I am just giving my running update on my total miles so far. Keep in mind I had a two week "medical leave" where I did not do any running. I only had two weeks to tun this month. So taking that into consideration...not too bad.
Total miles this month: 19.97 (I know, why did I not just go to 20?!?! Well, it all adds up in the end I didn't realize I was that close!)
Total miles for year to date: 86.27
I am very excited to reach my "100th mile mark"! I did some research online when I was "on leave" and found out that I was increasing my miles way too fast in January. I can easily get an injury if I keep that up and that is the last thing I need! So I found a 1/2 Marathon training schedule that I am going to go by! You will not see any high numbers yet because I am starting at 3 miles with the schedule and it is suppose to have me ready in 10 weeks. Here's hoping I do not have any more set backs! I completed week #1 this past week. I am on my way!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
That's just life...
I cannot find my camera anywhere. I know it is around here somewhere and it will turn up eventually. But until then, no pictures, sorry.
Things have been pretty normal over the past couple weeks. Last Thursday, the 18th, I had a day-o-service. Nathan had the day off work so he stayed home with the boys and I was running all over town helping people who I had said yes too, or offered help to. I also had my volunteer time in the classroom on Thursday. I hardly saw Nathan or the boys except home for a quick lunch and some kisses. It was a full day, but it always feels so good to put others first. I just usually spread it out a little more!
LIZ'S VISIT!
On Friday, the 19th, my dear friend Liz and her kids came for a visit. They used to live here and moved a couple years ago. It was so great to see her and spend time together. Her kids are so cute and Ben loved her boys! I had a good day.
GIRL SCOUTS
Then after she left I went over to the school for Girl Scouts. My co-leader and I switch months preparing the meetings and this is my turn. It was fun. We learned about World Thinking Day and learned about how girls all over the world live and brainstormed some ideas to help world poverty. We played a big "Chutes and Ladders" game that I made that was on the floor and the girls moved around it themselves. It was fun. We also made no-sew fleece shawls. The girls were very excited about that. It was a pretty full meeting. It was good to be back because I was in the hospital during the last meeting.
Tatiana and I have been busy delivering Girl Scout Cookies every chance we get. We are almost done. She sold over 280 boxes! I just cannot wait to get it done so I can get that much money out of my hands! She did do a very good job and I am very proud of her.
NICK AND TATIANA - OSU STUDENTS
Saturday we got a babysitter for the two little boys and Nathan and I took Tatiana and Nick over to their OSU class. Have I told you? They are OSU students for a couple months! Only on Saturday though. It is a part of the TAG (Talented And Gifted) program. Nick is in Engineering and Tatiana is in Scientific Discoveries. There were lots of different classes to choose from, but both my kids wanted to do something scientific. We are so proud of them.
While they were in class Nathan and I went to Winco Foods to stock up our rotating canned foods shelves. We loaded up two shopping carts full of mostly canned goods. We got some funny looks as usual and one lady asked us if this was for a fraternity. LOL! No, just our family's twice-a-year food storage restocking trip. That seemed to really fascinate her.
After we picked up the kids from their classes we took them to Big Town Hero for lunch and did a couple shopping stops, including the hobby shop for Nick's rocket supplies and Bi-mart for Nathan's bow target.
That evening we went to the Blue and Gold Banquet. No, Nick is not in Cubs anymore, but we went to support. We ended up buying a huge crocodile made out of rice crispy treats! Yum! It was really nice to not be in charge this year. I did help where I could, but I was far more relaxed and could just enjoy myself. The two gals that took over for me did an outstanding job! It was great!
NATHAN'S NEWEST HOBBY
Nathan has been getting very excited for his new hobby, Bow hunting! He is keeping track of the number of arrows he shoots so he can set goals and stuff. So far he is shooting 30 each time he goes out. He also has started to run with me. He said he has to get into shape for hunting in the back country! I just love having my Honey as a running partner, it is so much more fun!
KID'S MEDICAL INFO
Yesterday I had another super busy day of constant running. Tatiana got her braces off!!!! Nick and Tatiana got new glasses! Andrew had a doctor's appointment that led to a soft tissue x-ray of his head to check his adenoids. He is not sleeping well at all, never has really. So I finally took him in --- desperate times make for desperate moms --- and they think he either has acid reflux (so we are giving him medications and seeing if that helps, we should know in a week) or sleep apnea (his adenoids are enlarged, but the doctor isn't sure if this is what is causing the sleep disturbances, so if the medication for the acid reflux doesn't work in a week, we take him to an ENT specialist.) Anyway, I just hope he starts sleeping better, I cannot take much more of this!!! He can't either! Ben is doing great! The only thing he is dealing with right now is that he broke his glasses for the third time in a year and they are not fixable. So he has them taped together for now until we wait the 10 days for new frames to come in! He is still so cute!
I'M BACK!
This week I am teaching preschool and trying to play catch up from the last few weeks. I am running again, I ran 3 miles last night (YAHOO!) and that feels great! I feel 98% back to normal. The only lasting side effect I have is a little tenderness on my left side and it really hurts if someone hits me there (Ben's head is perfect height when he comes up to give me a hug...love you too Ben! (ow!) All my swelling is gone and I am wearing my jeans again (yeah, no more of Nathan's scrub pants!). I had my blood work checked and I am back to normal. I am still anemic, but that IS normal for me. Just keep taking my iron! I was actually called "super human" by my doctor because she has never seen anyone bounce back so quickly from losing so much blood. Yeah, that's right, SUPER HUMAN! I feel like I should have a cape made or something! LOL!
That's all for now...I know, it's plenty! That's just life!
Things have been pretty normal over the past couple weeks. Last Thursday, the 18th, I had a day-o-service. Nathan had the day off work so he stayed home with the boys and I was running all over town helping people who I had said yes too, or offered help to. I also had my volunteer time in the classroom on Thursday. I hardly saw Nathan or the boys except home for a quick lunch and some kisses. It was a full day, but it always feels so good to put others first. I just usually spread it out a little more!
LIZ'S VISIT!
On Friday, the 19th, my dear friend Liz and her kids came for a visit. They used to live here and moved a couple years ago. It was so great to see her and spend time together. Her kids are so cute and Ben loved her boys! I had a good day.
GIRL SCOUTS
Then after she left I went over to the school for Girl Scouts. My co-leader and I switch months preparing the meetings and this is my turn. It was fun. We learned about World Thinking Day and learned about how girls all over the world live and brainstormed some ideas to help world poverty. We played a big "Chutes and Ladders" game that I made that was on the floor and the girls moved around it themselves. It was fun. We also made no-sew fleece shawls. The girls were very excited about that. It was a pretty full meeting. It was good to be back because I was in the hospital during the last meeting.
Tatiana and I have been busy delivering Girl Scout Cookies every chance we get. We are almost done. She sold over 280 boxes! I just cannot wait to get it done so I can get that much money out of my hands! She did do a very good job and I am very proud of her.
NICK AND TATIANA - OSU STUDENTS
Saturday we got a babysitter for the two little boys and Nathan and I took Tatiana and Nick over to their OSU class. Have I told you? They are OSU students for a couple months! Only on Saturday though. It is a part of the TAG (Talented And Gifted) program. Nick is in Engineering and Tatiana is in Scientific Discoveries. There were lots of different classes to choose from, but both my kids wanted to do something scientific. We are so proud of them.
While they were in class Nathan and I went to Winco Foods to stock up our rotating canned foods shelves. We loaded up two shopping carts full of mostly canned goods. We got some funny looks as usual and one lady asked us if this was for a fraternity. LOL! No, just our family's twice-a-year food storage restocking trip. That seemed to really fascinate her.
After we picked up the kids from their classes we took them to Big Town Hero for lunch and did a couple shopping stops, including the hobby shop for Nick's rocket supplies and Bi-mart for Nathan's bow target.
That evening we went to the Blue and Gold Banquet. No, Nick is not in Cubs anymore, but we went to support. We ended up buying a huge crocodile made out of rice crispy treats! Yum! It was really nice to not be in charge this year. I did help where I could, but I was far more relaxed and could just enjoy myself. The two gals that took over for me did an outstanding job! It was great!
NATHAN'S NEWEST HOBBY
Nathan has been getting very excited for his new hobby, Bow hunting! He is keeping track of the number of arrows he shoots so he can set goals and stuff. So far he is shooting 30 each time he goes out. He also has started to run with me. He said he has to get into shape for hunting in the back country! I just love having my Honey as a running partner, it is so much more fun!
KID'S MEDICAL INFO
Yesterday I had another super busy day of constant running. Tatiana got her braces off!!!! Nick and Tatiana got new glasses! Andrew had a doctor's appointment that led to a soft tissue x-ray of his head to check his adenoids. He is not sleeping well at all, never has really. So I finally took him in --- desperate times make for desperate moms --- and they think he either has acid reflux (so we are giving him medications and seeing if that helps, we should know in a week) or sleep apnea (his adenoids are enlarged, but the doctor isn't sure if this is what is causing the sleep disturbances, so if the medication for the acid reflux doesn't work in a week, we take him to an ENT specialist.) Anyway, I just hope he starts sleeping better, I cannot take much more of this!!! He can't either! Ben is doing great! The only thing he is dealing with right now is that he broke his glasses for the third time in a year and they are not fixable. So he has them taped together for now until we wait the 10 days for new frames to come in! He is still so cute!
I'M BACK!
This week I am teaching preschool and trying to play catch up from the last few weeks. I am running again, I ran 3 miles last night (YAHOO!) and that feels great! I feel 98% back to normal. The only lasting side effect I have is a little tenderness on my left side and it really hurts if someone hits me there (Ben's head is perfect height when he comes up to give me a hug...love you too Ben! (ow!) All my swelling is gone and I am wearing my jeans again (yeah, no more of Nathan's scrub pants!). I had my blood work checked and I am back to normal. I am still anemic, but that IS normal for me. Just keep taking my iron! I was actually called "super human" by my doctor because she has never seen anyone bounce back so quickly from losing so much blood. Yeah, that's right, SUPER HUMAN! I feel like I should have a cape made or something! LOL!
That's all for now...I know, it's plenty! That's just life!
Monday, February 15, 2010
A parallel universe!
I feel like I woke up in a parallel universe this morning! First I was laying there and realized that I was NOT in a lot of pain, a little, but not even anything I needed to take medication for (although I have taken a couple over-the-counter ibuprofen, why be in pain after all). Then I got a little concerned because ANDREW SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! Concerned because I was hoping he was still breathing! Every parent has had that worry when a child who is not a good sleeper suddenly sleeps through the night. No worries, he is fine-healthy-happy! Then I get up and make my family some cinnamon french toast for breakfast and Ben comes running into the kitchen, comes to a jumping stop, and yells, "TADA!" He had dressed himself without anyone telling him to get dressed and without anyone helping him. He even got his pants by himself which are usually hard to reach for him, but he used a little chair and did by himself! He was so proud! Then, after my in-laws left, my kids all got busy doing their chores and getting ready for the day WITHOUT any reminders! Now we are having friend over this morning for a play date. Nick, Tatiana, and Ben are all having a friend over because it is a no school day. Then we are planning on playing "LIFE" or Wii when the friends go home and Andrew goes down for his nap this afternoon. Then after nap time is over for Andrew we are going to go shopping so Nick can use some of his gift cards from his birthday. It is a good day!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Nick, such an amazing kid!
Today at church, Nick was caught doing something that I feel was pretty great and I was caught with tears in my eyes.
Nick and his good friend, Nico (you know the twins) came out in the hall and saw me. Nick asked if I knew if their teacher was here and I said I hadn't seen him. Nico said he hadn't seen him at church yet, so he didn't think he was there. I told them to go back to class and I would get a sub for them.
Nick's class is all boys, ages 10-11, and there is about 10 boys in his class. I found someone who was willing to sub right away and was heading to my class. I heard some commotion coming from Nick's classroom so I decided to go check it out and calm them down before the sub came in. All these boys used to be my Cubs before they got too old for the program so I felt I still had some residual authority left there, plus I am a mom...there is no authority higher than that!
I open the door and poke my head in and see and hear complete chaos between three boys in the back of the room. They are wrestling and being rowdy...no teacher...yahoo! I first tell them to calm down and find a seat because their sub is coming. Then I notice several boys sitting nicely in their seats already looking to the front of the room where I am a little surprised to see Nick, my adorable son, and Nico, his adorable twin, standing at the head of the class reading from the scriptures and giving a little mini-lesson! I was so impressed! Tears of pride swelled in my eyes. I am so proud of our eldest son, Nick! He is such an amazing kid! Not only did he act responsibly and not goof off, but he went beyond just sitting around waiting for a teacher to show up. He took the leadership role, along with his friend, and led the class! He taught them something AND was an example to them! Man, I LOVE THAT KID!!!!
Here is the scripture they read and what they said;
Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19
"Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. "
Nick then said something like, "we need to gain knowledge and intelligence by studying hard and listening."
Then Nico said something like, "we have to have diligence"
Then Nick said, "and obedience."
Then they sat down and the other teacher came in past me and I left. I was so very impressed!
I just LOVE THAT KID SO MUCH!
Nick and his good friend, Nico (you know the twins) came out in the hall and saw me. Nick asked if I knew if their teacher was here and I said I hadn't seen him. Nico said he hadn't seen him at church yet, so he didn't think he was there. I told them to go back to class and I would get a sub for them.
Nick's class is all boys, ages 10-11, and there is about 10 boys in his class. I found someone who was willing to sub right away and was heading to my class. I heard some commotion coming from Nick's classroom so I decided to go check it out and calm them down before the sub came in. All these boys used to be my Cubs before they got too old for the program so I felt I still had some residual authority left there, plus I am a mom...there is no authority higher than that!
I open the door and poke my head in and see and hear complete chaos between three boys in the back of the room. They are wrestling and being rowdy...no teacher...yahoo! I first tell them to calm down and find a seat because their sub is coming. Then I notice several boys sitting nicely in their seats already looking to the front of the room where I am a little surprised to see Nick, my adorable son, and Nico, his adorable twin, standing at the head of the class reading from the scriptures and giving a little mini-lesson! I was so impressed! Tears of pride swelled in my eyes. I am so proud of our eldest son, Nick! He is such an amazing kid! Not only did he act responsibly and not goof off, but he went beyond just sitting around waiting for a teacher to show up. He took the leadership role, along with his friend, and led the class! He taught them something AND was an example to them! Man, I LOVE THAT KID!!!!
Here is the scripture they read and what they said;
Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19
"Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. "
Nick then said something like, "we need to gain knowledge and intelligence by studying hard and listening."
Then Nico said something like, "we have to have diligence"
Then Nick said, "and obedience."
Then they sat down and the other teacher came in past me and I left. I was so very impressed!
I just LOVE THAT KID SO MUCH!
Some bathroom humor at Target...
I have to share this monologue between Ben and myself that happened yesterday in the Target ladies' room. I had left Andrew and Tatiana out with Grandma shopping while I took Ben to the restroom because he had to go. While I was in there, I decided to try as well because right now (with all the post-trauma, post-op bloating and swelling in my gut) it especially hurts to have a full bladder, here is what was exchanged...
Me: Do you need help Ben?
Ben: No, I do it myself.
Me: Ok, mommy's going to be right next to you (I make sure his stall get properly locked and then go into mine.)
Ben: (As soon as I sit down) Moooom, help me peasz.
Me: Ok, Ben, just a minute.
Ben: You not done yet, mom?!
Me: I just barely got in here, Ben.
Ben: You goin' poop, Mom? (I hear a giggle from outside the stall.)
Me: No
Ben: You goin' peeeeee? (I hear the giggle come out the ladie's nose in a snort.)
Me: Yes, Ben. Could you please be quiet?
Ben: Why mom? You got a headache? (the ladie, or ladies, are laughing more.)
Me: No, but I'm getting one.
Ben: You need sum toilet paper? I can get you sum!
Me: (as I flush the toilet) that's okay, I'm done now.
Ben: Oh gooood!
As I'm ready to exit my stall, another person may have felt too embarrassed by the converstaion to come out and see the people laughing at it, but not me. I am a mom. Nothing embarrasses me....anymore.
And I must admit, it was pretty darned funny!
Me: Do you need help Ben?
Ben: No, I do it myself.
Me: Ok, mommy's going to be right next to you (I make sure his stall get properly locked and then go into mine.)
Ben: (As soon as I sit down) Moooom, help me peasz.
Me: Ok, Ben, just a minute.
Ben: You not done yet, mom?!
Me: I just barely got in here, Ben.
Ben: You goin' poop, Mom? (I hear a giggle from outside the stall.)
Me: No
Ben: You goin' peeeeee? (I hear the giggle come out the ladie's nose in a snort.)
Me: Yes, Ben. Could you please be quiet?
Ben: Why mom? You got a headache? (the ladie, or ladies, are laughing more.)
Me: No, but I'm getting one.
Ben: You need sum toilet paper? I can get you sum!
Me: (as I flush the toilet) that's okay, I'm done now.
Ben: Oh gooood!
As I'm ready to exit my stall, another person may have felt too embarrassed by the converstaion to come out and see the people laughing at it, but not me. I am a mom. Nothing embarrasses me....anymore.
And I must admit, it was pretty darned funny!
Grandma and Grandpa Tolman visit...
First of all I will say that I am feeling better and stronger each day. I am confident that by the end of this week I will be make to normal. Two weeks is pretty typical for post-op recovery, right?
Connie and Perry came over on Thursday to spend the weekend with us. Connie had an appointment with her dentist (Nathan) on Thursday. They have been a lot of help and fun to have around, as always.
On Friday we watched some movies and the whole family sorted 280 boxes of Girl Scout cookies (more on that later!)
On Saturday Perry, Nathan, Nick, and Adam (one of Nathan's buddies) went to Portland to the Outdoor Show. Connie, the rest of the kids, and I went to Target and Joanns. Then we came home and made tamales, did some crafts, let the kids play outside, and had a fun day.
Saturday evening Perry and Connie went on a double date with Nathan and I. We went to the Adult Valentine's dinner and dance at the church. The dinner was good, the live music was good, the conversation was good. We ate our dinner and then waited for a song with a slow enough tempo to get up and dance to. We danced one song and that was all I could handle, we left after that. We stopped to rent a movie on the way home. We watched The Time Traveler's Wife. Interesting, weird, sad ending, and a whole lot of naked! Back side only, it is PG-13 after all.
Today we went to church and now the kids are playing outside in the sunshine which is rare this time of year and the adults are enjoying a lazy afternoon. It has been a very pleasant weekend.
Perry and Connie leave tomorrow, the kids have tomorrow off of school, and Nathan works. So I am trying to decide if I am well enough to drive the kids down to Springfield to the $ theater and see my friend Liz, or if I am not quite up to it and rather stay home and let the kids play while I sew or something....like rest!
Connie and Perry came over on Thursday to spend the weekend with us. Connie had an appointment with her dentist (Nathan) on Thursday. They have been a lot of help and fun to have around, as always.
On Friday we watched some movies and the whole family sorted 280 boxes of Girl Scout cookies (more on that later!)
On Saturday Perry, Nathan, Nick, and Adam (one of Nathan's buddies) went to Portland to the Outdoor Show. Connie, the rest of the kids, and I went to Target and Joanns. Then we came home and made tamales, did some crafts, let the kids play outside, and had a fun day.
Saturday evening Perry and Connie went on a double date with Nathan and I. We went to the Adult Valentine's dinner and dance at the church. The dinner was good, the live music was good, the conversation was good. We ate our dinner and then waited for a song with a slow enough tempo to get up and dance to. We danced one song and that was all I could handle, we left after that. We stopped to rent a movie on the way home. We watched The Time Traveler's Wife. Interesting, weird, sad ending, and a whole lot of naked! Back side only, it is PG-13 after all.
Today we went to church and now the kids are playing outside in the sunshine which is rare this time of year and the adults are enjoying a lazy afternoon. It has been a very pleasant weekend.
Perry and Connie leave tomorrow, the kids have tomorrow off of school, and Nathan works. So I am trying to decide if I am well enough to drive the kids down to Springfield to the $ theater and see my friend Liz, or if I am not quite up to it and rather stay home and let the kids play while I sew or something....like rest!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
on the mend...
This is the first morning I woke up not feeling completely defeated. I did wake up at 5:00 as Nathan was taking care of a fussy Andrew and took some pain medicine then. But I am a little less dizzy and in a lot less pain. I didn't have to hang onto every piece of furniture and wall to prevent myself falling over and it didn't take me five minutes to get out of bed as I winced in pain. That's progress!
I have to say there are some amazing people in this world and many of them are my friends! I think I feel so much better today because yesterday both boys were taken for play dates and I slept most of the day until about 2:30. Then I got up feeling okay enough to try to load the dishwasher with a few last dishes and get it started. That was okay. But then Andrew spilt a bowl of dried Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and thought it was funny to run back and forth through it so I had to sweep the floor. Then the weather was so nice yesterday that I wanted to get out. So when my friend brought Ben back with her kids, I had Nathan put out camping chairs for us and we sat outside and talked as we watched the kids run around. It was nice, but I was surprised how quickly I got tired. So then last night I was really tired and shaky. I tested the waters yesterday and did a little bit and then regretted it. So today, even though I am feeling better still, I guess I should take it easy.
But progress is being made, and I am grateful for that! I just cannot wait to get running again! I hope I am well enough by tomorrow because I want to go to the kids' Valentine's parties at school in the afternoon and then I am suppose to teach a cooking demonstration tomorrow night at church. We'll see.
Thank you all for your prayers!
I have to say there are some amazing people in this world and many of them are my friends! I think I feel so much better today because yesterday both boys were taken for play dates and I slept most of the day until about 2:30. Then I got up feeling okay enough to try to load the dishwasher with a few last dishes and get it started. That was okay. But then Andrew spilt a bowl of dried Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and thought it was funny to run back and forth through it so I had to sweep the floor. Then the weather was so nice yesterday that I wanted to get out. So when my friend brought Ben back with her kids, I had Nathan put out camping chairs for us and we sat outside and talked as we watched the kids run around. It was nice, but I was surprised how quickly I got tired. So then last night I was really tired and shaky. I tested the waters yesterday and did a little bit and then regretted it. So today, even though I am feeling better still, I guess I should take it easy.
But progress is being made, and I am grateful for that! I just cannot wait to get running again! I hope I am well enough by tomorrow because I want to go to the kids' Valentine's parties at school in the afternoon and then I am suppose to teach a cooking demonstration tomorrow night at church. We'll see.
Thank you all for your prayers!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Nick's Friend Party!
Nick had his 11th birthday party with his friends on Saturday. I was still recovering from my surgery (still am!), so Nathan (aka Super Dad!) took over and handled the party. Nick had 10 friends over. It was loud, it was wild, it was fun! Nick wanted to do "life-sized Wii". We borrowed a projector from some friends and projected the Wii onto a large white backdrop of Nathan's. It was pretty cool!
Nathan made the ice cream cake, yummy! We also had pizza, Doritos, popcorn, and soda pop.
Nick with his piece of cake. Oreo crust, vanilla ice cream with a layer of crushed up Butterfinger bars in the middle and more Butterfingers and fudge topping on top. Good job Dad!!!
This many preteen boys in one place, pretty crazy! But at least Nick had a great time!
Nathan made the ice cream cake, yummy! We also had pizza, Doritos, popcorn, and soda pop.
Nick with his piece of cake. Oreo crust, vanilla ice cream with a layer of crushed up Butterfinger bars in the middle and more Butterfingers and fudge topping on top. Good job Dad!!!
This many preteen boys in one place, pretty crazy! But at least Nick had a great time!
My trip to the ER and OR!
It has been a crazy week for us! I will now share with you my frightening and crazy experience that landed me in the operating room!
Thursday morning I woke up with severe abdominal pain. I wasn't sure what it was; cramps (no, not my time of month), ulcer flare up (maybe, but this doesn't feel quite like that), constipation (no, been pretty regular), food poisoning (I haven't eaten anything that at least one other member of my family has eaten as well and they are all fine), etc. My mind was reeling trying to figure this out. None of my answers really fit all my symptoms. My pain got progressively worse and then around noon, I noticed my abdomen was swelling up. In one hour I went from normal to looking like I was 4-5 months pregnant! Then I completely blacked out. After blacking out I was shaking, cold, and numb. So I made a few phone calls. My friend, Heather, came and stayed with the boys for me (Andrew was napping). My friend, Zouri, came and took me to Urgent Care, and Nathan left work and met us at Urgent Care. I remember while we were sitting in the waiting room at Urgent Care that I said to Zouri, I am probably bleeding internally and will die before they see me! I said that because I was in so much pain! Little did I know that I was right! They finally called me back and Nathan went with me. The nurse took my vitals and went to get the doctor right away. The doctor said that the nurse told her she was worried about me and thinks I should be sent straight to the ER. The doctor took a look as me and agreed. So they wheel chaired me out to the car and Nathan drove me to the ER. I could barely walk at the point. I was in intense pain and very dizzy!
In the ER they did a CAT Scan and the doctor came in and said that I have blood in my abdomen, and that is what is causing all my pain, but they do not know yet where it is coming from. So I became very scared at that point. I am bleeding internally, but they don't know where from!? Meanwhile the pain and swelling was getting worse and worse. They gave me an IV for fluids and morphine for the pain. Even the morphine wasn't taking the pain completely away though. Our friend, Max, came to assist Nathan in giving me a blessing and Nathan made a few phone calls to assure that the children were taken care of for the night.
They did blood work, and an ultra sound to try to figure out this medical mystery. They finally decided that it was a hemorrhagic cyst that ruptured and was bleeding out into by abdominal cavity.
They said that many time these will stop bleeding on their own. So their plan was to keep me over night and closely observe me to make sure I didn't get any worse and to manage my pain. I didn't get much sleep Thursday night because the pain was so severe and the nurse took my vitals every half hour. My blood pressure is usually pretty low. Normal for me is about 105/80. But my blood pressure this while time kept going down. The lowest it got was 68/42! Not good.
Friday morning they checked my blood count again and it had dropped more, which meant I was still bleeding inside. So they prepped me for surgery.
They did a Laparoscopy surgery and stopped the bleeding. They said my cyst was the size of a silver dollar and they pumped a whole liter of blood out of my abdomen. I only have 6 liters in my body! That explains why I am so weak and dizzy and having massive headaches! And why my blood pressure was so low!
They couldn't drain all the blood and fluid so the rest will have to reabsorb and in the meantime, while my body is trying to heal itself, I will be in pain. Not as much as I was with my internal organs "swimming in blood" (those were the doctor's words) but there is still enough in there to cause great pain. I was told that blood is highly irritating to your insides. I believe them!
So I am home now trying to recover. I have severe abdominal pain, trying to let my body reabsorb the blood and heal from the stitches and surgery. I have severe headaches, dizziness, and weakness from the loss of blood. But I have some pretty good pain pills which are making me sleep a lot, so that is good.
Thursday morning I woke up with severe abdominal pain. I wasn't sure what it was; cramps (no, not my time of month), ulcer flare up (maybe, but this doesn't feel quite like that), constipation (no, been pretty regular), food poisoning (I haven't eaten anything that at least one other member of my family has eaten as well and they are all fine), etc. My mind was reeling trying to figure this out. None of my answers really fit all my symptoms. My pain got progressively worse and then around noon, I noticed my abdomen was swelling up. In one hour I went from normal to looking like I was 4-5 months pregnant! Then I completely blacked out. After blacking out I was shaking, cold, and numb. So I made a few phone calls. My friend, Heather, came and stayed with the boys for me (Andrew was napping). My friend, Zouri, came and took me to Urgent Care, and Nathan left work and met us at Urgent Care. I remember while we were sitting in the waiting room at Urgent Care that I said to Zouri, I am probably bleeding internally and will die before they see me! I said that because I was in so much pain! Little did I know that I was right! They finally called me back and Nathan went with me. The nurse took my vitals and went to get the doctor right away. The doctor said that the nurse told her she was worried about me and thinks I should be sent straight to the ER. The doctor took a look as me and agreed. So they wheel chaired me out to the car and Nathan drove me to the ER. I could barely walk at the point. I was in intense pain and very dizzy!
In the ER they did a CAT Scan and the doctor came in and said that I have blood in my abdomen, and that is what is causing all my pain, but they do not know yet where it is coming from. So I became very scared at that point. I am bleeding internally, but they don't know where from!? Meanwhile the pain and swelling was getting worse and worse. They gave me an IV for fluids and morphine for the pain. Even the morphine wasn't taking the pain completely away though. Our friend, Max, came to assist Nathan in giving me a blessing and Nathan made a few phone calls to assure that the children were taken care of for the night.
They did blood work, and an ultra sound to try to figure out this medical mystery. They finally decided that it was a hemorrhagic cyst that ruptured and was bleeding out into by abdominal cavity.
They said that many time these will stop bleeding on their own. So their plan was to keep me over night and closely observe me to make sure I didn't get any worse and to manage my pain. I didn't get much sleep Thursday night because the pain was so severe and the nurse took my vitals every half hour. My blood pressure is usually pretty low. Normal for me is about 105/80. But my blood pressure this while time kept going down. The lowest it got was 68/42! Not good.
Friday morning they checked my blood count again and it had dropped more, which meant I was still bleeding inside. So they prepped me for surgery.
They did a Laparoscopy surgery and stopped the bleeding. They said my cyst was the size of a silver dollar and they pumped a whole liter of blood out of my abdomen. I only have 6 liters in my body! That explains why I am so weak and dizzy and having massive headaches! And why my blood pressure was so low!
They couldn't drain all the blood and fluid so the rest will have to reabsorb and in the meantime, while my body is trying to heal itself, I will be in pain. Not as much as I was with my internal organs "swimming in blood" (those were the doctor's words) but there is still enough in there to cause great pain. I was told that blood is highly irritating to your insides. I believe them!
So I am home now trying to recover. I have severe abdominal pain, trying to let my body reabsorb the blood and heal from the stitches and surgery. I have severe headaches, dizziness, and weakness from the loss of blood. But I have some pretty good pain pills which are making me sleep a lot, so that is good.
We are so very blessed to have such wonderful friends here. We do not have family close by to count on in times of emergency like this but our friends are our family! We have had friends step up for childcare needs, driving the kids to things, and bringing in meals. It has been absolutely wonderful to feel all their love!
The hardest part of this is that I cannot run for a while. That totally messes up m training and my goal. Arg! And Nathan and I were going to take Nick on his first ever ski trip this coming Friday (there is no school) and now I probably won't be able to go with. That really makes me sad! Oh well, life rarely goes as planned. I have definitely learned that by now. Still stinks though.
Time to go lay back down now....before my head explodes!
Ben's Tae Kwon Do Class!
Ben started Tae Kwon Do this past week! Nick and Tatiana go with him and help out in the class. The class is for little guys, ages 4-6. Ben is the youngest, and cutest, one in there. I just cannot help but smile really big as I watch him. He is so stinken' cute!
Ben loves having all these older girls helping him out. That kid gains girlfriends where ever he goes!
Looking so good in your Gi, Ben.
Nice stance!
Nick and Tatiana help Ben figure out his stretches. What nice siblings!
Ben loves having all these older girls helping him out. That kid gains girlfriends where ever he goes!
Looking so good in your Gi, Ben.
Nice stance!
Nick and Tatiana help Ben figure out his stretches. What nice siblings!
Geocaching in January!
On January 30th, our family went Geocaching. We invited all the Cub Scouts to come along. Any Cub who came earned their Geocaching segment for their shirt. Only one other brave boy and his dad came along. I wasn't too cold, but it was raining, so we just found four of them and then headed back to the van. The kids had a great time though and it was a fun afternoon. We want to go again soon, but not in the rain!
What?! You've never heard of Geocaching? Well, check it out! Here is the website; http://www.geocaching.com/
What?! You've never heard of Geocaching? Well, check it out! Here is the website; http://www.geocaching.com/
Ben and Andrew
Here are a few random pictures of "the boys". They are such good buddies and so cute together!
Checkin' out mom's ipod...
Andrew washing his hands all by himself, such a big boy!
Playing legos together. Can you tell this is early one morning? They still have their pajamas on and bedhead!
Checkin' out mom's ipod...
Andrew washing his hands all by himself, such a big boy!
Playing legos together. Can you tell this is early one morning? They still have their pajamas on and bedhead!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ways to help...
The disaster in Haiti has really got me thinking lately, and searching. I have been thinking and searching for things I can do. Me, a stay-at-home mom living in Oregon. I am not a doctor, I am not a celebrity, I am not someone big and powerful. I have come across a few things that are simple and I feel are great finds! I encourage you to do any of these you have the time and ability to do and PLEASE let me know of any ideas you have too!
1. www.freerice.com This is the coolest site! There are several different subjects and grade levels and you and your children can "play" the learning game online and for every correct answer you get, Free Rice will donate 10 grains of rice to feeding the hungry around the world. They use the money given by the sponsors whose banners pop up at the bottom of the page with every correct answer. Check out their facts page to learn all about it. I think it is an amazing concept and so easy! The founder said that his wish is that the world to be educated and fed, what an awesome goal!
2. Make pillowcase dresses! You can make these yourself, or organize a group to make several. You can go here http://www.hope4kidsinternational.org/dress-a-girl-around-the-world2 for links on how to make these simple dresses and where to send them so they can be properly distributed. These dresses have gone to girls all over the world, including Uganda and Haiti!
3. Get your own family prepared. I think too often we feel "safe". We see things happen on the news, but feel too far removed from it. The truth is that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime. Earthquakes, tornadoes, even home fires can change our lives forever. Here is a great link to an emergency preparedness plan that I found and we will be working on it as a family these next couple of weeks to update our preparedness. http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/fsme/docs/emergencyplanpdf.pdf Good luck and have fun with it, get the whole family involved!
There you go. If you are anything like me, you have been wanting to do something. I hope I have given you some new ideas. My prayers are with each one of you and your families that we all may be safe, healthy and happy. My prayers are for those who are not so lucky and are suffering right now.
1. www.freerice.com This is the coolest site! There are several different subjects and grade levels and you and your children can "play" the learning game online and for every correct answer you get, Free Rice will donate 10 grains of rice to feeding the hungry around the world. They use the money given by the sponsors whose banners pop up at the bottom of the page with every correct answer. Check out their facts page to learn all about it. I think it is an amazing concept and so easy! The founder said that his wish is that the world to be educated and fed, what an awesome goal!
2. Make pillowcase dresses! You can make these yourself, or organize a group to make several. You can go here http://www.hope4kidsinternational.org/dress-a-girl-around-the-world2 for links on how to make these simple dresses and where to send them so they can be properly distributed. These dresses have gone to girls all over the world, including Uganda and Haiti!
3. Get your own family prepared. I think too often we feel "safe". We see things happen on the news, but feel too far removed from it. The truth is that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime. Earthquakes, tornadoes, even home fires can change our lives forever. Here is a great link to an emergency preparedness plan that I found and we will be working on it as a family these next couple of weeks to update our preparedness. http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/fsme/docs/emergencyplanpdf.pdf Good luck and have fun with it, get the whole family involved!
There you go. If you are anything like me, you have been wanting to do something. I hope I have given you some new ideas. My prayers are with each one of you and your families that we all may be safe, healthy and happy. My prayers are for those who are not so lucky and are suffering right now.
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