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Life with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis

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Life with Cystic Fibrosis: A look into my life and my struggle with Cystic Fibrosis.

The kids and I walking to raise money for a cure for CF.


I am beyond blessed and honored that you are reading my blog.  My first year blogging was a whirlwind.  I jumped in knowing NOTHING!! But I am so glad that I took the leap of faith and stepped into a scary new venture.

You see my life is in the midst of change. Major change. Monumental Change. It is scary, exciting, and overwhelming all at once.

Today, I want to share with you, my precious readers, what had been going on in my life–a glimpse to help you get to know me better and to tell you that you reading my blog and supporting me, means more to me now then ever before.

A Huge Move

On Mother’s Day 2015, I found myself in a new city, 4 hours from my current home, looking for a new house. This was not on a whim, this was after over a year of praying for direction for my husband’s job. He had a great job and worked for a great boss. But we had a feeling change was going to happen. We were right. After months of intense praying, we knew that my husband was not suppose to stay here in Atlanta, he was to take a step outside his comfort zone and move our family to Charlotte, North Carolina.

He was not scared of the job–still with the great company he has worked for and he is good at what he does, but he was more scared to move his family. We moved from Ohio to Atlanta nearly 10 years ago, and we were beyond blessed with fabulous friends, doctors, a school we loved, and a great church. That is A LOT to leave!!

But when God placed it on both our hearts to move, we knew we had to listen. So that is how we found ourselves in Charlotte on Mother’s Day Weekend. It wasn’t how I planned my day, but so awesome to find my dream kitchen in the school district we desired for our children.  Less than a month later, we put a for sale sign in our yard. It was at that exact moment, our lives changed drastically!!

Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection

As our realtor was putting the for sale sign in our yard, I received news that I was growing a lung infection specific to people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).  I was told that the doctors NEVER thought I would get this type of infection, that my form of CF was only effecting my digestive system. I was in a state of shock. I am not sure what I said or did when the realtor came back into the house after placing the sign in the yard.  I don’t remember much of anything, but thinking, How could this happen? Are my kids okay? Do they have the infection? Why do we have to move now?

What happened in the next week was way too much to account for in this blog post. My house sold and my diagnosis of CRMS was changed to CF. I was put on antibiotics that made my body revolt. I went from feeling fine to feeling miserable as my body began to wage war on the infection. I started breathing treatments and lung clearing exercises that I was told in the past were unnecessary, but now needed to preserve my lung function and prolong my life.

Miracles

However, so many glimpses of God and miracles were seen during those weeks and now as we we settle into our new home. My children are at a school that has had staff with CF children in the past, so understands and is treating my babies with such great care AND we have found a pediatrician who is a mom to 2 CF kids herself. I have chills as I type that–what an amazing connection and blessing for this CF mom with 2 CF kids! We have made great friends, been welcomed into a wonderful church, and have found amazing specialists. Plus we just feel at HOME.

A Mind “Full” Mom Readers

But one thing I want to personally thank you for is supporting me through this blog. You see, I LOVE this! I find peace and comfort in the kitchen and sharing it with others makes me simply giddy. I can do this from home. I can put my health first and still be Mom to my children, whose lives are changing as well–they now need daily treatments, they are watching Mom cough for hours each day, and they have just moved out of state and started a new school and in the process of making new friends–that is quite a lot for young kids to take on all at once.  But I can do something I love without jeopardizing my health.

So thank you. I am beyond grateful.

I can’t wait to see what my journey in Charlotte holds in store for not just my family, but for my new kitchen that I plan on sharing with you all!Here is the new kitchen–one lucky girl!!

kitchen

Becoming Diamonds

On a final note, I wanted to share with you some inspiration from my 10 year old son. The day we were reeling from the news of my diagnosis, I found my son in his room seeking comfort in his Bible (be still my heart!). He looked up and said to me, {Psalm 66:10-12:} “For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.” This is a lot, but we are gonna be diamonds, Mom.

I am crying just typing that. He is so right–if we let God steer us and we are faithful, he will will turn us into diamonds. And wouldn’t you know it, I was given a gift of a diamond necklace from dear friends’ shortly after that comment, as inspiration to keep fighting. I hold that diamond in my hand when things get a bit overwhelming and I know that God has me and my family in his hands no matter how rough things get.

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Comments

  1. Dear Kristen, so proud of you girl. You’ve had so many challenges going on simultaneously, and like your son reminded you, you’re shining like a diamond. All of you are. Keep shining, keep believing. Congrats on all the good things that are happening and take good care of you. The kitchen is beautiful, congratulations! Love reading your beautiful blog. xo

    Reply

  2. Wow you’ve had so many challenges at once and persevered. You are one strong mama. Nice to meet you in the blog hop

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  3. Crying reading your words! Happy God has put you closer to those wonderful doctors and pray for your healing Kristen and the kids!! We miss you at Browns Bridge but know God has great plans for your future in NC. Remember we love you and continue to pray!

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  4. Oh how I admire you, my dear friend. Your courage and strength are such a force and you are truly a beautiful person inside and out. I am so happy (and a little jealous 😉 ) of your beautiful kitchen and new home. I am so happy you are content and happy in SC. You have such a beautiful family and you are so blessed in so many ways. What an absolute doll your son is, it’s not surprising with a mother like you. I will continue to pray for you and your family! XO

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  5. Hi Kristen! So great to hear of God’s care and provision for your family in this testing and of the beautiful faith that you are each exercising! I will keep you all in my prayers. Your blog looks amazing as does your kitchen!!!! May God bless you and continue to guide and direct your path.
    Love,
    Rachel Buggs

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Rachel–I appreciate your kind words and prayers. God is blessing me daily with people like you!

      Reply

  6. Oh Kristen, you have so much courage! You know I am always cheering for you and I am here if you need me. Your son truly is amazing!

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  8. Oh my friend, it was such a blessing to met you this past year. You are continually on my prayer list, along with your kids and hubby. I’m not sure I know anyone as strong as you? You take everything in stride with such grace. Keep that up, as you are a FIGHTER. God bless and and know you’ve got a food blogging friend here in Iowa pulling for you:)

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  10. Awww the memories you’ll make in that new kitchen. It looks like a beautiful place to gather and feel like the heart of your home. Best of luck to you in this new chapter!

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  11. What an absolute whirlwind of a ride you’ve had. Your strength shines through. I think I’ve typed it in a different comment, but I love that you are living the healthiest life you can, despite your setbacks.
    Beautiful blog, beautiful words
    Meg x

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  12. I hope you recover soon! I can’t imagine the worry about your children getting it too! And wow! What a gorgeous kitchen!

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    • Thank you Christy. Unfortunately, CF is not something you can recover from and I will fight the infections my whole life. But hopefully I can keep them minimal!

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  14. Wow, what a journey you’ve been on! But it seems like you’ve remained positive through it all and never let the “woe is me” mindset interfere. Keep up the positive attitude!

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  15. what a heartwarming story. I can feel your strength through this post. Keep believing and honoring Him and you will be just fine. Your kids are super adorable!

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  16. Hi Kristen, It is so great to meet you through the blog hop! Wow, what a crazy journey you have been on but I love love your positive attitude. Your kids are adorable! And I love love your new kitchen!

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  17. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post! I love Charlotte and would move there in a heartbeat (gorgeous kitchen!) But I know what it’s like to leave behind your comfort zone, too. i know you will bloom where you are planted!

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  19. Wow, what a lot to go through all at once! I admire your strength and especially the faith your family has. The fact that your son quoted the Bible…that is just awesome!

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  20. Kristen, this was so much to take in, I can’t begin to imagine living it. I so admire your positive mindset in the way you are coping. The psalm your son shared is so very beautiful. You are all diamonds and you shall persevere. Now go enjoy and flourish in that gorgeous kitchen!

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  21. What an awesome outlook you have! Your’e handling so much – your own illness and that of your kids’. I’m so glad that you have a strong network (even if it’s new!) to hold you up and help manage. Great post – beautiful family, beautiful kitchen :).

    Reply

  22. Amen!! I was crying reading what your son read and said to you. What a blessing he must be!

    I am so happy that you all are settling and finding support and comforts in your new friends, neighbors and church.

    Continued blessings to you…..oh and that kitchen!!!! Lucky lady!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Tamieka! Isn’t it amazing what small children are capable of? He is a HUGE blessing in my life and I am so blessed he is trusting God despite all our challenges.

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  23. My heart just went out for you and your family as I read your story. What a trying year you have all had, and with the diagnosis for both you and your children for CF. I have to say, I am completely amazed and impressed by your outlook and positivity. I really do believe the lord guided you and brought you to the best place he could for what was about to come.
    You’re sweet little son, at that age to seek the Lord’s guidance while he was struggling, that is just the sweetest thing and I am sure you are such a proud mother and felt so lucky to be able to witness him do this.
    That is awesome you were able to get your dream kitchen, and I must say it is gorgeous! Prayers to you and your family and those who are studying and researching CF, may they lead your family on the best treatment plans possible!!!
    Thanks so much for being so open and sharing your beautiful story!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for your kind words, Kristy. I am amazed by my son and so grateful for all the Lord is doing in our lives despite our diseae. And from the bottom of my heart, thank your for your prayers for my family and for a cure!

      Reply

  24. I’m tearing up reading this but I can’t help but admire your strength! I love Charlotte and your kitchen is gorgeous!

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  25. Wow! What an incredible journey of faith and hope you’ve been on! I truly believe that the Lord will always provide and point us in the right direction, and my friend it sounds like that’s just what’s been happening with you! I wish you many years of health and happiness ahead! You are a brave woman!

    PS: I’m DROOLING over your kitchen!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Rachael. I appreciate your well wishes and you are right God will show us the way, we just have to be obedient to listen.

      Reply

  26. Despite your diagnosis, god is certainly looking out for you! Things could definitely be worse, but look at your beautiful family! 🙂

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  27. So many changes all at once, but it sounds like you have great support where you are now.

    I’ve thought about getting a slow cooker but as a vegan I’m not sure how much I would use it. I have quite a small kitchen so I need to make sure the kitchen equipment I have are ones that I use a lot.

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    • Yes, I understand not wanting any piece of equipment that takes up valued space!!! Hmm, I bake my sweet potatoes in the crock pot a lot and I make awesome vegan chilis and minestrones–but you have to decide what is best for you.

      Reply

  28. I’m glad to be part of the blog hop and to be able to discover your blog today! This is a very inspired (and inspirational) post, and it looks like you and your family really rise up to face the challenges in your lives. So, so cool, and I can’t wait to try one of your crock pot recipes!

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  29. What an amazing story you have, what a testimony to share 😉 To be honest, I’m not much into cooking/food blogs, but it sounds like you have SO much more than that to share….I’m excited to have met you through the hop (I was in the first Hop, but have been stalking all the second round peeps LOL), and I look forward to following you on your journey 😉

    Reply

    • Ha! Ha! Kim, I love that you are stalking the 2nd round too! I love meeting everyone as well–such a fun thing!

      Reply

  30. Your blog is so inspirational to read. You seem to be dealing with your health challenges very well and you have a positive outlook on like. It is a blessing to have such grounded people in your life and the story of your son reading the Bible just warms my heart.
    I’m visiting from the blog hop although I’ve been on your site before. And today, I subscribed. I look forward to reading more of your inspiring life story
    http://runwright.net

    Reply

  32. I feel blessed to have you in my life. I was so glad to have connected with you and your wonderful family, in person this summer, and I pray for you guys daily! God has put you where you are meant to be and where you can shine and make a difference in the lives of others! Your blog is an inspiration to me and i know it is to others!

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  33. What an amazing story!! Getting up and moving your family isnt easy but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason so it was clearly meant to be. And that new kitchen… im jealous!!

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    • Everything does happen for a reason (and you should have seen my old kitchen–you would have cried it was so tiny!!)

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  34. I admire your courage and strength. I love the scripture your son quoted at the end of your post. Faith and family will help you through the tough times. Your kitchen is gorgeous! A lot of memories to be made in your new place.

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  35. What an emotional and incredible journey you have been on. Wow! You have found strength from so many parts of your life and you have been able to move forward and talk about it. I’m sure that others are as moved as I am.
    I am visiting through the blog hop and will be back to read more about you n and your vision for your future.
    p.s. Gorgeous kitchen!

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  36. Thank you for the slow cooker recipes. They look amazing! I am sorry to hear about your lung infection. Wishing you a smooth recovery. You are an inspiration!

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  37. Wow what an incredible story! And moving on top of all of this is so overwhelming. I just made a huge move last year from Philly to Anchorage and while I’m super happy here, it wasn’t easy at first. I’m sending you tons of good luck on all the challenges coming your way! I’d tell you to stay strong but it sounds like you and your family are doing an awesome job of that already 🙂

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    • Thanks Kristen. I read your story about moving to Ancorage (and what a change from Philly!!!) Thank you for you well wishes.

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    • Caroline, check out the yummy brussel sprout salad today! I love veggies and hope to keep you inspired with many recipes to come!

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  39. I have subscribed to you website but did not received any email about this; therefore, I am not able to locate the source for downloading. Would you please kindly look into this for me.

    Reply

  40. Hi, Kristen. It’s nice to meet you through the hop. You have had, and will continue to have, an amazing and incredible journey. You are an inspiration and such a strong woman. You are truly blessed. Your son said the sweetest thing about diamonds. It gave me chills. I appreciate you sharing the crock pot recipes. I cook a lot with mine and am always on the hunt for something different. Enjoy your beautiful new kitchen.

    Reply

  41. Oh my friend! To read your story makes me cry with you. God is working a miracle on you and your family. We truly miss you and your sweet family here in the hood. I am so glad that you have settled in and enjoying your new home, your blog and have found a church family! Hugs and kisses to all! Love you!

    Reply

  42. Oh my gosh, like everyone else, I am crying reading this! I am so happy to have met you through the blog hop, and I look forward to getting to know you more!! <3

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  44. Your perseverance in the face of significant change and personal trial is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your challenges and positive outlook with us! It’s lovely to meet you through the blog hop. I also look forward to learning from some of your recipes!

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  47. Aww, so inspiring Kristen. I loved reading this, it was so empowering. Indeed, God is our source of strength and we can do all things through Him. No wonder you are still being poured out with blessings. Keep the faith! You’re awesome!

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  48. Your story is very inspirational! I am so happy you are loving Charlotte. My hubby and I lived there many years ago when we were first married. We have family around Charlotte, its a great city. Of course, there are the amazing Panthers!

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  49. my son also has
    CF- just diagnosed- very late at 9!! I am trying to download the cookbook and it is coming up page not found? Can you e-mail it to me? I am in desperate need of some good, recipes! Slow cooker would be awesome!

    I am trying to learn as much as I can in this crazy, scary new world. You are giving me a bit of hope!

    Reply

    • Julie, I am so sorry to hear about your son. I will keep him and you in my prayers. I would love to connect with you and help you in any way. I am sending you some more links and the ebook via email to help you out. Sorry about that!

      Reply

  50. I find it was no coincidence that the Almighty led me to your blog. With the similiar CF diagnosies (now I learn that yours was changed to straight CF, I pray all is going well). My husband and I are just starting out on our journey with the Almighty and this update brought me to tears.
    Thank you for sharing your story and your tasty meals! I am going through each category and making a lot of lists! 🙂

    Reply

    • Sweet Kat, I am so glad that God brought you to my blog. I will be praying for you and am here for you at any time.

      Reply

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