My Valentine

In the words of Sally Brown(Charlie Brown's sister)..."Isn't he the cutest thing you ever did see"

Guest Blogger

Well Lana is again making a wonderful dinner, and on this snow-day, Lana asked me to write a blog post.

Let me first say I love my wife. She is beautiful, funny, and takes better care of me than I ever imagined possible. Just today she has made me breakfast, cookies, and is currently making a soup that boggles the mind and taste-buds. And those are just surface, silly things; she is emotionally the reason I am.

I have felt horrible recently because Lana has not been happy while here in Missouri. A lot of things have not gone the way we envisioned them, and though we know God is very near, we have not had the eternal eyes to acknowledge His work. And yet, Lana, though depressed, is still amazing and full of life when we are alone together (the rest of you are missing out and that is seriously your loss). Our relationship has grown greatly as we depend more on each other to survive a life we aren't always happy with. We have faith that God is waiting for us to get out of our funk and listen to Him. Lana questions her faith right now, but I assure her she is not lost. I know no one who mourns the hurt and loss of others more than she. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn." And though we may not be rejoicing much on our own currently, we have--we will--and Lana continues to love and care for me and show an empathy for the world I never imagine possible.

So please continue to pray for us, for Lana's health, for wisdom in what we should do. And if at all possible, laugh with us--we need to laugh... Also, try not to ask Lana too much about her job or her health (I mean show you care, but spend more time discussing other things). She is getting healthier though not where she wants to be yet; and her job stinks (don't talk about the job). Ask her about God and the future, and tell her everything about yourself. Thank you all, you have given us so much. And thank you to all who read this, because I know you all contributed in some way in making my wife who she is--and I like her quite a bit.

On a lighter and scarier note, we saw a bald eagle (no joke) carrying a dead cat down our road the other day. Our cats may not survive.

Guest Blogger,

The Husband

20 Reasons why we love Dad...Part 2

Today is my dad's 60th Birthday. Since all his kids are spread out everywhere and couldn't be with him, we thought we'd send him good internet wishes. And since there are 3 of us we are doing 20 each because 20 times 3 equals 60(thanks dad for the math brains).

The following are 20 reasons why I love my dad.

21. the way he loves my mom

22. how hard he has worked to get to where he is today

23. how he strive to be healthy in what he eats

24. how adventurous he is

25. how fearless he is in all he does

26. his sincerity for everyone he meets

27. how he is very interested in other people's names(I often don't care and I think you should)

28. how he is still very active and its important to him

29. he never gives up

30. how much he loves his job

31. how he taught all of us that church is important even when we didn't want to go

32. he would do anything for us

33. he loves all his kids and is our biggest fan

34. how passionate he is about golf

35. he would do anything to help anyone out

36. he used to help me with math homework...trust me this had to make the list cause thats not an easy task, but he still did it.

37. he took us to see many things that most people didn't get the opportunity to see

38. he is passionate about mission trips

39. his love for me and my husband

40. his ability to always be calm

Happy Birthday Dad. I hope you have a great day. Thanks for all that you do for us. Love ya! Lana

www.myramoran.blogspot.com

www.alexlaird.blogspot.com

Christmas in Oklahoma

Nathan and I went to see my family in Oklahoma after Christmas. We had a great time and as my sister put it, as always we felt right at home at my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Terry's house. It was a fun holiday with both families this year!

Mo and Aunt Kathy

funny faces with Mo

Sisters with hats

Grando had lots of presents

A letter to 2010

Dear 2010,

Tomorrow we will meet and I am surprisingly excited. I know that we don't know each other yet but I'm convinced that we will be good to each other. Your old pal, 2009, and me didn't get along so well. Thankfully, we are leaving each other on a high note.

I'm afraid that I have big expectations for you. But I'm sure you will be able to live up to them. I think you and I should discuss having a baby this year. You'd be great as a Birthday. Also, I know its far away, but I'd like to remember you as the year we became happy again. I'm really wanting Nathan to be happy with his job. You haven't met him yet, but you will love him. He will be the one awake to welcome you tonight. Oh yeah, please don't hold that against me. I most likely won't be able to see your fresh new start, but you will be there for mine so hopefully that will be good enough.

Well, 2010, I am glad we had this talk. See you in the morning.

Your friend,

Lana

1 Christmas down, 2 to go...

the new puppy, "Truman" for the Foster kids
Snow!

lots of sledding

Christmas Ornaments and trying to be artsy...

Nathan and I went to see How the Symphony Saved Christmas. We had a great time together. The rest of these are me just trying to be artsy...

My Advent Calendar has been filled with great stuff!

B2 Bomber

Wednesday before Thanksgiving we went to see the B2 Bombers. It was a great tour and we had an awesome time. Here are some highlights....

Mom and dad in the cockpit.

The Bus that took all 8 of us there.

Right in front of the B2

Taylor and I in the drivers seat!

It was too big to get a full picture of. It really was really cool to see it up close.

Thanksgiving

This year Nathan and I have tried to talk more about what we are thankful for. This is good for you when you've become the most negative person ever. It helps you remember that when everything seems to be going wrong God is there, arms open, ready to show you that things aren't so bad. So here are a few things I'm thankful for this year.

I'm thankful that we get to have elk for thanksgiving this year. And my family will be here!

No, I'm not thankful for cats. I still think they are dumb. I am thankful that I can hold them with out dying now. I'm thankful for my health and how much better I feel.

I'm thankful that I got to go see my family this fall. And I'm thankful for my new nephew and this cute red head.

And I'm very thankful for this red head. I'm constantly falling more in love with him. I'm so thankful that he loves me and that God gave me him.

Kittens

We just got some free kittens to hopefully scare the mice away. They are really cute even though I don't like cats. I'm allergic so they have to stay outside. I'll I ask is that they be cute and kill mice. Their names are Heidi Klum and Anne of Green Gables.

getting good back scratch

Heidi Klum posing for her fall shoot

She really wants in

Before and After...

I've been doing some changing around here. Here are some before and after pictures of things I'm getting my hands on...

Ugly Pillow

Cute Pillow

Pumpkin

Pie!

God is good...

We went to find out some results of a hormone test I took today. For some reason I had peace about finding out our results. I say "for some reason" because bad news seems to be very common in our life lately.

When I was at the Lighthouse in OKC, we often said, "God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good." I think that I have recently forgotten this. No matter what God is there, even when everything feels like its falling apart.

Well today was a good day. After almost a year we now know what caused our miscarriages. My body doesn't make enough cortisol. This is a hormone that helps with energy throughout the day. I have lots of energy since I've been living a healthier lifestyle but still not what I should. Anyways, when your body doesn't make enough cortisol, it borrows from progesterone. So that is why when I was pregnant I wasn't making enough progesterone.

So the solution to this is for the most part easy. I need to watch my blood sugar and eat a good breakfast. Our doctor said that I need to be eating breakfast like I do dinner. I also need to eat more protein and fiber.

So I will once again have to work on my diet. But it will hopefully be worth it in the end. Thank you to all who prayed for us today! We will keep you updated!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Mo!

My niece is turning 3 on Monday. Technically she is my first niece and although I never get to see her she really is the greatest little person I know. I'm excited for her 3rd year and I hope I get to see her more. Happy Birthday Morgandi!

Apple Picking

We went apple picking this past weekend. It was a basket full of fun:)

A bump in the road

Week two of my liver cleanse has been quite a challenge. This week I came down with pneumonia. I went to see my naturalpathic doctor so that I wouldn't be put on anitbiotics. I know some of you are thinking that this is a crazy idea. I should want antibiotics right? Well I don't right now. I have worked very hard to get all the yeast out of my body. I've eaten great and only have one week left to drink the nasty stuff. Anyways, my doctor gave me lots of stuff and so far I feel much better.

I discovered that eating healthy is really hard when you are sick. Nathan and I have enjoyed eating healthy these past weeks. I don't really even miss the other stuff cause I know how it will make me feel after I've eaten it. Man, that last sentence would have come in handy in many areas of my life in the past. Anyways, the only thing is that everything has to be prepared and when your both sick, that is a challenge. But we managed and found some half way easy recipes to get us through.

I've had a couple people ask me if I'm going to keep this up after 6 months. I'm not sure that I will stay as strict, but I will make better choices. Eat healthy for a week and you will see the difference. Not only does it taste good, but you won't feel as bad after you eat.

Prayers for this week: Please continue to pray for my job. And that I will allow God to have complete control over my life. I've been trying to hard to do things on my own and its wearing me out. Also, pray that I can make it to Orlando next weekend. I really want to see my family and Mo will be there. I've been wanting to play with her for a while now.

A new lifestyle...

I started my liver cleanse last Monday. So far its been ok. We have decided that eating healthy tastes really good. When I think about what I was putting in my body before it makes me upset at myself. I realize most people eat unhealthy but I'm not sure why I choose to do that now.

In just a week I have been able to tell a difference. I've lost some weight and hope to loose a little bit more. I don't have much energy but that is to be expected while I do this cleanse. I'm not sure if the feeling better is more mental right now, but I guess that is a place to start.

Its been interesting to hear peoples reactions. Many seem to be worried about me right now.

Which I totally appreciate, however, it hit me last night that the worry should of come before I started making healthy choices. I'm sure people did then too, but now I'm on the way to a healthy life.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Please keep praying for my job. I really don't like it. It's really draining me. I realize that I may be making a difference in some of these kids lives but thats hard to see when they are cursing at you and biting and kicking and hitting and spitting on you. I know that we are here for a reason but I'm ready for God to show me why in a very clear way. I'm very lost and confused right now. Most things are better than last year, I just can't seem to get the feeling of dread to leave me. Pray that I don't dread everything I do here and that I can see more clearly why we are here.

World on Fire

This is one of my favorite music videos ever. I know that its old but I think its a good reminder. Its funny how things like this make us feel great, yet most of us will go on about our day. Try not to forget this. Tell others. Do something for someone, near or far. Think about our healthcare crisis and remind yourself that some people don't even have the opportunities that we do. Pray for those who actually struggle with Healthcare and those who don't even have it. Thank God for the things you do have and ask Him to show you ways you can help others.

click here

World on Fire

Let's get personal...

I've debated whether to write this or not and decided why not? 1. No one reads this blog anyways. 2. This way I won't have to talk about it 400 times. So lets get personal and talk about my health.

A little background first

Last year Nathan and I moved to Missouri. As a person who suffers from allergies, its not the best state to live in. Yes, its pretty but I can't say that I have been able to enjoy the beauty through watery eyes.

Also last year we had two miscarriages. Last year was not the best year of my life. It by far was a hard year for us both. Things are getting better.

The allergies are just part of living here and can be helped but will probably not completely go away while we still live here.

I've never been told any real reason why I've miscarried. I've heard a lot of Doctors and people say its just something that happens. And I was told that my progesterone was low but that was never clear. So this summer I was put on progesterone and the only thing that happened was I had a period about every 2 weeks. Not fun.

So I recently got advice from a friend to go see a Naturalpathic Doctor. That she had seen one and he helped her with so many issues that I also have. So I found one in Columbia and so far have been very pleased.

Last week Nathan and I met with him for 2 hours and he took notes and asked questions about what I have been going through. I told him everything from having mono to allergies/sinus infections to miscarriages. He was really good at asking the right questions and helping us fill in the blanks as far as how the body works. And he sent me to get some basic blood work.

The Results...

First of all he asked me what we want to get under control the most. My answer is first and foremost I want to have a baby one day. The allergies will be here as long as I'm living here so they came in second for me. But one reason why I like this doctor is because everything goes together.

I'm pretty healthy over all. However, I must have had the worse case of Mono ever cause I still have it two years later. Its not so bad that I need to stay home from work and sleep all day(darn.) But it is causing some issues with my liver, my immune system, and my digestive system.

The liver produces hormones that I lack. So this is the main thing we will focus on in the next couple of weeks. Also because I have had so many antibiotics this past year my body is not making "good" bacteria any more. You don't always need antibiotics for everything because it kills all your bacteria so the next time you get an infection your "good" bacteria is not there to fight it off. So I'm going to be taking probiotics for a while to get my good bacteria back. Also I'm not anemic but my iron level is a little low(probably from the mono). So I'll be taking iron for a few months too raise my energy level. Also I'll be taking a B complex to raise my energy. To start off with I have to do a liver cleanse. I'm looking forward to this so I can start feeling better. I'm also going to take seaweed and Omega 3 to reduce inflamation that the mono has also blessed me with. Also I have to have a better diet. Almost like a yeast free or Glueten free diet.

This is how it all goes together. Make my liver better=better immune system=better digestive system= less allergies/infections and BABY

I'm sure this is confusing so feel free to ask questions.

Here are some things you can pray for....

1. I'm sure I can have a better diet but I think that this will be hard with my lifestyle now.

2. That this next 6 months go quickly

3. That I can feel so much better and be on my way to a healthy pregnancy

4. this is just a bonus but for school. It starts next week and I'm getting depressed about it. But that's a whole other blog.

Try not to be too disappointed....

I hate to burst bubbles, but there is something I must share with you milk lovers out there. I found out last night that they don't milk cows like they use to.

Last night, Nathan and I were walking around the fair when we saw a sign that said "cow milking" with an arrow pointing to the spot. I've always wanted to milk a cow. I got really excited and immediately followed the signs. What I found was not what I was looking for. I was looking for the farmer in his overalls on the stool milking the cow with his hands. Instead I found a building with one wall of windows and a machine milking poor Betsy. How can this be? Who invented such a dumb machine? So it is really fast but its not fun for me or the cow. What am I suppose to tell my children someday. I can't imagine them thinking that getting milk from a cow by way of machine is cool. I know everyone is spending a lot of time talking about health care now, but how could you when obviously there is more wrong in this world. Yes, it is faster to get the milk from the cow but it takes longer so set everything up. Frankly, I'm appalled at how lazy even farmers are now. And I decided that if I ever was a cow I'd be the beef kind now. That's right I'd rather be killed, sold, and eaten then be a machine milked cow. I'm sorry, cow its not your fault. I apologize for those of you who didn't realize this and are now not enjoying your glass of milk as much, but I felt it needed to be shared. I would never put anyone through my sour experience. In the end I did find a cow to milk. It wasn't the same but I guess it will have to do for now.

Missouri State Fair

Last night was 2 dollar night at the fair. It has been really cool here so we thought it was a good time to go. I was trying to work on my photography skills. I decided there is no better place to practice then the state fair. Here are some of my favorites.

Winning Corn at the FFA Building
This sheep helped me out with its willingness to pose.
Even though these say no more trash...you can but trash in here. At least I did.
Who would want to finger feed this guy? Look at those teeth.
And what would a fair be with out the farris wheel.