MY VERY CUTE BOY

I can't believe how fast Jonathon is growing. He is getting big so fast. I know it went quickly with Carly but I don't remember it being this fast. He is already getting all over the place, not because he is crawling yet but because he is rolling. He is literally rolling himself all over the place. It is really funny. He will start in one corner of the room and in just a few seconds be in the opposite end of the room. He's a mover and a shaker. That's for sure. This little guy is going places. What a cutie!

APRIL IS FOOLING WITH US!

We woke up this April morning to 10.5 inches of snow! Unbelievable. And it's Spring break here for the school kids. So, what else could I do but send the kids outside to build a snowman. Especially since Carly had never really played in the snow or built a snowman. Not a popular decision with Julie since she hates snow. Although, I think she did like showing Carly the ropes! Plus, the cousins were over and they had fun, too. Still, SNOW in APRIL! Not Cool! Downright COLD!

GOING BANANAS

So, yesterday at my house I could actually be heard bargaining with my two year old to give me back a banana she was holding and in exchange I would give her some candy. My twenty-three year old thought it was outlandish enough she posted it as a status on her facebook page. It does sound pretty outrageous on it's face. I understand that. I mean, what mom, in her right mind, wants her child to eat candy instead of a banana, right? Ah, but that's where the error in thinking takes place. My little girl doesn't eat the banana. She opens it and I mean all the way. She takes every peel all the way off and then she starts taking chunks of the banana off and squeezing it in her hands and gooing everything in her path up! Now, do you see why I would make such a crazy sounding offer her to my two year old? Yah, I thought so!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN! HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

It just so happened that Easter fell on Megan's birthday this year. Don't worry, it didn't hurt her. (Yes, I know--bad joke. I've been living with Rob too long.) Megan turned the ripe old age of twenty-three. She did manage to blow out all her candles but not before catching her hair on fire and singeing it. Funny stuff. It was minor. We didn't need the fire department. or the extinguishers. In fact she didn't even notice. We had to tell her; but burned hair does stink to high heaven!

We had a nice dinner together as a family, opened presents and had cake and ice cream although not in that order. We actually had cake first. I mean, sometimes you just gotta live by that motto: Life is short. Eat dessert first!

Oh yah, and we took pictures while Megan opened her presents. Don't ya love the look on Carly's face below? It's like "Oh no, Here she goes again!" Lol!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

In remembering the true reason we celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ I want to share my love, hope and testimony of His love for each and every one of us. I know HE LIVES! I know he died for us and was resurrected and took up his life that we may one day do the same and live with Him again! May you celebrate this Easter Season with peace and joy! Happy Easter dear friends!

DAYS GONE BY HAVE COME AGAIN

Tonight I went back thirty years in time--well, at least twenty-five or so. I was invited to a mission reunion of some of the missionaries that came through our hometown years ago by one of the missionaries my sisters and I had known really well. Susan and Sarah were invited, too but neither one could make it. Rob and I went, though and had a really good time. We laughed and played games and really enjoyed ourselves. In fact, I don't know when I have had so much fun.



This is the Sannar family. Kathy, son Tyler and his wife Kelsie and Charlie (who was the missionary in our hometown) and of course me!

SMILING SIBLINGS

This is a cute photo of our daughter Sara with Jonathon a couple of weeks ago when she was home for a visit. I forgot I had this one in the camera! Silly mommy!

MIND OVER MATTER

I decided I needed to get some exercise this morning and so I took the kids downstairs with me. I got Jonathon all set up on his blanket with some toys and his bottle. He was having fun and playing around. I turned on Yo Gabba Gabba (Don't ask me--it's a funky children's show) for Carly. She loves it and it does teach her some good things like shapes and colors. As soon as they were set I got on the treadmill which is right there in front of the TV and blanket. I walked for a good half hour.

Right near the end of that time I guess Carly was getting bored with her show because she wandered over to the exercise bike. I watched her and she started to climb onto the seat. I told her not to and she didn't listen to me. I told her again to stop and she ignored me again. The third time I told her to stop I said with some emphasis, "Carly, I am going to count to three and you had better get off that bike or you are going to go to bed." I started counting . . . ONE, TWO, THREE . . . I wasn't expecting what I heard next. It was Carly finishing what I started-- four, five, six, . . . seven, eight, nine, ten! And she finished that ten with an exclamation point! She was happily counting to ten! What could I do but smile. My two year old just counted to ten. She totally missed my threat but showed me something she had learned.

Now mind you, this isn't something she learned from Yo Gabba Gabba. No, she learned this from her Grandpa when he was working with his voice coach. He had to practice making his voice stronger because of his Parkinson's and so she gave him simple words and phrases to repeat out loud. One of them was counting and Carly would count with him. So, she did get off the bike but it was to give Mommy a big hug because her big girl is such a good counter. I guess we will learn to mind another day. Hmmmm.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR

More doctor appointments today. Jonathon's 6 month check up and Carly's 2 year check up. Yes, I can count. That's just how far behind we are. Gah! But both of them are growing really well. Carly is a whole yardstick tall! She is in the 95th percentile! She has stayed there pretty consistently all along. She weighs 29 lbs and is in the 75th percentile for weight.

Jonathon is almost 18 lbs and he's 27.5 inches long. He's catching up quickly to Carly! I keep telling her she had better be nice to him because someday he will be bigger and stronger. Looks like SOMEDAY is coming sooner than I thought! Everyone that sees his big hands and feet tells us if he grows into them he is going to be one BIG BOY! I think they are right.

We had a really windy day here today. It was in the 50's temperature wise - so not too bad other than being blown about like a feather when you went outside. Let's not even talk about what it did to my hair. Well, O.K--let's just say if I'd stuck my finger in a light socket my hair would have looked cuter! I hate the wind when I am trying to look cute! :)

That's all for tonight guys--nothing new happening here. Move along now. Night.

IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY'S NIGHT

Had a doctor appt. for Jonathon today. Did a bunch of errands and running around with Mom. Didn't make it to the gym like I wanted to but somehow I still feel like I worked out for a long time! Mom made a really great dinner and we pretty much all tired out afterward. Must be something in the air or water. Oh yah, it's allergy season. I always forget when that comes on and what it feels like. It always slows me down and tires me out. That must be it. Arrgh.

Not much else going on here. Jonathon is rolling over really well now. I can feel ridges in his mouth now but still no teeth in sight. Don't think it will be long now, though. Poor little guy--I can tell his gums are hurting him. I wish it wasn't so painful for them to teethe.

Well, off to bed. It's been a long one--or at least it has seemed that way. :)

ROOM SERVICE

The people in the basement are on a diet. No bread and no sugar. It makes for boring meals and I would think, for a boring life--but, that's what they are doing to lose weight--those basement dwellers--them! Well, I got a hankering for some chocolate chip cookies tonight and I was able to twist Julie's arm into making them. (By the way, she's a basement dweller, too--but she's not on the no bread and sugar plan.)

Well, sure enough about the time the cookies were done one of those Hoosier basement people came upstairs looking for some fruit for a snack. Instead, I talked them into taking some warm cookies and milk downstairs with them. It wasn't a hard sell at all. They only wanted one each but I knew they couldn't eat just one--so I sent two each. I was right.

About twenty minutes later the phone rang. I was expecting a call from hubby who was working late. Instead, it was the man in the basement. He ordered 3 more cookies and asked for them to be delivered. I don't think the people in the basement are on a diet anymore but I understand we have really great room service!

NEIGHBORHOOD EASTER EGG HUNT

We had a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt Saturday. Fifty kids participated--though I only took pictures of a few cute ones. They had a lot of fun. The little boy is Carly's best friend Isaac. She loves playing with him. They have a lot of fun together. I think Julie even had fun hunting eggs with her sister this morning!

I LIKE THIS A LOT

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives, and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the Unted States.”

Someone sent this to me. I don't know whether it's real or not--in the sense that someone is honestly trying to get it passed. I sure think it would be a great addition to the Constitution given where our current lawmakers have taken us. They have put themselves above the law and that is not acceptable. Well, that's how I feel anyway. I'm just sayin'.

IT TAKES HEART

Great news. Grandpa's heart doctor thinks he is doing terrific. He took him off three medications and said he didn't need to see him for 6 months! We are excited to have such good news and feel terrific about all the progress he's making. He didn't even use a wheelchair getting in and out of the doctor's office today. He just used his walker. He tired himself out but he did great. Yay!

JUST STUFF

Dad is walking really well. In fact, he is doing laps around the downstairs everyday. The home health people are really impressed with his progress since the surgery. He has an appointment with his heart doctor tomorrow. Just a check-up--nothing big but I will let you know how it goes.

I went to the gym tonight with my friend Robin. I actually got a pretty good workout in the hour and a half I was there. Then I came home and ate Easter Candy. What's wrong with that picture? Hmmm. I wonder about me somedays!

Well, not much else going on. Talk at ya later.

RUNNING ON EMPTY

Sorry, not much of a blog tonight. I'm feeling extremely exhausted. We have had SO much going on here lately and I think I have finally gotten to the end of my fuel. I think I've been on fumes for a while now. Lol!

My sweet little son is lying here sound asleep as I type and I only wish I were sleeping as soundly right now. I am so in love with this little guy. What an amazing blessing to be his mom. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have him in my life. It is hard somedays being a mom but the rewards are so very sweet--and I am on sugar overload and loving it!

THE BEST MONDAY EVER!

Today we finalized Jonathon's adoption. He is ours--completely and totally! How can you have a better Monday than that? We are so happy!



From Left to Right in the picture: My friend Robin and her daughter Ellie, our daughter Julie, my Mom, Me and Carly, the Honorable Judge, Rob and Jonathon, our daughter Megan, Rob's Mom, Liz (our adoption coordinator) and Uncle Steve.

I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY IDEA . . .

What has just hit us. I have a feeling we will begin to find out all too soon. Don't get me wrong-I think there are a few good things in this health care bill--but I think they are far outweighed by the horrible and horrendous. Wow. Our world is changing. Our liberties are changing. Just watch--under this president our government is going to take more and more control of our lives. Hopefully, we will not just sit back and take it. Hopefully, this will be the warning bell that wakes us up and makes us take back our Congress and Senate and even our Presidency. I don't mean on a party-line; as Republicans or Democrats. I mean, lets vote out those who have been there way too long and who have no honor and who do not work for us. Let's vote in those who will represent "WE, THE PEOPLE" instead of those who represent lobbyists and corporations and their own best interests.

There is far too much greed and dishonesty. There is far too little check and balance in a system where they decide on their own pay raises, work days, vacations, insurance benefits and other benefit packages. We either need term limits or we, as voters, need to limit their terms. We cannot allow them to ignore our will--the will of the very people they were elected to represent and still keep their jobs.

This is and has been one of the most frustrating periods I can remember in political history. I do not remember another time when leaders have asked for and received feedback from voters the way they did here and then ignored that feedback.

I will definitely be more involved in the next election and feel a sense of urgency to do what I can to insure we have more honorable leaders in our country. I pray you do, too.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

I must admit I have been glued to the television, computer, radio and even my cell phone internet these last few days for updates on what is taking place in our nation's capitol. I've been hoping against hope our leaders would come either come to their senses or find a way to stop the madness of this horrendous healthcare "obamanation"! It looks like that is not going to happen; that this is indeed about to pass and become the law of the land. What madness! The government is about to control another sixth of our economy. They are about to involve themselves in a part of our lives they have NO business being a part of and the best part of all is those charged to insure we all abide by this new law are another very successful and popular government agency. That's right folks, the IRS will be the watchkeepers that make sure you purchase and keep the right amount of healthcare coverage! Yep! You heard right! Oh, there's so much I could write here--but I will stop at that example of things that are about to be popular with the public once they get a good look at this bill.

We as Americans are losing freedoms and so many people around me don't even seem to be aware of it. We need to throw these elected leaders out before it is too late. Pay attention people. Important things are happening in the political world that are going to make huge differences in your home, family, budget and lives. You may not think you care--but YOU WILL!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Grandpa is home and mighty glad to be here. He is doing so well, too. He walked out of the rehab center on his own power (okay he used a walker but just for saftey), too. He is in almost no pain except for his shoulders and he is even in a good mood! Hee hee! Feel free to give him a jingle. He loves to chat on the phone (like you didn't know that). The kids were so glad to see Grandpa and I'm pretty sure he was happy to see them, too.

Well, that's the news for now. Ta Ta!

TOMORROW, TOMORROW . . .

Probably by the time you read this we will have Dad home or at least on his way. I have to remember there is a two hour difference between most of you who are reading this and us. We are supposed to pick him up between 9 and 10 a.m. and bring him home. He will have home health care continue to do rehabilitation here at the house for some time. It will be great to have Grandpa back home. The kids have really missed having him around and I know Grandma will be so happy to sleep in a real bed again! More later.

REPORTING IN!

Mom and I both had doctor appointments about an hour from home today (but very near each other)so we went together. It sure helped me to have another hand holder since Carly is at that stage where she likes to break away and dart into the crowd or street and I can't chase her because I'm carrying a baby.

Mom was having her foot check up and she passed. I don't know that it's good news and it's not really bad either. Let's just say that the doctor told her she didn't need to continue physical therapy on it since he didn't think it was improving it a lot. He also doesn't think she needs surgery and doesn't have any revolutionary ideas on healing it. He told her that maybe just taking a walk every day might be the best medicine for it. Hopefully, that is true. We will see.

My doctor appointment was for Jonathon. He just needed to have a couple of tests. The docs still want to figure out why he is having respiratory problems every time he gets a simple cold. So, they are just looking at everything they can think of. By the time we got home it was nearly 5:30 p.m. and I had to leave for a meeting. I feel like I ran all day and running with two babies is both tiring and dizzying. I am truly exhausted.

Even Carly is exhausted. This is two nights in a row she has come to me and said; "Mommy, Bed!" She never does that! On that note--I'm going to join her. Night!

UPDATE ON DAD

Dad's appointment with the surgeon went really well today. His surgeon was very impressed with his progress. He thought his incision looked really good. They removed the rest of his stitches and allowed him to discontinue using the support socks he has had on since the surgery. The fact that he did not get an infection in the wound or a blood clot was particularly pleasing to his doctor.

Dad's surgeon left it up to us and his rehab doctors/trainers to decide when he should return home. It will most likely be this weekend or sometime next week. He still has some work to do on the bend of his knee and on strengthening it. Keep you posted on that.

I did something for myself today! My friend Robin talked me into joining a gym with her. I have ten pounds that have been driving me absolutely crazy since July. I just haven't been able to get rid of them. Actually, I go up and down and it drives me nuts. If I have someone to go exercise with it will make it much easier and I will be more motivated. I hate my clothes feeling uncomfortable! If I could just keep that little quote in my head; "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels." How come my taste buds always override that when it comes to those boxes of thin mints? Plus, those boxes have gotten so small now, I'm not convinced they really have any calories in them anymore! Anyone want to second that?

JUST A FEW LINES

Jonathon is doing a tiny bit better today. Still a ways to go. Dad has an appointment with his surgeon tomorrow to do a checkup on his knee. Mom and I are going to take him to that. I think he will be really impressed with his progress.

Not much happening here other than taking care of sickees--Mom at the rehab and me, here at home. I will give you a full report on what the surgeon tells us tomorrow. Nighty night.

SUCKIN' THE SNOT OUT OF YA

That's what we are doing to Jonathon again anyway. We won't do it to you--unless you come visit and have a bad cold. You can't believe how much snot a little one can hold! Yuk! Poor guy. Carly always comes running to watch brother get his nose sucked but when we offer to do hers she runs the other way really fast.

We really thought our snot sucking days were over. Jonathon had a good 3-4 weeks of really good health and we thought all the colds and illnesses were behind us. Not so.
Dern it! Now we just hope his antibiotics kick in quickly.

Carly had her friend Isaac over to play tonight and he brought light sabers for them to play with. It was pretty funny to see 2 two foot tall munchkins having a light saber war. Should of got that on film. Lol!

Not a whole lot going on here. Mom thinks they might release Dad to home health care this weekend. It's just a thought. No one has told her that. He's just making really good progress. I will let you know when it happens, though.

Night all.

LADY BUG

We have a cute stuffed lady bug that Carly sometimes plays with. She knows to call it a bug but the last two times she's played with it I've tried to teach her what kind of bug it is. Tonight, she brought it over to me and thinking I had told her enough times that she would remember now that it is a "Lady" bug I asked her what kind of bug it is. Carly didn't skip a beat. She said, "Dead bug, mommy!" Julie and I had a pretty good laugh over that one.

Jonathon is sick again. He has a bad cold which means he is struggling with respiratory problems again and we are giving him breathing treatments. It was bad enough Rob decided to take him to the doctor today (Sunday). He spent four hours from the time he left for the doctor's office until the time he came back with prescriptions. He did drop Jonathon off in between the office visit and getting the prescriptions but I felt really bad for him having to spend all that time out. Apparently, most pharmacies here close down on Sunday afternoons. He had to hunt down an open one two town's away and then the line was huge he had to wait in to get the prescriptions.

We have been so good to keep Jonathon and Carly in and away from anyone who could get them sick. I'm pretty sure he caught something at Rob's Dad's funeral. It was just hard to avoid people and even people who were sick came because it was the last time they could see him and mourn for him. I don't blame them. I would have done the same thing. I probably should have kept a mask on Jonathon but I didn't think about it. He was so healthy at the time and the weather was good. His little immune system just doesn't take much to get sick.

Grandpa had a pretty good day today. He's been a little grumpy lately but then I might be too if I were in his position. I think he will be very glad to get his rehab time over with and get home. I know Grandma will be.

MORE ON DAD

I’ve been hanging out with Dad for the last four or five hours. It’s been a pretty mellow Saturday afternoon/evening. No physical or occupational therapy today. No real expectations. Dad’s been telling me stories from his childhood and high school days. I don’t know how he got away with the stuff he’s been telling me. MY DAD would have killed me! Hee, hee, hee! Actually, he was a pretty darn lucky son of a gun—most of the time. Sometimes, he really did catch it big time from his Dad.

For those of you wondering, he is still making progress. I had him out of his bed and sitting up in a chair on the side of his bed. He even had his legs crossed and he had the crossed leg sitting on top of his new knee! He really has very little pain in his knee. He just needs to get to 120 on the bend and he can be released to go home. He’s almost there. We think he has about another week to go.
Feel free to give him a call. It’s best to call on the Thatcher Brook phone line. People have been having a hard time hearing him on the cell phone. I think it’s just too small for him to talk into. Anyway, that number is 801-614-5700. He is in room 26. He goes for therapy twice a day so if you miss him just call back later. He loves to talk to his friends from back home!

MORE ON DAD

I’ve been hanging out with Dad for the last four or five hours. It’s been a pretty mellow Saturday afternoon/evening. No physical or occupational therapy today. No real expectations. Dad’s been telling me stories from his childhood and high school days. I don’t know how he got away with the stuff he’s been telling me. MY DAD would have killed me! Hee, hee, hee! Actually, he was a pretty darn lucky son of a gun—most of the time. Sometimes, he really did catch it big time from his Dad.

For those of you wondering, he is still making progress. I had him out of his bed and sitting up in a chair on the side of his bed. He even had his legs crossed and he had the crossed leg sitting on top of his new knee! He really has very little pain in his knee. He just needs to get to 120 on the bend and he can be released to go home. He’s almost there. We think he has about another week to go.
Feel free to give him a call. It’s best to call on the Thatcher Brook phone line. People have been having a hard time hearing him on the cell phone. I think it’s just too small for him to talk into. Anyway, that number is 801-614-5700. He is in room 26. He goes for therapy twice a day so if you miss him just call back later. He loves to talk to his friends from back home!

A SHORT UPDATE

I visited Grandpa today. We met with his physical therapists, nurses and other aids in a care conference. He is doing really well but it looks like he will remain in rehab for a bit longer. He still needs to work on his balance and just walking and standing.I'm guessing it will be another week or so.

I also want to thank those of you who have been so sweet to remember Rob and me with cards and calls during the loss of Rob's Dad. How very thoughtful of you. We have such loving and dear friends and appreciate and love all of you. Thanks so much! More later.

THE GRANDPA REPORT

Dad is still in the rehabilitation center and continues to do well. He is receiving both physical and occupational therapy. I think Mom and Dad finally got the message through to the therapists that they could not work Dad's shoulders and arms the way they were working them. I guess the therapists were afraid his arms and shoulders would freeze up if they didn't work them but didn't understand they were bad enough that Dad is scheduled to have shoulder replacement surgery in a few months. So, we now have kinder, gentler therapy on the upper half of his body.

His knee is healing really well and doesn't cause him much pain at all. Even his polio leg seems to be a little stronger. He still has to watch his balance but we think that has more to do with the Parkinson's than anything else. We have a care conference with the center tomorrow that should give us more information on how long Dad's rehab will need to be.

Mom is tired but hanging in there. More later. :}

YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!

SOME CUTE PICTURES

Carly in her new dress with a new hairdo!




How's this Mommy?




Carly with her cousins Keelie and Kaden (Rob's brother Steve's kids)taking an outside break before their Grandpa's funeral.




Keelie and Carly just before their Grandpa's funeral.

A SAD YET BEAUTIFUL DAY

It was a gorgeous day today. The sun was shining and there was just a little wind. We didn't even really need a coat, just a sweater or a light jacket. It was a seriously beautiful day. But, I kept asking myself if it can ever really be a beautiful day when you bury someone you love. Rob's Dad was a good man. He was a policeman for 24 years--a wonderful public servant. He had a tremendous sense of humor and he was dearly loved by his family.

The letting go is the hardest part. It's not that we don't know where he is; we do. We know we will see him again and be with him again. It's just that parting for now is hard. The blessing is that he is out of pain and at peace. We know God lives and we know Christ is His son and that because of His sacrifice we can be together again.

Dad, we love you and miss you and are grateful to have had you in our lives.

Jim and Jane Ann Harris with Jon and Carly

This is a sweet picture we took right before Jim and Jane Ann left to head back to Indiana. They were so nice to come and see Dad through surgery. What amazing friends! They even babysat for Carly and Jon while we took Dad for some pre-surgery appointments. The kids fell in love with them. Thanks so much Nana and Boppa!

DARN THIS THING!

I had some cute pictures to post tonight and for some reason the Blogger isn't letting me post them. I've never had it act up like this before and so, I don't know what's wrong. Something in the Blogosphere, I'm guessing. Hope they get it fixed soon. Oh well, the pics will have to wait for another day.

Went to visit Dad today, and Mom too for that matter. She has been spending the night there the last few nights. Well, we actually haven't left him alone there. Someone has stayed with him each night but Mom never came home and took a break today so we visited her, too. Dad's having quite a bit of pain in his shoulder's as the physical therapists are continuing to work them so they don't freeze up on him. I think I am going to have to go meet with his PT people and tell them to lay off a little. I don't know that they aren't doing more harm than good for his shoulders.

As far as his knee goes, he is doing wonderfully and has not had much pain at all considering what he just had done. He is up to 115 degrees on the bend and only has to get to 120. He is amazing everyone!

That's the good news. Tomorrow we have Rob's Dad's viewing and Monday is his funeral. Rob and I appreciate all the love and caring you have sent our way. This is a difficult time. Please know your thoughts and prayers are felt and appreciated.

TURN AROUND . . .

Carly is having her first sleepover tonight. It's her 5 year old cousin but it counts because she really, really wanted her to stay. I can't believe what a little girl she is becoming. Oh my goodness, she is growing up fast!

NEWS OF THE DAY

Well, Dad is doing well. He is pretty much back to his old self. The medicine for the thrush is working. Also, he is amazing all of his physical an occupational therapists by how well and how quickly he is coming along. He is up to 108 percent on his knee bend. They want him to get to 120 percent. They think he will be there by Sunday. I'm not sure what comes after that. We found out today that he will likely only be in the rehab for 2 weeks. He will then have continued therapy with home healthcare.

Rob's Dad's funeral is on Monday. We will have a viewing for him on Sunday evening. Our girls are going to sing at the funeral and Rob and his brother Steve will be speaking also. I think it will be a very nice tribute to him. It is still hard to imagine he is gone.

Well, that's about all I know for today. Guess I'd better get some sleep while I can.

SOME SAD NEWS AND AN UPDATE

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a few days. We got word a few days ago that Rob's Dad had been rushed to the hospital and wasn't doing well. The doctor's told us he had less than a week to live. Rob and his brothers and mom took turns staying at the hospital with him and he passed away early this morning. I'm really grateful the kids and I were able to visit with him a couple of days ago. I don't think any of us thought he would go so quickly. It's been really hard on Rob.

While my Dad's surgery has gone really well, he got thrush again from the antibiotics and it caused another infection and some confusion for several days. Thankfully, he is starting to come out of that now. Overall, it's been a really hard week but here's to hoping things get brighter from here.

UPDATE

Dad's doing pretty well. His pain level is still pretty low. He's had a lot happen pretty quickly and I think that's been the hardest adjustment for him. We are trying to have someone stay with him throughout the day and night just to make sure he is comfortable and getting the care he needs. He is doing well with his physical therapy. Hopefully, time will pass quickly and he will be able to get through his PT and come home. That's all for now.

SUNDAY EVENING UPDATE

Dad is settled in the rehabilitation center. Tomorrow they will begin his rehab. He is in releatively low pain for what we expected him to go through. Of course, he has yet to really work his new knee in rehab. He has walked on it but not worked it. Please keep your prayers for him going. He will need them. Thanks everyone.

HE'S ON THE MOVE

Dad has the doctor a little surprised and a lot pleased! He's trying harder and doing better than most of his other patients (who are younger and stronger.) Does that surprise any of us?! NOPE!

Anyway, the Dr. just released him to Thatcher Brook. He will be on his way there in a few hours! More later!

THE DAILY DAD REPORT

Hi all,

Dad has taken two walks today. One from his bed to just outside his doorway and back and the other from his bed down to the nurses station and back. The physical therapy helped him get his knee to an 80% bend today and they are hoping to go to 90% first thing in the morning. All signs look good at the moment that he will be sent to Thatcher Brook tomorrow afternoon for rehab. If not tomorrow, then on Monday.

His pain level still seems low. I think his shoulders are bothering him worse than his knee! And his shoulders actually do need replacing worse than his knee did; the doctor just said he should have the weight bearing joint replaced first. So, that's what we did. We are hoping the physical therapy for his knee goes smoothly and he can have his worst shoulder done in three months or so.

Dad wants to say THANK YOU to the CLASS OF 1957 for the beautiful flowers! Also, thanks to those of you who have sent cards and made calls. They are cheering him up quite a bit. Thanks for being great friends!

ALL YOU KNEE'D TO KNOW . . . YUK, YUK, YUK

Dad is doing really well today. Still has relatively low pain. They got him up and set him on the side of the bed and have done some movement with his leg. They have been able to get his knee to a 70 percent bend. They want it to be at a 90 percent bend before they release him. It looks like that will be either on Sunday or Monday. He will be going to Thatcher Brook Care and Rehabilitation Center for a couple of weeks.

(Don't worry--this is not the nursing home he has been building up points for with his awnry behavior. For those of you who don't get this joke, the three of us girls have been giving him nursing home points for years any time we thought he was a little awnry with us. We gave him a ceiling of 1,000 points when we started and told him if he didn't behave when he was old and feeble he would have to go to a nursing home instead of live with us. He blew the thousand points the first day! We have to keep starting over! Gee, we must love our Dad!)

Anyway, Thatcher Brook is a terrific new facility that does only rehab. Once he gets there I will I will post some pictures and you can see how good he has it!

If any of you want the address for the facility it is below. Also, in the meantime you are welcome to call his hospital room. He is alert today and up to chatting. The direct number to his room is 801-268-7574 and the room number again is 5W14 if you need it. That's all for now. More later.

Thatcher Brook Rehabilitation and Care Center
1795 Chelemes Way
Clearfield, UT 84015-6298
(801) 614-5700

Hi All,

They have decided not to get Dad up and have him walk today since his pain block has worked so well. Apparently, when a block works really well it not only keeps you out of pain tremendously well it also numbs your leg--so walking is not a really good option! We prefer he stays in the no pain zone anyway--so we are in no real hurry to unblock the block.

Dad is resting comfortably and making some really crazy and, what some people might think (not me, of course) are some pretty dumb jokes to the nursing staff. So, things are pretty much normal!

All three of us daughters are here with him and mom right now. We are having a good old time. More later.

A LITTLE MORE INFO

We just got Dad into a room here at the hospital. He didn't have any problems with the anesthesia and has even had eaten some jello and pudding and is keeping them down. He is kind of in and out right now--napping a bit but is not in a ton of pain.
His surgeon said his knee and leg were crooked and in fact that because of that his knee was one of the worst ones he'd done. He was able to straighten it out and it is in great form now but took twice the time to do. They gave him a leg block for pain and said it was a really good one so he shouldn't have much pain for 36-48 hours. Although he does have the magic button for morphine just in case!

They do plan on getting him up around 2:00 p.m. our time to take him for a little walk. Yep, that's the way they do things these days! (I just say "OUCH!")

In case you want to know, Dad's room number is 5W14(that stands for 5 West room 14.) Again, in case you didn't get the whole address before here it is:

St. Mark's Hospital
1200 East 3900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84124-1300
(801) 268-7574 (This rings straight to his room.)
Room: 5 West 14

Thanks so much for your love and prayers. Please keep them coming. Love, Nancy

THE SURGERY WENT GREAT!

He's out. It's all good. He's doing great! He's in recovery and will be in a room in about an hour! More later!

DAD'S IN SURGERY

They took Dad to the surgery about 7:35 our time but the doctor told us it wouldn't begin until just before 8:00 a.m.. We expect the surgery to last just under two hours. We did find out yesterday that his hip has some arthritis and is somewhat involved in his pain but they are not going to do anything about it. Apparently, he has some bone spurs in the hip but not bad enough to do anything to it now.

Dad was in pretty good spirits this morning although he was nervous. But then who wouldn't be? Mom, me and Jim and Jane Ann are in the waiting room just hanging out for some news. My sister Sarah should be here any minute as well. Susan will be here in a couple of hours. I will updated this as soon as we hear anything. Please pray hard for my Dad. Thanks!

Here are a couple of pictures from this morning:

AS PROMISED . . .

Dad's surgery is the first one on the docket. We have to report to the hospital at 6:00 a.m.. (GAH!) They will prep him and his actual surgery will begin a little before 8:00 a.m.. They expect the surgery to last an hour and a half and then he will be in recovery for another hour to hour and a half before he is put in a room. That's what we know for now.

I've been asked to give the hospital address and info where he will be:

St. Mark's Hospital
1200 East 3900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84124-1300
(801) 268-7119

He will most likely be there for at least 3-4 days. I will keep this updated as we know what is happening. Please keep your prayers going. Thank you so much! Love, Nancy and family

T-MINUS TWO AND COUNTING . . . WAIT, THAT ONLY LEAVES ONE . . . YIKES!

Yes, we are getting into the nervous Nellie stage around here. People to see, places to go, things to do, major joints to have replaced, er, I mean before said joints are replaced. Actually, if we haven't done it by now, it probably isn't getting done before we report to the hospital.

We have a pre-op appointment in the morning at 11:15 and should find out then what time surgery is on Thursday. We have another doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon not directly related to the surgery and between the two that should take up most of our day.

I will post something on here tomorrow when we get back to let you know the time of surgery. We would be so grateful if you would keep Dad in your thoughts and prayers more especially on Thursday. Not only that he makes it through the surgery without any complications but also that his pain level will be low and that he will be blessed with peace and comfort as he goes into surgery.

Well, I did promise pictures with the Harris's and I deliver on my promises! Actually, they have new names around here. Carly has adopted them and they are now Boppa and Nana! In fact, they are going to babysit for her and Jonathon while Mom and I take Dad to his appointments tomorrow. Carly has been really picky about who she will go to for the last 6-8 months and when Jane Ann came in the door and asked for a hug Carly ran right over and gave her one! Unbelievable! Amazing! I say she has the magic touch!

It is really wonderful to have Boppa and Nana here. It has really picked up Dad's spirits and given him something to do and think about besides sit and worry about the coming surgery (which he would have done.) My parents have amazing friends--they always have had. Thank you to all of you who have been so wonderful to them. My sisters and I all thank you and love you. And especially thank you Jim and Jane Ann. Who gets in their car and drives 2,000 miles because their friend is having surgery? You guys are amazing! We love and adore you!

One last thing before I post the pictures and end this for tonight. I just want to say: God Bless the Class of 1957!! You are the best and closest class I have ever seen. You have stayed close and been good to each other. It's been fun to watch. What a blessing you all are to each other! Ya'll come see us, too!


Dad and Jim chewing the fat!


I made everyone pose for this one (and they called me bossy!) Who me-bossy? :}
Aren't they cute, though? Very, very cute!


Apparently, Carly didn't think they were cute enough. She insisted, and I do mean "insisted" on being in the picture with them! So, what do you think--Are they cuter with or without her? Trick question-be careful what you say! I'm the mommy! :)

HEY, HOW YOU DOIN'?

HOOSIER DOWN HOME NIGHT AND I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES

Jim and Jane Ann Harris arrived tonight and we broke bread together. They came out for Dad's surgery. What a terribly nice thing to do! It has really cheered Dad up, too! I can't believe I didn't take a single picture. Don't worry, they will be back around and I WILL REMEMBER next time! I'll slap myself in the forehead a few dozen times and say "DUH!" That should take care of it.

Jonathon is doing really well. He's totally holding his bottle on his own. He just started sleeping on his tummy. He wouldn't do that at all before because of his reflux and upset tummy. Now he likes it. Don't worry, I check him constantly. His head was getting a bit of a flat spot on the back from sleeping only on his back, so he needs to sleep more on his tummy and sides to round it out now. Don't you know, it's always something!

Well, that's really all the news for today. Check back tomorrow and maybe something exciting or funny will happen. Lol!

FIVE DAYS . . . BUT WHO'S COUNTING?

Well, now that I mention it, I'm pretty sure there are at least five of us who are. We've been waiting so long, it's kind of hard to believe it's really almost time for his surgery to be done. We don't know what time it will be yet. I'm sure they will let us know the afternoon before. I will let you know as soon as we do.

Dad is looking better this week than he has in the past month. I think it may just be getting him up and out more that's helping.

Carly had lots of antics today, but my not so favorite one was when she put her hand in her cup of yogert and painted her dress, her face, her hair, the carpet and the coffee table. That was right after I told her she had to stay at the table to eat her yogurt! These two year olds are so quick! Who can keep up? I know, I know . . . famous last words: "I just turned my back for a second!" But it's true, I did!

NEWLYWED SCHMULYWED

Rob and I got asked to play the Newlywed Game the other night for an activity at our Church. They had a Marriage and Family therapist speak afterwards on communicating better in your relationships. Anyway, we had a strategy going in. We decided not to play to win but to play for laughs! Hey, how could we go wrong with that? It worked too! We didn't win and we got laughed at! Lol!

TODAY'S HAPPENINGS

Went for a drive with Mom and Dad today. Mom needed to stop by the doctor's office for something so Dad wanted to have them weigh him and see how his dieting has paid off. He has done really well. He is down to 250 which is where he wanted to be for surgery.

We also took a drive to check out a rehabilitation facility Dad may use after surgery. Turned out it was a really nice place and is only about 5 miles from our home. Dad will only spend 2-3 days in the hospital but will probably need to go to a rehab facility for 7-10 days after that before he is prepared to come home. I can't remember if I've already told all of you this or not. Oh well.

We are down to one week away from surgery. We will be glad to get him through this. I will keep you posted as to what is happening on this end.

DADDY'S BOY, MOMMY'S GIRL

CARLY'S HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY!

Thanks everyone for all the calls, posts and well-wishes for our cute little one. Here are a few fun pictures from our little family party for her. I think she had a fun time. I know she loved the CAKE!!

SHE'S TWO. SHE'S REALLY, REALLY TWO!

Our little princess turned two today! I am not sure she understood it but she loves cake and she had fun opening presents. So, all in all it was a happy day! For all the presents she got, she loved the $1.99 bottle of bubbles she could blow the best. We had to hide them after she opened them to keep her opening presents. Even then, she would look around and ask for the bubbles and forget she had other presents to open. Isn't it funny what little kids focus on?

We took some pictures but I will have to post them tomorrow. This mommy is wasted!

Grandpa and Grandma were upstairs for the party. Although, Grandpa is in a touch more pain having had to forgo even the Aleve for the next couple of weeks until surgery. We are going to try him on some tylenol until then. He can have that. Hopefully, that will help.

Thanks for your calls to Carly and your well wishes. She loves you. Happy sleeping or waking--as the case may be!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

We had a lovely Valentine's Day! Went to church this morning. Julie had a talk and she did a great job. We came home and napped awhile and then had a great big dinner. Uncle Steve came over and so did Megan. We had barbecued spare ribs (done in the crockpot), rice, homemade rolls, mixed green salad, and homemade frosted brownies for dessert. It was very yummy. Grandpa even came upstairs for dinner. Then we watched the Winter Olympics on TV and just chatted until we were all tired.

It was a pretty good Sunday, I'd say. Nothing much to report except that my baby girl turns 2 tomorrow. Technically, she turns two at 4:44 a.m. but hopefully none of us will witness that time of day. I really cannot believe how big she has gotten so fast. It doesn't seem possible that she can really be two years old already. Although, I have decided that either the terrible twos are REALLY TERRIBLE or my two year old has already gotten her share of teenage female hormones. Oh my goodness, she is like a really loud faucet! If you even look at her wrong, let alone tell her "NO", she wails like the biggest drama queen you have ever seen. And she does it so loud you can't even try to reason with her. I've learned to carefully negotiate around it--though it's probably going to only get me in more trouble eventually. I just hold up a piece of candy or a gummy bear or something I know she wants and the tears and wailing stop immediately. I can then talk to her about what is wrong and she is immediately all smiles again anyway just because of the candy. Tell me former mom's of two year olds--how long does this go on? Does it ever end? Or is it all drama from here on out?

Well, here's to my little adorable, emotional, dramatic and lovable two year old and hoping the happy moments outweigh the emotionally charged ones! I absolutely love her to pieces and am so grateful to have her in my life. What a catch! Happy Birthday baby girl! You are growing up way too fast. Love you.

JULIE'S BIG ADVENTURE--THE PICTURES

Don't they look great! They had a really terrific time together. Can you believe how old she looks? We've decided to put a big cinder block on top of Julie's head to keep her from growing up so fast! :}

JULIE'S BIG NIGHT; MOM'S LEARNING CURVE

Julie is going on her first date tomorrow night. It's a Sadie Hawkins dance for Valentine's Day. She is 16 now and that's the age we let our kids start dating. She's a sophomore and to tell you the truth I would just as soon she would have waited one more year to go to a formal dance. She asked us about a month ago if she could ask someone to the dance and we said yes. I don't think I was very committed to the "yes", at least not as committed as Rob was. He has been through this before --several times. This is my first rodeo.

In some very real ways, Julie is my first born. I know that doesn't make a ton of sense but it does to me and I think to her. She not only prayed me here but she really wanted me to be her Mom. She accepted me from day one and she was my baby (the baby) of the family when I got here. I feel very protective over her.

I'm finding it very hard to let her grow up. It's been a tough week for me but I think I'm may just grow up yet. At her age we have her group date. She doesn't have her license yet so we were going to drive them to and from the daytime date and the dinner and dance. They could have gone with the group of teens but we weren't crazy about them driving around with a bunch of other teens who hadn't been driving for too long. We also haven't met this young man she is going with so we wanted to be sure to meet him as well. I planned that Rob and I would drive them to the restaurant and then eat dinner there also just not anywhere near them.

Yah, I know. Sounds a bit like a stage mother, eh? Well, for the last two days I have been thinking things over in my head and realizing how much I would have wanted to be trusted and have some freedom at this age. (Oh wait, I was and I did. Thanks Dad and Mom! Were you CRAZY?!) Plus, I have this incredibly wonderful young woman who has earned my trust and who is a really good girl--I should relax and give it to her.

It is really hard being a mom in today's world with so much gunk going on. Tomorrow my little girl who should still be eleven is sixteen going on thirty and will be going to her first dance with a boy. I hate it that I can't be there to hold her hand. I hate it even more that she doesn't want me there to hold her hand. It isn't easy for Mommie's to grow up but I am determined to do it and get it right. Although, I do not promise to do it without tears!

So, tomorrow Julie will be going with the other teens all day and evening on her date and the only time Rob and I will interfere is to pick them up when the dance is over and take them home. (That was Rob's idea--not mine.) I think it's a good one. Although, Julie is going to make sure we meet him before they leave.

Wow, kids grow up just way too fast. Next thing you know I'll be writing this about Carly. AHHHHH! I can't even think about that. I love you Julie with all my heart. Mom

OUR OUTING

We had a really busy day. Mom and Dad started early. I think Dad saw all of his Home Health Care helpers today, i.e. physical, occupational therapists, aides etc. and then the big wig came and tested him and made sure he was doing as well as they were reporting. He was and so Dad graduated from Home Health Care today! He won't need them again until after surgery.

Then we took the hour drive to get his test done. After that he had an hour long class that gave all the specifics of his knee surgery and answered any questions you could have afterward. It was really thorough. Then, we did something we haven't done in months. We went out to eat. All in all I'd say we wore John Henry plum out. But, it was a good thing. I think we wore Mom and me out, too only probably not quite to the degree we wore Dad out.

This surgery is going to be a BIG DEAL. With his other leg not really cooperating the way it used to it will be interesting to say the least. We need lots of prayers on his behalf that everything works well and he is able to walk and use his legs again to get around. This is a new world for him--even though I think he knew someday it would come. Knowing it intellectually and having it actually happen that you can't move your body without help are two different things. It is upsetting. Please send your most chipper thoughts this way. Love you all, Nancy

JUST STUFF

We all got dressed today. May I have a standing ovation please? We just didn't leave the house. We decided not to do a dry run on tomorrow. It would probably go over best if we don't rehearse it. So, tomorrow we have a blood test and a class on Dad's knee surgery about an hour from our house. The stairlift is completely charged and working! Yay! We did do some dry runs with it. I've been having Mom come up and down with it since her foot isn't in the greatest shape. No, need to overuse it. I do think her physical therapy is helping her foot but still she might as well not overuse it when she doesn't have to.

Rob has been in Deleware training for his job for the last two weeks so he has been in the middle of these snowstorms. He got snowed into his hotel for the second time today. He is supposed to fly home tomorrow--so please pray with me that he will be able to do so safely. The airport he is coming from is closed and all flights cancelled today. Hopefully, all will be well for tomorrow.

Carly is going to be two on Monday. Can you believe it? Me neither. Wow, time sure flies. She is so grown up--in her mind. She sure acts like she is and almost convinces me of it at times. She is a funny little thing. Right now she is scared of "dugs" or bugs. And for some reason she keeps finding them and goes nuts until someone gets rid of the dug! It has not always been a real bug. Sometimes its a piece of paper or a candy wrapper rolled up but we haven't been able to convince her! So we just kill whatever she thinks is alive and throw it away and that seems to satisfy her. Lol!

It's pretty cold here right now--only 29 degrees. It's been a good few days to stay indoors. At least we don't have the white stuff, too. Well, I'm going to crawl under my warm blankets now. Good night.

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU'RE IN YOUR P.J.'S

It's 11:35 p.m. and I'm in my pajamas. Sound normal to you? Yah, it does to me, too. Problem is, I never got out of my P.J.'s today. I'm claiming total wipeout. My baby boy has been keeping me up until the very wee hours of the morning and the worst part is I don't even think he feels bad about it! At least he had the decency to nap with me most of the day. He's a pretty good boy that way.

I couldn't even drag myself out of bed as long as the kids were napping. I figured I could just nap right along with them and so, I did. It might sound lazy but it sure felt good. I got absolutely nothing accomplished today other than taking care of kids and catching some stolen Zzzzzzz's but it was so worth it.

Mom and I tried to bring Dad upstairs for dinner tonight and had chair failure. Couldn't figure out what had gone wrong until I talked with hubby on the phone. Seems we had been given some misinformation about the battery staying charged without it being plugged in. Um, er -- it doesn't, at least not for very long. So, Dad and Mom had dinner together downstairs tonight and we plugged the chair in to charge. Won't make that mistake again. Checked it just before starting to write this and it is all re-charged so he should be able to go up and down all he wants tomorrow.

I told him I think we need to get him out of the house tomorrow for a drive. It's been almost a month since he's been outside. I think that is way too long. We have an appointment with the surgeon's office on Thursday but I still think just a leisurely drive would be a nice thing for him. He has always loved to just go for drives and look at the scenery. So, if we can get him out of the house tomorrow, I think we will do that.

We are 16 days now from Dad's surgery. All the prayers you can send Heavenward for him to stay healthy and be prepared for it, to come through it and heal quickly and to regain his strength and ability to walk would be wonderful. Please spread the word. We love you all. Nancy

MY SCREAMING MIMI

I took Carly to the doctor today to have her ears checked. She has been walking around tugging on them for the last couple of days. Sure enough, she has an ear infection. More antibiotics. The thing that struck me about the doctor appointment though was how it took me back in time. The moment the doctor came toward Carly with her stethescope, she began to scream. She listened to her heart and then wanted to listen to her back. I don't know how she was hearing anything at all because Carly was screaming and crying at the top of her lungs. As soon as the doc wanted to listen to her back Carly turned around and clung on to me for dear life and screamed and cried even louder if that's possible. I couldn't get her to calm down.

It took me back in time to when my sister Sarah had to get her vaccinations for school. Oh my goodness, talk about a screamer! It was at Dr. Johnson's office and I remember being shocked by how upset she got and no one could calm her down. She cried and screamed bloody murder. Well, I now have a child to rival her Aunt Sarah. And that's saying something! Holy Crap! I can't wait until it actually is a shot they are giving her (tongue in cheek). That should be some fun! All the doc wanted to do today was look in her ear and at her throat and she just plain lost it!

Hopefully,the antibiotic will start to kick in really quickly and we will have a happy camper again soon. It sure is interesting to watch our babies personalities come alive. Some days the nature vs. nurture argument doesn't even apply and you realize they just plain come the way they are and as who they are. Cute little stinkers! Gotta love 'em!

IT WAS A TERRIFIC DAY!

Two reasons. Jonathon is responding to the antibiotics. He sounds so much better. You can't hear his breathing from the other room anymore. You can't feel it in his chest when you're holding him. He's not hacking up a lung. In fact, he's not coughing at all anymore and he acts like he's feeling better, too. Yay! So, the doctor's guess of a secondary infection and trying the antibiotics was a great guess! We are so thankful for all the prayers and blessings! Yay!

Reason two. Dad spent most of the afternoon and evening upstairs with the family. We watched the Superbowl together--as disappointing as the outcome was. Dagnabit! It's so nice to have him back upstairs with us again and a part of things.

Although, some of you probably need to call and give him a bit of a hard time. He has been really trying to lose weight before his surgery which is a good thing. However, he is down to 249/50 which was his goal and he is continuing to diet. And when I say diet, I mean he tries to only eat two small meals a day. So, I keep having to talk to him about the importance of keeping his strength up and eating 3 meals a day even if they are not large ones. He just needs to keep some protein and veggies in his system. He just isn't as strong right now as he needs to be and it worries me.

Well, that's been our day and it was pretty darn good. Hope yours was too!

GRANDPA'S NEW RIDE

Wonderful News! Grandpa has risen from the basement! I am so excited. He has been down there for more than a month with only a couple of exceptions which took some major assistance and near extreme measures to get him out. Well, tonight, thanks to my brother-in-law Russ, Grandpa has a new ride. Grandpa and Grandma bought a stairlift and Russ came and installed it for them. Rob was planning to install it but it came on a day when he had to be gone. So THANK YOU RUSSELL!

Now Grandpa can be a part of the regular flow of our home again. He can eat meals with the family and be part of the conversation and see what is going on in the house. I don't know how he has handled being down there so long and not getting totally depressed. I mean, he has everything he needs down there--except people and the main hub of the house. I'm just so happy that we can move him about more easily now and I know he feels more freedom now, too.

So, take a look at his new ride. Keeping Carly off this should be fun! (Yikes!) Here he is in all his glory! Yay!