My first blog entry!

Welcome! This is my first attempt at setting up a blog and I look forward to learning as I go. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I formerly taught technology, business and journalism type classes at a junior and senior high school in St. Paul, Minnesota for 5 years. Now my life revolves around taking care of my family, which I love! I am also in the process of renewing my teaching license and hope to be back in the classroom once my youngest is settled in kindergarten. When not doing things for my family, I love to do things that revolve around photography. I enjoy taking pictures and putting together digital photo albums. I also have a love for music. My background is in music performance on flute/piccolo, but now I get my music fix by teaching my daughters piano. After many different ideas on what to make my blog about, the obvious hit me! I have battled over the last 4 1/2 years with Crohn's Disease and it has drastically changed my way of life (for the good)! It has been a battle and I have gone through lots of tears and pain, but it has strengthened my character and faith and it has also given me an education on the disease and nutrition. I take care of myself and my family differently because of what I have experienced. I often say that it is the best and worse thing that's happened to me. I have been put before many people that have been newly diagnosed and struggling with what to do. I have scrambled to get information to them (always having to re-invent the wheel). This blog will be a great way for me to help and encourage others that are going through this battle feeling lost and hopeless. I plan to implement on this blog the elements of diet, books to read, doctors, medicines/treatment, alternative medicines, exercise, faith, and anything else of benefit.