SuperMom Cape -- broke

I have discovered that my SuperMom cape has lead in it.

Yesterday, in the afternoon I had to run to the eye doctor because my youngest broke his glasses. Thankfully, the frames were still under warranty. We had to order new ones as they didn't have them in stock and they just arrived yesterday. So I made the trip to get the frames and have the lenses installed in the new frames.

When I get back home, Tom tells me that his foot has been bleeding alot - he is worried about it. It is throbbing alot. Really hurts. He called and talked to the nurse who told him that what he had done was extensive. It was a really big tumor and it is expected that he will be in pain. Bleeding is normal at this stage, also. That is why he still can't shower yet- they expect it not to be closed enough.

He did decide that he couldn't completely go off the demerol and needed that to be refilled. He is using tylenol 3 during the day and going to take demerol to help him through the night. He finds he is in more pain during the night.

Anyway, I just got home to find I had to go to pick up his prescription (because they can't call in narcotics - it has to be picked up). I asked our youngest to read his phonics to Dad while I went to pick up the prescription and turn it into Walgreens to be filled. Tom, then, asked if he had to. Couldn't I do it when I get back? I told him that my SuperMom cape was broke and he had to help out - all he had to do was let JJ read his phonics to him. Tom grimaced and said yes.

The Looking Glass by Richard Paul Evans

This is a good book but it is definitely a tragic, love story. So if you aren't in the mood for that - you might not want to pick this one up.

It is very good but so sad. Hard story to put down. It takes place in a mining town in the west during the 1850's. The story revolves around two people - Quaye - who escapes the potato famine in Ireland but doesn't end up in a better situation here in America. Hunter - was a preacher until tragedy struck. He is very angry at God. And it isn't until he meets up with Quaye that he eventually finds God again (although he also realizes that God never really left him). Hunter was a prospector in the mining town. His claim was doing very well.

I won't spoil the ending but it is a very tragic love story. I do love the way Richard Evans writes though. He is a master story teller. It is hard to put his books down.

New book by David Platt - Radical

If you would like to check out David Platt's new book, Radical, you can read the first chapter by clicking here:

First chapter

Additionally, WaterBrook Multnomah is giving away free copies of the book while supplies last. I am so excited because I have had lots of time to read while waiting in doctor's offices - so I can't wait for my copy to arrive.

Free book

It looks like it is going to be a great book.

Toastmasters

We have started a new co-op / class. A local chapter of Toastmasters is hosting a youth leadership class to teach our students how to be better speakers and how to host a meeting / how to run it. They are learning some of Robert's Rules of Order. Plus they hopefully will gain some confidence in speaking in front of a group. The class is being held weekly for 9 weeks.

estimated timeline - the road to recovery

A couple people have been asking about the estimated timeline for recovery:

We are estimating 6 weeks until he can go back to work but it depends on how much pain he has when he sits with his foot down. Right now he has to keep his foot elevated or it just throbs.

It is probably about 3 months until he can put enough pressure on his foot to be able to drive.

So I will have to drive him to and from work for awhile. We are hoping he finds a friend that lives close by that he could drive with -- at least for 2 or 3 days of the week. Otherwise it will be on my agenda to drive him downtown and pick him up. Not the end of the world but not crazy about it.

It is estimated that it will take about 6 months until he can walk.

All of these estimates are dependent upon how quickly the bone and bone marrow regrow. It is kind of neat - they take an x-ray - and the huge whitish area that shows up is the packing that they stuffed into the bone area. The packing eventually gets reabsorbed by the body as his own body starts to repair and remake the bone. That will then show up as normal bone on the x-ray. So the white area on the x-ray will get smaller and smaller as he heals. That is how they will know when it is time for him to start putting more pressure on it or when he can start trying to walk, etc.

We knew all along that it was going to be a long recovery but I think the 3 months until he can drive really got me. I am now one person driving and taking care of all the needs of 4 others. (Breathe, breathe!) But this too shall pass and we are very grateful that this is all fixable. Other diagnosis would not have been that positive.

A friend of mine said it very nicely - instead of looking at only 6 months, Tom is looking at 6 months of recovery and then the rest of his life to enjoy. We are truly blessed.

Tom - update

Everyday, I can tell Tom gets a little better. Yesterday, took alot out of him though. Going to the doctor and having x-rays --- it is alot of work to move around on crutches - plus his foot is down to travel - all the blood flows there and it starts to throb. So by the end of the day he was in alot of pain and just exhausted.

Most of this morning he was still in alot of pain. This afternoon and evening have been better.

His biggest complaint is that there is no comfortable way to put his foot that doesn't hurt.

Still, we are blessed. Absolutely blessed. God has been wonderful. I know my husband doesn't always SEE it but we have been so blessed. It is not cancer! Thank God! What a blessing! This happened at a time when our family is doing less - yes, we still have alot going on but during hockey season this would have been really hard to handle. God's timing is always perfect! What a blessing! Tom hasn't always taken time to just rest, reflect, study His word - and what an amazing blessing God has given him - time to get to know Him, time to read His word! What an amazing blessing!

Thank you all for praying. We so appreciate the prayers. Please continue to pray for healing and for the pain to diminish.

So how fast is 3 MONTHS!!

The latest ----

We went to Tom's doctor and it is healing up well. He still can't get it wet - therefore no showers until next week's apt. He wants to see it then and will let us know if he is released to bath. Until then it is sponge baths.

Also, I did ask how long until he thinks Tom will be able to drive. 3 MONTHS. 3 MONTHS! Seriously! 3 long MONTHS

Ohhh wellllll. What else can we do! Still, that was rather discouraging news for us to hear. He will most likely go back to work after a month or 6 weeks --- and I will have to drive him and pick him up every day.

We also found out that this was impressive enough of a procedure that as long as Tom heals up okay - the doctor is planning to write it all up for an article in one of the medical magazines - he even has pictures --- of the foot all opened up. My husband loved the pictures and thought it was soooooo cool - because it's not often do you get to see inside your own body. I, of course, thought but seriously - who wants to! Doctors I suppose.

The doctor also had to share that he was thrilled as it is the first time he actually got to see a bone weakened prior to it actually becoming a full stress fracture. It was the start of one and no one ever gets to see them in the stage of developing - the doctors only see them once they have broken and need fixing. So he thought it was awesomely cool!

I am not always sure it is good to be the patient that the doctors all go 'cool - can we see!'

We had that even when we ended up at Urgent Care! Apparently one of the doctors had never seen thrush before and our doctor (we had the more experienced one) had the other doctor come in and was pointing out the classic signs of thrush!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow Tom goes in for his 1 week after surgery check up.

I will let you all know how that turns out.

Tom update

Today is actually Tom's birthday.

Happy birthday Tom!!

Of course - what a way to spend one's birthday - recovering from surgery!

Today was the first day where Tom has really felt better. His sense of humor has returned. That is so nice to see! So far the new antibiotic seems to be working and not causing side affects. I pray that continues.

The Carousel - by Richard Paul Evans

I have just had lots of time sitting in doctor's offices - and therefore lots of time to read.

I really like Richard Paul Evans as a writer. He is a really fantastic writer. Plus, he is nice to read when lots of things are going on around me - his books are easy to read and not very heavy. They are books that you can get interrupted and pick back up easily. I needed that kind of book right now.

The story is a love story. But it is not without its heartache. Michael is in love with Faye. In my opinion, Faye is more in love in the beginning with status and gaining the world. It isn't until she experiences loss that she realizes that having it all - having the whole world is meaningless if those you love are not there to share it with you. And finally, she realized that it is love that helps to heal the heart after loss. Michael was always loving, steadfast and loyal but it took awhile for Faye to realize that she felt the same way toward Michael.

update

Tom has officially been diagnosed by a doctor (because you know - we are stupid people and without that doctor's official diagnosis - it just isn't true!). He has thrush. Hmmm that is what we said. He is reacting to the antibiotic. The doctor said to keep taking it but take the medicine to stop the thrush.

We said no. This is what happened to Tom before. He always reacted to penicillin by getting thrush -- and they said that was a 'side affect' not a 'reaction' and therefore keep taking it. Sure enough it turned into a major reaction and now he is anaphylactic to penicillin. We didn't want to risk it and insisted on a change in antibiotics. We are starting to run out of options. Hopefully, this one will work and won't cause problems.

Road work

They are doing work --- not sure if it is road work or if they are fixing pipes that run under the road --- but they have had to turn our water off!

I keep thinking what next?

Tom update

Tom has now developed thrush - which is a reaction to the antibiotic. It is getting to the point where there will be no antibiotic at all that he can take. If he ever gets a bad infection I have no idea how they will fight it off.

We have to go to urgent care to get a doctor's to diagnosis that he has thrush and give him the anti-thrush meds. Plus then we will need his doctor to prescribe a different antibiotic ---if there is one.

great cartoon by Steve Kelley

walker

And yes in that picture below there is a walker.

Tom is finding that the walker is easier to use around the house. His armpits were already getting sore and the walker offered a change from that! He feels he is building up his arm muscles though. Just going to the bathroom is a workout!

The BOOT

My husband woke up with the flash when I took the picture -- and he looked at me in horror - and said, "you aren't taking pictures of me sleeping, are you??" Nope, just your foot! This is the boot he needs to wear to keep the foot safe from getting banged around. The boot is huge and heavy. But needed for protection. He can still feel it when it gets bumped though.

youngest sleeping

Isn't this cute! He fell asleep with his shiny hockey stick! I wonder is he playing in his dreams??

We found one!

Moms are great!!! I put both my mom and my MIL on the hunt for a transfer bench. They live in different areas. Guess what my Mom found one --- used for $5!!! Whooo hooo. Cause they are expensive if you buy new! I am thrilled. Tom can now shower (once his stitches are out!)

We have an apt. next week Tuesday with the doctor to check how the healing is going. Stitches might come out then or next week. And then it is shower time!!

I am thrilled we found a solution --- and a cheap solution at that!

Thanks MOM!

I will try to take a picture of it if I get a minute!

update on Tom

Tom seems to be doing much better tonight. Since we noticed the fluid in his lungs this morning we have had him doing deep breaths throughout the day. I didn't think he was breathing deeply enough and after thinking about it - I realized that blowing up a balloon would help. So I had the kids dig out a balloon from my homeschooling science supplies --- and give it to Daddy. Daddy now blows up the balloon very hour or so. The kids think that is just a hoot. Daddy is required to blow balloons. How fun!!

fever broke

Tom's fever broke at about 1:30 am last night.

Now we are noticing that he has fluid in his lungs --- this is common after surgery and one of the things the doctor has us watching for. He is to take deep breaths frequently to clear out the lungs. Otherwise pneumonia could develop.

still here

We are still at home. Taking the tylenol helped a bit. His temp is now 100.1 --- I still felt that required a call again to the doctor. He was wonderful. He said it was considered a low grade fever and was on the border as to whether we go to the hospital or not. He recommended taking one more tylenol and then monitoring him through the night. If it spikes up or we have any other concerns to call him back immediately. The doctor believes the fever is a reaction to the pain. He recommended also getting a cool cloth on his forehead and/or wrist, too.

Thank you for praying - please keep praying. It seems like it will be touch and go all night.

new development - prayers please

Tom was doing great so I took the kids to swim class tonight. I left at 6:30 and got back at 9:00 --- and in that short time - he had taken a turn for the worse. He is running a fever of 101 and that warranted a call to the doctor. He has told us to have him take some tylenol and see if the fever breaks. If it doesn't break by 10 we have to go to the hospital.

Please pray for healing.

I will update if we don't go - but no news means we had to go to the hospital and I won't be able to blog or email.

Lots of time to read

I did start and finish a 334 page book yesterday - The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

Too much time in waiting rooms!

Very good book.

made it through the night

Tom made it through the night with flying colors.

His pain is well managed with the Demerol that he is on! Yah! And he is not reacting badly to the pain meds so that is also a very big plus.

He actually set his alarm and so that he could take his pain meds every 4 hours. He didn't want to sleep through the time and then wake up in tremendous pain. And since he has all day also to sit in the chair and sleep, it is all good! Right now the only time he really notices his pain is when he makes that trip to the bathroom. His foot is no longer up then and he seems to somehow feel like it gets banged - even though it is in a very huge boot for protection. I think it is just that sensitive right now. So by the time he gets back to the chair he is usually in a lot of pain. Still, overall he seems to be doing well.

update on Tom

We are home. We had some excitement but most everything is good news.

1) They sent a sample of the tumor to pathology during the surgery and the initial tests came back that it is not cancer and is a benign tumor. (Excellent news!) So the surgery proceeded. They will still send the whole thing that was removed in for more detailed testing just to be sure.

2) The surgery took longer that expected. We were scheduled for 90 minutes. They told me up front it could easily go 2 hours and not to worry. It actually went about 2 1/2 hours. But they told me that some people's body's just don't easily 'give up' the tumor and he might really have to dig it out and others it just comes out easily. There is no rhyme or reason --- but knowing my Tom - I just figured we were looking at more difficult and therefore more time.

3) It is really good that we got in for surgery so soon - the doctor noticed that there was a weak spot in the bone due to the tumor that was very close to being a fracture. He felt that was where Tom's pain was coming from and it was that pain that caused Tom to really seek out an answer to this. We are very thankful that it didn't fracture and could be fixed the right way with a great doctor instead of the fracture happening and being rushed into emergency room --- and not getting as experienced of a doctor in this type of surgery.

4) Tom did have some problems waking up while in recovery --- although this didn't NOT surprise me at all. He was so stressed about the upcoming surgery that he didn't sleep much the week before - a couple hours each night. So when they put him under and he got to sleep --- his body was just ready to sleep. And not wake from that peaceful sleep. So it wasn't really a reaction to the meds as much as a body just worn out and needing sleep.

5) They also had trouble managing his pain afterward. The doctor really thought that Tom would end up spending the night. (We found this out when we talked to him this evening - more on that one in a minute). They were able to find some pain medication he could tolerate and was strong enough for him. Still he was in recovery for double the length of time as they couldn't wake him and couldn't control the pain. It was bad enough that the doctor had been told about it and really was surprised that Tom was able to pull around enough to go home.

6) But we did head home. The whole sitting up in the car with the foot down --- that was painful for him and caused him to be rather light headed by the time we got home. I am so surprised that we actually got him in the house without falling. But he is now sitting comfortable in the recliner.

7) And then the problem arose - I went to fill his pain meds and when I got there they told me that the whole form wasn't filled out and Tom's name and info wasn't on it - so they couldn't fill it. And narcotics can not be phoned in. I was told to go back to the hospital to get it filled in correctly. I went back and got there at 8:05 p.m. --- it is day surgery - the day is over. They are locked up and gone. Okay now it is officially time to panic. I drove home and got the number for the doctor - knowing he is not the on call person --- and called the paging service. For some reason they paged his doctor instead of the on call person. When he found out what the hospital had done (and it was an error on the hospital's part as it was their stuff not filled in --- the doctor had done his part on the form and turned it over to the discharge nurse as part of the paperwork and you can clearly see his part was done.) That dear, sweet, wonderful doctor who wasn't even on call - drove to his office and met me there -filled out a new handwritten prescription for us. The only issue was it was his downtown office in the 3rd ward. It was now 8:30 p.m. and I was concerned - I am not as familiar with the 3rd ward and during the day the area is totally safe - at night - not so much. My husband comes out of his fog enough to suggest I go get our next door neighbor and have him drive me. Excellent suggestion!!! Don't know why I didn't think of it first but that is why more heads are better than one. (Many thanks to my wonderful neighbor and to our fabulous doctor -- who helped make this be a 'little issue' and not a big one!) My neighbor knows that area really well and was delighted to drive me. I also finally got to eat a sandwich in the car while he drove! That helped me feel better.

So we now have the appropriate strong narcotic meds and Tom is a happy camper! Hopefully the night will go smoothly. They also sent us home with an antibiotic because of the risk of infection.

6 year old fears

Last night, our 6 year old expressed to me that he was terrified of Daddy's upcoming surgery. When I asked him why, he told me it was because he was afraid "the doctor would cut off Daddy's foot."

I have no idea how or why he came up with that one! But it was a very real fear for him. I talked to him last night about how the doctor is an expert and will be taking out the cyst that doesn't belong but leaving the foot that does belong. Plus I mentioned to my husband that he should spend a few minutes today talking to JJ. Hopefully, we have eased his fears somewhat. Isn't it kind of interesting how things get translated for a child. We have been honest about what this surgery is about but somehow he felt certain Daddy's foot would be cut off. Still, we would love Daddy with or without a foot. Although I am certain that Daddy wants to keep the foot! :)

the shower issue

I told my husband I had to go blog - and he looked at me and asked - okay what did I do now?? I told him he could read all about it in a minute! :)

And he did nothing wrong. I have just been mulling this over.

We have a shower issue. In all the years, we have been together I have NEVER seen my husband take a bath. He is a shower guy. He hates the entire idea of a bath.

Okay --- but he won't be able to put ANY weight on his foot for 6 months. SIX MONTHS.

(Are you seeing the problem?!)

It simply won't be safe to try to balance on one foot in the shower - not to mention how would he get in and out of the tub with only one leg - hop in? All I can see is an emergency visit after that! Well, actually what would even be worse is to have to call 911 to 'explain' why we need help after he fell (not clothed) in the shower and even more embarrassing for him - when emergency personnel come to help. (I bet emergency personnel just have great dinner conversations! So what happened to you today - well I had to haul a naked guy out of a tub after he fell!)

So baths are it. And he is totally opposed. TOTALLY. He has actually claimed he is going stinky.

Hmmmmm - 6 months without a shower? That isn't working for me. I happened to mention this to my Dad (another guy who is not a bath guy!). He actually mentioned that we could put a chair (for him to sit on) over the floor drain in the basement. Hook up a hose to the sink (which has warm water) and hose him down. (Do any of you watch Desperate Housewives? Okay I confess I do and love it. And there is no redeeming value to the show but I still like it. Anyway, Brea's husband was in a wheelchair and refused to shower - so she took him outside with dish soap. Poured the dish soap all over him and turned the hose on!) When my Dad suggested this I actually had that episode come to mind! Except it was in our basement with dearest hubby not clothed. And I thought he is NEVER going to go for that! And how on earth would I keep the kids away?

I have decided he has to become a bath guy. One, because cleanliness prevents infection and two - because seriously - it's gross and I don't want 6 months of stinky in my bed! Of course now that I ponder this some more ---- I am not sure if he could stand up if he was in the bath tub anyway. How do you stand up from down there with only one leg? It would have to be one strong leg! We might have to find a chair to put in our tub. That might work.

We do have one other option. My parents have a walk in shower --- it is not a tub - and there is no hopping required to get into their shower. We could drive to their house. A chair could easily be put in that shower where stinky could sit and shower. So we do have that option. The problem is it is about 20 - 25 minutes to their house.

The hose option is starting to look better and better. Either that or a chair in the tub! We shall see.

Any ideas?

Apparently, everyone loves Netflix. Here is my youngest enjoying a video.

wouldn't you know

I completely forgot. With everything going on, I forgot to order my son's literature book from the library. By the time, I thought of it ---- it was Thursday last week. So I ordered it but it didn't come in by today. My oldest needed the book as he was leaving for Grandparents' house today. It is his assignment for this week.

Thankfully my husband was able to locate one copy at the local Half Price bookstore. Yah! They picked it up on the way to dropping him off at Grandparents' house.

getting ready

I have cleaned the house. Paid bills. Did the laundry. Changed sheets. Picked up the house so there were no tripping hazards in the way. Did the grocery shopping and made food. I think we are ready for my husband to have his surgery. Ready for him to be immobile for a long time (if that is possible).

I know I mentioned that my husband likes to be on the go. He really does but along with that need for him --- it really satisfied a need in me. I like more time at home to get things in order --- he will take the kids and run errands -- and I will stay here to clean or do laundry or do bills. It will be a big change for us - having me to have to do all the errands/running and him staying home. I hope we adjust with grace.

And counting

One Day to Surgery!

My husband is very nervous! Please pray for him. And for a fairly painless recovery.

update on oldest son

Well, it took awhile at Children's last night.

They had to call the head of the ER to come check things out. Everyone was convinced there was a break but they couldn't find one in the area that was bruised and hurt. They did find a few things on the x-rays that they believe are growth points --- but they aren't sure - they were located in an area that wasn't exhibiting pain. You could push that area and touch that area - no pain.

They sent him home with a soft cast - to me it still looks like a cast - around the thumb it is hard but around the wrist and arm it is softer. They are going to send the x-rays to their ortho department and we are to call them for a more expert opinion on Monday. Thankfully, I am just to call and not visit at this time. As I don't think I can take the oldest in and take hubby for his surgery all at the same time. My oldest went to my parents for 3 days. If he needs to go in, they will most likely take care of that for me. Thank God for Grandparents. I am running out of me! Getting a bit spread thin!!

You just can't make this stuff up!

You will all never guess where my husband and my oldest are right now????????

Children's Hospital.

My oldest was at our confirmation retreat. He went outside during free time and played football with his group of guys. And I still don't have the full story of what happened but his thumb is now very swollen. We believe it is broken. I believe it falls under the category of boys will be boys.

They have had x-rays and are waiting to talk to the doctor. Apparently, the hospital is very busy today --- a nice spring day - kids play outside and lots of broken bones.

Why I Stayed by Gayle Haggard

I didn't think I would like this book. This book is Gayle's story and why she didn't leave her husband, Ted Haggard, after he had committed adultery. His adultery wasn't the 'normal' kind. He turned from her to men.

Honestly, I am not sure how one recovers form that kind of betrayal and how would you ever trust your spouse again? While I respect her right to do what she wants, I didn't think I would find anything good about her choosing to stay or that I would even understand or agree with her thoughts, ideas or choice.

And yet, I do find I liked alot of what she had to say. She is coming from the aspect that all people sin and are in need of a savior. Is his sin any different really than the sins I have committed or the sins that you have committed? His sin was very visible and done in the public eye. Most of us don't end up having to be punished quite so severely for our sins. He lost his job, his income, his reputation, all of his friends, and his church family. Gayle also talked about how the sin was committed against her and yet others were trying to enact their punishment.

She also talks about restoration and what should be the church's role in dealing with sinners. Isn't the church made up of sinners? So if one of us falls into sin, then how do we get that person on the right road? And how do we restore that person to the church? She was very upset with how her husband was treated by the church. The church wanted them to leave the state. Both she and her husband were banned from setting foot on church property or attending any church service. And I can see her point. She and her husband were cut off from their church family and shouldn't it have been the church family that should have helped them to turn from sin - not cut them off because they were sinner. What kind of church says 'you can't be here because you are a sinner'? Isn't that why we need a savior? Isn't that why we need a family of believers - to help lift us up, pray for us and comfort us in the tough times.

Her book had a lot of good points in it and I really find that I like Gayle. I think she is a far better person than I am as I don't know if I could find a way to trust my husband again. She is pretty amazing. She had a lot of good things to say.

passed with flying colors

My hubby had his work up for surgery.

He had to have blood work, an EKG, chest x-rays, pee-in-the-cup (thank you), blood pressure check. He did share that he wasn't 'violated' so it was an overall good day! (In man terms this means that there was no prostate check required for surgery!)

He passed with flying colors! Thank God for that --- as this surgery is really a must. His ankle bone could give way at any moment. Waiting really isn't a good option.

And there is more

Many of you may know - I work part time at our church for our confirmation program.

And in the midst of all the family drama, I have been planning the 8th grade confirmation retreat that is all day this Saturday. We have 140 kids plus about 20 adults for the all day retreat which includes feeding them for lunch. The parents come back to join us late afternoon - as the students will be sharing their mission statements and testimonies. Then they will stay for dinner. We have 460 people expected for dinner.

And I am in charge of this event and making sure it all goes smoothly. I pray it all goes well.

nesting

My husband is nesting.

He has been accumulating supplies to help him through his period of inactivity. So far he has a pile of books - drawing books, computer books, CD's, a bag full of about 7 seasons of Star Trek, his computer. He loaded Rosetta Stone Spanish onto his computer - so he can learn a language while 'resting'.

Further, he had to sign up for Netflix - so he can have an unlimited supply of movies.

All these supplies are now in piles surrounding his recliner. Waiting.

4 days until surgery

The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

I have had alot of time to read while waiting in doctors' offices lately. Imagine that!

I have just finished reading The Walk by Richard Paul Evans.

What a great book! There are certain parts that will bring tears to your eyes. It is about one man's journey. He started out with having it all - fabulous house, nice cars, great business, a beautiful wife. And in an instant (took slightly longer than that but not much) he loses it all. Literally. He ends up homeless and decides to set out walking. He just had enough and wanted to walk away from it all. He picks the farthest point from where he lives and realizes that is Key West, Florida.

It is about his journey, who he mets up with on the journey and what happens to him on the journey. It has a few surprises in the book too.

The count down

5 days until surgery

Please keep praying

And to top it all off

On Monday I went downstairs to find that 'someone' had left the freezer open. And I had meat thawing. Thankfully, it was only the stuff on the top shelf. It reminds me of the Family Circus comics (remember them - am I dating myself) - apparently we had "I don't know" and "Not Me" visit our house. And one of them rudely left the freezer open!

2 - 3 lb packages of ground beef

1 - package of boneless pork

2 - frozen pizzas (we ate those right away for lunch on Monday)

Last night we used one of the packages of ground beef - my oldest was in charge of dinner and he cooked the beef, made brown rice, mixed it in and added spaghetti sauce. It is very good and very easy. We had enough to eat and some to freeze.

Tonight the family had the boneless pork.

And now I just have to make up a batch of chili and taco meat with the last 3 lb package of beef.

I will freeze that for when things get crazy in the next week or two. Just didn't plan on being this prepared with meals!!

No one has laid claim to the freeze incident. No one ever leaves it open?! Yet, at least 4 different times in the last two years I have found it open and had to cook up meat. It is most frustrating! How hard can it be to close the freezer?! I have banned "I don't know" and "Not Me" from touching the freeze.

husband and family update

Some of you have received this in email form but I decided to post it here so that everyone will have the information and know what to pray for (please pray).

Tom has had pain in his foot for awhile and we have had the doctor look at it but it 'seemed' sprained. Well, we went again to the doctor (different doctor) since it never seems to heal - and they did an x-ray. Interesting fluke is that they took the x-ray at an odd angle that they don't normally do - and thank God they did that as it is the only angle that gave a glimpse of the problem. So they recommended an MRI -- and after that we were told he has a bone tumor or a cyst. (Scary)

So we got sent to the foot specialist (surgeon). We saw him on Tuesday. He is 95% sure that it is a cyst. And that is REALLY good news!! At least we are not (most likely) dealing with cancer. He can't be 100% sure until it is tested but he is an expert and I am resting comfortably with his 95% outlook.

BUT he said this is the biggest cyst he has EVER seen. The problem is that it has eaten away all the bone marrow and instead it is all cyst. It is about the size of a fist in his heal - it is huge --- and the doctor said HUGE about 20 times while we were there - they couldn't believe it hadn't broken the bone yet - which is a good thing. Because there is a concern it could happen at any time the doctor bumped someone else from the surgery schedule and put my husband in. He is having surgery on Monday. While we are thankful this is a cyst - bone cysts are still a big deal. The doctor told him that this is one of the most painful surgeries. Extremely painful.

For those of you interested in medical stuff and not squeamish - here are a few more details -

They have to go in and cut a kind of hinged door where they peel back the bone. Then the doctor goes in to remove the cyst - and then he will scrape out the inside and scrape the bone fully so no cyst remains. (This is the painful part). Now there will be a hollow bone. So he will use bone from cadavers and other putty --- the cadaver bone is fully sterilized (and I am not sure of how they do this but the technology is amazing.) so that when it is used there is no issue with rejection or getting a disease from the material used. Then he closes up the bone and staples it shut. The body still recognizes that the cadaver bone is bone material and it will help it to regenerate new bone material. Plus something is needed to fill the space until his own bone can grow. As his own bone grows back (the body is amazing and this is kind of like the healing that goes on after a bone breaks) the material stuffed in there will be reabsorbed by the body.

Tom will not be able to put weight of any kind on his foot for a LONG time --- in the first two weeks any pressure will pop the stitches. He will not be walking for most likely 6 months. He will be out on short term disability from work for most likely at least a month. He is very upset about this forced immobility. I am just so happy it is a cyst and not something so much worse. This might be painful but it is fixable.

There is always a concern for my husband to have surgery as he reacts to many meds. He is allergic to penicillin and reacts negatively to many pain meds. I have to say this is the first time I have had a doctor WARN us over and over how the first 3 days will suck and how painful this surgery is. He was even told to error on the side of too much pain meds rather than less. (Doctors NEVER say that!!)

So Tom is worried about this all. He won't be able to do much moving and will need his family to get things for him.

After Tom's surgery - we have his post op apt on Tuesday of the following week in the AM and that afternoon my middle child has to go in to a children's dermatologist / surgeon as he has a mole that is changing. He most likely will be having surgery in May sometime to have that removed.

My oldest is getting confirmed the first weekend in May - and I was asked if there is a party for him - and sadly nope - we are just having the grandparents over after - and hoping they bring dinner with them!!

So if you made it this far - thank you. Please pray for the doctor and his staff. Pray for successful surgery and healing for Tom. Pray for my sanity. My husband doesn't handle pain or being cooped up well.

quotes

The kids and I just read a great book - we are studying the space race and Buzz Aldrin had a book titled Look to the Stars. Here are some quotes:

"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

- Isaac Newton

"Just remember -- when you think all is lost, the future remains."

- Robert Goddard

"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing."

- Wernher von Braun

"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow."

- Dr. Robert Goddard

"I also hope you will learn from history and be inspired, then look to the stars and dare to dream!

- Buzz Aldrin

Science

My younger two and I are so excited ---- the new Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology book is FINALLY out (well almost - it is due to be shipped on or about 4/23) We have been waiting a whole year for this book. It was suppose to be out last November but got delayed due to a redesign by the publisher.

I will let you know how we like it once it arrives. I broke down this year and actually also bought the notebook journal to go with the curriculum. Whooo hooo!!! Eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Art class focused on creating a landscape utilizing wallpaper as the medium. The students cut out shapes and designs from various colors and textures of wallpaper. They learned about foreground, middle ground, and background. The students really created some unique landscapes. Very interesting project.

This is my middle son - we aren't sure what is up with the cap - he went through a phase where for about a week he wore it everywhere. Thankfully I believe that phase is over - but who knows?!

Soup supper

Every Wednesday throughout Lent our church hosts a soup supper for church attendees. It is really fun. It is basically a social event for our congregation. My kids love to volunteer for the soup suppers. We have been doing it for many years and my youngest really gets into it. He is 'in charge' of the drinks - he makes sure that there are glasses of water, glasses of apple juice, chocolate and white milk set out in abundance.

Here is JJ serving drinks! He just loves manning his table!

I am just thrilled that they are learning to serve. We really believe that as a parent we can't just say serving is important - we have to model service and so we try to find opportunities where we can all serve together as a family.