The Phoenix Experience

I have been very blessed to start my own business called The Phoenix Experience. I do personal training and group exercise instruction. It's a wonderful little studio where I get to hang out with my family, friends and new people I meet to help them become healthier and more fit.

I've been teaching since I was 12 years old when my Great Uncle thought it would be great for me to teach a class back in the day. Ever since, I dreamed of owning my own place. Praise God, I now do. I'm sure my Great Uncle Bear…actually I could guarantee that he knew I'd be doing something like this.

I owe my training and experiences to instructors at the Cushing Youth Center, YMCA world, many Tulsa gyms, videos, games, books, certifications. Without others giving me ideas and working them out for me, I couldn't be the instructor or trainer that I am today. God has definitely blessed me with skills in this field. I pray I get to keep doing.

If you know anyone near the Sand Springs area, please let them know about me. I opened the studio on October 13, 2010. It's been a fun ride thus far…hopefully it will be a long one. Visit web.me.com/c2mist8 to learn more about my studio.

Thanksgiving's New Adventure

Thanksgiving is usually spent driving from one house to the next in order to spend as much time with family as possible, plus cramming in tons of food. Well, since our year has taken a huge detour in life…we will be taking a new adventure for Thanksgiving 2010.

Instead of a home cooked meal, we will be stuffing our faces at the Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO using no utensils…only our hands as the pilgrims did in the day when they first met the native americans of this blessed land we call home. Yes, they may have had their own made up utensils, but I will use the best ones ever created…yes…my two hands! I actually am super pumped about this adventure, but it does not stop there…..

Oh we have two day passes to…drum roll please…SILVER DOLLAR CITY. My hubby has never been…I know…shocker…he has gone through almost 30 years of life without experiencing such a grande place. I can't wait to ride the rides, take crazy pictures and enjoy the food and entertainment. It's been too long since I last was there….actually...it's been way toooooooo long. I know it's been more than a decade since I've been there.

So here's to praying and hoping that even through this crazy year…we can have some much needed fun times to get us through the holiday season. May each of you have an amazing adventure yourself no matter what you end up doing…just make sure you count your blessings!

Mother Road 2010

2010 has been a very bumpy ride this year. Lilian Grace earned her wings on August 5, 2010 and I've been hitting the busy schedule right and left. This blog is going to share new adventures and random things I want to talk about again. I love sharing life, so be prepared for many crazy adventures.

Last weekend I was blessed to pace one of my dear running buddies, Roman. I tried to crew afterwards until 7:20 a.m. I kept falling asleep though. The Mother Road 100 miler is exactly what it's name says….MOTHER ROAD.

Watching Roman conquer his goal of finishing a 100 miler was totally awesome. I got to be with him for 9 miles of the stretch, then the hours of not sleeping and doing 2 hours of Zumba earlier that day took a toll on me. I ran 10:30 pm to about 1:45 am. Then I got with his awesome crew Candice and Susan…which they are complete rockstars. I've never been more impressed with two people taking care of us like they did. I only lasted until 7:20 am. They went from Saturday before 9:00 a.m to after 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Yes, they deserve buckles themselves. I'd be blessed to have them as my crew when I run my 103 miles.

I am so impressed with my running buddies who ran and crewed. It's a phenomenal world. I am inspired by my peeps to have that much dedication. I definitely want to do a 100 miler someday in honor and memory of my daughter. Trail Zombie is going to coach me. Now I just have to get my butt in gear and be a regular runner again.

100 miles is not going to be easy by any means. Kathy Hoover and TZ have ran numerous ones…wow…to be like them would be an incredible accomplishment. I still am in awe by last weekends performances. I hope I can get it done at some point. Now to be that dedicated, I must eat, sleep, drink water and run every week and build from nothing.

Since 2007, I've ran a handful of 5k's, a 15k, 3 Marathons (1 in the US and 2 Internationally); and a 50k. I have missed many races this last year and can't wait to get my legs back in the running world. It will not be easy with my schedule, but I have a plan.

I want to encourage all of you to find something that feels unreachable and start making plans to build up to whatever it is! Mine is running 103 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praying for the dedication and follow through.

To all my running buddies…I love you very much. You are some of the greatest inspirations I know!

PS The pic of me is in the wee hours of the night at the Mother Road in my car waiting for Roman to stop!

Lilian Grace Whitten is Here!

I will give more details later about Lily and our adventure. For now, I want you to know our precious little miracle is HERE! She's 2 months premature, but she's a fighter. We are so blessed to have people who care about us. I am glad to know she's alive and kicking some butt. She was born on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 8:44 a.m. I will give the rest at a later time. Keep praying for us!

Easter & New Doctor

I just have to say that Easter Weekend 2010 has been the best in a long time. We had a jam packed weekend. Here's what all went down:

Friday - Night of Praise with our church followed by IHOP with friends.
Saturday - cleaning and Jenkins Wedding
Sunday - 8 am church service at our church followed by 2nd service at FWB Church in Cushing; Cooper Lunch; Fishing; Paddle Boat (got a tan); and Poteet Supper

It was an amazing weekend! Michael and I had a blast!

Today was awesome, because we got an appointment with the new doctor...Dr. Summers...we will see her for the first time tomorrow! PRAISE GOD! We are hoping all goes well. Another fun thing for today is that Michael got to wear the Empathy Belly at our Childbirth class...it was hilarious and priceless. Hopefully this week will continue to be just as good!

No News is Good News

Well, this past week was a bumpy ride. We had to say goodbye to Dr. Donnelly, since we need an OB to deliver us at St. Francis. It was not fun, but I know God is going to take care of us! We should be getting a call from the new OB at Contemporary Women's Specialists by the first of next week.

As far as our appointment yesterday, Dr. Blake had no new news, which made me relieved in a way. At least it wasn't more bad news. I had a non-stress test and movement ultrasound. These were to see how her heart does while moving and afterwards, plus measure the amniotic fluid. We will still get an ultrasound every Friday, but she will be looking at different things. We only measure every 3 weeks. Last week Lily was 2 pounds...yippee!

For now, we still need prayer that the pulmonary artery branches will grow! Plus, we need the liquid that is on the brain to not build up any more. This can cause mental problems if so...so we really are praying for Lily to be cured of all things wrong right now. We do have time for her to grow...so that's a praise God.

Though Michael and I are in a good place...it is emotionally and physically draining to keep to the positive side....especially with everything in such a limbo...the doctors can only predict...I'm hoping that any prediction....would be that we get to see our daughter live a long and healthy life with us. May she have the ability to think, move, dream, achieve...and most importantly...do God's will! :)

That's all for now....next OB Specialist Appointment is set for next Friday.

And the mountain keeps building...

Today was what I expected it to be...nerve racking and crazy. The mountain we are climbing with this pregnancy keeps building and building. I am starting to think that the more I hear...the more numb I may get...but God intervenes and releases pressure from my heart by giving me tears. I needed to talk it all out today...and I am thankful for my friends and family for that. I think I've been able to chew and swallow the news...now we just have to make it through all the stuff on Friday's appointment. Here is what I posted on facebook notes:

We had a 4 hour doctor's appointment today with the Pediatric Heart Specialist and Tech. It was not a fun process. I almost passed out and threw up at one point because my nerves got the best of me. They finally put what puzzle pieces they could for Lily's heart. They found 6 problems today: 1. Atrial Septal Defect 2. Ventrical Septal Defect 3. Dilated Main Pulmonary Artery 4. Abnormal Pulmonary Valve 5. Small Branch Pulmanary Arteries 6. Small Ductus Arteriosus The only one that can not be fixed by surgery is the small branch pulmonary arteries...this is where we need the major miracle. She needs these to grow bigger. We need all the prayers we can get. Today's news means we will end up having to switch hospitals and obgyn...plus she is more than likely gonna have multiple heart surgeries. I am believing God! I am asking Him to be BIGGER than He has ever been. I am far from perfect from dealing with all this, but I am still here....trucking forward...and knowing that whatever ends up happening...I'm in His hands always! :)

Updates

Michael ended up taking me to the Labor & Delivery today since I have been having pain for almost 24 hours straight. I got an IV with some liquids and pain medicine...which helped me take a nice nap. Lily has moved positions so the on call Dr. decided that I have some scar tissue that Lily or the Uterus is pushing up and causing the pain. She looked great on the ultrasound...moving as always. We have the following appointments this week:

Monday with Dr. Donnelly, OBGYN
Tuesday with the Pediatric Heart Specialist
Friday with Dr. Blake, OBGYN Specialist

My blood test results came back for the following:
Torch Test - Traces that I had an Old Infection, but neither one of us has any current infections.
Glucose Test - PASSED...I was very excited about this one!

We should hear back about the Blood Clot Test Results on Fridays appointment.

Pray that all the eating I've been doing has given Lily more nutrients for her to catch up and grow in the areas she has been lacking...plus that her heart turns out perfect in every way. This past week has been rough for Michael and I, but we are trusting God.

I was able to attend a Women's Retreat the last 2 days, which really filled me up! I'm so glad to have amazing Christians in my life to help keep me filled up!

And the climbing continues...

Before I can get to other stories that happened right before the surgery and the 6 weeks following, I want to update you on our recent climb. We had a doctors appointment with an OBGYN Specialist, who specializes in the highest risk pregnancies. We found out from our regular OBGYN that there were some concerns and worries. Thank God they got us into the specialist within the week of discovering the complications.

I will say that my intuition is stronger than ever before. I knew something wasn't right...still hopeful...but couldn't shake the uneasy feelings. After being at the specialist appointment for over an hour, she finally got down to the logistics....here is what I posted as an overview on my facebook notes:

"Lily's Health Inside the Womb"
We are going to have to see a Pediatric Heart Doctor since Lily's right side of her heart is bigger than the left and she has a possible hole in the middle. Her growth is still behind on the tummy, so we will be seeing a lot of the OBGYN Specialist. She thinks during my blood and weight loss that Lily's health was compromised and caused the growth problems.I knew losing 20 pounds wasn't going to go without some side effects.

My umbilical cord is not flowing in one side where there should be two parts, which could be another reason for her growth problems. I'm adding 28 g of protein into my diet to see if this helps. I go to Monday to get my Glucose and Blood Clot Testing, which requires lots of blood. Pray this doesn't effect my levels, since I've not had high numbers since I lost 1/2 my blood supply. I go back to my regular OBGYN on the 22nd for some of my test results (I may get those back before then). I go see the OBGYN Specialist on the 26th for another ultrasound to see if the added protein helps and her tests results. If Lily's growth hasn't changed for the better, they will monitor us each week. We also will be seeing the Pediatric Specialist within the next 3 weeks if they can get us in.

Worst case scenarios: Lily may have to come early because it would be better for her survival than remaining in my womb....when that time comes, she may have to have heart surgery if the hole doesn't close up. Keep us in your prayers. I know God wouldn't get us this far and let us be...He's carrying us right now in his arms and I'm holding on tighter than ever! Love you all!


Well that about covers it for your updates. I want to say that God has blessed me with amazing people...Godly ones at that...and I couldn't ask for anything more. This mountain is a gigantic monster, but I look back over my entire life...in experiences...people I've met...and things I've accomplished and failed...and realize more than ever before...my tool shed is full...and I'm still climbing. I have no idea what the future holds....except one thing...God will get me to the top! Whatever mountain you are facing now...get into your tool shed he's provided and start climbing! Who knows when you will reach the top....but I promise you this...the view when you get there will be breathtakingly beautiful....that's what I'm looking forward to. :)

Soul Food

I was researching strength in times of trouble and found the following website: http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/promises_comfort_in_trouble.aspx
I love the verses very much! I hope you enjoy the read!

THE BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Comfort in Times of Trouble
By J. Steven Lang

CBN.com -- What does God promise his people? Relief from all troubles in the next world, relief from some troubles in this life. Faithful people throughout the centuries witness to dramatic deliverances from sickness, from financial woes, from all manner of troubles. Flesh-and-blood human beings have testified to miracles. They happen.

But not always. Sometimes we aren't relieved by God. Sometimes we merely endure. This isn't such a bad thing. We are never nearer to God than when we are troubled. In times of comfort and ease we forget him. In the worst of times, we suddenly remember, "Ah, what if I asked God for help?" Sometimes the answer is the help we pray for. Sometimes the answer is "Lean on me, and you will survive and thrive."

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Psalm 73:25-26

Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

Psalm 119:50

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:5

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46:1-2

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

Psalm 71:20

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalm 126:5

He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43:2

"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

"God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

"God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. "Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too."

Matthew 5:4, 10-12

"Not even a sparrow, worth less than a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.

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 an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!

2 Corinthians 4:8, 16-17

Great E-mail I Got - Being A Mother...

BEING A MOTHER....

After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news.
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu.. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favor,' I responded.
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
* * *
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back
to normal after you've had a baby..... somebody
doesn't know that once you're a mother,
'normal' is history.
* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by
instinct ... somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring ....
somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a'good' mother,
your child will 'turn out good'....
somebody thinks a child comes with
directions and a guarantee.
* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a
mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader
with his math.
* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as
much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't
have two children.
* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother
is labor and delivery.....
somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus
for the first day of kindergarten ...
or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her
child gets married....somebody doesn't know that
marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother's heartstrings.
* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when
her last child leaves home.....
somebody never had grandchildren.
* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so
you don't need to tell her....
somebody isn't a mother.


Pass this along to all the 'mothers' in your life
and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't
just about being a mother; it's about appreciating
the people in your life while you have them....no
matter who that person is.

What time and life have been doing in my life!

Thanks to Sandy, a new reader, I am back online. Time and life have definitely taken me for a spin lately. The last time I posted, it was the holiday season. I was growing in my pregnancy, trying to live each day at a time with nausea like no other. I wish I could have the nausea and nothing else back, but my road has taken a turn through some challenging mountains.

I started having severe pain in January and questioned every mother I could on how their pregnancies had gone. I was growing quite rapidly right after Christmas. I felt like my intuition (the Holy Spirit) was letting me know something wasn't right. Well, guess what...on January 8, 2010 I found out that feeling was dead on the spot. My OBGYN, just coming back from maternity leave, checked my conditions.

Low and behold she found a large cyst in my right ovary. When we went through other testing and ultrasounds, she sat us down in her personal office. Talk about thinking the worst. I saw that it was going to be one of my biggest mountains I was going to have to climb. She told my husband and I that the cyst was the size of a small soccer ball. They couldn't tell if it was cancerous or not. I was going to have to go through surgery while being pregnant...and to top it all off...my right ovary and fallopian tube would more than likely have to be removed.

Now, I'm not going to lie...I was scared out of my mind. My biggest fear in life has always been that I'd have a hysterectomy before I could get children here. Now part of that fear was coming true. It was very scary and definitely the biggest mountain I'd ever seen in my life.

On Friday, January 15, 2010, I did get that surgery. It is benign (praise God) and my right ovary and fallopian tube are no longer with me. I ended up with another cyst on the tube that they found during surgery. The days leading up to my surgery was incredible. God showed himself to me through my family, friends and even strangers.

In the next posts I will get you completely updated with all my stories and updates. We did find out we are having a baby girl, Lilian Grace. She is a fighter. I've been battling infections since, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I look forward to sharing many stories of the past month with you. Please pray for me to have a full recovery. This mountain will not lick me...it may beat me up some...but I will conquer nonetheless. :) Keep checking back for more stories in the next week or two!