Post-op Day #2

Well.... I'm surviving. Just barely. Today is better than yesterday.... just slightly better. I am still pretty tired, sore, and I can tell when my 4 hours between pain medication are up.
Mike said that the doctor was very optimistic when speaking with him after the surgery. Dr. Pate said that the 2 stones in my right kidney came out while he was putting in the stent on the left side and that he was able to break up both stones in the left kidney. So, hopefully that is the case and I am stone-free. I have to go back in to the office this Tuesday to have the stent taken out. While I am glad to know that I only have a few more days with the stent, I am anxious about having it taken out!
Thank you to everyone who has said a prayer, called to check on me, cooked a meal, took care of Caden, and offered to help when/where needed. Mike and I really appreciate everything.

~jen

Kidney Update

First things first... I passed my stone today. Wahoo! I did take a picture of it (I knew my friend Renay would totally love to see it!) but I am not going to post it! It's just too gross! :)

On a more serious note....I went to the urologist today. I started hurting pretty badly yesterday, so I called his office twice (only to leave a message.... seriously... I cannot stand leaving messages at the doctor's office!) and finally got a phone call back late yesterday afternoon to come in this morning. My urologist, Dr. Pate, is wonderful. He really listened, has a great "bed-side" manner. He was pretty upset that I was even released from the ER Monday morning. Apparently I should have stayed in the hospital and had this taken care of Monday. He ran a another urinalysis and a series of x-rays. So here's the diagnosis... I have a total of 4 stones, 2 in each kidney. One on the right is starting to move and shouldn't be a problem. The other one on the right is in a "good" position and shouldn't cause any problems. Now to the left kidney. I have an 8 mm stone that will eventually block the ureter (the tube that leads from the kidney to the bladder) and it is not in a good position, it is starting to make it's way out of the kidney. I have another stone about 6 mm that will also be a problem.

So.... on Friday I will have to go in for day surgery. I will have to have a stent placed from the left kidney to the bladder under general anesthesia and then I will have Lithotripsy done to break up at least the larger stone. There is a limit to the procedure, so Dr. Pate may not be able to break up both stones in the left kidney. I should be able to go home late Friday afternoon.

I am not happy to say the least. I realize that this is what must be done in order for the stones to go away. I've been down this road.... 14 years ago and it was horrible. I'm hoping that it will be different this time. I was pregnant with Cody during that time before, so hopefully it won't be as bad. Your prayers would be appreciated. Not only for me, but for Mike and the boys.

Thanks,
~jen

14 years and counting....

14 years ago, Mike and I were married. For better, for worse. Over the years, we've had our share of the "for worse". But, somehow we made it through the darkest moments and have come out better than when we started.

One of my favorite songs is one of Brooks and Dunn, titled Proud of the House We Built. I can truly say I am proud of this house that Mike and I have built. We have come so far, and looking back, there are probably some moments that I wish hadn't happened, but it's those moments that have made us stronger.

Happy Anniversary, Michael. I love you today... and always.

~jen

Kidney Stones X 2

Last night (1:15 this morning) I had Mike drive me to our ER due to severe back pain. I had a feeling that it was a kidney stone, but after hours of no pain relief, I decided it was best to go ahead and go to the hospital, just to be sure.

Of course, once I got to the hospital, the pain became much more tolerable. A CT scan was ordered and not only did they find a stone traveling ever-so-slowly from my left kidney to my bladder, but a second larger stone is in my right kidney. The nurse taking care of me couldn't believe that I wouldn't let him give me any pain medicine. He kept on telling me how many grown men had come in with stones smaller than mine screaming in pain! But since I was comfortable for the most part, I decided that I didn't really need anything. After a liter of IV fluid and an IV antibiotic (I also have an infection), and a referral to a urologist, I was released at 5:45 this morning.

I've been ok today.... really tired and still hurting. I ended up taking a pain pill around 11:30. Boy did that knock me out! Luckily Caden was willing to take a nap, so we ended up taking about a 3 hour nap together!

I have an appointment with a urologist for next Tuesday afternoon. I am very anxious about going. When I was pregnant with Cody I had some kidney problems which required a stent placement (small tube to keep the tube from my kidney to the bladder open). That whole ordeal was horrible. I hurt for the entire time the stent was in. Of course they removed it in the office a few weeks before I had Cody and that was hands-down worse than my entire labor and delivery! So, to say the least... I am very nervous about going to the urologist next week.

I would appreciate your prayers that all will be resolved quickly and as painlessly as possible!
:)

Thanks,
~jen

More Soccer Pictures

Here are some more pictures of Caden from today's soccer game.

~jen

1st Soccer Game

Caden had his first soccer game this afternoon. He had a great time. It was a lot of fun to watch! It basically resembled "controlled" chaos! :)

~jen

Iced Coffee! Yummy!

This morning on my way home from the gym, I decided to stop by McDonalds and try one of their new Iced Coffee drinks. I got the Vanilla Iced Coffee and it was yummy! So much that I thought it was "blog-worthy"! :)

Just FYI... I was curious to know how many calories were in this new found favorite of mine, so I went to McDonalds and you can find the calorie and fat content for everything they serve! Good information to know!

~jen

Another Win!

Cody's team won against their #1 rival, Bonham, 21-0. Cody played well, no touchdowns this game. He had a few good blocks. After the game he said he just didn't feel well... lots of cramping and a headache. After getting some dinner in him, he said he felt better. He seems a little worn out these days. Hopefully he will rest well tonight. Here are a couple of pictures from today's game.

~jen

1st KU Field Trip

I accompanied Caden and his class to the fair today on their first field trip. It was a great time. Ms. Keri and Ms. Teresa have a wonderful class. (You both work extremely hard! God bless you both!) It was a pleasure to go along with them today. Here are a few pictures of Caden from the day.

~jen

*Our class wore the yellow bandannas. It was a great way to keep track of our kiddos at any time.

*Ah... the petting zoo... again!

*Caden watching ever so closely to the milking demonstration! See the cow below!

*How many more pictures are you going to take, mom?

*We probably shouldn't have been sitting on this... but it made for a great photo-op!

*Yummy cotton candy!

Yeah! It's the end of the field trip! For the kids and the adults! Whew! What a day!

Weight Loss Update and A Day at the Fair

Weight Loss Update:
I decided to go ahead and weigh-in today (a day early) while at the gym and I have lost another 3 lbs! Yahoo! I can't believe it. It really feels good. Thanks to you all for your support.


A Day at the Fair:

After a workout at the gym with Renay and Keri, we all went to the Tri-State Fair. We met Melissa, a friend of Keri's, there. I am sure we were quite a sight with a group of 4 adults and 7 kids! Wow! I have never been to the fair. It was quite a lot to take in. I figured out that as far as food goes it has to be one of two things to be considered "Fair" food.... it has to be fried or it has to be on a stick! I saw signs for fried pickles, fried ice cream, and fried s'mores!

Now since I have been so good lately with my diet and work-out regimen, I decided that it was ok to treat myself (which is why I weighed in today and not tomorrow!). So I had a corn dog (regular sized, not the foot-long ones!), we all shared some Texas Tators, and then Caden and I shared a funnel cake. I have to say the corn dog was really good and I should have stopped there. After the funnel cake, I could literally feel my arteries clogging and my stomach didn't feel so well either!

After lunch we walked over to the textiles exhibit and took in all the hand-made goods. We saw some really good-looking pies and baked goods. We also saw some beautiful photography. I think next year I may enter in some things. I think I could enter in a few baked goods and maybe even a photograph or two! :)

Afterwards we were going to watch a gentleman whittle some wood... with a chainsaw... but the winds were so strong today and the exhaust from his chainsaw was a little too much. Caden was also distracted by a mechanical bull behind us, so we soon found ourselves watching Caden ride a bucking bull! Yee-haw, cowboy!

We made our to the petting zoo exhibit and most of the kids really had a good time petting all the animals.

It was really a great day spent with great friends!

Here are some pictures of the afternoon.

~jen

*Caden was so serious at first while on the bull, he kept a close eye on the gentleman working the controls of the bull... but then he finally lightened up. I tried to get a picture of him with one arm up in the air, but whenever I asked him to hold up his hand... he would only do it for literally 2 seconds and then he had it securely fastened to the rope!

*Yuck! Believe me, if I could have covered Caden and I from head to toe with alcohol gel after petting the animals... I would have! We did get our hands cleaned and then went straight home and had a bath!

Everyone Loves a Parade!

Today Caden and I joined a good friend of mine and her 2 kiddos and we all went to the Tri-State Fair Parade. I have never been to watch the parade, so I was really excited to go. Cody was invited by a friend to participate in the parade. Caden and I had a great time. Here are some pictures of the morning.
~jen

*Cade's trying to pop the bubbles that were coming off of a float. (That's a sucker in his mouth.)

*This was one of Caden's favorite cars in the parade. He thought this car was too cool!

*Here's Cody passing out candy to all the kids!

*Apparently Cody's friend's group was supporting 'Frank for Sheriff'. Not sure who Frank is... but Cody had a lot of fun taking part in the parade!

Another Great Work-Out

Ok... I'm not going to blog about every workout. But, today was a great time spent with two good friends... Renay and Keri. It was really a lot of fun. It was such an encouragement to have these 2 right beside me.
Keri, you are a great motivator and I enjoyed visiting with you about Caden and KU (Keri is Cade's teacher at KU.). Every few minutes Keri would say... ok... get to 170 cal burned, or get to 3/4 mile mark. Thanks for pushing us along and for the encouragement!
Renay, I enjoyed spending the time with you. By the way... love the new hairstyle! (Renay and I have this awesome friendship... talk basically every day... but only see each other once every few months!)
We have to do it again soon, girls! It was really a fun time!

~jen

Newspaper Link

Here's a link to Cody's team's highlights from Tuesday.

The touchdown pass that Cody received was 45 yards! Way to go Cody! :)

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/091207/mor_8457835.shtml

~jen

Way to go RENAY!!

My friend Renay calls me last night at 8:45... and says... so, you want to go to the gym tonight?

What??? Are you kidding me? I've just worked a 12 hour shift, walked up and down my assigned hallway 100+ times (which was on the Cardiology floor- it was my time to be "pulled"), tired as can be.... no way do I want to go to the gym! :)

However, I have to say that I am really proud of Renay. I am sure she was up at the crack of dawn yesterday getting her older kids ready for school and then took care of her 1 year old twin girls, helped with homework, cooked supper, helped get the kids ready for bed, AND then drove the 20 mins or so that it probably takes to get to the gym. So, WAY TO GO RENAY! I love your commitment and your enthusiasm! Hope you had a great work-out.

Love you,
~jen

First Football Game Pics

Cody had his first game today. His team played one of their biggest competitors and Crockett WON! The final score was 14-6. Cody had an amazing touchdown on a pass play! It was awesome... and luckily I had moved toward the end zone a few plays earlier so I was right there cheering him on! It was so exciting! Here are some pictures of the game. Thanks to Marcia, Rebecca, Aaron, and Sadie for joining us. I appreciate you coming and supporting Cody!

~jen


*I snapped this pic right before Cody caught the touchdown pass!

Weight Loss Update

Drum roll......

3 lbs lost! I know it is a small amount... but it is a start. Only 27 lbs more to meet goal #1.

I just got back from the gym. It is such a great feeling... it's so energizing. Believe me it was hard to get there. I almost had myself talked out of it. There's housework, cleaning, laundry and dishes to be done.... but it can wait. Working out was more important... so I didn't let my temptation get the best of me and I went to the gym! Yeah!

Now it's time to start on the house! :)

~jen

Fall is in the air....

If you live in Amarillo, open the windows and enjoy the free air conditioning! Our first "cold front" is blowing in right now. It is very cloudy here, and there is a cool breeze in the air. It is wonderful! I saw the temperature was a cool 60 degrees now and falling. By morning we could be down into the 40's-50's. I know I sound like a meteorologist... but I am just so excited for fall to get here! It is one of my favorite times of the year! I spent the day Saturday setting out all of my fall things. I went to Hobby Lobby today and picked up some flowers to make a fall wreath for my front door. I think it turned out really pretty! :)

Hope all is well with each of you. We are doing great. Cody called earlier today to let me know that he will be starting on offense (wide receiver), and he will be on the kick-off and return team for tomorrow's game. Return team doesn't sound right. Is that the right name for it? He will be on the special team that receives a kick-off. Make sense? :)

Cade's doing well. He found his long-lost Cars XBox game (it was under the couch) this weekend, so he is so excited to play it again. He is excited for tomorrow to get here... it's KU day (preschool)! He has really enjoyed school so far! His first soccer games are this weekend. I am excited to watch him play. It should be fun.

Mike and I are doing fine. Nothing really new to report with either of us. NFL football has officially started this past weekend. Say a prayer for me. It's going to be a long season! :)

Hope all is well with each of you!

~jen

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Happy Grandparent's Day!


I have always thought I had the most wonderful sets of grandparents. That hasn't changed. I know that I am blessed to have my Papa, Granny, Grandma, and Pa still living and an active part of my life.

Some of my most favorite memories are these:
-All the trips to Lake Diversion with Grandma and Pa
-The summers I spent on the road with Granny and Papa in a non-air conditioned Studebaker traveling to a Studebaker Convention
-My Grandma's chocolate chip cookies
-Watching my Granny work in her beauty shop
-Pa teaching me how to drive the Suburban
-Papa picking me up in Electra to ride the train
-Riding on the Joy Bus after church
-My Granny's Christmas Day meal

There are so many more that I could list. I will truly cherish each memory. What gives me even more pleasure is knowing that my kids will each have memories of not only their grandparents but their great-grandparents as well!

We are truly blessed.

Grandparent's Poem
~Author Unknown~
There is a special kind of love that grandchildren have for their grandparents.
It's filled with respect for their wisdom and accomplishments
with gratitude for the values they've given us
with delight in the stories of our family that they remember and share.
It's a special kind of love that's built on a lifetime of caring and giving.
It's the kind of love that's felt for you,

Granny and Papa, Grandma and Pa.... today and always.

With much love to Granny, Papa, Grandma, and Pa...
Happy Grandparent's Day!

Love,
~Jennifer

PS... A special thank you to Mom, Dad, Donnie and Marcia for being such great grandparents to Cody and Caden. Mike and I appreciate all that you do for the boys!

Bike Helmet

Here's another Caden story for you all!

Earlier today I drove Cody out to the golf course. Caden knew we were getting ready to leave, so he ran outside ahead of us to get in a quick bicycle ride. He had his helmet on and as we were getting loaded up I asked Caden to take off his helmet while we were in the car. To be quite honest he looked a little silly sitting in his car seat with his bicycle helmet on and I was a little embarrassed.

Well, he said no way, he wanted to wear it. I'm learning to let go of the small stuff and only fight the big battles, so I just said ok.

We had to stop by Mike's office to pick up Cody's golf clubs, and as we were waiting, Mike came out to the car to say hello. Of course Mike's grinning from ear to ear once he sees Caden sitting in the back seat with his bicycle helmet securely fastened to his head. He asks Caden why he has on his bike helmet. Caden replies... just in case mommy crashes... she's a crazy driver.

Thanks, Caden.

~jen

Gold Team

Cody made the Gold team in football! First game is next Tuesday at Mann Middle School at 4:00. You are all welcome to join us!

~jen

Big Boy Bike

Caden decided to spend the last of his birthday money today while we were at Wal-Mart. He found a bike that he liked. Here are a few pictures!

We Both Survived Our 1st Day of Pre-K!

Caden made it through his first day of Pre-K! His Mommy did too!

Caden's first words when I picked him up: "I didn't get in time-out today!". Yeah! I was glad to hear that! :) Then he said he had the nicest teacher and he really likes Ms. Keri. She sat by him at lunch and they talked about soccer. Overall, I think he had a great first day. He really thinks he is such a big boy now and can't wait for Thursday to get here!

As for me.... I did pretty well. I stayed very busy all day. After dropping him off, I came home for a little while then decided to go get a manicure and pedicure. Confession: I have never had a pedicure. I have always wanted one, but never had enough courage. (Somewhere in the back of my mind is the scene from Steel Magnolias when Annelle has to give Ouiser a pedicure.) But I decided to give it a try. The massage chair was probably my favorite part. I didn't really enjoy the pedicure experience. The water was way too hot, the lady nicked one of my cuticles (then the nurse in me thought... wonder what kind of staph infection I could get from that!), I hated when she used the pumice stone on the bottom of my feet...but the best part is that my toenails look so pretty. I chose a pretty shade of pink and she painted some flowers on my big toenails! Too cute! We decided that I didn't really need a full manicure, so she just cleaned up my fingernails and put a clear coat on them.

Over the past few days I have been thinking a lot about a number of things... from Caden starting preschool to Cody being in high school next year... and one of the bigger ones is my weight. I decided over the weekend that it was time to make some changes. So after my spa experience I joined Weight Watchers. It was very depressing to see my weight right there on paper... in black and white. There was no denying it. Time to face reality. Time to make some serious changes. Time to commit. Time to get healthy. Time to lose the weight and keep it off.

My short term goal is at least 30 pounds lost by Christmas. So there it is...I've made it public... it holds me more accountable if everyone knows. I'll post on Tuesdays about the progress I am making.... which will be more for me personally. I can look back and see how I've done and hopefully I will stay on track to make my goal.

~jen

1st Day of Pre-K!!

Today was Caden's first day of Pre-K. I think he was up about 5 times throughout the night...just so excited for it be morning. He and I went and had breakfast at McDonald's (aka Mr. Donald's per Caden). We had a nice time. Of course, the whole time I am fighting back the tears knowing what's ahead.

Once at school, Caden seemed a little shy, but not scared. He gave each of his teachers a bag of goodies, found his spot to hang his back-pack, and then sat in his seat to begin playing with play-dough (one of his favorite activities!). He gave me a great big good-bye hug and kiss and asked what time I would pick him up. That was it. No big deal.

I did well until it was time to leave. I didn't dare let him see the tears even through our good-bye hug. But as I was hugging Keri, one of his teachers, on my way out... they came. So I quickly left. Made it to my car and then sobbed. This is so hard. Caden is my baby. I know he isn't a baby anymore. But starting school is a new chapter for him... and for me. It's the beginning of the last of the "firsts". He is the youngest, so every "first" he has is the last for us to experience.

I know he is going to have a great day. Knowing Keri is there, makes it so much more easier. I know he is going to be safe, loved, nurtured and he is getting a great start to his education.

Hopefully I can make until 2:30. I am so excited to hear all about his day.

Here are some pictures of the morning:

*1st Day of Pre-K picture

*Close up of Caden's new smile

*Sitting in his seat in his classroom

~jen