Welcome To Our World

News Flash

2011-04-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Let's see...news of the last fourteen months: the Spurger Pirates went to state last year. Dad passed away 10 Apr 2010 and Milton, Megan, and I went to New York for his funeral. April 14th of this year was two years that Ashlei has been gone. Heber and Angel got married in Key West on 5 May 2010 and we acquird two more grandkids - James and Aubrey! Those are the HIGH highlights!

Wow! Has It Really Been That Long???

2011-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! Has it really been that long??? It has really been fourteen months since I've written on my blog. Well...my goal is to get regular again. The main reason...first - General Conference. The internet is a great tool to share our beliefs and our testimonies. I'm going to use it. Second - I was reading Emelie's blog this morning. She is such a talented writer and she is so much fun to read. It reminded me of how much I love to write. So...here I am!

Last night I was at a slumber party with Emelie and Megan at Emelie's house! Just a night out with two of my girls. We had fun! We watched movies, ate pizza, chips and dips, and various other unhealthy food stuffs! Then today we just sat around talking or doing what ever on the computers - each of us had our own laptop there! I didn't even come home until about three o'clock this afternoon. Very relaxing day!

Angel

2010-02-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

A great event is our family this year has been Heber meeting Angel. She moved in next door to him, and has been a great blessing to him and to us! She truly is an Angel!

Time Flies When You're Not Looking!

2010-02-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Wow! I had no idea it had been three and a half months since I had posted anything on my blog. I've made that one of my goals this year: to post regularly - not only to keep in touch, but to keep a jounal/personal history.

These past months have been filled with work, work, work, uh...work, high school basketball, grandkids (the funnest by far!), oh - and work!

I quit my job with Texas home health at the beginning of December and went to work for a nursing home in Woodville. I worked a total of seven days...wrong place for me. I went back to Texas Home Health but in a different position. I had been a Provider Supervisor and now I am a nurse again! I used to work for the state and now I work on the skilled side. I LOVE it even though I have to actually work now!

Our varsity basketball team, of which Jarom is a part, won district this year! Last Saturday night they had the opportunity to play a warm up game at the Montagne Center at Lamar University! Jarom LOVED it! We won that game too: 70 to 44! We play this Friday night somewhere on the other side of Houston - this is the play-off game...we're on the road to state!

The Blog Thing Continues

2009-11-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Sarah told me she tagged me in this blog thing, but I've gotten really bad about keeping my blog up. Well, here I am and here goes:

1) I STILL, even at this point in my life, have issues that stem from being a foster kid, and from coming from the family that I originally came from.

2) I've been in Texas for twenty-seven years and I have only gone home a handful of times. I blame it on Milton, but most of the times I could have gone home I made the choice not to go.

3) Since Ashlei's death I have struggled with my testimony. A lot of things I have always believed and knew, and kind of took for granted - I'm just sure anymore. I've been running on faith these past seven months. I really want to KNOW again.

4) One of my pet peeves is to have both sides of the sink piled with stuff. We have a rule here by golly - keep one side of the sink clear!

5) I want to write a novel (well, not just one) and be a best seller.

6) I want to be a Nurse Practioner (no, not a doctor) I'll work with Sarah!

7) I have a goal to get to my ideal weight by the time I'm fifty. (I have three years and five weeks!) Then I want to do the P90X and be a HOT momma!

8) I feel that I have no control over my own life. I don't run anything - it all runs me. My finances, my weight, my kids, the house I live in, still being in Odomville...my kids tell me to take control and make a change, but I feel powerless.

9) I have NO friends (my kids excuded). I really don't. I even pray and ask Heavenly Father for a friend - pretty sad, huh? To clarify - I mean a friend to talk to every day - about anything, a friend that I go do things with, a friend that makes as much of an effort to be my friend as I do to be their friend. To be fair - a lot of the blame is my own.

10) I have always wanted to play the violin. I still do, and one of these days I will pursue that goal!

This was actually not as difficult as I thought it would be. I really thought about it and hope I surprise some people - I tried to dig deep.

Oh yeah - list ten things and then tag seven people.

Pine Hill

2009-10-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

I'm in Bellville at Pine Hill Stable with Megan this weekend. Emelie and Megan's friend Chanice are here too. Megan is in her first Eventing competition. There are three "tests" in Eventing: Cross Country Jumping, Stadium Jumping, and Dressage. Megan is riding Kamo - short for Kamokazi Ed! He's about twenty-three and has been doing this for a long time. They take good care of each other!
Last night she ended up "schooling" on the cross country jumps. That was interesting. I have a few really good shots and will get them uploaded when I get home to my own computer. Today will be competition in Dressage and Stadium jumping.
We are actually staying in Sealy which is about fifteen minutes from Bellview. It's really a nice little town just northwest of Houston. I love this part of Texas - near Navasota and Brenham. There's a lot of history here - I love that! All these little towns are so neat because they're very old and still have that part of town, and then you come to the new and developed part of town with Wal-Mart and countless restaurants and fast food! It's an interesting combination.

One Down - One To Go!

2009-09-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

I went with Emelie on Monday (20th) to her consult with the surgeon and poof! Her gallbladder surgery was scheduled for Wednesday morning. Dr. Runyon is the doctor - he's awesome - you gotta love him! She came through wonderfully though a little sore and painful. Yahoo for Lortab! She said the most awesome thing was waking up with no nausea and actually feeling hungry.
Sarah has her appointment next Tuesday. I hope they'll do her surgery soon; she is in so much pain every day now. She between a rock and a hard place cuz if she eats she's in pain and if she doesn't her blood sugar bottoms out.
I remember those days. I was thirty when I had mine out. It seems gallbladder patients are younger and younger - a tribute to fast food and unhealthy eating.

September's Been Busy!

2009-09-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Wow - this month has been busy! It started with the birth of our third grandbaby, Lindon, on September 2nd! He wanted to come out foot first so he came per C-section. It was different than Claire's birth - a lot quieter. Then Jace turned three on the fifth, and had a really fun birthday party. We were all there - including all of Ashlei's family. I love it when we have both families together; that's the way it should be. Then, the tenth was Sarah's birthday. Her and Kevin were really sick, so we didn't go that day. We went down on Sunday instead, and took a cake. We were all there except Milton who was at the hospital with his dad. It was a lot of fun. It's neat to sit back and watch my kids interact - talking and laughing, and Claire and Jace would do funny things that cracked us up! It was a great day!
1

Our Weekend With Jace: All Boy!

2009-08-30T17:34:00.001-07:00

I LOVE this picture

You might be a redneck if...

Your grandbaby is swimming in a trough!

He had a blast!

2009-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

I can't figure out how to move this picture to the bottom - he made it in the water!

So Cute!

He loved being dipped in the creek! He kept saying, "Jace's turn" - he wanted to do it over and over. I think he would have loved it if we just dropped him in - NOT!

He wanted in so bad!

2009-08-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Jace and Auntie Em: even a boy can appeciate the sweet smell of flowers!

He loves to pretend he's a puppy!

He loves to play in that cage!

Wow - Heber's Twenty-five!

2009-08-17T16:08:00.001-07:00

Heber, my second born, turned twenty-five on Saturday. A quarter of a century - wow! He didn't want to do anything on his birthday. He told me several weeks ago that he wanted just one thing: Ashlei. I'd give just about anything if I could give him that.

So, we swooped down upon him Sunday evening. We were all there except Milton cuz he had to work. We took taco salad, cake and icecream, and a gift. It was a lot of fun! We ate, talked, laughed, made a lot of noise, and just really enjoyed being together.

There is nothing in this life more precious, more important, or that can bring more happiness than family.

I love you guys!

My New Client

2009-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have a new client. She's a forty-nine year old woman with terminal cancer. She's on Hospice, and we are there providing a personal attendant. She is AMAZING. She lives in a shack- she has almost nothing - and probably never has. When I sit with her in her little bedroom there is nothing but a calm and peaceful feeling. She talks about dying without reservation; she speaks candidly and honestly. I told her today how amazing she is, and she told me nobody has ever told her that before. Wow. What an example she is to me of faith and strength.

I am better because of her.

Chalk It Up To Hormones

2009-08-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

So...my life is boring and unimportant, and who cares anyway?

A Good Day

2009-07-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Emelie and I hit the road and spent the day in Vidor. First we went to Heber's house. I had a check to take to him. We bought his car, a 2007 Haundai Sonata - way more comfy than my little Neon. We spent a couple of hours there playing with Jace, visiting with Heber and Jarom, and going to Wal-Mart. I took Jarom and got him a new white shirt, and a tie for church. He also needed a new belt since he's gotten so skinny...well then he needed new shoes to tie it all together! I'm told he looked nice at church on Sunday!

After we left Heber's house we went to Sarah and Kevin's house and visited there for a few hours. We played with Claire, and just chilled. It was very relaxing. About the time we were going to leave a storm moved through. It was just enough to wait it out, but it brought some much needed rain, so we were thankful for it.

After we left Sarah and Kevin's house we headed to Silsbee. The plan was to eat at Casa Ole, but half of Silsbee was out of power and a lot of the businesses were closed. We ended up literally driving all the way around Silsbee and ended up back at Chili's! It was great as usual!

We also had gone to Wal-Mart. Milton needed something to fix Megan's headlight, and I ended up getting a couple of Nintendo DS games for my "new" Nintendo DS Megan gave me. I got her the new Nintendo DSi for her birthday, so I inherited her old one. It's pretty fun, though I played it so long the other day I got a Migraine headache! The DSi is really neat! It's a game system, a camera, and you can access the internet from it - very cool!

Independence!

2009-07-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

We had planned a big Fourth of July thing with the family - get together, cook out, hang out, pop some fireworks - but nobody seemed to want to do it. We ended up all meeting Thursday night at Chile's in Silsbee and eating dinner together. It would have been perfect if Megan had been there - she had to work. It was a lot of fun though, and we decided that would be our get together.

Heber, Jarom, Jace and I went to Vidor last night to take some of Heber's stuff, and for us to see where his apartment is and to see the apartment itself. It's actually a duplex and is very nice. It's so brand new that it's not even complete yet. It's going to be much better for Heber to be WAY closer to work, and Sarah and Kevin, and Marcus are right there too. Plus - it's SO MUCH closer to everything. I know it's even bigger than that though...it's progress for Heber to be ready to make this move. I'm glad of that - for him - not for me! It has been a blessing for us to have Heber and Jace at the house. We've had an opportunity to get to know and really love Jace, and I do love him so much. He's a choice little boy. Sooooo sweet! I'm going to miss them both.

What A Week...

2009-06-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today marks the two month annaversary of Ashlei's death, and this Wednesday would have been her twenty-third birthay. This should be quite a week. I feel so...I really don't know what. Hhmmm...

Lucy

2009-05-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

My friend D'Anna from work called me one night and asked if Jarom might want an Iguana. Of course he did, and that was fine with me - I figured it would be a little thing like you see at the pet shop...NOPE! It's HUGE! She's actually very pretty and looks like she has turquoise beads on her so we named her Jewel. At work, we were petting her and D'Anna was picking her up - nothing. We got her home and she tore Heber and Jarom up - she scratched Heber and whipped Jarom with her tail - it even left whelps! Well...her name was changed to Lucy - short and feminine for Lucifer! She's calmed down a lot, and she really is beautiful. She eats spinach leaves and a romaine lettuce blend.

In The Garden

2009-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Jace loves to go to the garden and see the corn. It has grown so much it's even taller than he is now! We planted thirteen or fourteen rows of sweet corn - can't wait till it's time to pick!

Flooded In

2009-05-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

As you can see the water was just about up to the mailboxes a couple of weeks ago. We couldn't see the bridge and couldn't even drive the trucks across - it was too deep. We had to walk across "the river" - the boys had a fun time with it!

Going For The Dunk!

2009-05-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

Jarom loves to play basketball, and used to practice by himself for hours. Now that Heber is here he gets to play a lot of one on one. These were taken one afternoon when he was playing around!

Our Little Nerd!

2009-05-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

Jace put Megan's glasses on one evening, and had us cracked up!!! The more we laughed - the more he hammed it up!!! He's a cutie!!!

14 April 2009

2009-05-28T18:02:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ashlei

I got a phone call at about three o'clock in the morning on April 14th - Ashlei had coded. I remember I didn't even really react because in my mind it was another obstacle we would overcome. The second phone call was that she was stablized and in ICU - I told Milton, "I knew it! I knew she was still here!" The third phone call was that they couldn't keep her stablized, and the last phone call was from Heber. The doctors told him they had to stop - what should he do. It was at that moment that I knew...we had to let her go. I had made the decision to keep my faith strong; I would not falter; I would not doubt - until the last breath was drawn - and I didn't. I miss Ashlei so much that at times it is overwhelming. The heartache and the sorrow and the pain are almost too much to bear at times. But where else? Where else can one feel such peace and comfort, and even joy in the midst of such overwhelming sorrow? Only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ ! I have never been more sure of Heavenly Father's very profound and personal love for each of us. I have never been more sure of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There is never a moment of depair that is not tempered by a sweet peace and comfort from the Spirit. I am thankful for the Plan of Salvation, for my testimony that life is eternal, and that families are forever!

My Poor Neglected Blog

2009-03-07T14:11:00.001-08:00

I have really neglected my blog because of my obsession/addiction with facebook! My goal: do not neglect my blog anymore! My greatest weaknesses I think are sins of omission - all the things I should be doing or doing better that I don't - and not using my time like I should. My goal: do what I should be doing and do it better - and stop wasting so much time. Simple, huh?! So...I'm going to get off the computer now - I got things to do!

The Dinglehopper

2009-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

So there we were in Chile's. Emelie and I had picked Claire up in Beaumont to bring her home for the rest of the weeked, so we decided to take her to lunch at Chile's in Silsbee cuz I had to go to Wal-Mart. While we're sitting at the table waiting for our order Claire picked her dinglehopper (fork) and proceded to comb her hair. Auntie Em's mistake: taking the dinglehopper from her and telling her she was not to put it in her hair cuz she would be eating with it. Poor Claire was devastated. She cried huge tears and wanted her dinglehopper and wanted to comb her hair with it! Of course Gammy (that's me) says - let her have it and let her do whatever she wants to with it. Do I spoil her? YES! Do I apologize for it? NO! Does Claire watch an awful lot of Disney Princess movies? Maybe. I can tell you this though - she's pretty smart and has an amazing imagination for a two year old. We should all have a dinglehopper!

Being the Instrument!

2009-02-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was a horrible day at work. My entire day was spent on the phone with APS (adult protective services) and the state, filing a report that should never have been filed. Without breaking too many privacy laws - a complaint was made against an attendant when the family was already aware of the problem and knew way more than the attendant ever could have. Anyways...there are rules to be followed when you file one of these reports - an important one being that it has to be filed within twenty-four hours - and here it was Friday evening.

I began faxing my report at 4:40 pm and by 5:00 pm the fax number was still busy. 5:10 - still busy. I called my supervisor - whining just a little bit - about the fact that the fax number was still busy and I had been trying to fax for thirty minutes. She was going to be in the office the next morning and said she would send it then, but there was that danger that it may not go through before the twenty-four hour mark. They are pretty strict about that - the fines are pretty stiff if the report is not filed just right.

5:15 pm finds me praying for this fax to go through. I explained to Heavenly Father that I had a time line that had to be followed - AND - I wanted to go home :(

At 5:20...the fax went through! This time - a prayer of thanks! At 5:21 I get a call on my cell phone. It's my friend Trudy. We work together and also I'm her visiting teacher. She is just up the road out of gas. I have the opportunity to serve. I pick her up, we get the gas, her truck is running, and she's able to get home.

Coincidence? Luck? I don't think so. It's an amazing experience to be the instrument in Heavenly Father's hands. I'm thankful my fax took forty minutes to go through. I'm thankful I was at the office instead of at home just when Trudy's truck ran out of gas. Wow!

Megan's Famous!

2009-02-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

This article was in our local newspaper, The Tyler County Booster, last week! Hopefully you can read it cuz it speaks for itself!!!

It's Twins!!

2009-01-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Emelie raises Pygmy goats - they are so cute cuz they are so small! All of her nannys are pregnant, and the first of the babies were born today - TWINS!!!

Our Weekend With Claire

2009-01-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! We had Claire for the weekend! I talked to her at some point during the day on Friday and made the mistake of asking her if she was coming to Gammy's house and what would we do. She was ready to go! Her mommy explained to her that she would be coming later and I could hear her say tearfully, "Okay" :(

Finally the time arrived and I met Sarah and Claire at Wal-Mart in Silsbee. After we - well Kevin - loaded everything in my car, Claire and I went into Wal-Mart. It was so fun! She was waving and telling everybody we saw, "hello"!

When we got to the house the first person we saw was Jarom. Claire stopped in his bedroom doorway and announced, "I"m here! I'm here, Uncle Jay! I'm here!" He was on the phone and kind of ignored her which broke her heart. She melted into tears - Uncle Jay had to do some quick repenting!

The whole weekend was filled with fun and laughter. We are always amazed by how cute and smart she is! Do I sound biased??? Anywayz...it was such a fun weekend - as always - when sweet little Claire comes to visit us! I'm so thankful to Kevin and Sarah - they are so generous to share her with us from time to time!

When I took her back to Silsbee to meet Sarah - she cried for Gammy. That was cool!

A Day in the Life of Ashlei

2009-01-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

I went to Houston yesterday and took my daughter-in-law, Ashlei, to the doctor - at MD Anderson. This was our day:

We arrived at the MD just before noon for blood work. They took her pretty fast actually. She has a port in her upper left chest, so drawing blood is pretty quick - and no sticking her! Then, we had two and a half hours to waste.

So...we found a quiet place and Ashlei went to sleep. I told her to feel free to sleep - she couldn't keep her eyes open. I don't have to be entertained - I'm there for HER. She got a really good nap of which I'm so glad. While she slept I read and texted back and forth with Sarah.

We stirred around about two o'clock and went the the cafeteria to get something to eat - cheese fries! This whole two years Ashlei has been sick eating has never been a problem until the last few months. She is literally skin over bone, and she was tiny to begin with. She was hungry for the cheese fries, but only ate a couple of them.

Next, we went back up to the eighth floor to see her doctor. The appointment was for 2:30 and we only had to wait about forty-five minutes. That is amazing considering it's normal to wait two or three hours. Her doctor is Dr. Thomas. Dr. Thomas is one of the best at MD Anderson in Lymphoma and Leukemia. She is very anal - which is a good thing really! After one treatment the cancer is significantly reduced. Ashlei's labs were O.K. considering...her white count was 1.7 - the norm is 5 - 10 so her immune system is pretty compromised. Her platelets were 16 and the norm for that starts around 400, so we had to go downstairs for platelets.

They scheduled her platelets for four-thirty and we got started about six o'clock. Once they had them hanging it went pretty fast. You can actually run platelets in a short amount of time. We left the hospital about seven o'clock and got back to her place a little before eight. I got home a little after ten.

This is her life: appointments, tests, treatments, appointments, tests, treatments, etc. I cried half the way home. It breaks my heart that my sweet twenty-two year old dtr-in-law is going through this trial. It's so hard to see her so frail and weak, and generally - she just does not look good. It's hard to keep the faith, but I am determined to do that.

I'm thankful for my testimony of the atonement, and for my testimony that Heavenly Father has a plan, He is in control, and "All is well. All is well."

News in a Nutshell

2009-01-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

I have really neglected by blog cuz I'm so hooked on Facebook! I really want to keep it up though, so here is my news - in a nutshell!

I have been busy busy busy with work, church basketball, school basketball, church meetings and activities, etc. etc. etc. I'm such a homebody and to be running the roads everyday and getting in late at night is threatening to cause a serious meltdown!

I'm going to Houston today to take Ashlei to the doctor. She's had one Chemo treatment so far, and her test results have come back positive. Her bone marrow has gone from five percent cancer cells to less than two percent -yahoo! Also, her MRI was good, but that's all I know about that.

Heber's deployment will be over soon, and then he will finally be able to move to Houston. I'm so glad because they have been separated for about nine months. I think Ashlei has been back to Oklahoma two or three times, and Heber comes to Texas as often as he can, but it's not the same as being together. I keep praying Heavenly Father will bless the doctors and guide their every move. I want her to get well and live a long happy life so badly, but I know that Heavenly Father has a plan and I have faith in that.

My baby, Jarom, turned sixteen yesterday - wow! He's so tall and handsome - I'm so proud of the young man he is becoming. I see a spiritual strength in him and he is heading in the right direction. What more could a mother want?! I noticed on his Facebook he said his birthday sucked - that makes me sad. It was a crazy day.

My mom and dad are eighty-three years old. Poor dad is most likely in early Alzheimer's Disease or some kind of dementia. I'm so thankful it has happened at this stage of his life and not say - ten years ago. He has always been so strong and healthy and full of life. My mom had a heart attack and stroke two weeks ago. She's like a Timex though - she takes a licking and keeps on ticking! She's doing really well! She left the hospital and went into a nursing home - to rehab. She tells me the therapists are working her pretty hard!

So...that's the scoop of lately. I STILL need to get Christmas pictures up!

Life Is Good

2009-01-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

Not a whole lot of spectacular news these days. I could download some pics and get caught up Christmas, etc. But...

We are blessed! Life is good!!!

Ashlei Update

2009-01-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ashlei started Chemo again last Wednesday (New Year's Eve). She stayed a few days cuz she is in a clinical trial and they like to monitor things. She came home last night and is feeling pretty rough. She's always had a good appetite, but not for the last few weeks. The doctor says it's all good and we're not down yet. We hold onto our faith and we keep praying!

Hooked A Big Fish!

2009-01-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

We had pictures of the big fish hook in Jarom's shoulder, but it mysteriously disappeared from my camera and from the computer - hhmmm.

He and his friend Ronnie had gone fishing and somehow Jarom got hooked. I figured there had to be SOMEONE in Odomville who could removed a fish hook...nope! We ended up in the ER - can you believe it? After the doc numbed it up he proceded to remove the hook which turned out to be not an easy task.

I had to look away - me - I LOVE blood and guts! It was my baby though and to see the doc literally digging and pulling was awful - I got queasy. After a little trouble the hook was out, the site was cleaned, antibiotics were given, and we were on our way home!

You know...the last these time these two guys got together resulted in a trip to the ER too!

My New Addiction

2009-01-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have resisted joining Face Book or My Space for a while now. I won't join My Space ever because a couple of years ago President Petersen said to get off and stay off, and being a Young Women president that wouldn't be setting a real good example, huh?

So...I did a lot of asking around and finally decided to join Face Book - mostly because SO MANY people are on there. I LOVE it! I have found lots and lots of "friends", it's fun and easy to post pics and text, and people are more likely to comment on Face Book. I love the blog for keeping us caught up and I love Face Book for keeping us in touch!

Notice the really cute Face Book badge? I love it too!!! Heavenly Father was so thoughtful to let me wait until this time in the world to come here - I love technology!!! I love the internet, cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, etc, etc, etc!!!

Hoping Christmas was wonderful for all, and wishing all the best in the new year!!!

Old Friends

2008-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

I received a Christmas newsletter today from a friend that I went to high school with! The news was wonderful and the included pictures were awesome! It was so wonderful to hear from her I just had to call! We talked and laughed and got all caught up until the battery on my cordless phone went dead! What a gift!

Trials of Faith

2008-12-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Within six months of Ashlei arriving at MD Anderson in Houston they had done Chemo, Radiation, and a bone marrow transplant (8/21). In October we were told the bone marrow transplant had been successful and Ashlei was in remission! Prayers were answered, tears were shed, we were so thankful and so blessed! Right after Thanksgiving, after a routine PET scan, we found out the tumor was back. It was blow to Ashlei especially because she was so sure all was well. She had another PET scan Friday, and today we heard the results: not only is the cancer back, it is no longer localized - the study says it is seen basically throughout her spine, and in other bones. Her Lymph system and other organs are clear - that's a blessing. Her doctor says this is typical of Lymphoma and we are still a long way from giving up.

She will most likely enter a trial study which will provide her with a new Chemo drug that has been very successful. Her doctor says if this doesn't work there are several other options out there.

I just want her to get well. I want her to live long and healthy. I want a miracle. If I could I would take it from her, but I know I cannot. This is not my trial to bear; it is hers. For myself I pray for added faith, comfort, and peace. I do know that Heavenly Father is there; He is aware, and all is well.

I love my daughter-in-law. I am thankful for her; for all that she is to my son and for the precious grandson she has given us. I am thankful that families are forever.

Winter In Texas

2008-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

Jarom's snow angel

Jarom and his snowman!

The back yard

An Odomville view

Near Odomville

Cinnamon Candy

2008-12-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

We had a fun night in Young Women a couple of weeks ago. We made this cinnamon candy - it was fast and easy which is right up my alley!

Here's the recipe:

Combine 1 cup water, 2 2/3 cups sugar, and 1 cup light Kayro Syrup

Boil to hard crack stage (300 degrees on the candy thermometer)

Remove from heat and add 1 tsp cinnamon oil and 1 tsp red food coloring

Pour onto cookie sheet that is generously covered in powdered sugar

When it cools - break it into pieces and enjoy!

Gammy Plays Nanny!

2008-12-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

I went to Houston with Kevin and Sarah about a month ago to play nanny with Claire while they attended Kevin's little sister's wedding at the Houston Temple. Here are some pics:

Hiding behind the lamp
Getting ready to go to the temple

Claire at the temple doors. She cried - not just fussed - cuz she couldn't go inside the temple

My favorite pic

Houston Texas Temple

Minnie Fury (aka Princess Minn)

2008-12-20T16:56:00.001-08:00

This is our new little princess! Heber and Ashlei bought her in Houston, but with Heber back out on deployments, and Ashlei not able to take her - we got her! I love her so much!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go...

2008-12-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness - I can't believe it has been a month since I've written on my blog. So many things have happened. One of the biggies is returning to work on November 17th. I thought I didn't want to go back to work; I even got a little depressed about it. However, it felt good to get back to it, and I'm blessed to work in a place where I love my job, the people I work for are the best, and the people I work with are even better!

I work for Texas Home Heath in the Jasper office. I actually work under a state contract which provides attendant services for those who need help with their activities of daily living. It's a great program that allows people to maintain their independence in their own homes, and it also allows families and caregivers some relief. I'm thankful to be a part of that!

I also see patients every week. That's great fun cuz...I love being a nurse, and in my main job I'm basically a glorified case worker.

Mosiah 2:17

2008-11-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

We had combined activity for Young Men/Young Women this last Wednesday. The Relief Society had put together four boxes of Thanksgiving food - including turkies, and the youth were asked to deliver them. One of them was picked up by a member of the ward and delivered, and the family that was supposed to get another one of the boxes was at the church. We just sent the box home with her. The third box was delivered to someone right in town. We loaded all the kids up in my first councilor's Suburban and let the kids carry the food to her.

After that we came back to the church and just sat around talking and laughing, and eating taco soup and donuts. It was very informal and a lot of fun. Sometimes just being with the youth that way is better than the formal actvivities or lessons.

When it was over Megan and I followed my first councilor out to the last recipient's house. This person is not active, but she was really happy to see us and we had a wonderful visit! We left feeling like she was ready for visiting teachers, and maybe even invites to church activities!

King Benjamin taught that when we are in the serbvice our fellowmen we are in the service of our God. When we lose ourselves in the service of others we truly find ourselves. What a great evening!

Wild and Crazy!

2008-11-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Jarom had a basketball game in Onalaska Tuesday night. It was wild and crazy! Our JV team lost by twenty points; Onalaska kept the twenty point lead throughout the game. Jarom couldn't seem to hit the basket, but otherwise played well - especially on defense. Our Varsity girls played really well - it was neck and neck until the fourth quarter. They lost by fifteen points. The real story is the boys Varsity game!

It was a tense game - neck and neck the whole time, the refs were HORRIBLE, we had five or six fans thrown out of the gym, and we lost by two points in the last minutes of the game! My nerves were shot, but it was exciting!!! What a rush!

After the game we stopped with the bus in Livingston and ate at Whataburger. I haven't eaten there in about three years - it was good!

We got home and in bed at about one in morning. It was exausting, but fun, fun, fun!!!

Unexpected Road Trip

2008-11-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting and for some reason had the feeling to check my cell phone (I had it on vibrate). Heber had sent me a text message asking me to meet him in Huntsville after church. Megan and I actually ended up meeting him in Humble. Anyways...he was down for the weekend visiting Ashlei and Jace because he's going to deploy some time soon - this week or next. This will be his first deployment in two years. We had a great visit with the three of them. Jace is getting so big - he kept looking up at the planes as they passed overhead, playing with his dog, Lexy, and just being silly. He looked so happy - his little face was literally lit up! Ashlei still has to go to the hospital twice a week, but she's doing really well. I'm glad she and Jace can be together, but it breaks my heart that Heber is by himself, and that they are all separated. We had a little bonus come home with us - their little Pomeranian puppy, Minnie Fury! She's adorable - a tiny little fur ball!!!

Hoop Time!

2008-11-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

We drove up to Brookland Tuesday night for Jarom's first basketball game. It was actually scrimmages, but still - it's basketball! He's playing JV this year - because he wants to. The coach has asked him to play Varsity, and he may actually even play a little of both, but for now he wants the playing time. I forgot my camera the other night, so I missed some good shots - especially of the THREE three-pointers he made! In the end he had eighteen of the twenty-seven points in the game!!! There's another scrimmage Friday night, so I'll have my camera ready!

Random Trivia

2008-11-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

I grew up in Broome County - just outside of Binghamton - New York. Our little community of Conklin Forks was located not twenty minutes north of the NY/PA border and nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. These are shots of the valley where I grew up - the place of my childhood. I used to run these hills and woods and creeks - the sky was the limit to the adventures I had. In the summer it was green and lush like these pictures show; in the fall brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange painted the valley. I never took it for granted - the beauty. I used to climb up a hill near our house and just sit and soak it all in. I loved it, I miss it, I'm thankful for it.

Another Claire Weekend!

2008-11-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful weekend with Claire while her mommy and daddy went to the temple. As always, she was a joy! On Sunday our branch had its Primary presentation, and each time the kids stood up to sing Claire joined right in from her seat! She knows all the words to "I Am a Child of God"!!!

Not much happening these days. We have a new addition to the farm:

This is "Lammy Toes" - Megan's new pet! His breed is Suffolk, and this guy was a show lamb. Because he's neutered he's really only good to eat or to keep as a pet. Though he is probably worth at least several hundred dollars if not a couple of thousand - he was given to Megan. He's pretty cute - I can say we've never owned a sheep before!

Jarom has his first basketball game tonight - a scrimmage in Brookland. Here we go...! There's a new coach at the school this year, so he's pretty happy and having a good time. I'll have some pictures posted tonight or tomorrow I'm sure.

History in the Making

2008-11-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! What a historic time we live in! Though I voted for John McCain, as an American I will support our president. I have to admit as I listened to part of his speech this morning I got choked up. My testimony is strengthened that we do live in the promised land - The United States of America - the land of the free!!! What a blessing; what a blessing to be free, to have the priviledge to vote, and for anything to be possible for any person who has a dream. My prayers are, as always, with our country and with our new president. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

Spring Fever in the Fall

2008-11-02T15:21:00.001-08:00

I don't know what's wrong with me. It feels like Spring fever, but maybe I'm having a midlife crisis! All I know is that I feel restless and unsettled; I don't know what it is I'm looking for, or what it is I want - I just know I don't have it right now. Hhhmmm...

These last two weeks have been plagued with migraine headaches and the stomach flu - yuk. I saw the doctor Friday; he did X-rays and all seems to be well. I can basically go back to work when I get ready...I'm not ready!

Anyways...

Weekend With Claire

2008-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this picture from Sarah's blog - for those of you who may only see it here!

Sarah went to San Antonio Friday and Saturday to attend a women's conference with her Fruge family - very cool. We had the opportunity to keep Claire Bear - of course we had a fun time. It always amazes me how quickly she is growing up. She is so not a baby anymore - she has stong opinions, a vivid imagination, and a gift for anything musical: singing, dancing, etc.

Saturday evening her cousin, Taylor came by with her grandma (my sister-in-law). For those who don't know - Sarah's husband, and Sarah's first cousin's wife are brother and sister. (did ya get that?) So...Sarah's cousin, Justin is her cousin AND her brother-in-law! When Claire was first born Jarom asked Sarah if Claire was her daughter and her cousin!!!!! I know - our family tree is a wreath!

During sacrament meeting on Sunday Claire picked up the bulletin which had a big picture of the Savior on the front; she looked adoringly at it and said, "Jesus!" The look on her face was priceless.

Picture Tag

2008-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Sarah's blog - I love these tags!!! So, here are the rules: open the sixth folder in your "My Pictures" and then upload the sixth picture.

This is a picture of the tape when Sarah was in labor with Claire! The feed on the left is the baby's variability - or how reactive she is. As you can see she's got a good line which means she is alert and reactive to what's going on around her. The feed on the right measures Sarah's contractions. It doens't look like things were too rough at this point. Just a little note - Sarah's labor was pretty okay until her water broke - it all hit the fan then, and Claire came just a couple of hours later! It was awesome!!!

I tag Ron, Sarah, April, Caryn, and Brianne

Weekend with Heber, Ashlei, and Jace

2008-10-18T17:27:00.001-07:00

Sweet smile for Daddy
Got on his cool clothes, got his succor, and ready to go outside!
Jace loves it outside - he's such a boy!
Jace and Max
Heber, Ashlei, and Jace

Heber, Ashlei, and Jace spent the weekend with us last weekend. Heber was best man in his best friend's wedding, so they were pretty busy. We didn't get to visit a lot, but it was enough to see them and have them close for awhile. We're hoping Heber will be transferred down to Houston soon. I want him and Ashlei to be able to be together - they've been separated for about eight months while Ashlei has been at MD Anderson undergoing treatment, and then a bone marrow transplant in August. It's been pretty rough on Ashlei, but she has Jace with her now at least. It was a rough week waiting for test results, but as posted earlier - the bone marrow transplant was successful and she is in remission! Jace is precious - ALL BOY! He loves to go outside, watch Thomas the Train, and be with his mom and dad.

Remission!!!

2008-10-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week Heber had told me that Ashlei had one hundred percent grafting. That means her bone marrow and the donor marrow are working together as one. She had a PET scan on Monday and an MRI on Tuesday, and was to hear the results today. Heber called me this afternoon and told me Ashlei got her report from the doctor: REMISSION!!!

We are SO BLESSED! It has been heartbreaking to watch her go through all she has been through - both physically and emtionally. She's tough though - to go through most of this with Heber in Oklahoma. I'm proud of this young woman who is my daughter-in-law. She's a very special chick!

YAHOO!!!

Hammy's Gone

2008-10-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Our little squirrel, Hammy, was found dead in his cage yesterday. We had just had him outside the night before playing with him. I don't know what happened, but we'll sure miss him. It was neat to have him for the three weeks that we did; I'm thankful for the experience of raising a little wild animal - it was a lot of fun.

General Conference

2008-10-07T21:28:00.001-07:00

General Conference was SO WONDERFUL! What a blessing to be able to sit in your own living room all snuggled under a quilt and listen to a prophet of the Lord and other church leaders guide and direct us - literally scripture for the next six months!

We have everything, don't we? We live in the final days of the earth - it's true - but...we have EVERTHING: The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored! The power of the Priesthood is on the earth! We have a living prophet - a living prophet - amazing!!!

I am so thankful for the life I lived before I came to this earth that allowed me to have the blessings that I have here, and I pray that one day when I am on the other side I will be able to say, "I am thankful for the life that I lived on earth that allowed me to have the blessings that I have here. "

Crazy Squirrel!

2008-10-06T06:25:00.001-07:00

Life's rough, huh?!
Milton feeding him his "bottle"
Full tummy and all stretched out!

His eyes are open now!

This little guy has been such a blessing and such a joy! He is adorable and so sweet! We were feeding him with a syringe at first, but now he has an actual pet bottle; he loves it! He's a smacker too! He's such a little fatty! His unofficial name is Hammy from "Over The Hedge", but the kids say it doesn't fit him. If anyone has any name ideas - leave me a comment and let me know!

Our Week With Claire!

2008-10-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Riding Fancy with Aunt Megan
"Don't drop me Uncle Jay!"
Playing with Grandpa Kenneth's dog, Ruby
Feeding the baby squirrel his bottle
Driving the golf cart

I don't know if I can even express what a wonderful week we had while Claire was staying with us. I know she's our precious grandbaby, but honestly - we're not predjudiced! She was SO SWEEEEET, and so good. One day when her mommy called she asked me if I had to put her in time out...uh...NO! I told Sarah that I had actually not even thought about it! She played and sang, and charmed us from sun-up to sun-down. Thank you so much to her mommy and daddy for letting her stay with us! Claire, we love you SO MUCH! What does Gammy say? That's right, "Love you Punkin!!!"

I've Been Tagged!

2008-10-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've been tagged by my daughter, Sarah. I hope I'm not so un-cool that I do this wrong!

Here are the rules:

1) Link the person who tagged you

2) Mention the rules on your blog

3) Tell six of your quirks

4) Tag six fellow bloggers

5) Leave a comment to let them know

Here is the link to Sarah's blog:

http://sarahfruge.blogspot.com/

My Quirks:

1) It drives me crazy if a cabinet door, or a drawer is left open

2) Being late (even though I'm always late) I hate it!

3) At work, my cubicle is probably the most organized at the office - I'm really OCD about that. When I worked at the hospital my med cart had to be organized just so too! Funny, cuz my house is NEVER organized!

4) When I take a shower I have to go in a certain order: wash hair, put in conditioner, wash up, then rinse everything - ha ha!

5) When I pump gas it has to end on a whole number so if it goes to $30.02 I have to keep going up to $33.00 - even if I'm bumping the car to fit it in!

6) When I go up or down stairs I have a compulsion to count them. I have to purposefully lose count - crazy, huh?

Hey, this stuff won't be held against us, will it?!

I tag Ron, April, Caryn, Brianne& Janelle (I only have five)

Workin' Hard

2008-10-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Physical Therapy has been very beneficial; I think I've come a long way though I still have a long way to go. One of the exercises I do is to just step up on a four inch box - that's all - no weight bearing - just step up and then back down. The other day I asked the girl if I could have the six inch box now cuz I felt like I could do it. I had actually started out with that one, but could not do it at first. (I know - I'm a wimp!) She gave me the bigger box and then went to let the PT know. Remember the old saying: "be careful what you wish for (or ask for); you may get it"? The therapist decided I would now do that exercise with a NINE inch box, and I used the four inch box to step up - full weight bearing. (Today he had me do the full weight bearing with a SIX inch box)! He also added side stepping with a thera-band around my ankles ( that's like a big rubberband), a three pound ankle weight when I do one of the leg lifts, and walking without the cane. I can actually do that, but I use it cuz it helps with the "gimpyness" that I still have. That's been disappointing, but the other day he also did a test that showed I still have almost no strength in those hip muscles. Of course that's the result of about four years with a hip that was so bad there was almost no function in it. Those poor muscles have really weakened - hence - the gimp! For awhile I didn't need a pain pill before therapy, and I didn't sweat. Not anymore!!! I'm sweatin' now! I do exercises and walking in the therapy pool too - that's fun! I really feel that walking in my back which is a good thing. My low back has gotten really weak and now maybe it'll get stronger. My goal is to get back to normal, and I want to walk (if they have a walk - I know they have a run) at Dogwood time this Spring, and also ride in the trail ride! Yee-haw!

And Then There Was Light

2008-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Our lights came back on September 21st at 7:57pm! It was funny though cuz we would forget to turn lights on, and I'd find myself getting the flashlight at night! Seminary and school started back up on Thursday, so Jarom is back in the swing. He's running with the Cross Country team and getting ready for basketball season.

Physical Therapy is going well. Now I get in the therapy pool - that's fun! I can pretty much walk without the cane, but I'm still pretty gimpy and using it helps with that. I've come to the conclusion that my low back and hip muscles are still pretty weak and tha'ts why I'm so gimpy. I'm going to talk to my PT Monday about starting some exercises to strenghthen my back.

Our little Ike refugee (the squirrel) is doing very well. His eyes are not open yet, but he's getting bigger and stronger. He's a cutie!

Our thoughts and prayers are still with all those in Galveston and Houston, and in Cuba and the islands who were hit so much harder than we were.

Trials and Blessings

2008-09-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

We're told in the Doctrine and Covenants: "...after the trials come the blessings..." I think sometimes it's reversed and after the blessings come the trials. During and after Ike we were so blessed: the storm was tempered (I believe), there was no major damage where we live, we have our generator that has made our lives so much easier, no harm or injury, a cool front right after the storm blew through, etc, etc, etc.

Now, eight days post Ike we still don't have lights while those all around us do. Even harder hit areas have their lights back on. Also, the cool front has left us and the weather is a little bit harder to handle. We long for the regular routine of our lives - though I think Jarom is enjoying being out of school - and sometimes there's an emotional toll after the fact.

I've been thinking the last couple of days how easy it is to be thankful and cheerful when all is going well, and how easy it is to see the blessings of the Lord when they are right in front of us. What will my attitude be now? Will I complain about the humidity or the fact that we still don't have electricity? Will I stress and worry and cry over things that I have no control over? Now comes the test of my faith and trust in the Lord. Now I will see and He will see what I am really made of.

I pray that I can still see clearly all the blessing that are still right in front of me though maybe now a bit clouded. I pray for faith and trust in the Lord that He takes care of me every moment anyway so why not now? I have never been more sure that every breath, every heart beat, every moment of time is a gift from Heavenly Father, and I can do nothing without Him, and without the atoning sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today we went to church and just had the sacrament. Nothing else - an opening prayer, the sacrament, a closing prayer. It was probably the most spiritual meeting I've been to in a while. What a blessing to have the gospel of Jesus Christ! We are blessed and all is well!

So...

2008-09-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

So...we're still "roughing it" - I say that in quotations cuz though we still do not have electricity here at one week post Ike - we do have the generator! Everyday we watch TV, do laundry, run the fans, get on the internet, etc. Our generator was the best investment I think we've ever made. We didn't use it for three years, but now when we need it, it has made our lives so much easier.

Our little squirrel is doing very well! As a matter of fact the little guy is thriving! He squeals - very loudly - when he's hungry, he crawls all over the place, and we've had to move him into a bigger box cuz he's so active! It may seem like a little thing, but we prayed the little guy would make it. We're thankful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with this little joy!

I started back to Therapy yesterday. I missed a couple of visits last week cuz my leg and foot swelled up quite a bit. I got worried about clots, but I went to the doctor and it was just normal post-op stuff. Then this week I missed cuz of the hurricane. The first thing I told the therapist yesterday was that I didn't want to use the walker anymore. I'm ready for the cane! He had me walk with the cane a little bit yesterday and then when I got home I borrowed one from my dad-in-law and that's what I'm using! I still use the walker at night and if I go to Wal-Mart or something - mostly for safety. My goal is to get back out on the road walking like I used to.

Let's Talk Turkey!

2008-09-16T14:29:00.001-07:00

Jarom and his turkeys! The tom, Penn is on the left and the hen, April is on the right.
Jarom loves Penn! We've had him since he was a little "turkling"!
I don't think that tastes like puppy chow!
Playing with Penn!

"There Ain't No Bugs On Me"

2008-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before Hurricane Gustav Milton went to the sale as he does most every Saturday, and brought home this adorable little guy! After a lot of debate we named him Gustav after the hurricane, but we call him Gus! He's a cutie!

Misc Pics Related To Ike

2008-09-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

One of our neighbors have a Crepe Myrtle bush that managed to bloom even through the hurricane!
Our generator - a must have in this neck of the woods!
Our little refugee: a baby squirrel named "Hammy". He's actually doing quite well; we're praying he makes it.

The horses seem to have survived the storm with no ill effects.

Ike's Mischief

2008-09-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

As you'll see below, we were spared any significant damage: A few leave and branches in the yard
A limb down by the turkey pen
A pine limb in the pasture
This tree was across the road on the other side of the bridge
A light pole down - about a quarter of a mile from the house

Life After Ike

2008-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

We're not quite forty-eight hours after Ike's arrival, and life really isn't too bad. We still have water and phones, but no electricity. There's no telling when we'll have that back - we'll hope for within a week and plan on within about three weeks.

We are blessed to have a generator, and we stocked up on gas right after Gustav. It's really nice to crank it up and watch TV, get on the internet, run some fans, and keep the freezer and fridge going. Things seem almost normal. At night we all pile up in Megan's room where there's a window unit and we sleep very comfortably!

Milton is still at the prison - I haven't talked to him yet today. I'm sure he's staying busy there! They had to take an inmate to the hospital last night; usually they take them to Galveston, but...so they took him over to Jasper which is a little town about thirty miles east.

I'll get some pics posted soon.

Cool Quote

2008-09-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

"To worry is to say to God, 'Your're not big enough to solve this problem, so I'll deal with it myself.' Peace disappears when you try to do something about something you can't do anything about!" (Richard Daily)

Ike's Headin' North

2008-09-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

I stayed up until about 1:00am with my dad-in-law and at that point we still had electricity and things were calm and uneventful. At about 4:30 am I woke up and noticed the lights were off and the wind was blowing! It wasn't really too horrible though - not compared to what went on with Rita. It was interesting to hear the wind rip up one side of the house, over the roof, and down the other side! I was really impressed with my dad-in-law's house; if the window had been closed I may not have heard much of anything. He and my mom-in-law built this house with their bare hands some sixty years ago. It's amazing what it has withstood all these years.

The only damage we have seen is some limbs down. There's a tree in front of my dad-in-law's house that lost a limb. Every storm we have takes a little bit more of that tree! There are also some limbs or trees down on the other side of the bridge and down the road toward Aunt Sylvia's house. We also have a storm refugee: a little baby squirrel who doesn't even have his eyes open yet.

We haven't gotten a lot of rain, so the creek has not flooded - that's a blessing. The wind is still whipping around quite a bit and at times we get some pretty good gusts!

Hurricanes fascinate me; they annoy me and stress me out, but they fascinate me too. I think it's because they are such examples of raw nature - a testimony of the power of God. We were sitting outside earlier and a big gust of wind came and rolled that limb and then turned right around and rolled it back to where it was - wow!

We have certainly been blessed. My testimony of prayer and the promptings of the Spirit have been strengthened through this experience. Heavenly Father loves us, He's aware of us, and He hears and answers our prayers!

Life With My New Hip

2008-09-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

So...I am three weeks post-op. I'm still on the walker - which I want to get off of. I'm ready to move to a cane, but I'm really afraid of falling. My physical therapists are absolutely wonderful - I have actually walked with a cane once at therapy, but at that point I was still pretty weak and shaky. I'm feeling much stronger now, and guess what...I have NO pain!!! Well, I have discomfort where the incision is - in the muscles and such, but as far as pain in my hip - NONE!!! The two main things I've noticed is that I can walk backwards (I couldn't do that when my hip was bad) and if my leg gets bumped it doesn't hurt! Before the surgery even the slightest bump to that leg was horribly painful. My life seems to revolve around where my gadgets are: my walker and my grabber thingy. I use my grabber thingy for EVERYTHING! I love it!! I'm able to be very independent because of it. I have some limitations for the next three months - some hip rules, if you will. To follow them will allow my hip to heal properly so that it'll last me a good long time - which is what I want. I have no regrets about having this surgery, but I sure don't want to repeat it any time soon! So...my grabber thingy lets me reach stuff, etc. The coolest gadget I have is the "sock putter on-er". You just thread your sock onto it, stick your foot in it, and pull! Magically your sock is on - very fun! I am blessed! I am so thankful for this opportunity to be pain free and mobile again - to get my life back!

Comment...Anyone?

2008-09-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ya'll feel free to leave a comment - you'll find a place at the bottom of each post. It's a great way to keep in touch with each other! All my love to all who visit my world!

Ike's A Bad Boy!

2008-09-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Just two weeks ago we evacuated due to the threat of Hurricane Gustav. I felt peaceful about that whole thing, but as I watched the weather channel and heard about Ike I had a feeling...

So, here we are anxiously awaiting Hurricane Ike's arrival. We didn't get the word to evacuate this time, so it's been a tough decision: should we go to Heber's house again, should we go some place else, should we stay in Odomville, or go to the church in Woodville? I don't know!!! I've done a lot of praying - asking Heavenly Father's advice (who would know better?), and the decision was made to stay in Odomville - over at my dad-in-law's house for the night. I guess this is where the faith kicks in...to have faith in that peace that the Spirit whispered to me when I prayed and told Heavenly Father my decision and asked if it was right. I have been earnestly praying that Heavenly Father would temper the storm; I couldn't bring myself to pray that it would go some place else. Last night as I was praying about it the words to a hymn came into my mind: "The winds and the waves shall obey my will; peace be still, peace be still..." So far Ike has stayed a category 2; I'm still praying (I know a lot of people are) that he has gotten too close to the coast to pick up any more strength. We'll see...

Milton will be staying up at the prison for however long they need him to stay there, and Kevin & Sarah went back to Temple which is just above Austin. They're in the same motel they stayed at when they evacuated for Gustav.

I'll be glad when it's over.

My Blood Clot Cheer

2008-09-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Wear those TEDS
Take those shots
Move those legs
Don't want no clots!
(ha ha)

I'm "Hip" Oh Yeah!

2008-09-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 22nd: I was instructed to arrive at the hospital (Lufkin Memorial) at noon for a one o'clock surgery. I went into it knowing that it may get started a little later than that because I was kind of a work-in surgery. Dr. Guse did me a great favor squeezing me in - I only had to wait one month instead of three to six months. Milton, Emelie, Megan, and Jarom were all there with me. The kids had planned to go to the zoo while they waited, but they ended up just staying at the hospital. There was a two person rule for the pre-op room, but we had five or six in there at one point. Jimbo and Wendy Kethan came up - that was a really nice surprise. I found out later they had stayed with Milton and the kids until I was in recovery. That is a visiting teacher going way more than the extra mile!

In a little while a nurse came in and started my IV. She got it in one stick and it didn't even hurt. Of course she used Lidocaine, so...it was numb! Basically the wait was pretty boring. I just kind of laid there and visited with everybody and got more and more nervous. Finally things started buzzing and then someone came in and said there was another delay: no pregnancy test on the chart...AND??? We assured everybody that was NOT an issue, but they insisted. Finally I was in the operating room - the anesthesiologist was apologizing that I was even aware I was taken into the operating room - but explaining once again that they couldn't give me anything until they got the pregnancy test results. Not a problem, especially after he gave me the first hit of medicine in my IV! (the results must have come in) No more nerves - they could have started the surgery right then and there and I would not have cared! After they had me move over onto the operating table they gave me a second hit of medicine and that's all I remember until somebody was telling me to wake up and hold up so many fingers or whatever it was they told me to do! I remember Dr. Guse telling me to move my feet, and then a nurse put some TED hose on my legs. I could hear everything and follow whatever command they gave me, but I didn't have the energy to speak. I remember the nurses were talking about their blogs and going to "Cutest Blog On The Block" and one of them must have said a cuss word cuzz I remember hearing the other one say something about there being a patient in the room. I didn't hear what she said though, so...it was all good. The first thing that came to my mind was what time it was, but I didn't have the energy to ask. I did, however, see a clock on my way out of post-op: 8:00pm. I found out later that the surgery didn't get started until about 4:10pm
I don't really remember the ride from post-op to my room, but I do remember being wheeled into the room and hoping I wasn't going to have to move from whatever I was on to the bed. I didn't - they must have moved me onto the hospital bed in post-op. Pretty soon Milton and the kids were in the room and though I was still pretty groggy I was glad they were there. After a little while the kids headed home and Milton stayed with me. He seemed to sleep pretty good on the little fold out into a bed chair! My nurse that first night was really great. She offered me several options for pain control: a PCA pump, Morphine, or Percocet. I didn't have any pain in my hip at all so I kept turning it down. I didn't really sleep throughout the night - I would fall asleep and then wake up cuz I'd set off the alarm. The anesthesia was still having an effect so my breathing would get shallow and my oxygen sats would drop. I kept waking up to take a deep breath. Finally she just put some oxygen on me and that solved that problem!
Saturday, Aug 23rd: I finally broke down about four thirty in the morning and got a pain pill. I felt like I had been run over by a very large truck. My limbs felt heavy and swollen,; actually my face and hands were very puffy. Milton pointed it out to the nurses, but they didn't seem very worried and I felt fine, so I chalked it up to the surgery. My biggest complaint - even in post-op was that my low back hurt. I guess it was the hard operating table and not moving for several hours. That's actually what I need the pain pill for. The nurse and the aid came in and pulled me over using the draw sheet so they could kind of get me off my back. That was HORRIBLE pain. The pain was in the muscles and tissue where they had cut me open and did who knows what else while they were in there! Pretty soon I learned that Percocet was my friend, and we got pretty close! Dr. Guse came in later that day; he told me that both the ball and cup of my hip had no cartilage left, and were full of Arthritis. Also, my cup was pretty shallow so he deepened it and then screwed that part of the prosthesis in. He also told me he had to use a smaller pin in my thigh bone because though my bones are big they are young bones which means they are dense - that's actually good news!
That afternoon Physical and Occupational Therapy came in. I was very nervous about having to get up and move around with the pain I was in. I didn't think I could do it. Sarah was there with me and she didn't think she could stay in the room. I begged her to stay though and decided I would be brave! John Livingston had just called me not thirty minutes before they came in and had told me not to be afraid to get up when they got there. He said the hip wasn't going anywhere which was inspired advice because you do wonder if you'll be able to stand much less walk on this metal hip that was just put in less than twenty-four hours previous. The PT and OT were wonderful and the next thing I knew I was sitting on the side of the bed, then standing, and then actually walking down the hall!!! The doctor said I could be one hundred percent weight bearing which was also amazing to me! I had my walker and didn't put all my weight on it, but I was walking!!!
Sunday, Aug 24th: Dr. Guse's Physician Assistant came in and saw me Sunday morning. He looked me over, told me he was also pleased with how the surgery went, and even said there was help in the operating room that could not be seen. Caryn McCabe came by Sunday and brought some brisket and pork that her brother Court had smoked the day before. I didn't have much of an appetite yet, but it smelled SO GOOD! Milton said it was awesomely good! She also brought chips and other snacks - a great blessing to Milton. Physical Therapy came back on Sunday and I went walking down the hall again. It was a lot better the second time.
Monday, Aug 25th: It was kind of a sad day because it was the first day of school and I couldn't be there to take Jarom to school. He's a sophomore this year though so he was fine - better than I was! Dr. Guse came in that afternoon and wrote discharge orders. I didn't want to leave that day though because it had been less than thirty-six hours since the surgery. I don't know why - I just had this fear. He said I could leave the next day, and gave me the blood clot lecture. He scared me so bad I had Milton call Justin to come by later so they could give me a blessing. Getting a blood clot was one of my biggest fears and Dr. Guse didn't help with those fears at all! My second fear is that the hip will pop out, but they gave me the "hip rules" right away and I follow everyone of them! As far as the blood clots go - they had the TED hose on me, I was getting blood thinner shots, and I was ALWAYS moving my legs - no sitting still for me!
Physical Therapy that day was down in the Physical Therapy gym. She made me walk all the way down there and then while I was there she taught me how to go up and down stairs and get in and out of bed and the car. I also got to go and get a shower where they showed me how to use the shower chair and get myself in and out of the bath tub.
Tuesday, Aug 26th: Time to go home...in a way it was scary cuz I felt safe in the hospital. The PT went out to the car with us and made sure I could get in and out okay, and she told me to pump my legs pretty often cuz the drive home was about and hour and a half. I pretty much pumped my legs constantly!

Okay, So Maybe...

2008-08-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe I'm a little bit nervous! It's 8:00am - just five more hours! Being a nurse is not the greatest thing when you're the patient; they say a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing...TRUE! However, I have complete confidence in my doctor, he's got an EXCELLENT track record, and I've prayed for angels in the operating room! So...let the games begin!!!

Fifteen Hours and Counting!

2008-08-21T20:06:00.001-07:00

The count down begins - just fifteen hours until surgery! Everybody keeps asking me if I'm nervous...I'm really not. I've done a lot of praying, and I feel very peaceful. What a blessing to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost in my life! We had the missionaries over for supper tonight - they always bring a really special spirit into our home, and then Milton and my brother-in-law, Gordon gave me a blessing.
I look forward to my nice new shiny hip! It will be amazing to be able to walk, to have no pain, and to be active again. I am humbled to be so blessed; how do you begin to thank Heavenly Father for His tender mercies, and blessings that are " so numerous they cannot be numbered"?
(I noticed the blog post says it's a little after 8:00pm, but it's really a little after 10:00pm)

The Study Prayer

2008-08-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Now I lay me down to study,
I pray the Lord I won't go nutty.
If I should fail to learn this junk,
I pray the Lord I will not flunk.
But if I do don't pity me at all,
Just lay my bones down in the study hall.
Tell my teacher I did my best,
Then pile my books upon my chest.
And when I lay me down to rest,
I pray I'll pass tomorrow's test.
If I should die before I wake,
That's one less test I'll have to take!

Ashlei's Transplant

2008-08-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I talked to Ashlei today for a long time. She is, in fact, having a bone marrow transplant Thursday (not stem cell). They had found two perfect matches - ten for ten - one was in his forties and one was in his thirties; they chose the younger guy. I learned that the donor gets to choose if he/she will donate marrow or stem cells. I didn't know that - interesting. She told me she's on the floor or wing with younger patients. She met a little guy the other day who was not quite three years old. He has some form of Leukemia, but he was doing karate and just being a kid - a real inspiration! The Chemo she's doing right now is pretty strong so she's feeling pretty sick. Heber, Jace, and her mom will be in Houston with her - they'll get there tomorrow night. I wish I could be there too, but with my surgery the next day I won't be able to go. After the transplant she won't be able to see Jace for several weeks cuz anybody under eighteen years old is not allowed. It's a rough and bumpy road, but all will be well.

And The Battle Rages On

2008-08-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Heber called me last night...Ashlei was admitted to the hospital last Thursday to begin Chemo. The Chemo will knock her immune system out so that when they do the bone marrow transplant this Thursday (the 21st) her body will have a chance to develop antibodies to it as opposed to rejecteting it right off. She'll spend at least a month in the hospital, and then she be closely monitored for months afterward.
Last week Heber told me the PET scan had shown some "residual" or "shadow"; they weren't sure what it was, but he told me last night it was definitely still the cancer. It's a stubborn little bugar - still localized, not in the blood or lymph system - but this one little tumor just won't go away. The bad new is that even with the transplant this lowers the statistics for cure.
As discouraging as that new is, however, I personally cannot forget the feelings I've gotten from the Spirit, or the blessings Ashlei has received. Alma taught that faith is not a perfect knowledge of things; that it is something hoped for that we cannot see. So, I continue to pray and be so bold as to ask Heavenly Father for a cure, and I strive to to have the faith to accept His will when all is said and done.

Happy Birthday Claire!

2008-08-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't go on Sarah's blog before I did this, so she may already have some of these same pictures up. Little Claire turned two years old on the fourteenth, but we celebrated on the tenth with lots of family. It was a great get-together, and a very special occasion to celebrate these last two years that Claire has been such a joy and such a blessing to her parents, and to us.

Happy Birthday my sweet little grandbaby Claire Bear!

Claire and her Happy Birthday Dora cake her mommy made for her!

Blowing out the candles

Daddy and cousins helping open birthday presents

Claire and her "D" (Kevin's mom) discussing one of her birthday presents

Beautiful birthday girl!

Silly Uncle Jay!

Welcome To My World

2008-08-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world! This blog is brand new - I messed up my original blog so badly that I just deleted it and started over! Thank you to my daughter Sarah, who has taught me how to make it so much cooler, and who has inspired me to really keep up with it.

So...my recent news in a nutshell:
Jarom was in Oklahoma for all of June to spend some time with Heber and to help out with Jace.
Megan missed High Adventure (Girl's Camp Stuff) in June cuz she was sick, but she made it to camp later in the month.
Megan turned eighteen in July (brat!) and both kids had a good time at Youth Conference.
Ashlei is in Houston at MD Anderson. She completed Chemo and Radiation, and is scheduled for a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant on the 21st of this month. They have their house on the market in Oklahoma and we're looking forward to them getting moved there permanently - well, for a couple of years anyways.

I was supposed to have my hip replacement in July, but one week before the surgery I got sick. The morning of the surgery - even with a week of antibiotics - the doctor decided not to do it. He had told me in April that infection in the joint was worse than death! Must be pretty bad. I went crazy that week worrying about whether or not I should have the surgery, would have the surgery, or if I would be well enough. I had lots of fears and lots of doubts. This time around all is well, and though I have fears - I have no doubts. So...the big day is next Friday the 22nd!