A New Day

Thank goodness today is a new day. Yesterday was one of those days where nothing went well. I woke up with one of the worse headaches I have ever had and it never seemed to leave. (In fact I still have a headache this morning.) Half-way into the day after starting some laundry, the tub, sinks, and shower all filled up with wash water and who knows what else. The toilets starting bubbling and wouldn't flush. I hate this house. We had to call the land-lord, who of course couldn't be reached. Tried calling a plumber, but was told "sorry, has to wait until morning". Finally after a couple of hours the toilets started working right. Mike was nice enough to take some laundry to the laundry mat so he and the kids would have some clean clothes for the next few days. He probably needed to escape from me.

Yesterday was one of those days where I seemed to lose my temper at the drop of a hat. Caden was awful all day and into everything that he could get his hands on. He emptied a bag of crackers and crushed them over the kitchen floor while I was dealing with the plumbing. He dumped out every storage bin of toys and stuffed animals in his room. (You literally cannot see the carpet in his room). I ended up putting him to bed at 8:30 last night.

While cleaning, I accidentally mixed 2 different cleaners that both contained bleach on a wash rag and created, what was I am sure was some kind of toxic gas. I had to open up the bathroom windows to let the bathroom air out. That probably explains my headache this morning.

Cody decided to finish a project that was due today. He also decided to start it yesterday. I found out that he has had the chance to work on this project in class since Wednesday. Since he was in a hurry to get it done, he decided to type part of it on the computer, then somehow lost all that he had typed. By the time I was able to help him, it couldn't be located. He had to re-type it all out. Then he had to draw 6 pictures relating to Pioneer life. He proceeded to get mad at me because I wouldn't help him draw the pictures. He was up until about 10:00 trying to get it finished. This morning I feel like a bad parent for not helping him draw the pictures, but after practically showing him where to find the information in the book and Internet for his written portion of the project, I just thought enough is enough. It's Cody's project. He's in the 7th grade, not me. I am sure he will still be mad at me this morning. I just hope he will remember this from now on and not wait until the last minute to start these type of projects. We'll see, though.

I pray today is a better day.
~jen

Surreal Moment

This past Friday night we went to watch the Amarillo High Sandies Varsity Basketball team play. Cody's basketball team was introduced at half-time. The introduction was short.... "In the crowd tonight we have the Crockett Pioneers 7th grade boys basketball team ...take a stand, boys". That was it. It wasn't quite what Cody or the kids thought it was going to be. But, it was a special introduction nonetheless.

I spent the majority of the game thinking back to my days as a Sandie. It seems in some ways that it was just yesterday that I was in high school, but then it seems like it was so... so... so long ago (14 years ago, this year. Ouch!) It was kind of surreal sitting in the gym. I can remember the pep-rallies and the games and how much fun it was to be in high school. I think back to all the friendships that have been lost through losing touch over the years. There are days where I wish I could go back. Is that silly? I miss the fun, the friendships, the FREEDOM!!!! It's silly, I know.

~jen

Snow man # 2

Meet snow man #2. Snow man #1 was vandalized. Not even the lowly snow man is safe in our neighborhood. We went outside Monday afternoon and found our snow man to be face-less and button-less!
Yesterday the kids (Caden and Samantha) and I built a new snow man, complete with a golf ball nose! While looking at the pictures, I've realized he is an oddly proportioned snow man! Oh, well. We had fun!
~jen

Cleaning 24/7

I need to vent. This probably isn't the best place to do this, but right now I need to vent. Can I just tell you how much I hate cleaning. I know hate is a very strong word. But it is the most appropriate word for how I feel about cleaning. I can clean all day, (and by "all day", I mean all day) and wake up the next morning and no one can tell that I cleaned the day before. Can someone please explain to me how when I am in bed at night, 3 individuals can totally destroy a perfectly clean house?

I woke up this morning at 6:45 to find play-dough scattered over half the living room. Let's just say I am still not happy right now. I ended up throwing away 8 containers of play dough and digging about half a container of play dough out of the carpet. Caden was smart enough this morning to not say one word to me while I was cleaning up the mess. I kept my cool (New Year's resolution) and calmly explained to Caden that once play dough is left out all night it is ruined and has to be thrown away. His response, "That's OK mama; we'll get some more at the store". I just smiled, still keeping my cool.

I have heard stories on the Today Show/Good Morning America about wives and mothers who go on strike from cleaning. Honestly, I don't think anyone around here would care if I stopped cleaning. I realized yesterday while doing dishes that I was missing some glasses. I found 8, EIGHT, glasses in Cody's room. (Which probably explains the strange odor I noticed while in there.) I just turned out of his room (which right now you can't even see the carpet) and closed the door.

(I know my mom is reading this and thinking, I remember a little girl whose room was always a mess. Yes mom, I know, and now it is coming around full circle!) :)

So, what's the solution? I have no idea. Since I am treated like a maid (it's really not that bad, but that's how I feel right now) maybe I should start charging for my services!

OK, I'm through venting.... I've got cleaning to get to. :)
~jen

Update on Caden

I have worked the past 3 days and haven't had a chance to post an update on Caden. We received a phone call from our family doctor regarding Caden's nasal cultures. I am happy to report that there was no growth of any kind from the cultures. Which means that the staph has not colonized in Caden's nose, and that he is not a carrier of the staph infection.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your many prayers. Thank you to those who put Caden's name on your church's prayer list. Thank you for your many calls and emails. Mike and I really appreciate everything.

~jen

Winter Wonderland

After receiving upwards of 8" of snow yesterday, Caden had some fun this afternoon! (I don't have any pictures of Cody because he is out sledding with his friends!)
~jen

New shoes

Ah, the power of new shoes. It is amazing how a new pair of tennis shoes can transform the average 4 year-old little boy into a super-power hero who can jump higher and run faster than ever before!

He did, however, get his brother's opinion on the "cool-factor" of this particular pair of shoes.

Scene: Academy shoe department
Caden: "Are these shoes cool, Cody?"
Cody: (rolling his eyes) "Yes, Caden, they're cool. Let's go."

Done deal. Easiest shoe shopping experience I've ever had with the boys! :)
~jen

Slingbox

My husband has a new toy. It is called a Slingbox. Here's how it works. You attach these sensors to your directv box and then one has the capability of watching directv anywhere there is a computer with an internet connection. One loads up the program on their computer, a remote pops up on the screen, you type in the channel you want to watch, and wha-la you're watching TV on the computer. (I know this is a very simple explanation, but this is the best you get from someone who has no knowledge of electronic toys). Mike thinks this is best thing since sliced bread. However it now gives him the ability to control the TV even when he is not at home!

For example, today I am trying to re-live my glory days by watching a little 90210, when all of a sudden the channel changes to the Colts and Ravens football game. I immediately change the channel back, and not 3 seconds later I'm watching the football game again. This could go on and on, but I conceded and let him watch his football game (even though he was at work).

This scenario happened the other day with Caden. However, poor Caden did not find the humor in his daddy changing the channel from his office computer! He came into the kitchen almost in tears trying to explain to me that the TV kept changing channels and he couldn't watch his cartoons. I immediately picked up the phone, called Mike and told him to cut it out because Caden was about to have a nervous breakdown!

~jen

Recent Photos

Here are a few recent photos of the kids.
~jen


-Caden and Cody at the park (December 15, 2006)


-Caden with his new Texas jersey!


-Cody with his new Texas jersey!


-Oh boy, a Cars Xbox game!


-A Texas sweatshirt!


-Finally, a new cell phone! (We had it hidden in his new UT golf bag!)


-Oh, what could it be?

Good morning....

Hi everyone. I hope all is well with each of you. We are doing ok. I took Caden back to the doctor this past Wednesday for another check-up. The main infection has cleared. All that remains is a small scar. He still has a few infected bumps on the back of his leg. We will continue to apply the topical antibiotic to them. We have an appointment with a dermatologist at the end of the month to talk about treatment options for the bumps. Our doctor cultured Caden's nose to see if the staph has colonized in his nose, or if it was just isolated to the infection in his leg. We should have the results by the first of next week. I didn't ask what happens if we get a positive result. Right now, I am just taking this day-by-day. I am not going to worry until I have something to worry about (see New Year's Resolution
# 10!). Other than a runny nose right now, he is doing ok.

Cody is well. His basketball team lost their 1st game last Wednesday night. It was a pretty good game (at least by my novice knowledge of the game). Cody played well. He told me in the car after the game that he could have played better though. I told him everyone has an off day and you just have to learn from it and try to do better. He just gave me that typical teen-ager stare and said sarcastically, "I know, mom". Good try on my part, right?

Things are going well with Mike at work. He has just gone back to work...like he never left. He seems to be enjoying it again.

I have decided to go to a part-time schedule starting the week after next. I am looking forward to only working 2 days a week. I think it will help in all aspects of my life. Caden will be able to stay at home more and out of day-care. I will be home more with the kids. It will be better for everyone.

Well, I guess this is all for now. Caden has woken up and claims he is starving. I guess I better get this little boy some breakfast before he withers away to nothing! :)

~jen

Back to work...

Mike has decided to return to Honda as the Used Car Manager. He will start working tomorrow. He had a meeting last Friday with the owner and after much thought, he decided Honda is where he wants to be.

I will miss having him around. In some ways I wish he didn't have to go back to work. But there are a number of reasons why he has to go back to work: the water, gas, electric, phone, satellite, and many more bills need to be paid! :) I know the kids will miss having him at home. Especially Caden. He is not happy at the thought of having to go back to the daycare while I am working. His solution to the problem is that mommy can just stay at home. It's a win-win situation for both of us! Caden and I are both working with Mike on that solution! Stay tuned! :)

~jen

Happy New Year

I can't believe it is January 1st, 2007. Where has time gone?

I have to admit that the new year is probably my favorite time of the year. It is a time for reflection, resolutions, and new beginnings.

I have thought for the past couple of days about my new year's resolutions. While there could be a 100 resolutions, here are my top 10 and most important for the new year:

1. Renewing my spiritual life. Finding a church home. Getting "real and honest" about what is important.

2. Pray. Pray. Pray.

3. Having more patience with Mike, Cody, and Caden. Remembering to let the little things go every once in a while and focus on the big things.

4. Find happiness in everything.

5. Keep a cleaner and neater home. Get organized.

6. Help Caden succeed with his speech and learning disabilities.

7. Spend more one-on-one time with Cody.

8. Financial security. Reduce debt. Save for a new home.

9. Commit to an exercise program and stick with it. Develop healthier eating habits for myself and my family.

10. Worry less. Have more faith.


May this year bring all of us health, happiness, and hope for a better tomorrow.

Happy New Year
~jen

Update on Caden

Caden has another infection. This one is on the back of his right thigh and is about the size of the tip of my pinkie finger. Our doctor decided not to lance this sore, but to leave it as is and see if it will resolve on it's own. Caden will start another round of an oral antibiotic, along with a topical antibiotic to apply directly to the infection. We will go back in 10 days for a follow up. Please remember him in your prayers.
~jen

Update

Good morning.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mike, the kids, and I had a wonderful day. Thanks to everyone for our wonderful presents.
Well, here are a few updates. Caden's follow up appointment last week went well. We were given the all-clear to visit with family over the weekend. Unfortunately, another sore has surfaced and we are returning to the doctor this afternoon. I don' t know what it is going to take to get this little boy well.
Cody is doing well, enjoying the holiday break from school. He got to try out his new UT golf bag yesterday with Mike and Caden at the golf course.
Mike is hanging in there. Last Friday evening he received a phone call from the owner of the dealership that he worked at. The owner realized that he made a big mistake in letting Mike go and was very apologetic. The General Manager that fired Mike was let go yesterday. Mike is to meet with the owner sometime this week and talk about coming back to work. Of course, Mike also has a meeting with the CEO for the other job that he interviewed for. He plans on meeting with both men and then he will weigh the pros and cons for each position. Hopefully he will have a decision made by the end of the week. Please continue to pray for him.
Well, I guess this is all for now. There is a mountain of laundry calling out my name. So much to get done today! Have a good day. I'll post about Caden's visit later this afternoon.
~jen

Update

I thought I would just post an update on how things are going. Caden is doing much, much better. The infection to his leg looks better each day. It is still draining, but very little. It is now about the size of a penny. He has not been running a fever, which is great news. We return to the doctor tomorrow morning for a check-up.
Cody is doing well. Only 1-1/2 days of school left before the holiday break. The gold team won their last basketball game 33-14 and now are 4-0. Cody is still improving with each game and having a great time playing. Cody fixed home-made pizza for us the other night for supper. (It was one of his latest Life Management class projects.) He did a fabulous job. Too bad cleaning the kitchen up afterwards wasn't part of the deal!
Mike is doing well. I think he is starting to get a little bored being cooped-up at home. He has been a great help with Caden and Cody. He even took both boys to Wal-Mart last week to do some grocery shopping for me. His interview went really well last week. He and the CEO will meet again in the next few days and iron out the last few details. Mike feels confident he has the job. Thank you for your prayers and support over the last few weeks. I really appreciate all the phone calls and emails.
As for me, I am doing ok. I had a very trying day at work yesterday. My 6 patients ranged anywhere from a 15 year old boy who had major back surgery to correct scoliosis, a 60-something patient who was told yesterday that she will spend the next 6-8 weeks in a long-term care hospital to fight a staph infection, to a 70 year old cancer patient who decided late yesterday evening to have a Do Not Resuscitate order executed. Needless to say, I had a very emotional day yesterday. Oh how small my problems seem when compared to those around me. I had to place a DNR bracelet on the cancer patient before I left last night and tears filled both our eyes. What an emotional day. I am learning that emotions have to be controlled, that I am to be the strong one for my patients and their family, but it is so very hard at times.
Time to change the subject before the tears start..... :)
We woke up this morning to find a pretty layer of snow outside (about 3 inches). Too bad it is over 1/2 an inch of ice! Cody and I noticed many broken tree limbs throughout the neighborhood as we drove to school this morning. Hopefully the power lines will hold and we will not experience any power outages. I still have some Christmas shopping to do today!
Well, I guess this is all for now. I hope everyone is doing well. I will post tomorrow after our visit with the doctor. Hopefully we get the all-clear to visit with family this weekend.
Love to you all,
~jen

Caden

We had our second follow-up appointment today. Our doctor was pleased with Caden's progress. The infection is now slightly larger than the size of a nickle, but getting smaller. It really looks good. It is still draining a small amount. We will continue with the twice-a-day soaks and the one antibiotic for now. We have another follow-up appointment next Thursday morning. Hopefully the worst is over and he is on his way to a full recovery. Thank you for your prayers.
~jen

Caden

Our family physician just called to check on Caden and give us the results of the cultures. For some unknown reason, the cultures did not grow. There could have been something faulty with the process, or not enough of a culture obtained. We do know that this is some-kind of staph infection based on the gram stain results. So, for now Caden will have to be treated based on his symptoms. Today the infection looks better than yesterday. There is less drainage today. We are going to continue with the Bactrim and see how he responds. We have another appointment at 10:40 tomorrow. I will post how it went. Thank you all for your continued prayers, support, calls and emails.
~jen

Caden

I took Caden back to the doctor today for a follow-up. Not much has changed. The infection to Caden's leg has not spread and he is not running a fever, that's the good news. The bad news, this is a staph infection. We are still waiting to see if it is MRSA. Hopefully we will know tomorrow afternoon. Caden is still holding his ground on refusing to take one of the two antibiotics he is on. We had some flavoring added to the medicine today, but it didn't work. Caden isn't budging. I am going to call the doctor tomorrow morning and see what we need to do. Our next visit is Friday morning unless there is a change in Caden's condition. Please say a prayer for him. This may be a tough battle.
~jen

When it rains...it pours

As if my life right now couldn't get any more hectic or stressful, I had to take Caden to the doctor today. Last week I noticed a small, round, reddened area on the back of Caden's right leg. I brushed it off as probably a bug bite or a small rash. Sunday night I noticed the red area was bigger and upon further inspection and palpation, I realized that this was something more serious. The area was raised, hard, and had a least a 1" diameter knot underlying the skin, and Caden said it was hurting.
Our family doctor had to open the abscess and drain it this afternoon. I hope I never have to put Caden through something like that again. It was completely awful. Towards the end we were both crying. Cultures were obtained. Unfortunately we will have to wait a couple days to see what grows. Our doctor's first impression is that it is MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). MRSA is known as a "super-bug". There are only a limited amount of antibiotics which are successful in treating MRSA. Caden has been started on 2 antibiotics which are the best for treating MRSA. However, I have been unsuccessful in getting him to take one of them. It smells horrid and it tastes even worse. (I tried a small amount.) I tried all of my tricks tonight, but nothing worked. We have to go back to the doctor tomorrow for a follow-up visit, so I guess I will see what our options are with that medicine. Please pray for Caden. I am thankful that the worse is over, for now at least. He will need to soak in the tub for 20 minutes, twice a day and continue with antibiotics for 10 days. He did really well tonight with his soak. I set up the portable DVD player in the bathroom for him and we watched part of a movie together. Unfortunately for me, I have to clean the tub before and after each soak, wash Caden's clothes, towels, and linens separately in hot water until his incision closes. If this gets him well, then all of it will be well worth it. All I want is for him to be OK. I have seen MRSA in the hospital and it is very frightening. Please, please pray for Caden.
Please remember me in your prayers, too. This has not been the best Christmas season for me. I am so stressed right now and I feel that I am ready to break at any minute. I don't know how much more I can handle. As hard as I try to not worry and to have faith, all I seem to do is worry and my faith seems to be slipping. It is hard to be happy and cheery this holiday season.
~jen

53 - 13

The Gold team won 53 - 13. They are now 3 - 0. Cody payed so well last night! He only had 1 point (made 1 of 2 free throws), but he had a number of assists. He just gets better and better with each game! We are so proud of him. Mom and dad, I wish you lived closer so you could see him play. He is doing so well! The next game is next Thursday in Crockett's brand new gym!
~jen

PS:
Last Saturday's make-up game ended with a score of 36 - 11. Cody had 6 points and a number of assists. The whole team is really coming together and playing well. What a great group of boys! :)