Home Again

Home again, Home again, jiggity jig

We made it :) We had a wonderful vacation. Only wish it was a week longer so we weren't GO GO GOING the entire time. I think we need a vacation from our vacation. The kids both ended up sick. Noah puked in my car (mostly on the throw he was using to snuggle up with) and Makenna doused the bathroom last night. Not sure if it was car sickness, bad food, or some sort of virus. They are both better today and unless someone pukes again, they will return to school tomorrow.

Planning to update with vacation details and photos later this week but for now I have to focus on my school work because, well school wasn't out last week but I was gone for 9 days. You do the math. ;)

What's been up?

I have been trying to be more productive by spending less time on the pc and more time getting things done. Thus the lack of blog posts. I am a little behind on school work, not really behind but I was trying to stay 1 week ahead due to our upcoming vacation and now I have resigned to turning in assignments on their due dates.

Yep, you heard me right! I said VACATION. We are heading south for that warm sunshine. First to Houston. I seriously {HEART} that city. Then to San Antonio. Lots of fun ahead! We have never taken the kids on vacation. We usually just take a week off and visit family or relax. But this year we have decided to spend two days in San Antonio and one full day at SeaWorld. Now if you know my children you will understand why this was an obvious choice for us. Noah has said that if he could go anywhere in the world he would go to Austraila and his second choice was SeaWorld in SanAntonio, and Makenna, well she just likes to GO and she loves her grandmommy so anything involving the two is perfect for her.

I can't wait but if you don't see me much for the next week just know that I am trying to get things in order for our trip.

Many Blessings

Been awhile

Seems to have been awhile since I last posted. Things have been a little crazy here with Noah's surgery and then just adjusting. Noah was in a lot of pain for the first 5 days or so. He is doing so much better now. Now we are just adjusting our schedules and for the last two days I have made it to the school with time to spare. By the time he is out of the wheel chair my arms will be so toned ;) you wouldn't imagine the workout you can get by pushing a 100 or so lb. boy around and loading and unloading him and the wheelchair several times a day.

OK now that I have posted and don't feel quite as guilty about abandoning my blog I can move on to the rest of my to do list..... which includes enjoying these ;) (photo to come)

Hope you all have a blessed day.

:(

Noah was running a fever of 102.6 degrees and complaining of a sore throat so we took him to an Urgent Care facility. His rapid strep test was negative but his throat was really red as well as one ear so the doctor wrote an Rx for antibiotics.

I have to admit that this getting up in the middle of the night is not as easy as I remember. I have been getting up with Noah every 2 hours to give alternating pain meds. Usually by 6 I start begging Heath to get up with him. All of this lack of sleep has us both ragged.

Hoping that tomorrow will be a better day for us all.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

The Good: Noah and Makenna played on walkie talkies and Makenna took the dinosaur bingo game in the bedroom to play with Noah :)

The Bad: Noah was in pain all day even with the pain meds that he is taking.

The Ugly: I am sleepy, grumpy, and not a very patient mommy to my daughter today :(

Really seem to be struggling with her. I know she is having a hard time seeing her brother hurting and a lot of it is because of that but I am going to have to have some boundries with this girl or I am gonna pull my hair out. Sounds like she and I need to have a "big girl" talk.

Valentine's Day Surprise!

Heath and I usually don't do much for Valentine's Day for each other, usually we just do a card with a handwritten message. So imagine my surprise when he comes through the door with this.

He picked out the vase and all of the flowers himself...he did GOOD...REAL GOOD!

I'm just sayin'

(Photo of Noah and Makenna watching Zach and Cody on the Disney Chanel before surgery.)

Thank you all so very much for the prayers you have been sending up for Noah and our family. They are being answered. God is so good!

Noah is doing really well today and just had his first meal since 6pm on Wednesday. He did have some trouble yesterday/last night with nausea/vomiting, but nothing that a carpet cleaner can't handle.

We were originally told he would be in walking cast and that he would be able to walk from his wheel chair to the toilet. However, last night upon discharge from the hospital we were told that there was to be no weight bearing on his legs what so ever. Thankfully I talked to the doctor a few today and he said after about 48 hours that Noah could go to the restroom on the casts but the rest of the time he needed to be in the chair and have his legs elevated.

The heel cord/Achilles tendon is made up of several vertical strands which connect the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf to the heel bone. The surgeon went in and made several cuts halfway into this tendon alternating from one side to the next. He then casted Noah just below the knee with his toes peeking out. His feet are flexed upward to enable the heel cords to grow back together lengthened.

Noah picked red casts, and he is very excited that Bruce Joy (Heath's favorite local tattoo artist) is going to draw some artwork on them. Noah will get these casts taken off in 4 weeks, they will do mold impressions for his braces, and then he will go immediately into a second cast for 2 more weeks. Following the casts he will wear the braces for 6 months.

Please continue to pray for peace and a quick recovery for Noah, that his heel cords will have lengthened sufficiently and that the procedure will not need to be repeated again.

PLEASE remember not to give your child a full hershey's chocolate bar .....even if they really want it .... and even if you feel bad that they had to have surgery.... and even if the doctor says he can eat whatever he wants

because you just might end up having a car that smells like hershey's flavored puke ..... I'm just sayin'

Surgery

Noah's surgery is tomorrow and my stomach is starting to turn. Nerves I guess. He will be having surgery on at 3:15 to lengthen the heel cords on both legs. He will be in a wheel chair for 6 weeks (casts on both legs)and then braces for 6 months. I am not sure how we are going to keep him from getting antsy being restricted for so long. He is like any other little boy I know -- FULL of ENERGY ;) Nicole suggested a few new video games and I am thinking that might do the trick LOL. He loves to draw so I am thinking a cool sketch pad and some new pencils too.
Any suggestions?

Neighbors and a little NOT ME!!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
________________________________________
Neighbors can be a blessing and a curse it seems.
Now that I am dwelling in an apartment I have come
to realize that I have some of both kinds of neighbors.

these yummies were from Kat and Summer.

and no I DID NOT let my kids eat them for breakfast.... nope not me ;)

Blackberry

Heath got me a blackberry curve and I must admit I love it. I already feel more efficient. Plan to get a fun bright case for it soon.

orthopedic

Noah had an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic today in OKC. The appointment didn't go exactly as I had expected. We found out that Noah will have to have surgery to lengthen his heel cords. He will be in a wheel chair for 6 weeks and braces for 6 months. Hopefully with successful physical therapy he won't have to have a repeat surgery.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed - feeling guilty - remembering all the times I told him not to give up, to try harder -- and coming to realize that it wasn't that he wasn't trying. He couldn't help it.

He can't even put one of his feet in a neutral position (think making a 90 degree angle out of your foot and leg).

I am hoping this surgery will give him the flexibility he needs to be able to do basic boy activities such as riding a bike.

Love that lasts

snapped some photos of my great grand parents who have been married for over 70 years. My grandma is in the hospital with cancer and she had just had surgery. My grandpa woke up at 2 in the morning and decided to drive to the hospital where she was (over 2 hours away).

earlier today he was talking to a gentlemen in the sun room who was up walking around with his iv (my grandpa has never met a stranger) anyway they were teasing about walking the hospital checking out the ladies and then my grandpa told the his new friend that he had long since realized that he could search to the ends of the earth and never find another like Betty (my grandma).

I love them, and I love that even after all these years their love for each other is strong.

As a child I loved spending time with them watching birds or working in the garden (not so much working but eating strawberries just as quick as I could pick them)

If your children are being too quite

OK the kids have now been out of school for 3 days due to massive amounts of sleet/snow/freezing rain ...... So maybe not massive but for this girl who loves the Houston climate it seemed like a lot.
anyway day 1 and day 2 seemed fine but by day 3 I was pulling out my hair :)

and I DID NOT threaten to take my kids to school ice or no ice whether their were teachers there or not..... NOPE that wasn't me

So here is a glimpse into what just might happen if your children stop fighting with one another and decide to co-conspire to devise a plan to use Barbies and Bionicles to TAKE OVER THE WORLD.... in short, if they are being too quiet you should check on them ....and bring your camera

fa fa fa fa FREEZING

School is out due to ice today so we went sledding

All is well, except for the fact that we moved here from Houston

and don't own a sled .... we decided to improvise.

If you are in a similar predicament and happen to be an organizing Nazi like myself just pop the top off of one of your Rubbermaid containers and WAAAH LAAAA :)

BLOG AWARD

Angela passed this "Your Blog is Fabulous!" award to me. I am thrilled that she chose me. If you haven't had the chance to check out her blog before please do so now. So fun!!! If I understand this correctly I have to list five of my addictions and then I get to choose 5 people I would like to pass the award onto.

Addictions
1. Anything scrap related (buttons, ribbon, and you can't forget paper.... oh that glorious paper)
2. the kits and my friends at THE SCRAPROOM
3. Hedgehogs, mermaids, owls, toadstools, and of course FLIP FLOPS
4. Bible Study workbooks ( I am on the hunt for a new study ....feel free to leave suggestions)
5. Target and their Archer Farms BLACK PEPPER and SEA SALT potato chips


Award Winners
1. Steph and all her HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY
2. Ashlee with all of her craftiness
3. nienie her story just tugs at my heart
4. Big Mama - love her sense of humor and well she lives in TEXAS .... she totally deserves a shout out ;)
5. Nitty Gritty - love her willingness to share so that others may see HIM
6. Angie Smith's blog BRING THE RAIN - because she has been through the ringer (or is that wringer?) and yet HIS love still shines -- and she is a great writer


Please don't forget to check out the links- their blogs are so inspiring :)

GIVEAWAY

Head over to Emily Anderson's BLOG and take a look at the giveaway she is offering today. It is from my UBER talented CrEAtIve friend Ashlee super easy to win. So what are you waiting for??? GO, GO FAST ;)

surgery

Heath had surgery on his hand today. They removed a giant cell tumor (about the size of a marble) from the palm of his hand. Everything went exactly as planned in surgery and Heath is resting comfortably on his pain medication. There may even be some drool involved ;)

I must admit I had my moments last night. I began to feel anxious about his surgery and about all the things that "could" happen. I know it sounds horrible but my mind was wondering and even the thought of something bad happening made my palms sweaty and my eyes well up with tears. I even stooped as low as to say "Are you sure you don't want to just cancel this altogether? It's totally up to you, you know. You don't have to do it.? "

Today I will admit that I am disappointed in myself. I shouldn't have made those comments. I am sure it didn't ease his mind any.

On a more positive note though I must add that Heath was hilarious after he woke up from anesthesia. Cracking Jokes with the nurse and other things that I won't mention here but he was sooooo funny.

Happy Birthday Heath

Today you are 30
and just so you know how much I love you
I decided to post a blog tribute...

Heath with Melissa and Christi
1. I love how you were the cutest little boy (just like our son)
2. I love how you are a little spoiled by your parents...and your sisters, you are the baby of the family after all

3. I love that you came along and saved me in every possible way.... from myself and from the world.
4. You showed me how to love HIM with all of my {HEART} by example and not by bossing me .... cause we both know that would never work ;)

Heath with Noah
5. I love how you always comfort me when I have nightmares.
6. I love how excited you were to start our family

Heath with Makenna
7. I love how you would always get up at night when the kids were babies and change their diaper and bring them to me to be fed.
8. I love that you are the "FUN PARENT" and how the kids look forward to your days off.

9. I love how you still call me your "smokin hot wife" even though I couldn't get my knee into those size 2 pants that used to swallow me whole
10. I love how you still aren't sure about what you want to be when you grow up

11. I love that we are BEST FRIENDS
12. I love how even after 11 years of marriage we still stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking

13. I love that you will load the kids up in the car and drive over an hour just so I can get pictures of us in the bluebonnets.
14. I love that you are not afraid to tell me when I am wrong.

15. I love how you think THIS is your sexy face ..... and how when I want to take your picture you ask if i want to see your "sexy face"
16. I love how silly you are, you constantly have me CRACKING UP
17. I love that you love THE OFFICE just as much as I do .... and that you aren't threatened by my innocent school girl crush on JIM

18. I love how you instantly go to a silly face everytime I point my Canon Lens at you.
19. I love that you are spontaneous. You don't need a 'to do' list to leave the house or an iteneary on vacation.
20. I love that you help me by doing the laundry

21. I love that you LOVE our FAMILY and WORK HARD for us every single day 22. I love that you will take me to see a 'chick flick' even when you would rather see a 'shoot em up bang bang' guy movie.

23. I love that you love me so deeply even though I have done nothing to deserve it
24. I love how you defend my honor just like the Karate Kid (well except for the violence ... you aren't one for violence ...unless it is absolutely necessary)
25. I love that you support my dream of being a nurse and let me go to school full-
time even though I really need to be bringing home some $GREEN$
26. I love that you still run me bubble baths with candles

27. I love that you hold me and wipe my tears when I cry
28. I love that you let me buy scrap supplies even though I could start a store with the products I already have.
29. I love that you love JESUS and want to live your life for HIM
30. I love how you seem to get even more handsome every year.... really how is that even possible

I love you and can't imagine my life without you!
Happy Birthday Babe

Thursday

1-15-2009

today we had a small dusting of snow -- pretty but not enough to really do anything with.

I kept the kiddos home from school today. Both have made multiple trips to the nurse's office this week. It seems they may be fighting off a cold, but are just run down in general. They spent the day in jammies on the couch or in bed and by this evening they seem to be doing much better. Makenna still has a runny nose but other than that all is well. I guess there is nothing that a little chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwhich can't cure. :) ;)

Today 1-14-09

Makenna and I had cleanings/check-ups at the dentist this morning
this is the loot she left with .... :) Groucho Marx glasses, Spongebob toothpaste and a toothbrush. Best of all, NO CAVATIES!

It was fun being able to be with her by myself. We don't get to do that often but I am going to really try to spend more one on one time with her. We even went through the drive through at McDonalds for breakfast burritos, hash browns, and juice. Special Treat.

Under Construction

Decided to give the blog a fresh look
so i will be "under construction" for the
next little bit :)

Thanks for your patience

_________________________________
Update: I think my redecorating is done
I added a new banner some "curtains"
feeling romantic today I guess
.... Valentine's Day is just around the corner

Oh also added new music.... some of my
favorites right now

Totally loving YOU FOUND ME by The Fray
was going to list it as #1 on the playlist
but it doesn't really go with my theme so
I added it a little further down on the list.
Be sure to check it out though.

Hope you likey :)

A Photo A Day Stamp Set

this message is copied from the website .... www.scrap-room.com
"A PHOTO A DAY" Stamp Set: $18.00 please click on photo to view full image



A little bit about the features of this stamp set...
*Set of 26 Stamps
*Journaling lines stamp is a separate stamp from the journal block stamp for more journal card options. (Journal block measures 2-7/8""x3-7/8.")
*Set includes (2) different Days of the Week Labeling option stamps.
*Circle Days of the Week stamps are sized for use with a 1/2" circle punch.
*Accent stamps sized to fit journaling block for embellishing the journal cards.
*Use Staz-On Ink to stamp Days of the Week Stamp directly onto the top of the page protectors after slipping photos into the 4"x6" slotted page protectors.

To create this "Photo A Day" Album...
*Use 4"x6" slotted page protectors (which we have available for preorder below). Each 2-page weekly spread will include (12) 4"x6" slots.
*Use (1) 4"x6" slot for the "WEEK OF" title block. (Embellish a 4"x6" piece of patterned paper or cardstock any way you want to and add the "WEEK OF" information to this block. This will allow you to use different papers and embellishments each week if you want to to "mix it up" throughout the year.)
*Use (7) 4"x6" slots for (7) photos - taken one each day of the week.
*Use (4) 4"x6" slots for (7) journaling cards. (Two cards will fit side-by-side into each 4"x6" slot. One of the slots will only contain (1) journaling card, so you can embellish that block with some additional patterned paper and embellishments to add some "flair" to your page.)

If you missed out on Becky's kit and would still like to keep up with this project, you can preorder this stamp set by e-mailing us at admin@scrap-room.com with your order. (We will be adding this item to our "Specials" page shortly, but if you want to have one reserved in your name now, then feel free to send an e-mail. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the stamp set out. I don't have a definite ship date yet, but the stamps are in production now, and we are anticipating a ship date in early February.

If you are a ScrapRoom Member and we are able to ship this set with your next available shipment, then there will be not additional shipping charges. All stamp sets that are shipped separately will be charged $2.50 for shipping.

Finally, we will be hosting a "PROJECT 365 CATCH-UP PARTY" after the stamp sets have shipped out on our message board. We'll be scheduling an online crop, complete with prizes, to encourage everyone to get their albums caught up, using the new stamp set to get your journaling cards created and your pages put together! We'll announce more details when we get closer.

Domestic Goddess

Made the bestest dinner tonight ...so yummy
lemon and rosemary fish
roasted asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper
Mashed potatoes (for my hubby who doesn't love all the green stuff)

Not everyone loved the asparagus (i did) but everything else was eaten up.... no leftovers at all. I also made homemade banana bread today and cleaned the house (except for the bathrooms....put that off till the weekend) Feeling like quiet the DOMESTIC GODDESS today!! Ok so maybe that is over kill but I am pretty pleased with my accomplishments today.



In other news I got my Project 365 kit today ....very exciting stuff! Also looking forward to the new stamps that TSR is going to be producing to go along with this theme. I will update my blog when we have details.

Fig Newtons

Makenna on Fig Newtons

"I have always HATED those things....just the smell of them makes me want to throw up."


I guess that means more for the rest of the family ;)

Heath's Favorite Movies

Just a random question I asked him tonight just cause I wanted to know
Silverado (??)
Smokey and the Bandit (I totally knew this one)
Silence of the Lambs (that one is kinda creepy)

Link to Project 365 Giveaway

http://happydaisyaz.blogspot.com/2009/01/project-365-giveaway.html

I know there are several of you who weren't able to purchase the Project 365 kit from CK ..... but you are in luck .... you can follow the link above to enter to win one of the kits.

Goals and Plans for the New Year

Heath: wants to be healthier in 2009

Noah: said he wants to learn to play and instrument this year

Makenna: said she wants to "save the environment"

For me: I really want to try to live in the moment more... be PRESENT. I am also focused on getting HEALTHY....eating healthy....losing weight... and fingers crossed the doctors will finally get my thyroid meds were they need to be ... we are still changing meds every two months or so. I would also like to find out more about PCOS. Since I was diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance it seems I have been on even more meds.... I would like to reduce the amount of pills that I have to take daily (right now it is 6 pills a day) I will always have to take thyroid replacement but hopefully I can cut out some of the others.

January 1 2009

The kids came home from mom's today :) So glad they are back the house is far to quiet when they are away. Heath had to work again today.

December 31st

New Year's Eve ....
the kids are at my mom's and this is the first New Year's Eve that Heath and I have been alone since we became parents. I must say I was really looking forward to it. Heath however was exhausted from all the hours he has been putting in at work. We went to dinner together at Logan's and then rented a few movies (they weren't very good) and I rang in the new year alone on the couch .... Heath went to bed at 10:30
:(

December 28th

Grandmommy and Grandad left for Houston today. We really enjoyed having them here with us and were sad to see them leave. We are hoping to visit them during spring break, which for the kids seems like an eternity away. We spent the last few days hanging out with them either at our home or their hotel. The kids got to swim in the hotel pool so that was a fun treat to all the cold weather here. We went to the mall and just enjoyed their company. I have to say that dinner on Saturday was super fun. Mexican food and margaritas ..... complementary sopapillas ....what could be better?