Painfully waiting for relief!

I know, you can't expect relief overnight, right? I was hoping for a bit more of an improvement rather than a step back. I've been taking photos to chart my progress on my ankle recovery, as you've obviously all been aware of if you're reading my blogs. When we were in the hospital Thursday, the doctor acted like I'd be better in 1-2 days. That's NOT the case. I'm not sure if he was trying to be "hopeful" or what. Needless to say, we have an appointment with our primary doctor on Monday for our son and I'll go ahead and ask him what he wants to do as far as sending us to a bone specialist.

Here are some photos as of Sunday morning (early...about 12:00am). Yes, I'm still up. We had friends over to watch movies and I'm just waiting for my meds to kick in so I can drift off into dreamland.


This photo is hard to see but the bruising and swelling extend nearly to the toes and above the ankle as well as around the entire ankle. The inside area is swollen now as well. What a doozy of a job I did.





Hope you're all able to enjoy this lovely weather we're having. I'll resort to watching NASCAR again tomorrow...and napping!

Stay safe-Bec

Yeowch! I did it good.....

**Photos from the beginning are from Friday. Photos from Saturday are at the end**

Apparently, my left ankle did not want to be alone in the recovery and healing process. Not only did I seriously screw up my left ankle but in the process of falling to the ground like a ton of bricks, I involved my right big toe joint as well.

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I told them at the hospital that I thought I had jammed it or something. They didn't x-ray it. This morning, I noted swelling and a nice purplish bruise developing at the joint of the big toe. No wonder it hurts when I try to use that foot along with the evil sticks....errr...I mean...crutches.

My left ankle is looking pretty....uh.....swollen and bruised. It's still quite painful but vicodin and motrin are helping me in that area. Cooking dinner was a real treat tonight. Thankfully, I had a friend come stay with me and my niece volunteered to stay the night with me in order to help me out. Not only is dinner difficult but picking Jonathon up and getting him in and out of bed has proven impossible. He still isn't walking so I can't rely on him to "come to momma."

My body is sore today. Perhaps it has something to do with falling damn near face first onto the floor, like a ton of bricks. My hands ache, I'm sure from gripping the handles on my hot-rod-walking sticks we more commonly know as crutches. (Tim told me that he would put those racing stripes on them for me this weekend!!)

My armpits are screaming "ben-gay" and I'm sure thats from those "oh-so-comfy" armpit rests on those "glorious" crutches. I think I've used muscles I had forgotten about in the last 24 hours because I'm super sore all over, really. I'm sure I tensed up, with a half-assed "brace-myself" attempt before I hit the floor.

This weekend should be interesting. I plan to spend as much of it on the couch or in bed watching NASCAR! Monday will prove interesting as well as I try to manuever myself from the parking garage to my class at college. If I thought my arms hurt now....ohhhh....just wait!

Thanks to those who have sent well wishes as well as stopped by to help me out. It's greatly appreciated.

Stay safe...and for petes sake....STAY OFF THE CHAIRS!!!!
-Becky

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Photos as of Saturday morning:


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Break a leg? How about an ankle...

So...I decided to do the task of "spring cleaning" this afternoon. I pulled a chair up to the entertainment center, stood on it and started taking things off in order to declutter. I decided to step off the chair so I could go throw something away when all hell broke loose.

As I stepped down, my left ankle buckled. I heard the most horrible "SNAP, Crackle and POP" and instantly fell to the floor. The most excruiciating pain rushed through my foot and ankle and began to increase. My first thoughts, "OMG I just broke my ankle"

Unfortunately, the boys were outside playing and the girls were sent to their room for a time out. I was all alone. After I screamed a blood-curdling-scream, Katelyn finally came to me. Between gasps of air, trying to hold the tears back, and the uncontrolling shakes I managed to tell Katelyn to go get Jacob. Jacob came in to find me on the floor still, crying. I instructed him to get my cell phone (which he tried to call 911). I called for help and then told him to get me a bag of ice. He then tried to head out the front door to get a neighbor for help (but I stopped him). Finally I had people here with me, Tim on his way home from work, and was still laying there crying and in awful pain.

We ended up going to the ER where it was said that they can't be certain that it's not broken; however that I did tear and damage the ligaments/tendons in my ankle. They put a brace on it, gave me vicodin, and a pair of lovely crutches. They discharged me with orders of going to my primary doctor and being referred to a bone specialist.

So, I'm couch bound for the next little bit. Thanks to everyone who helped me, who stayed with the kids, and who were able to watch me sob like a little baby. I'm still in a considerable amount of pain so I'm waiting for the meds to kick in.

Signed,
Hob-a-long Becky

How time flies...

Seven years ago, I delivered a handsome, healthy, wonderful baby boy named Austin. Austin decided to enter the world five weeks early weighing six pounds 13 ounces. We watched in amazement as Austin accomplished so much. From his first smile, to his first steps to his first day of school.

Seven years later, I am still in awe at everything my "little" boy has done. Austin is now in the first grade and loves school. He has excelled to the top of his class. He loves his bicycle, playing t-ball, playing with his racecars, driving his siblings nuts, riding his go kart and dirt bike, and giving his momma a near heartattack every now and then. His smile is contagious, his laugh (at times) devious, and he's one of the joys of my life!

Today, we celebrated Austin's seventh birthday here in our home. Austin was greeted with two helium balloons tied to the front porch when he stepped foot off the bus. His grandparents were here waiting for him along with Mom, Dad and his siblings. Daddy made him a simple birthday cake, he unwrapped presents and has continued the evening playing with his new lego set. It amazes me how quickly they grow up!

Happy Birthday, Austin! We love you!

The Joys of my Life...

I sat back this weekend and watched my children as they played for hours and hours. I watched in amazement as they used their vast imaginations to accomplish amazing tasks. I listened as they spoke, pretending to be anything their little hearts desired. My heart swelled as I watched the way they each interacted with one another. Of course, it's not always loving and wonderful around here. Sometimes they get into the knock-down-drag-out fights. They are siblings, it's expected, right? However, the majority of the time, it's pleasant and enjoyable watching them. The girls were mommies, princesses, teachers, and cooks. The boys were cowboys, policemen, firemen and racecar drivers. Much of their conversations consisted of "Pretend you were here...and I...." It's amazing to see the different concepts that they grasp, each and every day.


(Monday) This afternoon, the kids explored the world around them. Austin & Emilee made a contraption that consisted of a cozy coupe car, a childrens picnic table, a ride on jeep, a plastic slide and anything else they could drag out of the shed. The purpose behind this jalopee, I don't know. What I do know is that they had a fantastic time playing inside of and on top of it. When I asked Austin what he was playing on, he told me it was an "Army Thing."



Katelyn decided she needed some time of her own, possibly to reflect? She threw on her pink jacket and her pink too-big-for-her cow-girl boots. She trotted outside, off the deck and proceeded directly to her brothers tree-fort. Now, I'm all for equal rights for my children but there's just something about seeing your little five-year-old daughter that high up in a tree! What WAS she thinking?



Jacob was out rummaging through his fathers treasures looking for the perfect piece of wood to add some special touches to his tree-fort. I'm not sure exactly what he was invisioning in his mind though. Maybe you can tell...






"Sis, do you think you can help me?"


He found a way to successfully lug that huge piece of wood up to his tree fort. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it, isn't it?




Jonathon is learning more and more each day. He's learning how to manuaver his body in ways that enable him to squeeze through the make-shift baracades his parents set up. He's realizing that when he puts his fist in his mouth and bites down, he feels an unpleasant sensation. This, however, does not stop him from attempting to bite down on someone elses fist. He's finally able to enjoy a few more "big-kid" meals since he has three teeth. He hasn't quite mastered the "one foot in front of the other" in additon to "look Mom, no hands". He is still walking around and along furniture while continuing to use "all fours" as his primary mode of transportation these days. That is, unless he can con one of his fellow siblings or parents to pick him up!!








Each and every one of our children are learning, exploring, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I only pray that no matter what, each one of them knows and remembers how much they are loved and cherished. Each and every day we make it a point to give each of them as many hugs, kisses, and snuggles as they will allow. The sweetest things that escape their lips each and every day are "Goodnight Momma, I love you" or "Daddy, I love you."

It was time...

I can't believe how "big" he looks now! Such a handsome lil guy! Have a great week everyone!

...Yawn....What time is it?

That's how I feel today! I've pushed myself to the limits this week and it's finally caught up with me. By yesterday afternoon, I was worn out. I ended up napping until after 8pm and then slept until 11am today! I obviously needed the rest and am happy to report, I feel SO much better today! I'll try to find a blog worthy of posting with something intelligent to say...but until then, I'll leave you with this:

And he's off...

How is it that Tim can sleep through a screaming baby, a crying child, his own snoring (that closely resembles that of a dozen chainsaws hard at work), and even the ambulance and fire tones of every other agency that surrounds us but the moment his tones go off, he's out the door in a flash? How does that happen? Those "Magical" beeps can wake him from the deepest sleep.

Obviously, I'm tired! I had another "barely asleep before being woke up" night. I fell asleep somewhere around 3am only to be woke up by my quiet and considerate husband about 4am as he crashed through the bedroom, tripping over everything he hasn't taken care of. Of course, he fell asleep as soon as his head hovered 3 inches from the pillow and there I lay, tossing and turning while I wait to resume sleeping! Why am I blessed with my mothers inability to fall asleep? Why is it that I am the one that lays awake at night thinking about everything there is to do, pay, and finish? Perhaps it has something to do with my inability to urinate while standing, or the fact that I am blessed with the ability to give birth. Yep, that's what it is. It's all because I'm a woman! But, alas, I finally drifted off to sleep only to be woken back up by those damn chainsaws again. I wish they'd run out of gas sometime soon. A quick jab in the ribs, swat of the hand, foot to the thigh, and even the occassional "TURN ON YOUR SIDE" seems to jostle them enough to throw their rythmn off track for a minute or two. Apparently, Tim's unaware how his snoring impacts the rest of us who are kept awake by it. But as he says, "I'm not comfortable sleeping on my side" and "What am I suppose to do about it?" Honestly, I now know why some married couples sleep in seperate rooms! I always thought it was silly before...but now...it's not looking like such a bad option. Okay, I'm only half-joking!

So, after a whopping 30 minutes of uninterrupted sleep (if that!), I was up and at it again. Kids off to school, Emilee's breakfast, listening to Jonathon ohh and ahh in his crib and suddenly...just as I was about to put my head to my pillow...it happened.

Beep beep beep beep beep...."Fire Center to Leslie Fire..."

Lord, HELP ME!

Instantly, the dedicated firefighter that I lay with in bed (because I never sleep!!) sits straight up and mumbles, "Do I have time to go?" I don't even think I got the "Yuh" sound out for Yes before his feet hit the floor. Of course, it is quite humorous to watch him as he trips over the exact same things he did when he came to bed, tries to throw his shirt on (looking like a cat stuck inside a paperbag), trying to make a graceful exit out the bedroom door (only to run smack dab into the door frame), and stumble down the hallway. However, he soon returns bumping into each side of the hallway walls because he forgot his pager, or keys, or perhaps his pants back here in the bedroom (which is a comedy show in itself watching him throw his pants on while he hops around like a kangaroo on one leg!!) (Word to the wise, if you ever stay overnight...be fully prepared to see a man run down the hallway only to turn around and run the other way in search of his pants! Don't be alarmed, he's not streaking due to intoxication. Well, perhaps he is...in a firefighter sort-of-way. Cover your head with your blanket and drift peacefully off to sleep. The ruckus will soon be over and if you're anything like Tim, you may even sleep through the entire thing.)

Okay, really...I'm not a bitter wife-of-a-firefigher, although I do have my moments. I'm just a bitter wife-that-can't-sleep!

Any suggestions???

Not our day!

The day has started out rough...and my guess is that it will only continue to get worse. I finally crawled into bed somewhere around the 2am mark. At 3am, Tim came to bed, waking me up to question me as to the whereabouts of his missing items. I finally drifted back to sleep somewhere in the next hour. Promptly, 6:30am, my alarm sounded! I s-l-o-w-l-y made my way to the shower, turned it on to get warm and headed to the bedroom to wake the boys. Their new request is to have a shower in the morning to "wake them up". Personally, I think they use this time to sit on the shower floor and catch a few more minutes of rest, uninterrupted by momma. About ten minutes into the shower, I flash the light on/off one time, indicating it's time to get out. That's usually followed by an "O-K" and the morning begins.

Tim is up getting the kids around since he needs to run some early morning errands. The boys are showered, dried off and getting dressed. Katelyn is up, getting her hair brushed and already dressed. I am back in bed, hoping to catch just a couple more minutes of sleep before my day begins. After reminding Tim to remind the kids to check for homework folders (with homework included), remind them to eat breakfast, and all of that jazz I realize I should have just gotten up myself! But, alas, I stay in bed...still hoping to get just a little more rest.

Finally, the kids are all ready, out the door, and on the bus. It's now about 7:20am. Tim finishes up and heads out. I still lay in bed. That is, until my phone rings at 7:33am. "Mrs. Hendershot, We have Austin here in the office...."

Can't a woman get a little bit of rest around here?

Being the momma that I am, I threw on my best looking running suit, combed my hair, threw a pair of sunglasses on as a makeshift headband, scooped up both sleeping children (after getting them dressed as well as shoes and socks) and headed out to pick up my sick prince. He never made it to class as I picked him up before school even started!!

When I picked him up, Austin told me that he had "thrown up" about 10 times in the middle of the night. WHAT?!?! How could that BE? I was next to his room the entire night, never heard him get up, and never even went to bed until after the 3am hour! Why didn't he come get one of us, you ask? Well, he tells me that we were sleeping! What a considerate little gentleman. Of course, he also told me that he "threw up" during the night as I was getting him out of bed in the morning too...which I thought was a last ditch effort to get me to allow him to stay home from school. Kids are sneaky...they'll try anything! I told him that if he was puking at school, they'll call me to come get him...but that he was going to school. He didn't look sick, didn't act sick, and didn't smell of big-kid vomit. I truly thought he was pulling my leg! Little did I know...

We packed everyone back in the van at the school, including his backpack filled with vomit! Well, it wasn't THAT bad as the school tried washing the bag off in the sink and then kindly put it inside a clear garbage bag. You know, the 100 gallon sized ones? Perhaps they thought I wanted to put my child in there too, who knows! We arrive home safely without any episodes. I head into the house with the two little ones leaving Austin to get his stuff only to return and find Austin using our driveway as a landing zone.
INCOMING....splat!

The joys of parenting. I'm preparing myself now for the flu to run wild throughout the entire household. That will be my luck! Oh, and this whole vomiting issue...it started on the bus on the way to school. Guess who Austin was sitting with. Yep, his sister...

Would someone PUHLEEEEEEZE trade me places for the day?
Until our next encounter...stay well!

Simply Precious

These are photos taken tonight before bedtime! Jonathon, Emilee, Katelyn and I. Silly Silly children! :)

Oh what a beautiful morning....oh what....

A Beautiful Day!!!

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, the children are laughing, and the smell dishwasher soap fills the air. Oh wait...scratch that last part.

Even though I had class this morning, I was still able to come home and enjoy a few hours of bliss in the sunshine. Tim and I spent a bit of time out at the pond admiring our school of fish. Obviously, they have reproduced and some of them have gotten quite large. They are a bright a beautiful orange color. Some are mixed, black and orange. We even saw some that were a pale nude color. I know, that sounds silly for the color of a fish, doesn't it? We tried to catch some in a net but it deemed impossible without getting into the water. Sorry, that wasn't happening!

The kids nearly leaped off the bus and ran right back to us where they too wanted to play. Some went to the swingset, others to the trampoline, and they didn't forget to mix in a little mud and water along the way.

Katelyn exclaimed, "It's Spring, momma" as she flung mud on my pantleg while running past me.

It's so awesome to see their little faces light up at the littlest things. I know they are all anxious to have the beautiful spring weather which leads us into a hot summer. They have started picking out flowers that they'd like to see in the yard, vegetables they plan to plant in the garden, and even the pool they are trying to convince us to purchase. Umm...we'll stick with the flowers and veggies right now!!

So, how did you enjoy your beautiful day? I hope you were able to catch a ray of sunshine...or two.


Becky

Little Suprises...

After returning home, finally embracing my son in my arms, I was able to inspect some of his new arrivals. If you recall, prior to our trip, he had one tooth barely through. Only 6 days later, he has:
Excuse the boogies and dirty face!!

On another note, my sweet natured loving oldest son decided to make something special for his momma's birthday. I was in my room doing homework when I could smell something. I figured he had thrown something into the microwave to eat. He soon came to my door, requesting my attention in the kitchen. I headed out and was greeted by:

Now, he really, really tried. He's growing up so quickly that it's almost scary. The only thing he lacked was to check the expiration date on the end of the can as well as watching to be sure the bottoms of the rolls didn't get over-done. But he tried, bless his heart! And they were even my favorite...GARLIC!
Psst: Don't tell him that the dog *really* enjoyed these rolls.
Am I surrounded by some of the greatest children, or what?

Another year older...

Today is my 30th birthday. I'm not one to freak out about hitting the three-zero mark. I actually look forward to what my 30's have to offer me. What does strike me is the fact that I remember my parents in their 30's and I thought they were *so* old. How wrong I was!!

Jonathon is doing a great job at adjusting back to *our* schedule rather than that of the hospital. Let me back up for a minute. We took the children to Disney World last week but left our youngest son with his aunt. While we were gone, he became ill and was hospitalized from Tuesday until Friday. Let me tell you, it was mighty difficult to have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation while knowing your child was states away without his momma or daddy. We are so very thankful for the wonderful loving care that his Aunt gave him. We can't ever thank her enough. Our nights and even some of our days were filled with tears while seperated from Jonathon. We knew that he was being well cared for by the hospital staff as well as his Aunt. We couldn't help feeling incredibly guilty; however, for putting his Aunt in that situation. So, if you're reading this, know that we love you with all of our hearts and appreicate everything you did, going above and beyond, for us and Jonathon. We love you! Also, thank you to each of you that made your way up to visit with Jonathon during his stay. I'm sure it helped him as well as his Aunt, who was more than likely pleased as a peach to have some adult company!

The kids are doing a great job adjusting from post-vacation as well. They each had a magical time while away. The girls were amazed at their surroundings. The expressions on their faces were priceless. I am currently writing a trip report that I will happily share with you when I finish it. It will be done in segments due to it's size.

It's nearly bath time for the kids so I must head out for now. Stay tuned to this blog for further updates on our family!

Becky