1) Tomorrow is my Birthday!!! I'm excited, lol. Although I am not excited to be turning twenty eight, two years until the big 30. Ugh. The kids are excited for my birthday, too. It means CAKE! Hehe.  And of course it's Friday tomorrow, that's enough of a reason to be cheerful on it's own, LOL.
2) Yesterday, my family came 'round to surprise me. My mum brought me a bottle of wine  (and cards) for my Birthday, she couldn't come to see me ON my birthday as she has an important appointment. My Nanna and Granddad came, too! They treated all of us to a lovely Chinese, it was so, so good! I haven't had Chinese for such a long time. Yummo. 
3) I've read (almost) ten book of the 50! TEN already this year. Not bad at all! I am so enjoying the #50books2013. (You can click the tab at the top of the page that says 'Book Challenge  for more info on that! What are you reading at the moment?
4) Oh yeah, I won a competion a couple of weeks ago - for a personalised planner. I love it! I shall be reviewing that and posting pics of it, either later today or tomorrow, I reallllly have to share it with you all, it's so lovely. 

Sarah xXx

P.s If anyone knows the blog hop linky please let me know, thanks. 

I've linked up with Seasiderinthecity this week. She's hosting the reasons to be cheerful blog hop while Mich is away :-) So here are my reasons to be cheerful this week:

We've been enojying the nice weather we've had the past two days! 
Yesterday we went for a walk and to the play park! It was lovely and sunny. Chilly but sunny! I love the sunshine. I have MISSED the sunshine and so has my little loves. 
The kids had a wonderful time and we even had a game of football! We watched sticks go under the bridge and come out the other side, lol, I'll never get bored of that game!! (Remember playing that when you was a child?) 

Beautiful weather!

Sarah xXx

I linked this post up with coomer mill #countrykids :) 

 I hope this makes sense, it's diffcult to explain and put into words.

Idiopathic Intacranial Hypertension (IIH) also known as, Benign Intacranial Hypertension or Pseudotumor. Is a rare brain disease, every 1 or 2 people in 100,000 people suffer form this rare disease. I am one of those people. The pressure around the brain builds up and causes headaches, nausea/vomiting, tingling/pins and needles, pulsatile tinnitus (buzzing in the ears, which happens constantly to me!), vision loss/double vision or blurred vision. The left side of my body also goes numb sometimes and feels weak. Neck ache is another symptom. Click here for more info on Idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

(Can I just say, usually when I am poorly, I just get on with it, I don't go to the doctors unless I HAVE to! I've never suffered with headaches or any other serious illness prior to this. So please bare this in mind) 

I started to suffer extremely intense headaches in 2010, I was twenty five years old. I kept going to my doctor and the out of hours surgery/emergency doctor but they put it down to diet/stress/lack of sleep and just generally feeling run down. I KNEW it was more than that but no one would listen. In September 2010, about two months after the headaches started (maybe even a little longer) I started suffering with blurred vision, I went to A&E only to be told "This is not a doctor surgery, you can not come here with a headache" I knew it was much, much more than "just a headache". That happened twice. At this point I was vomiting and constantly had a very bad headache (I can't even explain the pain. It was worse than childbirth). In October I went to the opticians as I needed someone to see that there was indeed something wrong, I knew I didn't need glasses. I was in there a long time. I couldn't complete the field test, imagine seeing double the amount of dots, along with black dots! It made me feel sick and ill. Eventually he looked in my eyes with all different lenses, ummed and ahhed.. A LOT. He then proceeded to tell me that there was something very wrong because he couldn't see behind my eyes. He couldn't see anything except everything was really swollen. He gave me a referral letter to my GP. I didn't have an appointment. I went straight there, I couldn't see a darn thing, good job it was only five mins walk! I handed the letter to reception and my GP called me straight thru. He took one look at me and knew I was very ill. I explained thru my tears that I was really scared, I couldn't see properly, I felt incredibly sick like I was going to pass out. He told me to read the wall chart. I couldn't read it. I couldn't even look up because hte pain in my head was SO bad. He had me lay down and gave me an injection to stop me puking (it didn't work!) He then said I needed to go to the hospital right there and then, I told him I'd wait for my mum to collect me from the surgery as it wasn't as simple as that. I had to collect my kids from school! My daughter was asleep in her stroller (thank fully ASLEEP!) I called my best friend who was there within five mins. I vomited  thank fully in one of those sick bowls (they look like hats, lol!) and couldn't stop. 

 My doctor had diagnosed me with Papilledema (eye condition), I asked what the chances of a brain tumor, I knew I had most symptoms of one. He didn't want to tell me but I could tell by the look in his face. I was so frightened. Eventually my mum came and we went and collected the kids and off to the hospital we went. With me puking some more. My mums partner looked after the kids. After a lot of waiting around, tests (blood tests, eye tests etc) I was eventually admitted to hospital. I had a CAT scan, that came back all clear. They gave me pain killers, nothing worked. Eventually I had oramorph (morphine in medicine form). That worked! Oh my goodness, did that stuff work! I was pain free for a while for the first time in MONTHS. I still felt poorly though. All the blood tests came back fine. I still couldn't see properly.. my vision loss/blurred and double vision lasted weeks. After a couple of weeks of being in hospital and all tests kept coming back fine. Finally a neurologist came and saw me up on the ward, she told me I needed an MRI scan. The results of that were clear of tumors, thank goodness! However, I had a hemorrhage on my brain which had caused all my optic nerves and everything swell. They realised then that I had  this rare brain disease called Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It wasn't very well explained to me, just that it was rare and not many people suffered from it. They gave me medication Acetazolamide/diamox (I hate the side affects from these tablets!) to control the pressure on my brain and I had to have a Lumbar Puncture/Spinal tap (If you don't know what that it, I'll let  you google it as some images can be quite graphic) to drain the pressure/fluid form around my brain. They explained that there isn't any cure and they couldn't figure out the reason why it had happened to me because it usually happens to people who are pregnant (usually first trimester , on the contraceptive pill or who are overweight/obese. I didn't fit ANY of those categories. Although my neurologist told me to lose weight, even though I weighed around 8.5 stone (at the most!) When they did the LP they couldn't measure how much pressure was around my brain because the amount there was well over 100 - off the scale! The LP was not the best experience.. In fact it was awful! I was sent home after a day or so. I felt a bit better. The headache wasn't as bad. They sent me home with my medication as well as Co codamol. The doctors thought that it was a one off occurrence and unlikely to happen again because I don't fit any of the "causes" that cause IIH. 

They couldn't have been more wrong. 

Every six months until Feb 2012 I had a Lumbar puncture as the pressure had built up. The last LP did me more harm than good. I ended up being rushed to hospital a few days after because the pain in my head was so bad. That was apparently a LOW pressure headache! EEK! I was only in there just under 48 hours, I was prescribed stronger pain killers "Naproxen" and I also have Nortriptyline. (and currently trying Gabapentin. They help a little. (And FYI: I did take my neurologist's advice and lose weight.. despite the fact I didn't need to. And no, it didn't make any difference. Although, it DOES affect everyone differently. You should always take your doctors/specialist's advice! Always.) I've also tried other medication such as topiramate. I still suffer with bad vision and headaches - I find it hard to judge the distance between two objects. I find it hard crossing the road because I can;t tell how far away the car is that's coming towards me and sometimes I can't even tell if it's moving or parked there! I can't see indicators until they are right on top of me! Good job I have a good support system and people to help me, otherwise I don't know what I would do. I lose my balance a lot - I fall up the kerb or the stairs (some would say clumsy!) Sometimes I bang into door frames or I'll put a glass down on the side and completely miss. Some days though, I'm fine. 

 Just lately though I have really been suffering bad headaches daily, the numbness in the left side of my body is worse than it was a couple of months ago, the tingling/pins and needles is worse than ever and the ringing in my ears is constant! I know that the time is coming where I need another lumbar puncture, I can feel the pressure building up... I can't explain it in words exactly but if you suffer from this then you may understand what I mean. My vision isn't THAT bad but it's been a lot better! I know that I'll need another lumbar puncture in the very near future, I do know it'll help but I am petrified of ending up being admitted to hospital like this time last year.. I know though no matter what, a lumbar puncture in the long run is the only option for me. I also have to have regular blood tests to check my potassium level. 
I've always suffered with bad anxiety (and depression in the past) but now I have IIH it seems the anxiety is even worse. I think the IIH makes me anxious because I never know how I am going to feel. I'm not allowed to take any medication for anxiety, they can make IIH worse. 
I have regular eye tests and see eye specialists, my eyes have to be monitored very closely as if my brain hemorrhages to that extent again I may lose my vision completely. 

I felt totally on my own until I discovered the IIH foundation. It's helped knowing I am not alone and there are people out there who DO understand what I suffer with on (mostly) a daily basis.

Some people may have a shunt instead of regular Lumbar Punctures. I don't know if I'll ever have a shunt or not. 
Medication does help control it. I'm thankful for the NHS otherwise it'd cost me a fortune for all the medication and treatments I need. I'm also grateful for G.P and Neurologist, they are both very supportive and of course I am so, so thankful for all my family and friends that help me when I need it. I do have a really good support system, I'm really lucky for that! 
I find that laying totally flat in a dark room, with something cold on more forehead helps. 

Some people have asked me in the past, that if I was diagnosed sooner would I still suffer with IIH? The answer is more than likely, yes. If the doctors and nurses that told me it was just stress/diet/run down had of listened to me, then no I may not have suffered as much but at the end of the day, it's a rare disease, honestly they wern't to know. I don't hold any grudges as such but I do wish they had of listened to me sooner. I know my body better than anyone. 

(Lots of handy links now)

I haven't wrote this post for attention or sympathy, I've wrote it because it's rare disease day (Please click! see how you can get involved!) on the 28th February. It's also Brain Awareness Week 11th-17th March. 
 I've wrote about my experience to raise awareness for IIH, If you would like to support/donate or if you suffer with IIH and need support, please click  here. You can also follow IIH Fdn on Twitter and Facebook. 

And to all of you out there, that suffer with IIH (and other rare diseases!). I am sorry for your pain :( You are not alone. I understand, along with everyone else who suffers with IIH. Just because some things work for me, doesn't mean they'll work for you. Always take your professionals (doctors/neurologist/specialist etc) advice! 
Feel free to contact me if you would like to share your experience or just need to have a chat I'm a fab listener and I will always support you. You can contact me here. 

Thank you if you read all of this. 

Love,
Sarah xoxox 

Mich, who usually hosts the reasons to be cheerful has taken a break for Lent so Seasider In The City has taken over until Easter :-) 

I'm not having a good day (I won't go into that now though!) so I really ought to remind myself of reasons to be cheerful. I'll try to think of three.. 

My reasons to be cheerful this week are... 
1) My kids! they are a fab reasons to be cheerful. They're good kids.. I mean, they might have there moments where they bicker, what siblings don't? And they might have there moments where they give attitude (mainly my eldest, I'm gonna blame it on his male hormoans, lol) or back chat but there never really NAUGHTY. They can be ever so helpful, too. We had fun yesterday making home made valentines cards which you can view here. 
2) It's the boys school disco. It'll be C's first disco at junior school, he is SO excited! They both are. I am really excited for them, lol. I remember how excited I use to get over discos! Such fun :D 
 They are both hoping gangnam style will be played at least 5 times LOL. Oh, how that song gets on my nerves but it is hilarious watching them do the dance, even my five year old daughter joins in dancing around the front to it! I'll try to record a video of them, it's really funny!  
3) Tomorrow is Friday!!! Yay!! The kids break up from school tomorrow for half term. A whole week of not having to go out in the cold first thing in the morning, no having to go out at all if we don't want to! lovely break from school runs, yay! And we can do lots of arts & crafts, puzzles, board games (the current fave in this house is Bingo!) and settle down and watch some lovely family movies. I can't think of anything better =) 


Sarah xXx 

P.S I've given up chocolate and fizzy drinks for lent. In fact, I'm quitting fizzy drinks for good.. again. I went two years last time with no fizzy drink! 

 P.s I saw a arts and crafts blog hop the other day and wanted to link this post up but I can't remember for the life of me who was hosting it, any ideas? I'd love to link this post up. :) 

Mmmmm. Pancake day, one of my favourite days of the year, lol. We love pancakes in this house. 
I was woken up this morning by my middle son (who is 7 years old!) yelling "Mummmmyyyy it's pancake day, YESSSSS" LOL. We have pancakes throughout the year, not just on pancake day. But pancakes ON pancake day seem to taste better apparently... according to the kids that is, I don't know why because I make them exactly the same, lol! 
Here's what we have on/in our pancakes: 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Just a quick post from me. 
You can now follow me via networked blogs, the widget can be found over on the left side bar, if you would like to follow me >> 
I also created a Facebook page for my blog which can be found here. 

This weekend has been very chilled and relaxed, I've caught up on a lot of blogging and edited my blog a little/added pages etc. Also finished my seventh book for the #50books2013 book challenge, you can read my review here. 
I've got quite a busy week this week. Today I am going to blitz upstairs. Tuesday is grocery shopping day. I really want to make a start on decorating my front room, too. Maybe Wednesday? We'll see. And then the rest of the week will be filled with decorating if I do manage to start it that is! It really just depends on my headache and how I feel. I really hate this stupid rare brain disease (I'm going to try and write a post about it later!). Especially when I have so much I want to do. Anyway.. 
The kids break up on Friday for half term. Half term already?! I can't believe how fast time is going this year!! I'm looking forward to half term. I'm not sure what we're going to do yet, nothing is set in stone but ideally I would like to take the kids out, it's been ages since we've been out and done anything fun. Role on spring and summer. I can't wait for the warm weather. Winter is depressing, it's currently trying to snow, the ground is wet though so it shouldn't settle, I hope! 
Right, need to get the kiddies to school
TTFN
Sarah xx 

I've seen a few other people do this so I thought I'd give it a go, I'll do as many facts as I can. 

1) My favourite colour is purple. I love anything purple. 
2) I couldn't live without my e-reader but I could quite easily live without my mobile phone. 
3) I love Walkers sensations, the chilli flavour crisps, mmm. 
4) I have naturally curly hair which is so high maintenance, because it's so thick. 
5) Having said the above, I really LOVE my hair straighteners, lol!
6)  I use to be addicted to coca cola, literally addicted! I'd drink at least 2 litres a day. I quit drinking it in October 2010. I can have a glass of coke occasionally but I can't stand the taste 
7) I love cats. I am known as the crazy cat lady LOL. I only have one cat but all the cats that live down this street seem to hang out in my back garden - they love me, lol!! 
8) My favourite movie is Armageddon! I can watch that film over and over again and ut still makes me cry every single time, lol.
9) I don't really do chick flicks... rarely! Saying that though, I do like mean girls and 10 things I hate about you! Lol.
10) I reallyyyy want a Kindle Fire HD.. I can dream *sigh* 
11) If I could live anywhere in the world I'd probably live in Australia! 
12) I seriously am addicted to 'Home And Away - The Early Years' which I watch online. Classic episodes of Home and Away!!! Can't bet it! Yet I don't watch Home and Away on T.V.. the recent home and away.. It's changed too much :( Does this picture bring back memories? 

13) I'm a huge Miranda Hart fan. She's fabulous. 
14) My favourite food is Chinese! I love Chinese food! 
15) I can't stand baked beans, the smell makes me feel sick. Yuck.
16) I'm really looking forward to June - World War Z movie! Yay. 
17) I can't seem to grow my nails, they just break all the time. Does anyone have any tips for me? 
18) I see my best friend almost every day.. I've known her since I was seven years old. We lost touch for a few years. We now live across the road from one another. 
19) I collect key rings! I have so many.. I only have a couple on my actual keys though. 
20) I love anything Disney!! I love Minnie mouse.. I am such a big kid! 
21) I also love tatty teddy, hehe. 
22) I grew up in the country side... literally the middle of nowhere and I really miss it now. 
23) I use to have a pet Iguana, he was called Frankie! I rescued him from a reptile rescue centre. He died when he was three/four years old because his previous owners treated him more like a dog rather than an exotic pet! The 18 months he was with me though, were the best months of his life! He was one spoiled Iggy, I even converted an old display cabinet into a habitat for him! It was SO cool. Everyone was scared of him because he looked like a dinosaur LOL, he was the best pet ever! He was SO docile and lovely. I really miss him.

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My reasons to be cheerful this week are... 

♥ I am feeling MUCH better now, I'm still a little chesty but I don't feel rough! I feel more like myself which has improved my mood, a lot! 
♥ It was parents evening for my littel girl last week, I am so pleased with her progress! Her teacher is really pleased, too. I'm helping her with writing short words like "and", "at" and "a", also sounding words out. She's really good at sounding out words! 
♥ I am planning on getting Els room finished this weekend, it's taken me ages because I've been poorly! I just need to put up the wall stickers/wall art and rearrange where her books and DVDs are going to go, I might just put them all on one book case in the boys room! Her room is small and she could use the extra space to play! 
♥ The boys are doing fab. They can't make there minds up if they want to go to the Valentines disco at school next week.. I think they will choose to go though. 
♥  I have quite a few new followers *waves* Thank you ALL for your lovely comments, get well wishes and for reading my blog! 

Sarah xXx 

I really, really enjoyed this book even though it was heartbreaking in places. A truly amazing memoir of a midwife in the 1950's. 
 She shares some of her experiences and tells us what life was like in the workhouse and after the workhouse, we learn a lot about the people who worked in the workhouse.  It truly was an eye opener and I learned a lot from this book. I loved the story of her befriending an old solider who suffered with leg ulcers. I loved hearing about life and working with the nuns. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is reading/wants to read this story. It is honestly one of the best books I have read for a long time, I couldn't put it down! Along with Jennifer worths other stories "Call the Midwife, "in the midst of life, Farewell to the East End" I can not wait to read the next book "Fare well to the East end". 

I give this book 5 stars and would recommend that everyone reads this memoir. 


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                                                        When Summer Ends , by Isabelle Rae   




Chloe’s senior year approaches and there’s a shock in store when she returns to do her final year at school. Will is there too, but he’s not one of her fellow students…

A tale of forbidden love, broken hearts, friendship, and rivalry.'