Healthcare

Normally I stay out of politics on a public forum because I realize what a sensitive topic it is, but I feel the need to voice my opinion tonight. Last night Billy and I watched a documentary on healthcare, and it really helped open my eyes to what is going on in our country. If you and your family are generally healthy, you probably have never given much though to how good your insurance is, but as someone who lives with MS, this is always in the back of my mind. When will I get sick next, and how much will it cost me?

When someone is handed a diagnosis like this, should monetary consequences bog them down? Should I worry about what will happen to my healthcare when Billy and I are out of school, knowing that insurance companies will not accept me due to my pre-existing condition?

I'm not sure if the bill that was passed will make everything roses in our country. In fact, I'm sure it won't make everything wonderful again. However, I'm glad that someone finally decided something needs to change with our health care system. I live with hope that one day our country will be able to figure out a good system that will benefit the citizens, not just the insurance companies (a billion dollar industry).

2010 MS Walk

Last weekend some amazing friends and I participated in the annual MS Walk to "Stomp out MS." I was diagnosed at the age of 15, but I'm sad to say this is my first time ever participating in fundraising for this cause. It was amazing, and I plan on doubling the amount for next year. I feel so blessed to have so many amazing friends and family who were willing to donate their time and money.

Included are some pictures of our morning:

Janna, Us, and the Swifts before our 5K walk.

My amazing girlfriends who were willing to donate their Saturday morning. Thank you girls so so much!

This pretty much sums up Ethan's mood all morning. We brought the stroller, but ended up carrying him most of the way.

Us posing for a picture after our walk. Can't wait to do this again next year!

Magnifying Glass

Remember doing this in grade school? Ever week we would guess what something was based on a snapshot of the item? Well I've decided to bring it back!

Can anyone guess what this is?

Finals.. Bleh

I hate finals time! Billy is always gone studying, and if he's home, he's just stressed out. I took Ethan out on our balcony to dink around with our new camera. We had a really good time together! Ethan always brightens up when he is in the fresh air. He really is my favorite little person, even if he bugs me sometimes. I'm glad I have him to keep me company during finals!

Our new baby!

It's been 7 years since I've had a piano in my home, and I can't even tell you how excited I am to have one again!

Tulip Festival

My friend and I decided to go to the Tulip Festival up in Woodburn this last week, and I'm so so glad we did. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anything so beautiful. There were flowers everywhere. It was really a girl's dream come true.

Easter 2010

Ethan had a great first Easter, and so did Billy and I. We got invited over to someone's house for every meal. How awesome is that??

We started out with and Easter basket for Ethan. I didn't get any candy, because I knew who would end up eating all of it - me.

Ethan had fun with the eggs anyway.

...and he had fun with the grass. Maybe even more fun than the eggs!

He stood up on his own for the first time while we were at the Bingham's house. He was pretty whiny though, so I'm sad to say he didn't really enjoy it.

Special thanks to all our friends who were kind enough to have us over and feed us. The holidays can be hard without family, so it's nice to have ones who will adopt us for the day!

Mmmmm... Chocolate

Britt got to lick the beaters and it was just too adorable! I had to pull out the camera and catch this beautiful moment.

P.S. I just blew this photo up and noticed Ethan in the background kissing his reflection in the window! Priceless.

Custom Made

Don't you think this sink was just made for my little man?

Craft Day in Medford

I had a rough week, so instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I decided to pack up the car and head down to Medford for the week! My mom was kind enough to arrange a craft day, which was so so so fun!

This really is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to my mom's craft supplies.

Another picture of just a TINY BIT of the paper in my mom's craft room. We seem to have the same affinity for paper!

A mini Easter basket I made.

The gorgeous card my mom made. It took forever, but it was so worth it!

Another mini Easter basket. Nothing like doing crafts to lighten my mood!

Snow Storm in March?

Okay you got me, we didn't have a snow storm, but we DID have a hail storm in March. Billy and I were walking back to our apartment from our car when I heard this roar. I looked and saw this sheet of white coming for us, and I yelled (slow motion) RUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

We barely made it into our stairwell, but I still had worries. If you are from South Dakota, you know what hail means: a tornado. Luckily I had Billy to reassure me that wouldn't happen here in Oregon. One more thing to make me love this state!