Endometriosis Update

This might be too much information for some, but I really want to share my experience on the chance that it may help you if you are suffering or if you know someone suffering from endometriosis.  A couple of years before getting pregnant for the first time I was diagnosed with endometriosis.  Every month I experience a lot of pain, cramping, bloating, mood swings... I have had surgeries and tried a lot of things to ease the pain.  I usually take a lot of ibuprofen!  After having Aleah the symptoms were less for a few months, but started to get worse.  After having Cade, the same thing happened.  My symptoms have gotten worse every month.  Last month I decided that I couldn't take it any longer!  I had to do something drastic.

I did some research and referred to the research that my brother-in-law did and I decided to change my diet.  I cut out sugar, white flour, and processed foods.  Cut way back on my dairy, wheat, and red meat.  Increased my vegetables, especially broccoli and cauliflower.  And made sure I was drinking a lot of water.

At first I was very overwhelmed with this new diet that I was trying to do and the first week I was really hungry!  But with some help from a loving supportive friend and some encouragement from my wonderful husband, the second week was a lot better.  Now it is pretty easy, a lot easier than I thought it would be.

So let's talk about the results.  I have been on this diet for six weeks.  I have lost 17 pounds.  I have so much more energy.  I'm happier!  I actually crave healthy foods and love how flavorful they are.  This past month my endometriosis symptoms were almost nonexistent!  I was blown away by how I felt.  I didn't have to take any ibuprofen!  It was truly amazing.  Nothing has ever worked for me in the past and that is why I want to spread the word.

I am very thankful for this new diet and everyone supporting me!  I am also hopeful that my symptoms will continue to decrease!

Our Garden

Ever year since we moved into this house we planned on planting a garden.  For one reason or another we didn't do it.  Lucky for us we have awesome neighbors who planted it for us.  Well,  this year we did it ourselves!  I am still in shock that we actually did it.  We started everything from seeds.  It was a great project and something that we have all enjoyed.  Aleah and Cade helped us every step of the way.  They really liked picking the cherry tomatoes and eating them.  Cade only picked a few green ones.

Aleah and Cade had a lot of fun picking the carrots with their Dad.  Aleah would label them, "That's a Daddy one.  That's a baby one..."

We have enjoyed eating all the yummy veggies from our garden!  Now that it is starting to get cold, I am really going to miss the convenience of having fresh produce right outside my door.

My birthday!

I had a wonderful birthday this year.  I was blessed to celebrate with my friends, family, husband, and two cute kids!  On my birthday Brad gave me some time to myself in the morning, a nap in the afternoon, and a date in the evening.  We went to the BYU football game and my parents babysat for us.  It was so much fun.  I love going out with Brad.  It is kind of strange driving in the car just the two of us, and eating dinner just the two of us.  We actually get to finish our sentences!  I really enjoy going on dates with my wonderful husband.

The next day we went to my parents' house for a party with my family.  My amazing neighbor made me a fancy birthday cake that didn't have flour or sugar in it, since I had just started a diet to try to minimize my endometriosis symptoms.  It was delicious and I am very thankful that she would do that for me!

When my niece got to my party she came running over and gave me a beautiful card that she had made for me.  Then she asked me how old I am.  I told her that I am 33.  She said, "Oh, wow!"  Haha, it totally made me laugh.

Aleah wanted to help me blow out my candles.  As soon as we got done singing she said, "Blow out the candles Mom!"

Don't you love Aleah's smile that Brad caught.  She is so silly.  When she is being silly I tell her that she makes me laugh.  Sometimes I will be laughing at something she is doing and she will say, "I make you laugh!"

I am thankful for my wonderful friends and family.  I am thankful for a husband who takes care of me and for two wonderful kids who make me laugh!  If I have to get older, at least I get to be surrounded by wonderful people.