Love to Breathe

They Like me they really really like me ;)

2012-02-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Ha ha I have always wanted to say that!!!

I received a blog award from my cute friend Jenny. The Blog award is called the "Liebster Blog" Liebster is a German word that literally translates to "favorite", "dearest" or "beloved". By one blogger giving it to another, they are essentially saying, your blog is a favorite of mine.

The rules of the Liebster Blog Award are:

1) Acknowledge the blogger who gave the award by linking back to them

2) Give this award to 5 other bloggers (who have fewer than 200 readers), and let them know through a comment on their blog
3) Post the award on your blog
4) Best of all - bask in the glory, have fun and share the love!

This is SO very exciting to me!! Thank you Jenny!!! It always makes me happy to know someone is reading my blog, and if I can make an impact on them well then it is ALL worth it!!! This is tough, I love all my Blogging friends but here are 5 great ones in no particular order....

1. Emily over at You know....

2. Erika over at Life as a Battle

3. Kara over at Jordan and Kara

4. Marcia over at 65 Roses for Marcia

5. Christy over at the Jobe Blog

So go check out these awesome blogs and show them some love. Xo

Brad Johns

2012-02-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

This month's Hero of Hope Living with CF, Brad Johns, age 39, is an extraordinary man who was diagnosed with CF when he was a young boy. Living with CF all his life, Brad has a positive attitude that helps him overcome any obstacle. Brad is a hardworking teacher who is currently working on his doctorate in education. Working to further his education, Brad stays on top of his treatments with the support from his loving family. Never allowing CF to get in his way, Brad has accomplished so much throughout his life and has no plans on slowing down.

"Now that I am 39-years-old, I make sure I stay on top of my treatments so that I can lead the healthiest life possible. I would tell someone my age that it is important to have a positive attitude and keep focusing on the right things that keep you staying well. I always tell people to be more productive in life so that they can keep their body healthy. You have to find the time to do your treatments and get into that routine and stick with it each and every day. I don't necessarily like sitting with my vest on and doing my breathing treatments while my kids are playing in the house, but I have to remind myself that if I don't do my treatments than I'm not only cheating myself, but I'm cheating my family."

To read more about Brad Click Here

To nominate your Hero Click Here

Madonna ROCKED it!!!

2012-02-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

Seriously?!??!?! SO amazing!!!! I was screaming, squealing, singing, dancing, peeing in my pants, and coughing with excitement!!!! She was amazing!!! She rocked it!!! NO one and I repeat NO ONE will ever top that performance!

I have watched it over and over again thank goodness for Tivo!! I am still on a serious Madonna high! I can't wait for her tour!!! I hope you all enjoyed it too! L-U-V Madonna Y-O-U you wanna!!!! Xo

L-U-V Madonna!!!!

2012-02-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!!!! The Big "Madge"ical news I was talking about yesterday....

I just pre ordered MDNA! Is it March 26th yet?!?!??!

Most of you know I LOVE Madonna. It's an exciting weekend for ALL Madonna fans.

*Today you can pre order her MDNA album the deluxe edition... Check

*You can buy her Single Give you all my Luvin featuring Nicki Minaj an M.I.A.... Check
I have been listening it to it ALL morning on repeat!!! I love it! Can't wait to get the whole album.

*And you can go see her film W.E about Wallace Simpson that she directed. Well that is if you live where it is playing. I am so bummed I can't find it anywhere in Utah :(

Then Sun finally a halftime worth watching Madonna will be performing. I cannot wait!!!! Woop Woop!

So what are you waiting for go get on Itunes and buy "Give me all your Luvin" and preorder MDNA :)

The groundhog doesn't know!

2012-02-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

So today is groundhog day.... Um can a groundhog even really see?

I think this year global warming trumps the groundhog.... just sayin, Sorry Phil

So apparently he, I think his name is Phil saw his shadow and we have 6 more weeks of winter. Well coming from snow country and considering we haven't had any snow, well I'll take it. But come the triple triple in May if there is snow on the ground I will not be to happy. For all those wondering what Triple Triple it's the theme of my next Birthday. I had my Double Double when I turned 22 and well double numbers only happens every 11 years so it's definitely worth celebrating. Who am I kidding every day is worth celebrating... even today, Groundhog day!!

So Happy day to ALL of you!! Get out there and celebrate BIG!!!

Just in case you didn't notice 3 days in a row on here!! Yep, I am patting myself on the back. I'll be back tomorrow too, BIG weekend in store HUGE!!!!!! Lets just say it'll be Madgical ;)

So Smooth

2012-02-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

I joined the smoothie movement!!! With some help from my friend Jess I am up and running. I didn't own a blender so after a ton of research I decided on the Ninja Master. I am pretty excited about it and it was only $34 so you can't go wrong with that.

Today I made my first one...

Above is a pic of me prepping my pitcher. The Ninja master has a motor on top that you pulse yourself and has a dual blade system one on the bottom and one in the middle to get the job done.

Im not one for recipes so I kind of just threw in some stuff, here is what I used...

~2 cups of spinach
~1 frozen banana
~5 strawberries
~1 cup of blueberries
~3 baby carrots
~1 cup of coconut milk
~1tsp of flax seed
~1tsp of Chia seeds

It was very yummy, it looks very gross but I promise so yummy and so healthy! I am going to start doing a smoothie a day. I had mine for breakfast today but I'm thinking it'll be more of a afternoon snack.

Does anyone have any recipes that you like to whip up? I am excited to throw more things in and try new flavors. Ill keep you posted.

Awesome news brings me back

2012-01-31T12:26:00.001-07:00

I'm back!!! Ok so I needed to take a lil break from blogging I figured Jan would be perfect since there's not to much gong on...

However, there has been so many great things happening. I posted about Dottie she's pretty much AMAZING!!

Then today I woke up to some very exciting news in the CF community. Kalydeco formerly known as Vertex 770 was approved by the FDA 3 months early. You can read more about Kalydeco HERE. I am so excited for all my friends with the mutation G551D about 4% of the CF population have this unique mutation. This pill called "Bluelightening" by my good friend Emily, is taken twice daly and basically will address the underlying cause of CF for this mutation. So exciting!!!

The mutation I have is Double Delta F508 which is the most common mutation about 90% of the CF population have this. There is currently still research being done to find something for Delta F508 including a second phase trail combining Kalydeco with vertex 809. Kalydeco is opening up doors, its great progress.

So YAY!!! Go out and celebrate!!!! Spread awareness and fundraise we are SO close!

Dottie Lessard

2012-01-11T12:30:00.002-07:00

This month's Hero of Hope Living with CF, Dottie Lessard, 44, is an inspiring woman whose CF journey has been truly inspirational. Dottie inspires young kids and teenagers with CF to stay fit and empowers them to take control of their health through her foundation "Dottie's Dream." Dottie is also a life coach, speaker and creator of Empower Pro Nutrition as well as an author. Weight lifting is what inspired Dottie to share her passion of exercise with everyone and hopes to continue motivating people with CF to remain active and positive and to never let CF get in their way of fulfilling their dreams.

"When I'm having a bad day I think to myself, why it is still tougher for me? I see people who are doing the same thing as me and it's hard to deal with. I try to be the best person out there and try my best to inspire someone else. I decide my own statistics and I figured out my own way to live my life to the fullest. Knowledge is the most important key and with that power you have the ability to look forward to the future. You have to think to yourself, how can we do this? Don't ever stop pushing and thriving for what you believe in. You have to find a way to stay strong. Live your life, embrace your challenges and gain strength by them. Don't let CF or your transplant define you."

Dottie is SO AMAZING!!!! I have had the pleasure of meeting her in real life, she is so inspiring... a true Hero. To read more about Dottie Click Here

To nominate your Hero Click Here

Hustle and Bustle

2011-12-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Holidays are approaching! I can't believe they are right around the corner. I feel bad that I haven't blogged in quite some time... Tis the season to be busy. Its like the North Pole here at my house. I got some fancy idea that all 2011 gifts should and will be handmade. I started in Oct and things are finally getting finished up, I just can't wait to be able to see my counters again.

The air has been so bad here, I am so excited that it is suppose to snow tonight this elephant that has decided to sit on my chest needs to take a hike and with that first snowflake I am sure it will head on out, for a couple days any way. Never thought I would be so excited for snow, I really am dreaming of a white Christmas. ( ha ha couldn't resist) The bad air is tough but Nothing Henry can't help with tho ;) Ricki and I finally named my O2 Henry over Thanksgiving and of course you have to say it with a English accent ;)

I hope everyone enjoys the Holidays and your time spent with family and friends.

We hope your Holidays are MERRY and BRIGHT!!!

Somer, Osc & Lills

Be An Angel....

2011-11-21T20:24:00.009-07:00

A Sharlie's Angel!

Many of you may remember my post about Sharlie recieving the great news that she was accepted at Stanford to get a new heart and a new set of lungs. Well if you don't remember you can click here.

Well many of Sharlie's Angels have rallied and helped fundraise for her next BIG miracle. You can check out her fundraising page here. There have been lemonade stands, craft sites, a benefit called Air supply you can read all about those on Sharlie's blog which is titled Sharlie's Angels. I know she feels that everyone in her life is truly an angel but in reality she is our angel. We are all SO blessed and SO lucky to know her and I know she inspires many each day including myself.

I wanted to help out to in some way, so after brainstorming some ideas I came up with an idea to paint a Sharlie's Angels painting. I thought I would auction it off on my blog and all proceeds would go towards Shar's transplant. So below is a close up of the painting and a description...

This painting is titled Sharlie's Angels and it is painted with acrylic paints and on a 16x20 canvas. Here's a close up pic of it....

So the highest bidder will receive this 16x20 painting. You have until Dec 1st to bid, that way I can get it in the mail in case you want to give it as a Christmas gift. Just leave a comment or email mail me at somer@lovetobreathe.com with your bid. I will update this blog post to let you know what the bid is at every day unless the bid remains the same.

I will start the bidding at $100. Good Luck and Happy Bidding! Xo

Bid is now at $500 back to Jason. 2 min left!!! Bidding will close tomorrow at 5pm Mountain time.

Closed~~~~~ Congrats Jason!!! Thank you for helping Sharlie with her transplant. Consider yourself one of Sharlie's new Angels :)

YUCK!!!!!

2011-11-09T22:48:00.001-07:00

And people wonder why I am a germ a phobe....

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/cell-phone-germs-bacteria-nasty/C3h21KRe5kOEDuNDbbF37A.cspx

A local newscast did a study on cell phones, they tested two and they both grew out pseudomonas. I wipe mine off every night with the lysol wipes. I also just took my cover off for good! Hopefully I won't be clumsy and drop it.

So make sure you clean your cell phones everyone!!!!

Video Short #3

2011-11-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

Treatment Regimens: How CF Treatments Work and Fit into Your Routine

Now online!

Knowing how your CF treatments work and finding a routine is important in your CF management. Watch http://bit.ly/oVuaFR to check out a Video Short where CF patients, experts and caregivers discuss how time management is crucial and how they stay motivated to make their health a priority.

The video features Ronnie Sharpe, CF patient and author of RunSickBoyRun.com, and wife Amanda, who are founders of CysticLife.org; Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, CF patient, social worker and co-author of The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph of Cystic Fibrosis; Emily Schaller, CF patient and Founder/President of The Rock CF Foundation; LaCrecia Britton, CF Coordinator, RN and CPNP.

The stories in this third installment of the CF Community Video Short series may help you to better understand how your CF treatments work and how you can fit treatment into your daily schedule.

Forever my Lil Star!

2011-10-28T17:58:00.000-06:00

Again I write with a broken heart... I received some very shocking news last Sat the 22nd. My Lil Cys Astra received her wings. She didn't lose her battle to CF she simply crossed that CF finish line. To me fighting every day and overcoming challenges doesn't qualify you as losing any battle. So I prefer saying she crossed that CF finish line. You think it would get easier for me but it actually just gets harder and harder losing my friends to CF. However, the bond we share is greater than any thing I can describe, I wouldn't change it for the world. I believe it's better to love and lost than not love at all, my Cysters mean the world to me. These hard times give me more drive and fight to kick CFs A**!! Actually CF doesn't stand a chance, you don't mess with my friends!!!

I have no words really, it's so hard to wrap my head around this. I just saw her on the 10th and she looked great and was doing awesome. She had just posted pictures from a Halloween party to face book last week, she was the cutest mad hatter EVER!! She looked great and was loving life. In fact Fri the 21st she was out with her friends til 2:30 am again enjoying life, because that is what she did always. To lose someone so unexpectedly is so shocking and so unreal. Click her to read her obituary

I have known Astra since she was 4, she was my Lil Cys. We hung out and I'd babysit her in the good ol days when we could hang out. Then the dreaded cross infection came into play and we saw each other less but our bond grew even closer through hospital stays and different procedures, good times and bad. I'd go to her drill performances and cheer her on as she danced her lil heart out. Her parents helped me celebrate my 30th bday, we were lifelong ~~friends~~ Cysters!

I know she is breathing easy now and for that I am grateful! She leaves behind quite the Legacy. The last couple days there has been so much love and support from everyone. She touched so many lives in her short 20 years than most people can in a lifetime. She was a gift to all who knew her, I am so lucky to have been her Big Cys.

Knowing Astra and Tiff are up there together makes me smile. I can only imagine the trouble they are getting into. I am honored that Astra is also wearing her Live,Love, Breathe necklace for all eternity, that too made me smile from ear to ear!

I love you Astra SO much, you forever will be my Lil star! Breathe easy sweet Lil Cys. Know that you lived and loved beyond your years and now you can Breathe! I know you are dancing up there through the clouds!
Xo Infinity!!
Your Big Cys

Below is a pic that my friend and a CF mom Kristal Kennedy did for Astra

Meet Bradley Crown

2011-10-19T20:02:00.000-06:00

Find out what journalist and CF patient Bradley Crown uncovers on campus in his illustrated short, Truth or Dare?

Bradley Crown is an aspiring journalist on a mission. He just needs to uncover a big story in order to join the staff of the school’s paper. One night on campus he finds his first break – or maybe it finds him. Bradley is set on getting to the bottom of the mystery, but he also has to manage his CF treatments. Finding the right balance is not always easy. Will Bradley give in to the pressure or will he take control and face his fears?

Visit CFLiving.com to read Bradley’s story and find out how he dares to find the truth, or click here.

7 year itch

2011-10-04T19:24:00.000-06:00

Sad, Sad, Day last Wed I went to flush my Thipple like I do every month. My Thipple for those of you that don't know is my portacath my permanent IV in my chest, hence the name Thipple for third nipple ;)

Well it wouldn't flush.... Surprisingly I was calm. So I pulled the needle and got out another kit and did all the steps over again and inserted another needle, still nothing. Surprisingly still calm too.

So I headed up to the hospital and I figured it just needed some TPA which is what can clear any clots but I have never done this before. So the sweet nurse took out my needle and reinserted another one she missed and went into the tissue... ok not calm any more I had some tears welling up. She insisted it was fine and this sometimes happens so she inserted another needle yes this is poke number 4 but who's counting. Finally she was in but so was I two pokes ago but she was just making sure which I totally understood so she got some saline to go through it and it stung and was VERY uncomfortable. So she called in some back up, they all decided I needed to go to IR to get some pictures and run some dye through it to see what the problem may be because it could be leaking cause it's old. (sigh) Okay more tears welled up, I just kept looking at the ceiling heaven forbid one fall down my cheek ;)

Let me also remind you that I treat my port like it as is fragile as spun glass. I flush it every month I NEVER let them draw blood from it and I always make everyone glove up if they are going to be doing anything that involves my Thipple.

So I headed to IR and right away there were some concerns... gulp! Apparently it moved somehow and instead of the line going straight across my chest it is all wavy and the tip of it is stuck in the vein against the wall of it or in another superficial vein not allowing anything in or out. It's a 1 in a billion chance this can happen but I know 2 others that this has happened too, so I am thinking that figures are a bit off ;) or all 3 of us need to head to Vegas with those odds ;)

So I am sad to report my Thipple is no longer working. RIP!!! I have had it for almost 7 years they say that's a long time and I was hoping for 10 but maybe Thipple #2 can go 10, it's always good to have a goal. I have a clinic visit on the 10th and if I have to be admitted then we will remove and replace it then. If I don't go in then well not sure maybe just remove it for now or wait I guess we will have to discuss all that on the 10th.

The sweet nurse from the infusion clinic called me the next day to see how I was, she really was SO great. I will have to take them cookies or something on the 10th. So thats the story of my Thipple and the 7 year itch ;)

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Xo

Here's a pic of me and My Thipple

Sting Gone Bad

2011-09-26T14:20:00.003-06:00

Day 1 after the lil bastard got me

Day 3 I thought it was looking pretty good just some bruising

Day 7 some weird red lines showed up didn't think to much about it

Day 8 woke up to it being red beginning to think this was not normal healing process but it's my first time being stung I had no idea.

Still Day 8 My Doc instructed me to go to the ER fearful it was Cellulitis. Sure enough I was diagnosed with a cellulitis infection and had to be on 2 very strong abx. If it went out of the line I was suppose to head back.

Day 9 I didn't head back because it still hadn't been 24 hours and the abx need at least that to start working so I watched it closely and applied heat to it, all while being bored out of my mind with my leg elevated. Utah beat BYU 54-10 this day so that helped with the healing process I believe ;)

Day 10 getting better there is some neosporin on it so it looks gross

Day 11

Day 12 went and showed my Doc today he said it's on the mend but to keep watching it went back home for my last day of elevation.

Day 13

Day 14

I stopped documenting after day 14, today is day 19 and its SO much better all that's left is a lil bruising and the ~~hole~~ scab where the stinger went in. Let's hope I can go another 32 years without being stung again... GEEZ!!!!!

Good news is it's almost winter where we get a nice lil break from anything black and yellow.
Happy Mon everyone! :)

CFLiving video short #2

2011-09-20T11:05:00.000-06:00

NEW~ Now online! Go check it out!

Living with cystic fibrosis means making time to fit your treatments into your busy schedule.

Click on this link http://bit.ly/qCFQGQ, and you can check out a Video Short in which CF patients, experts and caregivers discuss the importance of establishing a routine and understanding how your daily treatments work to help keep you healthy. The video features Lisa Greene, certified parent coach, educator, and co-author of Parenting Children with Health Issues; Dr. Foster Cline, child psychiatrist, co-founder of the Love & Logic® Institute and co-author of Parenting Children with Health Issues; America’s Got Talent finalists, Ali and Christina Christensen, and their parents; Kat Quinn East, CF parent and founder of the Blooming Rose Foundation; and Somer Love, an adult with CF and author of the blog, Love to Breathe. The stories in this second installment of the CF Community Video Short series may help you to find new ways to motivate your kids to adhere to their treatments and instill the power of choice.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T06:44:00.001-06:00

Wearing her McNoodle shirt :)

Buzz worthy

2011-09-12T12:31:00.001-06:00

IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!

After 32 years of escaping the black and yellow creatures I got stung! You all know my worst fears are bees and spiders, well I went down screaming and in a huge panic. *** Note*** when I say bees this includes wasps, yellow jackets etc. I do think it was more of a wasp that got me considering there was no stinger.

The lil ~~bastard~~ guy was stuck in my leg and I screamed to get him, out lets just say I went into panic mode not knowing if I would be allergic. Apparently tho its the second time you get stung you have to worry about. UGH!!!! I did have a lil bit of a reaction tho so after popping 2 benedryl the site was still red and throbbing. Today 5 days after it is black and blue and under the actual red dot there is a welt. Let's just hope I can go another 32 years without this happening again. Those lil buggers hurt and I am pretty sure I have a pretty high tolerance for pain. Below is the pic I took last night it looks much better.

Happy Monday everyone!!!
Xo

From Bad to Good

2011-09-07T16:25:00.001-06:00

I am sipping on an 8oz glass of cranberry watermelon flavored GoodBelly as I write this...

Ok so a lot of us know about the "Cf Belly" Ugh! My system has been in a funk lately and I am not keen on taking miralax all the time so I try to drink prune juice and I use a probiotic and everything else you could think of under the sun.

Emily Schaller told me about GoodBelly about a month ago and when I first went to the lil health store that I go to it was sold out, I took it being sold out as a good sign. So then I happened to see it in Whole Foods and I gave it a whirl. I LOVE IT!!!!

So I signed up for the 12 day challenge and I am on day 17 :) I am loving this no bloat going twice a day feeling. TMI I know ;) But I challenge you to also give it a whirl I think you will like it not to mention you get amazing coupons when you sign up on www.goodbelly.com And also it tastes great, I have yet to have a gross flavor I have tried mango, cranberry watermelon and the blueberry acai. With flu and cold season our immune systems are going to need all the help they can get and this probiotic drink supports the immune system.

If you give it a whirl let me know what you think about it. I hope all of you had a great Labor day weekend. Fall is in the air and I am excited for a bit cooler temps. Have a great week. Xo

Rolling in the Deep!

2011-08-30T15:27:00.000-06:00

I ♥ Adele!!!! I had plans to go see her last May but for those of you that follow her know she got sick with laryngitis and had to cancel the rest of her tour. I was nervous she might not reschedule but then she did, for Aug 21st. YAY!

She is the cutest thing EVER!!!! I just wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home. She had the cutest accent and she interacted with the audience a ton she is just so "real". She could of talked all night I just love a accent, accents make everything sound better just imagine someone reading ingredients to you with a accent.... AMAZING!

The show was AWESOME, she has some fabulous pipes and breathers on her and if it's even possible she sounded better than her cd. She was just on the VMA awards and was so cute every time they showed her in the audience she was just singing a long to whoever was performing. I am so glad I had the chance to see her perform.

Kevin Bauereis

2011-08-26T12:42:00.001-06:00

The newest Hero of Hope Living with CF, Kevin Bauereis, 28, who has worked hard his entire life, never letting CF get in the way of his dreams. As a testament to his work ethic, Kevin is currently completing his residency in anesthesiology and plans to become a pediatric anesthesiologist because he is passionate about working with kids and giving back. Struggling to accept having CF, Kevin had a hard time coming to terms with his disease and being compliant with his medication as a kid. It wasn't until meeting with his doctor who told him if he wanted to go to medical school and become a doctor, he would have to learn to make his health a priority before helping others.

"Setting goals and working towards your dream is the best thing you can do because it will help you focus on the future. I used to dream about being a doctor all my life and I can now say that through hard work and determination, I accomplished my dream. Not once did I let CF stand in my way. CF should never be an excuse for somebody not reaching their dreams. We may not live a long life but we can live a dream-fulfilled life. No matter how big your dream is, go after it with 100% motivation and effort because if you do, your dreams can come true."

Heroes of Hope™ Living with CF recognizes individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who live full and productive lives while managing their healthcare needs. To date, Heroes of Hope has honored more than 70 outstanding individuals with CF around the United States. Heroes of Hope recipients inspire others through their outstanding accomplishments, dedication to health maintenance and contributions to their communities.

To learn more about Kevin CLICK HERE.

To nominate your Hero CLICK HERE

Living IS the dream

2011-08-23T23:40:00.003-06:00

Sharlie inspires me each and every day and I know she inspires many. She truly is AMAZING, I am lucky to have her as one of my besties! BCF!!!! I love you Shar SO very much and I agree with your mom " I feel another miracle coming on" Xo infinity!!

Sharlie received great news from Stanford last night!!! She was accepted to be able to receive a Heart/Lung transplant.

CLICK HERE to read her blog post from last night. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she embarks on this new journey.

To be a part of Sharlie's Angels CLICK HERE

Fly by the seat of my pants

2011-08-08T16:18:00.001-06:00

Some of the best times are those that are unplanned...

Last Saturday around 4 pm some friends and I decided to get some last minute tickets to go see Tim McGraw which started at 7. Crazy right!??!

We had a BLAST!!!!! So much fun. We just sat on the lawn seats at one of the outdoor venues, it was seriously such a good time! I need to make a point of being more spontaneous!!! I had my cowboy boots on, borrowed my friends hat, packed a o2 tank just in case and we were off. We got our Country on!!

*disclaimer*

I have noticed I over use the ! to whomever that may bother... sorry. However, I don't think I am ever going to stop using the ! or in my case never going to stop over using it ;)

Have a great MON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha Ha!!

Xo

Really Aug?!?!?!

2011-08-03T16:04:00.000-06:00

Um where did July go? Wow I feel as if this summer is racing by. I am going to guess that I am not alone on this feeling.

I have been slacking on my blog posts. I need to catch up...

~Osc and Lills both had their yearly check ups in July I can't believe they are 6 & 7. All was good with both of them Osc did have a lil ear infection but it has cleared up. I started giving them both a lil bit of plain yogurt daily just to help keep them healthy, dogs need probiotics too ;)

"can we go now?"

~I had a check up in July and seem to be maintaining. My Fev1 was a 33 which seems to be my new baseline but am hoping I can still blow higher, I guess I always hope to blow higher. What do they say reach for the moon you'll land on the stars? Something like that. Maintaining is key tho and I am doing everything I can and more to keep these twins in tip top shape. I started putting my treadmill at a incline when I walk on it, maybe this will help some it requires more o2 so its doing something! I do find my sugar levels get a lil low (well I am assuming I just get that feeling that they are) after my workout does this happen to anyone else? is that normal? I am not diabetic maybe a lil borderline but aren't all Cfers ;) they did say once I was hypoglycemic so maybe thats what I am feeling.

~Fireworks are finally over thank goodness. They were getting on my nerves a whole month of them is a too much in my opinion, and people were doing them at all hours. Ugh! The babies were not loving it either, they even slept by my bed a couple nights poor lil babies were scared.

Lills loving on her baby doll

~My friend Sharlie is going thru transplant evaluation she has been blogging about her days during the whole process. Click here to follow her blog. Any positive vibes, good ju ju, prayers whatever it is you may have she would greatly appreciate them.

~I discovered a new Ben & Jerrys ice cream flavor. LATE NIGHT SNACK! It is so yummy, it has vanilla bean ice cream with salted carmel swirl with choc covered potato chips. How amazing does that sound?! So far to date I have finished off 3 containers of it so I thought I better take a lil break Ha!

~ I have been swimming twice this summer where I actually have gone in the pool. I did just once last summer and then before that it prob was 4 years or so. It's my lil mermaid McNoodle she can make me do anything. She thought it was pretty cool that I could do a handstand in the pool. She's so cute and getting smarter every day, she is 5 going on 20. I can't believe she starts kindergarten soon, Riv is 2 now and won't say my name for the life of him, he's a stubborn one.

McNoodle wearing my sun hat

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
Xo

Connect the dots

2011-07-26T15:34:00.001-06:00

Ugh!!! I am not a fan of many creepy crawling things. Bees and spiders are my worst fears as most of you may know.

Well this little creature is SO annoying and I think I have had more mosquito bites this summer then the last 5 years put together. Thank you mother nature for all the moisture. I wouldn't consider myself that outdoorsy and I rarely find my self outside during prime biting hours. I can't imagine how it would be for all those that are out in nature a ton... I hope they are using some repellant.

Its one thing to get bit but I seem to be allergic to them and they are very itchy and of course I cannot not itch them and so I itch and then they balloon up. I used repellant one night and was gagging and had to immediately shower it off when I get home, that stuff is lethal.

So basically I am a life sized connect the dots right now. Good times!

An unmade bed may help you breathe easier...

2011-07-18T13:53:00.000-06:00

So I saw this the other day on FB and I was so excited to see it. I hardly ever make my bed, maybe its because of all the years that I HAD to make it. I really just don't see the point!! I mean you are just going to get right back in it later, and if you're like me and need that afternoon nap well then thats even more reason not to make your bed.

An unmade bed may help you breathe easier... A study suggests that microscopic dust mites -implicated in some respiratory problems- are less likely to survive in unmade beds; exposure to air dehydrates the creatures. But warmth and moisture trapped in smooth sheets may help dusts mites thrive.

Reason enough for me to probably never make my bed again ;)

Video Short #1

2011-07-06T11:38:00.000-06:00

Cystic Fibrosis Newly Diagnosed: Real-World Lessons on Coping with Your Child’s CF

Now online! Genentech has a new video on the CFLiving.com site that we think will be helpful to the CF community.

It can be very tough when you first find out your child has CF; you might not even know where to start. Now on http://bit.ly/mGa1uu, you can check out a Video Short where CF parents and experts share their personal journeys and provide tips on what’s worked for them to cope with their child’s CF, from the diagnosis to everyday life.

The video features: Lisa Greene, certified parent coach and educator; Dr. Foster Cline, child psychiatrist and co-founder of the Love & Logic® Institute; America’s Got Talent finalists, Ali and Christina Christensen, and their parents; Kat Quinn East, CF parent and founder of the Blooming Rose Foundation; and Somer Love, an adult with CF and author of the blog, Love to Breathe. The stories in this first installment of the CF Community Video Short series may be helpful in preparing you and your family for the road ahead.

Some words on Wednesday

2011-06-22T16:52:00.001-06:00

As your chore list gets longer and longer with things you "HAVE" to do...
Try looking at it as things you "GET" to do.

It might help you check things off the list a lil faster.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer its officially summer as of yesterday. It's getting hotter here, I decided the babies and I are not fans of the heat. All 3 of us over heat to fast ;)

Sharlie~ I was brainstorming ideas to help make a entertaining post for you but I couldn't think of anything. Perhaps you need to download words with friends on the I pad then we can play that. I hope you are feeling better and get out of there soon. Sending you positive and healing thoughts today and everyday! Love ya.... Chat soon! Xo

The star of the show!

2011-06-18T15:02:00.001-06:00

McNoodle had her dance performance, she did SO awesome and was so darling. As soon as she got on stage I yelled GO MCNOODLE!!! She smiled and waved. We went to yogurt after to celebrate her big night. I had to get a pic of her and of course she is such a poser!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Its been nice weather here a lil cold for some people but perfect for me. Basically San Diego weather, which it doesn't get better than that.

Happy Father's Day to all you Daddy's out there.

Xo

Toni Harris

2011-06-08T18:45:00.001-06:00

This month's Hero of Hope Living with CF, Toni Harris, age 48, is an exceptional woman who was diagnosed with CF when she was 39-years-old. Even though she was diagnosed later in life, Toni has an amazing positive attitude and fearless nature, taking on any obstacle that stands in her way. Never allowing CF to get in her way, Toni makes sure she keeps as active as possible and welcomes any sort of adventure that can push her limits. Toni has even developed a list of things she would like to accomplish. The number one goal on her list: Skydiving. I had the pleasure of interviewing Toni over the phone and we could of talked for hours, she is truly amazing and very inspiring

"I live by this motto every day: Live life without expectations. If you live life without setting such high bars, you will never be disappointed.When I wake up, I know I am blessed and when I'm having a bad day, I don't care because I'm still blessed. It is important to keep a positive attitude because it is the biggest determinant of how much we can accomplish. I live my life not allowing people to feel sorry for me because I refuse to be labeled or put into a box. When I'm having a bad week or couple of days, I'll keep to myself. I want the world to see me as a strong, working, independent woman who is capable of doing everything."

To learn more about Toni, Click HERE

To nominate your hero, Click HERE

32~7~500!!!!

2011-06-03T18:17:00.000-06:00

Lucky numbers..... Nope ~ Combination of some sort..... Nope

I am officially 32 aka 32ubular!!!! Technically I am 32 and 9 days but who's counting, so far I am loving every second of it!

Today my sweet lil guy is 7! Holy cow how is that possible?!?!?! Seems like just yesterday he didn't know how to go up the stairs.

And drum roll please.... This is my 500th post!! Which also doesn't seem possible... Crazy!

It's starting to warm up here, this weekend we will have perfect 70-80 degree weather can't wait! Enjoy your weekend everyone! I'm excited to get the vespa out! Xo

Congrats!

2011-05-23T16:22:00.000-06:00

So there was a tie for the Healthy Home book...

So the proud owners of the book are~

~ Kirsten Miles she is a new CF Momma she has a lil guy that was just diagnosed. So stop by her blog HERE and give her some LOVE!!! Below is a pic of her and I at Great Strides last Sat. She is already so active in the CF community and determined to make a difference. She found out about the walk the night before and was there with a team and even had cute shirts! Way to go Kirsten!!!

~Whitney Miller a good friend of mine and the proud Mom of to cute boys. She has been trying to detox her house in every way possible. So this book will def help her and give her some new simple tips for a Healthy Home.

Congrats guys!!! Ill contact you so that we can either meet up and I can give the book to you or I can send them to your house.

Hope everyone is having a great Mon.

2 more days til 32ubular :)

A lil bit of this and that

2011-05-17T14:54:00.001-06:00

Busy being busy!!!

Holy Cow it's May 17 and it is snowing... Ugh I am so ready for it to be warm!

May has ben SO crazy and jam packed full of events, Mother's day, CF events, Great Strides, Graduations, Not to mention May is also CF awareness month and My Birthday Month!! Woop Woop I Love May!!

8 more days and I will be 32ubular :) For those of you that aren't aware I LOVE my bday and every year is a theme this last year I was 31derful! So crazy to think I am going to be 32 but so very AWESOME!! No hiding my age here!! Nothing bugs me more when people say they are 29 when really they are 41 or when they say they are younger then they are. Be proud of your age people!!! Be proud of your wrinkles!!! Every year is a privilege!!! If you are 50 say you are 50, be proud of it not everybody gets to be 50. And for all you botox junkies embrace those wrinkles you earned them each one tells a story. I'm not sure where or when getting older became such a faux pas?!?!

Lilly is stitch free but still has that bald patch on her, it adds even more character. She and Oscar are hilarious. They are seriously the best entertainment, we even played Hide and go seek the other day...too funny!

My friend Sharlie is doing a 30 day challenge where she is including some Healthy Home tips from the Book Healthy Home.

I just started reading it and am loving it, I am doing little steps here and there to make my home more healthy. Follow Shars blog HERE and start making your home a healthy home too. For the first person to visit Shars blog give her a lil comment and take a tip from her suggestions and instill it in your own home I will send you a copy of this book. Make sure to comment back here too and let me know what suggestion you chose and that you visited her blog. Sharlie loves this book so much she sent me a a copy and a couple extra copies to help spread the word, so stay tuned for more ways to receive this awesome book. Who doesn't want a healthier home!?!?!?

Well I hope everyone is enjoying their week and this fabulous month of May!

Xo

Sofia Levy

2011-05-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

This month's Hero of Hope Living with CF, Sofia Levy, age 17, is truly an inspiration to young people her age. Having recently been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis related diabetes, Sofia saw it as an opportunity to reacquaint herself with the CF community and not let it affect her life in any way. Sofia is currently finishing up her last year in high school andapplying to colleges. She has her eye set out on one, but knows she will be happy with whatever university she ends up attending. Having been exposed to medicine all her life, Sofia dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse one day because she knows she can bring a lot of life experience to the profession. Sofia plans on dedicating her life to helping other people and believes her experiences are best suited to that nature.

"Having CF hasn't always been easy for me and I struggled saying it out loud. Now that I am applying to college, I've come to the realization that this is who I am, there is no escaping CF. I was really stressed about going away to college and having a roommate and just living a very out in the open lifestyle. I have come to a point in my life now where I am very comfortable with having CF because this is a huge part of me and will only help people better understand who I am and where I've come from."

To read more about Sofia click HERE

To nominate your hero click HERE

Flat Kylie

2011-05-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

This is my cute cousin Kylie she lives in Minnesota her first grade class just read Flat Stanley. In the book Flat Stanley is mailed to a relative to visit them and have adventures.

Flat Kylie was sent to visit me in Utah! We had so much fun… She was on Cloud 9 when I opened up the package and she got to meet me and the babies.

We hung out and she got to feed the babies, played ball with them and even helped me take them on a walk. The babies and flat Kylie were instant friends.

It was an exciting time for flat Kylie to be in Utah while things were warming up and spring was blooming. She got to climb trees, walk through gardens and look at the BIG mountains. Flat Kylie even got to visit the Easter Bunny while she was in Utah.

We used our imagination a lot and pretended to walk in the clouds, we pretended we flew to Paris and even pretended we were astronauts and went to outer space. We had so much fun together I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Forever in my ♥

2011-05-02T09:32:00.004-06:00

I want to thank everyone for ALL the LOVE, messages, support, texts, prayers, thoughts you have shown me and all that knew Tiff over the last week, it means a lot to me. She has touched so many lives and she continues to do so. Tiff's service Saturday was beautiful. It was up in Coalville and the weather was a lil snowy but the day ended so beautifully with the sun shining. I had the honor of speaking at her funeral and know she was there listening, in fact I am certain of it. I stayed pretty strong my voice wavered at times but I got through it, with her help of course. Tiffany definitely lives on in all of us that knew her and through out all of our hearts. Life can be tough at times and it's in those times where it makes you even stronger. I am blessed beyond measure and am so thankful for everyone in my life. Lots and lots of LOVE! Xo

My Tribute to Tiff

This all still seems so surreal to me. I still find myself wanting to send her a text or hear that one of a kind laugh.

Danny, Kate, Lynda, Crystal, Meghan and Tynj’a you’ll be forever in my heart. Tiff Loved you all SO much and Crystal she loved Charly, Chayden and Chandlyr so much she loved being an Aunt and every time she talked about your girls she would light up. She loved all her family and friends and would do anything for anyone no matter what. One of her favorite things to do in life was to give and she gave us way more than she ever knew was possible. She touched so many lives and so many hearts and I believe she will continue to do so.

Tiff was the life of any party she was such a free spirit. She lived life to the fullest, she loved life and always made every breath count. She said her vice was to laugh and boy did she ever. She was always making me laugh even in her hardest times last week she was still cracking jokes.

I am so lucky to have known Tiff and I know that I am a better person because of our 21 years of friendship. We were kindred spirits her and I. We have so many amazing memories and I am sure all of you share some as well, focus on those right now. It’s no surprise to me that thru all the great memories she still is making me laugh and smile.

I have to tell my fav story of Tiff and I …. We were at Primary at the same time with rooms right next to each other, I think we were around age 12. She was doing a oral glucose tolerance test and was sick of getting poked for blood draws, so we decided to hide. They kept calling her over the loud speaker and we were laughing so hard. We ended up down in the cafeteria and some guy came up and asked if I was Tiff I replied with no I am Somer then Tiff said and I am Angela it just rolled off the tip of her tongue. Our nurse eventually caught up with us and we got grounded to our rooms and from each other for the rest of that day. However the nurse didn’t know we had walkie talkies ;) Tiff had to redo her oral glucose tolerance test, which just goes to show she’s always done everything on her own time.

I believe Tiff LIVED more than anyone could in a whole lifetime in her short 30 years. She LOVED everyone. And now my sweet Tiffer can Breathe. She was a perfect example of our mantra Live,love,Breathe Not only did God get an amazing angel on April 26^th but so did all of us. I know she’s smiling down at us right now and sending us her love.

Tiffany I miss you already so much, our late night talks our starbucks runs, Football season isn’t going to be the same with out our hundreds of texts back and forth during the U games, but I know you will be cheering on the Utes trust me they are going to need some heavenly love ;) I am so glad I got to see you last week and it took all my power not to run in your hospital room and give you the biggest hug ever. One day when we meet again there will be no cross infection and you better prepare yourself for the BIGGEST hug ever.

I am grateful that you are no longer struggling, its just hard to believe you are gone but trust me Tiff you’ll NEVER be forgotten you will live on in all of our hearts. When you crossed that CF finish line you definitely earned your angel wings. You were so strong and so very brave. In your honor Tiff I am staying strong and I promise to continue to fight this fight even harder. I know you will make sure of that! Breathe easy my sweet CF Cyster. Xo infinity

I just LOVE this photo of her thanks Darren for taking it.

photo by Darren McQuade

Tiff is wearing this necklace for eternity ♥

Breathe Easy Tiff

2011-04-28T11:56:00.001-06:00

TIFFANY RASMUSSEN Obituary: View TIFFANY RASMUSSEN's Obituary by Salt Lake Tribune

My Sweet Lil Tiffer

2011-04-27T22:13:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a very sad day for me. I can't believe my sweet Tiff is gone but definitely not forgotten. It all seems so surreal, at 3:46 am yesterday Tiff started breathing easier. She earned her angel wings without a doubt, God got one AMAZING angel yesterday. Breathe Easy Tiff!

Tiffany you LIVED more than anyone could in a whole lifetime in your short 30 years. You LOVED everyone and were always making us laugh, and now my sweet Tiffer you can BREATHE!!! Live, Love, Breathe. Breathe easy my sweet Cyster. I love you so much and am a better person for knowing you. I sure am going to miss my partner in crime. Seems like just yesterday we were grounded to our rooms at Primary, little did that nurse know we had walkie talkies. Or when we both had to have those nose probes in that went down to our stomachs to measure for acid reflux. We walked around like we were aliens with what felt like a permanent booger that wouldn't go away. Or our late night starbucks runs or our ambien crazed moments. In our 21 years of friendship we have so many fabulous memories, and that is what I am focusing on.

I already miss our late night talks and I even went to text you from bucks today. I know you are free from all pain and struggling, for that I am grateful. But I miss your contagious giggle, your smile that could light up a room and your free spirit that was always celebrating each moment of life and let's not for get your ability to always make me laugh even in your hardest times. I woke up this morning at 3:46 am to use the bathroom... A coincidence?!? I think not. I know you will be forever watching over me.

I am trying to stay strong Tiff and I promise to continue to fight this fight even harder. I know you will make sure of that too. Xo infinity

Fresh air!

2011-04-22T15:13:00.000-06:00

Well Lills is sick of being cooped up. She keeps bringing me the ball to go out and play but they said to keep her activity to a minimum.

It's so nice today so I decided to put all 3 of our leashes on and get out for a walk. It is a beautiful day out today! I hope you are enjoying your Earth day! We have SO much to be thankful for!! Xo

Dopey~Sleepy~Lilly

2011-04-20T23:22:00.001-06:00

Well I took Lills in for her 4th cancer surgery yesterday... When she got home she was acting a bit like some of Snow Whites lil friends.

She had 3 spots to be removed this time and I caught them all early enough that they didn't have to cut to much out, mostly just punched out the spots. So that was good news, the other good news is she was only sedated. However.....

I brought her home and she was not happy with me in fact she wanted NOTHING to do with me. My heart was so hurt I felt so bad. She was also VERY sleepy when I brought her home. Sleepier then she has ever been before even sleepier then the time she was put all the way under. Needless to say she was out of it staring at the doggy door and staring out the window, I'm guessing it would be something similar to a bad trip, not real sure but I think you get the picture she was ~~dopey~~ sleepy. For all those that want to witness the saddest thing ever definitely press play on these videos.

Today she loves me again and can't get enough of me. She even got jealous this morning of me spending sometime with Oscar. My Lills is back!!! So now today when I watch the videos I may or may not laugh a teeny bit. They are so sad but so funny. The poor girl would not lay down only just sit there and stare into outer space.

Who's your hero?

2011-04-19T15:29:00.003-06:00

A new and even easier way to nominate your CF hero...

Click here to visit the new online nomination form.

Heroes of Hope are individuals who serve as role models and portray hope to others with CF while proactively maintaining their health. They are motivated to live life to the fullest and do not let the limitations of CF get in their way of pursuing dreams. We all know heroes in the CF community who are deserving of this award, so nominate someone today! What are you waiting for?!?!....

Helpful tips for after admission

2011-04-13T15:04:00.001-06:00

Today I was talking to a friend and telling her some things I do after admission that I think help keep me out of the joint. These tips seem to work for me but remember we are all different. So I thought I would share them and blog about it...

~After I get home I start up on Tobi or Cayston even if I am not due to start. I feel it maintains all the hard work the IV drugs just did. Make sure you talk this tip over with your Doc first. It's always good to make sure you guys are both on the same page for a good after admission game plan.

~ I also change out anything that came in contact with mucus membranes... Most likely you had an infection before you went in so no sense of re infecting your self. It can get costly so If getting all new is not an option definitely sterilize what you were using.

THINGS TO REPLACE
*Toothbrush
*Mascara
*Chapsticks/Lipsticks
*Bar of soap in shower
*O2 tubing
*nasal sprays
* If you do a thera pep or Pep mask or a form of airway clearance that you constantly blow into.
* sinus rinse bottles
*For Infants or young children you might want to replace pacifiers

THINGS TO STERILIZE
*ALL pari jets or nebs
*Sheets/pillow cases, towels etc.
*O2 filter
*ALL make up brushes
*For infants or young children Really scrub bottles, nipples, and sippy cups

***helpful hint***
When touching all the old/dirty stuff I always wear gloves

This is all I can think of off the top of my head. Is there any tips that you guys do that we should add to the list? I would love to know!

April

2011-04-04T20:39:00.000-06:00

Showers... ok fine! But snow showers?!?!?! Yesterday I woke up to about a foot of snow. I am ready for spring! We had a tiny glimpse of it but then the snow gods got angry. Boo!

I am on a 8 day treadmill streak and still going strong. I popped a blood vessel a couple weeks ago in my ~~lungs~~ twins and have been working on getting them back in tip top shape. I have also been having to wear more o2 lately so I am hoping the stronger my twins get my sats will go back up too. Life on a leash is very difficult and I know now why I rarely put my babies on a leash.

This post is very random but I am afraid I have writers block now that the subject for my posts isn't made up for me. But I was on such a roll I didn't want to many days to pass before posting again. I hope you all are enjoying your April so far. I can't believe it is almost May :) I swear it was just Dec.

Done & Done!!

2011-03-31T10:02:00.000-06:00

I DID IT!!!!!!!

Day 30 of the 30 day Blog Challenge

A Picture

I am so excited to have completed this challenge. It got me back in the blogging groove. Hmm now I wonder what I should do next ;)

Ok so Day 30 is a picture and this pic always makes me smile its one of my favorites. Its of McNoodle when she went to disneyland right after she was potty trained and she happen to be wearing Ariel underwear that day. So when she saw Ariel well she could hardly stand it she had to show her that she was on her unders so she ran up to her and pulled up her dress, she was SO excited!!!! So cute!!!

For any of you that one to start the 30 day challenge well you can get the rules on this post here. Good Luck! Xo

I wish I may, I wish I might!!

2011-03-30T17:50:00.001-06:00

Day 29 of the Blog Challenge

3 Wishes

First why is it always only 3 wishes?!?!?

With only 3 wishes you have to get creative...

Wish #1

To have ALL diseases ~~that begin with the letter C cured take that CF and Cancer!!~~ CURED!!!! NO more disease! That sounds much better!

Wish #2

For all my family and friends to be stress and worry free with unlimited income for all things necessary.

Wish #3

To have 3 more wishes. I hope this doesn't make me selfish but these wishes will benefit others too. ;)

Extra Wish #1

To meet and Get to know Madonna ( Not sure how this will benefit others tho ;) )

Extra Wish #2

To be able to travel the world by Beam... Like in Star Trek you think of a place and then BAM you are there.

Extra Wish #3

To have a device invented that you could put on your dogs collars that would make them have the ability to talk.

Almost done!

2011-03-29T15:46:00.001-06:00

Day 28

Something that stresses you out

Oh geez the list is long..... Not sure why I get so stressed?!?!?! Actually yeah I do, I over analyze and over think a lot of things. No more though!! Deep Breaths! I'm going to start being stress free.

Driving, germs, clutter, being late, grocery shopping, lack of o2, these are just of couple things that stress me out. Nothing else I can think of off the top of my head but I promise there are more.

Here's to a new stress free attitude. ;)

Day 27

2011-03-28T17:09:00.003-06:00

Pets

Well I grew up having pets, lots of pets. When I was born my fam already had a 1/2 great Dane, 1/2 Black Lab named Kieshma, he was huge. He had a lil yorkeshire terrier side kick named Yorkie, they were the best of friends.

Then when they passed we got a lil maltese named Titus, he was pretty cute but a fam pet and I wasn't to into him. My bro and I saved a cat named Boomer and nursed him back to health when we were maybe 10. Then for my 12th Bday I got a cat named Gizmo it got ran over :( But again I still wasn't really into them.

We got lil Chicks and bunnies one year for Easter they grew up the bunnies did what they did best and gave us lots of furry friends and the Chicks laid our eggs. We also had a Shetland pony at one time all these animals and no we didn't live on a farm. I tried a iguana named shamrock out, a turtle, and a hamster named peaches even a bird (GROSS!!!! Not sure what I was thinking). I am sure there were more but I can't think of them, we eventually gave them all away to better homes/farms. I was definitely not a pet person.

NO more animals, except my mom/grammas cat named Miss Priss who was actually a kitten from Gizmo small world ;)

Again I had little interest, I am def not a cat person plus "I'm allergic" sorry to all you cat lovers. You'll also find it pretty nuts I am not really a dog person either. Sure they are cute and I do like some of the dogs I know, but really my heart only belongs to the Pug breed! Crazy... I know but something about them, or maybe its not the Pug breed at all. All I know is some way and some how these two lil pugs of mine captured my heart, not sure how they did it but they did.

They are my babies and I love them SO. They ALWAYS make me laugh, smile, keep me company, keep my lap warm, the are my lil shadows even on a cloudy day! I love my Babies!!!!

Day 26

2011-03-27T14:39:00.000-06:00

A picture of my Family

There seems to be some characters missing.....

Looks like I need to gather up the troops for a photo op this year!!

Day 25

2011-03-26T13:30:00.001-06:00

5 days left!!!!

Today the challenge is

Put your Ipod on shuffle what are the first 10 songs

1~Cherish by Madonna

2~Got til it's gone by Janet Jackson

3~Like a Prayer by Madonna

4~Hollywood by Madonna

5~Deeper and Deeper by Madonna

6~Can't Cry Anymore by Sheryl Crow

7~Again by Janet Jackson

8~Come Together by Michael Jackson

9~Borderline by Madonna

10~Toy Soldier by Britney Spears

Well I am surprised they weren't all Madonna my Ipod consists of mostly Madonna( I have everyone of her albums including all live albums), Janet, Michael and Prince and then a lil of everything in between.

I love all music I have a lil bit of everything from Snoop Dog to Alan Jackson even some Irish bands. Anything that can get my toes tapping is fine by me. In my car I have one cd and I bet you can't guess...

Well ok maybe you can it's Immaculate Collection by Madonna, it's perfect for sunroof weather :)

Day 24

2011-03-25T15:09:00.000-06:00

Ugh it's snowing today.... Just when you think spring is near...

Anyways today my Challenge is to write about

Something you've learned

Well I have learned a lot in my 31 years and 10 months (yep, 2 more months til my bday).

I hope to learn at least one new thing each day, it keeps things interesting. For instance today I learned that the groundhog isn't always right. Ok so I didn't really just learn that today but really snow. Im taking advantage of it and cuddling up with the babies a hot tea and some movies.

Learning something new everyday kind of goes hand in hand with don't go a day without trying something new. I did a presentation on this back in high school. I made everyone eat a peanut butter and pickle sandwich that day. You would be surprised they are actually really good.

I challenge all of you to try something new today, and hey if you happen to have some bread, peanut butter, and a jar of pickles, well then try it!!

Day 23

2011-03-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

Ok you can see I am on Day 23 of his blog Challenge I am getting a lil lazy with my posts however I am still going to see this challenge thru.

Favorite Vacations

Well who doesn't love a vacation!?!?!?

I love ALL my vacations especially when they are spent with family and friends.

I love a good lazy preferably with a beach vacation. No schedules just a great time spent with loved ones.

Day 22

2011-03-23T09:41:00.000-06:00

Blog Challenge today is

Favorite City

Well I have a couple that I love but my favorite I believe is San Diego!!! Love this city!

Day 21

2011-03-22T12:58:00.001-06:00

of the Blog Challenge

Picture of yourself

This is a photo of me in my basement next to a collage I made of Madonna tour books. The quote is perfect "This is who I am you can like it or not"

And one of me on my street enjoying some fresh cold air ;)

Day 20

2011-03-21T13:15:00.001-06:00

Holy cow I can't believe I made it this far 10 more days to go...

So Day 2o of the Blog Challenge

Nicknames

I LOVE nicknames! I think I have one for most people even if its just shortening your name. I love when I give people nicknames and then it sticks and others start calling the person by that nickname as well.

I have many nicknames;
Need, DIK, Somie, Soms, Som, BR, GSB, Sis, SIMM, Somers, Mc, Love

hmm thats all I can think of off the top of my head.

Today Lilly turns 6! She's getting so grown up. My little Lills, Baby girl, crazy, spaz, silly Lilly, (even my babies have nick names) I seriously love her so much she always makes me laugh, she's a nut. I love that she needs to be tucked in at night and if she wakes up to go potty in the middle of the night when she gets back in she sits by my bed til I wake up to go tuck her in again. It happens like twice a week she's lucky I love her ;)

She loves playing ball and is quite the ball hog she's lucky her brother loves her and puts up with her princess ways. She thinks she owns my whole lap too. She eventually shares with Osc but after I call him up he won't come up if she's there cause he knows she gets upset, it's so funny to watch.

My Grams

2011-03-20T12:23:00.000-06:00

Day 19

Something you miss

I miss hugs from my grams... She was pretty AMAZING! Always could make everything better with a simple hug.

Day 18

2011-03-19T13:35:00.001-06:00

Something you regret

I have NO regrets!

A couple quotes I have heard the one and only Madonna say that I LOVE...

"Absolutely NO regrets"

"Never regret ANYTHING, Because at sometime it was exactly what you wanted"

I couldn't agree more!

Enjoy your Sat everyone! Xo

Can't wait!

2011-03-18T15:00:00.000-06:00

Day 17 of the Bog Challenge

Something I am looking forward to

My Birthday of course :)

Almost 2 months away...

Ill be 32ubular... Every year there is a theme. Not sure what the plans are yet, gotta start planning soon! I absolutely LOVE my bday.

Lucky day!

2011-03-17T11:37:00.001-06:00

Day 16 of the blog challenge

Dream House

When I was little I wanted to live here... Barbie was living the dream!

Now I would love to own one of these vacation homes on Newport beach anyone I am not picky...

and then have a simple modern decorated studio apartment with a wall of all windows with a perfect view in all my fav places San Diego, Kihei, New York, Az, & Utah! That's just a dream!

*************************************************************
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way,
Good Health, Good Luck, and happiness
For today and Every day!

I your enough lucky to be Irish, well that's lucky enough! Happy St Patrick's Day everyone! Be safe and as you slide down that banister of life may the splinters never point the wrong way! Xo

Lills update

2011-03-16T20:41:00.001-06:00

DAMN!!! The C word is back :(

I knew it too. Why I don't just skip that step and go right to scheduling surgery is beyond me. She has two new spots they are pretty close together and again I caught them early so they can be removed with one incision rather than two. They will only have to sedate her and use a block rather then put her all the way under, which is good since she doesn't do well with anesthesia.

It really just breaks my heart but I am catching them early and she is a fighter. Her doc said she can still have a long normal life which is what I needed to hear.

I did ask him why she kept getting these mast cell tumors and he said that it was genetic, and that she just has a defective gene that causes them. It was like a light bulb went off... I told him we knew lots about defective genes and told him she might just get that one from me ;) Then I told him she is a fighter and she will indeed kick cancer's butt!

She turns 6 on Mon so I will prob schedule it after that, no one should have to have surgery around their bday.

Half way there

2011-03-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

Day 15 of the blog challenge.... I am so proud of myself that I have lasted this long!!

Bible Verse

I have posted this particularly verse before. I believe it was written for all us CF warriors. We are fighters and we never give up... Keep on keeping on guys!!

~ 2 Corinthians 5:16-18~

" That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us immeasurably great glory that will last forever. So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever and ever."

A picture worth a thousand words

2011-03-15T12:22:00.000-06:00

Day 14 of the Blog Challenge

A Picture You Love

Well I have many photos that I absolutely LOVE, its so hard to choose one...

I guess since I have this particular photo as my wallpaper on my computer and my phone its the winner.

So this is a picture I love...

Out Run CF!!

2011-03-14T21:30:00.002-06:00

Im doing it!!!!

I signed up for this...

Its a virtual run!! I'll be walking on the treadmill Sun past my 30 min usual time to help Outrun CF.

You should join too! Anyone can Click here to sign up

This is one of those goals I was talking about ;)

Day 13

2011-03-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

GOALS

I have many goals, daily goals, long term goals, and many dreams and let's not forget my bucket list. I feel all these in a way are the same. I have been fortunate to achieve some of my goals and check things off my bucket list but my lists are growing and I need to be more diligent about achieving and crossing things off.

I like achieving things at my own pace tho and am in no hurry to check everything off. Having something to look forward to is important.

I was telling my friend Kathy who is also doing this challenge on her blog you can find that here. That putting your goals out there can be lots of pressure and added stress, so I will just keep them to myself. I'll share them as I check off my list. However, I was recently asked what my goal was for my future and responded with, I want to be an old lady with gray hair and lots of wrinkles and not use any botox :)

***I am taking Lills in today to get 2 spots looked at I am hoping she won't need another surgery but unfortunately I am getting good at spotting the mast cell tumors, I dislike them very much. So send her some good ju ju that her damn cancer has not returned. I also dislike the C word very much!

Believe...

2011-03-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

Day 12 of the Blog Challenge

What You Believe

Back in Dec I posted this it pretty much sums up what I believe. Today I added a couple more beliefs to this amazing list.

I believe you should ALWAYS...

Mend a Quarrel.
You Should seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss Suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage Youth.
Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise.
Spend time with the elderly.
Forgo a Grudge
Forgive an Enemy
Apologize.
Try to Understand.
Examine your demand on others.
Think first of someone else.
Be kind.
Laugh a little more.
Express your gratitude.
Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the world.
Speak your love and then speak it again.
Love with ALL your heart.
Make people smile whenever possible.
Never judge others.
Celebrate miracles.
Live in the moment.

Day 11

2011-03-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Favorite TV shows

Well I don't watch any tv live. I LOVE my TIVO!!!! A couple years ago I didn't watch any tv at all. Now I watch a couple shows with the help of my tivo of course and I watch them when there is more then one episode recorded. I never turn my tv on just because not sure why I think the noise bothers me or something, so I always just have my music on. I really dislike ALL reality shows and don't watch them. If there is something I need to see on a reality show Ill record it and just FF to that part.

My tv shows that I watch are starting in order of day the air~

~Brothers and Sisters

~Castle ( can Beckett and Castle just get together already!!)

~Glee

~Parenthood

~Modern Family ( Phil is Hilarious)

~ Greys Anatomy ( a music epsiode is coming up looks exciting)

~Private practice

Those are the shows that I watch!

Apiphobia & Aracnaphobia

2011-03-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Day 10 of the blog Challenge

Something you're afraid of

BEES & SPIDERS

I am terrified of them both spiders any kind big or small.... and bees, spiders, wasps, hornets well you get the picture. I am not even going to post pics of them because you all know what they look like and the thought of them on my blog gives me the heebee geebees!

I literally start shaking and then think how can I get rid of this intruder. Of course when the magazine or shoe come crashing down on the ugly creature I scream and its such a girly scream. I love wasp spray it sprays up to 50 ft away from the enemy and it works great on spiders.

If I see one spider in my house I call me spider guy he is on speed dial!

Lucky

2011-03-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Day 9 of the blog Challenge

A Picture of your friends

And what a challenge this is I don't have just one pic of my friends... So I could post a bunch of pics of all my amazing friends but what if I left someone out... To much pressure!

So I will just say this when it comes to my friends I again won the lottery, who knew one person could be SO lucky!!!

I have such an AMAZING support system my family and friends mean the world to me.

One of my fav quotes is

Friends are like stars you don't always see them but you know they are there!

Still going strong....

2011-03-09T12:25:00.001-07:00

Ok Day 8 of the Blog Challenge

A place you have traveled to

Well being that it's only 8 more days til my 2nd fav holiday I immediately thought of Ireland.

But I already wrote about Ireland in this post here

And most of the other amazing places I have traveled to were before I had a digital camera so all the pics are all in my scrapbooks.... Yep I use to be a scrapbooker.

So I decided I will tell you about where I want to go, the places I have yet to visit that are somewhere on my bucket list. Here's just a few....

~Prague

~Bali

~Australia

~Japan- I have been here twice but I was younger and I would LOVE to go back

~Ireland- I LOVE the motherland and would love to of course go there again and maybe spend a couple hours sitting here

~North Carolina specifically the OBX and stay at this house on the beach

~The Oregon Coast

~Bora Bora and stay here

This last picture of Bora Bora I find if I stare at it long enough without blinking then shut my eyes I can imagine being there. Then Oscar or Lilly will bark and it disrupts my vision and boom back to reality ;)

Big mistake!! BIG!!! HUGE!!!

2011-03-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

Well I have to go shopping now....

Well Color Me happy there's a sofa in here for two... First time in an elevator.

Day 7 of Blog Challenge

FAVORITE MOVIES

My ALL time favorite movie the one where I know every line and I am sure I am so annoying to watch it with is...

I have seen it so many times I even found some mistakes in the movie. Edward, Vivienne, Kit the whole cast AMAZING!

I even had to visit the Reg~Bev~Wilsh once and yes the bathrooms are bigger then the blue banana ;)

I am sure everyone has seen this but if you haven't do yourself a favor and watch it!

The Best Gift

2011-03-07T20:33:00.001-07:00

Is the gift of life... What a miracle it is!

I am so excited for my friend Julie she got some new shiny lungs early in the am on Sun. She is doing very well in her recovery and I can't wait for her to begin her new journey. You can follow her blog here. She was already up and walking today she is so strong!

She is having a celebration concert on May 9th to help raise funds for her medical bills, there will also be a silent auction. You can get tickets now, they are on sale on her blog. So what are you waiting for go get them and help celebrate this miracle.

This is a pic of Julie and I a couple years ago at Taste of Salt Lake.

Happy Place

2011-03-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Day 6 of the Blog Challenge

A picture of something that makes you happy

I took this pic in Hawaii off of Makena beach to be exact. Best beach in Maui.....
Anyways the beach would be my happy place. I love everything about the beach. The warmth of the sand between your toes, the sounds of the waves crashing, the sun, and the way time stands still.

O Brother(s)

2011-03-06T12:29:00.003-07:00

Day 5 of the blogging challenge

My Siblings

Well I feel like I won the lottery with my Bros too. Basically I am blessed beyond measure when it comes to my family.

I love my Bros so much! Both of my Bros are very protective of me, we pretty much all have each others backs. We 3 butt heads sometimes but hey we are siblings it's our job to keep each other on our toes. I love them both and am lucky to be their sister. I love being the only girl in the fam. I am the lil princess... Just ask my bros I think they would agree ;)

Shane my older bro is 13 months older than me, we are Irish twins ;) We have always been close I have so many great memories of us growing up and am so excited when we get to make new ones. Some of my fav memories that I have off the top of my head are watching storms together on his multicolored animal blanket in front of the sliding glass door, Finding Boomer his cat and nursing him back to health, hanging out with him and his friends. (I am sure I was the annoying sis that tagged along but he didn't mind)

I am so proud of the man Shane has become he is an Amazing husband and Dad. I love watching him be a dad and seeing how he interacts with McNoodle and River it makes me smile from ear to ear. I wish nothing but the best for my brother and I am so happy he has his cute lil Family.

Shelby my lil bro is 6 years younger then me, he is the baby of the fam. When Shelby came to the fam I was in love at first sight my baby brother was so cute! The curly blonde hair and dimples in his cheeks melted my heart. Poor kid I def thought I was the boss of him growing up. I loved how I could trick him to clean my room by timing him.... The timing trick works all the time because all lil kids want to be the fastest. He was funny growing up and thought he was very tough. I let him tag a long with my friends and I, he didn't want to a lot but when he did I obliged.

The day I became a BIG SIS!

I am very proud of Shelbs too. He is going to school and even tho he has turned schooling into quite the career I know he will finish it. I love when I get to see my Lil bro and hang out with him. We always have a lot of fun together.

Nothing is more important then some good quality family time.

Shane and Shelby
Thanks for being great brothers to me and always putting up with my princess like ways ;) I love you both and am so proud to be your sister. Know I am always here for both of you!

Xo
Somer

I won the Lottery...

2011-03-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

the Parent Lottery!!!!

Day 4 of the Blog Challenge

MY PARENTS

So yes it's true when I was born I won the parent lottery! I am so very blessed to have the most Awesome, Incredible, Strong, Marvelous, Caring, Perfek, Phenomenal, Spectacular, Truly Amazing, Unbelievably wonderful parents. There are so many other words that come to mind but I think you guys get the picture. My Parents are my world, I love them with all my heart!!

I appreciate EVERYTHING they do for me! They are ALWAYS there for me. For instance; just one example that comes to mind is how they make time in the joint bearable, they always make sure I am never alone. My mom takes the day shifts and my Dad takes the night shifts. When I was little they would take turns spending the night. I can barely sleep in there so I know they couldn't of slept a wink. I am so very grateful for the time we spend together there, even if we are doing our own thing at times just knowing they are there is so comforting.

Basically, if its helping me kill a spider, or spraying a hornet nest, (remember my 2 worst fears bees and spiders) or picking me up or dropping me off, touching door handles, pushing the shopping cart, helping me flush my port, changing air filters, emptying the vacuum, spraying my paintings, daily phone calls, basically dropping everything at the drop of a hat if I need them to. I could go on and on the list is endless. I can ALWAYS count on them, I hope they know they can ALWAYS count on me too.

Mom, Dad~
I love you guys SO VERY MUCH!!! I am so blessed to have you as parents. I thank God everyday for both of you. I love you both infinity!!!! Mom~ XOXOXOXOX and Dad~ 8+8!! Thanks for being the best parents EVER!

love ALWAYS your lil girl

L is for the way you look at me!♥

2011-03-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ok Day 3 of the blog Challenge

My First Love

Hmmm how to interpret this one?...

Well I could talk about my first kiss which was at CF camp I think I was 8 and had a crush on this boy Sam. His family owned the camp grounds and worked there he was about 12, we kissed the very last day of camp... Wonder what ever happened to him?

Or my crush on Bo from Days of our Lives, again I was about 8. I was quite the lil flirt when I was lil. My mom watched this show everyday so naturally I got hooked. I cried when he married Hope and even took pictures of the tv screen when they sailed off on their yacht for their honeymoon.... Pathetic!

But I think I will interpret it a lil more literal and talk about my real first love.... Oscar Love! And what a love he is.

I am lucky to have two loves but Oscar was born 11 months before Lilly so that makes him my first love.

My lil guy is gong to be 7 June 3, I can't believe it. He is such a good baby, he has so many great qualities he is very caring and a very protective of both Lilly and I. If Lilly is on my lap he will just sit on the floor and stare at me til I invite him up. He loves to cuddle and is always following me wherever I go. I have my very own body guard.

My friend Cindy gave me the cutest pug boy and girl salt and pepper shakers, the boy is suppose to have pepper in it but I had to put salt in him Lilly is definitely Pepper and Osc is definitely salt. So easy going and simple. It's crazy how different they both are.

I love when I play ball with the babies I have to keep Osc focused on catching it. Lilly does most the fetching, Osc gets distracted with the grass or the different smells. Its so funny to watch them. Here he is eating grass.

If Osc ever is in trouble which is rare but if I get mad at him he will go hide under my bed for 30-40 min. Or until I go get him and give him loves and tell him he's forgiven, it's so cute. Honestly I think my pugs could have some human in them ;)

My Buds, Buppy, Osc, Oscy.... Body Guard, protector. You are the best First Love Ever! Thank you for always making me smile and loving me no matter what. I love you Oscar Love! ♥

what does it mean...

2011-03-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

Ok I am on a roll :)

Day 2 of the blogging challenge is

What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Well it stems from my paintings specifically my one hearted paintings. They are titled "Love to Breathe" and well I love to breathe and being that Love is my last name well I incorporate it into my daily life in so many ways.

Then in 2007 my brother Shane helped me take it further by starting my Love to Breathe website. Its a place where I can share my story and help raise money for the CFF and help find that sought after cure, and to most importantly give hope to CF families.

If I can make a difference in one person's life... well then that makes me smile from ear to ear. Making a difference is what really makes me happy! I know it sounds cheesy but it's the truth.

jumping in on the band wagon

2011-03-02T11:21:00.001-07:00

The 30 day challenge band wagon that is.... I first saw this on my DIK's blog she got sick of doing it and combined the last 6 days, but hey she finished it... I assume I will also get bored of it, but hey its a challenge and I am up for a lil bloggy challenge considering my recent hiatus and all. And the great thing about this challenge well you can interpret it any way you want. I have seen a lot of my friends stepping up to this or a similar 30 day challenge with photos, I love reading their entries. So here is the challenge and I encourage anyone else who wants to partake.... don't be scared ;)

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

Day 1

INTRODUCE.... well I have introduced to you the challenge. Remember you can interpret it anyway you want ;)

A Recent Picture...

Me just doing my meds, playing words with friends, and my babies standing guard.

And last but not least 15 interesting facts... (well not sure how interesting they are but they are recent facts)

1. My newest obsession is Words with Friends... Let's play!! My username is L2B

2. In June I cut out a lot of dairy from my diet I started drinking Almond milk and when I go to Starbucks I drink soy.

3. I have been a piscatorian since July but only eat fish on occasion the rest is lots of veggies and fruit. My dinner last night was a giant artichoke complete with yummy sauces and a giant juicy grapefruit. Yumm!

4. I stopped drinking coffee Oct 25 cause it was making me nauseous when I was on some oral abx and haven't got back on it yet. I just drink teas and chais

5. March is Lilly's Bday month I can't believe she is going to be 6

6. I am terrified of bees and spiders... really I even start shaking.

7. One of my favorite things to do is give gifts.

8. I went and saw Never Say Never last Fri night in 3D. I now have the Beiber Fever. Its such a great show I wasn't to sure but I love a good documentary and it was actually VERY good.

9. 15 facts is harder than you would think

10. Makena is the BIG one hand now if you haven't visited my blog lately. You will have to watch the video in the previous post

11. I gargle with salt water and do a sinus rinse (a bottle a nostril) every night before I go to bed. I strongly recommend this I believe actually I know it frees your body of germs.

12. I also am suffering from Spring Fever!! I am in need of some type of beach get away!

13. I don't like chocolate but I am a sucker for candy... Just finished a whole bag of speckled jelly beans.

14. St patricks day is my 2nd fav holiday can't wait only 16 more days.

15. Well if St Patricks day is 2nd fav holiday, the suspense of what my number one holiday is probably getting the best of you so.... My first fav holiday is my Birthday of course :)

1. 2. 3 Pierce

2011-03-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well she did it and was pretty darn brave. She had a bit of a delayed reaction...

The Before shot

The After Shot

Later that night she was all SMILES!!!

Our new matching pug shirts

The BIG One Hand!!

2011-02-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

My McNoodle is 5 today!!! Where did the time go.... Seems like yesterday she was just barely crawling.

I am so proud to be her Aunt. She is such a lil princess. We had a sleepover last weekend and had the best time. I love that her favorite dog in the world is a pug and she just loves the babies so much and they absolutely adore her. They are so pooped when she leaves they don't really sleep thru the night when she stays over because they are always checking on her. I don't really sleep thru the night either with kicky kickerson sleeping next to me ;)

I also love the Makena loves hearts and she loves her nick name that I gave her McNoodle. She is quite the ham when ever her picture is being taken and has a variety of poses that she loves to do. We love doing arts and crafts and playing vet and I love when we play beauty parlor :) Two peas in a pod I tell ya!

Today she is getting her ears pierced and then we are having a family bday party for her. I can't wait to give her her gifts. Ill take a pictures for sure, we are going to be pretty cute in our new matching pug shirts :)

VERY good news....

2011-02-23T16:11:00.001-07:00

This morning, the CFF announced very exciting results from the clinical study of a new treatment for cystic fibrosis. The oral drug, known as VX-770, targets the defective protein that causes CF.

A Phase 3 trial evaluated patients who carry at least one copy of a CF mutation called G551D.

Patients who took the drug showed marked improvements in a number of key measures of the disease, including improved lung function, fewer pulmonary exacerbations, patient-reported reductions in respiratory symptoms and weight gain.

In addition, average sweat chloride levels of patients on VX-770 dropped toward normal -- indicating the drug is impacting the underlying defect in CF.

VX-770 is being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and was discovered in collaboration with the CF Foundation.

To read more about VX-770 click here

Kathleen Burke

2011-02-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Heroes of Hope Panel member and cystic fibrosis (CF) advocate Isabel Stenzel Byrnes sat down with our newest Hero with CF, Kathleen Burke, 20, to listen to her story and hear how she has been successful in balancing schoolwork as a junior at Drew University, volunteering, her theater classes and taking care of herself. Kathleen is being recognized for her attitude and many theater accomplishments, including winning the Young Rep Outstanding Senior Award in 2008 and the 2010 Robert Oxnam President’s Playwriting Award.

Isa: I’m so excited to talk to you and learn about your amazing, full life. Can you describe for me a typical day for you in college?

Kathleen: I am theater major in college, and so I go to rehearsal daily, and I spend time writing plays. I’m in a show right now so pretty much my schedule is like one long “to do” list: do treatment, go to class, go to rehearsal, do treatment, do homework, eat, go to class, go to rehearsal, do treatment, go to bed. Our rehearsals are 4 hours a night everyday through Tuesday-Friday and 6 hours on Saturday and Sunday. That’s all I have time for, but I’m really enjoying being so busy.

To read more of this fabulous interview click HERE

To nominate your hero click HERE

Im Baaaack!

2011-02-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ok so if anyone is still out there... Thanks for being patient with me.

I needed a tiny break from cyber world, not just my blog but Face book too.

Logging in blogging it was beginning to become a chore rather then a fun outlet for me so I thought it was time to take a much needed break. I am excited to catch back up on all your blogs and see what has been going on. I have been a lil out of the loop. My goal is to at least post once a week if not more so be checking back.

So far 11 is going great for me. I have been staying busy and knock on wood staying healthy, even tho it seems like everyone around me has been hit by the plague. If you were to only see my hands you would think they were the hands of a 90 year old. Dry, wrinkly but VERY clean ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!
Xo
Somer

Max DeLawyer

2011-01-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

The newest Heroes of Hope Hero.....

I had the pleasure of interviewing Max last June, he is such a great inspiration and a definite hero. He started college this fall and is an AMAZING runner. Read a little bit of our interview below.

Max DeLawyer

Heroes of Hope Panel member and CF advocate Somer Love sat down with our newest Hero, Max DeLawyer, 18, to discuss the challenges that young adults with cystic fibrosis face and how he has been successful in balancing his disease management, sports, schoolwork and a busy social life.

Somer: Congratulations on being named a Hero of Hope! You have such an amazing, positive attitude and I’m really impressed by all your great accomplishments. Can you give us a quick snapshot of your experience with CF so far?

Max: Thanks, Somer. I was diagnosed with the disease at 6 months, so I don’t ever remember living my life without CF. In some ways, I think that is easier because I (and my family) have had my whole life to get used to dealing with the challenges of it. Twice daily, I do my treatments of inhaled therapies to help with airway clearance. I also use a vibrating vest, and when I go camping or it’s not practical to bring the vest when traveling, I use lightweight, portable airway clearance devices. I also view my daily running as a part of my health routine. I think that running is incredibly important to help me feel my best mentally and physically.

To read more of our interview click here

To nominate your hero click here

Vote for Pug Attack

2011-01-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

Vote for Pug Attack

We ALL love the Super Bowl commercials... Vote for this Pug commercial it is SO cute!!! It si one of the 5 finalist for the Doritos commercials.

Deck the Halls!

2010-12-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve!!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone! We hope they are healthy and filled with lots of LOVE!!

Somer, Oscar & Lilly

A toast...

2010-12-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

Last night I had my book club Christmas party, Ryan was in charge of giving a toast before we got started. He found a great toast that we all wanted emailed to us today. Its such a great toast, I think we should all follow this for the holiday season and throughout 2011.

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.

How great is that?!?! It pretty much sums up everything I truly believe. Please share with others.... Xo

On the Third day of Christmas!

2010-12-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

So if you are a Cystic Life member then you have had the pleasure of reading the 12 days of Christmas posts that some CF warriors are posting. I was honored that Ronnie asked me to post.

If you are not a member of Cystic Life... I am not sure what you are waiting for, DO IT!!

My post was the 3rd day this is what I wrote...

Is it just me or are the years getting shorter and shorter? Or is it that they are just starting the Christmas cheer earlier and earlier? Don’t get me wrong I love the holidays as much as the next person. But what I can’t stop thinking about is that with the Holiday cheer comes the ever so dreaded flu and cold season.

I guess I should introduce myself for those of you that don’t know me. My name is Somer Love. I try to live each day to the fullest by keeping my hope high and dreams big!! I am a 31-year-old adult living with Cystic Fibrosis, and I am an active advocate in the CF community. I make it a priority to raise awareness and help educate everyone on CF. Being diagnosed at 11 months old I was unable to make my own decisions. However, I am fortunate enough to have fabulous parents who chose to help fight my disease. When I was old enough I adopted my parents philosophy and joined the fight. I have a blog and update it often. Come join my fight over at LovetoBreathe.com

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this newsletter. I want to share with you some tips that I do daily to rid my body of any airborne ailment that may have found its way in despite my best efforts. I do these all daily and swear by them:

1. Of course we all know the power of clean hands. Use soap and water when you can and when that isn’t available then a little hand sanitizer goes a long way. I have that stuff everywhere; coat pockets, handbags, car, every room in the house…. You get the picture.

2. At the end of every day, I gargle with hot salt water, and I also do a sinus rinse. This prevents any bug from proliferating and settling in.

3. Drinking hot liquids can also knock any germs loose and send them down into your stomach where they cannot survive.

4. Try not to touch your face. If you have an itch use the inside of your shirt or sweatshirt, that’s what I do.

5. And last, but not least, some say dogs are a man’s best friend and trust me its true. I love my babies! However, during flu and cold season vitamins are also man’s best friends. You can get Vitamins through supplements or vitamin-rich foods, like fruit and veggies. So stock up and eat healthy.

Wishing you all a HAPPY and VERY HEALTHY Holiday season!

XO
Somer

Out but not out and about

2010-12-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

Well I got out last thurs from the joint, I knew it was coming... So I went in, and was on a new floor entirely this time. Since the last time I was in the hospital the hospital had moved the CF wing. So I wasn't sure what to expect. The first day I got there I was in a temporary room until a patient was discharged from the princess room ;) Well thats my kind of room... they must of heard about me ;)

So the theme this year was Thanksgiving/My 1/2 Bday, I was in there on Thanksgiving and this year my 1/2 bday happened to be on Thanksgiving. So we decorated accordingly which confused a lot of the staff. But I think I have convinced about 10 people to start celebrating their 1/2 birthdays. ;)

See Libby Lou on the chair she's my pillow pet that Canz and Mistie brought up to me... I brought her home and Lilly and her became fast BFFs, so much for Libby Lou being mine. Lilly carries her everywhere its so cute.

I had an AMAZING view, here are some pics of that. Look beyond the plantation blinds... it really was a nice room, marble sink, full fridge and freezer.

All of the staff was so wonderful and complied to all my crazy strict germ a phobe rules while I was in there. I did have some crazies in the room next door and even had a prisoner that was shackled to his bed. Yep, I was sleeping next to a inmate in there. He had 2 full time guards at one time and granted he was shackeled down, but it was a lil intense. Not very many people can say they spent the night a room away with from a prisoner.

Since I have been home I have been on house arrest. Our air has been the worst in the nation for the last 4 days. Its so thick you can taste it and you cant see very far in front of you. It was putting a damper on my view while I was in the joint.

Yep the above shows we are the worst in the nation with California in second place

The air was a lil better today so I got out for a couple of hours but came back home to my O2. Last night my resting heart rate was 140. So I am taking it easy so that my stint in the joint can last me a long time.

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday hustle and bustle, be safe!! Xo

WON BY ONE

2010-11-27T22:54:00.001-07:00

Seriously! So happy the UTES pulled it out, it was close... too close actually. 17~16 What a lucky game!

I am so HAPPY!!!
A perfect way to exit the Mountain West conference.

Way to go UTES!

Happily Grateful!

2010-11-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!! I hope your day is filled with lots of love, gratitude and laughter!

I am SO VERY thankful for so much life has to offer! My WONDERFUL parents who would do anything for me, My AMAZING family, My SWEET babies, My FABULOUS friends, All My CF warriors out there. I am one lucky girl to have so many blessings!!! Of course I am thankful for all of you too, thank you for still checking Love to Breathe, and following my blog. My heart is full!!!

I am also celebrating My 1/2 Birthday today... Yep I am 31 1/2 :) Just one of the blessings I am thankful for today and everyday! Thanksgiving/ 1/2 Bday... What a perfect day to celebrate both!

Xo

TOGETHER....

2010-11-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

AS ONE, we can make a DIFFERENCE!

I'm a member, are you?!?!?

WWW.CYSTICLIFE.ORG Join NOW!!!!

Just like our theme for Taste of Salt Lake this weekend... "Alone we can do so little, Together we can do so much" ~Helen Keller

Its oVer

2010-11-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

are 21 game winning streak... over! done!

The UTES Lost!!! It was so very sad and a lil embarrassing! 47-7 YIKES!!! TCU had a 24 game winning streak and the last time they had lost was to us so let's just say they wanted revenge, and they got it. :(

Saturday was a SAD day for Utah!

We play Notre Dame this Sat so here's hoping we can start a new streak over. Go UTES!!!

If I could turn back Tiome!

2010-11-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh how refreshing that 1 hour time change is!!!! I love to fall back not so much spring forward.

I love that extra hour of zzzzzzzzzzz's I feel so refreshed today and I even woke up early :)

What are you doing with your extra hour?

Im off to go make cinnamon buns!!! MMMMMMM

Happy Sunday!
Xo

Fa la la la la....

2010-11-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

Um wasn't it just Halloween?!?! Everywhere I go I have been hearing Christmas music not sure if I am quite ready for that yet. However this did not stop me from belting out Hark the Herald Angels sing last night on my way home from craft night. One of the radio stations started their 100 hours of Christmas music. Crazy~ This year has flown right on by!
Here is a pic of the cute craft my GSB came up with everyone did theirs a lil different. It is my THANKFUL craft! I love it!

~I have been a Blogger slacker... Not only on my updates but following all of my friends I must of needed a lil break we are allowed those right? But NO worries... I'M BACK!!!!

~Taste of Salt Lake is a week away how did this happen... Seriously sorry I keep freaking about how fast this year is gone by I just can't wrap my head around it.

~The end of October I was so excited to have the chance to go to Baltimore to the NACFC(North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference) What an AMAZING time I had with old friends and new friends. Here's a pic of Em and I color coordinated and ALL and no we didn't plan it we just are practically the same person at times it's coconuts!

~I am still kind of feeling like a joint stay is right around the corner I have been staying on top of things tho and checking in with my docs regularly. I blow again on Nov. 15th so I could possibly go in then which would put me in there over Thanksgiving/My 1/2 Bday. Yep Nov 25th happens to be both Thanksgiving and my 1/2 Bday.

~Makena has been sick lately so we have resorted to hanging out on the phone. The stuff that comes out of her mouth is SO entertaining. She likes me to help her spell words and names while we are on the phone so she can write them on her chalkboard so she was going thru the usual names. Our conversation went like this;
Makena: How do you spell Somer, Oscar Lilly, Papa Len, Papa Larry, Gramma Donnie, then she asks me how to spell Papa Rocky?!??!

Me:I spelt each one back... I thought I would save you from that part of the convo! Then I said Papa Who?

Makena: Papa Rocky!

Me: Makena who is Papa Rocky?!

Makena: You know that song Papa papa Rocky!

Me: Oh you mean Paparazzi Ha Ha!!!!

See she's hilarious!!!

This is a pic of a treat she made me when we were playing the hot and cold game. this was my surprise. Banana cookies with nerds on top... again she cracks me up! Oh and she's into pretending she is a pug so the dog bone n the plate is a scooby snack for humans not dogs ;)

~Tomorrow the Utes are playing TCU. We are currently ranked #5 and TCU is #3 so its going to be a GREAT game! ESPN college game day is even here. It's our blackout game so I am off to go paint my nails black and pull out My black Utah hoodie. Its suppose to be 70 degrees tomorrow which is crazy considering it is Nov. But hey Ill take it so I prob will have to just bring my hoodie along. GO UTES!!!

~And of course I can't do a busy being busy post without posting a pic of the babies. These pics I took today of them soaking up the sun thru the windows.

~I hope you ALL have a great weekend! Xo

HappY HalloWeen!

2010-10-30T17:34:00.001-06:00

PINK BUBBLEGUM STUCK UNDER A SHOE!!

Have a Happy Halloween Everyone and be safe! Xo

The ins and outs to eating healthy

2010-10-19T11:16:00.000-06:00

Eating healthy can be a lot of work. I have been on a pretty healthy diet since May.

I watched Food Inc. It was a very well done documentary and I am glad I am aware of what I am putting into my body. I try to eat organic whenever I can. I drink almond milk, eat lots of yogurt, I'm loving the Chobani Greek yogurt its very high in protein (14 grams) and I love my cheeses. I try to eat a ton of fruits, veggies and grains.

I try to stay away from high fructose corn syrup and processed foods. Key word is try here it is very hard!

Its not easy to eat healthy and it is not cheap. I ran across this article today that I found very interesting.

I thought it had some good tips. So I wanted to share...

its beginning to look a lot like...

2010-10-12T14:15:00.000-06:00

Flu & cold season...

As I am out and about Im starting to hear a lot of sneezing and coughing... Yikes! Flu and cold season is upon us :(

So I am getting ready...

Flu Shot... Check!

Purell bottles filled in every room, handbag and coat pockets and car.... Check!

My economy size bottles to keep me in stock... Ordered these from Costco.com

Vit C bottle... Check!

Back to daily sinus rinses and gargling with salt water... Check!

Washing hands every time I enter my home nad guests too!... Check!

All these tips kept me safe last year... So I am gonna stick to what I know works.

What are you doing to prepare for this flu and cold season? Stay healthy people and please if you are sick stay home! Don't be selfish!!! Thank you Trust me its very much appreciated!

A New York State of mind...

2010-10-06T11:47:00.000-06:00

My friend Mike Norseth is joining Team Boomer for this years New York marathon... He is raising money for CF while training for the BIG day.

Below are his thoughts...

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Don’t write a check you can’t (or don’t want to) cash?" I think I did that when I got BOOMERANGED and agreed to participate in the NYC Marathon for TEAM BOOMER!

Having talked a big game to Boomer Esiason about being willing to do whatever it takes to help him and the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) in their fight to find a cure for CF, it’s now time to back it up. (Note, backing him up on the football field was much easier; I only had to pass out water and slap teammate’s asses. I kind of miss that!) I am joining more than 100 other athletes who are running the marathon for Team Boomer, a BEF program that makes a difference very day in the life of people with CF.

To join Mike in his fight against CF and to read more on his goals and ideas click here

Reunited & it tastes so good!!

2010-10-04T20:49:00.000-06:00

IT'S BACK!!!!!

I went to the store and couldn't believe my eyes... Synergy Kombucha is on shelves again!!!

Just in time for flu and cold season!!!!

To learn more about Kombucha click here

Oct 1st... really?!

2010-10-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

Pumpkins, Oktoberfest, leaves are changing, haunted houses, cooler temps, scarves, boots, fireplace,

fall is in the air!!