Multiple Sclerosis Sucks!

It has been quite awhile since my last post, but once again, Multiple Sclerosis came up when my life was going great and kicked my butt. My nursing job was offered back to me in June after I left a year ago because of this disease. I love nursing so much but it is a very physical job. My co-workers quickly picked up on my left leg drag when I get tired and accommodate me in so many ways. Fortunately, this Urgent Care is very compassionate, understanding, and willing to work with me when MS rears its ugly head.
A little background might be helpful to understand how this all began. In 1999, I began EMT classes and had visions of becoming a Paramedic. I love emergency medicine and will admit, adrenaline rushes are addicting! During the course of my classes, it was required that I get a TB skin test and begin the set of three Hepatitis B vaccines. After the first Hep B shot, I got pretty sick and thought I had a bout of flu. The second shot brought me to my knees, literally. I didn't walk for nearly a month. I talked to my doctor, the CDC, and researched Hepatitis B vaccine and side effects. CDC's response was that there was no proof that Hep B caused any health issues. The Doctor told me I was depressed and put me on an antidepressant. My life continued on, as did my career as an EMT. A year later, the leg weakness began again. I went back to the doctor and he sent me on to the first of several neurologists. Did I mention I despise Neurologists? This neurologist heard my symptoms and that these began after my Hep B vaccine. He told me that I should try another antidepressant because the one I was on was obviously not working anymore. Once again, I followed the doctor's orders and began the new antidepressant. To make a long story short, this pattern continued through four neurologists over a five year period and the primary doctor sent me to a rheumatologist in this span of time, too. The bills from the neurologists obviously were not sufficient! By this time, I truly was depressed and so tired of hearing there was nothing wrong with me, yet no testing was done to determine this.
During the summer of 2004, I spent the entire night on the ambulance for two separate calls for motor vehicle accidents. When we pulled into town after the second accident, I thought the exhaustion and nausea could be accredited to the physical work involved with both calls and the growling of my stomach. I went home and went straight to bed. This was the beginning of six full weeks of vertigo, loss of balance, and weeks spent on the bathroom floor. If I lifted my head, the room began to spin, and the vomitting began. I told my husband I wasn't going to the doctor or a neurologist again. This was all in my head and this too shall pass. When the vomitting finally stopped and the room only spun when I turned my head, I decided I needed to find another doctor. I went to a general medicine doctor in Gillette. I still had no balance and it was very obvious. The doctor immediately noted the nystagmus, the lack of balance, and other neurological deficits. She said that I was experiencing a severe vertigo episode, but that she felt there was something neurological going on with me. I began to cry and told her I was not going to another neurologist. She said she would order a MRI of my brain and we would come up with a plan of action after that. After the MRI results were sent to Dr. Thomas, she called and said she needed a spinal tap. She would set up an appointment after the results of the spinal tap came back. Did I mention I despise needles, especially in my spine? I went anyway and had the spinal tap. A day later, my doctor called and said she would like to see me and I should bring my husband. I knew she found something and my imagination went wild. That was a long 24 hour period. The next day I was told that the lumbar puncture showed I had oligoclonal bands in my spinal fluid and lesions in my brain. I had multiple sclerosis. My mother came to the appointment along with my husband, and my Mom began to cry while I sat there and listened to the doctor as she told me I needed to find a neurologist. That last statement was the thing that nearly made me burst into tears. When we left the doctor's office, my Mom asked me why I wasn't more upset, why I was acting like I didn't hear the doctor. I took a deep breath and told my Mom that I finally had a name for what was wrong with me. And yes, it was all in my head and in my spine, but I now had a name for what was wrong with me, something to fight against, and something to treat with medicines! Needless to say, that was easier said than done.

Here comes the sun and I say, "IT'S ALRIGHT!"

Hey, Natasha, do you think Mom knows we're out?

Our weather was unseasonably frigid last week. My goats were not happy to see the wet snow, chilly winds, and cramped accomodations in the barns. This week, a complete temperature turn around. Although we are veterans in drastic weather changes in Wyoming, no one had warned my goat "newbies" about Wyoming weather. Out of my eight goats, six have not had the pleasure of experiencing a Wyoming winter up to this point in their short little lives. Regardless, I spent last week with snotty goat noses and they were just like little kids when I tried to wipe their noses. They tried to throw their heads back and forth, back up, lower their heads and avoid the paper towel at all costs! Mom finally prevailed but they sure spent last week giving me a wide path. Needless to say, no one was more thankful for sunshine than stir-crazy goats. I had decided on the first day of snow when the baby of the herd, Sweet Pea was forced out into the cold by Lyrical that Robert was going to have to separate the big goat pen into two pens. The two big girls Natasha and Lyrical had to be penned up in the milking barn until the separation could be done this week. I don't believe they thought Dad was quick enough. Thankfully, Robert got the pen separated so the kids have the barn without Natasha and Lyrical bossing them around. The big girls seem happy not to be bother with silly kid games. Now Javar and Prince are so thankful to be out of their barn and spent the day sunbathing! I spent my time cleaning the hay and goat pebbles out of the barn. Amazing how quickly it piles up when the goats don't go outside for a few days. Regardless, everyone seemed so happy to be free. Forecast shows rain for Tuesday but I will keep my fingers crossed. I was not ready for winter to begin so soon and, obviously, neither were the kids. I hope they get ready quickly because it is inevitable that the snow will fly and stick for a few months. I did notice this week that the kids were getting fluffy so maybe Mother Nature just needed to nudge them a little last week. I truly hope they don't experience snotty noses every time it is cold and wet but all the noses are clear of mucous right now. I guess it was quickly remedied without intervention from me. Robert questioned me on whether I thought we had everyone taken care of for a little while. He is always building pens, repairing barns, building barns, reinforcing fences and separating areas for me. I told him I thought we were fine.....well, until kidding season! :)

Flu, flu, go away.....

I know I should be thankful for a busy work day for our little Urgent Care, but have seen so many children running dangerously high fevers and looking like walking zombies. These kids are SICK! So many positive flu tests that I see pink lines in my sleep. Our Urgent Care is one of the only clinics that still has regular influenza vaccines in Gillette but we are racing through our supply at a record pace. In 8 days, we have depleted 125 flu tests, we saw 73 patients in one 12 hour day, many leaving because it was standing room only and a three hour wait. I thank God for job security but didn't expect it to come in the form of a near pandemic. Just when we have clinical staff scheduled to handle the increased patient load, our clinic is scheduled to receive the "swine flu" nasal spray. This is an attenuated vaccination which means it is a live virus but it has been weakened. Great precautions are needed for people who get this form of vaccine. Pregnancy, children under 2, adults over 50, people with a weakened immune system are all contraindications for this vaccine. Because I regularly get IV steroids to knock out my immune system, I am being very cautious. We have a HEPA filter and a room specifically set up for the administration of our vaccinations and I will stay clear of this room. The CDC states that the transmission of the H1N1 virus by people who received the vaccine was rare. I would have prefered the term "impossible" to be used but I am thankful that I was warned. So, my blogging will be slow until.......probably February, my hope for all is to stay healthy, wash hands frequently, and don't spend too much time around crowds.

"Bucking the system"

Last week was marked by a tough day. Robert and I had decided to try to get the fencing done for the buck pen and none to soon, either! Javar started the romance talking to his pen mates while I was cracking the whip telling hubby, "We've got to get him out of there or we're going to be bringing babies home come February because we'll have snow up to our elbows!" Of course, a little bit of my anxiety and impatience came from the excitement about bringing the new addition home. It seemed it was a day for friends to stop by and visit too, but after four hours at the corrals, Robert asked if I was ready to go get Nacho. He didn't need to ask twice. We jumped on the four wheeler and began the trek over to get Nacho. I brought him one of our collars and a leash wondering what fun I would have luring this poor goat away from his security and family. I put the collar on the boy and to my amazement, he acted as though this was an everyday occurence! We began the trot back to our pen and he happily galloped next to me only stopping occasionally to chop on a green weed.
We decided Javar and Nacho had to be put in the new pen with the new digs at the same time so no one had established dominance. Being a woman of advancing age, college-educated, experienced with animals, I must shamefully admit I had a complete blonde moment, brain-fart, moment of insanity, whatever one will call it. Breeding season is NOT the time to introduce two bucks of nearly equal size, especially when the two older does were obviously very much in season. Within two minutes of introductions, they decided to attempt to knock each other into submission. Nacho has a rounded scur on the top of his head that found a spot on Javar's head and opened up a gusher! Javar dropped to his knees, shook his head and immediately began rearing back up at Nacho! He may not be too smart but he is determined. Nothing could deter these two. I cannot see an animal suffering at all, especially in the name of building my show herd and began to feel deep guilt building. It was my fault that Javar was knocked senseless and now bleeding! Robert said, "Oh, I am not building one more barn! The paint on this one is not even dry." I weighed my options, talked to Robert, watched Javar shake the blood off his face and decided this was not meant to be. I called Anne and walked Nacho home. Javar has healed up and he enjoys our wether Prince's companionship! If we do this again, it won't be the weekthe does are ovulating, I work an extra 12 hour shift, and take on the nursing supervisor position at work. I think my emotions were already on overload but everyone seems to be happier over this decision.

Buck Barn (part II)

Okay, the building of the buck barn is taking a wee bit longer than we had expected, but isn't that the way it is with all projects? It was a slow process. Our attempts to pair energy levels with work schedules and the Wyoming weather is interesting to say the least. One thing I can say about Robert is that once he starts working, it nearly takes an act of Congress to get him to stop, that or the promise of a meal. By the time he decides to take a break, I am truly afraid to sit down thinking I may not be able to regain the strength to get back on my feet. This is really my project, my goats, and my request so you would think I might be a little more ambitious but ambition beat foot out of this situation long ago! When we began this project, we took a notebook into to Gillette and started with a list of bare necessities to gain an idea of what this was going to entail. Particle board, trim board, paint, posts, sack crete, ect. began adding up. We priced everything as Robert went over the blue prints in his head, came home and added it all for a grand total. It was less than we had expected but Robert reassured me that there are always hidden costs!

Little did I know that someone would help themselves to our tools we left in the main barn. Robert's tool box for barn use is a five gallon bucket that collects all sorts of odds and ends. When we went to the barn for our second day we discovered the entire bucket gone. Now someone ended up with an assortment of nails, screws, fencing staples, tie wire, and pliers but they also ended up with Robert's saws-all. I truly despise someone who thinks they are entitled to something they are unwilling to work for and this is no exception. It shut down our productivity for the day and the loss took the wind out of our sails! I know this isn't what Robert meant by hidden costs, right? On the brighter side of things, all eight goats were fine but none of them were talking, Robert got a new, albeit lesser value reciprocating saw, and finally, the barn work continues. This week Robert goes back to work and I have added two extra days to my work-week and we are still not quite done. We did have a nice break celebrating our 21st Anniversary in the midst of all this chaos this week so there is always something to be thankful for in our lives. The barn will wait and hopefully, the bucks are patient with us. Natasha, seen in the background of this picture, assures us that she will keep a closer eye on this tool bucket for Dad! We'll be attempting to finish up this job this coming weekend. Fingers crossed and good thoughts for us please!

Buck Barn!

Well, it doesn't look like much but this is the beginning of our new buck barn. Between me going back to work as a nurse, Robert working 12 hour shifts, and the days already getting shorter, this has been a slow endeavor.
We are going to keep our two bucks in an 8X8 barn and hope this will be sufficient. I believe that this may be my husband's subtle attempt at limiting my number of bucks. I thank Anne so much for being patient and holding Nacho for us while we build this barn.

I do have to admit, it was good for me to go visit Nacho the other day. He is housed with two other bucks and they seem to enjoy the bachelor life for now, but the large, older, and more experienced buck is starting to think it's about time to put on his "cologne" and bulk up to impress the ladies. Although some may find his scent enticing, I do not, nor would anyone else with a human nose! Thank goodness that Robert had already begun this barn before I took him over to meet Nacho! He walked up and the "aroma" hit him and knocked him backwards. I guess the memory of this smell is forgotten in a mere nine years much like the lack of memory mothers experience with labor when they choose to have another child. The look in my dear husband's eye was almost as funny as the shutter that overcame his entire body. He instantly wanted to know why I wanted one of these stinky creatures, let alone two! I then explained the price, equipment involved, and success rate of artificial insemination using the experience I gained from four years of Speech and Debate. The visit with Nacho was cut short and Robert said nothing more.

I do hope that Robert takes some pride and comfort in the thought that Javar, our other buck went over to the new buck barn, examined it, and then spent a fair amount of time this morning defending his new pad from Natasha's rude, uninvited entrance through the wall instead of using the door. I think Robert gained Javar's approval but Natasha, Lyrical and the rest of the girls would like a new place, too.

Bitten by the Caprine bug!

My husband, who truly is one of the most easy-going, supp0rtive and kind people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting has nearly reached the end of his rope with me, so it's time for me to call it to an end. 'What are you ending?' you may ask, and I shall respond with 'my goat obsession!' Okay, "end" may be a little overly dramatic, "tone-down" is closer to the truth. I did talk hubby into attending the Wyoming State Fair and the goat show this last weekend and he "happily" obliged me. One good reason to attend a dairy goat show is to truly gauge what kind of lines you have, what qualities you want to intensify and which ones you need to weed out of the breeding programs. This last show was quite a wake-up call for me and a point for my husband to say, "I told you so!". I have my favorite milking doe in our little herd and he has his favorite. Needless to say, these two are not the same goat. Robert's favorite goat is the first milking doe we got and she can put out some milk. I like the shape and capacity of her udder but she is "fluffy". She definitely puts all her groceries to good use and we get asked often if she is pregnant with triplets again. Natasha is our sweet short and fat girl, but we love her. My favorite doe, Lyrical is the opitome of my idea of a dairy goat. She is tall, slender and very dainty. Her udder is nice and she milks decently, but not the quantity that Natasha puts in the bucket. I laughed the other day when my husband told me that Natasha would beat Lyrical in the show ring. I was the one who helped our kids build their show herd all those years ago and I take pride in researching the qualities that judges look for in placing the National champions. Well, obviously the judge for the goat show looks for different traits in goats than I do, but that is my point on the reason I need to keep going to these shows. Nearly every goat he put up in the top winners was in my eyes "fluffy" and slightly squatty in my humble opinion, but did have beautiful udders. I do like to see a deep chested goat, but was surprised this judge looked for "meaty" girls. I didn't say anything hoping that the dear hubby didn't notice these goats and the characteristics this judge found irresistable but of course, he waited until we were just in the vehicle on our way home before he said, "Told you that Natasha would beat Lyrical!" I truly hope it did make him feel better that he may have been right, but I still got the last laugh because during the show, I bought a purebred buck that I had my eye on for months but he already had been sold. THANK YOU SO MUCH ANNE! :) Robert will be spending this weekend building my buck shed so please send a little pity his way, he's probably going to need it. Nacho Man, we can't wait to bring you home.

Rachel Ray Cookware!

For those of you who have not read the blog "Nanny Goats in Panties", I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a lighter, more irreverent look at life in general. I find myself looking forward to seeing the updates of the blogs I follow, but this one is near the top of my favorites. Today, I noticed there had been a new blog entry at NGIP and while I listened to Rachel Ray cooking in the background, I noticed there is a giveaway for Ms. Ray's pots and pans set. Now, I know the whole lottery premonition did not turn out that one time, but I think the fact that Rachel was making Chicken Riggies (chicken Rigatoni) on my television at the exact moment I read about this give-away, that is a sign from, well...... at least the people at Food Network that those pans are meant for me to shimmy-shake while making dinner for the dear hubby. I am a fan of both of the women mentioned in my blog today and look forward to posting a blog announcing my win! I do hereby promise that once I win these tools of the godesses, I will make a huge batch of Chicken Riggies, take pictures and post it in a blog along with reviews from family members who would only be too happy to brutally honest with my accomplishment, or lack of for anyone interested in how this prize works out for me! I hope you may get an opportunity to visit NGIP. The address is http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com
May everyone have a De-lish day! :)

On The Road Again....

Well, first let me mention how much I despise the drive from our town up to the neighboring town 40 miles away, but because we are not "blessed" with numerous shopping opportunities, I find myself on this trek in search of Wal-Mart deals on the essentials of daily living.
I do have to give credit where credit is due as The "Coal-Miner's 500" has drastically improved since passing lanes have been constructed, but caution is advised while traveling at even slightly above the speed limit between the passing zones. The exhilaration felt cannnot be summed up in words when one is suddenly passed on a hill after verifying several times in the rear view mirror that no one is in the near vicinity besides commuters traveling in the opposite direction. The tight squinting of my eyes to avoid watching the head-on collisions not only is inadvisable reaction but also the action I blame for the deep crow's feet around my eyes. Twenty three years of taking my life into my own hands on this highway is something I do not take lightly and debate how badly I need toliet paper and laundry detergent everytime I even consider taking this trip. With all that being said, I was asked if I would like to return to my beloved nursing job in our neighboring town. I left this job because of the drive up and down this "near-hit" highway, but also because last year at this time my Multiple Sclerosis began testing my resolve to not be beaten down by anything. I have missed working but especially relating to real human beings who haven't heard all my stories for the hundredth time. I am looking forward talking about something besides udders and shell thickness on the chicken eggs. So, after much debate, I have chosen to face the chaos of Highway 59 to fulfill my need to relieve some of the bordom I unwittingly burden my family with on a daily basis! Wish me luck and if you need anything from Gillette, let me know, I'll be there every Wednesday and Thursday, because there in no need for both of us to face this obstacle! :)

When good kids go bad!

Well, I have always been a believer in the idea that name given to a child may influence the person he or she becomes. An example of this phenomenon is the name Denise for me. I have known several Denises and for some reason, these women end up being very good friends in my life. I can say the handful of Denises I am thinking of right now are hard-working, sweet and honest people and probably the reason I am drawn to them as friends. Now, as a nurse, when I check back a patient named Tyler, I know, having a Tyler of my own, this kid will give me a run for my money and usually will have something logged in an appendage from a poor choice. There are exceptions to every rule but I do use the name thing as a guide. With all of that being said, yesterday I got a very interesting call from my Mother-in-law asking if I was missing two goats. I stated that I didn't believe I was but after hearing her description of a "black & white" pair of goats with one being a banded male, I knew exactly what she was talking about. I told MIL that they were no longer my goats, that I had sold them to a woman two days ago and did I want to know why she was asking about them? The giggle I heard from her gave me a tiny bit of relief because my mind was working overtime about the possibilities of the question posed about if I was "missing two goats". She responded that these two goats were now impounded at the town Animal Control Shelter because they were wandering through town! I went down to look at the local dog pound and to identify these two "runaways". There was little doubt in my mind about the identity, and, of course, they were the two kids my daughter had named Prince and Princess because of their white crowns.
They were wailing first because they had been housed in a kennel next to a barking dog and second because they wanted to go home! I immediately contacted the people who had bought the goats to let them know these poor kids were now in the "slammer". The man I talked to was horrified that the goats were not only in the pound but found a way to escape the yard. Both of the new goat owners were at work but said they would figure out how to bail the goats out of the "pokey". My curiousity got the best of me and I asked, "Are you still calling them Prince and Princess?" The answer I got led me to laughing hard enough for tears to flow, he said, "Nope, we decided to change their names to Bonnie and Clyde and maybe that was a bad call on our part!" Needless to say, the kids are scheduled to be picked up and returned home. At least this Bonnie and Clyde got pinched and avoided the whole "shoot-out" scenario! They will serve their time and hopefully live a law abided life from this point on!

TNL Dairy Goats lives again! :)

I am just estatic about my herd name being re-issued to me with my kids' herd name of TNL Dairy Goats. This was the herd name my kids began for their Lamancha dairy herd in 4H back in 1998. This name actually is Tyler 'N Lindsay's Dairy Goats. Even though Lindsay will only be here helping me for another year or so, I felt it was important to honor something they started so long ago, especially when I find myself feeling pretty reminiscent of the "old" days lately. Getting back into the dairy goats has truly breathed new life and excitement into my monotonous daily rituals since I have been unemployed. TNL's was my justification (not that I really needed that with this family) for not looking too vigorously for employment. I love waking up bright and early and heading to the barn. It is a feeling I cannot put words to when I am bringing home goat milk and brown eggs to be used in this household. This lifestyle and my goats make me confident in the belief that they exceed the benefits of any group therapy or sessions with a pyschiatrist that numerous Americans spend so much money for. The cost for my therapy with the goats is my time, and that I give freely, the chin scratches, grain, hay and the occasional Triskets or Wheat Thins are what they would ask for in return for my mental stability. I am so surprised Consumer Reports hasn't caught on to this "BEST BUY" and published it!! As for me and my family, dairy goats get a 5 out of 5 stars, two thumbs up, and this girl's highest recommendations for someone who may be questioning his or her mental health! I questioned mine when I got back into raising these wonderous creatures..........I freely admit it, I AM CRAZY and loving every minute of it! :)

The "Other" Family Members (Part 2)

My goats are truly an addiction for me. I think about them when I close my eyes at night, when the lightening and rain starts, when my eyes open in the morning and usually anytime I am zoning out. It has been such a blessing for me to get back into the dairy goat lifestyle thanks to my dear friend Jami Evans and Holly Rexroat. Both of these people make me strive to be more frugal and self-sufficient although I have so far to go still. With that being said, I would be lost without my dogs. I have always, always been the girl bringing home strays and truly adore all of God's creatures (with the exception of bats) but have a special place in my heart for my dogs. Robert and I have always had at least two dogs and any given time since we were married and currently we are ruled by four dogs. Readers of this blog have already met my Yorkie Gigantus, Bowe-Man who would seem was put on this earth to protect Robert! My second love, Rory was one of the most wonderous gifts ever given to someone, especially to me! In June of 2003 I was very sick, nearly unable to walk and suffering from 6 weeks of extreme vertigo. I spent that time mostly on the bathroom floor vomitting and praying this would go away. At the tail-end of this ordeal, my sister begged me to go look at a Yorkie puppy with her using the excuse she needed her own Bowe-Man. I could never say no to going to see a puppy, especially a Yorkshire puppy so I went with her. This tiny, tiny puppy was adorable and spent a very short time sniffing us and then proceeding to growl at anything that moved. We both fell in love with this little guy and my sister told Susan she wanted to buy him when he was ready. In the two weeks it took for the little guy to be weaned, I was at the doctor's office getting spinal taps and MRI's and then finally the diagnosis. I had Multiple Sclerosis. I was healthy, strong, had plans to finish my nursing degree at the school I had worked so hard to be accepted into........what did I do to deserve this?? I quickly ran through the gammet of emotions finally settling on sheer depression and withdrawl from life. One afternoon, my sister stopped in with who we instantly referred to as "Rory" or "Roar"y due to his love of growling like a lion cub and set him on the couch next to me. He immediately curled up next to me and from that moment on, that tiny puppy stayed beside me morning and night. He still knows when I am under the weather and will immediately come and either lie beside me or put a paw on either side of my neck for what we have termed a "Yorkie Hug". I have been so blessed to have him as my constant companion and I will be eternally grateful to my sister for using a tiny puppy to bring me out of the clouds and back into life.

The Baby turns 17!

Our precious baby girl, Lindsay turned 17 on the 22nd of June. This has been a difficult birthday for her Mom. I have found myself emotional and quickly fighting tears everytime I think about her turning seventeen. Is it only because she is my baby, because she is now seventeen and that's what age I was when I met her Dad, or is it simply because I know this next year is going to fly by so quickly? I am sure it is a little of all of the above. This was our colicky baby! For the first four months of her life, I was tempted to see if the doctor could put her back where he got her. We tried everything with this poor baby but the only thing that would make her quit crying besides Dad firing up his 454 jet boat was her swing. Back in the "old days", these swings were wind-ups, not battery-operated so these parents were able to get a 15 minute nap in between cranking up the swing. This continued until she was slightly past her four month birthday. The colic did not suddenly cease, it was a gradual and slow process, but very noticeable for two exhausted parents. I can honestly say that every sleepless night was so worth the joy this girl has been to both of us. She is our sweet, easy-going girl who has the biggest heart I have ever seen. She is a true animal lover who will fight for every creature big or small. I have never seen someone so devoted to making sure orphans we have adopted were raised with the tenderest touch, no matter the sleepless nights created for her! When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, this was the child who would just come put her head on my shoulder and say, "Mom, are you feeling alright? Is there anything I can do for you?" I know I would be lost without this little angel of mine. She is the happy-go-luck girl who grins when I wake her in the morning to go feed baby goats and milk the does! She is thoughtful, hard-working, honest, and the strongest defender of humanity. I am such a proud Mom and no matter if she chooses her zoology path, her photography, or something none of us have envisioned for her, I pray that we will spend this next year so thankful for this family bond, remembering not take our time together for granted, and aware of the blessings we were granted 17 years ago when our pink little bundle surprised us. Our little "Drew" was suddenly Lindsay and more than we could hope for when the doc called out, "It's a girl!" This child completed this family and spent everyday bringing her family and friends joy! Happy Birthday, Lindsay! We love you so very much!

Milk baths for all!

Well, the two new additions arrived without incident Wednesday which is a huge leap in my world of Murphy's Law! I think both of these goats are fabulous, but have to say, my new doe sure lives up the the stereotype of a noisy Nubian. I am sure her breeder can hear her crying from here to Carpenter! I feel slightly guilty when she starts bellowing. It sounds like such a heart-rendering plea to go home and for a nanosecond, I sometimes think I should oblige this poor girl, and then I begin milking her! Sorry girl, you will adjust to our little corner of the earth, I'm keeping you! I have had goat people tell me their goats are "easy milkers" but when Karen said that about Lyrical, she truly was not exaggerating. Between the two does, we are getting a gallon and a half morning and night. Our little Javar has fit right in for the time being, but he's getting his own pen with the wether so change is going to come his way right when he gets settled in to this routine. A co-worker of my husband's stopped by when we first got the goats and laughed when I said I was so impressed with how beautiful my new goats were. He didn't think there could be such a thing as a beautiful goat. I figure if I have to explain, he wouldn't understand! :)

The "other" family members! (Part 1 of 4)

Why haven't you seized the boy?? "Because I have a big head and little arms!"

I am obsessed with my goats right now and they definitely occupy a lot of my time, but I cannot forget the other four-legged loves of my life. These fur-babies bring me joy everyday. There is nothing like a dog to greet me when I get home, wag their tails at me even when I am in the foulest of moods, cuddle with me while I am being lazy, and follow me everywhere while I am busy. I am one of "those kind of people" who thinks a house isn't a home until it has a dog in it. If one is good, four are better in my book! Since my wedding day, we have had a cocker spaniel, a German Shepherd, a Norweign Elkhound, an English Mastiff, two Pugs, a German Short-haired Pointer, a Draatharr (German Wirehaired), two Yorkshire Terriers, and a miniature Schnauzer. The last four are the ones that currently are residing at this home. The first Yorkie, Bowe-Man (pronounced Bo-Man) is what we lovingly refer to as Yorkie-gigantus. This is the scientific name the family came up with for this anomaly in the toy breeds! I know better than to buy a dog while on a "schedule", but because I so wanted to get a tiny puppy for my daughter for Christmas, my logical brain cried 'uncle' to my Christmas-mania brain! The breeder I called with an advertisement for "tiny toy Yorkie puppies" took my deposit, promised this puppy would be ready for pick-up the week before Christmas and sent me a picture of the tiniest puppy ever! Two days before pick-up, I got a phone call that this puppy was not going to be ready to go to his home until after Christmas. HEARTBREAKING! Images of Christmas morning flashed in my head: Bright and early, our precious 9 year old daughter looking under the Christmas tree for her gift, seeing nothing, looking back at us with those huge "Cindy-Loo-Who" eyes filled with confusion. Behind her are her irresponsible parents who were counting on a puppy to arrive before Christmas saying, "Honey, your present will be here in a couple of weeks". Unacceptable! My daughter would be scarred for life and I could see her in later life writing her memoirs that would make 'Mommy Dearest' script look like a Mother's Day Hallmark card! Thank goodness this angel of a puppy mill owner, oops, I mean, Yorkie breeder, said she had been holding a very tiny puppy back, he was nearly four months old but had been way too tiny to sell before this time. She generously chose to sell us to him for an additional $200. Can you read the sarcasm in my blog??? We go to pick up our daughter's Christmas puppy and after a five hour drive we were amazed (horrified) with the size of this "tiny" puppy! The lady, and I do use that term loosely, said his larger than imagined size was due to his age and that he was completely done growing. If one looks at the breed standard for a Yorkshire Terrier, one would discover that a Yorkie should weigh anywhere between four to seven pounds. Okay, ready to guess how much our "Tiny, Toy Yorkie puppy" weighs?? Seventeen pounds on a "light" day and only if he had spent the morning walking to the bottom of our street, throwing himself down on the sidewalk for all my neighbors to see, and then "allowing" me to pick him up and carry him back up the street! If Cesar Millan was there to witness it, I would be told in no uncertain terms that I am humanizing this animal, I need to quit believing that Bowe-Man was somehow a victim, and to be his pack leader. Obviously, no one told my pack that this transformation should happen because Dog Whisperer is on in this house nearly every morning and the volume is all the way up! Why aren't they listening?? :) We wouldn't trade Bowe-Man for anything and I suppose everything happens for a reason. If I need to be thankful for the mistakes I have made, he is my favorite! Bowe-Man is one of the very best results of a bait and switch scheme ever!

Blog award!

First, I would like to say that I did not get an award for being direct and to the point, not that anyone who knows me or has read my blog would have believed that for a moment anyway. I know, I have a tendency be a little long-winded. With that being said, my gift of gab has been a extremely useful tool throughout my life, especially with public speaking while part of the high school speech and debate team, journalism class, yearbook and newspaper. See, Mom, I did use my powers for good and not evil! :)
Today, I signed onto get updated on the blogs I follow and was so surprised by a comment left by Jennifer at Goats in the Garden http://goatsinthegarden.blogspot.com
She has awarded me with a Lovely Blog Award! I thank her not only for making my day for the award but also for her blogs that always make me smile! Jennifer asked with that award to follow a few rules for the people who had been mentioned in the award. So I too, will pass this on to the wonderful blogs I follow!

Rules:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. I may have to bend the rules a little bit here, with the internet service problems we have had lately I have not been able to read very many new blogs but I will do my best.

Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.



1. Holly at Easy Living the Hard Way
http://easylivingthehardway.blogspot.com
(Holly is the one responsible for my beginning in the blogspot!)

2. Country Girl at Achorn Farm
http://achornfarm.blogspot.com

3. d/iowa at Loess Is More
http://loessismore.blogspot.com
As you can see, I did not award 15 blogs, but I feel quality vs quantity is most important!! :)

I will continue looking for more blogs. If anyone has any suggestions, please send the links to me! Have a wonderful day and THANKS AGAIN, JENNIFER!!

Goats are like potato chips!

Well, I have spent the last three days looking for a Nubian buck to breed to all the goats we have begun to accumulate over the last month. This endevour back into dairy goats truly started out innocently enough when I saw an ad at the feed store for the most gorgeous black and chocolate Nubian doeling I had ever seen. I read the ad and called out for my husband, Robert hoping he would be as excited as I was about this unbelievable find. I immediately started into my rant giving all the pros to me getting back into dairy goats after nine years as he was walking towards me. When that did not seem to phase him, I tried batting my eyes at my dear husband and saying, "But Honey, I really do have time to milk and make cheese now that I am not working". After nearly 21 years of marriage, I do believe he has become nearly immune to the use of my feminine wiles on him and he continued right out the door without even glancing at the picture posted on the board. I did a second take at the ad, as I started out the door, I turned and quickly snatched one of the number tabs off the sign, stuck it in my pocket. "Wow," I thought, "I am sure sneaky". My plan was to call the woman advertising this future milking treasure and maybe ask her to send me a picture or two. I spent the forty minute trip home thinking back to when my kids were raising Lamanchas for 4H and realizing how much I truly missed my goats. We got home, fed chickens, collected eggs and then unloaded the groceries we had gotten in Gillette. I sat down to relax for a few minutes and was surprised by my husband's next question. He asked, "When are you going to call about that goat?" I guess he really knows me well but just then, the goat situation went from debating it to all out obsession again. I did call about this doeling, found out she was still available and set up a meeting to pick her up. The family our little Nakita came from loved this baby goat and it was obvious by Nakita's personality. Instantly, it was love at first sight for me. While talking to the woman about goats, she mentioned she had a pregnant doe she was going to sell and asked if I would be interested. When she informed me that this pregnant doe was bred to Nakita's father, I had to have her. A week later, I was on my way to go pick up Natasha. Staci said she was ready to freshen any day and was hoping to get her to our place before she "popped". We did get Natasha home and within 48 hours we went from one doeling and a doe to three doelings, a doe and a buckling!





That was on May 3rd and a month and 10 days later, I have a trip scheduled to pick up a wonderful buckling. It did not stop there because Karen said she would give me a good deal if I also wanted to buy a milking doe. Well, if you are going across the state to pick up one goat, I guess you might as well pick up two! On Wednesday, the Hamm family will go from 5 goats to 7 goats. I am so very excited about the two new additions but believe it will be the last purchase for a very long time. I am so fortunate to have such a easy-going husband and know he will feel just as overjoyed as I will next year when all the does start kidding! Ahhh, I am so blessed to have a herd of dairy goats! There will be an update on Wednesday or Thursday about our voyage home.

20 years ago today!

At 7:05 p.m today, it will be 20 years ago that our son, Tyler, was born by Cesarean section because even at that "newbie" stage, he was so stubborn! Poor Ol' Doc Harmston tried and tried to convince him by manipulation to turn around and conform to the "normal" way of being born. Tyler would not be pursauded by any of the not-so-gentle prodding proving from day one he would do everything his own way. Doc would get Tyler's head pushed to about mid-abdomen on me, push a little harder and Tyler would throw his head back and spring back into his preferred position of foot first, head upright. Doc Harmston dismay and my whimpers were not easily disguised during our battle of the wills with this tiny infant! We spent nearly 2 hours trying so very hard to get Tyler to just turn around, but, as the scar across my stomach proves, he refused! He was 6 weeks early, tiny, but always full of fight! Doc was impressed that this little guy was 5 lbs. 13 oz and born a month and a half prematurely. Doc Harmston informed me Tyler would have been a very large baby had he not been quite so impatient. A comment we laughed about thinking it was so cute for this itty bitty baby described as "impatient". That foreshadowing was oblivious to us until later.
This child, at three days old, quit breathing and was blue when I checked on him at 2in the morning. Thank God Robert was so quick to react. He spent what felt like an eternity pounding my tiny baby's back trying to get him to keep breathing, suctioning out his mouth, and trying to help me calm down while we waited for the ambulance to get to our house. I was so thankful to see the hard working EMTs finally appear at our front door. They were so patient and wonderful with this new hysterical Mother, a cyanotic premature baby, and a Father who was not about to trust someone else to keep his boy breathing. Robert and I happily brought our bundle of joy home three days later with a very expensive, loud apnea monitor and both of us certified in CPR. The apnea monitor was intended to be our security so we could at least attempt to fall asleep and let Tyler go to sleep. This equipment had a tendancy to have a lead fall off, usually in the middle of the night sending out blood-curdling, piercing alarms. After the first false alarm I did not sleep at all and neither did Robert. At this point in my life, I became Shirley Maclaine's character in Terms of Endearment checking our baby every two minutes, nearly sleeping in the crib with him. At his next doctor's appointment, Tyler was diagnosed as having severe jaundice. So at less than 2 weeks old, this child had changed his chameleon colors from blue to yellow and neither was a color the doctor wanted to see. It was devastating when Dr. Schmidt told us he wanted to hospitalize this baby again. Robert and I were exhausted from driving back and forth from Wright to Gillette but could not leave this baby. Thank God my parents were living in Gillette and able to visit Tyler when we could not. I was breast-feeding at this time and that did not help out this situation. This was not what we had envisioned when we decided to have a baby. We just wanted to bring this baby home and start living our visions of this new family.That picture required our baby to be home with us and thankfully the doctor took mercy upon us. Dr.Schmidt said we could take Tyler home if we would keep him under a Bilirubin light, so now we had a light rented from the home health clinic and the apnea monitor and I was still a nervous wreck. We were told Tyler must wear constant eye protection or he would go blind, words no new, nervous mother needed to hear! The doctor told us Tyler could not wear anything but a diaper, eye protection and apnea monitor. I cannot even describe the constant cries of anger and frustration Tyler screamed when the eye protection was applied.For being so tiny, Tyler had no problems pulling the eye protection off as fast as we could put it on his eyes. I knew my beautiful baby was going to have to face life without his sense of sight because of my failure to keep the eye protection constantly. The first night could not even be described as bearable, but on the second night, I went to check on Tyler at about midnight and he was lethargic, cold and refused to eat. Our tiny mobile home was 100 degrees and my baby was cold. I called my parents in a state of panic and they drove out to Wright in the middle of the night to take me and Tyler to the Emergency room. Much to his own dismay, my dear husband had to go to work to try to pay off this very expensive endevour into parenthood. The trip into Gillette was a stressful blur. Three trips back to the hospital with my baby as a mother made me think maybe I should have just gotten a puppy! We had the heater in my parents car cranked up on high, Tyler wrapped tightly and upon arrival at the ER approximately 45 minutes later, Tyler's temperature was a mere 92 degrees. Hypothermic, tiny, jaundiced, predisposed to apnea but a fighter! This tiny baby defied odds and showed all of us he was not a quitter. The traits that pulled him through all of the hardships he faced when he was born were the traits teachers failed to appreciate during his school years. If asked to describe Tyler, people would agree about of his qualities using similiar words such as stubborn, determined, not easily persuaded, and very head-strong. These are qualities that I believe are responsible for Tyler's successful fight to survive that first month of his life. After saying that, I must confess that I did lose some, sometimes ALL of the endearment I had for these traits during approximately the fourth trip to the school to sit down with the teachers or principal to discuss Tyler's "qualities". These trips to the school continued through all of his school years. This head-strong son of mine definitely kept us busy, at times frustrated, but always laughing and amazed at his obscured view of the world. We fought so hard to make sure this child had a shot at life but he fought harder to exceed all expectations placed on a premature, sickly baby. It amazes me that twenty years have passed but this "child" still is not persuaded to fall into what others consider the "normal" path. He is still head-up and feet first and someday I will convince him to look first before delving into things feet first but I am not holding my breath! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TYLER! WE LOVE YOU!

The Busy Month of June!

When I think of the month of June, I envision newborn animals, warm weather, and blossoming flowers. It is a pleasurable month and somehow became one of the busiest for this family. Although I feign surprise in how the numerous events came to be in this month, I do have some responsibility as I have contributed to some of them.

I, along with my baby sister, was born within 10 days of Christmas and thus began my intense desire to NEVER, EVER inflict upon my children the curse of being born anywhere near this holiday. My children would never hear the words, "This is both your birthday and Christmas gift." Now, this yearly ritual from my childhood may never have left such a strong impact on me, but I do have my middle sister who was born on July 30th. Not only would this sister get fishing gear, swimming pools, and summer toys, she also made a killing in the presents department! Not once did I ever hear the dreaded words murmured to her about it being a dual gift encompassing two holidays. With this in mind, when Robert and I decided to start our family, great planning became an obsession for me. The infamous line about the best laid plans comes to mind when I think of our children and their birthdays. Our firstborn, Tyler, was to be born July 30th, but as his personality has always proven, he was impatient, came 6 weeks early and our tiny bundle of joy was born June 12th. At this point, I thought that was a wonderful time to be born with it being the month of Father's Day and my Dad's birthday on June 29th, not too busy for us. When we decided to have another child, the planning came back into play and our daughter Lindsay had a due date of July 12. I was so impressed with how well Robert and I timed this. Both of my children would be summer babies, not have to live with the curse of a Christmas/Birthday party, yet still be far enough apart to allow for separation of birthday celebrations. Again, best laid plans ended up with Lindsay being born 3 weeks early and 10 days after Tyler's birthday, one week before my Dad's and so close to Father's Day! Needless to say, June has been a month of parties, gifts, and careful planning in the financial department.

A few years ago, my son, being ever inquisitive and at times slightly judgmental asked why his Dad and I had his and his sister's birthdays 10 days apart. At that moment, I realized that no matter what a parent does, children can feel victimized by these people's best laid plans. When reflecting on the difficulties my parents must have had planning for Christmas and two birthday's in the same month, I finally understood what a great job Mom and Dad did. I realized in that moment how fortunate I was to have been "cursed" with parents who, despite overhearing the numerous complaints every holiday about their family planning skills, still made sure we had our birthday parties and gifts, but most importantly, knew without a doubt we all were loved everyday! Speaking of, I think I will end this blog and call my Mom and Dad to thank them for "cursing" us with their hard work, ethics, devotion, and love! I am so fortunate!

South Dakota Winner!

Okay, so it wasn't in the cards for me to win Powerball last night! I at least bought my ticket in the state the Jackpot was won, so I feel came very close! (GRIN) After much analysis, I have solved what could have possibly gone awry with my sure bet! There are a number of variables that affected my ability to win! I had known the fact that the jackpot was at 113 million cash value and 13 being my lucky number, it was almost mine before the drawing. When I went to check the numbers last night, the estimated jackpot jumped from 222 million annuity to 232,100,00 and in essence changing the cash value also. No thirteen was involved! Secondly, this was a way to teach me the patience needed in my quest to cease the instant gratification shortcoming I battle. I guess this will make the later victory with the Powerball jackpot even sweeter! :) I guess I will have to do my own dishes, milk my goats, continue to dye my own hair and be happy I don't have to hear in the near future, "Wow, becoming a millionaire really changed her!" Have a wonderful, fortunate day!

Lucky #13!

Tonight is the big Powerball drawing. I am one of those people who always buys a ticket when in Billings visiting my parents or when we are in South Dakota. I believe in the old addage, you can't win if you don't play! When Robert and I were first married, we would spend a three day weekend in Denver at the Mile High National Drag Races and this is how my obsession with the number 13 being lucky for me began. I decided I was going to buy my first Powerball ticket while in a convience store thinking "what could it hurt to spend a buck?". We got home, I checked numbers and won $100 with Powerball 13. It is now years later and I find it necessary to notice 13's everywhere. Robert and I always do the quick picks and we ALWAYS do the extra dollar for the Power play option. I figure if we hit five numbers and miss the Powerball, I would rather have a cool million with power play 5 than a measley $200,000. Close to a year ago, I read 'A New Earth' by Eckhardt Tolle. To make a long story short, it focuses on opening one's mind to the positives, envisioning what one wants and needs, and forgeting all the negatives. One of the exercises entailed constructing a "vision board" where I was to put together positive mantras, pictures of things I wanted, and reminders to forget being negative. I spent an afternoon writing mantras, and inspiring quotes and created my "vision mirror". I felt so positive and enjoyed a new mindset. I listened to people on programs concerning 'A New Earth' saying how his or her "vision board" had really worked on helping people gain everything from homes, money, and jobs to healing from cancer or other chronic health issues. I was truly inspired because one of my biggest hurdles was the negativity I felt with my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. One day when looking at my vision mirror, I decided I not only wanted my health to improve, I wanted my dear husband to not have to work so very hard paying for my medical bills, doctor visits and have all of the financial burden on him so I wrote Robert and myself a check for $113 million dollars from the Powerball Commission for winning Powerball drawing. That has been nearly a year ago but it is still on my mirror. Sunday morning, I signed onto the internet to check powerball numbers and saw the jackpot still hadn't been hit. I glanced up at the Jackpot value for tonight's Powerball and the cash value is $113 million dollars!! I almost hyperventilated! I was raised with a Grandmother who is one of the most superstitious people I know but this was truly a more significant sign than her "money hand itching". (LOVE YA, GRANDMA!)
Since Sunday, I have told everyone who will listen that we are going to hit our powerball jackpot tonight.
We have been blessed to be having chicken eggs coming out of every container in this house. Our girls are laying on average 20-22 eggs a day. These girls are so consistant and I count the eggs as I put them in the basket always trying to guess the correct number. Yesterday, I was counting and at the last nest, 10, 11, 12........... 13!!! I nearly was jumping up and down, oh yes, the Powerball Jackpot will be mine, oh yes! Okay, maybe I would have had a bigger sign if I would have counted 113 eggs but I will settle for 13. So tonight I will be watching the Powerball drawing on Denver news and will be driving to either Sioux Falls or Helena tomorrow. Oh, and one of my first purchases will be Cameron's house in Ferris Bueller's Day off in Illinois!! :) Although my "vision mirror" has a Montana farm on the edge of the Custer National Park from a real estate magazine. Wonder if that's still for sale?? :)

No Rain....... No Rainbows!

I awoke to this Memorial Day morning to see the clouds and damp streets. I do enjoy rain for the most part but do have strong distain for the smell of wet goats, chickens and dogs during these storms. The strong distaste I have for this inconvience we seem to experience mostly during the spring would never rival the unconditional love of my dogs, the excitement we have when baby goats are born, or the taste of the fresh eggs in the mornings. After the last few days of rain ranging at times from heavy to a slight drizzle, I would think my legs would be shapely and strong from the workout I get from dragging the ten pounds of mud on the bottom of my shoes around the corral as I do the daily chores. I am sure if anyone was looking this week, he or she may have caught me flexing those thigh legs like a body builder with my critical eye looking for even the slightest bulking of those muscles all to no avail. I will admit, I am one of those who jumps on the scale after 7 1/2 minutes on the treadmill. I do love instant results as do a majority of Americans. We are a culture of no patience and I am as guilty as the next person, but today, I will concentrate on focusing on a more patient approach to my daily happenings, but right now I shall check email and hope the message I have been waiting for has FINALLY arrived! (Very Big Grin) Have a blessed day!