That I was in the States right now. Funnily enough, I wish it as much as I used to wish I could visit the UK when I lived in the US. I want to see my new nephew when he’s born, I want to get my wisdom teeth out, I want Aaron to get his back fixed, I want to see Aaron’s family, and most of all, I want to see the excitement on Cora and Calvin’s faces when they see Grandma and Grandpa for the first time in 18 months.
But, as I always tell my kids, “wants don’t get”.
She will be having surgery to correct her squint. It’s a day procedure. I think the hardest thing is going to be not letting her eat that morning! We’re staying in a motel the night before, because we have to be there at 8am and we live 1.5hrs away in good traffic. Rush hour in Aberdeen is horrendous!
She should be released that afternoon. Prayers for her safety throughout the operation and that the operation will work, are much appreciated.
She has debilitating scoliosis. Her spine curves 90 degrees. She is in constant pain. She cannot even shower unattended in case she falls. Illinois state Department of Rehabilitative Services just gave Hollie a brand new electric wheelchair/buggy. Right now Hollie can’t really go out much because she is in too much pain to walk around. Great, right? It would be if the DoRS would provide her with a wheelchair lift. But they don’t, and they cost $1,500-$2,000. No State or Federal programs will help her, she’s contacted several charities such as the Scoliosis Foundation and no-one can help. Her church is not able to help.
So, I want to try and help her. I’m going to do a sponsored walk, same route I walked when I was in high school for a probably undeserving charity. Still, this time I know where every penny is going. It’s an 8 mile walk, on April 28th. Absolutely no pressure, because I hate being on the receiving end of that, but if anyone would like to contribute then please contact me.
(No, I’m not pregnant.)
Firstly, we will be moving in as little as three weeks! We only found out for sure a couple of days ago. I went to a meeting about the property today, then had a look at it (from as close as I could get behind the construction barriers). It is the same size as the house we’re in right now, but it’s brand new, the rent is about half what we pay here, it’s very near Peterhead bus station with half hourly buses to Aberdeen, and we can exchange with anyone anywhere in the UK who is also renting from a ’social landlord’. We’d like to eventually move to Aberdeen, so it’s good to have the option of doing it more affordably than private renting.
Here’s the house:
Sorry for the poor quality, it was taken on my mobile. It’s the house on the left (there are 2 houses in the same building). Where the digger is will be a play area! I’m very excited about having that right outside our door, and I’m sure the kids will be too.
Now onto the second announcement: in all likelihood, in September I will begin training to teach childbirth classes! I will come away after 2-3 years of the course with a Diploma in Antenatal Education.
Some of you probably know that childbirth is a passion for me. I was very flattered actually, I was talking to the tutor - she is retiring this summer so I will start with the woman who takes over from her - and at one point she said “gosh I wish I was going to be your tutor, Amber!”.
This course is organised by the NCT - National Childbirth Trust. They promote all the things I believe in, basically. I am thankful that the Lord has lined this up for me. 
Firstly, thank you Aaron for making my birthday so lovely.
I got some lovely thoughtful gifts - although Cora did announce what she was giving me as she brought it to me! Then we went shopping in Aberdeen and saw a movie (The Bankjob - well worth seeing). Followed that by a visit to Mum and Dad’s for homemade pizza and then cake, which was really lovely. My brothers even both remembered! Last year Benjamyn didn’t so much as say happy birthday because his new girlfriend was over. This year I even got 2 hugs (2 more than I’ve had in the past year anyway).
I still have a parcel to pick up today that couldn’t be left yesterday. I’m very curious as to what it is. Sadly Aaron couldn’t get me what I really want, a Kitchenaid mixer, because both of us morally object to paying $600-700 for a mixer that you can get for under $200 in the US!
Oh and it was a beautiful sunny day, if a bit windy, but that night it started snowing. It didn’t last but it sure was a pretty finish to the day. Thank you Lord.
I went to Aberdeen with my Dad today, he had a hospital appointment then was going to take me to the chiropractor about 30 miles away.
His appointment ran late so I was sat at Tesco for 3hrs feeling really ill, I was shaky and weak, it was odd.
Then we got some fuel. Got halfway to Turriff and the car started knocking……. OH NO. I put gas in their new diesel car. 
We were stranded for 4 hours before we got a taxi home - my Dad couldn’t get in the RAC’s recovery truck.
I feel so so stupid. I dread to think how much this will cost. I’ve been in tears all afternoon about it. Diesel is a lubricant - petrol is a solvent. Petrol in a diesel engine can ruin it, the car was run for 15 miles on the fuel and then wouldn’t start again.
Cora told me yesterday that she was going to eat lots of food so she could grow big and hold Calvin for me when my back was hurting.
In other news: Calvin is mostly better, and my back is vastly improved.
I'm Amber, living in Fraserburgh (Scotland) with my lovely husband and two children.
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