Pin Slip

I went in for my 7 week followup and learned that my left pin has moved upwards.  It is not even holding the wire that is there.   

So- I am waiting two more weeks.  If it has slipped more, then we will have to do surgery to either take out the hardware- OR- tighten it back up.   I'm really struggling with this because I really do not want surgery again.  I'm somewhat coming back to normal-  I'm not ready for a relapse.  

The KneeCap and a Kitchen

 It started out on a crazy Friday afternoon.     Gracie was home from school, Jared and Ethan were in the house doing something.    Gracie and I decided to run to the grocery store to get a few things for lunch    Little Miss G was not a happy camper.  I wouldn't buy her bubble gum.   I'm not a fan of kids and gum.  It gets everywhere   So I said No.  The check out lady even offered her two smarties and she threw them at me.   Gracie was being a little stinker.   

I got her loaded into the van and we were headed home.   She opened the van door as I was driving and that was the last straw with me.   I was DONE.   So, we got home- I parked the van, grabbed the groceries and went to get Gracie out of the van and she wouldn't get out.   She knew she'd be in trouble.   Well.   I finally got her to come out and I'm pulling her as she's pulling against me with one hand and then I've got the groceries in the other hand.    I tripped on Gracie's feet (somehow) and things started going in slow motion.  I was falling.   I tried to stand, I was still falling, but I was struggling to get my balance.      I landed.   Heard the bag of chips pop--- Great... I had crushed my tortilla chips that I was so excited for.   And then I felt the pain in my knee.  

I yelled to Gracie--- GO GET DAD!   And then I started bawling.   I hurt so bad.   

Jared came out and I couldn't stand up.  I put my arms around Jared's neck and that's how he got me standing.   Oh my Gosh.  The pain in my knee was intense.   I couldn't move it.   

So, Jared lifted me by my bum- my arms still around his neck and he carried me into our bedroom and laid me on the bed.   He elevated my knee---put ice on it and gave me Tylenol, ibuprofen and gave me a priesthood blessing.  

A few hours later, my knee wasn't getting any better.  Jared decided to text his Orthopedic Surgeon friends and see what we should do.   They all said, get to the ER.

So off we went.   It took me 45 minutes to figure out how to get into the van.   It then took 6 minutes to drive to the hospital- and then another 30 minutes, trying to get me out of the van.   I couldn't do anything to my knee.   Not lift it, not move it, NOTHING.   

When they wanted to X-Ray me- I said-- you're gonna have to do it with me sitting right here.  I can not move.      So they did.      Here's what came back from my X-Ray.  

So- like the picture says--- my knee cap should look like the drawing.   But obviously it was snapped in two.    I had to wait until Monday morning for surgery. So back into the van I went..... oh the pain.   At least I now had this lovely brace to support my leg.   

This is how I spent a lot of time.... sitting with my leg elevated.   My good friend, Melanie, brought me her leg ice machine.  So I had ice on my knee a lot.  

5:50 in the morning we reported for surgery at McKay Dee Hospital.   I don't remember much.   But- 22 Staples later..... My knee was fixed and I was sent home.   It needs to be completely straight at all times.  No bending.  A little weight on it is okay- but completely straight.  

Dear Jared got a little bored playing Nurse Maid... so decided to remodel the kitchen.  PERFECT TIMING, Babe!

First he painted the cabinets white....... Then onto the flooring.....  We are doing slate.  

My parents took the kids for Thanksgiving week so Jared did work while I sat around.   I did get to cross one of my bucket items off the list and on Black Friday- Jared and I went to Walmart and I got to drive one of those little Jazzy's around!    YIPPEE!   Just so you know--- they really are a pain.   People didn't care if I was in a Jazzy or not... they were just plain rude!

Check out this Moo-Moo!    I needed something easy to throw on but easy to access my knee.... and my Mom bought me the cutest Moo-Moo ever!

2 weeks later... follow up appointment.

Here's my 2 week later follow up X Ray.   It's looking good.  Lining up how it should....  Awesome hardware, huh!   Staples came out.... and Dr. Bachison said to keep my knee straight for 2 more days.  Then I can start bending it and my own will.   If I am standing or moving around-- I must have my brace on.  I dont need my crutches but MUST have the brace on.  If I was to take my brace off- I must use my crutches and be non weight bearing on my knee.    We gotta get it healed.    Follow up in two weeks....

The end...

Jared and I made a decision that we were going to get rid of regular TV in our house.   We have cancelled Directv.  We did add Netflix and Hulu but our big huge bill with Directv will be gone.  It's a good thing-- really.  In the long run- it is the best for our family.  But I'm having withdrawals.  :)  I miss my shows or catching the news.   Everyone else, including Jared, is doing fine with this change.   I'm the one who is struggling.   Ack!  This too shall pass.   Just need to find more shows on Netflix that I can watch.  

The dreaded words... "Your son was hit by a car"

You know those words, right?   The ones you never ever want to hear?

Well- Last week I heard them.   

Abby, Logan and 2 friends, Allie and Hunter Lindsey, went bike riding.  They decided to go down by the church and ride.  They've done it several times and they've been just fine.   

They were cruising down a slight hill and didn't stop at the stop sign.  Abby went through just fine.  Logan was behind her and got hit.   Hunter immediately came back to the house to tell me and at first I thought, "Ya, Right..."   Then he said--- I'm serious. Logan was hit by a car and he's hurt.

My stomach dropped.  My heart dropped.  I immediately grabbed my keys, purse and whatever else and got in the van and left.  I thought the absolute worst.  He's dead.  He's cracked his head. Will life flight come?  Breathe Breathe........

I got to the accident site about a block away.  (37th and Madison) and saw Logan sitting up on the curb.  PHEW!   BIG DEEP BREATH NOW.  It would be okay.   

Not only 2 minutes later 2 ambulances pulled up.  

Then 4 cop cars!

Here's a picture of the bike. You can see where the pedal scratched the front bumper of the car. 

Logan was okay.  Obviously shaken- scared and all of that.  He had some road rash on his shoulder, and on his arm.   We didn't have him go to the hospital... we just observed him and he was doing fine later that night.  

The family that hit him said that Logan didn't stop at all at the stop sign and they admitted they weren't really watching the road.  So it was an error on both sides.   We are not pressing charges or anything.  They did offer to buy him a new bike but we declined.  They were very shaken up about it.  

You can bet that we've had a lot of talks about the importance of wearing your helmet (which he was NOT wearing) and the importance of stopping at stop signs.  

WOW.  What an emotional day.   We were all so shook up that we decided to go to ice cream for dinner.  :)

Feelings on Moving.

 

I have such mixed emotions about moving back to Utah.  I’m excited to be closer to family and friends but I’m really going to miss my friends that we’ve made here in Wyoming.

·        I love living in the mission field.  I have seen the Gospel of Jesus Christ touch hearts in a way that I haven’t seen since serving a mission.  I love the joy and the happiness and the peace that comes to the people that totally embrace the truth.

·        I love living in the country.   I love the wide open spaces and I love that the kids can run and play and I don’t have to worry that they will be ran over by a vehicle.

·        I love that the ward here has become my family.  When I need help or need someone to help with kids- I have my ward family to depend on.  I love it.  J

·        I love that living here its black or white.  There is no gray.  You live the gospel or you don’t.  You are active in the church or you’re not.  There is no gray- no fence sitting.

·        I have made some amazing friends that I hope that are lifelong friends.  I love my friends.  I love the times that we’ve shared.

·        I am SO excited to be back in Utah and closer to my family.  I miss hanging out and spending time with my siblings and parents.

·        I am so excited to be back in a neighborhood.  I love that I can sit on the porch and visit with friends. 

·        I love that the kids will play outside on the swing set and the tree house that Jared built. 

·        I’m excited to be close to grocery stores and other stores.  We will be so close!  (Instead of a 20 minute drive just for milk or something like that.)

·        I’m excited to be closer to the church too.   Its 5 minutes away.  Instead of 25.  Utah has LDS churches on every corner! 

Ya- I’m excited to be going back- but I’m really gonna miss living in Wyoming. 

Here’s to new adventures!



Moving.....again

Back to Utah we come!!

Technology rocks!

Wow. I am blogging as I sit and wait for my big kids to get out of school. Technology is amazing. :)

SUNSHINE in my SOUL

There is definately SUNSHINE in my Soul today.  It's cold and windy outside, but my soul is happy!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Jared was offered a job by one of the hospitals up here.   That was a huge compliment!   After much prayer, debate, thinking and more- Jared spoke with his current company.  They offered him more money if he would stay with them.  So- we are staying with the same company and we are pretty excited.
Heavenly Father really hears and answers our prayers. 

Also- this past week, I've been able to serve others.  I know it's not that big of a deal- but I tell ya, Serving others brings sunshine into your life!   I made some meals for a friend who just had a baby. She lives 1 1/2 hours away from anyone and I had been worried about her not receiving meals.   So, a friend and I put together 8+ freezer meals for their cute little family.   What JOY!   And today- there is a funeral in our ward and I made 2 things of funeral potatoes for the dinner they will be having.   I LOVE serving others!   It just puts me in such a good mood!   We get to have the missionaries at our house tonight... and that is another way to serve!   

I hope I dont sound like I am tooting my own horn.  I just want to share the JOY and the SUNSHINE that I feel in my heart when I serve.   There is nothing greater.   May you all have a wonderful day and may there be SUNSHINE in YOUR soul.... today!

Sneaky little fella---

Prepare yourself for a long post--

So-- the van. 

I took it into a dealership that was recommended by our insurance company.  They estimated the damages to about $3100.  Ugh.    I decided to look at how much we owed on our van and we owe $5000 on it.  So a difference of $1900. 

Jared and I thought about getting a new van- or just fixing the one we have.  We went back and forth, prayed, discussed, went back and forth.  Finally we decided to get a new van. 

So we started talking with Jared's nephew Tyler who works for his dad who is Jared's brother at Robert Allen Nissan in Helena Montana.  We talked about what vehicles they had- what would work, what payment we wanted, back and forth.  

Then Jared out of the blue says-  I've decided NOT to get a new van and we'll just fix what we have... pay it off and then we'll have money for a bigger, better down payment.  He called Tyler, called the insurance company and that was that. 

I was sad.  I was so excited about the thought of getting a new-ish vehicle!   I didnt care what year- just newer than 2005!  

But- oh well- I went along with Jared.  Maybe he had some extra inspiration that I didn't.  :)

So- the next day- Jared was at work and I got a text from him saying that there was a deal on a new 2012 van that we could get.  The price was right- the van had 12 miles on it- and it was perfect for us.  OR another van had become available that was a 2009 and was loaded.  Price was a little better.   What did I want to do? I was feeling like my "inspiration" wasn't right the first time so I said- texted back- Jared this is 100% up to you.  I'm okay keeping the Kia we have- but I'd love a newer vehicle if it worked out.   I didnt hear anything more from Jared.  When Jared got home from work, I asked what more had happened.  Jared said- Um, there's a glitch with our insurance. 

I couldnt believe it.  NOW WHAT.... I thought.  Jared said he didnt know what would happen. 

This morning- Jared got called into a case at the hospital.  I went to a baptism at the church and came home to decorate Gracie's birthday cake.  I received a text from Jared asking me to pretty please, could I bring him lunch.  He was starving and was able to have a 10 minute break while they "flipped" the patient. 

I said okay- and grabbed Logan and we headed into town.  On our way home, Logan and I were chatting- have a good visit-- when I looked at our house and saw a truck in our driveway with another vehicle.  At first, I thought it was the neighbors who are always loading and unloading things.  But as I got closer, I realized that there was a VAN in MY Driveway!  And not only a van- it was the 2012 Nissan Quest!

I had absolutely no idea that Jared went ahead and agreed to get that one- PLUS had it delivered here. 

Here she is!!

I'm still in a bit of shock!  I can't believe it!   The guy who works for Bob- woke up early and drove the 8 hours from Helena Montana to surprise me.  Then he picked up our old van and delivered it to Billings Montana where they have an auction- and we'll get $2000 out of it.  LOAD PAID OFF ON THE KIA!!

I'm so Happy!  It's so much bigger and roomier than the Kia we had and it is absolutely beautiful and has that NEW CAR smell! 

Jared is one sneaky little fella......

Hometeaching Dinners....

So, we live in Wyoming and we are also members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

The men in our area do what we call, Hometeaching.  And the ladies do what we call, Visiting Teaching. 

The gentleman that is supposed to hometeach us lives an hour and a half northwest out of town.  His wife is my visiting teacher as well.  It gets a little crazy because of the distance.   SO- we have set up Hometeaching/Visiting Teaching Dinners.   Once a month this cute couple and their kids come to our house and we have Sunday Dinner.   

Post Valentine's Day Wrap Up

What an awesome Valentine's Day!

I got up to get kids up and ready for school and Jared got up (that is amazing) on his

day off and made pancakes for the kids before they left for school.

I was lazy- but it was nice.

Jared suprised me with tulips and roses!  My favorites!

And chocolate too. 

Then we went to his city league basketball game where Jared was the star of the game.

I'm so proud of my man!  

What a great Valentine's Day.... What did you do for fun on Valentine's Day?

Sometimes......

You just have to PICK yourself up and carry on!

THIS IS AWESOME. 

A Happy Marriage

LOVE THIS!

This is the life!

We live in the country- and every "country-man" needs to drive a tractor, right?

We had weeds a mile high and our neighbor had this tractor he let Jared borrow to mow them down.  The kids were so excited to ride on a tractor... Jared was so excited to drive the tractor and be a "rancher".  

Ahh-  Life in Wyoming!

President Thomas

Jared & I lost our Mission President last week. What an amazing man! He had eyes that would pierce your soul. I met him in the MTC before we both went to Mississippi!

After Jared & I got home, President and Sister Thomas were at the temple when Jared and I were sealed for time and all eternity. They attended Jared's concerts whenever they were in Southern Utah. What an amazing man who taught me so much and filled my life with greatness. He will be missed. He has a great "NEW" mission to look forward to.

Harold "Earl" Thomas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 6, 2011.

Earl was born on March 20, 1937 to Helen Elizabeth Owens and Harold Edward Thomas in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in Downey and Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and attended North Marsh Valley High School where he met and fell in love with Lona LaRue Evans. Earl and Lona were married in the Logan LDS Temple on December 29, 1958 and have five children.

He graduated from the University of Idaho at Moscow with a degree in Chemical Engineering and was hired by Potlatch Pulp and Paper in Lewiston, Idaho, later transferring to California, retiring after 40 years. His greatest loves were family and church service. If he had a hobby, it was taking his family to plays and musicals. He attended all of his kids and grandkids sports, dance, scouting, theater, and school events. He was known to say, "Whatever Lona wants, Lona gets."

Earl served in the LDS Church as a Counselor in several Bishoprics, Bishop in Lewiston, Idaho and LaVerne, California, in the LaVerne California Stake Presidency, President of the Jackson Mississippi Mission, Temple Worker for three years at the St. George LDS Temple, and Patriarch of the Hurricane Utah Stake.
Earl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lona; and their children: Patti (Michael) Hanks, Jeanette (Brad) Campbell, Traci (David) Christiansen, Evan Earl Thomas (Jill Shoemaker) and Chad Harold Thomas (Tifany Richards). He is also survived by his brother, Ross Martin Thomas (Cheryl Day).
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hurricane LDS Stake Center, 677 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah. Visitations will be held Tuesday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary located at 140 North Main Street and on Wednesday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the Hurricane City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, (435) 635-9922. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.

Flowers may be sent to Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary or in lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made in honor of Earl's love for family fun to the City of Hurricane Splash Pad (435) 635-2811.

Birthday Suprise

I had my 29th birthday...again last week. It was a simple day where I woke up late, then helped a family move in that we knew from Ogden and then I had some down time. Then I got ready for a YW Presidency Meeting. It was scheduled for 8pm at night. Jared offered to drive me, which was suprising, but nice. When we got to the YW President's house.... I heard- SUPRISE!! There were balloons, friends and other YW leaders there! (I need to mention, that 2 other YW leaders share a birthday with me!) It was absolutely so much fun! It was all adults, and cute Missy Muldowney made a double chocolate cake for us! We visited, ate cake, played a game, ate veggies, fruit and dips..... it was SO MUCH FUN.

I'm still in a bit of shock. We've lived here almost 7 months and people were actually wanting to throw a suprise party and include us! It was so nice and yet, so unexpected!

I think we've made some good friends here and I love it!!

Easter Chickies....

Uncle Cam got some baby chickens at his farm!!

We went out to check them out and Ethan was scared to death and Gracie just screamed...

Abby and Logan wanted to bring some home!!!

Thanks and weekend wrap.

Thanks for all who check my blog. You know who you are... THANKS.

Week Wrap & Review--

I don't know if I posted it here or not, but I was called as the YW Girls Camp Director for our ward here in Casper. I'm quite excited. I absolutely loved my days at Girls Camp growing up and now I get to help share my love for Girls Camp with girls here!! It seriously makes me so excited!!

I also was called and sustained last week as the YW Laurel advisor! That means I'll get to spend more time with the girls and get to know them before camp!!! I'm excited to spend time with the Youth! They are incredible.

Saturday was a lazy day for us- Jared made me a mantel clock....

It's on old red barn wood and it sits so great right on the mantel over the fireplace. I seriously love it. I'm lucky to have a husband who likes to create things in the style I love.

This week was not a busy one, Jared and I had a date night on Wednesday as the Youth babysat all the kids so that parents could have a date night. We ended up going to get something to eat, near the church and then went back to get the kids. Jared was exhausted from his trip to Sheridan, WY earlier that day. It was a nice little break, but fun to go back and talk with other women and adults.

I love staying home with the kids and I love where we live right now. It just sometimes gets lonely for me. I miss talking to friends on the street or neighbors, or others. I miss my "adult conversation" time. The only thing I see is antelope and deer out my front window and as much as I try and chat with them... they don't talk back. (which I guess could be good for some!!)

For Sale....

We have put our house up for sale. It's been such a tough decision, but we feel like we have made the right one and we are moving to Tremonton to take care of Dixie (Jared's Mom). She has a lot of property in Tremonton and it's turning into a mess- because she is unable to care for it. Her health doesnt allow her to do it. So, after lots of fasting and prayers, we have decided to sell our home and move up to help her.

I am so sad-- I absolutely love my neighbors, our ward, the friends we have here and the closeness that is on this street. It seriously is the best street ever to live on. The best!! I am going to miss this street big time. But we know moving is what we need to do at this time. So- if any of you know of someone needing a good house on a fabulous street with amazing neighbors-- let us know.

Allen Update

Wow. The Summer is flying by and I am barely getting my feet on the ground. I tell you, four kids has been quite the shocker for me. I dont know if its because I have a 16 month old and an almost 2 month old, plus 2 big kids and a hubby to take care of-- but it's been quite the experience. Ethan is a great baby and I'm so glad. He gets hauled around by Abby and by Logan and they love to help little Ethan. He is just beginning to smile and it melts my heart. If only I could get him to sleep all night. He just doesnt like to cry. He cries and thinks he needs to be picked up, because Abby and Logan always pick him up when he cries. We are working on that. I am trying to teach them to let Ethan cry and it will soothe him... but they still don't get it. It's tough!! Gracie loves to point to Ethan and help hold his bottle or get me a blanket for him. She is a great little helper and right now LOVES books. She is always bringing me a book to read to her. She is so fun. I love this stage!! Abby and Logan have been going to the Boys and Girls Club with Jared. They are meeting lots of new friends with all different types of backgrounds. I love that they get such a cultural experience as well as time to spend with their Dad. Jared is one busy guy. I feel like we hardly see him. But he is working hard for our family and I can't complain about that. He still sings with T Minus 5, but he has started his own band, the Jared Allen Band, and has been performing with them. Besides working at the Boys and Girls Club, Jared also teaches private voice lessons and is working on his recording skills so one day he can own a recording studio. Yep, he's a busy guy but we love him and are grateful for his hard work for our family. As for me, I am trying to get back on my feet after having baby #4. I've had struggle after struggle after this pregnancy and I am so glad to know that we are done with kids. (I hope anyway!!) Four is a great number and I hope I can do well with the four kids that we have. We love the summertime but are anxiously awaiting school to start as Abby will be in 1st grade and Logan will go to Kindergarten!!

That's the update for now! Love to all!