didn't know her gave an outpouring of support - it warmed her heart and actually really got me through the icky, lonely period. I'm mostly glad that when I felt alone and scared and stressed, Karla knew that her mom needed her and that she would be of more help than someone stressed about missing work could hope to be. Karla, along with her whole family, drove up from North Carolina and stayed with us for the week. It was probably the best surprise my mother could have asked for. And the immediate relief I felt once I had my big sister there was beyond expression. It was the part of the movie where the music changes and you hear the theater audience collectively breathe because the tension is gone and things are definitely going to be okay now. I can't thank the Bowens enough for being willing to make the trip.

Mommy is feeling a million times better now and life resumes as normal. We are a very blessed family to have a God and a community looking out for us at all times.

9/28/15

Jess A. has been very sick for about a week. She has been going through some ickyness. Nothing she isn't used to, mind you. But it has still been less than fun. She's had to miss a lot of tech because of it. It's been kinda heartbreaking and worrisome.

Monday morning. She is up bright and early in a cute sweater and JEANS. She was grateful to be in jeans as opposed to sweats. She said she finally felt like a human again. Which is awesome. During rehearsal, she was there working with all the other technicians and laughing at the horrible things that Elizabeth said and making the show magical. It felt good to have her back.

Baby's Getting Better

Cristina has now gone two days without getting sick! This isn't a guarantee and I honestly don't wanna jinx anything since it's been so on and off. But this is a good sign! Hopefully this tummy bug goes away for good and babygirl is able to drink her milk in piece again!

Discipline

I can post about being happy for people, right? That counts?

It's my blog, I'm doing it.
400 POSTS!

I just wanna say I'm INCREDIBLY happy for Mama Kowaleski (Storm's Mommy). This year she's been on strict diet and exercise. She felt that she needed a healthier lifestyle and she went for it. She did what made her happy. And, according to her blog, she looks and feels much better. She really seems to just be happier with herself. Willing to try new things and work hard at her goals. And that's so great. It takes A LOT of work and persistence to pull something like that off. Most people give up on themselves before even trying. I'm just really happy that a great woman feels great about herself.

In the spirit of changing for the better. Go do something

 

Graduation

Doctor says I'm all clear! Nothing to be worried about here! ^_^ Also I haven't grown -___- but everything looks fine! Also, I've graduated from Pediatrics. No more child doctor. I will now have to go to a young adult doctor :o Looks like I'll no longer be seeing my favorite map of the world drawn by a certain little boy I knew <3 But it's okay. I did everything by myself today! It sucked haha. I don't understand why people get so excited to do things by themselves for the first time. "It means we're all grown up!" So? Haha I, for one, tend to stay a child for as long as I possibly can. Even if Pediatrics says I've upgraded :P

Speaking of Graduation, let's be real, that's the last time Kanye released anything good

Bring Me Sugar

Reason 218: I can't eat anything greasy or oily or fatty or chocolatey or with too much caffeine or spicy (not that I'd want that last one) until tomorrow because we want to make sure all the acidity in my stomach is back to normal after my stinky illness. Being that I'm on campus, I am very limited in the foods that I can eat and are at my disposal. I can't even have orange juice or milk, just dried cereal. So, due to today, I want to extend my gratitude to WHOEVER INVENTED FRUITY PEBBLES. You are a wonderful human being <3

Highlight of the WEEK

Sammy: I'm legitimately trying to find a discreet way to blog about it

Jess: lol be blunt as hell. He deserves it

<3

Reason 216: I'm not going to be "blunt as hell" haha. Let's just say a friend of mine posted something today. It was a very simple statement in regards to how he felt about his current situation. In short, he's content. On Saturday, Reason 210, I ended by quoting the picture I used, "I will do it." Today, thanks to this simple statement, I can say I've reached the final step. Because I'm content, too. Better than that. I'm finally extremely happy. And it can only get better from here. "Yes, I did it!"

PS: Thanks to all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I feel SO much better in regards to this stupid illness. Gastroenteritis takes a good week to get rid of, so I'm still pretty contagious. But the symptoms are gone, and I've managed to mostly get rid of the cough I had beforehand. I don't sound dead when I sing anymore. Our show opens Wednesday. I'm going to Disney World. Blessings all around. God is good. Forgive me if I sound like I'm bragging, but I'm really just so happy.

Ed Sheeran rapping. Cannot get over it.

Ex Malo Bonum

Which means "Out of bad, good".

It's also an AWESOME Anberlin song

Reason 215: Sick days suck. Little things make it better. Call the doctor, get put on hold, hold music is Les Miserables. Relax all day. Thanks to inspiration by Alex, read through my yearbook and get all emotional. Watch all the youtube videos (I swear, as soon as I finished one, a new one would be uploaded!). Listen to so much music. And watch 101 Dalmatians. This McPlague (as the student body is calling it) will NOT get the best of me!

Hooray for Youtube Covers

• Scream & Shout (thefumusic)
• When I Was Your Man (Sam Tsui)
• Thinkin' Bout You (Mike Tompkins)

And an ENTIRE list of Clara C's innovative brilliance

• Rocketeer
• Rhythm of Love (ft. Joseph Vincent)
• Thrift Shop
• Titanium
• Radioactive
• Locked Out of Heaven (ft. David Choi)
• Too Close/Toxic
• Misery Business/Hit 'Em Up
• Home (ft. Tiffany Alvord)

Doctor Mommy

Reason 214: Home is the best place to kick a new illness' butt.

Soulmate Status

Reason 187: Jess is back! She actually came back last night, but the poor thing has been absolutely dying. That's why she hadn't returned to school yet. It's honestly so nice to see her up, active, smiling, laughing, and being her usual pretty self. My soulmate has returned!

And now, to celebrate THE RETURN OF VIDEO POSTING! Something really cool

Nothing Rhymes With "Orange"

Reason 174: I'm spending the night at Karla's basically all week hehe always fun. It also means I get to sit and enjoy The Food Network. It's proof that there is reality TV that isn't absolutely awful. And today, I found out about two new shows that I'm very interested in as part of their Cooking Channel sneak peaks. If you know Paula Deen, you know that she's been cooking for years and she LOVES her butter & oil. Now, her son has a show called Not My Mama's Meals where he tries to recreate his mom's food but in healthier, lighter forms. This is not only fun to watch, but exciting, considering how he's really making a drastic change in his life for the better. Then there's a show called My Grandmother's Ravioli which I think is adorable. The intro to the show is absolutely precious. The host, a geeky/funny man, talks about how he remembers his grandmother making the best food but he never learned to cook. So, he's looking for Grandmothers and Grandfathers to teach him how to cook! And he travels around learning from the best. :) Seriously, stuff like this makes my day. Favorite channel!

Today's color: ORANGE.

(I got lucky. I own ONE orange shirt haha)

And the daily dose of cuteness from Tom Fletcher, just click here.

Speedy Recovery

Reason 167: Woot woot! My mommy is ALREADY feeling better :) Whatever it was we were so worried about is gone, thank God. We can all sleep in peace!

Blogger is being rebellious. Usually I add a video or picture, but for the past 2 days, Blogger has just said NO. So, I'm just gonna leave this here for you.

DISNEY QUOTES!

Nothing’s Impossible – Doorknob

I laugh in the face of danger – Simba

Even miracles take a little time – Fairy Godmother

She’s out there somewhere. I just haven’t found her yet – Prince Eric

Remember: Faint heart never won fair lady – Robin Hood

Keep your chin up. Someday, there will be happiness again – Robin Hood

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all – Emperor

They say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s sure to come true – Briar Rose

What do you do when things go wrong? Oh! You sing a song – Snow White

Always let your conscience be your guide – Blue Fairy

Giving up is for rookies – Hercules

There's a great big hunk of world down there with no fences around it.  Where two dogs can find adventure and excitement.  And beyond those distant hills, who knows what wonderful experiences.  And it's all ours for the taking – Tramp

The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up – Timothy Mouse

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you   think – Christopher Robin

Faith makes things turn out right – Penny

Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become – Mufasa

The most fantastic, magical things can happen. And it all starts with a wish – Jiminy Cricket

The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it - Rafiki

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one -Grandmother Willow

Does A Body Good

Reason 166: Today we've had no internet all day. I'm rushing to write this because I hope it doesn't go away. So, without internet, there really wasn't much to do. So I napped. What? Naps? Sammy?! Yeah, me. It was the first time in YEARS that I took a nap without getting a headache. Oh man, it was beautiful. My body was all relaxed and cozy! Teehee now I see what all the fuss is about. And I woke up feeling energized! Had a pretty good workout session, if I do say so myself. I mean... not for an average person, but you know, for me, who hates any physical movement ever haha. Feelin' fine!

PS: I must ask, pretty please pray for my mommy. She's been feeling sick all day, it's been pretty bad but I think it's letting up. Your prayers would be much appreciated <3

Will Power

I seriously debated posting this today. Because it's both a positive and a negative. But, after much thought, I realized that anything I'm doing for my self-improvement should be viewed as something positive.

Reason 160: Diet. Yay! Okay, I didn't believe that yay either. But honestly this will be good for me. No, I don't think I'm fat. No, I'm not obese. But for my size, I have hit the point where I'm between average and overweight. I should be at least 10 pounds smaller, especially since I haven't grown in... over 4 years? And I'll be honest, my lifestyle is not that healthy. So, we're fixing it. And I'll be a better person for it. Yay health! I'm actually kinda excited to figure out what will be best for me. Also, yay exercise! I've been lazy about it since I got to school, so now that I'm home I have no excuses! Okay, I'm rambling. My point: IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER!

Lifting Spirits

Reason 148: Let's talk about how Karla hasn't been sick all weekend :) She's been upbeat and joking and Christmas-y! Missing Eric, of course, (did I mention he's in Ohio for his mom's birthday so Karla is staying with us? He'll be back tomorrow morning, no worries.) but overall in a good mood. So we (us 3 ladies in the house, the family, even our church) have been talking about the baby! Future plans for happiness. My mom is SO ready for this kid. And, maybe because Karla is feeling better, I'm starting to get excited all over again. I'm going to be an aunt! Tia Sammy hehe. And this baby will be so absolutely loved. Not just by us, but everyone. Even people in our church who never get to see her anymore (she goes to a different church with Eric) are constantly wishing her the best and praying for her. To me, that just proves that this family is surrounded by love, and this baby is no exception :D

Ignore the PS in your card when you get it, the baby is now the size of a turnip! Which made me think of this guy

Turnip Head! Can we please watch Howl's Moving Castle? It's my favorite movie ever and you would love it.

To Health!

Reason 144: Spending the day with Karla. She seems to be doing better. Her energy levels are down, as expected, but she's eating! She's actually eating! And she's yet to feel sick. I seriously find that to be an incredible success. For the most part, she's been in a positive mood, and that's all I can ask for. She also told me to think long and hard before I ever get pregnant haha. Okay Karla, I know <3

Also, point for Sammy! Emily is into My Little Pony :DD

As much as Pinkie Pie annoys me, this may be my favorite song of the whole series

When I See You Again

Reason 138: So Karla has been sick. Really sick. This pregnancy has been a massive struggle for her. I believe she's 14 weeks today? Anyway, she has Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I'll be honest, I've been worried about her all day. She's went to the hospital today (same as usual, she goes every 3 days or so for an IV), but tonight they asked her to stay there. Just to monitor her, but obviously my concern grew. But after waiting and worrying for hours, I'm happy to say that I saw her. And she is feeling better. Obviously, she's not cured or anything near that. But she was in good spirits, and she seemed to be well rested. She has eaten a little more today, and has yet to be sick. I'm happy because I got to see her and calm my nerves. I'm happy because I came home to her. I'm happy because she is happy. I'm happy because, as much trouble as this little one is, this baby will receive so much love from Karla & Eric. I don't know if I've really missed home, but I've definitely missed my sister. I'd like to thank everyone who has kept Karla in their prayers and ask them to continue doing so. It's the least I can do for the person who practically raised me and made me who I am today, and has come to be my best friend. I can't wait to spend a month and a half with her, gladly by her side <3

PS: As mentioned previously (to you, not on the blog), we've been referring to the baby by the size (thanks to a nifty app that compares your baby's size to objects). So the line goes: Sweet Pea, Blueberry, Rasberry, Olive, Walnut, Lime, Plum, Peach, and now Navel Orange :)

I CHANGED MY MIND

Reason 91: I'm proud of Sara. Her boyfriend has been crap to her lately, and timid little Sara has put up with it and worried and cried. Today, she's done. She's over it and fed up. His stuff is packed up and ready to move the heck out of her room. And a note with all the reasons that they should stay together (typed) with the words I CHANGED MY MIND over the list in Sharpie. Yes, she is hurt, but she's doing better. This is a major step for her. And now, we have a girls night :)

LOVE this song to no end.