Little Miracles

Anyone who has read my blog for awhile should know that my middle son J is a drama queen. A very, very big hissy-fit throwing drama queen. He can "almost" scratch himself and cry for over an hour. So you can imagine that Hubby and I have been stressing out all weekend because J needed a blood test this morning. We both imagined how Hubby would need to hold him down and it would take an army of phlebotomist to wrangle his arm into a tourniquet and who knows how they would actually be able to stick the needle in. Nightmarish, I know....but very realistic.

So last night I started to pray. And pray HARD. I prayed for a J to not cry much and for Hubby to not lose his temper. I prayed for the lab tech to be patient with both J AND Hubby. Each time I prayed I prayed for more. By the time I got done I was praying for an all out miracle. Please Lord make this blood test experience a quick and easy one. Please......and you know I said it a dozen or more times. Even though I know God heard me the first time, I still continued to bug him.

Then this morning I got up and prayed some more. I also sat J down and explained what was going to happen when we got there, and how they would wrap something tight on his arms....then pitch him so the blood would come out. I never mentioned a needle.....hoping he wouldn't watch.

Guess what happened? J sat on Hubby's lap and watched as they put the tourniquet on his arm. Then we distracted him when she got the needle out. She told him to take a deep breath and that was that. NO hysterics, NO tears, NO drama.

And YES in my eyes this was an answered prayer....and a HUGE miracle. If you knew J at all you would also agree that this was amazing.

Thanks God! I appreciate it!!

It's gonna hurt....but be TOTALLY worth it

( Me and MA at her house)

Thanks to Facebook I am now back in touch with my BFF ("MA")from when I was a teenager. Our lives grew apart and we didn't see or talk to each other for YEARS....like 15 years. Yes, I feel terrible about that but crap happens and you can't go back. Within the last 6 months that we have been "reunited" she has come to visit several times. She lives in VA....I am in NJ. Every visit is full of laughs and fun. I LOVE her. She hasn't changed at at and still is one of the funniest people I have ever known. As I am typing this she is on her way here, and will be staying here until Tuesday. Her plans include corrupting my children and making me pop a few stitches from laughing too much. And yes, it still hurts to laugh. But it will be worth it, I know it will.

(MA and Me at a luau dance)




(MA and Me at our 8th Grade graduation)

Besides MA coming for a visit some other things are going on this weekend. Amy is taking her son to Disney for a week. I am so happy for her, but I am going to miss her. She BETTER text me everyday. Ok, at least every couple days. AND send pictures. Got it Amy?!?


Monday afternoon my parents will be flying in for a 10 day visit. Woo Hoo! Since no one in my house even knows what sympathy is....it will be nice to have my mom here to coddle me and treat me like a princess. Plus she gives AWESOME back rubs!


So that is my plans for this weekend and next week. It is going to be GREAT!

Friday Fill In

1. He was a tired Hubby who wouldn't help me with this fill-in.

2. The Dover Race is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friends ROCK!

4. I love Chocolate to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be deceiving.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was an adorable little boy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Amy coming to visit, tomorrow my plans include MA coming to stay for a few nights and Sunday, I want to celebrate R's birthday (late).

So what are your weekend plans??

And I trust these idiots with my money

I went to the bank this morning. I needed to get ANOTHER bank check to pay the nursing home bill (for my Poppop). I also needed to ask them WHY I still don't have the checks that I ordered nearly 2 months ago.
Me: Can you please explain why I haven't received my check order yet?
Her: Let me check....oh yes, I see. It was mailed a couple weeks ago.

Then she tells me the address that it was sent to......the address of the house my Poppop used to live in. The one he hasn't lived in for 2 years and SOLD over a year ago. Are you kidding me??

Me: Why on EARTH would they send the checks to that address? I came in here and told you we sold the house. I changed the address and everything.
Her: Well, it is different with checks.
Me: What do you mean it is different with checks?
Her: That's a whole different animal.
Me: Huh?
Her: Yes, the account address and the check address are two totally different things. Totally different animals.

WTH? Animal? We are talking ADDRESSES Woman!!

By this time I am seriously disturbed and pissed off. My bottom hurts, I got up and drove in to the bank by myself to hear this crap.

Anyway, after several crazy exchanges she assured me that she will order new checks with the correct address on them. But it still left me wondering why you can have any old address you want on your checks?? And why this woman continued to tell me they were different animals?

Dumb Arses.....UGH.

Why yes! I do sound like a cricket!!

What an afternoon! Never in a million years did I think I would ever leave the house with legs bared when they looked like THIS....


But come on.....it was 90 degrees. And we were only going to the pediatricians office. And I don't really KNOW anyone there or expect to run into anyone I know. So I did it. I went out in public with nasty hairy legs.
Did I mention that I can't bend far enough to shave yet....because of the surgery. That's why. Honest.

Now on to the peds visit. I called last week to make an appointment for R's 4 year check up. Easy peasy....right? Wrong. We show up, wait our turn in the waiting room only to hear the nurse tell us that R isnt due for his visit until the end of October. HELLO?!? Why couldnt someone tell us that BEFORE we went? But it wasnt a wasted trip. R ended up getting his shots today, all 4 of them. Two in each thigh. Poor little guy. He handled it pretty good...only whimpered a little bit. I can't say I would have done as well.

She likes me...she really likes me!!

EM is my buddy. I swear we would be super-tight if we lived near each other. We would eat Tastykakes and laugh all day. Our boys would play together and all would be right with the world. Yep. But unfortunatly for me, Em lives in TX. Since I live in NJ that means we have to stay bloggy buddies. Boo hoo. But thats ok....she gave me a kick-ass award!

(originally from Jenny Mac over at Let's Have a Cocktail.)

It is sooooo fitting because in my current state of healing....blogging is about all I will be giving for the next 6 weeks. I just hope Hubby enjoys it as much as you do. *giggle*

So here are the rules to my new Super Fabulous Award....

No one really likes rules, do they? I shall make mine simple," Jenny says. "Make a cocktail, pick out some of your favorite bloggers. Send this award to 4 of them. Tell them why you think they give good blog. There are SO many fascinating, witty, and fantastic bloggers; let's invite them all to the party.

Since I can't nominate EM at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit (I would TOTALLY pick you EM, if I could) I chose to party with.....

Deb at Dirty Socks and Pizza....how could you NOT party with Deb?!?

Kristina P at Pulsipher Predilections...I know, I know....she wont actually take the award. But she should. Cause she gives AWESOME blog. And if I ever really got the chance to pick 4 bloggers to hang out with ....she would be on my list!

Next I would pick EmmaP from Not so Usual....she is funny, smart and uterus-free. Just like me.

My last Party pick would be Tena from My Therapy...she never fails to make me laugh (or cringe) and I believe parting with her would Rock!

So what do you think of my cocktail party? Sounds like fun, huh??

Couch Potato it is!

OK, I give......I am done trying to "help" around here. I'm going to listen to the doctors, nurses and all the wonderful friends and family members and sit my butt down and leave it there. Wow. This is going to be hard but I know I need to do it. I think my biggest problem is that I deal with pain daily (Sjogrens and Fibro....yep!) and have to continually push through to get stuff done. So my mindset is kind of set that way. But pushing through the Sjoggie and Fibro pain wont cause me to need more surgery. So with that in mind I am retiring to the couch. Only to be moved in case of meals, potty breaks and bedtime. See where I am sitting? I will still be here in 6 weeks. I promise. Ok, I promise to try really hard.
Luckily I have several new books sitting here with me. The Shack, The Purpose Driven Life and my newest (review book...not available in stores until later in Sept) You Were Born for This. Oh! And I just got an email that Ted Dekker's Three is being shipped to me. Thank you Paperbackswap.com!

P.S. Thank you Jillene, I needed that "example" of what could happen.

Bad Bad Denise

I did it.
Again.
I did too much today and I am paying dearly for it.
Pain.....lots of pain.
Please don't yell at me.....and don't tell me I know better.
Because I DO know better. But I also know ME and I know that I have trouble with this whole do nothing stuff.
Plus I am having trouble watching my Hubby struggle with doing all his normal stuff plus all MY stuff. So I try to help a little but don't know when to stop.
For instance, my plan this afternoon was to unload and load the dishwasher. I'm sure if I had done that and ONLY that, then I would have been fine. But no.....I didn't stop there. I also hand washed the rest of the dishes that don't go in the dishwasher. Then blanched 3 dozen ears of corn for freezing. Then made tea. Then it was pushing dinnertime and Hubby was still outside mowing the lawn so I set the table and put biscuits in the oven.
This may not sound like much......but to my sore body it was WAY too much. So here I sit, suffering in silence. Knowing if I complain I will not receive any sympathy.....even though I did most of this to help Hubby.
He would just tell me he doesn't need my help. And he is right.

Here I am!

Hello Bloggy Friends! Thank you so much for all the prayers and well-wishes. I appreciate each and every one of them. And believe me....I NEEDED each and every one of them. This surgery was (and still is) rough. It is painful and draining, both physically and emotionally. I am so glad the roughest part is over and I am starting to feel better. Now comes the next step....trying to rest even when I am feeling better.

I want to send a HUGE Thank you to Amy. Thanks for doing an awesome job updating my blog. HUGS!!! Your the best!

Now I want to list some things that made me smile or frown during the last week.

Things that made me smile:
-Family and Friends that care about me
-Internet access at the hospital
-Percocet and Dilaudid
-Hubbys cooking
-Hugs from little boys
-R's birthday
-Awesome nurses (except for one)
-Hubby finally agreeing that we should get DVR boxes for our Directv
-Joining the no-uterus club (thanks EmmaP) and having NO MORE PERIODS!!

Things that made me frown:
-vomiting after surgery
-PAIN
-the nurse who wasn't awesome....NOT.EVEN.CLOSE
-coming home too soon
-pooping (ouch!!!)
-Democrats who don't listen to the public and their concerns (have you been following the Obamacare crap? Seriously?? I agree that some changes need to happen....but not these and NOT when the majority of Americans are not on board. WTH? The Nuclear option? Really??)
-Having NO Directv for over 24hours while trying to get boxes exchanged.
-My baby turning 4! Boo hoo
-Hospital food

OK...now I am signing off to rest on the couch......talk to you soon!!

Tattle Tale!

I am being a Tattle Tale and Denise knows I am doing it! I told her I would! lol

She is feeling better. Still very uncomfortable but she deals with that on a daily basis and just plugs along. Today, I got texts from her where she was bored with sitting on the couch.

Later, when I talked with her, she told me she had been helping hubby with some cleaning. She said she mostly was keeping him company while he did it BUT she was not resting and letting her body heal.

So friends, please help me to remind Denise to rest as much as she can so her body can heal. Thank you!

Denise: It's for the best. Love you!

Amy

Ouchie

Hello Friends,

Sorry I haven't posted for Denise but I was thinking she would be ready to get back to you herself. I do have a message from her:

ouch ouch ouch
boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo
ouch ouch ouch

Translation:
I hurt all over. I am resting much as I can. I am taking care of myself
I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and I will get back to blogging soon.



Denise has had a few rough days since coming home from the hospital but she is doing as the Drs ordered and is avoid stairs as much as she can in a bi-level home. She was able to get a shower today, which helped in many ways and of course hurt in others.

She and I spent about an hour on the phone today, I feel bad cause I woke her up from her nap! oops! But it was wonderful to talk with her and of course remind her to take care of herself and get as much rest as she could.

I will try to keep you up to date until she is ready to take over again. Keep your wonderful thoughts, well wishes and prayers coming. She is reading all the great comments you have left for her and she loves you guys for them.

Thanks!
Amy

Coming Home!

Hello Denise's Bloggy Friends.

Denise is waiting for John to come to the hospital to bring her home! YAY!

Yesterday was another rough day for her. Her fybro kicked in and kicked her butt. She was in such pain and was having trouble getting to the bathroom from it.

Today, she is much better and will be home tonight!

Thank you for all your prayers and good thoughts for her. They certainly helped.

Amy

Hospital Update #2

Hi everyone,

I just got home from seeing Denise. She is doing much better. It was a rough night and morning. She was in TONS of pain yesterday and the push button thingy was not helping. Once they fixed the IV, she started feeling better and then started puking. YUCK! When I texted with her this morning she was not happy and I was doubting that I would be able to get to see her today.

When I texted her around dinner time, she was feeling better, not puking anymore. John and another friend were there so I headed over. She is still in a lot of pain but is able to get up and use the bathroom. When John and I left tonight, they were going to check and see if she needed to have the catheter put back in but didn't! YAY!

The three of us had a very nice visit until the nurse kicked us out at the end of visiting hours. Denise's Dr was thinking she could go home tomorrow but right now, Denise is not wanting to go home. She doesn't feel she is strong enough yet.

We'll see how tomorrow goes! Denise appreciates the prayers and positive thoughts and asks to keep them coming!

Amy

Hospital Report

Hi everyone - I am Denise's friend Amy.

Denise came through the surgery pretty well. The Doctors were pleased with the results. She spent quite a bit of time in recovery cause she didn't want to wake up. About 4:30 or so they moved her to her room. While she was quite a bit of pain, she was chatting with her roommate.

I bet she comes home with a new friend!

Her husband, John texted me most of the morning, whenever he got an update, he sent it on to me and I assume Denise's Mom at the same time.

John said the boys are ok. They are not acting sick and the itching from the chicken pox is not too bad.

Denise appreciates all the prayers and we ask to keep them coming! Because of her other illnesses, she is likely to have a longer more painful recovery. But her Drs are aware of everything that is going on with her and are doing what they can to take care of her.

I will post again with another update! I am planning to head to the hospital tomorrow evening and will let you know how that goes!

Again, Thank you for your prayers and support.

Amy

UPDATE!
Denise's Mom just called me. She talked with Denise tonight and she is in a lot of pain. She says she keeps hitting the pain medicine button and still hurts. John has left to get the kids home and in bed. Hopefully, Denise will be able to relax and get some rest and relief from the pain. Please pray for rest for her!

Thanks!
Amy

Last Minute Prayer Request! Please Read

Please please please say a few prayers for my kids and hubby. It looks like J has the chicken pox. 16 hours before my surgery. And now R has a few spots too. Hubby doesn't handle stuff like this very well....especially when I am in a hospital in the next state.

We need all the prayer we can get....PLEASE.

Hi and Bye

I know I have been slacking in my blog responsiblities and I am sorry. Really I am. I have been trying to squish too many activities into not enough days. Plus my body is trying to go on strike. Last week I went to the county fair 4 nights in a row. Should I have? OH NO. No no no. But did I listen to my body? No. Did I listen to my mom and Amy? No. When I told Hubby that I was unable to physically handle 4 nights at the fair....did I cave? Oh yes I did. I even went up the first night without Hubby. Yes, my intentions were to just drop off produce for judging....but when the boys wanted to stay, I stayed. BAD DENISE!!! So anyhoo.....things are rough right now. It is hard to get all the last minute cleaning and preparing done when all your joints are locked up and your muscles hurt like a truck ran over you...twice. Besides that J is not handling the news of Mommy's trip to the hospital very well. In fact he bawled his little eyes out when I told him. R just smiled and said "Im happy!!". He is so cute....even when he is clueless he is adorable. I know that both boys will be just fine once I am out of sight.....and they probably wont even miss me. But the days before hand are full of drama and tears. Some are even mine. Why oh why did they have to schedule me for surgery when I have PMS. It was a bad idea. So besides drama and tears I have been having tons of nightmares. Crazy, off the wall nightmares. Last night I woke up screaming IN my dream but not out loud, thankfully. And tonight I tried to sleep but laid in bed crying and crying. Crap.

So I am pretty sure this is my worst post ever....but I needed to stop by to say Hi...sorry I havent been around and then Bye! I wont be around for awhile. I am hoping Amy or Mom will guest post once or twice to let you know how everything went. Wish me luck and say a prayer.....for me and my boys. Thanks!!

Oh BTW....my boys won 3 ribbons for the tomatos that they entered into the fair. One first place, one second place and one honorable mention. Woo Hoo!! Oh, I almost forgot here are some fair pictures (plus a pic of Amy and my feet after getting my first ever Pedicure)

Today I needed to hear this....

and I wanted to share, just in case anyone else is needing to hear this too.

The Lord says "Whoever loves me, I will save.
I will protect those who know me.
They will call to me, and I will answer them.
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will give them a long, full life,
and they will see how I can save."

Psalm 91:14-16

Tell me it isn't just my kids

Ok, I have boys. Real rough and tumble, over active, very loud boys.
Boys who think Potty humor is the BEST humor. Ugh. Where do they get this from? WHERE??? Ok, I will admit my Hubby loves potty humor too. Are all men and boys like this?? Do they have to refer to pee, poop, butts and other things constantly? Do they outgrow this???
HELP?

And the Countdown begins.....

This week has been filled with pre-op doctor visits, baking and shopping. It is only wednesday night and I feel like I have reached my limit and could crawl in a hole and sleep for days. This also happens to be the week of our county fair. Our fair is a good old fashioned fair with barn animals, tractor pulls and yummy goodies. No rides, no games....just farm stuff. And as you already know I married into a farming family. That means I spend nearly every night at the fair. The boys love it (hubby included) and I think its pretty cool too. Mainly because I get to see lots of people that I don't normally see. I took the boys up last night with the intentions of only dropping off our entries into the garden veggie competition.....we entered two types of tomatos, Celebrity and Lemon Boys. I also needed to drop off cookies for the Robotics Team bake sale. What started as a quick trip ended up a few hours long. I should have known better. The boys had a blast and I eventually quit trying to hurry them up and enjoyed myself too. Tonight Hubby will be going with us....in fact he will be here in a few minutes since he worked until 6pm tonight.
Wow...I got WAY off track. I wanted to talk about my pre-op visits. As of right now everything is all set for my surgery next thursday. I was happier than a lottery winner when the surgeon said I did NOT have to do any bowel prep before hand. Woo Hoo!!! (sorry, TMI) Both surgeons are in agreement that I can expect a harder recovery due to my fibromyalgia and sjogrens. But I am trying to be optomistic because we know this ahead of time and they plan to work with me to easy any ill effects or extra pain I might have afterwards. So as of right now they expect my surgery to be around 4 hours long and for me to be in the hospital at least 2 nights but maybe longer. I think I am ready.....I just hope I dont over think all this in the next week.

Ok...Im off to the fair again. Have a great night!!

And the Winners Are......

I went to Random.org to choose the winners of the two Blue Like Playdough books.

Search RANDOM.ORG
True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

7
2
Timestamp: 2009-08-01 21:39:00 UTC

#7 is Linda W

Linda W. said...
You will enjoy Trisha's fiction. Such a detailed, empathetic writer. Loved them. Her Blue Like Playdough sounds like a 'need to have' book. Please enter me insthe contest. Thank you.

#2 is Kristin from The Way it is

Kristin said...
You must pick me! Okay you don't have to but I really, really, really want to win. This book is on my "want to read" list. What a great giveaway.
July 29, 2009 9:05 AM

Congratulations to both of the winners. I have sent you both emails.

Happy Saturday!!