Ripley's Believe It or Not!

When I created this blog I promised you that it would not be filled with the morose details of my family life. If it weren't for the doubts of a certain lovable gaggle of teachers at my aunt's school, then I wouldn't have to break my promise to you. Blame them; it's all their fault!

I should take my mom's medical records on a trip of the U.S. First, I'd go to Vegas and bet all I have that in the next month my mom will be hospitalized at least 2 more times, that is once she gets out from this trip. Then, I'll go to Area 51, you know, that top secret place in the Nevada desert where the government is studying alien existence. I'm sure the scientists would love to know that the aliens have set up shop in my mom's body. I'm sure I could use her chart at Niagara Falls as a raft to go over the falls on. Lastly, we'd stop off at the nearest Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, where her charts would win top display location for being the thickest in the shortest period of time. Hmmm, can you say "road trip!"

Okay, I've been thinking about how to list all of her problems in the past 16 months and I think I'll go with categories. You'll have to give or take a few in each, seeing as fatigue, despair and downright lunacy might alter my count a tad. The ones with a "*" next to them have occurred just since September, the last time my mom was home. Here we go.............

-broken legs: 3, 2 required surgery with pins
-bowel obstructions: at least 12+ (8 or more*), 1 required 5.5 hours of surgery*
-amputated toes due to complications from diabetes: 2, both on same foot*
-ambulance trips: 10+
-ICU stays: 7 or 8, 3 in Jan. alone*
-intubations: 2*
-yeast infection in her back (yes, her back): 1, surgery completed this evening*
-breathing issues: too many to count*
-life-threateningly low blood sugar levels: too many to count, 3 just since Easter*

-blood clots in her leg/groin: 1*

-pulmonary embolisms: 1*

-infections (mostly hospital born): too many to count*

-blood/plasma transfusions: too many to count, 6 plasma and 2 whole blood units just last week*

(I'm sure there's more but I'm overwhelmed at my list and lunacy is creeping in.)

You're probably shaking your head for 2 reasons right now, 1 being that you can't believe this list and the other reason being that you can't believe that I would put this so nonchalantly on my blog. Well, trust me, I don't take any of this lightly. The only things that have gotten me through these ordeals (and these aren't all the ordeals we go through) have been my faith, my family & friends, my therapist and my humor. Laughter truly is the best medicine. I knew there was a reason that God brought Rick, Lauren and Josh into my life. Nothing is funnier than watching the 3 of them going to town doing impressions from the latest TV show/movie or imitating a Canadian relative or 2! Yup, that means you, Auntie Barb.

Worrying about my mom won't heal her. Neither will being angry, taking it out on others, delving into depression, eating chocolate until I want to throw up, or wallowing in the misery of it all. I've tried 'em all. In fact, nothing I do or can ever do will heal her. That's not my decision to make. The only thing I can do is take care of myself and that means being loving to my parents, taking breaks from them when I'm about to lose it, being there for my husband and children, having a pedicure while drinking a Starbucks, laughing whenever and wherever the mood hits me and being honest and open. That's what I did just now in this blog.

I love my mom and dad dearly! Please join me in praying for them during this most disturbing time of their lives.

And, with that all said, I call shotgun on the road trip! :)

The Details!

So, my previous posting was about the emotions behind Lauren's prom. I actually didn't cry, but sure was choked up! I thought I'd fill in all of the family and friends that have already asked for THE DETAILS.

You know the story behind the shopping for Lauren's dress. It was an easy one, as were the accessories. She already had the shoes and the purse. We bought some new makeup, barrette for her hair and nail polish that matched her dress. On the morning of prom, she had a manicure, where the lady put on the matching purple and then put on a fine line of silver polish at the very tip of each nail. It looks beautiful. Her toes were purple too, but no silver there. Lauren was going to wear my jewelry that matched very well, but then decided to make her own. So, in a matter of 15 minutes on Friday afternoon, she made herself a necklace and pair of earrings that matched her dress perfectly. That's our girl - doing it her own way! :)

We had a bit of a fiasco with a curling iron and tensions rose in our bathroom as I worked on Lauren's hair. Rick and Josh did the best thing possible and steered clear of the surrounding area. We discovered that a curling iron on Lauren's curly hair leads to curls that aren't as tight as her natural curl and we ended up spraying her hair with water, scrunching it again and blow drying it back the way it was. Whew!

We picked up Nathan, took pictures at his home and then went on into town, to meet the other people she was going with. There were 5 of them altogether. They went out to dinner, with 2 other moms eating at another table so as not to embarrass our teenagers, and then those moms drove them to the prom location, in the south part of Houston and even farther from our home. Nathan's parents then picked up Lauren and Nathan at 11:00, when the prom was over, and Lauren arrived back at our home by a little after midnight. She was all aglow!

First of all, Lauren, in her typical brave fashion, asked Nathan to the prom. She was thrilled that he said yes. I must say, that she chose very well. Besides being handsome, Nathan must be the most polite and kind young man I've ever met. He paid for her meal, even though they went as friends, walked her to the door last night and called her today to tell her thanks for going with him and that he had a great time! She told me they slow danced 3 times and she was in heaven! All you ladies, can't you just imagine! {happy sigh!}

Lauren had the best night of her life. She danced like crazy with her friends, was surrounded by her loving, understanding and supportive teachers (no parents allowed) and was accompanied by a handsome young gentleman. She felt good about herself, was not nervous and truly enjoyed every minute of the evening.

Of course, this event took place just 11 days after Lauren had her tonsils and adenoids out and tube put in her ears. As you can see, she came through her surgery very well, with typical throat soreness and minimal ear pain. The doctor did say that the fluid in her ears was the consistency of glue so that explains why she couldn't hear! She's being very cooperative with using earplugs every time she gets in the shower. I've been really impressed with how well she handled the whole thing, including an IV. She did great. Thanks for everyone's prayers and concern.

Here are a few more pictures from the evening!

Holland is Beautiful!

Well, Lauren had her big evening yesterday! She went to The Monarch School's prom with her friend, Nathan. Don't they look adorable!

You know, prom is a big deal, for kids and for parents. I'm not putting down any parent's excitement about this big event in their child's life, but for kids like ours, last night was a dream come true.

There's a great analogy about when a special needs child is born into a family. The comparison is between having a baby and going on a trip to Paris. In preparation for a trip to Paris, you would buy books on Paris. You might take French lessons, make daily agendas about all of the sites you will see on your journey, buy a map of the city and dream of the landmarks you will see. You are excited about eating French cuisine, buying souveniers and strolling the city streets of Paris with all of your friends, who are also on the journey in Paris.

Imagine you embark on your trip, board that plane, travel across the ocean, but when you land you're in Holland. You don't know where you are or how you got there. This definitely was not on the itinerary! You don't speak the language, you don't know of any landmarks, how to get around the city and you don't know anyone else. You feel so alone, confused and isolated. Then comes the anger and depression because you're not in Paris, like you were told you would be. You hear about all of your friends that love being in Paris and are so envious because they're there and you're not. It just isn't fair!!

When we found out that Lauren had PDD, shortly after she turned 3, life instantly changed for our family. We no longer were in Paris, but instantly teleported to Holland. All of you who read this know what a struggle it is for our family to live in Holland. We've come to adjust to living in Holland, found wonderful people who show us around the city and help make our lives easier. We have supportive family and friends who visit us often and try to understand what it's like for our life in this uncertain place. The weather changes quickly around here and is sometimes so stormy that Rick and I worry if we can endure the wind and hail.

Well, yesterday, all of the tulips were blooming, the sun shone and the leaves on the trees danced gently in the warm breeze! It was a glorious day in Holland!

Make a Joyful Noise!

If you know me then you know that I LOVE to sing. I'm not great at it but I love it enough to do it. Singing is one of the few things that I do even though I know I'm not really good at. It doesn't matter though. If there's music playing I'm singing it - anywhere, any kind (except rap, oooh that would be an interesting sight - me singing rap!), any time.

I'm a member of one of the adult choirs at our church and I do children's choir as well, along with my best buddies, Hilary and Amy. This video is of the kids' choir, singing "The Solid Rock" at our contemporary service on April 13th. I wish a few more had shown up that morning but they did a great job, didn't they! The kids in yellow shirts are ages 3 & 4; blue shirts are K-2nd and green shirts are 3rd-5th graders. We have a blast. Ya, I can say that now that our practicing for the year is over! We just had our recital and end of year party this past Sunday.

If you are ever down in the dumps, having a rough time of it or needing some cheering up then sing with a child (or children). Nothing will make you smile more!

Listen carefully to the soundtrack and you'll hear harmony. We're so proud of them! Way to go, Joyful Noise choir!!!

The ABC's of Me

I've been "tagged" by my friend and sister-in-law, Angela, so here goes nothin':

A- Attached or Single: attached legally for almost 20 years, unofficial for 24

B- Best Friend(s): Cindy, Diann, Hilary, Amy, Renee, Rick

C- Cake or Pie: blueberry pie, but just about any pie or cake will do

D-Day of Choice: Saturdays because I usually don't HAVE to be anywhere if I don't want to

E-Essential Item(s): cell phone, my therapist (seriously!), my faith and my humor - not necessarily in that order

F-Favorite Type of Music: I like all kinds of music but I love songs from the 80's because they bring back all kinds of memories!

G-Gummy bears or worms: gummy bears - the clear ones

H-Hometown: Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada

I-Indulgences: Starbucks (oops, I must indulge several times a week, then), pedicures, Dancing with the Stars

J-January or July: July in Canada, not Houston

K-Kids: 2 lovely, delightful teenagers!!!

L-Last movie: at the theatre? ummm, 27 Dresses - with Diann during the day!

M-Marriage Date: August 20, 1988

N-Number of Siblings: 1 sister named Susie

O-Oranges or Apples: I like both, apples - Pink Ladies; oranges - Cuties (you know, those little tangerines)

P-Phobias or Fears: cockroaches (the big Texas ones!), driving on a REALLY tall overpass - I have visions that I'll loose control of the car and just fly off the side (I know what you're thinking, but I told you I needed a therapist)

Q-Quotes: My current fave: "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!" (Angela, we have the same one!)

R-Reasons to Smile: Rick's devotion to me and our family, Lauren's creativity and sweet smile, Josh's sense of humor and his caring nature, God is always there to help me

S-Season: spring - I love the "new green" on the trees

T-Tree: pine trees - the windswept kind you find on Georgian Bay, where I grew up (see photo)

U-Unknown Facts About Me: I'm an open book. I tell it all, baby! Ummm, let me think ....I can pick up things with my toes (like my dad); I'm addicted to lip balm (I can't go to sleep without putting it on first); I can easily take a 1-2 hour bath

V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I hate it when someone puts it THAT way. If I really thought about it before I ate it, I'd be a vegetarian, but I don't so give me a filet mignon, and make it medium please!

W-Worst Habit: zoning out in front of the TV

X-X-rays or Ultrasounds: that's a weird choice. I don't like either, unless I'm having a baby and then I like ultrasounds. No, I'm NOT having a baby!

Y-Your Favorite Food: hamburgers, with no mustard or pickles

Z-Zodiac: Cancer - go to this website to find the descriptions of each sign

Whew.... It's Over!

I think this is a record! Lauren and I went prom dress shopping today and we bought the first dress in the first store we went to. Unbelievable!

I've been preparing myself for this momentous event because previous shopping trips, for clothes not nearly as important as a prom dress, have been a hair-straightening event (seeing as we both have curly hair). You know Lauren and you know me and sometimes that might lead to a confrontation or three!

Well, I pampered myself this morning with a nice, long bath (with candles) and sipped a Starbucks. Trust me, it was necessary, or so I thought. God is good and God knew that I needed something to be easy. We even lucked out with her jewelry, because I happened to wear today, on Lauren's good advice I must say, the necklace that just happens to match her dress perfectly. All we need is some alterations, some cute shoes and she's done. We're going to do a practice run-through of her hair style here at home and see if we can avoid the up do from the salon. Lauren's hair is so gorgeous that I don't think it will be hard to make it look stunning.

So, what do you think of my baby girl?

Perusing Purses

I bought my summer purse yesterday. It's such a fun and bothersome task all at the same time.

I liked my purse I used last summer and moved all my stuff over to it a few weeks ago (now that spring has sprung here), but have found it to be too small this time around. Now that I live in my car and drive at least 100 miles a day I keep several things in my purse. Besides all of the usual stuff, I now carry around a magazine, a book, paperwork chores I can do from the car, snacks, water, etc. I'm not interested in my purse holding all of this but my purse from last year wouldn't even really hold a book (a must these days!).

So, off to the mall I went. As a side note, it's weird being at the mall during the day. I feel like I'm skipping school, which I never did. I didn't even skip school on Senior Skip Day. Josh asked me today "Mom, I don't mean to insult you at all and I really love you and all...... but were you a nerd in school?" I fessed up, although I think he already knew. Maybe he was breaking the news to me, in case I didn't know. :)

Anyways, back to the mall - The thing about purse shopping is that I know more of what I don't want than what I do want. I didn't want anything too small, I didn't want a tote bag, I didn't want studs on it, or 1 long strap, or 1 solid color, or too cheap, or too expensive, or too flashy, or too nerdy (I'm trying!), or....or.....or.....

I found a purse I really liked so then it's time to test drive it. That means I put the purse on my left shoulder (never my right) and walk around like I'm shopping, while holding my real purse in my other hand. At times, I will glance at a mirror, when one comes up, so I can see how my new purse looks. Even though I'm staying in the purse section, sales personnel ask me repeatedly if I need any assistance. Can't they see I'm going for a test drive! I'm not trying to steal it!

Once I bought it, my urge was to find a place to sit down and transfer all of my stuff from the old to the new purse. I fought the urge while in the mall, but was mentally putting things in certain pockets as I walked to my car. Good thing a car-jacker or {gasp} a purse-snatcher wasn't watching because I wasn't "on guard" as I almost always am in a parking lot.

I decided that I would drive to Lauren's school, after a quick trip through Starbuck's, and get into the carpool lane early. My reward would be getting to put stuff in my new purse!!! I was in heaven, being one of the first in line, sipping my venti non-fat caramel macchiato and transferring my items into the new "summer purse"!

So, today I went with my friend, Cindy, to be her companion on her shopping spree. It's not my fault that I happened to find 2 pairs of shoes that were at an unbelievable price at Ross Dress for Less on Westheimer! While browsing, I did what I always do but don't want to do. I go through the purse section and question whether I bought the right purse. I'll do this for the next few times I go shopping, which isn't very often, and drive myself crazy but, alas... it's beyond my control.

Anyone have any suggestions about how to explain this to Rick? Actually, we've been married almost 20 years. He's beyond trying to figure me out. He just says "It's okay, Beth. I trust you." I do love that man!

Is it just me who's this, ummm, purse obsessed?