Our Christmas Letter 2015

Fox

Merry Christmas to all of you and many happy memories. It’s the time of year where you all receive the Christmas cards and letters from loved ones near and far. We haven’t sent them out for a few years now but this year I feel the need to put a few words down and share them. Read on if you like.

The best gift of the year has been waking up every day to spend another day with my family. My health has been a roller coaster ride the last few years and where my kidneys are staying stable thanks to many lifestyle changes… The last few weeks I have been fighting my depression, something I struggle with all the time. I choose to win the battle and surround myself with friends and family and see my doctor regularly. I am still active in the band boosters, OA and the Troop. I am working my tickets from Wood Badge, almost done!! 

W1-604-15

We have had a very busy year good and sad… let’s get the sad out of the way so we can end this with some amazing celebrations. This September Grandpa Bob, my father, passed away in his sleep. It was a HUGE shock to us all. He and I were in the process of fixing our broken relationship. He was an amazing Grandfather to all 4 of the kids and had just found out he was going to be a Great Grandfather. He went out in the prime of his life in one of the best moods, in my opinion. I can see him bowling and talking with his Dad now.  If you do not have a will, no matter your age, go and get one now. Our family has learned much from his passing that it is a much needed item when someone passes away even if you do not own property or have underage children. … It’s a gift to those that are here after you pass.

2010

2011

SO on to happier news.

Telling the weather...

Van has been hard at work at Parsec, that means we can still pay the mortgage. The best thing this year is he has been able to step into more roles with the Boy Scouts. He is the Assistant Council Commissioner and the Program Director for Wood Badge 2016. He is also going to be running a podcast with the help of a few Scouters. Van is dedicated to making the program better for the Scouts and Scouters in our area. His blood is truly red and green! He attends the Troop meetings and goes on campouts with Orion and the troop. He has been able to attend training's and campouts without them as well. He is part of the Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow. He won the District Award of Merit this past spring. I could go on forever and tell you so much more… I am so proud of him.

Van hard at work at camp

Orion, this kid will blow your socks off. He is in 8^th grade already. He is in his fifth year of cello and third year of trombone. He is taking 2 high school classes and all advanced placement classes this year. He completed his Eagle Project and has just a couple merit badges to complete to become an Eagle Scout. Orion is saving money to attend the 2017 Jamboree with about 40,000 other Scouts in Virginia. They will get to tour Washington DC, he is really excited to tour museums and sight see the historic sights of our country! It’s a once in a lifetime experience for him. His popcorn sales that he does every fall has helped him put down his $1,000 deposit for this trip. Thanks for your support! 

Orion is still asking for and doing private lessons on both instruments.

Today Orion got his very own full size cello! He will be able to use it for many years to come.  He will be playing Bach on the cello and a piece from Carmen on his trombone late January at the solo/ensemble for middle school. He is looking for summer camps to attend again this summer but doesn’t want to travel everyday like last year. I think that wiped us both out!

August Court of Honor 2015

Scouts has been amazing for Orion. He is the Troop Guide for the newest Scouts in the troop right now. He is responsible for helping them understand how Scouting works and how our troop functions. It is awesome watching him realize that you can’t make people do things and that they have to go at their own pace. He has been asking awesome questions and has been able to utilize his Scoutmaster and us for these questions. He has come to understand the program better being in this role and has asked why the troop is not doing this or that and my standing answer is go talk to Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol leader about it… bring it up at Green Bar if they have open discussion and see what they think about it. Write an email it’s a great form of communication adults do it all the time. I love what he has learned so far and what I know is still to come. Orion plans on getting palms after his Eagle… This kid has a life plan thank you for the part that you play in helping him along the way.

Signing for his Eagle supplies

Selling Popcorn 2015

Orion and I went to Texas in March to visit my Grandfather, Papa. We spent a week there getting loves and hearing stories. It was a great week even if we all spent a day in bed not feeling well. I love the time we get to spend together and I love my Papa. I miss not having holidays at his house.

We are doing good here in Richland. We are having more and more time with friends. It makes our lives better to have you in it. If you are having game night, hang out and chill, movie night don’t hesitate to give us a call.

May your year ahead be full of fun and laughter. Fill your life with those that make you happy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Orion just busted in and said its snowing...barely but its a white Christmas!!!

Thankful

On thanksgiving you are always asked what are you most thankful for... you get some silly answers but mine lately is the same. I am thankful I am alive. 3 years ago I really thought I wasn’t going to be alive for another year much less that Christmas.

I had something running in my body to the point I was dehydrated and my kidneys were starting to show signs of stress. I lost 40 pounds in one month. I was as grey as ET, not a good look on anyone. I was miserable and my family was suffering. The doctor gave me another one of the talks saying “this could be the end are you prepared…” I had a lot of good friends that stepped up and helped me get a medical procedure that saved my life. Once again my friends saved me.

I am thankful to be alive. I wake up every morning thankful for one more day with my family. One more day to figure out how to be a parent, how to be a friend and how to repay the kindness that has been given to me.

I struggle on some days and the last few months make me wonder how much of the stress of life I am going to have to endure to show just how strong I am in this life. Yes I can take it, yes I will be on this earth ever day finding my way… I really am thankful for the love, encouragement and support of each and every one of you even if we don’t talk all the time.

My First Scout Master

They say you never forget your first Scout Master. That they challenge you, teach you and help you grow. Your Scout Master is always there for you even if you don’t see him. The Scout Master helps keep the whole troop Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Three years ago, at 36 years old, I met my first Scout Master and I went home from the first meeting thinking we were walking into a hot mess. I spent over an hour telling my husband how much chaos there was at that meeting. That the adults all sat in the back talking and no one was in charge of anything.

Orion's First Meeting Aug 20, 2012

The next meeting I expressed my concerns to this official looking man and he gave me this silly chuckle. As he explained how Boy Scouts worked I cried. How were they supposed to learn anything if no one was leading…. This was my second meeting. My first Scout Master not only had this new Scout on his hands he had me.

Luckily Orion jumped in with both feet and loved it even though he didn’t really understand what was happening or how things worked for the first few weeks. He started asking questions and caught on quickly… the way it’s supposed to happen. I started reading everything I could get my hands on and took all the training online that was offered. Every meeting after flags if my Scout Master was not busy with a Scout I had a question or two for the first few months. My Scout Master always had questions instead of answers or he had great examples by telling me a story but I always left with answers.

About 3 months in I got the Oath and Law correct during flag and was so excited I shouted “Yes I did it!” Everyone stared because we were not done with flags. My Scout Master gave me a high five.

Boy Scouts is boy lead, adult mentored. I started seeing this after a few meetings. They really were not a hot mess. Yes there was some chaos but they were boys running things their way not an adults way. You could see the adults in the back of the room occasionally walk over and say something to a Patrol Leader or the SPL when things needed to move along.  I learned quickly to not answer the Scouts when they came to me with a question. Coming from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts that was one of the hardest things for me. I wanted to just give the answer now I answer with a question. “Where is your patrol leader?” or “Who should you be asking?”

I went to my first summer camp because my Scout Master asked me to go, it was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. If you ever have to opportunity to attend Scout Summer Camp GO!!! You will watch all of the Scouts grow before your very eyes. The bonds get stronger between the Scouts and adults on the trip. It was amazing I will NEVER forget it.

I have been on some of the best camping trips, training weekends and watched my son becoming his own person. All great changes are preceded by chaos. I am thankful for my Scout Master.

Thank you Dean for all that you have done, continue to do and will do in the future for me, my family and all of the families that I got to talk to the last few weeks. You put your heart and soul into these Scouts and it shows in them.

I will never forget my first Scout Master and I am thankful that you helped me become a better person, a better Scouter and a better parent by getting me involved in the Troop. 

Why share?

I was recently asked why I post so much of our lives on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or the internet in general. I was a little taken back by the question at first but then I think of all the hacking that happens in this day and age and all the privacy that is given up when things about our personal lives are posted. I didn’t have a good answer that day except that I wanted to share and have my friends be a part of our lives and that is the fastest way to share. Here is a better answer and I told my friend I would …post it online Ironic I know but that’s how I roll.

 1. I am alive after being told I would be dead. Posting a picture of the family at the park, the Nutcracker or even cuddling on the couch is like rubbing it in the face of every doctor that told me I was on the verge of dying all 3 times I was told to get my papers in order. Here I am… look at me LIVING my life. I will not sit and wait for death to come and take me. I will live each and every day to its fullest. Memories made every day.

 2. I have friends and family all over the world. I live life with them through the computer. We talk, share pictures, brag about our children and fur babies and keep in touch with the latest technologies. Some of my closest friends I have never met in person but I know that if anything ever happened to me (no plans on this people)… they would be there for Van and Orion.

 3. I can easily keep in touch with friends and family. We all have busy lives, moved all over the place and it’s a great way to stay in touch. I have found several of my friends from “back in the day” and have been able to reconnect with them. I treasure the friendships we had and the new memories we are making.

 The internet was made for information exchange and I think I am using it to the fullest extent. I have reduced the posts that I share that are just memes, pictures or nonsense. I feel like I pour my heart and soul out on my FB page with little whine and complaining. I don’t want to focus on the negative in my life so I don’t usually post it. I don’t only communicate online. I still write letters, especially to my Papa, and I call people and that texting thing is catching on… (I hate texting).

 Our family has had enough health drama to last 5 lifetimes. We are over being the sickly family that has our wagons circled and is doing nothing. We are ready to party like 38 year olds. We are going to be working in a game night between Band, Orchestra and Scouting schedule… we are even going to go out occasionally too.

 So Facebook will continue to have posts of my family moments, I will keep bragging about the two most amazing guys on the planet (Van and Orion in case you missed that) and I will keep inviting you to join us when we are doing something because that is what this all about. We are living. We are making memories and I want you to be part of them. I am not just online bragging (although sometimes that happens I am a Proud Mom after all). So keep your eyes peeled for some awesome times together and put us on your calendar for the 4th of July, at least for the balloon fight!!!!

I am thankful for all of you. Thank you for all of your support through the hard times the last few years. We are looking forward to the most amazing years ahead. The next few years look amazing! With all my Love, Appreciation and Thanks. Mirandy

15 Years

I have some amazing people in my life. Some have been around for only a few minutes, days or years but the most amazing person who has brought me the most joy has been in my life for 20 years now and September 19, 2014 we celebrate our 15 year wedding anniversary.

June 1995

If you want to know how we met you can read that blog here... It’s a magical story I sure you have one with your sweetie too! I treasure our story.

I fell in love with Van the minute I saw him… so I guess he has loved me longer if you want to get down to brass tacks on that one. We have had some outstanding moments in our years together and here are a few I will share with you as we are off to celebrate with our first weekend away in years.

Radcon 1996

We bought a house and made it our own in August of 1999. Van picked some amazing colors for second room... that smurf blue still lingers in some of the corners even after we repainted when Orion was born. We now have a garden out front.

We made the most amazing kid. Don’t tell him but I think he is going to be smarter than both of us combined. He is cuter than Van (watch out ladies) and he has my outgoing personality and stubborn streak. He is excited about the future. He is exploring in his own cautious way. He is a cuddle monster. We can’t wait to see the man he becomes in the future.

We have been on some amazing trips. Disney World for our amazing honeymoon.. So many camping trips some just family and friends and many with the Scouts.

  Leavenworth to watch our amazing kid drool over nutcrackers. We watched the snow fall. But we always go to the Nutcracker Museum.

We have merged our family traditions and made up some of our own. From the big family dinners my family used to do to the fruit in the stockings from his family. Now we have pajamas on Christmas eve. Van's "favorite" tradition which I love is taking family pictures. I take a ton of pictures. When we take a family photo it can be serious and funny...

Our First Family photo Easter 2002

Witch + Devil = Angel

15 years of marriage and we are looking forward to many more. There are so many little things we do everyday to show our love. Marriage is more than just love and affection its a friendship and lots of Patience Tolerance and Flexibility. Our family motto is used often in our daily lives and with each other. I am thankful everyday (yes even the hard ones) that I met Van and that we have made it together in this world. We have our struggles we are human but life is great right now and things are always getting better.

15 years ago we were surrounded by those that promised to help nurture our marriage, to support our love. Our family and friends were there to witness our vows and party with us to celebrate. It is great to have you with us still.To have your support and your love means a lot.

Babe I love you. Thanks for all of our years together. There are so many memories that I treasure. Picnics in the park, popcorn made like Oma used to make, everything you do with Orion, and oh so much more.

Happy Anniversary

What I learned at summer camp

Have heard the quote “Do one thing every day that scares you” by Eleanor Roosevelt.

I took this to heart after being diagnosed with kidney failure 3 years ago. Okay not right away it took some time to convince myself that changing things was going to be alright. Once I got through that mental hurdle it has been so refreshing. I have done things with my heart beating so fast and the adrenal rushing in my body.

 I have learned so much by doing the things that scare me. The life lessons in the “scary things” have been so eye opening. Let’s see if I can get this to make sense in written form:

The Boy Scout Troop was preparing to go to summer camp and the Scout Master came up and told me he needed me to go. On the outside I smiled and laughed. “Yeah right you’re kidding…. Right?” On the inside I was in sheer panic mode my mind going over all the horrible things that could happen. All the ways I would embarrass Orion and Van. The judgments that would be placed on me for my limitations. The pain and possible humiliation.

I had a few months of being told how important it was that I get a long term camp that I really needed to go to summer camp. That the camp we were attending was nice and small. In my head I was hearing it was 45 minutes from the nearest hospital. I  couldn't control my food and water wasn’t filtered. There would be so much walking I would miss out on things and everyone would wonder why I was sitting around all the time.

I was really hoping my doctor would tell me no when I went in for my physical. She asked the normal questions and said if my Nephrologist said it was ok then I could go. Dr Tandon had already said I could go if I was stable and I have been for a while now. I have never been to summer camp what was I getting myself into!

So I called the camp director and nurse to make sure they were ok with me coming up. I was hoping that they would be uneasy with my kidney issues and not want me at camp. They were not only ok with me coming the camp director knew Van and was excited to meet me. No more excuses except myself and my FEAR.

 FEAR Every step I took my feet would blister because of my Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), an inherited connective tissue disease causing blisters in the skin, and I would have to walk everywhere. We didn’t know how far away we would be from the bathrooms, kitchen, flags or anything.

FEAR I have to drink a lot of water to keep my kidneys functioning and it is supposed to be filtered… this makes me need the bathroom which makes me walk.

 FEAR I have a HUGE list of dietary restrictions. What would I be able to eat.

 FEAR What if I have a BiPolar moment and make an ass of myself because the situation is totally out of my control.

I sat down with our Scout Master and tried to talk him out of needing me at camp. He explained that I needed the long term camping so I could be nominated for Order of the Arrow next year. That took my breath away. I sucked it up and said ok I can figure this out. I was still only at 90% sure the day we left for camp.

Most of the adults attending know about my kidneys, they know about my food restrictions to a point. But because I have always had some shame associated with my EB, I just say I have issues walking. I try not to get into it too much.

 …..packing for camp I looked like a pharmacy. I am unable to take many pain medications due to my kidneys but I took everything I had. I had my foot soaking bucket, bandages, powerade for hydration, and snacks just in case.

We arrived at camp on Sunday. It was a cluster throwing packs out of trucks into piles and everyone but me seemed to think this was a good idea. I had no idea where my stuff was… I needed the control of my items. In Boy Scouts the Scouts run the show I just needed to control my situation… I was ready to leave or panic then our guide appeared. We had a gator to load with heavy stuff but we hiked in to our site. Then straight to the waterfront. It was high 80’s not the best temperatures for me.

I made it that first day. When we hit the bed I cried myself to sleep. I was trying to figure out how I was going to make it through the week. We were close to the KYBO (toilet) and the kitchen but flags was a good hike for me and heaven forbid if I wanted to get a snack or see the nurse. I kept wondering what I had gotten myself into. My journal entry for camp was not so happy that night.

I won’t give you a play by play of how everyday went but I did learn some amazing things not only about myself but about others just in one week. I learned that Van loves me more than I could ever imagine and was so worried about me that I had to tell him to go away for the morning so he could have some time too.

So yes my feet were blistered by Monday night. The nurse checked them out… when I say my feet look bad they are in pretty bad shape. She said they looked like 6 degree burns. I thought they were just really bad blisters. I was keeping them clean and antibiotic ointment. Clean socks twice a day and lots of ice water thanks to the kitchen staff.

I drank a ton of water using a camelpak with water and powerade bottle with powder in it. I stayed good and hydrated. Scouts offered to get me water on occasion when we were playing cards and they didn’t see me with a drink.

The camp didn’t get my special needs form to alert the kitchen to my food restrictions which would have made her head spin anyways. So the chef and I chatted. She told me that there was always salad and if I needed a second helping one sides and no meat just say something and she introduced me to the kitchen staff. I was overwhelmed. I came home with snacks I took up I ate so well.

I learned that MY Boys Scouts have the biggest hearts. They are compassionate and caring. When Van was off helping with something at meal time one of the Scouts with the help of Orion got my food for me so I wouldn’t have to go through chow line. It saved me walking up and down a hill on a day I was really hurting. They asked questions when I was soaking my feet in ice water… and they were respectful not judgmental like I was expecting. Questions like have you had that all your life? Does it hurt? How can you fix it? And they listened to the answers I gave. Hello disabilities awareness merit badge.

I had scouts offer to run to the snack shop for me when they were going… but ice cream melts so fast. Scouts would run and get the gator for me so I could make it to flags every morning and night.

The Scouters sat around and had a woggle of a time. We probably made a good 20 woggles that afternoon.

I learned to whittle and made myself a neckerchief slide while soaking my feet.

It has a popcorn kernel in it for some silly reason.

I was accepted just as I am. My fear was me.

I had a great time at camp despite the pain. I watched 15 young men grow before my very eyes. I can’t imagine not having that experience. I overheard conversations that I wish every parent and Scouter could hear. Just Scouts being themselves… relaxed and mingling with other troops. I was invited to play cards. I was asked to help.

On the last Flag ceremony I was videotaping our Troop doing Flags when a special ceremony started. I was SHOCKED when my name was called for OA … I know that my OA will happen next year but the Camp Commissioner put my name… It was one of those omg moments.

It was one of the best weeks of my life. I had a conversation with our Scout Master while we were there and I won’t go into all of it but he told me hadn’t understood the full concerns I had with camp and that I was very brave for coming… it was not pity. There was so much more and tears from us both by the end of the conversation. I will never forget.

The Troop is going camping this weekend but my feet are already blistered from doing a Blitz for popcorn sales… I am going to miss this trip but I am resting up for a great weekend at Martin Scout Ranch in October!

Without the support of my husband I wouldn't have made it to camp much less through the week. There are never enough words to tell him how much he is loved and appreciated. < 3

I choose to do one thing that scares me every day. Today it’s sharing this with you.