Challenges bring hope, right???

Well, it is no surprise to those who know me best that when challenges surface, I put my head down and barrel through them. I always ask myself, "do you want to get through this painfully fast or painfully slow?" I usually like to go the fast route. Problem is the challenges over the last month seem to be dragging on and on. It has been a daily struggle to remind myself as much as I want to fix it all, I really have no control over any of this. I believe in Romans it says it is only through challenges that be may build character and in building character, we can have hope. I am relying on that truth. For those of you who think we have dropped off the face of the earth, here is the run down:

1. Scott's schedule is crazy
2. Addy is slowly getting better. We tried the special formula, Nutramigen...didn't work. She was more allergic to it than the "mommy milk". I have now given up milk, soy, eggs and nuts. I know you must be thinking I'm starving, but as I have learned this diet, it has become easier. I just can not eat restaurant food. Everytime I have tried, we have been burned. Turns out they put milk protein in chicken breasts at restaurants and there is lots of cross-contamination. Yes, our little baby is that sensitive, but thankfully has never been in any pain.
3. Chelsea, our 8 y/o golden retreiver, has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and has been in and out of the doggy hospital over the last two weeks with two kids in tow. I am currently cooking her potatoes and turkey to eat. When she gets over this, the vet thinks she has myositis that is causing weakness in her legs, so we will start steroids which she might never come off of.
4. My sweet brother, Robin, and his fiance, Kim, called off the wedding that was set for the end of August. They are trying to work some things out. Please keep them in your thoughts as they try to sort life out.
5. My best friend's mother was diagnosed with cancer. Outlook is positive, but she will have to undergo treatment, which might present challenges of its own. Her name is Linda. Please keep her and all those that love her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins this process.
6. Did I mention Scott's schedule is crazy???

Needless to say, I have been staying close to home, cooking, and transporting children and dog to/from school/vet. My sweet husband is my rock and my cheerleader when he gets home in the evenings and for that I am thankful.

On a positive note: Seriously, let me take a moment to celebrate the fact that it was only $44 to fill up my car yesterday. I took a second look, just to confirm my mind wasn't playing tricks on me as it often does. I was so excited, we splurged and bought a car wash. The car needed it and Mary Ella loves it when the car gets a "bath". So I got the code and proceeded to remove my antenna (I've made that mistake once, won't do it again...). I worked on that sucker for twenty minutes in the Houston, coastal heat. Did I mention I was in long sleeves and slacks? My multiple attempts were not successful, but the sores on my fingers proved I tried...hard. I got back in the car and grunted, then chuckled. Mary Ella was thoroughly confused on how to read my "mood cues" and finally asked, "Mommy, are you frustERated?" I broke the news and thankfully she took it really well as we drove off. At this point, it is only appropriate to laugh when the "little" things don't go as planned. Thank God for a sense of humor.