Steve has agreed to be a part of Eppie's Great Race - a local triathalon that involves kayak, run and bike. He will do the kayak portion which is 6.35 miles. This is so wonderful for him - since he has such limited use of his legs due to 3 total hip replacements, he would really struggle w/the other legs of the race.
In order to help him stay motivated, I looked up and found a 5K race for Shane and I to train for and compete in. There's a kid's fun run that morning too which I will see if Shelby will be allowed to "compete" in with her powerchair.
Tonight we went grocery shopping and I am so proud of us - we bought really, really healthy food.
A few days ago, after a night of really poor eating (read: bingeing), I threw up (something in all my years of an eating disorder I've never done - on purpose or accidentally) and had diarrhea all day. I took that as a sign that my days of sugar addiction are done. I've been eating well ever since and now that Steve and I have goals, I am so excited - especially with Steve's idea of Shane competing and training with me - love it!!!
Here's to a much healthier 2012!! :)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hospital bed
Last week, a therapist and Shelby's Alta worker came out to assess our home for a lift system and overhead track system for Shelby. It was recommended she get a hospital bed to make her higher for us to dress her/transfer her, etc. but also to help with the lift system. Shelby was dreading it. She didn't want friends to make fun of her when they saw it, etc. I totally understood. I had lined up people who could decorate it, Steve and I had ideas, we were going to make it girlie and just her style.
Today I e-mailed her pediatrician who had been out on vacation and this afternoon, we got the call saying the bed was being delivered this afternoon!!
Steve and Shane dismantled her bed, we vacuumed and the bed delivery man arrived. Shelby's respite worker was over and she took Shelby to buy some new sheets. They just returned, the new sheets/comforter is on and Shelby LOVES her new bed!!! She can make the head &/or feet go up and down and up and down and she practiced and hasn't stopped smiling!!! After 20 minutes of up and down, I stopped her and she is now doing her 20 minutes of reading homework - yup, in bed, comfy as can be!!!
Today I e-mailed her pediatrician who had been out on vacation and this afternoon, we got the call saying the bed was being delivered this afternoon!!
Steve and Shane dismantled her bed, we vacuumed and the bed delivery man arrived. Shelby's respite worker was over and she took Shelby to buy some new sheets. They just returned, the new sheets/comforter is on and Shelby LOVES her new bed!!! She can make the head &/or feet go up and down and up and down and she practiced and hasn't stopped smiling!!! After 20 minutes of up and down, I stopped her and she is now doing her 20 minutes of reading homework - yup, in bed, comfy as can be!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A good day :)
Today I left while Shelby and Steve were still sleeping - Shane was at a sleepover w/Papa. I met Tammy for a two hour breakfast and it was wonderful.
I arrived home to my two snuggled together pretending to sleep in Shelby's bed. :)
I left to spend time w/Nanny. We talked, ate lunch and played three games of gin rummy - so fun. She won 2/3 games. Tonight during my goodnight phone call, I called her the Gin Rummy Champion and she laughed!
I walked in the door from my Nanny visit, Shane yelled "Mommy" and ran to me and gave me a hug. Never gets old!
We worked on homework, chores, cooking, laundry, changed sheets, watched the football playoff games, ate dinner, American Idol then did our bible study, said our prayers and the kids and Steve went to bed.
Tomorrow's a really mellow day - it's going to be a sweet one!
I arrived home to my two snuggled together pretending to sleep in Shelby's bed. :)
I left to spend time w/Nanny. We talked, ate lunch and played three games of gin rummy - so fun. She won 2/3 games. Tonight during my goodnight phone call, I called her the Gin Rummy Champion and she laughed!
I walked in the door from my Nanny visit, Shane yelled "Mommy" and ran to me and gave me a hug. Never gets old!
We worked on homework, chores, cooking, laundry, changed sheets, watched the football playoff games, ate dinner, American Idol then did our bible study, said our prayers and the kids and Steve went to bed.
Tomorrow's a really mellow day - it's going to be a sweet one!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Errand Day
Yesterday was a productive day - After getting the kids off to school, I was able to accomplish a bunch of little things around the house which looks MUCH better I might add! Then my errands begun:
- The kid's school to meet with Shelby's A.P.E. teacher - she loves Shelby and the meeting went well - it was a continuation of Shelby's I.E.P. since this teacher wasn't there
- Bank #1 - After two months of craziness surrounding the APS involvement with my Grandma, this bank has finally received all the paperwork they need to allow me to sign ATF (yes, I'm into alphabet soup today!)
- Bank #2 - Which - conveniently enough - was in the same shopping center as Bank #1. I found checkbooks from this bank as well as another bank in Grandma's closet. After a little reseacher, I discovered one bank was bought by Bank #2 so this simplified just how many banks I was going to go to today. I closed out the account and left with several key pieces of paperwork.
- Bank #1 (the main person I deal with here called while I was at Bank #2 to inform me he was able to give me copies of the checks I needed)
- Chipotle since wouldn't you know, that Mexican restaurant just happened to be literally right between the two banks and Grandma and I were getting hungry!!
- Grandma's house - we went over all the bank info after we shared a tasty burrito, chips & guac
- My house for maybe 10 minutes and during that time I received a phone call from Shelby's A.P.E. teacher telling me Shelby had some exciting news for me - for the first time EVER - Shelby - who is 11 1/2 years old - sat for 5 whole minutes all by herself!!!!!!
- The kid's school again since it was raining and Shane was bringing home a poster board. Poor kid - he chose to wear a short sleeved shirt and took off his sweatshirt to cover his poster board.
- My house for about an hour - Papa (Steve's dad) came to pick up Shane for the weekend - Shane was so excited he packed on Wednesday knowing he wouldn't be leaving until Friday!! Papa called Shelby's achievement "miraculous" :)
- The vet's for an appointment for our 14 year old lab mix since he was what we were told were benign cysts but now are considered warts all over his body but lately, there's one growing under his dewclaw on his front left paw that's causing problems. He is set to have surgery next Tuesday.
- My house - for good for the evening!!!
- Steve, Shelby and I had a nice evening, ate an easy dinner, hung out, watched shows Shelby had recorded, I read & watched, and we all went to bed relatively early for us :)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Quotes
Last weekend, we went to Marshall's to look for shoes for the kids. While we were looking around, Shelby zoomed her powerchair to each mirror area and would admire the view, pose for the mirror, make a few faces, the works. After about the third mirror station, she tells me, "Mom, I LOVE mirrors." Yup, I know :)
Yesterday morning Shane came in the kitchen and stood next to me where I was feeding Shelby breakfast. He was fully dressed and his hair was doing it's normal out-of-control thing. "Mom, I'm going to take a shower." I convinced him to just wrap a towel around his shoulders, put his head in his bathroom sink (which is super big - it's where I bathe our foster blessings) and get his hair wet that way. I ran in and helped him since Shelby was done with her food and Shane was happy with the result. As I was hugging him goodbye shortly after, he said, "Don't touch the hair!" ;)
During a recent conversation with my Grandma, she was asking if her memory really is having as many problems as I've told her it is. I gave her some examples of my concerns. We talked about how sometimes I have to repeat myself 5 times in two minutes to which she replied, "I'm just making sure you have your story straight." Bless her heart, having a sense of humor during this trying time for all of us.
Yesterday morning Shane came in the kitchen and stood next to me where I was feeding Shelby breakfast. He was fully dressed and his hair was doing it's normal out-of-control thing. "Mom, I'm going to take a shower." I convinced him to just wrap a towel around his shoulders, put his head in his bathroom sink (which is super big - it's where I bathe our foster blessings) and get his hair wet that way. I ran in and helped him since Shelby was done with her food and Shane was happy with the result. As I was hugging him goodbye shortly after, he said, "Don't touch the hair!" ;)
During a recent conversation with my Grandma, she was asking if her memory really is having as many problems as I've told her it is. I gave her some examples of my concerns. We talked about how sometimes I have to repeat myself 5 times in two minutes to which she replied, "I'm just making sure you have your story straight." Bless her heart, having a sense of humor during this trying time for all of us.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Date with Moose!!
Our road trip went phenomenally better than I could have dared hope.
On Wednesday, we left and drove to Bakersfield - our hotel was wonderful and we found the best Mexican Restaurant ever - the food was amazing and we just had the best time - I literally laughed so hard I cried.
Thursday was our big driving day plus the time change thanks to Arizona being Arizona. We did drive through breakfast at McDonald's, drove, ate lunch at a cute coffee shop that seriously had the best carrot cake I've ever consumed. We made it into Tucson in time to pick up Darlene and Georgia (my dad's girlfriend and his sister), and go out to dinner. The kids were well behaved, dinner was terrific (like Outback - haven't been to one in ages), we dropped off the ladies then checked into our hotel.
Friday, Darlene and Georgia came to our hotel for breakfast, then we went to Darlene's house, people started arriving for the Celebration of Life, the service was wonderful, I heard stories about my Dad I hadn't heard before, the food Darlene's friend's had arranged to be delivered was delicious and eventually all the visitors left then shortly after, we did too - we went to the zoo (the lion triplets were by far our favorites!!), then out to dinner at Red Crab as Shane calls Red Lobster.
On Saturday, we ate at Mimi's Cafe, went to a gorgeous butterfly exhibit and wandered around the grounds, ate lunch at Panda Express, went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and had a fantastic time exploring. We went to dinner at BJ's then back to Darlene's house to go over all sorts of stuff and load the van with goodies she was blessing us with (Kindle, Computer, Wheelchair, oh my!).
Sunday morning we checked out of the hotel, met the ladies at Mimi's again for breakfast, then said our goodbye's. We drove to San Diego to visit our friends. Mandy and I went to college together, lived in the dorms and later together in a duplex, she was my maid of honor and she and her family now live in San Diego. I got to meet her 8 week old baby boy and love on him.
Monday, Brett and Michael (Mandy's hubby and 3 year old) went off to work and day care, so Mandy, the baby and the 4 of us ate at IHOP then we were on our way home. We drove forever and just stopped for gas/pit stop once then not again until dinner at a super yummy Mexican restaurant. We walked in our front door around 7:30 and I went to work unloading, organizing, laundry, etc.
Tuesday was a much needed down time for Steve and Shane. Shelby went with me to Nanny's to visit and Shelby and I went to the library/park after and enjoyed being home and seeing GREEN landscape vs. the cacti that was in overload in Arizona.
Wednesday, the kids went to school and Steve went to work then come home shortly after because he was sick. Poor guy spend much of the day in the bathroom. I had a zillion errands to run playing catch up with our stuff and Nanny's stuff.
Thursday was another day full of errands and Nanny visit and I received a text asking if I could babysit Moose for a few hours. Oh my goodness - my date with Moose was the BEST!!! He woke up from his nap right as we arrived and there was a spark of recognition but more of the "where do I know you from" variety vs. the internal conflict of I love you and I love them, who do I pay my loyalty towards version. Shelby and I had so, so much fun at their house which is beautiful I must add!! I let Shelby play on the floor with Moose and I and my heart was truly so very, very happy. His new momma ran into work and traffic issues so we wound up staying longer than planned and wouldn't you know, I got to put him in his jammies and feed him his nighttime bottle and he fell asleep in my arms, just like old times sake!! Awww.....that was just the baby loving I desperately needed. Shelby and I got home, ate the dinner out of the crock pot I had prepared earlier, she was a rock star and got her homework done and it was bible study and prayer time super quick.
Today's Friday and Nanny was supposed to have an MRI but they just called to tell me the scanner is down so now she's rescheduled for tomorrow. Her oldest son/my uncle is coming in less than 2 weeks - I found that out on Wednesday and am so excited and relieved.
Anyways, that's the latest catch-up post. I'm off to have lunch with Nanny now that I've had a luxurious morning getting so much accomplished at home.
On Wednesday, we left and drove to Bakersfield - our hotel was wonderful and we found the best Mexican Restaurant ever - the food was amazing and we just had the best time - I literally laughed so hard I cried.
Thursday was our big driving day plus the time change thanks to Arizona being Arizona. We did drive through breakfast at McDonald's, drove, ate lunch at a cute coffee shop that seriously had the best carrot cake I've ever consumed. We made it into Tucson in time to pick up Darlene and Georgia (my dad's girlfriend and his sister), and go out to dinner. The kids were well behaved, dinner was terrific (like Outback - haven't been to one in ages), we dropped off the ladies then checked into our hotel.
Friday, Darlene and Georgia came to our hotel for breakfast, then we went to Darlene's house, people started arriving for the Celebration of Life, the service was wonderful, I heard stories about my Dad I hadn't heard before, the food Darlene's friend's had arranged to be delivered was delicious and eventually all the visitors left then shortly after, we did too - we went to the zoo (the lion triplets were by far our favorites!!), then out to dinner at Red Crab as Shane calls Red Lobster.
On Saturday, we ate at Mimi's Cafe, went to a gorgeous butterfly exhibit and wandered around the grounds, ate lunch at Panda Express, went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and had a fantastic time exploring. We went to dinner at BJ's then back to Darlene's house to go over all sorts of stuff and load the van with goodies she was blessing us with (Kindle, Computer, Wheelchair, oh my!).
Sunday morning we checked out of the hotel, met the ladies at Mimi's again for breakfast, then said our goodbye's. We drove to San Diego to visit our friends. Mandy and I went to college together, lived in the dorms and later together in a duplex, she was my maid of honor and she and her family now live in San Diego. I got to meet her 8 week old baby boy and love on him.
Monday, Brett and Michael (Mandy's hubby and 3 year old) went off to work and day care, so Mandy, the baby and the 4 of us ate at IHOP then we were on our way home. We drove forever and just stopped for gas/pit stop once then not again until dinner at a super yummy Mexican restaurant. We walked in our front door around 7:30 and I went to work unloading, organizing, laundry, etc.
Tuesday was a much needed down time for Steve and Shane. Shelby went with me to Nanny's to visit and Shelby and I went to the library/park after and enjoyed being home and seeing GREEN landscape vs. the cacti that was in overload in Arizona.
Wednesday, the kids went to school and Steve went to work then come home shortly after because he was sick. Poor guy spend much of the day in the bathroom. I had a zillion errands to run playing catch up with our stuff and Nanny's stuff.
Thursday was another day full of errands and Nanny visit and I received a text asking if I could babysit Moose for a few hours. Oh my goodness - my date with Moose was the BEST!!! He woke up from his nap right as we arrived and there was a spark of recognition but more of the "where do I know you from" variety vs. the internal conflict of I love you and I love them, who do I pay my loyalty towards version. Shelby and I had so, so much fun at their house which is beautiful I must add!! I let Shelby play on the floor with Moose and I and my heart was truly so very, very happy. His new momma ran into work and traffic issues so we wound up staying longer than planned and wouldn't you know, I got to put him in his jammies and feed him his nighttime bottle and he fell asleep in my arms, just like old times sake!! Awww.....that was just the baby loving I desperately needed. Shelby and I got home, ate the dinner out of the crock pot I had prepared earlier, she was a rock star and got her homework done and it was bible study and prayer time super quick.
Today's Friday and Nanny was supposed to have an MRI but they just called to tell me the scanner is down so now she's rescheduled for tomorrow. Her oldest son/my uncle is coming in less than 2 weeks - I found that out on Wednesday and am so excited and relieved.
Anyways, that's the latest catch-up post. I'm off to have lunch with Nanny now that I've had a luxurious morning getting so much accomplished at home.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Always Have The Best Of Intentions (to blog)
Shortly after the last post was written, my dad died. He spent 4 days in hospice then peacefully passed away.
His "Celebration of Life" is this Friday.
The kids have had 2 weeks and 1 day off school. They go back on Tuesday. On Wednesday after they come home, we'll leave to start our road trip to Tucson. We have a hotel to stay at in Bakersfield for Wednesday night then will finish the trip to Tucson on Thursday. Originally Steve wanted to drive the entire 14-16 hour trip in one day. So grateful he's changed his mind.
My Grandma has been put on a special patch vs. a pill she was taking for her memory issues. She's "different" while on it. A little better w/her memory in some aspects but her personality is a little "off" in other areas. The jury's still out. I take her to her eye doctor on Tuesday and Neurologist on Wednesday. She is really enjoying the in home companions who spend 3 1/2 hours every evening with her - so grateful for her change of heart with them!!! They are wonderful - they talk to her, cook, clean, help with laundry, make sure she takes her meds, etc.
We took a much needed mini-vacation and spend New Year's Eve weekend Saturday/Sunday in San Francisco with our best friends - a husband/wife and their 11 year old twins. We spent the day on Saturday at the Exploratorium, went to the hotel, ate at a yummy restaurant across the street for dinner, tried to stay up, had mini bottles of sparkling cider and confetti poppers for midnight. Shelby was the only one of the 8 of us who was sleeping at midnight. On Sunday, the dads went to a football game while the rest of us explored - there were amazing trails to hike, the weather was perfect, there were even paved trails Shelby could navigate with her powerchair. Eventually, we ate lunch and drove home, ate pizza then the dads came back, our friends loaded into their car and drove off.
So relieved we have a day off tomorrow - Steve and the kids are all off work/school so a day to recharge, make a few calls, visit Nanny, get a haircut, hopefully an appt for the van to get checked out before our road trip, and get the kids ready for school...all 2 days of it before we leave again. Darlene (my "bonus mom") didn't want to hold the funeral around Christmas or New Year's, hence the timing for the memorial.
It's definitely becoming a busy 2012!!!
His "Celebration of Life" is this Friday.
The kids have had 2 weeks and 1 day off school. They go back on Tuesday. On Wednesday after they come home, we'll leave to start our road trip to Tucson. We have a hotel to stay at in Bakersfield for Wednesday night then will finish the trip to Tucson on Thursday. Originally Steve wanted to drive the entire 14-16 hour trip in one day. So grateful he's changed his mind.
My Grandma has been put on a special patch vs. a pill she was taking for her memory issues. She's "different" while on it. A little better w/her memory in some aspects but her personality is a little "off" in other areas. The jury's still out. I take her to her eye doctor on Tuesday and Neurologist on Wednesday. She is really enjoying the in home companions who spend 3 1/2 hours every evening with her - so grateful for her change of heart with them!!! They are wonderful - they talk to her, cook, clean, help with laundry, make sure she takes her meds, etc.
We took a much needed mini-vacation and spend New Year's Eve weekend Saturday/Sunday in San Francisco with our best friends - a husband/wife and their 11 year old twins. We spent the day on Saturday at the Exploratorium, went to the hotel, ate at a yummy restaurant across the street for dinner, tried to stay up, had mini bottles of sparkling cider and confetti poppers for midnight. Shelby was the only one of the 8 of us who was sleeping at midnight. On Sunday, the dads went to a football game while the rest of us explored - there were amazing trails to hike, the weather was perfect, there were even paved trails Shelby could navigate with her powerchair. Eventually, we ate lunch and drove home, ate pizza then the dads came back, our friends loaded into their car and drove off.
So relieved we have a day off tomorrow - Steve and the kids are all off work/school so a day to recharge, make a few calls, visit Nanny, get a haircut, hopefully an appt for the van to get checked out before our road trip, and get the kids ready for school...all 2 days of it before we leave again. Darlene (my "bonus mom") didn't want to hold the funeral around Christmas or New Year's, hence the timing for the memorial.
It's definitely becoming a busy 2012!!!
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