Happy Birthday (march 3rd) to the love of my life! Justin turned 28 on March 3rd this year and it was a blast! Also, it was the first of either of our birthdays as a married couple.
The Saturday prior to his birthday I threw him a surprise party and boy WAS he. (surprised that is!) LOL
My mom asked us over for "dinner" that evening and of course we accepted! We have some friends who just moved here from Michigan and he asked if they could come along. Little did he know they had already been invited! When we showed up he was hesitating going in to the living room where everyone was (he had turned around to help me carry stuff in etc.) I had The Ruggles middle child in my arms. I kind of hurried him along to the living room and he walked in... SURPRISEEE!!!! His face was blank! What is going on here... for me?! ha ha it was perfect ... no one spoiled the surprise! YESSSS I pulled it off. Thank you to everyone who helped!
To check out the Ruggleblog go here... http://therugglesfamilyblog.blogspot.com/
Also, I have to mention the cake at the party. Katy Hatley, a friend of mine from LIDE, makes cakes and goodies that are SOOOO good.
She made a gluten free cake for the party that tasted like gluteny goodness! If you need anything made just check out her website... www.hattycakes.com
I will post a picture of the cake later!
Thanks for reading...
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Gluten and Dairy Free Anniversary coming up!
I cant even believe it. Tonight while at home digging around on my computer and searching for Gluten/Dairy free websites I thought to myself, "How long has it been that I have been gluten/dairy free?" So I went back in my iCal (Thanks you to Apple for its many wonderful ways I can use my phone!) dug back to May 27th of 2009 to my very first appointment with my nutritionist. NINE MONTHS!!! This is unreal to me! Has it really been nine months?
It all started back in March of 2007 when I was having HORRIBLE pains (and actually prior to that it had been going on but I kept it between my family and I and I am not going into detail here but just know it got to be unbearable and I spent the next two years basically drugged up) I went to doctor after doctor searching for an answer. Every time I went into a new doctors office I thought, "this is it they will be able to diagnose me" and almost every time I was wrong. They were treating the symptoms not the overall problem. SHOUT OUT to all my doctors though. I know that I was sent to each of them by Gods leading and urging. He used my Mom a lot in this process too!)
So finally after eight surgeries, numerous doctor visits, and too many trips to the hospital (is it sad when you get to know your doctors by first name and a visit to them becomes more social than anything?) I was diagnosed by my PCP (everything started being filtered through his office, who'da thunk!) with having Crohns Disease. I was ecstatic to have a diagnosis but... NOW WHAT!?!?!
So after being put on medication, antibiotics and starting a new treatment, which has the side effect of death...(no biggie right... I know where im going) I was starting to feel like it was never going to end, and possibly just masking what was really going on.
Turns out all of this stuff I was put on was indefinite. What?? So when I die they could blame it on my medication? No there has to be more to it than this. Life has to be lived to its fullest yet every eight weeks I am tied to an IV.
Upon meeting my (now) husband in December of 2009 and explaining to him what all has gone on and of course thinking to myself, "as soon as he finds all this out, hes outta here" he urged me to try a more hollistic approach. Forget modern medicine (when I can) and explore possibilities.
I thought it over, and weird enough I went out to dinner with a group of friends prior to Christmas and one girl had very similiar symptoms, found a nutritionist and had been doing well ever since. Im not kidding you I felt like an old woman discussing ailments with everyone there. But my heart leapt and I started questioning it. But still being leery of "natural medicine" I did not get this doctors info. I prayed about it, mulled it over, talked to my parents and Justin about it. It was a hard decision coming to a place in my life where I could fully hand this over to the Lord. But the decision was made and I went through many channels to get Dr. Sconyers information. The appointment was set and Justin took off work to go with me. I was nervous but knew it was going to be productive. It was a full four hours of an emotionally packed meeting with him and telling him my story.
Dr. Sconyers immediately asked if I had ever tried to be gluten/dairy free. No, why? I said back with a shudder to think i would have to give up the goods. He explained that my body cannot process these foods (most likely) and by eating them I am continuing to harm my body. WHAAAT! I am poisoning myself!?!?! That is crazy.
As Justin and I walked out of his office with a new approach to eating we were both hungry. A Chipotle bowl was as good as it was going to get. All I knew at that point was I had to stay away from any dairy and basically all breads. BOO!
My family and Justin have all been so supportive of this. Justin has gone almost completely Gluten free with me (he only eats it when hes out with other people) and my Mom makes gluten free/dairy free desserts and meals when we come over. My Dad actually wanted to try being gluten free for a week to see what it was like for me. What an awesome family, what a huge blessing to me.
I need to stop here and say a HUGE thank you to my Mom. All of my family was vital in my walk through this but my Mom and I bonded greatly over these years. She was not only my mom but my at-home nurse, a confidant, a leader, an encourager, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. So what Im trying to say is Thank You, Mom. You are one amazing woman and I hope to be half the wife, mother and daughter you have shown me to be. I love you.
Okay enough of this mushy stuff... as of today I have not been admitted to the hospital in almost a year and I only have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups!!!! PRAISE THE LORD! My doctors were all invited to my wedding (because thats how close you get when youre in there all the time!) and I am happily married to a wonderful supportive man who encourages me every day in every way. Thank you Justin for urging and encouraging me to change my life.
a HUGE thank you to all my doctors for being not only doctors but confidants through all of this. I know God lead me to their doors.
Last, but definitely not least, Christ who without I would still be curled up in a ball not living my life. It is through him that I can do all things.
Okay, I feel like I was giving a speech. ha ha anyway, there are a ton of people I am sure I'm forgetting but just so you know I have not forgotten how you helped me through those times.
Gluten/dairy free eating is not as bad as I thought. It was tough starting out but gets easier every day and with the encouragement of my family and friends it is easily done.I have eaten some good, and some not so good gluten free stuff. I tend to stick with the good gluten free stuff... but who wouldnt?
WOW! Nine months... thank you for going by quickly and without me realizing it! If you need any help in the area of gluten free just send me an email graycarolen@gmail.com or visit these sites.
www.celiac.com
www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/
and now for a couple of pictures...
It all started back in March of 2007 when I was having HORRIBLE pains (and actually prior to that it had been going on but I kept it between my family and I and I am not going into detail here but just know it got to be unbearable and I spent the next two years basically drugged up) I went to doctor after doctor searching for an answer. Every time I went into a new doctors office I thought, "this is it they will be able to diagnose me" and almost every time I was wrong. They were treating the symptoms not the overall problem. SHOUT OUT to all my doctors though. I know that I was sent to each of them by Gods leading and urging. He used my Mom a lot in this process too!)
So finally after eight surgeries, numerous doctor visits, and too many trips to the hospital (is it sad when you get to know your doctors by first name and a visit to them becomes more social than anything?) I was diagnosed by my PCP (everything started being filtered through his office, who'da thunk!) with having Crohns Disease. I was ecstatic to have a diagnosis but... NOW WHAT!?!?!
So after being put on medication, antibiotics and starting a new treatment, which has the side effect of death...(no biggie right... I know where im going) I was starting to feel like it was never going to end, and possibly just masking what was really going on.
Turns out all of this stuff I was put on was indefinite. What?? So when I die they could blame it on my medication? No there has to be more to it than this. Life has to be lived to its fullest yet every eight weeks I am tied to an IV.
Upon meeting my (now) husband in December of 2009 and explaining to him what all has gone on and of course thinking to myself, "as soon as he finds all this out, hes outta here" he urged me to try a more hollistic approach. Forget modern medicine (when I can) and explore possibilities.
I thought it over, and weird enough I went out to dinner with a group of friends prior to Christmas and one girl had very similiar symptoms, found a nutritionist and had been doing well ever since. Im not kidding you I felt like an old woman discussing ailments with everyone there. But my heart leapt and I started questioning it. But still being leery of "natural medicine" I did not get this doctors info. I prayed about it, mulled it over, talked to my parents and Justin about it. It was a hard decision coming to a place in my life where I could fully hand this over to the Lord. But the decision was made and I went through many channels to get Dr. Sconyers information. The appointment was set and Justin took off work to go with me. I was nervous but knew it was going to be productive. It was a full four hours of an emotionally packed meeting with him and telling him my story.
Dr. Sconyers immediately asked if I had ever tried to be gluten/dairy free. No, why? I said back with a shudder to think i would have to give up the goods. He explained that my body cannot process these foods (most likely) and by eating them I am continuing to harm my body. WHAAAT! I am poisoning myself!?!?! That is crazy.
As Justin and I walked out of his office with a new approach to eating we were both hungry. A Chipotle bowl was as good as it was going to get. All I knew at that point was I had to stay away from any dairy and basically all breads. BOO!
My family and Justin have all been so supportive of this. Justin has gone almost completely Gluten free with me (he only eats it when hes out with other people) and my Mom makes gluten free/dairy free desserts and meals when we come over. My Dad actually wanted to try being gluten free for a week to see what it was like for me. What an awesome family, what a huge blessing to me.
I need to stop here and say a HUGE thank you to my Mom. All of my family was vital in my walk through this but my Mom and I bonded greatly over these years. She was not only my mom but my at-home nurse, a confidant, a leader, an encourager, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. So what Im trying to say is Thank You, Mom. You are one amazing woman and I hope to be half the wife, mother and daughter you have shown me to be. I love you.
Okay enough of this mushy stuff... as of today I have not been admitted to the hospital in almost a year and I only have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups!!!! PRAISE THE LORD! My doctors were all invited to my wedding (because thats how close you get when youre in there all the time!) and I am happily married to a wonderful supportive man who encourages me every day in every way. Thank you Justin for urging and encouraging me to change my life.
a HUGE thank you to all my doctors for being not only doctors but confidants through all of this. I know God lead me to their doors.
Last, but definitely not least, Christ who without I would still be curled up in a ball not living my life. It is through him that I can do all things.
Okay, I feel like I was giving a speech. ha ha anyway, there are a ton of people I am sure I'm forgetting but just so you know I have not forgotten how you helped me through those times.
Gluten/dairy free eating is not as bad as I thought. It was tough starting out but gets easier every day and with the encouragement of my family and friends it is easily done.I have eaten some good, and some not so good gluten free stuff. I tend to stick with the good gluten free stuff... but who wouldnt?
WOW! Nine months... thank you for going by quickly and without me realizing it! If you need any help in the area of gluten free just send me an email graycarolen@gmail.com or visit these sites.
www.celiac.com
www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/
and now for a couple of pictures...
The love of my life, Justin
and the amazing family that helped me through this journey
(from L to R: my Mom (Vicki), me, my sister (Becca), and my Dad (Barney))
This was Becca's graduation night!! Congrats lil' sis, so proud of you!
New background... awesome website!
Just in case you've noticed my new background I got it from ...
www.thecutestblogontheblock.com
They have so many to choose from I may end up changing it over and over again!
www.thecutestblogontheblock.com
They have so many to choose from I may end up changing it over and over again!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Almost Valentines Day!
Its almost Valentines day and well I wonder what we're doing. This will be our second one to spend together and our first one as a happily married couple. (we've always been happy but now we're married LOL)
I am not making plans and told Justin we should just stay in but its up to him. (I think you can celebrate your love for each other any day of the year!) This is going to sound cheesy but he does a grayt job making me feel loved all the time. What a grayt man!
What are your plans for Valentines Day?
I am currently in the process of trying to build my salon up even more (advertising, taking new clients, offering all kinds of CRAZY GOOD discounts!) If you have any ideas let me know.
Justin is in the process of building my website www.carolengraysalon.com Right now it has the basic information on it. My hours, how to reach me, and where I am located.
Also, (shameless plug) if you need a computer repair guy, not just any computer repair guy, AKA computer genius, but THE BEST check out this website www.graytexperts.com
I will keep everyone posted on what goes on for Valentines Day and our lives. Sorry for taking so long to update. I was waiting for something big too happen but luckily we live quiet lives. :0)
and now for a picture (I like visuals)
This is a picture of us at a Stars game. We went to a game on one of our first date and almost 1 year to the day we were back at the same spot with the same people. A couple of our friends and the two of us.
Here is a picture of my friend, Aubreigh, and I. Brandon didnt make it in to any of these pictures :0/ Sorry Brand-o
Just in case you want to follow her you can find her at
http://aubreighcox.blogspot.
I am not making plans and told Justin we should just stay in but its up to him. (I think you can celebrate your love for each other any day of the year!) This is going to sound cheesy but he does a grayt job making me feel loved all the time. What a grayt man!
What are your plans for Valentines Day?
I am currently in the process of trying to build my salon up even more (advertising, taking new clients, offering all kinds of CRAZY GOOD discounts!) If you have any ideas let me know.
Justin is in the process of building my website www.carolengraysalon.com Right now it has the basic information on it. My hours, how to reach me, and where I am located.
Also, (shameless plug) if you need a computer repair guy, not just any computer repair guy, AKA computer genius, but THE BEST check out this website www.graytexperts.com
I will keep everyone posted on what goes on for Valentines Day and our lives. Sorry for taking so long to update. I was waiting for something big too happen but luckily we live quiet lives. :0)
and now for a picture (I like visuals)
This is a picture of us at a Stars game. We went to a game on one of our first date and almost 1 year to the day we were back at the same spot with the same people. A couple of our friends and the two of us.
Here is a picture of my friend, Aubreigh, and I. Brandon didnt make it in to any of these pictures :0/ Sorry Brand-o
Just in case you want to follow her you can find her at
Friday, January 1, 2010
and a HAAAAAPPPPYYY NEW YEAR!
So we were going to ring in the new year by going out to the AAC and watching bands and watching teh ball drop. However, it was rainy and nasty outside and Justin was just getting over a cold so we opted for the stay at home method and rang in our first new year together, at home, watching a movie. I think it was awesome! I had a grayt time sitting around with Justin and thinking about all that 2009 brought us.
To begin with:
Better health
Happy times and memories
meeting one another... OKAY OKAY yes that happened at the end of '08 but still...
A fantastic wedding
an awesome home
Grayt new extended family
Do you get the picture? 2009 is where the rest of our lives began. What a fantastic year, I cant wait to see what the next year holds for us and even more so what the next 60 have in store.
I love you Justin Gray and thank you for the past year and the many to come!
To begin with:
Better health
Happy times and memories
meeting one another... OKAY OKAY yes that happened at the end of '08 but still...
A fantastic wedding
an awesome home
Grayt new extended family
Do you get the picture? 2009 is where the rest of our lives began. What a fantastic year, I cant wait to see what the next year holds for us and even more so what the next 60 have in store.
I love you Justin Gray and thank you for the past year and the many to come!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
I am thoroughly impressed with all of the businesses that are saying "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays"! I love it! It really makes a difference when you hear businesses acknowledging the true meaning of the season.
So Christmas is right around the corner and I dont have a lot of the shopping done, or I am waiting on it to come in the mail. Is it just me or has Christmas kind of lost its magic? The only thing that makes me feel reconnected is the Christmas Eve Service. I love singing and hearing Gods word. I also love love love the candles all lit up as we sing "Oh Holy Night" or some grayt song that really reflects why we celebrate in the first place.
Well I didnt have much to say other than that. I'll leave you to reflect on that. Remember the reason for the season and...
Merry Christmas from the Grays and a Happy New Year!
So Christmas is right around the corner and I dont have a lot of the shopping done, or I am waiting on it to come in the mail. Is it just me or has Christmas kind of lost its magic? The only thing that makes me feel reconnected is the Christmas Eve Service. I love singing and hearing Gods word. I also love love love the candles all lit up as we sing "Oh Holy Night" or some grayt song that really reflects why we celebrate in the first place.
Well I didnt have much to say other than that. I'll leave you to reflect on that. Remember the reason for the season and...
Merry Christmas from the Grays and a Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
First post EVER...
So I am a little nervous about this. Sharing all of me on the world wide web, eeeek! But I am just going to put it out there, here it is my confession are you ready?!?!
*shouting from the rooftop* "I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER!"
Therefore, on this site all you are going to get are silly stories about Justin and I and what is going on in our daily lives. As of today we have been married for 52 days and loving every minute of it.
We have all of our appliances now. Thanks to all of our friends and family who blessed us with the money to get it.
Marriage is hard and fun and well, work. Every day it is work. And of course I love it, I love doing his laundry, and dishes, and having someone to do those with side by side. Sometimes I even just love having someone next to me playing Modern Warfare 2 while I play around on my computer. (like what may be going on now)
I know everyone says they have the best husband but really I found the perfect fit.
Oh if you need a grayt computer repair, clean-up, rebuild, etc. I may know a guy. ;-) www.graytexperts.com
And my own personal advertisement: Carolen Gray Salon
I work Tuesday -Saturday (late on Thursday nights) All my information (including a price list) will be on the website... give me a call
*shouting from the rooftop* "I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER!"
Therefore, on this site all you are going to get are silly stories about Justin and I and what is going on in our daily lives. As of today we have been married for 52 days and loving every minute of it.
We have all of our appliances now. Thanks to all of our friends and family who blessed us with the money to get it.
Marriage is hard and fun and well, work. Every day it is work. And of course I love it, I love doing his laundry, and dishes, and having someone to do those with side by side. Sometimes I even just love having someone next to me playing Modern Warfare 2 while I play around on my computer. (like what may be going on now)
I know everyone says they have the best husband but really I found the perfect fit.
Oh if you need a grayt computer repair, clean-up, rebuild, etc. I may know a guy. ;-) www.graytexperts.com
And my own personal advertisement: Carolen Gray Salon
I work Tuesday -Saturday (late on Thursday nights) All my information (including a price list) will be on the website... give me a call
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