"There's an angel by your hospital bed,"

Michael's MRI revealed that he has a bulging disc in his spine. It is pinching a nerve. His left shoulder is in excruciating pain all the time, and has been for about a month now. He can't pick up the kids, he can hardly even hold a dinner plate in that hand because he has lost so much strength. It has been very difficult for him to even get through the day because of all of the pain medications he has to take to just be functional. It's weird though, although he is one of the gentlest people I know, he is also one of the toughest. He hasn't missed a day of work and he still does everything he can to help out around the house. He's being referred to a neurosurgeon to decide if he needs surgery or what. I really hope that they are able to help him, it's been a very difficult time. Also, it has been a really happy time for us. Our kids are growing and learning new things and it is amazing to watch and help them on their way. We've been making some great improvements in our money management and are continuing to work on that. Plus, the warm summer days just make me feel happy and content and I'm a lot more active. It's easier to eat fresh healthy things when they are in abundance, so our diet has improved greatly as well. I remember the day I realized that my life would never be free of trials and that it was a good thing. Probably one of the best things I've ever internalized.

Walking (Joaquin) Phoenix

I've been walking lately. Nothing spectacular, just about two miles once or twice a day, but I AM pushing a double stroller piled high with childs. And it isn't a jogging stroller either. It's one of those thirty-pounders made for cruising the mall and whatnot. Also, I walk pretty fast. Anyways, it gets my heart pumping and gets me out of the housej999f mftb f . <----Tenzin helped me type. The kids love it, and I have noticed a significant boost in my energy level the rest of the time that I am not walking. Except for right before bed, then I feel like crying with my tiredness, but I am also sleeping much more soundly and so are the children. If anyone has a double jogging stroller or bike trailer they don't need, let me know!
Totally unrelated, but equally awesome, is this:
We threw a baby shower for Antje on Tuesday and it went beautifully. Antje tied some balloons to a flower pot and to my mailbox to indicate to people where the shower was being held. I noticed upon leaving my house yesterday that the balloons had deflated and it looks like i have two pink scrotums hanging in my yard. I should probably take them down...
Something sad:
Michael hurt his shoulder and has been in constant, excruciating pain for about a week and a half. He doesn't know how he hurt it, the pain was just there. He's being going to physical therapy, but it makes the pain worse. If I could, I would do whatever I could to make him feel better. Unfortunately, the doctor doesn't know what will help him. He's on three different pain meds, but they only take the edge off of the pain, and only for a short time. I hate, hate, hate seeing men in pain. It hits this weird place in my stomach and makes me feel like the world is off its axis.
Something delicious:
Winco has Fudge Bars that have vanilla ice cream in the middle and they are only $2.98 for 18 of them. They are so good. I recommend them to all.