Tess Turns 3!

Tess had a great Birthday . She shares a birthday with her mom. My daughter-in-law, Melissa, is so talented and always does things so cute. These pictures show the darling table she prepared. Tess celebrated with her friends the day before her real birthday. She invited Abby, Evie, Brooke, Bridget, and Grace to come over for a Tea Party. The guest list and the theme were all her idea. Thursday, while Melissa was at lunch, she got to go to "uncle Marc's" house with Great Grandma and Grandpa Romans and Great Aunt Susan to see his horses, chickens, dog and trampoline. They were so nice to take her and Maddox so Melissa could go out with some friends. For her birthday dinner she wanted Pizza and pink ice cream. Melissa said great!... if I don't have to cook..... which is always a great present for her.

Tess is the cutest little girl. I love to hear stories about her. Her mom said " I can't believe my baby is three. All of a sudden Im realizing she isn't a baby. She makes us laugh everyday. She is cute and sweet but also a troublemaker. Just today, she drew all over her entire face with marker, including outlining her eyes. I found her in the bathroom trying wash off her hands with the cutest guilty look on her face. Then when went up stairs to get some different clothes, she was distracted by the toothpaste. I found her a different bathroom, chest and arms covered in toothpaste, trying to wash the sink off with A LOT of soap. But my heart melts when she sings every word of Once Upon A Dream in her best voice."

I have heard her sing this and she is so adorable she will melt you heart. It is fun to be the grandma and not have to worry about any discipline. I can finally leave that to the parents. I can just enjoy how fabulous and fun all these cute little grandkids of mine are. They are all so different and individual and wonderful. I am blessed.

Happy Birthday Tess. We love you so much and can't wait to see you in May.

The Kids Come Home an for an early Mother's Day Surprise

We had the best time last weekend. All my kids came home for an early Mother's Day present

( and Regan and Gigi were an extra bonus). Denton was here to finish up his work assignment and pack some things in his house. When the kids found out he was coming, they arranged their schedules to come a few weeks early to help him pack and do a Mother's day brunch for me. I didn't think Jordan could come at such short notice, but he surprised us and came walking out of Denton's house Saturday morning. Everybody else got here different times Friday night.

We had our traditional sourdough pancakes Saturday morning and then all went over to pack.

After that we went to " Kabuto" ( a Japanese steak house) for lunch. It was really fun and delicious. I was disappointed in the entertainment at the table, but the food was great. Our guy was kind of dull and didn't do many knife tricks.....except chop the egg. But we loved the food.

The kids all went grocery shopping for the brunch and then to the Apple store ( a regular stop in Richmond) and Greg and I went home to watch conference. The all trickled in and made it for some of the 2nd session. I had tivo'd it.

I had cooked a pork roast for pork tacos and fresh pineapple for dinner. We all ate and the boys got ready for the priesthood session.

Lindsay, Chelsea, Gigi and I went to the fabric store and out for shakes from " Cookout" until the boys came home. We discussed their session and hung out visiting until we got too tired.

Sunday morning I slept in a little while the kids all cooked a fabulous early " Mother's Day" brunch. It was so good and even had artichokes for the centerpiece that I can eat later. They all helped and we had a great time eating and visiting.

Then it was time for conference . We watched ( and napped :) until it was family game time playing " Ticket to Ride" Lindsay and Regan gave us for Christmas. Chelsea had to go but the rest stayed and Lindsay and Denton made homemade macaroni and cheese for a late lunch..early dinner. It was so yummy. Everybody left to get home at a decent time and Greg, Denton and I watched the last session of conference It was a great way to end a perfect day.

The kids all got along so great this weekend and we had alot of fun talking about old times.

They were really kind to each other and there wasn't too much teasing. I liked that.

It meant the world to me. It has been a hard year for alot of reasons and this blessing gave my heart and my hope a big boost. And my knee is pretty good except for my back problems. The kids videoed Greg massaging me and it better not end up on UTube Clayton:)

I spent all night missing everyone and hoping it won't be too long before we can all be together again. It is right that kids grow up and go on their own.....but it isn't easy letting them all go over and over. It is a mother thing.

I love them all so much. They are good kids and Greg and I feel very blessed. It is so great for us that they love and support each other and us. And we appreciate all the in-law kids that let them come and stayed home with the grandkids.

This was the best Mother's Day present ever. You can see how happy I am.

BYU Rocks! Jimmer is the man!

I really enjoyed watching the BYU game tonight with Greg. We used to have season tickets to the basketball games when we were dating at BYU. The guy who sat next to me every week, used to slap my knee and say " Holy Mackerel" for every good and bad play. I got used to it. I started slapping his knee and saying it back. Greg and I have laughed about it for years. So tonight he said " Holy Mackerel" just for old time sake.....several times. It made watching with him fun. I don't usually get into it it that much, but tonight I was a dream date for a boy....a girl who likes to watch basketball :)

It was an exciting game and so fun to watch...especially awesome Jimmer Fredette. What I read and hear about him and his family is positive and he is a good missionary for the church. He seems so humble and down to earth and has a testimony he can express well. I think it is cool that his dad is LDS and his mom Catholic and they let the kids choose. And boy it is fun to watch his confidence and ability to shoot 3 pointers.

I especially think it is cool that BYU upheld their standards this year and benched a really good player for not following the honor code. That is one of the best missionary messages they could have sent. But they treated him kind and with respect. He made a mistake.....he owned it....and can go back to playing next year. I am proud that BYU can take the heat and do what is right....despite the cost. It made tonight's win all the better.

It is exciting to think they made the sweet 16. Hope they keep up the good work.

I am proud of my school and happy to be a big BYU fan.

This is almost as exciting as the year I met Greg and Nebraska was #1 in football. Who had ever heard of Nebraska until GO BIG RED was ranked #1 nationally. I finally found out it was in America :)

I am a Huskers and a Cougar fan......and will forever be a Dodger baseball fan.

You may not have known that about me......so I had to post it for posterity.

A Surprise Visit

Sunday night we got a surprise visit fron the Wood's for dad's birthday weekend.

We had Chinese food for dinner and a waffles for breakfast. The kids had fun playngwith our new " lincoln logs" amd "tinkertoy's". Then off to the children's museum short pump.24 hours of fun.....so glad they came.

My New Knee: Welcome to my Geriatric Paradise

Well I survived ( barely) my first surgery( knee replacement) and my first trip to the emergency room as a patient. I have been too sick to take pictures and document things every step of the way. I feel bad I don't have pictures of all the flowers, meals, treats, gifts, etc. I got cute socks, books, tulips, daisies, candy , zillions of cards and all kinds of wonderful surprises. But they are etched in my memory. Today, February 27, 2011 , I write what I can and take a few pictures of things still up. My surgery was Feb 1st.

I could spend hours on the hospital experience and all that was wrong..... but that would just wear me out beyond measure. Let me just say, you need a patient advocate when you go to the hospital. TRUST ME...you do. The doctor was awesome......just the other people I could complain about. I did get the award for their most alert post-op patient. Back in my room shortly after surgery...... my make-up on, a diet pepsi in hand, Oprah on TV and Greg getting my computer hooked up so I was back in business. I even started answering my NOTARY phone a few hours post op. I sent Greg home to sleep as he has been up all night. My nurse couldn't believe I was running a business from my bed on my surgery day. Welcome to the world of the self-employed. It was ok as my epidural hadn't worn off yet, so I was talking rationally. But as time went on and more narcotics became involved, I was slurring my words and falling asleep mid-sentence. Good thing my business conversations are short.

This has been an unbelievable experience for me. Lots of pain involved. But the love and support from friends and family has been spectacular. I have had real nurses and faux nurses ( friends), brutal physical therapists, maids, visitors bearing gifts, snacks and treats, yummy meals, packages in the mail, FB messages, phone calls, emails, tons of cards, flowers, blueberries , expansion socks to keep from getting blood clots ( I really hate them and so does Greg who has to put them on me everyday), leg massages, geriatric contraptions and supplies, and lots of medicine (check out my pharmacy on the table) to help me get better. My room upstairs looked like a "geriatric paradise"...just like I remember my mom's and grandma's in days gone by. Thanks to all who loaned me STUFF for the short time I will need it. Corrine's cane, Nedra's walker and Billy's high potty chair ( my favorite) No one tells who you can't get down very far when you can't bend your knee.

I did fine the first week with lots of help. I was worried if I could even get up the stairs in the front of the house and then climb MT Everest to my room upstairs when I got home. But I did it. I stayed upstairs the first 3 weeks and then graduated to the family room downstairs....where I currently hang out. I love having the flat screen and apple TV to use. Jordan and Clayton were here the first weekend , along with Greg, which meant the world to me physically and emotionally. It is really nice to have family around when you are in a bad way.....and might be acting like a big baby. Of course I wasn't :) But this was much harder than I had expected.

I came home from the hospital with a new rash on my back that nobody knew what it was, for sure. Itched like crazy. Greg lathered me up with ointment everyday and it finally cleared up after 3 weeks. I had a continual charlie horse thing in my surgical leg that hurt like the dickens. Alot of massaging went on from my PT and my friends. Unfortunately, it wasn't the kind of massage you coul enjoy.

Then the kicker was the week (really 9 days) everyone thought I had a virus....lots of severe stomach pain and the BRAT diet until I wanted to throw the soup, rice and toast at Greg if he brought it to me one more time. Turns out Saturday night, after crying and doubled over in pain, the on-call doctor said get to the emergency room..."it isn't a virus". We went and 6 hours and 6 tests later, I was diagnosed with " bacterial diverticulitis". I needed antibiotics. Wow...who knew after 9 days of suffering, it wasn't a virus after all. So I am still on the meds , but better and no more stomach pain. My appetite has returned with a vengeance. My friend Debbie, brought me a chicken salad sandwich and chips for lunch the first day I was better and my appetite had returned. It was heaven..like eating gold. Who knew good food could bring you that much joy. I guess we always appreciate something more when we can't have it for awhile.

Greg has been an awesome nurse. He was exhausted the first while and was so happy for all the help we have received. It is hard working 2 jobs and then being a caregiver. And climbing the stairs several times a day. And then when you forget to bring something....it is death. Mostly he is happy when someone is here with me visiting, so I can't think up things for him to do or bring me:) He was especailly impressive that he kept all the tupperware and dishes straight from all the meals brougth in and labeled. My friend Kim returned everything for me and couldn't believe a man was capable of such a great feat. I said" are you kidding" Greg is really in to the details :) We all had a good laugh. He just has to get a little OCD in behalf of me, when I am out of commission. I knew he had it in him.....but he hides it really well:)

But I have to say, it isn't easy being the patient either. Not to mention the pain , lack of sleep, and overall lousy feeling. It is really hard being so dependent, helpless and unproductive. Especially for me.......independent and ready to go " anywhere" in 20 minutes. Patience has never been one of my virtues. I think I have done pretty good overall :) Don't ask Greg. His prespective isn't accurate :)

I hope to get a picture of my home health care nurse, Heather and my Physical Therapist Tim tomorrow. They will leave me tomorrow. It will be my last visit from them. I go to the doctor for my follow-up and will be released to out-patient therapy now. The have been awesome.

I have been out in the car a few times running errands with Greg.....just to get out of the house.

Of course, I stay sitting while he runs in and out. It is nice to have a change of scenery. I will remember that for others. Just a ride around the block, can be helpful.

I have learned alot and have had alot of time to think about things. We are humbled in our trials and I certainly have been in mine. My compassion and empathy has doubled for those who suffer, especially chronic illnesses and are dependent forever. People need alot of love and support to survive all that this life demands. Sometimes you can't change someone's situation, but your love and support can help them bear the burden a little easier. I know... it did me. I hope I never forget all the feelings and insight I have had this past month.

I am grateful for so many things.... especailly modern medicine and skilled doctors who are amazing in their abilities. I think Dr. Hull will be happy to see me tomorrow and see how well I am now doing. He told me this would involve pain but I would survive it. Of course we weren't planning on the few extra problems thrown it, just to let me know who was really in charge.

I hope I will continue to improve and one day I won't even know my fake knee is in there. Tim tells me in a year that will be true. A year seems like a really long time. Right now, there is a reminder every minute. And if I get back into my jacuzzi. I will be a really happy woman. I love that place..it is my therapy for everything. I can walk pretty good now with my cane and the stairs are now my easiest thing. I still hate my PT exercises ( sorry Tim). He aks me if I believe all the inspirational sayings I have all over my house. I say yes.....when it doesn't invovle a complete knee replacement with a bacterial infection.

Thanks to everyone who helped me in even the tinniest way. Everyone and everything made all the difference. I am a lucky girl and feel so very very blessed, indeed.

I am having recipe club with a baby shower on Tuesday. My first big activity 4 weeks post-op. I will still be sitting alot but I won't be bored.

Oh, Happy Day. Finally.

May I never need surgery again, I pray.