SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

2008 FREED HALLOWEEN

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY DRAGON

AAAARRRHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween 2008 was really awesome.  Some neighbors down the street the Good's and the Freed's really like to do Halloween up spooky.  Lots of ghouls, strobe lights, fog, grave yards, fishing skeletons, and a live scarecrow were all present to scare Medford visitors.  We had a blast.  Hope everyone was safe and scared!!!!  Maddie was a Sugar Plum Fairy Princess and Mase was a Dragon.  We decorated a pumpkin for a contest at Maddie's school- A Princess Pumpkin.  She took first prize for Fantasy Pumpkin and I am kickin myself because I forgot my camera.  We dont have any pics of the pump.  She did however get a trophy which made her so proud.  She is having a little trouble making new friends at school because she is so shy.  So, I think this helped boost her confidence and moral.

Life is GOOD!

Third Street Prominade- 

Santa Monica

Maddie's first day of Kindergarten and Mason's first day of PreSchool!!

Hi everyone!  It has been a long time since my last entry.  I have been getting on with my life and it feels good.  I am back to being a full time mommy, wife, daughter, sister, assistant editor, friend, retired nurse, tennis player, basically the whole Shebang!  I have been feeling fantastic. Almost back to baseline with no visits to the hospital.  When I look back at all that I have been through it is pretty surreal.  I would not let myself believe (along the way) that I had gotten that sick and they weren't sure how to treat me.  Looking back I am so grateful that I kept my focus on getting better.  Art confessed the other day that there were times while I was in the hospital that he was unsure that I would be coming home.  That's pretty scary as an after thought.  I still have mild facial numbness and  tongue numbness, but that still hasn't stopped me from doing my favorite tongue sports (kissing, eating, sticking it out!)  I am  so blessed that I have full facial function especially in regards to smiling and swallowing.  Most of all no reoccurring headaches.  I really beat the odds with the the size of Willy. I am hitting the tennis courts a minimum of 4 days a week.  Yep that's Good!  I am so lucky.  I am hitting in drills, having double matches with my girlfriends and start two leagues next week.  I will post some pics next weeks with my tennis buds.  I still get quite dizzy if I have to run after a ball, swing and switch gears back into hustling after another ball.  I call it Disney Land in my head--at least its a free ride.  My girlfriends at the Paseo club have been very supportive and wonderful.  They are always willing to come pick my butt up off the court if I fall.  I have to say that my balance is improving with more play time.  My main problem is reaction timing.  I used to be very quick on my feet and now my brain doesn't seem to react as quick or sometimes not at all.  I often find myself admiring my opponents great shot.  I just smile and tell em that shot rocked!  My vision also plays games with me as the ball is barreling towards me and I have to make last second adjustments to my shots.  Probably won't be winning Wimbledon anytime soon, but I look pretty cute in my tennis skirts.

I have been taking the kids out to play tennis after school as well (pics to come-Mason has a lesson this Sat).  Maddie is in dance class again with a dance recital in December (pics to come-they are getting so big).  We are basically back to the grind in regards to work.  Art is crazy busy picking up Disney gigs while we are in full swing with the home studio.  I am helping out with some assistant editing and really enjoying it.  I get a little stressed about how I am going to fit everything into a 24 hr day and then I say "It Is Great to BE ALIVE!"  We have a lot of catch up on accumulative bills from my illness.  I seem to not get so caught up in the small daily stuff and I keep an attitude of gratitude that we are all healthy and thriving.  Art continues to be my rock!  He is amazing and I am so lucky to have a life partner that lives life to the fullest and doesn't take things for granted.

Our real estate in AZ is slowly coming to an end one way or another.  I am really looking forward to having those issues resolved, out of our lives and ready to journey forward.  I have had a hard time coping at times as all our savings and hard work dissolves basically into nothing. But, then again we have each other and our health-that is all that really matters.  Were lucky to have a great roof over our head.

We have a big trip coming up in December.  The Freed foursome are going to take a road trip to Colorado to visit the Canons (my sis Michelle and family) over Christmas for some skiing.  This should be a trip.  First time in high altitude and on skis status post Willy!  Michelle suggested I ski in a helmet to keep all brain matter intact and I agreed.  Art and the kiddos have never been on skis.  Art wants to try snowboarding.  Art and I are going to try to take a couple of day trips in CA before we hit the big slopes in CO.  Art bought me some skis and boots for our anniversary.  They are fantastic!!!  I found a smoking deal (yea I'm frugal) on last years model and I did not feel so guilty.  Art is so supportive and makes me feel so loved and special.  He wants me to have everything.  I think he is just happy to see me alive, functioning,  back to being a partner and mommy. 

I also turn the big 40 in November.  Myself and some high school friends are all going to Vegas mid Nov. to have a mass 40 celebration.  I am counting down the days and really excited to spend some time with my old friends that came back into my life due to my illness.  

Looking back this year has been a DOOZY.  I am hosting Thanksgiving at my house and I find it very fitting.   I am going to try and update my blog once a month to start a memoir of my family.  I have really had so much joy in expressing my thoughts and feelings with this blog and can't believe all the love and support it generated.  Feel free to keep updated on our lives, with always remembering what a special part you took in my life during this time.  Love to all, Dara 

Clowning Around! (7-16-08)

Off to the circus we go!!  I have had circus tickets for a few months and I could not believe the day was finally here.  I think I was more excited than the kids.  I remember my mom and dad taking me, Michelle and Jules to the circus.  The clowns always scared the hell out of me with all the canons and guns they shot off.  I warned the kids about the bombs and we were on full alert.  I was really impressed with all the acts.  It was a magical night and the kids were in awe.  Mason loved the tigers, horses and elephants (especially when they pooped) and Maddie was in hysterics with this one particular clown.   She giggled so much that everyone sitting near us turned around and started laughing with her all evening.  Art and I loved the death defying motorcycle act where they rode around in a metal ball (way SCARY and COOL).  We lucked out and the modern day clowns don't shoot off canons (they blow bubbles) and we were happy campers.  It was the perfect evening except for paying $12 buckaroos for a bag of cotton candy.  That's crazy, but it sure tasted good! Mimi introduced Mason to cotton candy and he is now a CC addict.

For the next couple of days we are hanging at the house getting ready for our Texas adventure.  I am giving birth to a beautiful fever blister on my lower lip.  That's a sign to chill out a bit. That's what I get for slamming in a Lego Land trip and the circus days apart.  So, if your going to make it to Juanitos I will be the chica eating queso with the big fat red lip.  No worries I will get my own bowl.  We are all so excited about the trip home and cant wait to see our family and friends.  Art is still scheduled to come in for about six days.  We are still planning on meeting at Juanitos (in Pearland on Grand st), Wed the 23rd from 6-8:30pm, for anyone who can make it.  I know of some friends coming in that I have not seen in 10-20 yrs.  I will be sure to take some pics and look forward to seeing everyone.  I am just so thrilled about being well enough to make the trip.  On that note I am doing grrrrrreat!  The remaining side effects from the whole Willy ordeal consist of minor right facial numbness and tingling, mild metallic taste (not stopping me from munching), minor slurred speech, deaf in the right ear and mild fatigue.  I was thinking today about how much better I really do feel and how nice it is to look over my right shoulder and not feel the world spinning.  Now maybe I will hit some of those overheads I kept missing in tennis.  I plan on hitting some tennis balls with Michelle when I go home.   So many good times ahead.  Hope to see you soon!! love, Dara

Hear Arty ROAR!!

Well we are definitely going balls to the wall with fun activities with the kiddos.  On Monday Art did not have any work going on (not so good news), so we decided to make the best of the day and headed towards San Diego to Lego Land (great news!!).  First trip that way with no hospital visit.  We made a pact to live each day to the fullest and Arty is helping to make sure we adhere.  Lego town was awesome!!  Tons of cool animals, people and things all made of legos, millions and millions of legos.  I could not believe all these little pieces came out to be such master pieces.  I just imagined myself walking around my house stepping on all the pieces the kids  left out.  Or I could just suck them up in the vacuum.  I have a history of trying to pick up large items with the hose.  I am now on my third vacuum in four years with most of them going in for repair once or twice.  Its quite the challenge to see if the bulky item pickups make it or not.  I get excited when they do (one less time to bend over) and cringe when I hear the vacuum in distress.  The repair guys love me!  Back to the Legos, it was an incredible experience with a hugh water area as well.  I would recommend the park if your in the area.  It caters to younger children til about 13 years old.  Maddie and I were in a boat behind Art and Mason tooting around.  Art has been wanting a boat for about 3 years since we moved by the lake.  I took this opportunity to harass him that this will be the only boat he will be driving for a little while.   We are recovering financially from my medical expenses and the real estate downfall.  All is good and we will bounce back.  I am just glad to be alive and smiling for these pictures.  Love, Dara

Juanitos Here We Come!!!

MIMI

Hi everyone!  My scalp is still intact with no brains oozing out and my head is a healin.  My headaches are off and on every couple of days, which is no big deal.  My face still a tingling, but that thats ok it means I am still kicken.  We finally got our arrangements for Texas and my play dates are July 19 to Aug 2.  We are going to hang out at Juanitos in Pearland at 3412 Broadway St, Pearland TX , on July 23- Wed  at 6:00-8:30. Would love to see anybody that can swing by for queso, margaritas and toast to freeing Willy. Feel free to have dinner as well we have their back room reserved to hang and bring the kiddos.   I am so blessed to be so prayed over and cared about and I would love to hug each and everyone of you.  So far Art is planning on being there unless something major turns up for work. This last Sat. Art surprised me, Mason and Mimi and drove us to Santa Barbara for the day.  Maddie is on a train trip with her Freed Grandparents to the Grand Canyon.  We hear they are having a blast and she got a little overwhelmed when she saw the canyon.  I can only imagine being so small and seeing something so vast and amazing.  We had a great time in SB with the temperature being about 20 degrees cooler.  We had lunch on the pier, walked through an art show, saw this amazing tribute to the war on the beach supporting ending the war, and had dinner.  The war display had 3000 crosses on the beach with each soldier's name that had lost their life and the actual count is in the 4000's.  It was a very touching moment for all of us and my heart went out to all the families of the lost ones.  Tearing up happened and I wished the war would end realizing myself again how lucky and grateful I am to be alive.  We also walked around downtown and enjoyed the beautiful day.   It was a perfect day and we made a pact to try and experience life to the fullest.  Be in the moment, have a great week and be sure to smile a lot cause I am!!  Love Dara

Staples are gone-I can blow dry my hair now!!

Hi everyone!!!  I am doing great with a trip to San Diego this week on Tuesday for a check up with my staples removed.  The incision is healing well with no swelling at the site like last go round.  We packed up the family including Mimi (my mommy-Lynda) and headed down Tuesday.  We had lunch at our favorite Mexican food restaurant that we ate the night before my very first surgery.  A little bit of Dejavu.  I figured why not celebrate the first and hopefully last visit to the hospital eating the same good eats.  It was a beautiful day and we walked around ole town.  The visit went great and the staples were removed effortlessly.  The docs were thrilled that I was doing so well.  I think they were really concerned about me or a possible lawsuit.  I am definitely headed on the road to a complete recovery.  I can feel it!!  I don't have to go back for one year to get a follow up MRI unless problems arise. We spent the night in San Diego and took the kiddos and Mimirs to Sea World the next day.  I did really good and made it through the day with periodic breaks of sitting down.  The shows were really awesome and the kids had a blast.  Maddie wants to live with the dolphins, Mimi wants to ride Shamu and Mason was a mad man at the giant jungle gym.  What a great trip!  Mimi is graciously staying another week to visit and help with the kids.  We are playing scrabble  and I am getting back to word combat mode. I am now just today off the steroids and hoping that my appetite will take a hike.  I am tired of eating, but always so damn hungry.  Everything still taste a little metallic, but improving with time.  I have gained about 13 lbs due to the steroids and not being able to work out.  I can not wait to get back on the tennis court, but have to wait an additional 2 months.  Don't want to blow another gasket. But I CAN SMILE-and eat evidently yahoo!!  I still need about a 2 hr nap in the afternoons and I am only on motrin for headache pain.  I feel really blessed to not have nonstop headaches like some post op acoustic neuromas.

I am heading back to Houston July 19-Aug 2.  I cant wait to see everyone.  I miss my family and friends.  We are still trying to get Arty's plane ticket, so we have not planned a date for a reunion at Juanitos.  We will keep everybody posted.  I want to thank the prayer group and Mrs. Gloria Mills in Pearland.  They knitted a beautiful shaw and bookmark heart for me.  I just love them!  So much thought and care went into making it.  It is getting really hot already and was 107 today.  We thought about moving to Arizona last year and I was asking myself what were we thinking.  The heat is unbearable especially after being in cool San Diego.  I will download a pic of Sea world soon as I get a hold of Art's camera.  Art is doing fantastic and back into the full swing of work mode.  He really loves what he does and I am really lucky to be able to stay home with the kids.  Pics to come soon-Lots of love to everyone and thank you for all the love and prayers, Dara  

Brooke S.

I tried to email you back and it got kicked back--thank you for all the yummy receipes.  My appetite is in full swing.  I have so enjoyed all the correspondence and pics of us and your family.  You still look 18 girl!  I will keep everyone posted on Pearland trip-would love to see everyone-gonna set up Gringos or Juanitos.  I just wanted to let you know I got your sweet email. love to you, dara

All SMILES!! Home sweet Home!!!

Its Sunday and I arrived home from the hospital after my second crainiotomy on Wednesday night.  I can really say that I see a light at the end of the tunnel after this second ( and last) surgery.  I feel in my heart and body that the correct healing is taking place and my body is reacting more accordingly.  I spoke to my surgeon yesterday and all the cultures that were taken during the second surgery are negative.  Which is a hugh hugh plus for me-not fighting infection, less chance of meningitis again, less chance of leak and so on and so on.  

I woke up at 4am on Sat and cut my head dressing off.  I looked like a bulldog with constant look of worry, throbbing and sharp pains circulating in my noggin.  I felt like a million bucks when I took it off-the small things like seeing straight.  I showed Art, who was up working, and we had a celebratory Popsicle and stayed up talking and taking pictures of the site until 6:30am.  I am starting back at square one in regards to precautions and recovery: No driving, sleeping in the recliner, no tennis for 3 months, working on my walking, getting my taste buds back in shape and SMILING LIKE NO TOMORROW!!! I am eating well and starting to wean myself of the pain meds and steroids now that the pressure dressing is removed.  I don't regret anything that I have been through.  I am getting stronger physically, mentally and emotionally with each day.  I am quite the princess over here not sure what to do with myself.  Lots of resting is being demanded and I am being a better patient this time around.  My sis Jules and niece Isabella are here and it is so wonderful to have their company.  She is incredible with entertaining the kids, grocery shopping and stocking up my freezer again.  My goal is to get strong enough to still make my visit back to Pearland in mid July.  I am so missing home and craving Mexican food like you wouldn't believe.  No queso in California.  Our other travel plans for the summer are being put on hold for now and we will pick up next summer.  Mom is out of school and I cant wait to have that angel in the house.  I see a game of scrabble in our near future.

I feel stronger this second time around and really thrive on all your love and support.  I am constantly reading all my blog responses, emails and cards.  It is so lovely to feel such love.  I have learned how important reaching out means and all we really have is each other.  Love to everyone and cherish the day.  Ill keep ya posted-peaceful and slow moving over here, but in a great place!!!

"There's No Place Like Home"

Thank you for all of your thoughts, notes, phone calls and mostly prayers! Dara got home Wednesday from the hospital and Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bill have been holding down the fort! Thanks to her great neighbors for having the kids over. j

She feels good - some pain from head dressing - and some discomfort. She will hopefully be able to take the beautiful head piece off on Saturday. She is taking it VERY slow and easy. She has been able to eat and it was so great to hear her voice!

Julie and Bella are on their way on the plane right now! Bella just gradutated "Kindergarten" and lost her first tooth and gets to go to California to see her cousins. It's a big week for her.

I am sure Dara will be blogging soon - her notes are so much more fun.
love, michelle

Round 10...Goes to Dara!!

As of this morning she is out of ICU and recovering without near as much sickness as last time. The doctor said it was a mess in her head when he went in. We are confident he has removed all that is needed and she has come out a champ! Best news of all....she has a SMILE!

There is talk of her going home tomorrow, Amazing! She will be home and need to really take it easy and build her immunity for recovery. They think she got the meningitis bc Dara doesn't have a spleen and has a "naturally" low immunity. Please pray for her body to recover without any more problems.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Michelle and Family

Out of surgery!

It took 3 hours and right after I posted the last note, my Dad called to say she was out! She is in ICU and we will see how she is tomorrow. THank you.

She's in surgery!

Hi there! Dara went in to surgery about 6pm California time. Art said she was in the "zone" which means she was ready to go and fight for her recovery! She is such a strong and amazing person. So far she has been in the surgery for almost 3 hours and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival to ICU. We will let everyone know when she is out of surgery. All our love, michelle

Back in for Surgery!

Hello dear friends and family! Today is declared a "DARA prayer DAY!" The doctors (her original surgeons from San Diego) came in to tell her this morning they are going to get her in surgery this evening/early morning for another surgery. They are going into the same incision site and she will come out with the head dressing and will be in ICU. There is another chance for facial paralysis. Please join in prayer for her today and for the Lord's hand to be upon the doctors during surgery. Here is the scoop:

The initital "fatty deposit" from her hip was inserted in her skull area after the tumor was removed so that it would replace the matter. They said that when she first "sprang a leak" of CSF after the first surgery, it caused the meningitis and for the fatty deposit to break down. From the last MRI taken this week - it showed the fat deposit has doubled in size bc it is breaking down and is causing the "chemical meningitis" and swelling and sickness. They are going to go into her same incision, remove the fat, take some from her other hip and replace it again.

Art is heading down to San Diego today and will be with her during surgery. Other family is with the kids and Aunt cathy comes to help wed/thur before Jules gets there on Friday. Mom will be out of school and will be heading that way soon, followed by me!

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts! We are blessed by your friendship.
michelle

"On The Road Again"

Dara had swelling at the incision site and her San Diego surgeon told her to come on down. She was admitted to the hospital last night and there is talk of going back in at the site of her incision and cleaning it out. Jules is making plans to go out to California to help with the kids and then Mom is done with school this week and will be out there for as long as there is a need! I am hoping to go within the next 3 weeks. Please pray for the infection to go down so she can have the surgery and be done with this. She is feeling ok as of now. More details to follow....michelle

Blowfish Break Free!!

Michelle here and I am on the phone with Dara! Dara says..." we are at the 5 star local resort named El Kaiser Permanete/Hospital. Believe it or not another miracle! I woke up with no headache, no nausea or throwing up all over the bed (I bet they are happy about that). We are actually trying to break free tomorrow if I remain with no fever tonight. They think I had chemical meningitis form the fat inserted after surgery in the hole in my head. I will be sent home with NO antibiotics, only steroids. New name for me - Blowfish with air holes in my head - She will be on attraction in Houston in July! $5.00 a kiss! (all donations toward my favorite ice-cream) The rash is going away and I am ready to hop on a plane to Colorado next week! I am determined to go!!"

Prayers are answered! xoxox michelle
ps. Thanks Aunt Cathy for the song - you are the best!

Continue to pray!

Well, Dara has been back in the hospital since Monday and has progressively gotten worst. She is very sick and is also seeing double vision. They can't figure out the problem and Art is getting very fustrated (as we all are). He is fighting for her care and they are running more tests. There was talk of sending her back to San Diego, but as of now not sure. Her white blood cell is back up, excrutiating head aches and has trouble moving or she gets very sick. We are believing for a miracle in this hic-cup of recovery. Please also pray for mental/emotional strength as I know she is very tired of feeling so bad. They did up her pain meds and she is able to sleep a lot. She is also still having quite a bit of head pressure. No "Big Bear" this week and it is looking like no sister reunion, but we are being optimistic. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts and notes. If you think about it, please feel free to drop a note of encouragement in the mail. As of now she could use some up-lifting! (oh - the rash is also back....yuck!!!)

Love to all,
Michelle

THANK YOU!

**I am not Done yet, ran out of time-several more to thank

**The next blog is new

I almost did not do this for fear of forgetting anyone.  I want to apologize up front if I did not include your name.  You know who you are and I whole heartily thank you for your thoughts and gestures.  I want to Thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, even those sweet souls that I have never met.  This journey would of been so much harder without all the love. Forgive the misspellings.

Family:

Art, Mommy, Daddy & Di, Michelle & Canon Family, Jules & Garcia family, Pop Syl and Mom Judi, Sis Vanessa, Cliff & Grandpa Holbrook, Aunt Fran and Uncle Arnold, Baker Family, Sis's Teri, Tina, Debbie and their Families,  Cathy & Bill Holbrook, Shane Holbrook, Jarrod Holbrook, Aunt Nancy & Uncle Arthur Kahn, Misty & Trent Khan, Chad Kahn, Aunt Terry, Misty &  Zach, Aunt Cathy Hanson & Family,  Anna & Garcia Family, Charly & Simpson Family, Joanie Simpson & Family, Uncle Chucky, Labella Family, Aunt Janet & Uncle Kenny, Don & Elise Mogill, Bob Mogill, Marlyn & Hester Family, Aunt Clydene, Uncle Marvin, Aunt Edith, Gina &  Christy Calabro, The C's,  Aunt Janet & Uncle Kenny, Malcolm & Rosie, Melissa Rozas & Family, EJ & Pete, Aunt Catherine Bennet & Family, Aunt Stephanie & Family, Dennis & Carolyn Canon, Tommy & Sheila & Family, Trudy & Ken Rozas, 

Friends:   

Michelle Foteh & Family, Carol Woodhouse & Family, Arthur & Leah, Matt Matt, Stephanie & D'Nelly Family, Tracie Janaska, Chris Gill, Donna & Pat Elliott, Shannon Ralph & Family, Debbie Sue Rice, Michelle Zagorski & Family, Johnelle & Harry Locher, Nicole Andrews & Family, D'Laine & Family, Michelle Thompson & Family, Judy & Glenn Lilie, KK Jenkins & Family, Cameron Gallagher & Family, Courtney Martin & Family, Gloria & Larry Lowe, Kim Sweeny & Family, CPI Crew, Janet & Frers Family,  Christy & Bart Lafever Family,  Mr & Mrs. Canon, Ger & Diana Beastom, Dana Johnson & Family, Peter Zasuly, Kay & Family, Ernessa & Christian Hibbard, Daryl Blaugnad & Family,  Vonnie Moden & Family, Koochie & Jack Hardig & Family, Jackie Migdal, Lisa Greve & Family. Shelly Lang & Family, Frank & Kim Corredor, Stephanie Spangle & Family, Holly Thompson, Wendy, Tamara Dowling, Cook Family, Norbert Gegner, Nancy Ullman, Paige Royse, Marin & Jeff, Dee Dee, Laura Barbude, Shari-tennis, Anne Hale, Daisy & Dave, LaraB, Kelly Gonzales & Family, Andrea Himmelsehr, Jen, Everyone at Paseo Club, Lori Foster, Lynn Honeycutt, Elizabeth, Kim Molausen, Amy L'Herault, Kelli, Anna Garcia, Kristina Haynes, M. Andrus, Leanna Santos, Teague Family, Jeff, Kelli & Family, John, Kristina Haynes, Allysa, Bates & Family, Jennifer  Garza, Peter Freyer, Elizabeth S, Michelle C, Cathy Clyde, Polaris, Heidi Y, 

Friends from my past & High school:

Vanessa & Garrison Family, Billy & Linda Shaw, Renee & Hale Family, Joe Griffen, David Arbaugh, Brooke Swoboda & Family (loved the pics), Fotorny Family, Tiffany Sharlow & Family, Jamie Lowe & Family, Tommy, his wife &  Zoey Beer,  Deanna Baggett & Family, Keri DeBorde & Family, Shari Curtis-Brown, Melissa & rust Burkett, Karen Riley, Dawn Incerta, Jodi Briand, Kirk Dressendorfer & Family, Sonya Young, Kevin Dorris, 

My wonderful, Bestest Ever Neighbors:

Barbara & Ian Cook, Thompson Family, Dan & Carol Merrill, Perez Family, Haddad Family, Mike and Darlene, Erzulmy Family!

NO more spots, I FEEL GOOD Nana nana nana na!!!

Leah and Arthur-Newly engaged!

She kept her eye!

   

We attended a charity dog festival May 18, 2008 run by our dear friends, Leah and Arthur, that are our producers/employers too.  Leah is about 4 years out from surviving eye cancer.  She had to work hard to keep her eye and finally found a doctor that would attempt to save her eye.  She has a great spirit, courage and strength.  She is always so sweet and calm in a zen way.  She is an inspiration. We had a blast and dogs where everywhere!! Everyone remained breathing with no asthma attacks from the dog dander.  I wanted to adopt about 15 dogs even though were not able to have one.  The  kids and Art have severe allergies and asthma, so no pooches in the Freed casa.  Plus I hate cleaning up the poop.

Hi everyone the itchy rash is gone and I am a happy camper.  I feel good!  I still have the fatigue that may last up to a year, but I am getting stronger every day.  I am also having close to migraine headaches all day.  I have to stay on top of taking my prescription Motrin, then I am fully functional.  I hear (pun intended) that the headaches may or may not improve with time.  I am gonna manifest a headache free life.  A new symptom just started today-I am having intermittent tingling to my right hand.  I will call the doctors on that one. Art is still amazing as always helping with laundry and cooking.  He is working from home again and we get to see each other all day.  His emotional support is priceless and he is constantly reminding me to slow down. Reminding me that I just had my head drilled and Willy scooped out a couple of months ago.  It really feels like it all  happened a year ago.  I still feel so much love and support from everyone.

I can really see that my life has changed:  I am taking my time and enjoying my children more, instead of keeping a perfect house and rushing.  I am not sweating the small stuff realizing what a waste of energy and head space it takes up.  Willy already took up to much space for many years.  My kids, Art and family are healthy and that is truly all that matters.  Together were strong and will get through anything, as I have just experienced.  I have a new found compassion for those with hearing disabilities and want to learn sign language.  I try hard everyday to have an upbeat attitude filled with humor.  I am not so concerned with what others think as long as I know I am being true to my heart and family.  I have a stronger personal relationship with GOD and a stronger faith in prayer.

As far as home life goes we are slowly picking up where we left off.  We plan on trying to tent camp this summer.  California has amazing camping grounds all over the place.  For a test run we camped in the backyard one night.  Right down to somores using the fire pit. The kiddos really got a kick out of it and we got to practice putting up the tent.  I did cheat and used the restroom inside.  Mason flooded the kitchen.  I came downstairs to find him on his stool at the sink in the bathroom.  He had taken an outdoor hose that we have for the kids to play with that has multiple spouts all over the hose.  He so brilliantly put one end of the hose up to the sink spout  and ran water all over our kitchen and laundry room.  20 towels later and a long time out, all was well.  Mason is almost  potty trained.  Thought we were there until he pooped in his Cars undies in T- Mobile today and we had just left from the bathroom.  Now that was fun.  Madeline is doing great!  She is our love child with not an intentional mean bone in her body.  She is out of school for the summer as of today. I got a big surprise when I picked her up from school this week.  Dad had taken her and she dressed herself.  I should of taken a pic of the mismatched outfit, right down to the flip flops she is not allowed to wear.  I couldn't help from laughing.  We are going up to the mountains, Big Bear, next T, W and Th.  We plan on chilling out in the cabin and cooking some great meals.  We were suppose to take the trip when I was in the hospital with meningitis. I will probably have a better trip now that I am feeling stronger. We are craigslist demons putting everything in the garage up for cheap sell.  We want to declutter our lives and keep it simple.  We are going to Colorado June 7th to visit Michelle and the Canon crew.  Jules and her kiddos are coming too and we plan on living it up with all the kids together.  We are going to a resort in long beach that we scored from a timeshare presentation (love those).  In July we are still planning on heading to Texas.  The airfare is outrageous right now and I have to wait for the prices to lower.   I guess it is the gas prices.  Along with some local camping trips (we'll see how that goes) and trips to Sea World, 

that pretty much sums up our summer.  I am just glad to be feeling better.  All those antibiotics really threw me for a loop.  I know all the good vibes and prayers have a huge part in my recovery, keep it coming.  I like to feel the LOVE, even from the sweet families I have never met.  It means a the world.  Love to all, Dara

ITCHY SCRATCHY!!!!!!!!

I found a picture on the web of what my rash looks like.  I couldn't bring myself to be the model.

Hi everyone!  I am up to my old ways of being a sleepless wonder.  This rash is killing me.  I am trying  really hard not to go there, but even with the decadron, claritan, motrin and tons on calamine lotion  I am still itchy.  It is every where-face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, hands, feet-EVERYWHERE.  Not feeling real sexy right now.  I let loose in the shower last night scratching with one of those puff pads.  10 Minutes of pure Heaven to be followed by a night time of rawness, not a bright idea (pun intended). Art is really great at lathering me down three times a day.  I enjoy it cause he rubs in the lotion and kinda feels like scratching.   I found a great way to itch my butt at the store.  I just put my hands in my back pockets and itched away.  I am sure nobody notices.  I feel like a three year old with Art yelling across the room STOP itching-I think he is psychic cause I am really good at disguising the art of  scratching.  He thinks I may get a staff infection if I break the skin and possibly croak.  I am trying really hard to cut it out, if not for myself, but to relief Arty of any further anxiety.  He deserves that and has been through enough!  My daddy is here and I am enjoying him immensely.  He is throwing a Texas style barbecue on Sat. to celebrate me being out of the hospital.  He started preparing Thur. when he got into town.  He is handy around the house and I am putting him to work on repairs.  I like hanging with him cause he doesn't catch my scratching.  Other than the r***, I feel really really good.  My energy is improving, my speech is clearing, my walking is improving, my mind feels clearer and I am DRIVING!  I feel like a million bucks compared to last week.  My body just did not handle all those IV heavy duty antibiotics.  I will happily take the rash over feeling terrible.  Happy scratching-I mean sleeping!  Love, Dara

HEAR today gone tomorrow!

I came home last night from a 5 day stint at the hospital and I am here to stay.  I feel really good except for the entire body rash that itches like hell.  I put about 10 layers calamine lotion on at a time and I feel like a pink taco (One of our fav mex. food rest.).  My doc called me his little lobster.  So,  for the third and final round this is how it went down.  Art took me to the ER Fri.  afternoon.  I was spiking a fever through the current big gun antibiotics that I  was giving myself Iv and my neck was swollen with rock hard lymph nodes.  The ER doc took me a little more seriously than last Fri trip to the ER.  In his eyes I was somewhat a rock star for all that I had endured the past couple of months.  This I liked!  They pulled my beloved PICC line ( I was sad to see it go cause I knew it was not the source of infection), took labs, started three IVS (kept missing-unheard of in ER-my luck), stuck a needle in my back to take out some more spinal fluid to test, stabbed me in the neck about 6 times to try and extract fluid they could test,  and another CT of my smart noggin.  Maybe I shouldn't have been so excited about my rock star status-look what it got me.  They admitted me and changed up my antibiotics.  I had an infectious disease doc, a med doc, a neurosurgeon doc,  an ENT doc and great nurses trying to figure me out (few have).  I spiked through the new antibiotics with fever, but my neck swelling of the lymph nodes got smaller by the day.  All the blood, picc, and spinal fluid cultures were coming back negative for bacteria growth.  So they discontinued everything and observed me for 24 hours.  In this  period I had no fever-must of been having reaction to antibiotics.  They chalked up the neck swelling to a viral something.  The radiant rash blessed me on the day I was leaving (again antibiotic reaction).  So basically no real answers, a medical mystery, but I am feeling more like myself since post surgery.  I came home on no medications with a new attitude- Feisty, sexy and sassy!  I was very Zen  at first, letting God and prayers heal me with a real peace about the whole scenario.  That really got me through the surgery wonderfully and I was blessed a million times over. I am now pissed and in fight mode to get myself back.  My energy and spirits are high.   Don't get me wrong.   I am still pulling the brain tumor card now that I am paying the late bills to get the late fee waived.  I earned it!  I am a fighter that is looking forward to Mother's Day.  Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful mothers I know and love.  To all the husbands out there remember how special your wives are and how one's health could change on a dime-treat each other amazing every day.  My Dad is coming today for 4 days and I am hooking up with my sisters very soon.  Mom is almost done with school and she will be here for a few weeks.  Life is Good!  God is Good!