Rib Update

Just want to give a big thank you to everyone who has sent me messages about my ribs and offered there advice and/or kind words. A quick update: They were feeling great two days ago and then like an idiot I decided to hoist heavy mirrors and wall decor to decorate our new place. Bad decision. They've been killing me all day today and I had to resort to popping a pill which I've been trying like heck to avoid. Rest just doesn't come easy to me. I'm REALLY hoping that they'll heal up soon though so I can get back into our running routine. It's been ages since my shoes were pounding pavement!!!

So thank you everyone again!! I really appreciate you guys taking time out of your days to send me your thoughts and prayers :)

I Can't Stop Laughing. MUST Watch

This is seriously one of the funniest videos I have ever seen....

"That's Some Cold You Got There"

I pulled this blog with permission from CysticLife as it was one of my favorite that I have read in a while. I've actually featured Lauren's work on here before as she is a VERY talented young cyster in whom I have a GREAT deal of respect for. She has spunk, soul and a never quit attitude that will always put a smile on your face. Please visit her blog here and check out some of her other fantastic writings.

Question-Askers

With CF, coughing becomes almost as natural as breathing. You don't realize how normal it is to you and to the people who know you until you are around someone who doesn't know you. The most common person for me is someone like a new professor, a hair-dresser, or a new colleague. Usually people I just meet will comment “That is some cold you got there.” They'll usually ask if I'd like a cough drop or a glass of water. Though inside I'm saying, “Yeah right, I could only wish a cough drop would help,” I usually just accept the water to be polite. That sort of comment is completely innocent given the context, given that they know nothing about me, in fact, I wouldn't think anything of it if I DID have a cold. Usually to those people (until I get to know them better) I just respond something along the lines of, "yeah I have a lung thing... I'm usually coughing a lot I wouldn't worry about it." Or if it is someone who I won't ever see again, I use “I'm just getting over a cold” “Its allergies” “The air is dry in here” or whatever else comes to mind.

It is rare, however, that someone is so bold to ask about my cough in a way that doesn't assume I'm sick with something common and/or contagious. The other day, a person I had recently met asked ( & not at all rudely), “Hey what's that cough you got there, Lauren” because (as she explained) she is attuned to coughs since both she and her daughter have bad cases of asthma. Since she was so polite about it, I told her I have a lung condition called cystic fibrosis and though it is for the most part under control, I still have a persistent cough. She apologized for being “nosey” but she didn't have to. I told her I'd prefer if people would just ask. I give her credit for asking instead of assuming.

I never have minded telling anyone about my CF because i've never had a problem with anyone treating me differently because of it. I believe I should be truthful instead of allowing people to assume. That is not to say, however, that when I meet someone new I say, “Hi, I'm Lauren. I have CF.” But if they are so interested to ask, I will gladly tell them and answer any questions they have. If more people did this (about ANYTHING) I think a lot more people would be all the more informed and all the less ignorant. People should ask more questions to learn about other walks of life, other points of view, and other ways of looking at things.

I'll never forget when I asked one of my hall-mates this year how the tattoo she just got was meaningful to her. Her eyes lit up and she said, “Ya know, no one has asked me that yet” and went on to explain how “words, words, words” was a line from shakespeare and how it explains her outlook on life, how so much more could be solved if people just used their words and communicated more effectively. That has stuck with me, and if I hadn't asked, I wouldn't have been able to see the valuable message that she was trying to convey.

There are certain times when your own morals should tell you when asking questions is “nosey” and when asking questions is helpful. If there is something that you are unfamiliar with,you should try your best to learn about it. I'll use the example of someone's religion. If you just met someone who was Islamic and you didn't know anything about their religion, would you ask about it? The people who you ask these questions to are usually un-offended as long you are polite about it. Just put yourself in their shoes, would you be offended if someone asked you about your religion? In fact, a lot of problems in this country would be solved if some uninformed people asked a Muslim about their God and about their beliefs (for example)... they would be surprised how many of the same beliefs they shared. Use good judgement when being a question-asker though. Instead of assuming and saying “You're Muslim, you must not mind suicide bombers,” ask “Could you tell me more about your religion?” or “What kinds of things does the Koran teach or tell?” You may learn that suicide bombers are extremists and hardly represent the majority of the population, or that Muslims have some mighty fine morals.

So ask a vegetarian what made them decide to refrain from meat, ask someone who has lost weight how they did it, ask someone where they got such a cute shirt, ask someone who disagrees with you why they feel that way. I'm not saying to butt into everyone's business whenever possible though. There are certain times when question asking is not appropriate. For example: asking about someone's private personal life or asking questions for the sake of gossip. Questions should be asked in order for knowledge to be attained. And the more we learn from asking questions, the better off we'll all be. So here's to the question-askers, the answer-seekers, the knowledge-absorbers. I know the person who asked me about my cough is a good person because she dared to learn about someone else's situation. I hope that the next time she hears about a Great Strides Walk or even meets someone else with a cough like mine, she remembers how meaningful it was for her to ask.

I encourage you to stop by Lauren's blog today and give her a little shout-out. I want to make sure that she knows her work is very much appreciated!! Thank you SO MUCH for all of your positive contributions to this community cyster!!!

Back in the Swing of Things!!

Today is the start of a new chapter in our lives. No, I'm not talking about being newly married or settling in to a new house, I'm talking about finally settling in to the life we're used to. It's been a whirlwind around here since May 22nd (well actually long before that) but I think we're now ready to settle down after the post-wedding madness. We just got back from our annual family vacation in Rocky Point, Mexico and now it feels like I need a break. You guys know what I'm talking about? I think that I live such a routine based life, that every time I'm out of that routine it actually takes more energy, even if I'm relaxing on the beaches of Mexico. Maybe it's just me, but vacations truly exhaust me. Don't get me wrong, they're certainly a great change of pace and something I very much look forward to, but I'm definitely most comfortable in the comfort of my own home.

On a side note (with the full story to come at a later date)- One thing I need to take care of though is this rib/cartilage/muscle/lung thingy that I have going on. Some of you may have seen the update on my Facebook, but I was in a pretty gnarly boogie board accident that required a trip to a Mexican clinic for x-rays and a doctor consult. He said that he didn't see any broken bones, but with the more days that pass, the less I believe him. I'm actually taking pain medicine. If you know anything about me, you know that I avoid that stuff like the plague. Without it however, I have a hard time taking in a deep breath or coughing, sleeping is quite tough and the most minor of movements will send me shooting through the roof. I hope to get it checked out tomorrow and I'll keep you guys posted.

Anyway, I'm ready to get back on the horse now. I'm ready for homemade breakfast sandwiches in the morning and sitting at a computer all day long. I'm ready for the gym and long walks around the neighborhood. I'm ready for conference calls and game nights with friends. I'm ready to learn my yard and do my best to not have it defeat me. I'm ready to get my dog back and take her to the new dog park down the street.

I'm ready to officially start the "real life" with my bride.

Never Before Seen Photos

On our wedding day, my dad kept his phone in his pocket and snapped shots of us when no one else was around, but my shadow. He said, "these are like our little secret pictures"...but I'll let you in on the secret!

Right before the doors opened for me to walk down the isle

In the room waiting while the processional was going on

In the room waiting while the processional was going on

The First Wedding Pic Is In!!!

Our photographer is making his way through tons and tons of photos but has showed us a few that he really likes. Here's the first one he "released" to us :)

Flash Me Friday- Open the Door

Today's Flash Me Friday is all about what it looks like when you enter your front door. If you'd like to participate in the Flash Me Fridays, please go to and link your blog here (http://www.groettumfamily.blogspot.com/)

Look straight

Look left

Look right

Inspiring Story from "Jail"

A recent blog by a fellow cyster that I found to be very inspiring:

Day #11 In "Jail"

by Marina Finnell

So I've been in the hospital for 11 days now and I am finally getting to go home tomorrow! Well, that's the plan anyways, let's hope that's still the case when tomorrow comes! Oddly enough though, this hospital stay seems like it has gone by quicker than most others do. I am usually in the hospital (or as I like to sometimes refer to it, as "jail" haha) for at least 2 full weeks, but this time, i have been working my butt off like a crazy lady with all of my treatments and exercise and meds that my PFT's have gone through the roof!!!! =] I am sooo excited to be able to make this stay a short one and to get on to enjoying my last summer before I start college in August!!!

So when I was admitted to "jail" (hehe) 11 days ago, my PFT's were not so hot, they were below 50% :/ I realize that there are plenty more CFer's out there that are living their daily lives even lower than that, but everyone's story and their CF is different. So I don't want to sound "braggish" or annoying to other people reading this, which is why people write their Own blogs and what not, because it is about them. haha. Anyways, a 50% PFT is really bad for me, it's the lowest I have ever been and if you think about it, it's like only being able to breath with one lung. Blah. The Docs weren't too happy with this number oddly enough haha. So after getting yet another Reality check this year (as I am growing up and moving on in life, I have been getting a lot of reality checks with my CF this last year haha) I have been working my little heart out in here and doing my treatments and meds etc. like a crazy person and I realized, they seriously ALL make a huge difference! After just 4 days of constant treatments, IV meds, and determination, I got my PFT's up from 50% to 67% ! That's huge for me! =]

The next day, I had a bronchoscopy and my first sinus surgery done! Wow, did those two make a difference!!! I feel AWESOME! They sure did clean me out! :) After 9 days of being in the hospital and 4 days after my procedures, my PFT's were up from 50%, to 67%, to now 76% ! :) Whooo! 76% is higher than my numbers have been in at least 6 or 7 years!!! My baseline is usually only around 65% too so I've definitely made huge progress!

Are you ready for the BEST news of all?!?!?! Today, my 11th day in here, my PFT's are up to 79%!!!! So close to an amazing 80, but I will most definitely accept a 79% and my Docs will gladly take them as well! But the hard work and dedication to my CF and my body does not stop here! As I am preparing to go off to college here soon in a ocuple months, this last year and these last couple weeks alone, have been great experiences for me! I now have been able to see for myself what I am truly capable of doing on my own! =]

It's all just so exciting! I had to share this first experience of becoming an adult and dealing with CF all on my own without mommy dictating everything I do haha! Well, RT just walked in and it's time for my last evening treatment of this hospital stay!!! =] Whoo! Approximately 12 more hours and I'm FREE again!!! :)

http://www.cysticlife.org/BlogProfile.php?id=1443

Isn't that sooooo cool?!??!?!? It just shows that if we set our mind to it and put in the work sometimes the impossible is possible. Great job cyster and I can't wait to read about even higher PFT's next time :)

Carry You Through Life...

...or something like that :)

This is definitely one of my favorite photos from the photo wall at our wedding. We decided to do a photo wall instead of a guest book and it turned out to be one of our better decisions. We bought a bunch of props and left the rest up to the guests at the wedding. If any of you have a wedding coming up I would HIGHLY suggest going this route. I'll be posting more pictures from the photo wall periodically :)

My Second Near-Death Experience

- I'm so thankful that our A/C got fixed and it didn't cost us an arm and a leg. Luckily it was just a leg this time, but we still have both arms. We're fortunate to have two A/C units but the unit that went out provides the cold air for the part of the house we actually spend our time in. It's responsible for our master bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. Like I said though, it certainly could have been much worse. We've been sleeping in the guest bedroom the last couple of nights but will be back in our bedroom tonight!! The guy fixed it in literally less than 10 minutes as it was just a little part that happens to run the fan. It completely gave out (in fact, it exploded). Hopefully this new one will stay intact for a VERY long time.

- We road our bikes up to Coldstone Creamery tonight as a little bit of a reward for all of our hard work in the garden today. It was incredibly hot and we were out there a good couple of hours doing everything from pruning, to cutting, to raking, to watering, to pulling, to pushing. We were both sweaty messes at the end of it, so we decided to treat ourselves. We took off up the road about a mile and a half eager to get our mouthes on the pure cold goodness. We seriously couldn't wait!! Well, not sure when it happened, but the ol' creamery went out of business. No cold goodness for us. We did our best to make up for it when we went home though with some homemade zucchini muffins and whipped cream. Mmmmm mmmmm good :)

- Mandi talked a little bit about married life on yesterday's and I've got to say, I couldn't agree more. Married. Life. Rocks. It just makes everything better. I mean, I've drank 1000000 cups of coffee, but I've never shared a cup with my wife and I never knew coffee could get even better. I've cooked with others in the past, but cooking with my wife is more enjoyable and I swear the food tastes better. In fact, Mandi and I have much of the same routine in terms of our work day and shows we watch during lunch breaks, yet the time I spend with her now just seems better. I have yet to be able to verbalize it correctly, but I think I got close the other night while trying to explain how I felt to Mandi. I told her it was much like a person who has a near death experience. Everything from that point on takes on a different meaning and all of the experiences just seem better. I think our wedding day was that near death experience for me...or did that just not sound right??

Married Life Rocks My Socks

ANNNND I'm back. Obviously not totally because you'll notice that this didn't post at 4 am like they're "supposed" to. Last night Ronnie looked at me at 10:45 pm and said, "what's Mandi Monday about?"....WHOOPS. But that's ok, some are just slower than others to get back into the saddle.

So let me fill you guys in. LIFE. IS. GOOD! I was absolutely thrilled with how the wedding turned out. Everything went smoothly (I think in large part because my mom ran around the whole day and night running the show....man I love my momma!) Everything was beautiful. The ceremony was wonderful. We wrote our own vows and that was the best decision we made for the whole wedding. We didn't read each other's vows prior, so it was an incredible feeling, standing up there, having the love of your life tell you just what you mean to them. I tell you what, Ronnie did a BEAUTIFUL job on his vows. I've never felt so loved, so appreciated and so blessed. The only "bad" thing about the wedding is what everyone tells you, it FLEW by. There are moments that we both stopped, to just take it all in, and even those moments are fuzzy. But luckily we have it all on film, so we'll watch it back and I'm sure that'll help.

The honeymoon was great, but I won't focus on that because I know you saw pictures.

The best part about the last two weeks: Getting home and settling into life with my amazing husband. I was going to do a top 10 list of being married, but the problem is, there's far more than 10, and the best parts are VERY little things. Here are a few though: Sitting at our dining room table eating a dinner we made together in our kitchen. Setting up our closet with my stuff on the left, his stuff on the right, and walking in each day to be reminded that we get to live together. Finding out how nutty Ronnie is about having all of the labels facing out on items in the pantry. Looking over to see Ronnie kickin' it in his underwear because our A/C went out. Brushing my teeth next to Ronnie. Tag team cleaning the whole house to get ready for company. Riding our cruisers around the 'hood, coffee mugs in hand, chatting about what we want to do with our house and our yard.

Anyway, those are just a few favorites...I won't bore you by going on. Needless to say, I'm loving married life.

An Important Purchase!!!

Mandi and I made two of the most important purchases of our young lives a couple of days ago. Any one want to guess what it is? I'll give you some clues:

- We wanted to get to know our neighborhood a little better

- We needed another way to exercise

- We love the beach

- It brought us back to our younger years

Any guesses? Well, if you didn't see the pictures I attached first and you had some guesses, please feel free to let me know what you were thinking.

Let

Me

Skip

A

Few

Lines

As

To

Not

Give

Away

The

Answer

Beach Cruisers!!! That's right, we bought some bikes that make it feel as if we're cruising along the beach. If you guys are interested in picking yourself up some of these tasty little treats let me give you a piece of advice...shop Target or Walmart. Bike shops charge a FORTUNE for these metal frames of goodness. At the big box stores you can snag one for around 100 bucks.

So far Mandi and I have cruised different parts of our neighborhood a couple of times and used our bikes to go and get the mail everyday. I mean, walking to the mailbox is so 2009 right?? Yesterday we stepped it up a notch and decided to ride our bikes to dinner. One thing I love about our new neighborhood is that we're about 1.5 miles away from all of the action. Seriously, you name it, and it's 1.5 miles away. Super Target, Super Walmart, Home Depot, Old Navy, Hobby Lobby, Sports Chalet, Chipotle, Jamba Juice, McDonalds, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Hi-Health and about 50 other stores, restaurants and banks that I'm forgetting or don't know the name to.

So last night we road our cruisers up to Native New Yorker which is a pizza and wing joint with franchises in Arizona and Texas. We took full advantage of their "after 8:30 half off of appetizers" special and went to town. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit and just relax with my wife :) Anyway, after devouring cheese sticks, fried zucchini, boneless wings and loaded steak fries, we hopped back on our bikes and headed home. It feels SO good to be cruising around on summer nights in Arizona. It's still a little hot, but you feel cool air beating against your body while riding the bike.

We look forward to other adventures on our bikes VERY soon....and we can't thank you enough Grammy for giving us the dough to make this purchase. Love ya!!!!

Awkward Christmas Gift????

This is the photo I gave my now father-in-law for his Christmas present this year...it's become quite the tradition:

Wisdom from Ronnie's Mom

The other day I received a comment on this blog that was directed towards my momma. I forwarded it on to her because I thought it was so nice and then she sent me her response :) I thought you guys would enjoy reading it:

Reader's comment:

Dear "Ronnie's mom,"
Thank you for letting Ronnie post this! I would not only like to hear from you more often, I would thrive on it!!! My 18-month-old son has CF. My husband and I want to raise him to be a strong, confident, happy, faithful man of God... pretty much just like your son! Reading Ronnie (and Mandi's) blogs, watching the YouTube posts, and being a part of Cystic Life gives our family so much hope and so much joy. Thank you for blazing a trail for CF moms that follow in your footsteps. The openness with which your family shares their hearts is an incredible ministry! God bless you!
Sincerely,
Name Withheld

"Ronnie's mom"'s response:

Dear Name Withheld:

Thank you for your kind words! Ronnie is an amazing son and I couldn't be more proud. And then, he married an incredible young lady giving me an amazing daughter. My first one! They make a dynamic duo!

I have heard that CF parents would like to hear about how I parented Ronnie, but I truly struggle with that. Really, I'm no expert! I raised Ronnie, much like I was raised, but with a twist. CF was never the center piece. It was worked into our lives as routine. Absolutely, when Ronnie was sick it became top priority to get him better, but then we moved on. I remember a Mom saying to me (who had lost her two young daughters to CF) "You live everyday like it's your last, don't you?" Out of respect, I said nothing, because I had not felt her grief. But I thought to myself, "No, I live everyday looking forward to the next." I must tell you, Ronnie was at times a very difficult child, but not because of the CF. Because he was Ronnie! A resourceful, quick-witted, gregarious young man who never took "no" for an answer. It was contagious! If Ronnie thought he could do it...who were we to stop him?

My parenting style was very "matter of fact!" I didn't beat around the bush. Aerosols and treatments...in those days...hand pounds (P&D), were part of the daily routine. P&D was like brushing your teeth. It's just what we did! When he was young I'd play games with him during P&D. I pounded rhythms like "Three Blind Mice" or "Old McDonald" and he would guess. "I Spy" was another game. As he got older, that time together was used to talk about family, current events, school, etc. Certainly there were many times we talked about CF and I was straight up honest (age appropriate). Were there times when we fought about treatments? Absolutely! Especially the teenage years. I tried reverse psychology, but Ronnie saw right through it! I made deals...want to go out with friends (squeeze in an early treatment), want to miss a treatment (extra treatment the next day). And sometimes...I just got mad at him! I remember asking the doctor when he was in his late teens and it was such a struggle. "When do they wake up?"

There is one area of CF I feel is the most important. Give your child their voice! As soon as Ronnie was able, I encouraged him to communicate with his doctors. Ronnie knew exactly how he was feeling about his breathing, mucus, coughing medicines, poops, etc. Why should I put words in his mouth? Now, that said, knowing Ronnie and some of the crazy things he could come up with...there were times...I must admit...that I'd communicate to the doctor with a brief little headshake, a stare, or a wink, but Ronnie didn't know that. I think that's part of the reason why Ronnie is so outspoken today, not hesitating to give his opinions, likes and dislikes, needs, etc. Empower them and they will take ownership.

I wish you the very, very best. Enjoy! 18months old...such a wonderful age.

Thanks for letting me ramble.
Ronnie's Mom

I couldn't agree more. If you have any questions for my mom I could certainly pass them along. Maybe she would try to tackle a few of them. Did you hear that momma?? :)

First Video on the Way to Cancun!!!

This was our first Honeymoon video as we made our way to Cancun. Mandi bought me the camera as a wedding present and I've got to say that I was VERY happy with her choice. Anyway, enjoy the video and check out the bride and groom hats next to us :)

Random Wedding Pictures

Here are some random wedding pictures taken by my new sister-in-law the day of the wedding. Many, many, many more pics to come....

Our First Dance as Man and Wife

Mooning My Honey- Final Day