I love scrapbookpal.com for all my tape runner needs. They have the best prices and if you order $25 or more, you get free shipping
I don't have the ATG gun, but I may just one of these day join the club. framingsuppliesonline.com, has great great prices.
My new favorite online scrapbook store is serendipityscraps.com The store has great customer service and fast shipping.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
My Amazing Daughter-In Her Zone!
One year ago yesterday my daughter had an upper thoracic double spinal fusion. Basically she had two titanium steal rods placed on either side of her spine attached with bone taken from her hip. the road to recovery was a long one, but worth every minute. It was rough in the beginning. The first night wasn't so bad. She was on a morphine drip and slept most of the time. When she would wake, she would attempt to text her friends, but fall asleep mid text. When nurses entered her room, she would ask them all about their job, forgetting that she had already asked them only hours before. the second night was the hardest. She was in so much pain. Neither my husband or I left her side. in the PICU. I slept with my head on her bed rail, when I could manage to fall asleep.
On day 2, they had her up and attempting to stand. By day three, we had been moved to a regular room. We were lucky that she didn't have anyone occupying the other half of her room. I was able to stay with her every night, sleeping in the other bed. Each day the doctors, nurses and therapists had her up, walking and re-learning how to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth or putting on your socks. For four months she was not allowed to bend or twist at the waist. They even had a mock shower stall they used to teach her how to step in and out of the bathtub safely.
On the 8th day we were finally released. It was so good to be home. We had made a make-shift bedroom in our living room, so she wouldn't have to climb the stairs. Little by little she regained mobility and stamina. After two weeks, she was ready to go in public for some shopping. We needed to find clothing that would fit over her brace. She quickly realized just how much energy shopping takes. The simple things were no longer simple. Even showering took a long time. Her back had to be completely taped and covered so water couldn't seep into her incision.
School started 5 weeks after the surgery had taken place. Her teachers were understanding of her need to bring a pillow, sit close to the door so she could stand if needed and even be late to class due to the fact that it took her much longer to walk across campus. Plus we didn't want her in the middle of the pushing and shoving that can happen when students are rushing to class.
After 4 months, she finally was able to let go of the brace. Her doctor did let her go one night without it. This was so she could attend homecoming. As she put it. The brace and the dress, just don't go together. Her doctor told her to have fun, just no "break dancing, slam dancing or mosh pits".
On February 29th, just 7 months after her surgery, Dr. Gray told her she could resume limited sports activity. She began playing softball for her high school. During the second game, I received a call from one of the coaches asking me which hospital she should be taken to. A girl on the other team should have slid to the base, but didn't know how to slide, so she just plowed her over. I was so worried about possible injuries to her back. I immediately called her Doctor who assured me that everything was fused and not to worry unless she complained of her back hurting. What a relief. However she did end up leaving the hospital on crutches and her leg in a stabilizer. After a few doctors appointments and an MRI, it was determined that she had bruised her meniscus and would just need time to heal.
April was the beginning of soccer tryouts. She was determined to make a team. She attended to league tryouts. Both leagues she had played for in the past. She had high hopes of making the division 1 team, but knew that not playing for 8 months put her at a disadvantage. Her endurance was low, she was basically out of shape. We explained to her many times that it will take time for her body to get back into the physical condition it had been in the year before. Although she didn't make the Division 1 team, she did make the Division 3 team. After a few months of training, she is back to full speed. As of last week, her doctor gave her the green light to even play goalie again.
I love to watch her in the goal. She is so determined to not let a single ball get by. It is as if she has a personal vendetta against the ball.On Sunday, July 20th, she was in her zone.
On day 2, they had her up and attempting to stand. By day three, we had been moved to a regular room. We were lucky that she didn't have anyone occupying the other half of her room. I was able to stay with her every night, sleeping in the other bed. Each day the doctors, nurses and therapists had her up, walking and re-learning how to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth or putting on your socks. For four months she was not allowed to bend or twist at the waist. They even had a mock shower stall they used to teach her how to step in and out of the bathtub safely.
On the 8th day we were finally released. It was so good to be home. We had made a make-shift bedroom in our living room, so she wouldn't have to climb the stairs. Little by little she regained mobility and stamina. After two weeks, she was ready to go in public for some shopping. We needed to find clothing that would fit over her brace. She quickly realized just how much energy shopping takes. The simple things were no longer simple. Even showering took a long time. Her back had to be completely taped and covered so water couldn't seep into her incision.
School started 5 weeks after the surgery had taken place. Her teachers were understanding of her need to bring a pillow, sit close to the door so she could stand if needed and even be late to class due to the fact that it took her much longer to walk across campus. Plus we didn't want her in the middle of the pushing and shoving that can happen when students are rushing to class.
After 4 months, she finally was able to let go of the brace. Her doctor did let her go one night without it. This was so she could attend homecoming. As she put it. The brace and the dress, just don't go together. Her doctor told her to have fun, just no "break dancing, slam dancing or mosh pits".
On February 29th, just 7 months after her surgery, Dr. Gray told her she could resume limited sports activity. She began playing softball for her high school. During the second game, I received a call from one of the coaches asking me which hospital she should be taken to. A girl on the other team should have slid to the base, but didn't know how to slide, so she just plowed her over. I was so worried about possible injuries to her back. I immediately called her Doctor who assured me that everything was fused and not to worry unless she complained of her back hurting. What a relief. However she did end up leaving the hospital on crutches and her leg in a stabilizer. After a few doctors appointments and an MRI, it was determined that she had bruised her meniscus and would just need time to heal.
April was the beginning of soccer tryouts. She was determined to make a team. She attended to league tryouts. Both leagues she had played for in the past. She had high hopes of making the division 1 team, but knew that not playing for 8 months put her at a disadvantage. Her endurance was low, she was basically out of shape. We explained to her many times that it will take time for her body to get back into the physical condition it had been in the year before. Although she didn't make the Division 1 team, she did make the Division 3 team. After a few months of training, she is back to full speed. As of last week, her doctor gave her the green light to even play goalie again.
I love to watch her in the goal. She is so determined to not let a single ball get by. It is as if she has a personal vendetta against the ball.On Sunday, July 20th, she was in her zone.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Swimsuits--ACK!!!
The whole process of buying a swimsuit is so overwhelming to me. It isn't that I don't like my body. For a woman who is 41 years old, who doesn't watch what she eats all of the time- (OK, I watch it- I just don't care that it has a trillion calories), or who doesn't exercise, I think I look o.k. all things considered. So whats the problem? Why can't I find a swimsuit that fits. Maybe I'm wrong about all of this. If I am, will someone please let me know. For some reason, I seem to think that the girls should be contained inside the top, whether a person is wearing a bikini, tankini or one piece. I just don't think nipple is supposed to show, nor do I think it should be the only part of the breast that is covered. Maybe I'm wrong, and if I am, then I will give up on the search for a swimsuit. Yes, I know my girls are big, but we aren't talking implants here, not Baywatch bouncing material, just boobs for a woman who is 5 ft. 9in. After all, I can find bras that fit.
Now the 5ft. 9in thing can be a hassle to find a one piece. Usually they are too short in the torso and either end up making me look like the hunch back, or the butt portion magically turns into a thong. Either way it isn't pretty. A few weeks ago, I ordered several different styles and sizes from Eddie Bauer. I was sure that at least one would fit. Wrong! When I went to return them the guy says, "next time try ordering just one at a time till you find the right size". OK, sure. So if I did it his way, I'd still be ordering, paying a bundle in shipping, not to mention endless trips to the mall to return each one separately. And, in the end, still not have one.
I am happy to say that yesterday, my quest ended. I was out shopping with my SIL, not even looking for as swimsuit. There it was, the only one like it. I didn't fall in love with it immediately, but I will learn to love it. It is long enough from shoulder on down, no hunch back or unintentional thong. The big girls are covered and supported, so it is all good. The best part--- it was only $19.99, got to love a bargain.
Now the 5ft. 9in thing can be a hassle to find a one piece. Usually they are too short in the torso and either end up making me look like the hunch back, or the butt portion magically turns into a thong. Either way it isn't pretty. A few weeks ago, I ordered several different styles and sizes from Eddie Bauer. I was sure that at least one would fit. Wrong! When I went to return them the guy says, "next time try ordering just one at a time till you find the right size". OK, sure. So if I did it his way, I'd still be ordering, paying a bundle in shipping, not to mention endless trips to the mall to return each one separately. And, in the end, still not have one.
I am happy to say that yesterday, my quest ended. I was out shopping with my SIL, not even looking for as swimsuit. There it was, the only one like it. I didn't fall in love with it immediately, but I will learn to love it. It is long enough from shoulder on down, no hunch back or unintentional thong. The big girls are covered and supported, so it is all good. The best part--- it was only $19.99, got to love a bargain.
This Weekend
Yesterday, I spent the day at a great fundraiser. Crop 4 A Cause. The money went to support a fellow scrapper's sister who will be walking in the Avon Walk. Although not a huge amount of people attended the event, I had a great time. I won several fabulous prizes, got to scrap with all my scrappin friends and got to see some scrappers I hadn't seen in quite a while. All in all, it was a wonderful day. (Thank You Hillary!!!)
Today Dh and I got up early an hit Target in search of the highly sought after Wii Fit. We left empty handed. Apparently they didn't get them in, even though they were in the add. I was totally bummed. My DS was so great about it, he just said "Oh Well, maybe some other time."
Today Dh and I got up early an hit Target in search of the highly sought after Wii Fit. We left empty handed. Apparently they didn't get them in, even though they were in the add. I was totally bummed. My DS was so great about it, he just said "Oh Well, maybe some other time."
Thursday, June 26, 2008
DD & Teenage Boys-- Oh My!
So now that my DD is almost 15, boys have entered the picture whether I want them to or not. Everywhere we go it seems that there are teenage boys and young men flirting, smiling and trying to chat it up. Just last night as we were leaving In & Out Burger a young man who was dining with his baseball team, smiled and waved his cell phone at her in an attempt to get her number.
What is a mother to do? Am I ready for this? It feels like just yesterday I was putting her hair into pigtails, so she could immediatly rip out. It is hard to beleive that she will be 15 soon. Soon she will start dating , start driving within a year and before I know it, she will be leaving for college. How do other mother's deal with the "oh my baby is growing up"?
What is a mother to do? Am I ready for this? It feels like just yesterday I was putting her hair into pigtails, so she could immediatly rip out. It is hard to beleive that she will be 15 soon. Soon she will start dating , start driving within a year and before I know it, she will be leaving for college. How do other mother's deal with the "oh my baby is growing up"?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Camping???
Last weekend my family went camping. As a kid we would go and all I remember is how cold it was and how away from civilation it seemed to be. I also seem to remember a smelly outhouse. So, camping to me isn't all that thrilling, but I know my DH and my DS love it. I prefer KOA campgrounds, they at least have clean restrooms, hot showers and a pool. So Sunday morning after being there two nights, I lay on my cot thinking of the pros and cons to camping.
PRO: Start with these first, trying to be positive...
fresh air
family time
swimming pool
excuse to each junk food
getting kids away from phones, tv and computers
beautiful redwoods
smores
CONS:
Mosquitios- my blood must be like liquor to them- they just couldn't get enough
sleeping on a cot
dirt
cooking on small stove
noisy campers
sunrise at 5:30
hot, hot, hot
public restrooms
cold during the night
flies
have to pitch all the tents in the hard, hard ground
washing dishes at a spicket in cold water
instant coffee
Are you seeing where I'm going with this? It seems that the cons out weigh the pros, but yet we go camping anyway. For some reason even my DD has decided she likes camping. For a 14 year old girl to like it, and to like it so much that she wants to have her 15th birthday party be a weekend of camping, I just must be missing something here.
I did manage to bring home several souvineers- I have a least 8 mosquito bites that itch like crazy. So, help me out what am I missing here.
PRO: Start with these first, trying to be positive...
fresh air
family time
swimming pool
excuse to each junk food
getting kids away from phones, tv and computers
beautiful redwoods
smores
CONS:
Mosquitios- my blood must be like liquor to them- they just couldn't get enough
sleeping on a cot
dirt
cooking on small stove
noisy campers
having to walk to the retroom at 3:00 AM
roosters at 4:00 AMsunrise at 5:30
hot, hot, hot
public restrooms
cold during the night
flies
have to pitch all the tents in the hard, hard ground
washing dishes at a spicket in cold water
instant coffee
Are you seeing where I'm going with this? It seems that the cons out weigh the pros, but yet we go camping anyway. For some reason even my DD has decided she likes camping. For a 14 year old girl to like it, and to like it so much that she wants to have her 15th birthday party be a weekend of camping, I just must be missing something here.
I did manage to bring home several souvineers- I have a least 8 mosquito bites that itch like crazy. So, help me out what am I missing here.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Time to Blog Again...
OK- now that summer is here and I seem to have some free time, I 've come to the realization that I need to update my page. I've spent the morning cruzing other blogs and had such a good laugh from a few that I thought I'd share my favorite entry from 15 Minute Lunch. If you lived through the fashions in the late 70's, then you will appreciate this. WARNING!!! tissue for the laughing tears may be necessary.
http://15minutelunch.blogspot.com/2007/10/strap-in-shut-up-and-hold-on-were-going.html
http://15minutelunch.blogspot.com/2007/10/strap-in-shut-up-and-hold-on-were-going.html
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