My Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

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Before getting to my Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025, I want to say how amazed I am that this blog continues to get the views that it does, especially since so many people say that blogging is becoming outdated. (This year alone my blog received over 81,000 views!) Videos and podcasts are all the rage these days, but I have always been a bit old school.  One reason I keep up with my blog is that it offers a creative outlet and doing it helps me feel less stressed. It also reminds me that this is one project that I started and have continued. (I love to start new projects but have a hard time keeping them going or finishing them. I will try to work on that this year!)  Yet one more reason is because I want to give God glory for all that He has done in my life and use the gift that He has given me to hopefully be a blessing and an encouragement to others.  In 2025, here were my most-viewed blogs:  10. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Reflecting On Our Journey So Far  Fai...
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A Tough Week Filled with Birthday Blessings

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This has been a tough week with me and Faith both having colds and not feeling so well. Of course, it doesn't help that when Faith isn't feeling well, she just can't sleep. After three nights of not sleeping well, I am pretty much in zombie mode. 

Yesterday, we did take Faith to the walk-in clinic, and she was tested for strep, which she doesn't have. The doctor didn't think it was a sinus infection, so I guess we have to wait to see if she gets better.

Besides health issues, a good friend of mine lost her oldest brother (oldest of 10) in an accident. He was shoveling snow off of the roof of a barn and he ended up falling through the roof and died as a result. He is survived by his parents, his wife and seven kids, nine siblings and lots of nieces and nephews. My friend and her whole family have been heavy on my heart all week. 

In the midst of the tough events of the week, I feel extremely blessed to have my family and many dear friends. I also feel blessed to live to be 37 years old. This may sound strange but when I was diagnosed with such a serious heart condition, my parents were told by doctors that I probably wouldn't live to the age of 2. 

After I lived past 2 then it was 4. There was always this sort of death sentence hanging over my head. Thanks to the healing hand of God, along with advances in pediatric cardiology, I am still here today and plan to be for many more birthdays!

A spontaneous birthday celebration following supper at Texas Roadhouse.

My yummy birthday cake from Cold Stone. (Thanks Todd and Barbara!)
Faith looking a little sleepy as her bedtime nears

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Faith's First Extended Hospital Stay

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It's hard to believe that Faith is 19 years old and has never had a major illness or extended hospital stay since she was in the NICU. The only other time she had to stay in the hospital was when she had her g-tube placed when she was two years old. That is, until now. And to think it all started with her having a simple outpatient procedure that had nothing to do with the reason she was hospitalized.  Day 1: Thursday - the Procedure  Faith and I got up extremely early as she had to be at the clinic for her outpatient procedure. The procedure was a lumbar puncture in order to do a test dose of medication called baclofen, which would help reduce high muscle tone and spasticity. If the results were good, and it helped her muscles relax, we would have the option (in the future) of inserting a baclofen pump so that she could receive the medication continuously via a catheter in her spine.  I stressed the importance of giving her anti-nausea medication before the procedure be...
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My Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

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Image
Before getting to my Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025, I want to say how amazed I am that this blog continues to get the views that it does, especially since so many people say that blogging is becoming outdated. (This year alone my blog received over 81,000 views!) Videos and podcasts are all the rage these days, but I have always been a bit old school.  One reason I keep up with my blog is that it offers a creative outlet and doing it helps me feel less stressed. It also reminds me that this is one project that I started and have continued. (I love to start new projects but have a hard time keeping them going or finishing them. I will try to work on that this year!)  Yet one more reason is because I want to give God glory for all that He has done in my life and use the gift that He has given me to hopefully be a blessing and an encouragement to others.  In 2025, here were my most-viewed blogs:  10. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Reflecting On Our Journey So Far  Fai...
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