A Disney Party

Emily decided a LONG time ago when we told them we were going to Disneyland that she wanted to have a Mickey Party. So, I made Bingo cards and printed out pictures and we had a pizza lunch with Mickey games. I also decided that it would be more fun for the kids to decorate their own cupcakes, so they did. It is so much fun to watch 15, four and five-year olds see how much junk can get on top of a cupcake. You would be very surprised. Emily had a great time!

On the morning of Emily's actual birthday, I took her to Starbucks during Kaityn's piano lesson and they gave her a free hot chocolate. They yelled her order and announced her fifth birthday to everyone. She was BEAMING!!!

Kaitlyn's Birthday

In true-end-of-the-summer fashion, The Gingells celebrated birthdays. Kaitlyn decided this year that she wanted a water fun party. Therefore, Kaitlyn, Emily, and 15 other 6 and 7 year-olds came over and we had a sponge relay, a water balloon toss, played many other water games, and ended with a water war. The kids enjoyed sundaes, as Kaitlyn doesn't like cake and then went home. It was a ton of fun planning this party and my hands were raw from all the water balloon tying. All the energy and time for planning was well worth it as the kids had a great time and all left soaking wet!

We're Going to Disneyland!

We are officially back and that means all the laundry is put away and the car is clean.  We had an  amazing family vacation driving to San Diego, the American Girl Store in the Grove, and Disneyland.  My parents met us in Disneyland and then flew home.  The girls had such a good time and got along for the entire trip. 

San Diego Zoo was our first stop and I have to admit that they have a very nice facility.  We enjoyed the food, the sky tram, the bus ride that Emily HAD to take on the double-decker bus, and the seal lion show.  If you talk to Will ask him how the Sea lion show was.  The elephant exhibit had just been finished and so we got to see the elephants have a snack of raisins and they showed us their teeth.  That was nuts!

Then it was off to American Girl and then dinner in their cafe'.  Most know that I am not exactly a doll person, but my girls certainly are.  This was an awesome memory for our family.  The girls could not decide what they wanted to do there. They loved EVERYTHING!  We shopped, had their dolls' ear pierced, got the dolls' hair done, got photos taken and placed as a cover for the American Girl Magazine, and then had dinner in the cafe.  The Cafe had little high chair seats for the dolls.  They started with cinnamon rolls, then chicken fingers, and a fun cookie/ pudding dessert.  They also served pink lemonade in pretty glasses.  The entire room was black, white, and hot pink and the napkin rings were hair ties the girls' got to keep.  When it was time to go, Kaitlyn came up to me, crying, and said, "Thank you so much for bringing us here, Mommy. I will never forget it."  Doesn't get much better than that.

Finally it was time for Disneyland.  When the weather is in the upper 90's and you are going to be outside you plan accordingly.  Therefore, our plan of attack daily was to go to the park early, leave after lunch, go swim, and then head back.  The girls were able to stay up much later on this plan.  Kaitlyn lasted longer than Emily.  Both girls loved all the roller coasters.  Emily's favorite ride was Space Mountain, Kaitlyn liked Thunder Mountain Railroad, I enjoyed Splash Mountain, and Will's was Autopia.  Go figure the ex-valet liked the car ride.

We also enjoyed meeting all the characters.  Emily was over the moon every time we saw one, while Kaitlyn really just liked the ones that were people.  She would say repeatedly in whispers to Will and I.  "The costume ones have people in them. (wink-wink) But, don't tell Emily." However, explain this one, the seven dwarfs apparently are real.Hmmm...  Pixiehollow was a hot spot, we loved looking for Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, finding all the characters in It's a Small World, and Will and I spotted Club 33. (The secret club in Disneyland that serves alcohol)  When we asked the girls what they wanted to do in Disneyland in the actual park, Kaitlyn always picked the name of a ride and Emily would say, " I just want a rainbow lollipop!"  I don't know where she gets that from. She eventually said Space Mountain as the trip progressed.  They both loved the roller coasters and would put their hands up in the the air to boot!  It was hilarious.  Will says they take after their mother in amusement parks.  Rock on!

California Adventure was a GREAT park.  We saw a lot of shows, went on many rides, and had lunch with 5 princesses.  If you ever head over there, I highly recommend it.  The food was really good and the princesses visit with you while you eat.  We saw Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, and Snow White.

The trip was great from start to finish and we can't wait to go on another vacation!

Fun in Black Butte!

Imagine our excitement when our friend Julie called and asked us to go to Black Butte with her this summer! Due to our trip to Disneyland this summer we had decided not to partake of that vacation this year and use the cash for travel in California.  But, to our COMPLETE delight, her parents vacation home had not rented that week and so she said if we would like to, she would love to have us join her as long as the house did not rent out up to the Friday before.  So I had the girls praying with me and boy were they answered!  It did not rent and we got to go and play, swim, take long walks, see friends, bike ride, and just plain old enjoy the beautiful sunny weather of Black Butte Ranch.We have gone every year the last 5 years and it is so funny how you get a little ritual going of what you do.  One particular favorite of ours is golf ball hunting at night.  Emily gets VERY excited about the number on the ball. " Daddy, I got a 2!"  Kaitlyn asks,"  "Daddy, is this a good one?" and then there is the typical, "Mommy, will you hold this for me?"   I like Will's questions better.

We were very excited as well that we were able to see our friends the Ericksons and the Bruggers.  Julie's boyfriend Shawn was there a couple of days and Will was able to play golf twice.  Great once, and not so great the other.  Sandy was just happy to get out of dodge and relax in the warm sun.  Thank you, Julie!

Summer Fun!

I know I am a blogging failure this summer.  (In truth, even part of the Spring)  I am not going to pull the "we have been busy card", but I am going to pull the lazy card and say that when I have had time I have been wanting to relax instead of blog.  Those of you that do blog, however, keep it up on a regular basis, because I do make time to read yours, just not update mine.  I will try to get better when we get home from Disneyland!

Here is our summer in a bundle thus far.  Kaitlyn and Emily attended Prince of Peace and Oak Hills Vacation Bible Schools the first two weeks of summer, visited a horse stable with my Uncle Tim, we celebrated the fourth of July with family and walked in the annual Oak Hills Parade, have frequented the Oak Hills Pool quite a bit, went blueberry picking( Even though only Emily and I eat them), just had a great week with our good friend Julie at Black Butte, and are now packing to leave for Disneyland. We have been very busy and are having fun catching up with many of our friends this summer and meeting many new arrivals to this world with babies galore!

Starlight Parade

Last Saturday the Gingell side of the Baker Clan  drove in the Starlight Parade.  Kaitlyn and Emily sat up with Mimi and Bampa in the parade while Will drove the car and I waved from the passenger seat.  It was an amazing night and nearly 250,000 people were in attendance.  The girls had an absolute ball and their names were announced three times along the parade route. They saw some of their friends, too. Will and I kept giggling because he was asking me to navigate for him since he could hardly see over the flowers they placed on the hood of the car.

    

Musical Programs

Emily had her program on Friday, May 22 and was so excited I cannot even begin to describe the anticipation on her behalf for this program.  In fact, when she got on the risers and the program began she did not sing, but stood there smiling away with pure joy.  When the program was over, she said to Will, "Daddy, you know why I didn't sing in the beginning?  I was just so excited for you to be at my Pohgram!"  That made Will completely melt.  I think she can guarantee now that Daddy will NEVER miss a program.

Kaitlyn was a lucky dog and her name was drawn to announce her program to all of the parents of Kindergartners.  She is also little for her age so we always are able to see her and get good pictures.  Funny part of Kaitlyn's program was during a song where they sang about a Hippopotamus and they spell it.  Every time they spelled P-P, Emily would say P-P and giggle at Will and his mom.  We don't know where she gets that humor from.

Long Time, No Blog!

I know, I know, I am a TERRIBLE blogger!  But to be honest, the weather has just been too beautiful to sit inside and blog.  However I do have time to sit down and read all of yours:) So, here are some pictures and explanations of what we have been up to.

An awesome Youtube video!

I was on Facebook the other night and came across this link of a music video on Youtube.  It is called Taylor Swift meets Viva la Vida.  Will and I thought it was great.  Thought it could be something you could all enjoy:)

As for the Gingells, I will post more soon, but we are doing great and enjoying having Will home and some sunshine!!!

Music Video

A Fine Lookin' group!

Yesterday was the MS Walk and I had at last 40 members not including the children that joined their parents to support me.  What a humbling experience to have not only that many people come, but on a freezing day where some even came to support me in the morning for a small spot on KGW 8 Portland with Kyle Iboshi at 7:15 am, when the event doesn't start until 10:00 am.  To add to the success of the event, the Gingell Gang raised $4, 800 dollars, which is $1,000 dollars more than last year.  WOW!!!

With much excitement and help from Brian Stout we were able to make T-Shirts this year, too!  It was really fun to show our team unity at the event.  Thank you everyone for your support, even those that weren't able to attend, from the bottom of my heart.  I had a great day from start to finish! 

MS WALK is this Saturday!

I am so excited for the walk this Saturday, I have become giddy.  The T-shirts came today hot off the press and look awesome!  Thank you so much Brian Stout for the design and all your hard work.  We also have one of the largest teams walking this year, if not the largest!  To date we have 36 people walking and that is not including the people I know are coming, but have not signed up yet.  We also have raised a total of $3, 560.  That is $200 more than last year!  This event is so amazing and I am so humbled with all of your support.  If you would still like to sign up it is:

Pioneer Courthouse Square

10:00 am

Saturday, April 4th

We will be the team in Black T-Shirts with Gingell Gang in Green!

Registration

MS doesn't sound so tragic:)

Every month I get the dreaded Momentum magazine for Multiple Sclerosis and it has a plethora of articles about the horrible issues included with MS and all the people with disabilities.  It also includes many ads regarding wheelchairs, scooters, and specialty showers.  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't doubt that these are issues people with MS have to deal with everyday and someday in my near or distant future I could be dealing with it, too.  But, it is hard to stay optimistic every time it comes in the mail.  Then to add to the magazine Oprah had Montel Williams on the other day and where he made many a comment that I whole-heartedly agreed with,  he is in a totally different place than me with MS too.

So, for the last year I have been praying consistently for God to tell me what I am supposed to be doing with MS.  Knowing he did not give it to me for schnikes and giggles.  With my personality, I thought on many occasions of putting the situation into my own hands and writing an article for Momentum magazine.  But, did not and decided to wait until I felt that, that was what I should be doing.  

Sure enough on Monday the PR person for the Oregon MS Society contacted me and wrote a story pitch to send to the media outlets for the walk.  Since then a online story has been written for Willamette Weekly and a Chronic Diseases  article was written in the Oregonian.  I am going to put a positive spin on this bad boy if it takes me a lifetime!

Here are the articles if you wanted to read them:

OREGONIAN

Willamette Weekly

My Thank You

This last year I have been doing a bible study for the story of Moses.  It has really made me think of what I am supposed to be doing and wonder if I am missing the opportunities that God is giving me to serve other people.  I felt like last year during the diagnosis with MS that I was beginning to see his hand in my life blatantly.  For example,  I had gained a lot of weight a couple of years ago and went on Weight Watchers which significantly changes the way you look at food.  I began to look at labels and really see the calories, dietary fiber, and total fat in food. More importantly I had some friends that were really pulling me to take a front seat on my relationship with God and to stop going halfway and then stopping.  I feel that by taking the front seat, God has taken my car and led me through Autopia.  He is keeping me on HIS path.  (Autopia used to be the car ride at Disneyland)

With all these things in mind, I can see Him preparing me for what was to come.  Last Valentine's day when I got the first blow from the neurologist of what this could be, my friends came running.  In fact, I cry as I remember how they were all falling apart at the news as I was, reaffirming me of the people God had placed in my life.In the following days my right leg began to bother me and I received a phone call from my friend, Meg saying I should call her friend and he is expecting my call.  He was  a neurologist.  After talking to him I understood that I should be going to the ER and this was going to speed up a process that he felt was going to inevitably be drawn out.  Upon arrival to the ER, which was empty, (I was informed by the desk that this was VERY abnormal for the kind of day it had been)the doctor that greeted me was a client of Will's.  He explained to me all that this could be and that I would be getting an MRI in the next 24 hours.  He prescribed Valium to calm my nerves and assurance for the next day that I would know what was going on.  Sure enough in the morning I received a phone call with the time of my MRI and I went in.  Within 4 hours of my MRI, Will had gotten a call at home from the ER doctor telling him of the lesions on my spine, where they were, the couple in my brain, and which MS doctor I should call.  He had also notified the doctor on call and I was to begin steroids that afternoon.  God had surely placed all these people in my path.  I know this because everything was incredibly smooth from the moment Meg's friend was placed in my path. 

To add more proof, as many know, I have never been one to watch food, but randomly decided to do Weight Watchers that summer before diagnosis.  I am now on a somewhat strict MS Diet that I have chosen to do as it has proven to put off disability for 30 years.  This has made me have to examine every label on food and ask food servers questions on many occasions about how something is cooked.  

Also, I had two options for the medication I would be given.  If you have ever watched a movie with me you would know that I don't handle blood or shots well at all.  With MS I have to give blood tests every three months and injections to myself 3 times a week.  The shot that was recommended to me was an infusion originally and had a side effect of a rare brain infection that can kill you.  I was relieved that the MS Specialist, Stan Cohan, preferred to take a less risky path and to see if Rebif would work, which comes with an apparatus that helps to administer the injections.   As many of you have read I am flourishing on this method of medication and one lesion is undetectable now.

I have been struggling this past year to read the stories of all the people with MS that are disabled, in pain, blind, or worse, yet understanding that is the case for some and may be in my future sooner or later.  However, I wanted to be the voice for those that need to see that you can live a very normal life with MS.  My days are not all great, but whose are.  As far as I am concerned I have a new normal life that is surrounded by a loving family, a plethora of amazing friends, and a God that have  all supported me unconditionally and accepted this disease and diet whole-heartedly.  

I feel this struggle was given light this last week when a representative from the Oregon MS Society called wanting me to be a story pitch for the MS Walk this year.  I was finally able to give my voice to this disease and show my grateful attitude for what it has shown me and a positive note for those being diagnosed or feeling like their walls are crumbling with it.  

I cried as I wrote this entry because I remember this past year and all its battles and I know that God's hand was in it all with people and diet, and medication.  The representative reaffirmed it the other day when she said, " I cannot believe that you have only done this walk for one year.  We have people that have been walking for years and do not have near the support you do."  I could not disagree with her.  I hope you can now see his hand on my life as I have. 

I want to take this time to thank all of you that have supported me this past year with your hugs, your listening ears, your wallets, your legs in the walk, your changing of menu when I am coming, your prayers, your understanding when I bough out at last minute, and for stepping up when I could not.  I want you to know I have noticed all of your  efforts and appreciate them with open arms and gratitude.  I am humbled with all of your love and support. Thank you:)

A MAGNIFICENT MRI

Well, it's only been 2 and half weeks, but my doctor is finally back in town and so the nurse called with my results today.  The radiologist and my doctor, both agreed on the results which sounded better than I had expected.  All looked good, there was no more activity, meaning no additional lesions were found.  But, also, one lesion was showing no resolution at all.  So it pretty much disappeared.  The nurse said this does happen and that I should be very happy with the results.  Needless to say, I am!

Emily Moments

Like all other mothers, I adore the majority of comments my children make.  There are also the comments that my children make that are mortifying in public.  Emily has done so many hilarious things lately,  that I am finding it is my girls that are getting me through tax season.  Here are a few of Emily's precious moments lately:

She is taking soccer at Indoor Goals with her friend Jason and let me add, she is not that good so far.  But she LOVES the outfit and always wants her pink shirt to show.  I yell extra loud for her though, so she knows I am proud of her.  So a couple of weeks ago her team scored and I yelled, "  Nice Job!" and whooped a few times I am sure and Emily came over to the side and yelled at me, with arms outstretched, in a my mommy is ridiculous manner, "Mommy, I  didn't score!"  I replied that it didn't matter, I was yelling for the team. "  Thinking she got it I dropped it and then she yelled, " Why did you yell? I didn't score!"  At this point all the parents were trying not to laugh, as was I, and I redirected her back to the field.

We're not proud, but Emily lies to her teachers often.  Not as much this year as last year. Last year, Emily had a tendency to say last night a lot instead of yesterday which caused a lot of confusion.  Therefore, after the Polar Express train ride, she proceeded to tell her teacher " We went on a train last night!" for the month of January.  She also would constantly tell the teacher it was Will's or my birthday last night.  So when her teacher this year came out on Friday during pick up and asked me when we were getting our chihuahua I had to laugh.  I said we are not getting a dog.  Emily had told her we were getting 2!

After the girls' swim lessons on Tues and Thurs nights I was having them shower and wear their pajamas home.  I was always a little nervous though as it is not always shy people that dress in locker rooms.  It was our last class and I thought we had avoided all problems that could have taken place and we were home free.  Kaitlyn was in her dress for the dance and Emily was in her pajamas.  I had the swim bag packed and we were walking out when an older naked lady leisurely walks in front of the girls with no towel, only smile.  I say, " C'mon girls." and Emily begins to laugh and say, " Sister, she's naked!,"in her inside voice.  If you know Emily, you know she has no inside voice.  I am really hoping I got the girls out before the lady could really see who we were and identify us again.   Emily proceeded to tell me all the way to the car that the lady was naked and ask why.

Finally, at Mimi's on Tuesday, out of the blue, she asked me to teach her the Macarena!  I was so proud.  She is definitely my child.  Not only did she do it, but she has performed it for many a people since, WELL.  Next time you see her ask her to do it for you.  It's great!

Me and My Guy Dance!

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email about a dance for Girls Scouts and their Daddies.  It was called the"Me and My Guy" Dance.  Needless to say, Kaitlyn was ready to go the minute I mentioned it to her. In fact, she went as far as to ask Will if he could get a tux for the event. 

She told EVERYONE about the dance all day today.  Her school teacher, her Girls Scout Leader, even complete strangers at the store.  She repeatedly discussed it at her swim lesson and repeatedly yelled to me from the pool, " Mommy is my dress okay up there?"  Then her teacher, Chas, made a big deal about how pretty she'll be when she left class.  As if she wasn't already confident about that, he surely sealed it.

She wore her Christmas dress and had Will wear a red shirt with black pants. She said they needed to match.  Will came home with flowers for her and then they went to dinner at Red Robin with Keely and Guy Rooker.  Will said they had great snacks and many of Kaitlyn's friends were there with their Dads, too!  She came home exhausted.  That means the event was a real hit!

Girls Scout Cookie Sales!

Kaitlyn is a Daisy Girl Scout and therefore sells cookies once a year.  So, on Saturday we went to Albertson's down the street and Kaitlyn was put to work with her fellow Daisy and they sold Girl Scout Cookies.  It was the most entertainment I had all weekend.  Kaitlyn was quite the salesgirl. Customers would ask her how much a box of cookies was and she would reply, " $4" while pointing to the huge sign in front of the person.  After the first customer left and had paid Kaitlyn looks at me pulls her fist down in a train whistle motion and says, "Kaching!"  Will was so proud, I was a little mortified, but also thought it was funny.

The majority of instances went like this. Kaitlyn would ask people while they walked out of the store, "  Hi!  Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?"  and they would either say yes or no.  If they said no, Emily would ask some of these same people, " Would you like to buy some from me?"  Believe it or not, THAT WORKED!  

At one point Kaitlyn commented, "Mommy, some of these people can't hear.  They won't answer me!"

The story that tops them all was when customers would ask, " What cookies are you selling?"  She would give them the big spiel that ended with, " My Bampa really likes the Samoas.  He had 3 boxes and ate all of them.  He can eat a whole cookie in just one bite!"  

The Latest!

Things have not been great lately with me, so after a long weekend of discomfort I called my doctor and he wanted to see me.  My right foot constantly felt like I had sand in my shoe and my right leg was really tired.  I have also had pain in my right elbow and armpit.   Other that that I have been partying like a rock star!

So I went in and he gave me another disability test.  He tests my reflex, pricks me with pins, checks my eyes, runs a hard stick on the bottom of my feet, puts something cold on both sides of my body to see if the temp feels different, he has me touch my hand to his finger and my nose, he then finishes with the grand finale of putting a vibrating tool on my feet and then my hands.  

After all that he said, to my happiness actually, things look great!  He said that typically my brain can overcompensate for all the stuff I am thinking about and what is going on with my body, but Will and I have a lot going on and so my brain is saying, " I will take care of your thoughts, but you are dealing with everything else."   Then he said, " It sounds like you need to slow down a little, Sandy."  Will then pipes in, "Yes."  He then added that he thinks my MRI will go very well on Wednesday and will call with the results when he gets back in town.  All those things gave me a huge sense of peace.  I am feeling much better and will be trying to cut back more.  I am not very good at that.

$1,080 and Counting!

I will admit that I check the Gingell Gang site daily to see who has joined and I get excited every time I see that we have a new member.   We have at least 12 members and have raised $1080!  I am very excited about all the headway that has been made in the world of MS in this last year.  In fact in the last two weeks I have talked to the girls' pediatrician and was told that since they do not eat fish, they should be taking cod liver oil daily.  Kaitlyn likes it, but Emily was not as appeasing.  This all correlates with the lack of Vitamin D intake in the Pacific Region.

If you have not joined our team and would like to join me at Pioneer Courthouse Square  at 10:00 am on April 4th here is the link:

Gingell Gang Registration

Kaitlyn's Science Fair Project

As many may know or remember, Science is not exactly my strong subject.  So when the Science Fair sheets were coming home in the mail, I had decided we could start it next year in first grade. I knew this was something Kaitlyn would love and since Jessica, my sister-in-law, was a science teacher, I knew this event was going to happen in our lifetime on several occasions.   I have to admit, as much as I wanted Kaitlyn to get to participate, I was very nervous I would screw it up.  

Then the magical call came.  "Sandy, can I help Kaitlyn with 

her Science Fair Project?"  I have not been that happy since they called to tell me my thyroid was normal!  So, of course I said yes, and the next thing  I know Kaitlyn and Jessica are Team Gardener. Kaitlyn's question is "How long does a plant stay underground?" They went to the store and bought a journal, pencils, cups, dirt, and seeds for Bok Choy, radishes, and Bush beans.  They filled out the registration form and got the project started.  They planted the same amount of seeds in each cup and decided how much to water and sweet Jessica appeased my daughter and came on Saturday and Sunday to water the plants and journal the progress with Kaitlyn.  

Well, Monday morning Kaitlyn came running in to tell me that they had sprouted!  She was so thrilled!  Then she told Will and called Jessica at 10:45 am (the official journaling time) to tell her everything.  I love watching her be so excited about Science!  This was something I never got to experience and I am glad that she will not have the same overwhelming fear attitude as me.  Go Team Gardener!

Here is the project:  (Jessica- I did wash the standing water off after the picture:)

Here is a sprout picture:

And a close-up for Jessica: