Friday, December 19, 2008

Poor dead tree




NEVER buy a real tree in November...just be patient and wait until December.

Poor little guy....here's our temporary replacement for this year.

What have I created?


...this was heard our of my FOUR year old's mouth this morning.


"Mom, I've found the perfect pair of shoes!"


....yikes!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Gallbladder surgery...what fun!

Urgh...surgery sucks. Well, honestly the surgery was nothing...just a lil nap that they woke me too soon from :/
It was the excruciating pain before hand, and the chills and nausea afterwards that kicked my ass.

It started Thursday morning, I awoke with a headache. I got up, got the boys ready for school and got on the computer. I just felt ick...couldn't really explain it. I decided to let Raine sleep in, and both of us would rest, and goto work/school late.

By the time she woke up, My back was starting to really bother me, it was across both of my shoulders. I though I sat in my computer chair too long :) We stay home a bit longer then Raine decides she wants to goto school, she would miss too much staying home. She and I get ready, and I drive her to school. I drop her off in the classroom and head back to the parking lot. THEN it starts.

It started off as heartburn, but by that time I knew it was my gallbladder. The pressure and pain grew so intense, I had to pull over in the parking lot before I even made it to the road. It ended up easing a bit, so I took off. Well...I though it was easing, what happened was, it started spazzaming, so the pain came and went, but was worse each time it came back I almost made it back to work, and I just knew I had to goto the hospital. I wondered if I should of just drove to work and then have them take me to the hospital, or just drive past the school and go straight to the ER. I ended up doing the latter, but in hindsight, I probably should have just called the ambulance.

I got there and got signed in, and of course had to wait for an ER bed to open up. During that time, I was pacing the hallway in tears...it was so bad!. Once the Dr. saw me, he ordered pain med right away, which worked instantly and actually worked for the rest of the night. The pain was GONE. Dilaudid is gooooood stuff!

After the blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound we found out that my 1 little stone I had in July had multiplied GrEaTlY, and one actually got caught in the mouth of the gallbladder and caused the spazam, and subsequent infection. They tried to manually manipulate the stone in the US room, to free it, and it worked. By then...we had all agreed....if it didn't come out now, the same thing would happen again soon.

They admitted me overnight, so I could get IV antibiotics throughout the night, and surgery was scheduled for 9 the next AM. I felt fine all night...the stone was dislodged, the pain med was working, and the infection was subsiding. I was starving though :/ Of course, I didn't feel well that morning...so I didn't eat. Once I was a pre-op patient, I became NPO...nothing by mouth, not even water.

Surgery came and went without any problems. I went in at 9 and was back in my room about 11:30. I remember nothing except them waking me up and me still wanting to sleep. :) I went back to my room, and tried to sleep as much as I could, they gave me more dilaudid, which made me queezy this time....I finally had to ask hubby and the kids and family to leave for a bit...I just couldn't stay awake, and any sound irritated be for some reason.

They left, I slept for 3 hours, then the nurse woke me and told me it was time to go home. I was like...WHAT?! I haven't got up and walked, I haven't tried any liquids...we don't know how I 'm gonna handle this. (I'm a nurse dude, I know the procedures) So..he brought me a glass of apple juice....I drank half of it before I started getting sick with nausea. It was bad...chills and the whole nine yards.....so, I got more Zofran (keeps you from throwing up, supposedly) I ended up just going home...and trying my luck at going back to bed...it was a No Go. I puked the rest of the day and was so dehydrated throughout the night...I felt like my throat was bleeding.

It's 7:30 am...I'm gonna try it again. I've sipped on water throughout the night. I just poured myself my first cup of Joe, well see how it goes. I've taken my Zofran to try to keep the nausea at bay. I'm feeling a little sore...but can't take any Vicodin without anything in my stomach, or I'll be right back in the bathroom.

This is where I stand right now...pain and nausea, it's a vicious cycle...I'm going back to bed.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Michigan Fall

Tis the season for good food, good friends and beautiful fall scenery.

Here's a shot of my back yard this year.

Parenting of Teens

...I don't like it. Not even a little bit. Well ok, maybe a little...

.....sometimes that is.

It's haaard.

They don't listen.

It's a constant battle.

There's SO much drama.

I suddenly know nothing (or so they think).

Someone please tell me it's not just my teens!

I need wine for my whine.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I forgive you Santa

Sitting in the hot tub last night (that's where Raine comes up with her good ones), we were talking about Christmas presents. I was asking her what she wanted and she mentioned what Santa might bring her.
I reminded her that last week when she was being naughty, I told her that Santa might not bring her anything unless she started being good again....

...Her reply....I forgive Santa.

After a couple of chuckles, I said...Raine, what do you think about that...do you think you should be good in case Santa is watching.....

...Her reply....I forgive you too. :/

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tough Memories

Tough Memories

Over the weekend we had a joyous, yet sad anniversary date. Nov. 9th was the 2nd anniversary date of my dad's hunting accident.

As soon as November starts looming....it's almost all I can think of. It's weird, I can go most of the year (most, not all) just keeping it in the back of my mind, but when November hits...the thoughts all come back.

It's not that his injuries are overlooked during the year. They were so severe, we will never see past them again. He's paralyzed, and his whole life is forever changed, but he's ok. He will never get better than what he is right now...but, he's handling it.What is hard about remembering is seeing him, or imagining him at the time of his accident.

I feel the temperature of the November air, and think about him lying there for hours in the cold. I see the bare branches and think of him crashing down and hitting the ground. I see the fall leaves lying on the ground and think of him lying broken on the ground, barely clinging to life...alone. Alone in the dark, and the cold...and in pain and numbness. It just kills me everytime I remember the details of what he went through. I see his face...as white as death when I first saw him in ER after he was found...6 hours after the fall. I see my mom crumbling in the hall when she heard that his back and neck were broke. I feel the chill when I listen to the doctor say that the only hope we have is to save him from dying.

I have to MAKE my brain not think these thoughts, and focus on the present...I see him lying there in bed, smiling when we walk in and saying Hi babygirl. He didn't even remember the anniversary Sunday when I walked in with 2 bags of his favorite candy and a card. He didn't know what the occasion was...

...I wish sometimes, that I could forget too.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Hubbies video

Hubby made a video clip while he was in Iraq....it's going in here for safe keeping. :)



Friday, November 7, 2008

New nursery rhyme?


Raine's version of B-I-N-G-O


"L-A-N-G-O,
L-A-N-G-O,
L-A-N-G-OOOO and NEMO was his name-O



......hee-hee

Dad's Story

Do you know how everyone dreads the middle of the night phone call?...Well, last November I got the middle of the night knock on the door. (horrible experience I might add) It was my cousin and his wife...these were his words..."Jen, get dressed and get to the hospital, it's your dad".

Here's the story......

Nov. 9th 5:00 pm.....my dad get's off work earlier than expected, and decides to make up on the hunting time that he had been missing out on.My mom is still not home, so he leaves her a note on the table..."Gone hunting". He heads out onto the family farm's 70 acres for 1 last hour of prime hunting time, to one of his many tree stands.

6:00 pm.....dad shoots a deer with his bow and arrow.

6:10pm....dad stands in his stand, and gets ready to climb down to track the deer. The tree stand is old, and the supporting board gives way, breaks and falls. My dad falls 15 feet, head first to the ground below. Along the way and during the fall, he breaks his neck, his back, his wrist, his sternum and several ribs. He also punctures a lung, and has a closed head brain injury. My dad lay alone, unconcious on the ground.

Sometime that evening....mom gets home from work, see's the hunting note, and settles in for the night. She has to be to work at 3:00 AM, and dozes off on the couch...waiting for dad to come back in.

11:00 pm...Mom wakes up and realizes the time and that dad is not back inside. She panics, and runs outside in the woods alone, yelling his name. After a while, of almost getting lost herself...she calls my aunt and cousins who live next door....by this time, another hour has passed.

12:00pm....My aunt convinces my mom to call 911, and help is on the way...the hunting party for the hunter has started.

1:00AM....7 hours after the fall....my dad is found...alone and broken, near death in the woods.

After 3 hospital transfers, 9 or more surgeries, 2 months on a ventilator, 4 months hospitilazation, and SOOO much more in between, we are almost a year after the accident. My dad is now paralyzed from the chest down, and his life will never be the same....but, he is here. He is a changed man, physically and emotionally, but...here.

Today my son hunted in my dad's tree....

We bought a new stand, and my husband SWORE to me that it was secure. He promised!!! I guess my dad's good luck and love of hunting passed on to his firstborn grandson. This is a pic of 2 of my favorite men...my son, and my dad.....Tyler got an 8pt buck on his second day of hunting.......The tradition lives on......

1/125th Inf Homecoming

This is the link to the news clip of my hubbies homecoming. You have to click on PLAY VIDEO...enjoy :)



http://www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=120802

ABC's Gone Wild

Hubby is NOT allowed to help Raine...or anyone else for that matter, with their ABC's EVER again!!


I'm sitting here helping Raine with her Alphabet letters and sounds...


....here is a little taste of HIS version as he shouted them at us from the next room.


N -----Naughty, Nightie


T------ Thongs, Titties, Tequila


I totally tuned him out after that...Weirdo!

Bunny Ramblings

Some of the funny things I need to remember :)



Her name is Marshmallow, but I'm gonna call her Marshmallow Sniffy, cuz I like it like that.



Aww, come here bunny, you look sad.



I love you bunny, I'll never kill you.



I'm her momma, but Nick is NOT her daddy!



Her reply when I told her she's being nice to her bunny...I know, and I don't even slap her!



My bunny thinks I smell good.



Look mom, she can hop like a bunny!



To Nick...My bunny is better than your dog.

Was it bad...

....for me to start cracking up laughing when I got a call from my son's middle school to go and pick up my oldest son.

He was suspended for 2 days for being involved in a food fight. This is their last week in the MS building...and then they will be highschoolers.



Sorry...it was just funny to me (of course it probably wouldn't be if I was working in the cafeteria today)

Memorial Day Thanks

I have trouble finding the right words...



I have trouble finding the right picture.....



I have NO trouble finding the thoughts that come to my mind, and the tears that come to my eyes, when I think of the TRUE meaning of Memorial Day.



It is with such great admiration that I give my whole hearted thanks to all who have given that ultimate sacrifice.



It is with such immense pain that I feel for those left behind, hurting.



From the bottom of my heart, thanks for being strong enough to do what needs to be done...for all of us.

Painfully honest

You know it's time...


...to get a new bra, when your 4year old see's you in yours and says...



...mommy, that doesn't FIT you anymore...urghh



...shopping anyone?!

Do men listen?


LOL...This is just too funny not to repeat.

We (me, Raine and hubby) were sitting in the hot tub this morning. It was nice and relaxing...so much so that Raine didn't want to get out. She started her game of delaying us by playing the "Magic word" game. She put her legs up as a bridge...and wouldn't let us out until we came up with the magic word. Here is part of our conversation....

Raine: You have to say the magic word mommy
Me: I've tried all the magic words that I know...I need some help...
Raine: ok. it's...Pretty please with ice-cream with chocolate sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whip cream and a cherry on top.
Mom: ok, Pretty please with ice-cream with chocolate sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whip cream and a cherry on top.
Raine: Good..your turn daddy
Dad: uummmm....sprinklies, chocolate swirls, and dolphins?

Now..there is your PROOF that men never listen!!

My 3 Gems

This morning I have 3 things that I am greatful for....





1.) Tyler



He and I are both feeling back to normal, and are rebuilding our relationship.



2.) Nick



As difficult as he can be at times...he never fails to shower me with love.



3.) Raine



She has learned the value of telling the truth, and almost brought me to tears this morning when she proved that to me.

Teenage appetite

Well no wonder...


...you don't feel good!!



I received a call from the MS to pick Tyler up, he's not feeling well and has an upset stomach.



So..I get there and casually ask, well...what did you eat bud? Here's his reply....



2 pancakes



2 sausage and egg bagel sandwiches



6 pieces of bacon



3 sausages



and 6 or 7 juices



....ummmm, well, YEAH!! I'd not feel well either!

Pep talk for a Military Wife

...This was an actual conversation I had with hubby tonight....(I was feeling blue)

B: Hello sweety
J: Hey
B: What r u doing?
J: I'm not doing anything
B: R u feeling ok today?
J: I've been kinda weird all week...
J: I'm tired of being alone and doing it myself
B: I know ,it will be over soon
J: Not really
B: We're in the military sweety
J: I know babe
J: It just sucks sometimes is all, at times like this.
B: I know it does
B: It will get better I promise
J: I know
B: We do what other people wish they could do
J: How's that?
B: We help the United States prevail over terrorists.
J: I don't
B: Yes u do ,without you I wouldn't be in the military. I couldn't do it unless I had you.
J: aww
B: You r my right hand in this, and you help me get through the hard times more than u know.
J: Are you reading this out of a book? lol
B: No silly
B: For real, you allow me to have a family AND still fight for our country, other people are not strong enough for that.
J: I know
B: Do you work tomorrow?
J: Yeah, you?
B:No
J: aww, you suck!
B: No, you suck
B: ok well I'll call u in a little bit sweety
J: Alright babe...byee
B: I love u
B: Byee

J: I love you too
J: Bye

.....Corny, huh? :)

Michael

As you all know...my hubby was deployed to Iraq for 15 months...not too awful long ago. During the time that he was there, he and the other soldiers in his "squad" became very close...even life-long friends. Not only them...but, their wives are now my soul-sisters...we have actually made it through hell together!

The media sometimes portrays our soldiers in a harsh light, and many of you know that that is one of my pet peeves...and one of the hardest parts of being a soldiers wife. I support him to no end.

There are SO many different sides to this war. It is definitely NOT just 2 sided, as in us and them. We (military) really are trying to do our best for this country(Iraq) who has no support of their own.

OK...enough of the emotional rant that I can get on so easily.....onto my news!

During the time that my hubby was there serving, he became VERY close with his Iraqi Interpreter....we call him Michael (unsure of his Iraqi name). Actually...the whole squad did. They (the intrepreters) were in just as much danger every day, right alongside our guys...helping their country in any way they could....even under great fear of retaliation to them and their families for working with the Americans. Michael's biggest dream was to be able to come to America and start over, here with his family, and be safe.

I just got word today that Michael was finally approved for a Visa and will be arriving in the States this week. He will be staying with the different families in our squad until he can get established. I can't WAIT to tell my hubby the good news...and I am really hoping that he will be able to stay with us for a time.

I am talking to a wife of one of the guys as I type this journal....and we are planning our next get together...to include Michael.

It's really not everyday that you hear about our guys opening their homes to "strangers" from a land that we are currently at war with...it really touches my heart, and I wanted to share it with you. :)

My Daughter's Prayer


Dear God ~

Thank you for my daddy.

In Jesus name Amen.


(This was at breakfast this morning...have you ever heard anything sweeter?! ) :)

My moment at work

My moment didn't happen during "Me" time...but, during work. Then again....My work is a big part of who I am...so, maybe it did.

Today one of my students (8 yrs old) came into my office during his lunchtime for his routine Insulin shot. He is newly Diabetic, and sometimes has trouble accepting all that he has to go through with the disease. Today was different.....

I walk in the office, and he lifts up his shirt, throws him arm at me, and says "Shoot Me" ....LOL. I giggled for about 10 minutes after he left!

....I love my job :)

Warning...

...Just a warning here.

I'm about fed up with BBC and SeRiOuSlY considering leaving soon. I will invite everyone who wishes to follow me to my blog. I promise to start keeping up with posting here. :)

Sorry for anyone who has been bummed out by my not posting lately. :/

Monday, September 1, 2008

Birthday Story

My first choice of things to do on my birthday was of course, to visit my favorite winery.





It was great...we tasted all their new wines since our last visit, bought a new bottle of our favorite red (along with 2 GORGEOUS new glasses), and had a glass there while enjoying the view.





We had such a great time, that I forgot about it being a Sunday evening on a Holiday weekend...so by the time I went to visit the Chocolate Shop for brownies, and the Nail shop for my pedicure...they were both closed :(

I did go home and do my own pedi though...not as nice, but it got the job done :)






We also went out for dinner with my son and his girlfriend...pretty fun actually....that was a first for us...double dating with our kids, lol We had pizza and pasta...then went and watched the new scary movie The Happening...it was FrEaKy!!


Photobucket

It was a Wonderful day! LaughingI was spoiled all the way around...I even asked hubby if it could be my birthday for ONE more day.......he said no :(

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Hubby has done it again!


Thanks hubby, for indulging my obsession, yet again!

Here is my Birthday present to be.....Thanks to eBay.

(if no one outbids us that is)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Fish Pedicures



ok....so maybe you've heard of the new extravagent type of pedicures in the spas lately.....Fish Pedicures


I'm sure this is NOT what they mean, but....


....it's the first thing I thought of when Raine and I stuck our toes in for a dip, and we we're suddenly being nibbled on by tons of little fish!!! Surprised

Sunday, August 3, 2008

New tattoo


I finally got the one I've been waiting on for quite a while......


it's the Kanji symbol for Serenity


I love it.


Monday, July 28, 2008

Manic Monday

Well...I seriously doubt that I will get all this done...but here it goes...my list for Manic Monday :)

Get a shower and get off my booty...after coffee of course
Get a hair appt for THIS am
Get hair color fixed (and quit trying to do it myself) :(
Take Raine to daycare
Get to work
Physicals for 170 children...yikes
Fill 15 first aid kits
Count and distribute meds
Try to make it out of work before Raines dance class
if not....Get my mom to take her to dance class
Decide on whether or not to cancel my gallbladder surgery :/
Home, dinner, laundry, baths and whatever else might (and usually does) come up.

....Gosh I'm tired already, and I'm still only just sitting here!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

First time jitters

I'm like a young girl.....unable to say no to peer pressure. Yes, I admit I am a blogging virgin. This is my first attempt and you are all here to witness it with me. I hope I can handle the responsibilities of it, and it will live up to my expectations :)