Traveling Again

Tomorrow morning I will get up and finish packing to leave AGAIN to go to Wichita. Last week I was there and it took me 7 hours to drive a 5 1/2 hour trip with That Other Kid. Tomorrow I hope and pray it doesn't take that long! That stretch of highway gets OLD real fast! DH is, at this point, planning to go with us this time so I probably won't be driving more than a few hours of the trip which is nice, but I get bored even faster when I'm not driving so I may be the one saying "are we there yet?" this time. Last week we weren't even out of Texas when I started hearing it...and I know that it will not be a pleasant trip if this starts up so fast this week.

Dad's surgery is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and I will try to write an update as soon as I have something to report. Please pray for the doctors, the family, and my dad as we undergo a very crucial surgery. According to the report that my dad was given the cancer mass in the colon is smaller than it was in January, but it is still quiet large and there are many nerves that can be injured if the surgeons make mistakes. Sooooo....we are praying for NO mistakes and the surgery go smoothly.

After surgery Wendesday I have to rush right back home as I have That Kid's 18th birthday party/bash planned for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Please pray for safe travel back home. I'm sure I will be tired and emotionally wrung out, but I want to make sure the party goes as planned.

I probably won't be back on here till Friday afternoon....so hope you have a good week!

18 Years Ago Today....

I turned 25 and spent my first full day at home by myself with my 3 day old infant boy! I was scared, sad, and lonely. I was unsure of myself and this little boy who seemed to need me so much. He was a good sleeper, but I didn't know it at the time! I didn't know ANYTHING...except I should have been allowed to stay in the hospital longer so the nurses (one of which was a high school friend) so they could help me take care of this little baby who needed me 24/7. My dh went to take care of a project that needed to be done and was supposed to be home by dinner time, but actually didn't arrive home till midnight. This was in the day BEFORE cell phones and being able to contact the people you want to talk to anytime...just by picking up the phone and dialing their cell number.

I was alone and so I finally called a friend who took me to JC Penney's, to buy a nursing bra, that before that day I didn't even know would be needed. But boy, I needed it...I was falling out of my regular bras and they were uncomfortably tight! Wow....3 days after becoming a mom can change a woman measurably!

Anywho....that was my exciting 25th birthday...it wasn't perfect, but it was memorable! Now that little baby boy is an 18 year old young adult and occasionally he still needs me!! and I'll take whatever I can get....I'm still his momma and he's still my little baby, even if he's not dependent on me 24/7! and I'm glad he's at least past that stage...I'm not quite ready for this stage of life, but I wasn't ready for that one either. Maybe I'll never be ready for the next stages of life that come to me. Are you???

Quick Update for Dad

His surgery has been postponed till next week, the 30th to be exact.
I'm on my way back home today so I can at least see my 'baby' on the day of his 18th birthday! I'm at the local health club...the only place around that has WiFi! and I'm heading back to my brother's house to load up and head back, so I can do it all over again next week...but next week the way everyone's schedule is I will only be able to be here for the day of the surgery...then I have to head right back home for That Kid's birthday party that I so carefully planned for RIGHT AFTER the surgery....I hope that surgeon is having a nice vacation, cuz he's ruining all my carefully planned out plans!

Thanks for your continued prayers! I'll need them next week for sure.

Nightmares

I don't like dealing with nightmares for my kids, so I have always been careful about what they watch on tv, video games, movies, etc. Lately it has gotten more difficult to do this as the age gap of the 2 boys seem to widen daily. My sensitive little boy and my almost adult age kid....they get along well and want to "hang" so that is a blessing to me, but I have to monitor what they do together. Recently, That Other Kid has decided he wants to watch That Kid play some more aggressive video games, and I have allowed it to a degree, as long as I'm aware of what it is and what is involved. No shooting people, no blood and guts/gore, nothing overly violent.

That Kid has a video game that is all about fighting...and since the 2 boys like to "play fight" I allowed That Other Kid to watch and even "occasionally" play the game under supervision. Well that all ended this morning at 5 a.m. That Other Kid woke up SCREAMING and fiercely CRYING....he had a nightmare! His heart was beating so fast and he was truly SCARED. He told me the "fighter guys were beating him up and wouldn't stop hurting him". I wasn't quite clear what he was referring to but inquired further and got more info. Apparently the fighter guys that were in the video game, got out and were fighting him and wouldn't stop hurting him. So after calming him down and ensuring that NO ONE was going to hurt him and about 30 minutes of comforting, etc. he went back to sleep.

Tonight I informed That Kid....NO MORE FIGHT GAME with That Other Kid and explained the reason. He agreed....so hopefully we have completed this chapter in raising to different generations of kids in the same house! and HOPEFULLY NO MORE NIGHTMARES!! I need my sleep!!!!!

When It Rains, It Pours!

Ya know the saying, right? Well that's the way I feel right now. As you know (if you read my blog much) my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in January. He has been doing well...gone through a series of chemo, chemo with radiation, and now he will be having surgery to remove what is left of the mass next Tuesday. Please pray!

Then for the past few months I have been undergoing treatment to correct my deviated septum and help fix all my previously unknown allergies so that I don't have recurring sinus infections. I had surgery nearly a month ago and recovered from it, then immediately got a kidney infection that was diagnosed with a kidney stone that I still haven't passed, but at least the pain is gone...obviously it was from the kidney infection. I have finally started feeling pretty good, although I still get tired easy...but maybe if I will just go to bed before midnight I can solve that problem, huh?

Then tonight I got an email from my dad....he is feeling well, but one of my little brothers (who is not so LITTLE) is in the hospital. He was having problems breathing and couldn't catch his breathe so he went to the hospital to have it checked out. Now they are running tests on him to see what is wrong with him. My guess is he needs to lose 150 pounds or maybe even more and start exercising!
The men in my family have massive heart issues and so now I'm even more concerned for his health. I'm praying that he recovers quickly as my dad wants all 4 of us kids there for his surgery Tuesday, which is understandable.

Ok, on to some GOOD news....I got the birthday invitations for That Kid's birthday party out in the mail this weekend, bought some party goodies and have a pretty good handle on all the birthday plans. I'm soooooo excited to be doing something fun and light-hearted when I get back from Kansas! I am looking forward to that already.

My hairdresser gave me a fun book to read while I am in Kansas sitting in the hospital with my dad. I also have some book keeping to catch up on, as well as some records for school so That Kid can take his transcript to the local community college and get enrolled for Dual credits in the fall once I get back. I'm also going to take some cross stitch with me, that I haven't worked on in at least 4 1/2 years since That Other Kid was born....he is too high maintenance to leave it laying around and once I get it out I like to keep it handy so I can work on it frequently. Now I will have this chance since I will probably spend nearly 40 hours at the hospital.....all of which That Other Kid will be cared for by other people. Thank you, God for family and friends and friends of family!

Well ok, I've got tons of laundry to get folded and put away tonight as well as dishes to get loaded into the dishwasher....sounds fun, huh? NOT!!!

Making Preparations

I'm sitting in my living room watching That Other Kid dig through a HUGE bucket of Batman/Starwars/Superman toys from That Kid's childhood. See I'm too cheap to go out and buy him his own toys, I'm making him play with toys from the mid-90's when That Kid was a little boy! No, really why go buy some more junk to clutter the toy room/living room and every other room in the house when these were just sitting out in the garage taking up space we no longer have???

My purpose in sitting here this afternoon was originally to start making some more distinct and final plans for That Kid's 18th birthday party. I'm leaving town for a week right before the party and need to make sure I have everything planned and finalized before I leave. It's hard to concentrate on planning a huge bang-up birthday party while sitting in a hospital room watching your 70 year old dad recover from colon cancer surgery.

So.... I have 1 week and 1 1/2 days left to plan!!! I pretty much have the major things planned, but I still need to do some shopping for the accessory things; like party plates, decorations, and FOOD and DRINKS for a bunch of people, mostly teenagers that like to EAT!! Well I better get busy....the days a wastin' away!!

Alive and Starting to Kick Back!

I'm starting to feel better. The Urologist must have been right, go figure, huh?? The gallons of pure Cranberry Juice (gag me!) and the antibiotics are working. I'm having a lot of bathroom issues, shall we say, that are keeping me close to home and the toilet. Enough said. I have given up my beloved COKE...I haven't had one in 1 WEEK....shall we have a moment of silence???

Ok, moment over. That Other Kid needs something ACTIVE to do, so we are hitting a bounce house tomorrow. I hope he meets some kids to wear him out! He is wearing me out with all the nagging and whining and plain out and out boredom.

That Kid is 2 weeks TODAY from being 18 years old and I'm really dreading it! My little baby is going to be a legal adult in 2 weeks, what will become of me?? Will I be able to adapt?? Only time will tell...but I know I won't be able to adapt if That Other Kid drives me insane first!

My dad's colon surgery is on July 22. Please pray for the surgeons, hospital staff, and my family. Thanks ever-so-much!

Just A Mom!!!

My dad sent me an email a few minutes ago that struck a cord with me and thought ya'll might enjoy it too! So are you........... JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid-air and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most
significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month-old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.


Does this make Grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And Great Grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts '
Associate Research Assistants.'

The Weekend's Over

and I actually survived it...although my Vicadin is emptier. I was still in pain this morning and I didn't pass those stones, so I made a number of phone calls this morning and managed an appointment with a Urologist...we just had to drive 45 minutes to get there. The Urologist wanted to look at my CTScan's so I had to swing by the Imaging place and pick them up.

I couldn't drive cuz I have been hopped up on Vicadin for the past 4days so That Kid drove me and went to a local mall with his best friend while I was at the doctor. He was pretty prompt which is a nice change as a new patient. He looked over my info, looked over my scans, my new urine sample, and then did a physical exam on me. He determined from the scans, the physical exam and the urine sample that I DO Have kidney stones, but NOT kidney stones that will pass ... but the pain is being caused by a KIDNEY INFECTION...so now I'm on antibiotics and I have to get off the the Vicadin over the next couple of days. I also get to drink LOTS of Cranberry Juice, water and eat lots of yogurt! So there you have it ...my pain is gonna stay around for a few more days, but at least its not gonna feel like child birth to get rid of the pain. Just taste pretty bad!

Hope you all are doing well....I'll talk to you after I get to taste some yummy :( Cranberry Juice!!

Just a Few Words

I'm only writing a quick update tonight...in case you are wondering how I am doing. I went to the surgeon last Friday for a follow-up visit from my sinus/septum surgery. He said I am doing great! No complications, surgery went extremely well. He pulled the plastic splints out and told me everything inside my nose looks great! I was thrilled! He freed me to bend, lift, drive....all my normal stuff, just take it slow...don't over do it, he said. YEAH!! I'm good to go....and that's exactly what I did Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and even Sunday! I went, went, went! By Sunday night I was pooped, but I felt accomplished.

I spent time with That Kid -- after he got home from camp; which he thoroughly enjoyed, spent time with That Other Kid - even going to see Wall-E, and doing some shopping for new bedding and shoes, preparing to start exercising again. Monday I was pooped out...so I just did stuff at home; ya know laundry, dishes, and general cleaning up. Monday night I went out with my best friend and had dinner at Cheesecake Factory, yum!! and then we walked the mall and went to Wally-world. It was a great, relaxing evening.

About an hour before I came home I started having a pain in my right side that felt like a stitch in my side, you know the kind you get when you are running? I figured I once again was over- doing things, so didn't think much about it and went home and went to bed. Tuesday morning it was still there, so I just laid around all day, taking it easy. The pain was constant, but not extreme. It lasted all day Tuesday, so I took a left-over pain pill from my surgery and went to bed early. Wednesday it was still there and getting more severe. By 3:30 p.m. I decided it was time to go to the doctor so I made an appointment for today. My regular GP had no opening so I made the appointment was the PA for 10:15 a.m. The rest of Wednesday I just laid around popping pain pills.

This morning I got up and went to the doctor. She ordered a urine sample, did a pelvic exam and poked and prodded my stomach/side. and avoided being hit in the face when she did so! Then she order a CT-Scan STAT, meaning she would have results back within a couple of hours instead of a couple of days. She was concerned about 1) kidney stones, 2) gall stones, 3) appendix. She told me to go straight to the Imaging Facility and prepare for the possibility of going to the ER tonight.

Short version -- I am in A LOT of PAIN and I have kidney stones that are 2 -3 millimeters in size. She said to take Vicadin and they should pass pretty soon. She said the pain level would be somewhat like the pain I experienced while giving birth to my children--- without the aid of an epidural!!! Oh boy, I can hardly wait for this weekend!!! If the pain continues to get worse or I start running a fever I need to go to ER. Gee, what I way to spend Independence Day!!

Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend....PAIN FREE!! and don't forget all the soldiers in the Middle East that are helping us have Independence!!!