Sunday, April 27, 2008
Blue Bonnet pics from Dad
While my dad was here last month the blue bonnets were in season. We had a small field of them near our house so dad took these beautiful pics.
Amazing provision
Here's a cool story:
I got paid on Friday. We've budgeted every penny to be spent on bills & expenses. No extras. No room for surprises.
But... the brakes on the suburban are squealing really bad. So Scott took the truck to a mechanic for inspection & prices. Yep. They're bad. "DON'T drive it" says the guy. It'll cost $800 for brakes & tune-up.
Now what?
We decide to forego paying some bills & spend $100 on brake pads & spark plugs, etc. Scott decides Jared, Dillon & him will fix these things themselves. Yeah, I know, I remember Scott is recovering from SPINAL surgery - but he insists he can do it because we can't afford anything else.
On Friday night a family (whom we don't know) from our church brought us a meal. (This has been going on for the past 3 weeks - part of a ministry our church does to help families recovering from surgery, etc.) Anyways... the girl brought in a pan of lasagne & salad with a card in the bottom of the bag with a check FOR $100!!!!!!
Isn't that amazing?!
Then to top it off, the guy who lives next door found out the boys would be working on the truck so he offered to come over & help (ended up spending ALL day). Hallelujah! He was a HUGE help and then he took us out for supper to a restaurant his family owns in Lago Vista. Yay! (Cost us $8.00 for the tip!)
Yes, God provides. The truck runs great. The brakes don't squeal. And we're still on budget (for the most part...). :)
I got paid on Friday. We've budgeted every penny to be spent on bills & expenses. No extras. No room for surprises.
But... the brakes on the suburban are squealing really bad. So Scott took the truck to a mechanic for inspection & prices. Yep. They're bad. "DON'T drive it" says the guy. It'll cost $800 for brakes & tune-up.
Now what?
We decide to forego paying some bills & spend $100 on brake pads & spark plugs, etc. Scott decides Jared, Dillon & him will fix these things themselves. Yeah, I know, I remember Scott is recovering from SPINAL surgery - but he insists he can do it because we can't afford anything else.
On Friday night a family (whom we don't know) from our church brought us a meal. (This has been going on for the past 3 weeks - part of a ministry our church does to help families recovering from surgery, etc.) Anyways... the girl brought in a pan of lasagne & salad with a card in the bottom of the bag with a check FOR $100!!!!!!
Isn't that amazing?!
Then to top it off, the guy who lives next door found out the boys would be working on the truck so he offered to come over & help (ended up spending ALL day). Hallelujah! He was a HUGE help and then he took us out for supper to a restaurant his family owns in Lago Vista. Yay! (Cost us $8.00 for the tip!)
Yes, God provides. The truck runs great. The brakes don't squeal. And we're still on budget (for the most part...). :)
madison's solo violin competition
Madison had a solo & an ensemble competition last Sunday. Here she is after it's all over, thus the smile on her face. She got a '2' rating... '1' was the best. She's happy with that & so are we! 
haircuts
You know what's great? Having next door neighbors who are hair stylists! We traded a lawn mowing for haircuts! Awesome deal! 
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Dillon's Branson Trip
Dillon went to Branson, Missouri with the Stony Point Choir. He was gone from April 10th thru the 13th. I will post more on it later since his camera has all the pictures on it (including the incriminating ones - so I'm sure some editing needs to happen before I get my hands on it).
Here's an exciting tid-bit from his trip....
They sang at the Music City Center Theater where his group opened for GEORGE STRAIT! He came out & sang with the kids for a bit (probably the "God Bless Texas" song) and then he went solo after their act. Cool, huh?! The kids didn't know that's who they were opening for.
Check back later for some pics on his trip.
p.s... Thanks G'pa Larry for helping Dillon make this trip happen.
Here's an exciting tid-bit from his trip....
They sang at the Music City Center Theater where his group opened for GEORGE STRAIT! He came out & sang with the kids for a bit (probably the "God Bless Texas" song) and then he went solo after their act. Cool, huh?! The kids didn't know that's who they were opening for.
Check back later for some pics on his trip.
p.s... Thanks G'pa Larry for helping Dillon make this trip happen.
Little bit lonely
It's been 9 days since we had company in the house.
Feels a little loney. *sniff*sniff*
Linda was here for 4 weeks in March, Scott's family came for a week at the end of March, and my Dad came for 2 weeks (& my Mom came for 5 days too!) until April 11.
I miss the morning coffee being ready. {grin}
Scott is trying to keep himself busy during the day since he's home alone now. He takes me to work a few times a week so he can have a vehicle to drive if he needs to run an errand or get to an appointment.
Feels a little loney. *sniff*sniff*
Linda was here for 4 weeks in March, Scott's family came for a week at the end of March, and my Dad came for 2 weeks (& my Mom came for 5 days too!) until April 11.
I miss the morning coffee being ready. {grin}
Scott is trying to keep himself busy during the day since he's home alone now. He takes me to work a few times a week so he can have a vehicle to drive if he needs to run an errand or get to an appointment.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
One of the bizarre things about Scott's diabetes diagnosis is that his eyesight has been recently restored!I mean, like, he doesn't need glasses anymore.
A diabetic friend of mine said that happened to her once. She didn't need glasses for almost 5 years! The doctor didn't act like Scott's situation was too weird. Hmpf.
Here is Scott doing an Elvis impersonation wearing Jared's sunglasses.
Looks just like Elvis, don't ya think? Hey! Who's that fan in the background?!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Stony Point men's choir
These are short clips from last Thursday's outdoor concert at Stony Point. Dillon is in the back row, 3rd from the left. Sorry I couldn't zoom in more. These guys can really sing!
"Nice Car" ?!?
This birthday card went to Dillon from our good friends, the Clarks.
I thought I was hysterically funny.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILLON!!
"Nice Car!"
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
scott's progress
Hey everyone!
Sorry for the delay in updating the blog.... I know working full-time shouldn't be an excuse... but geesh! I got alot going on!
Scott has been doing FANTASTIC!
Scott's appointment with the endocrinologist revealed that he has probably been fighting diabetes for years, his pancreas has simply been compensating over the high blood sugar. For now Scott is taking insulin shots 4 times a day. We're hoping that in 3 weeks he can go to an oral medicine - his blood sugar levels have been good with the shots.
Last Friday Scott got the staples removed from his back & belly. The surgeon was very impressed that he's been walking around so much (with the assistance of the walker). He gave Scott incentive to keep walking and he gave him permission to drive short distances.
I'm really proud of Scott's recovery! He's trying really hard to watch his serving sizes and keep away from sugar-y and starch-y foods. I think he said he's lost about 27 pounds since being diagnosed with diabetes. YAY!!
Sorry for the delay in updating the blog.... I know working full-time shouldn't be an excuse... but geesh! I got alot going on!
Scott has been doing FANTASTIC!
Scott's appointment with the endocrinologist revealed that he has probably been fighting diabetes for years, his pancreas has simply been compensating over the high blood sugar. For now Scott is taking insulin shots 4 times a day. We're hoping that in 3 weeks he can go to an oral medicine - his blood sugar levels have been good with the shots.
Last Friday Scott got the staples removed from his back & belly. The surgeon was very impressed that he's been walking around so much (with the assistance of the walker). He gave Scott incentive to keep walking and he gave him permission to drive short distances.
I'm really proud of Scott's recovery! He's trying really hard to watch his serving sizes and keep away from sugar-y and starch-y foods. I think he said he's lost about 27 pounds since being diagnosed with diabetes. YAY!!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Scott's home!
Word of wise to the squeamish... Incision picture ahead!
Scott got home from the hospital on Thurday night. We would have appreciated another night in the hospital, but you know how insurance companies & hospitals work anymore.... in one day, out the next.
Scott has 18 staples in his back where they put the clamps on vertebra L4, L3, L2.
There is another 7" incision on Scott's belly, but he didn't want me to take a picture of that one. :)
Scott's had problems with getting his intestinal system to 'wake up'. He's very distended & bloated. I'm not sure which is giving him more grief... the incision sites or the bloated belly. Yes, the gases have built up that bad. You'd think he wouldn't have any problems passing gas....!!
Scott's diabetes has been a challenge for us to learn. We've been watching what we eat & all the sugars & carbs in his diet. I'm afraid we're all in for a real lifestyle CHANGE. The insulin shots are helping his blood sugars come down to a more managable level... mostly 150's - 200's. Yay!
Scott got home from the hospital on Thurday night. We would have appreciated another night in the hospital, but you know how insurance companies & hospitals work anymore.... in one day, out the next.
Scott has 18 staples in his back where they put the clamps on vertebra L4, L3, L2.
There is another 7" incision on Scott's belly, but he didn't want me to take a picture of that one. :)Scott's had problems with getting his intestinal system to 'wake up'. He's very distended & bloated. I'm not sure which is giving him more grief... the incision sites or the bloated belly. Yes, the gases have built up that bad. You'd think he wouldn't have any problems passing gas....!!
Scott's diabetes has been a challenge for us to learn. We've been watching what we eat & all the sugars & carbs in his diet. I'm afraid we're all in for a real lifestyle CHANGE. The insulin shots are helping his blood sugars come down to a more managable level... mostly 150's - 200's. Yay!
Dillon's snowboarding trip
Here is Dillon & his friend, John, in New Mexico at the Ruidoso ski resort. 
John's dad took several pictures of the boys. Here is a good one of Dillon 'gettin' some air'.
Sometimes his is the way John's dad would find Dillon. :)
Dillon had so much fun. We are thankful for a nice family to take him & a grandma who helped pay for the trip. :)
John's dad took several pictures of the boys. Here is a good one of Dillon 'gettin' some air'.
Sometimes his is the way John's dad would find Dillon. :)
Dillon had so much fun. We are thankful for a nice family to take him & a grandma who helped pay for the trip. :)Tuesday, March 25, 2008
hospital update on Scott
I know many of you are awaiting news on Scott's recovery....
We had good news & bad news today.
Good news is that Scott finally got through the grogginess of anesthesia and nausea of pain meds (changed meds @ 9:00 this morning because he was so sick) - he got up 3 times today & walked the length of the hallway.
Bad news is that his blood sugars have been closely monitored since he entered the hospital & the internal medicine doctor has declared his diabetes is 'out of control'. He has oredered for Scott to begin a regular routine of insulin shots taken 4 times a day.
Great news (bonus! I forgot about this one!) is that his blood sugar count was down to 188 when I left the hospital tonight. Normal is close to 120. This means the insulin is working for him & he is looking at leaving the hospital on Thursday or Friday.
The Coles are planning to leave on Friday morning - but have no fear.... my Dad will be here Thursday night to be with Scott!
Do we have a Great God who provides, or what?! :)
We had good news & bad news today.
Good news is that Scott finally got through the grogginess of anesthesia and nausea of pain meds (changed meds @ 9:00 this morning because he was so sick) - he got up 3 times today & walked the length of the hallway.
Bad news is that his blood sugars have been closely monitored since he entered the hospital & the internal medicine doctor has declared his diabetes is 'out of control'. He has oredered for Scott to begin a regular routine of insulin shots taken 4 times a day.
Great news (bonus! I forgot about this one!) is that his blood sugar count was down to 188 when I left the hospital tonight. Normal is close to 120. This means the insulin is working for him & he is looking at leaving the hospital on Thursday or Friday.
The Coles are planning to leave on Friday morning - but have no fear.... my Dad will be here Thursday night to be with Scott!
Do we have a Great God who provides, or what?! :)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Surgeon says 'looks good'
Wanted to give you a quick update from today's sugery (YES!! It FINALLY happened!):
6:45 left for hospital
7:15 arrived
8:30 blood sugar too high (309 - got insulin shot)
9:30 blood sugar still too high (311 - got another insulin shot)
10:05 left for surgery
2:20 Surgeon gave good report that fusion went well & pleased with instrumentation
5:15 Got into private hospital room
6:00 Kids bored & went home
8:30 Scott got out of bed to sit (for 10 min then back to bed)
10:00 I got home
11:00 Finishing this post and GOING TO BED
THANK YOU for your prayers & well wishes. KEEP 'EM COMING!!
The Doctor said his part is finished - now it's up to Scott to get the diabetes under control & get himself into a healthy lifestyle. Scott has limited mobility in his lower back now & it will be an adjustment for him (imagine wearing a brace that doesn't allow your lower back to bend - that's how his life will be now). We need to work on it... prayerfully this will be a GREAT new start for us! This is the good news we needed!
6:45 left for hospital
7:15 arrived
8:30 blood sugar too high (309 - got insulin shot)
9:30 blood sugar still too high (311 - got another insulin shot)
10:05 left for surgery
2:20 Surgeon gave good report that fusion went well & pleased with instrumentation
5:15 Got into private hospital room
6:00 Kids bored & went home
8:30 Scott got out of bed to sit (for 10 min then back to bed)
10:00 I got home
11:00 Finishing this post and GOING TO BED
THANK YOU for your prayers & well wishes. KEEP 'EM COMING!!
The Doctor said his part is finished - now it's up to Scott to get the diabetes under control & get himself into a healthy lifestyle. Scott has limited mobility in his lower back now & it will be an adjustment for him (imagine wearing a brace that doesn't allow your lower back to bend - that's how his life will be now). We need to work on it... prayerfully this will be a GREAT new start for us! This is the good news we needed!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Blue Bonnets are here!
We stopped next to the entrance to our subdivision to get this picture of a small field of blue bonnets. They are just starting to bloom & every once in a while you'll see a whole field of them. 
Very pretty!
Very pretty!Chillin' with the Coles
Friday, March 21, 2008
look closely
A Texas friend sent this picture to us because he knows we're from Iowa. This is a post card from 1918. There are 18,000 men preparing for WWI at Camp Dodge in Des Moines, Iowa. If you click on the picture you can see the individual men. Neat, huh?Thursday, March 20, 2008
pressing 'forward'
Well... here we go...Scott has been through pre-op testing at the hospital today. Everything is a 'GO' for surgery on Monday at 9:30am. His blood sugar & triglycerides are still high, but not enough to delay surgery.
The Cole family is on their way from Iowa & will arrive tomorrow! We're looking forward to spending some time together before Scott has surgery.
My eye is finally getting better. I went to another doctor on Tues. night & got stronger antibiodics. Did the trick.
Seems like things are holding tight for now. Makes me nervous. You know how our luck has been lately.... I guess stay tuned. Forgive my pessimistic attitude...
Monday, March 17, 2008
If we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all
I don't know how to even say this without crying...
There's a possibility Scott's surgery may get cancelled or postponed. He's supposed to have the surgery a week from today.
The doctor assured him last Friday that Scott's high blood sugar was caused by a side-effect from a blood pressure medicine he's taking. A simple change of meds should fix him right up... but they did a blood work-up to find out for sure.
Yep.
He has type 2 diabetes and his triglycerides were TEN TIMES the normal limit. This is very dangerous and long term damage could result in pancreatitis. These problems can be controlled through diet modifications & MORE medicine. If the surgeon believes Scott's health is a risk - he may cancel surgery. We won't know any more until Scott meets with the surgeon in the next few days.
Scott went to fill his new prescriptions for the diabetes & triglycerides and was notified our insurance has been cancelled - cost us $150 for the pills. Ummmm.... according to the insurance company the COBRA insurance would continue with no problems (surgery was fine, prescriptions fine, appointments fine...) & the paperwork should arrive anyday now. The insurance co. sent the paperwork TODAY by mail (my last day of employment was Feb. 29 - Seventeen days ago!). What the heck?!? Why would they wait so long?
They said they should have gotten the papers to us sooner & they would gladly reimburse us any expenses we've incurred. Right. Do you think they'll question a $130,000 back surgery?
My eye is not better.
Linda leaves tomorrow.
Don't even get me started on the kids.
We need some good luck. Soon. Like the lottery or something.
There's a possibility Scott's surgery may get cancelled or postponed. He's supposed to have the surgery a week from today.
The doctor assured him last Friday that Scott's high blood sugar was caused by a side-effect from a blood pressure medicine he's taking. A simple change of meds should fix him right up... but they did a blood work-up to find out for sure.
Yep.
He has type 2 diabetes and his triglycerides were TEN TIMES the normal limit. This is very dangerous and long term damage could result in pancreatitis. These problems can be controlled through diet modifications & MORE medicine. If the surgeon believes Scott's health is a risk - he may cancel surgery. We won't know any more until Scott meets with the surgeon in the next few days.
Scott went to fill his new prescriptions for the diabetes & triglycerides and was notified our insurance has been cancelled - cost us $150 for the pills. Ummmm.... according to the insurance company the COBRA insurance would continue with no problems (surgery was fine, prescriptions fine, appointments fine...) & the paperwork should arrive anyday now. The insurance co. sent the paperwork TODAY by mail (my last day of employment was Feb. 29 - Seventeen days ago!). What the heck?!? Why would they wait so long?
They said they should have gotten the papers to us sooner & they would gladly reimburse us any expenses we've incurred. Right. Do you think they'll question a $130,000 back surgery?
My eye is not better.
Linda leaves tomorrow.
Don't even get me started on the kids.
We need some good luck. Soon. Like the lottery or something.
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