Welcome to all! I am the Featured Blogger today for the SITS Girls website. For my regular readers who don’t know what SITS (The Secret to Support) is all about, I am part of a group of more than 10,000 women bloggers dedicated to supporting each other by leaving comments and learning about blogging. You may have heard of their “Bloggy Boot Camps”, one day conferences in major cities all over the country for women to learn how to be better bloggers, to network and just have some fun! Being a Featured Blogger is a big deal so yay for me!
I am “Emily” and I started this blog when I became too sick to work after being diagnosed with Lupus. I have a husband “Grant” who also suffers from chronic illnesses (lucky us!) and a five year old son, “Tyler”. I have a weekly post theme called “Tuesdays With Tyler” in which I spotlight mostly the wonderful and occasionally the not so wonderful times of Tyler’s life.
I also have other physical illnesses such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, and mental illnesses such as Depression and Anxiety. From Twitter and forums and support websites, I knew there were many moms out there like me who were raising a child or children while being chronically ill. My blog offers support to those like me, trying to be the best moms they can be while facing challenges which can include chronic pain and fatigue or depression.
Besides writing about chronic illnesses, I write about women’s issues, daily living, and being a mom in general, you know, your typical mommy blog stuff! While I want to show well moms what chronically ill moms go through, I also want them to know that we are more alike than different. As difficult as life can be, I do try to see the humor and fun it can offer, especially when it comes to being a mom.
I speak very openly about my illnesses and how they affect me. I continue to feel inspired when I receive comments from people such as “You write what I cannot” or “You express exactly how I am feeling, thank you for doing this!”
I hope these posts will give you more of an idea of what my blog is all about:
Why I Just Said No to NaBloPoMo
Tuesdays With Tyler: Halloween!
If you are a first time visitor thanks for stopping by and I do hope you will come again! And for my loyal readers, thank you for always coming back, you keep me going!
Hi Emily! Happy SITS Day! I think it’s great that you are sharing another side of motherhood! :>
Karen @ Time Crafted´s last [type] ..{ MAGIC }
Wow. Congrats on your SITS day!
Broot´s last [type] ..Grrrrrrr hotmail!!!!
Happy SITS Day, Emily! My brother had lupus (of the skin), so I understand a little about it. Can’t wait to read more…enjoy your special day!
April´s last [type] ..Our Shooting Range Adventure
Yes! Happy sits day!
In Katrina’s Kitchen´s last [type] ..Patchwork Winter Mitten Cookies
Happy SITS Day! I can’t imagine having both Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Thanks for sharing your story!
Leslie´s last [type] ..{Inspiration Board} Tangerine Tango
Congratulations, Emily! What an honor. You deserve it!!
Happy SITS Day! Y’all seem to have won the chronic illness lottery! I have been tested of Lupus because I have a few really odd symptoms, none of which on their own mean anything, but together, that was the only thing they pointed to… diagnosis negative… and thankfully, some of the symptoms have now disappeared. Openly sharing your story is a gift to so many!
Sorta Southern Single Mom´s last [type] ..Food for Sorta Southern Single Thoughts
Happy SITS day! I’m sorry you are managing so much
It sounds like you are a strong advocate and increasing people’s knowledge out there, which is SO important.
Jenn´s last [type] ..Mind Games
Happy SITS day! Great story to share… I love your post about holding your son’s hand. I also have a health issue that will affect me every day for the rest of my life and I am glad you are sharing your story. Can’t wait to keep reading!
Leah @ LeahMarieV´s last [type] ..DIY Stair Makeover Update
Wow, just wow. You are an amazing woman with an amazing family! Thank you for sharing your story and your blog today. You definitely put things in perspective, and I hope you feel as well as you possibly can.
jamie´s last [type] ..My Grown Up Living Room
Congrats on your SITS day and thanks for sharing your story. You seem to be a very brave and strong woman – especially to share your experiences with everyone ! Keep on blogging – awesome job
Happy SITS Day to you!
Amber´s last [type] ..Hey, It’s Okay Tuesday!
Happy SITS day! Hope its a good one!
Latoya @ The Scott’s Crib´s last [type] ..2012 House Goals
I will definitely be back! I also suffer with Depression and Anxiety and it’s nice to know that life does go on.
Happy SITS DAY!!!
Kavuli (Good Hair Diaries)´s last [type] ..UPDATE – 2012 Hair Regimen
Happy Sits Day. Your son is adorable. Can’t wait to read more.
Alyce@culinarythymes.com´s last [type] ..BCS: Blue Cheese Spread, a dip for the National Championship
Happy SITS Day! You are such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story.
Happy, HAPPY SITS day!
)))
Marie Cole´s last [type] ..Color Palette, All Aboard
Yay!! Happy SITS Day Emily! You so deserve it.
Mama Kat´s last [type] ..Fashion for the Soccer Mom
Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, and congrats on your SITS Day!!
Christa the BabbyMama´s last [type] ..Nighttime’s When We’re On the Lookout for a Piglet On a Stool
Go Emily Go!
Congrats on being featured and happy SITS day!
Karen´s last [type] ..Blazing In Gold
Congrats on your SITS day! I think you are doing a wonderful thing by sharing your story. Thank you for informing those of us that are not chronically ill and for being an inspiration to those of us that are.
Deanna´s last [type] ..juice recipes
Happy SITs Day! Thanks for sharing your journey. You have a great blog. I hope you are flooded with comments today!
Emily´s last [type] ..ART {or something}
Hi Emily! Congrats on your feature on SITS! How exciting! I think it’s wonderful that you have found blogging to be an outlet and to be open and honest to those of us who are unaware of what other mommy’s go through but not only that, for those who are in the same situation. It has to be a wonderful support system!
I’m new here so I’ll just poke around and check your blog out!
Kimmy´s last [type] ..Ozzy!!
Happy SITS Day! I’m looking forward to reading more about you & your family. Thank you for sharing with us!
Heather Fulkerson´s last [type] ..Positive & Negative Colors…
Congrats on your SITS day! Well done for speaking out and being a voice to other Mom’s out there, naturally you are not alone! I can’t imagine how hard it is, as my condition doesn’t affect me too often. Great blog and keep smiling!! X
Miss Honesty´s last [type] ..Que the cute face
Congrats on your SITS day!
C @ Kid Things´s last [type] ..The Top of the Toy Pile
Happy SITS day! Can’t wait to read more about your journey!
Brandy´s last [type] ..Conversations with Dad
happy SITS day! You have a wonderful website.
Happy SITS Day! That has got to be frustrating to have so many desires to do things but be limited by your illnesses. But then I guess we all are not perfect and can’t do everything we would like to too. I suffer on and off from depression and anxiety and the tiredness gets to me as I like to load my “plate” with too many things and then I exhaust myself. It is such a balance! I’ll have to follow you and see what tips you have.
Caren with a “C”´s last [type] ..Back to Basics in Goals for the New Year
Happy SITS Day!
Emily, happy SITS day! Nice to meet you – and – What a life you have! You seem to be a very entertaining and thoughtful writer, providing words that many people need to hear.
luci gabel´s last [type] ..What I Think about New Year’s Resolutions
Hello! My husband deals with Type 1 Diabetes and Dialysis. Sometimes we’re sailing through life OK, and sometimes we’re slammed with some complication that throws us for a loop. I worry about him everyday.
I’m so sorry you and your husband both have to deal with illness. BUT, congrats on your SITS day!
Just Jennifer´s last [type] ..Why I Love the Serenity Prayer
You really inspire me and help me hope it will be possible to be a mummy one day despite my disabilities (EDS and M.E in my case). I love your blog, so thank you from me.
Thanks for sharing your stories in a public forum. I have several chronic issues like fibromyalgia, systemic mastocytosis, and I had a craniotomy to remove a brain tumor. The surgery left me with impaired vision and balance on my left side. I blog about it sometimes, but it seems like people who don’t have to deal with chronic issues don’t get it. So I tip my hat to you for writing for everyone to see.
Happy SITS day!!! You are a very strong person, I can already tell.
Happy Sits Day!
Oh man, I understand what you’re going through. I am so happy you were able to get a diagnosis from a doctor. I’m still waiting….except for the anxiety part (all my doctors agree on that one!)
I know that chronic illness can be maintained and won’t kill you (if treated) but I hope you find the right choice of treatment so you aren’t in that horrible slump or in pain! Being sick (especially when people can’t physically see it!) is no fun!
Jamie´s last [type] ..clever cleavage
Happy SITS Day. What an incredible story you have.
Michael´s last [type] ..I Love the Smell of Napalm…Old Memories
Happy SITS Day, Emily! I applaud you for telling your tale with all the ups and downs you go through daily, and I’m excited to poke around your site and learn more!
Jocelyn @ ScooterMarie´s last [type] ..17 month stats
Happy SITS day Emily. Just reading your introduction and bio I feel strength and compassion from you. It must be challenging to go through all you do and at the same time not be “defined” by your experiences. You seem to do it with grace and honesty and to let other moms know they are not alone is such a gift. Looking forward to reading more and meeting your Tyler and ‘Grant.’
Shannon from ‘mynewfavoriteday’´s last [type] ..“Romancing” Romance.
Congrats on your SITS day. I also have anxiety & depression, IBS & carpal tunnel. It sucks being sick & just wanting to sleep/rest all the time. But it’s nice to know there are other people going through the same thing.
happy sitsday!
c.c.´s last [type] ..sitting at a counter in a small town
Yo! Mama!
Congrats on your SITS day! Enjoy every single moment! And when you come back up for air … we’ll be back!
Beth
Beth Zimmerman´s last [type] ..A Gift Paid Forward
Congratulations on your SITS day!
I looked through your posts and you really do have a way of making me see and understand things I didn’t originally… I myself have no kids and no disabilities, and so your point of view is one I never would have seen.
Classic NYer´s last [type] ..On key chains and bitch face
Happy SITS day! Recently I told my doctor, “…being sick sucks, if I could wish myself well I would.” I also said, “…this medicine is making me sicker, I’m quitting it cold turkey whether you agree or not.” I tell almost no one about my illness so I think you’re very brave to write a blog about it.
Happy SITS day Emily, and keep on keeping on, girlie!
Jean Lynd´s last [type] ..Win an Apple iPad 2 (16GB)!
Happy SITS day! Your NaNoBloPoMo post was hilarious.
No Drama Mama´s last [type] ..Pottytraining Sucks!
Happy SITS day! Hope it goes great!
Amanda´s last [type] ..I Made It! Monday Linky Week 52
You have a lovely blog! 2 of my friends also have lupus. One of them is a mom already and the other is married and together with her husband, they are serving God as missionaries.
Cheers to you and your blog!
viviene´s last [type] ..Marriage at Work
Happy SITS Day! I’m a bit late, but better late than never I suppose. Hope your day was great.
Rachael´s last [type] ..Friday Fragments!
Hope you had a great SITS day. I know I’m late but still wanted to congratulate you. So wonderful to be part of Sits and always meet wonderful people like you.
Sela Toki´s last [type] ..Terrified