We are leaving for Ironton, OH in 2 days! Can't believe we're actually going to be able to go!! God is good! I'm really looking forward to our family weekend get-away. We haven't been able to go anywhere as a complete family in a long time.
Getting all of our laundry done today so we can pack tomorrow. We'll have to van ready to go tomorrow night, so that we can get up at 6:30am and just pile in and go. The kids are very excited! I've been blessed with kids that travel well. Stephanie tends to have trouble with motion sickness, but since we've had the van I haven't noticed it being a problem. Bringing Dramamine with us though, just in case!
Saturday, we'll be meeting the Young Family at a park in Ashland, KY to have a potluck and a catch-up/meeting time. My mom's family has only gotten together 2 times that I know of, and I was 2 yrs old and then 14 years old! It's been a while! I know my mom is very excited about seeing her relatives! My uncle Jim passed away 17 years ago, uncle Danny is working and won't be able to come, and we're hoping my aunt Kathy will be there!
Sunday, we'll be having the Malone Reunion at my Aunt Carol's house in Ironton. She has a large pavilion in her back yard and a pool. We'll be seeing my dad's brother and sisters and all of their kids and grandkids. Three of my uncles, Uncle Frank, Uncle Hayward and Uncle Kenny, have already passed away and are truly missed! Uncle Forest, Aunt Clara Mae and Aunt Carol are all planning on being there. I'm really looking forward to meeting/getting to know my cousins. My dad was the youngest of 7, and by the time he was born a few of them were already married.
Praying my van doesn't have any trouble and we have a good trip. It's about 8 1/2 hours drive for us.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Stephanie's progress
Stephanie is doing great! She has gone 5 days now with no pain meds. It's been a week since her surgery, and I am so amazed at the difference since the bones are where they should be. As you can see, she is all set up with the remote, Xbox, and basket of goodies to keep her occupied.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Update on my weight loss journey
I have lost 20.4 as of today! Looking forward to continuing this journey!! I can actually start to "see" a difference.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Stephanie's Surprise
Our friend from our homeschool group, Mandy, brought us a delicious dinner tonight. She also brought a huge surprise for Stephanie from several of her friends!
A basket OVERFLOWING with goodies! Candy, stickers, multiplication puzzles, peg game, coloring books, a wooden cross to paint, Littlest Pet Shop toys, various other things I can't think of right now and a smiley face balloon! She really needed this today....after the meltdown last night, she was just feeling low. I think is just tired of sitting around, but when she tries to get up and do something it wears her out. Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtfulness in helping her feel better!
Weight Loss Journey update
Yipppeeee! As of today, I'm down 18.4 lbs. I don't really notice a change yet, but mom mentioned immediately that she could tell in my face that I've lost weight! That's encouraging!!! Slow and steady wins the race.....I truly hope this saying is true!
Mom and Dad's visit before heading to OH
Mom and dad arrived on Wed night around 11pm, since mom had to work until 2. We had a fun day together yesterday. I think Stephanie might have over done it though, because in the evening she crashed and burned. After taking a pain pill, she calmed right down. We played several games of Go Fish, went to the Mellow Mushroom for dinner, and watched Furry Vengeance. They headed out around 6:30am and plan to go straight through to Vandalia, OH to visit the Cordas, some very good friends of ours from Romania.
We'll be heading out next Friday very early! We're very excited about having a little get-away for the weekend as well as visiting relatives I haven't seen in such a long time.
We'll be heading out next Friday very early! We're very excited about having a little get-away for the weekend as well as visiting relatives I haven't seen in such a long time.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Stephanie's Surgery
Well, today was extremely eventful. We had to be at the hospital at 8:30am for pre-op and registration, with surgery scheduled for 10:30am. Stephanie was nervous last night and ended up staying up until 2am talking to me and reading, so getting her up so early this morning was difficult. She was up every hour through the night as well. She hasn't slept well since the accident on Thursday.
Grammy and Grampy met us at the hospital and tried to get a few smiles out of her. They were so kind to take Ashleigh and Jeffrey back to their house so they could play. Thanks so much!
Stephanie was in extreme pain by the time we went to our pre-op "room". The came in to do the IV, and freaked her out. So, our wonderful nurse said she could talk to the Dr. and they could make adjustments for her. They agreed to wait until they put her to sleep, thank goodness!! We met the anesthesiologist who happened to see her during a meltdown and asked her if she was alright. She immediately answered no. He asked if she would like a drink to help her feel relaxed. She said she didn't know, but daddy and I told him YES! She was given a cherry cocktail, which we called happy juice. Within 5-10 minutes, she was slurring words and saying and doing the funniest things! Here are a few that I wrote down to remember:
1) She kept putting her head between the bed rails and saying she was stuck
2) She asked her daddy to give her some hand sanitizer because she was hungry
3) She patted daddy and said "hi, mommy"
4) She kept putting her head between the rails and laid there saying she was very comfortable.
A few seconds later, we heard her mumbling about the beautiful rainbow and butterflies. She
was staring at the ceiling upside down.
5) "Why is my hat blue?" as she had it pulled down over her eyes and nose.....
6) "I'm in my own virtual world"
7) Daddy would tickle her and she would giggle and say "leave me in my happy place!"
8) We thought maybe daddy wouldn't need to go back to the OR with her since she was quite "buzzed", but then we heard her say "Put your suit on!" Meaning he was going to suit up and go with her, or else.
The Dr. arrived at 10:45 and wrote his initials in black marker on the left knee so he could guarantee he was setting the right ankle. A few minutes later, they took her back. According to Thomas, they put the mask over her face and told her to breath deeply. It was the laughing gas and she later said that it tasted terrible! I had to ask her tonight if they pushed the mask down on her face and she said they did. It was like a suction....reason I asked is because she now has 2 black eyes and bruising on her nose.... She breathed in a few times, while the anesthesiologist was rubbing her face and talking calmly to her. He then told daddy to kiss her and that they were kicking him out. He, being Thomas, said he would rather walk out on his own. He got a chuckle from Dr. Berry.
Approximately 20 min later, Dr. Berry came in the waiting room and informed us it went well and that he has every confidence that the growth plate will heal normally and she won't have any trouble. She is to not put any weight on her foot for the next 2 weeks until the follow up visit where he will x-ray and check the healing process.
30 minutes later, they moved her from recovery to a room where they could make sure she wasn't having any complications before being discharged. We followed her into that room, and she was awake, but groggy. She kept saying it hurts, but after questioning her, I discovered it wasn't her foot hurting, it was her hand where the IV was. Pastor Mike Halsey from our church arrived at this time and was surprised to see how well she was doing. The nurse went ahead and gave her a Lortab for the pain, removed the IV and immediately, Stephanie started perking up. By the time we got her dressed, she was laughing and talking. We left around 1pm and had to stop at Waffle House since we were all starving and Stephanie had to eat soft foods since we weren't sure how she would respond to the meds/anesthesia/nausea meds.
We arrived home at 2pm and mom and dad basically crashed! She propped her foot on a pillow with ice and got busy playing the Xbox. By 5pm, I thought she would have asked for pain meds again but she didn't. She was allowed to have another pill at 4! I asked her what her pain level was on a scale from 1 to 10. She said 1! I was amazed! She's doing so well. She says her foot feels so much better in this new cast. What a difference the bone being in the right place means!
We have been blessed with great friends in our homeschool group! Martie brought yummy Potato Soup, rolls and Big Pretzels for dessert. She informed me that dinner is being provided tomorrow and Friday as well! I'm so thankful!! I've been so tired the last few days from helping her day and night, that I don't really have any energy left!
My mom and dad are arriving tomorrow night on their way to OH. They'll stay with us all day Thursday and head north on Friday morning. This visit couldn't have been planned any better! Stephanie is really looking forward to seeing them.
I've posted pics of Stephanie before surgery, her "old" splint...1/2 cast, and the new cast. I'll update her progress. Stephanie and Thomas are looking forward to an art project in the next few days. They will be spray painting her ugly, boring off-white cast many different colors. She was bummed that she couldn't get a neon color since she was getting a cast at the hospital instead of the office.
Stay tuned..... :)
Grammy and Grampy met us at the hospital and tried to get a few smiles out of her. They were so kind to take Ashleigh and Jeffrey back to their house so they could play. Thanks so much!
Stephanie was in extreme pain by the time we went to our pre-op "room". The came in to do the IV, and freaked her out. So, our wonderful nurse said she could talk to the Dr. and they could make adjustments for her. They agreed to wait until they put her to sleep, thank goodness!! We met the anesthesiologist who happened to see her during a meltdown and asked her if she was alright. She immediately answered no. He asked if she would like a drink to help her feel relaxed. She said she didn't know, but daddy and I told him YES! She was given a cherry cocktail, which we called happy juice. Within 5-10 minutes, she was slurring words and saying and doing the funniest things! Here are a few that I wrote down to remember:
1) She kept putting her head between the bed rails and saying she was stuck
2) She asked her daddy to give her some hand sanitizer because she was hungry
3) She patted daddy and said "hi, mommy"
4) She kept putting her head between the rails and laid there saying she was very comfortable.
A few seconds later, we heard her mumbling about the beautiful rainbow and butterflies. She
was staring at the ceiling upside down.
5) "Why is my hat blue?" as she had it pulled down over her eyes and nose.....
6) "I'm in my own virtual world"
7) Daddy would tickle her and she would giggle and say "leave me in my happy place!"
8) We thought maybe daddy wouldn't need to go back to the OR with her since she was quite "buzzed", but then we heard her say "Put your suit on!" Meaning he was going to suit up and go with her, or else.
The Dr. arrived at 10:45 and wrote his initials in black marker on the left knee so he could guarantee he was setting the right ankle. A few minutes later, they took her back. According to Thomas, they put the mask over her face and told her to breath deeply. It was the laughing gas and she later said that it tasted terrible! I had to ask her tonight if they pushed the mask down on her face and she said they did. It was like a suction....reason I asked is because she now has 2 black eyes and bruising on her nose.... She breathed in a few times, while the anesthesiologist was rubbing her face and talking calmly to her. He then told daddy to kiss her and that they were kicking him out. He, being Thomas, said he would rather walk out on his own. He got a chuckle from Dr. Berry.
Approximately 20 min later, Dr. Berry came in the waiting room and informed us it went well and that he has every confidence that the growth plate will heal normally and she won't have any trouble. She is to not put any weight on her foot for the next 2 weeks until the follow up visit where he will x-ray and check the healing process.
30 minutes later, they moved her from recovery to a room where they could make sure she wasn't having any complications before being discharged. We followed her into that room, and she was awake, but groggy. She kept saying it hurts, but after questioning her, I discovered it wasn't her foot hurting, it was her hand where the IV was. Pastor Mike Halsey from our church arrived at this time and was surprised to see how well she was doing. The nurse went ahead and gave her a Lortab for the pain, removed the IV and immediately, Stephanie started perking up. By the time we got her dressed, she was laughing and talking. We left around 1pm and had to stop at Waffle House since we were all starving and Stephanie had to eat soft foods since we weren't sure how she would respond to the meds/anesthesia/nausea meds.
We arrived home at 2pm and mom and dad basically crashed! She propped her foot on a pillow with ice and got busy playing the Xbox. By 5pm, I thought she would have asked for pain meds again but she didn't. She was allowed to have another pill at 4! I asked her what her pain level was on a scale from 1 to 10. She said 1! I was amazed! She's doing so well. She says her foot feels so much better in this new cast. What a difference the bone being in the right place means!
We have been blessed with great friends in our homeschool group! Martie brought yummy Potato Soup, rolls and Big Pretzels for dessert. She informed me that dinner is being provided tomorrow and Friday as well! I'm so thankful!! I've been so tired the last few days from helping her day and night, that I don't really have any energy left!
My mom and dad are arriving tomorrow night on their way to OH. They'll stay with us all day Thursday and head north on Friday morning. This visit couldn't have been planned any better! Stephanie is really looking forward to seeing them.
I've posted pics of Stephanie before surgery, her "old" splint...1/2 cast, and the new cast. I'll update her progress. Stephanie and Thomas are looking forward to an art project in the next few days. They will be spray painting her ugly, boring off-white cast many different colors. She was bummed that she couldn't get a neon color since she was getting a cast at the hospital instead of the office.
Stay tuned..... :)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Today is Swagbucks Extravaganza!
Gather up as many codes as you can to gather the bucks today! There will be at least 5 codes out today and there is a 15 buck code that we have to unscramble.....how fun!!
First code was just released so go get it at www.swagbucks.com and read the blog.
First code was just released so go get it at www.swagbucks.com and read the blog.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Update on my weight loss journey
As of today, I have lost 15.6 lbs. I've been a little discouraged because I've stayed here for a few days now. Not giving up though!! I'm very happy to have lost this much so far. Hoping that my meds will level out my thyroid so I can lose even faster.
Newest Obsession :)
I have started earning swag bucks. I love it! It's a fun way to earn free products. I joined 5 days ago and I have already cashed in my bucks for 2 - $5 Amazon gift cards!! I would love for you to sign up and earn bucks too. http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/flbove
Here are a few tips to help you earn more bucks:
1.) Download the Swag Bucks toolbar and use the search for everything! I use it to go to facebook, email, anything! You will randomly win swag bucks 1-2 times a day, sometimes more.
2.) Follow ("like") Swag Bucks on Facebook. Watch what others are posting to see what search words they use to give you ideas. Sometimes you'll win bucks for using the same words or change them up a bit.
3.) Check www.swagbucks.com periodically because on the right side you'll see when a new post comes out. Sometimes they give you ideas of what to search for as well as codes in their messages. Enter codes from this site to earn bucks as well.
Let me know if you need any help! I'm still learning, but having fun so far!
Here are a few tips to help you earn more bucks:
1.) Download the Swag Bucks toolbar and use the search for everything! I use it to go to facebook, email, anything! You will randomly win swag bucks 1-2 times a day, sometimes more.
2.) Follow ("like") Swag Bucks on Facebook. Watch what others are posting to see what search words they use to give you ideas. Sometimes you'll win bucks for using the same words or change them up a bit.
3.) Check www.swagbucks.com periodically because on the right side you'll see when a new post comes out. Sometimes they give you ideas of what to search for as well as codes in their messages. Enter codes from this site to earn bucks as well.
Let me know if you need any help! I'm still learning, but having fun so far!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Completed crochet projects
This was a new project that I had never attempted before. Bottom picture is before felting and the middle picture is after felting. My daughter is the beautiful model in the top pic. It was an easy project that took about 2 hours to complete and 2 days to let it dry after felting. A lot of fun to do!! I think I'll make a 2nd one for my other daughter.
New to blogging....should be interesting
I have never been a "writer" or diary keeper, but I think this will be interesting to try. I mainly set it up so I can have a works in progress that I can share with my crochet buddies. I love reading, cooking, crocheting and coupon clipping! I'll be sharing a little of each with this blog. Looking forward to making some new friends!
I guess I need to tell you a little about myself. I'm a stay-at-home mom that homeschools my 3 children, ages 11, 9 and 5. I'm very active in a local homeschool group. I've been married to my hubby for 12 years. We've had many ups and downs, but we have learned to go through any situation together.
I am also starting a weight loss journey. So far I have lost 12.2 lbs and hope to lose MANY more! My weight issues have been brought on by thyroid disease, and I'm also learning to live with that. God is my strength!
I guess I need to tell you a little about myself. I'm a stay-at-home mom that homeschools my 3 children, ages 11, 9 and 5. I'm very active in a local homeschool group. I've been married to my hubby for 12 years. We've had many ups and downs, but we have learned to go through any situation together.
I am also starting a weight loss journey. So far I have lost 12.2 lbs and hope to lose MANY more! My weight issues have been brought on by thyroid disease, and I'm also learning to live with that. God is my strength!
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