First of all, Oakland is doing great! She's eating good, she's growing and becoming more alert everyday. It's fun to watch the difference in her and Morgan. Three months doesn't seem that much of a difference, but in babies it's huge! Morgan seems so big and mature!! I love having them both here, so we can have fun girl's time.
Cali got put in the hospital on Sunday for a blood clot. She had been walking like she was sore for a few days before that, but we all thought (including her) that she had done too much, and as the pain worsened, she thought she maybe pulled a muscle. The clot goes from mid thigh up past her groin. She'll be fine. The hardest part for her is being away from her newborn and laying around in a boring hospital for a week.
Alex. Took him to the orthopedist this past week. They are pleased with how things look so far, but are very worried about long term. His right leg will probably be a little shorter than the left so he'll always have a limp, and there is still the concern about the loss of blood flow for 3 months. He finally went back to school last Thursday and Friday, and this week until today. He has had the beginnings of a cold sore (I think??) on his lip and this morning when he woke up his whole upper lip is swollen and red. Whatever it is, I think it's infected. Poor kid. It just keeps coming, and coming, and coming. Good thing he's a tough cookie.
I'm tired. I worry about everyone, and just want to sit wrapped in a blanket with all of them and make sure they're all ok. Even Mike; he is SUCH a worry wart that I'm concerned with his psyche! I am so glad to know that we have a loving Heavenly Father that I can kneel down to and give my worries to him, cry to him, thank him. He has been hearing from me a lot lately, but the best part is I know He always listens. Cali and Alex have both had priesthood blessings, so I know they are being taken care of, but the mommy in me wants more control over the issue. Maybe that's the german in me! (Give me control!!)
Next week is Christmas, and the good thing about all this drama, is I have stayed out of stores this season, and have missed all the hubub. I have enjoyed looking at my decorations, and thinking back on Christmas pasts, and I can't wait until this Christmas to have the whole family together, and just relax. Take some time to do that. It's fun! Merry Christmas to everyone.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Grandchild # 3!!
Yesterday morning our new granddaughter came into our lives! Oakland is 8 lbs. and 19 1/2 " long... yes, she's big! Not as long as her older brother was, but weighs as much. She has at least 3 chins!! What can I say, she's adorable. I'll let her parents be the first to put her pictures up, but don't worry.... I'll be posting plenty real soon! Mom and baby are doing really well! Thanks for all your prayers on their behalf.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
What a ride!!
I don't even know where to begin. It's been quite the roller coaster we've been on.
As you know we've been trying to figure out what was wrong with Alex's knee; he started limping in July, progressively got worse and occurred more often, then fell on same knee (hard!) the first part of September. Couldn't (wouldn't?) put ANY weight on it and was confined to a wheelchair for 6 weeks, improved enough to use a walker, with bad leg (right) not touching ground at all for 2 weeks, then walked with the walker's support for 2 weeks. Finally stopped using the walker at all and walked around... it wasn't pretty. He walked like an old man who needs a hip replacement. During this last month we visited a rheumatologist who said they couldn't be certain but she was 99.5% sure he had arthritis, and we needed to get an MRI just to confirm it and see how extensive it was. Had the MRI- and was told no arthritis :) but he had Osgood Schlatter disease which "could cause some discomfort" , so "Alex just needs to buck up, and you need to stop babying him and let him grow up." Yup! The DR. really said that to me! Gave us a prescription for physical therapy because "since you have allowed him to stay in the chair too long, he needs to re-learn to walk the correct way."
Two weeks ago, we saw a physical therapist through Primary Children's and she evaluated Alex. A week later at our second session, she said she had thought of Alex non-stop all week, and talked to other therapists and would like to assess his hip if that was ok with me. Of course, it was OK! I still had that gnawing, momma feeling that there was something wrong, and someone else had the same feeling - let's do it! She asked if I could get a hip x-ray. Got it Friday...
As you know we've been trying to figure out what was wrong with Alex's knee; he started limping in July, progressively got worse and occurred more often, then fell on same knee (hard!) the first part of September. Couldn't (wouldn't?) put ANY weight on it and was confined to a wheelchair for 6 weeks, improved enough to use a walker, with bad leg (right) not touching ground at all for 2 weeks, then walked with the walker's support for 2 weeks. Finally stopped using the walker at all and walked around... it wasn't pretty. He walked like an old man who needs a hip replacement. During this last month we visited a rheumatologist who said they couldn't be certain but she was 99.5% sure he had arthritis, and we needed to get an MRI just to confirm it and see how extensive it was. Had the MRI- and was told no arthritis :) but he had Osgood Schlatter disease which "could cause some discomfort" , so "Alex just needs to buck up, and you need to stop babying him and let him grow up." Yup! The DR. really said that to me! Gave us a prescription for physical therapy because "since you have allowed him to stay in the chair too long, he needs to re-learn to walk the correct way."
Two weeks ago, we saw a physical therapist through Primary Children's and she evaluated Alex. A week later at our second session, she said she had thought of Alex non-stop all week, and talked to other therapists and would like to assess his hip if that was ok with me. Of course, it was OK! I still had that gnawing, momma feeling that there was something wrong, and someone else had the same feeling - let's do it! She asked if I could get a hip x-ray. Got it Friday...
As a parent you're expected to stand in the office part of the room to not be exposed to all the radiation. (I've always thought that was interesting. "Drop your child, who is in pain, on this freezing cold table so we can move his legs around in impossible positions for a healthy person, let alone one who hurts, and we'll blast him with radiation. But, mom, we don't want you to be exposed, so please stand over here.") Anyway. As the picture of his hip is coming up on the computer screen I said to the tech, "I sure wish I could read these things so I knew what was wrong." Then it came on the screen. My heart fell to my feet and I said to the tech, "But I can tell you without any education what is causing him pain!" She looked up from her notes, and said, "Yup! That's pretty obvious, isn't it." (see x-ray below)
The top x-ray is of his right hip alone. The bottom x-ray is sideways, with his left hip on the top and the right one on the bottom. Sorry I couldn't figure out how to flip it, but if you compare the two you can tell the right one (bad one) is definitely different than the left one (good one).
Needless to say I had a rough weekend. How could I let it go so long? I KNEW something was wrong! I had asked for an orthopedic, and they wanted to wait until after we saw the rheumatologist. Why didn't I push it? Why didn't I make a bigger fuss than I did that he WAS in pain, and not faking it? I felt I failed him miserably.
Monday; he went to school, I got a report from the radiologist from Alex's pediatrician so we knew what was wrong, even though it looked pretty much like a broken hip to me, then I took him to physical therapy. His problem is called a "skiffy" which is from Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. I took the x-rays with us, so she could look at them. I told her she may not want to do therapy this week, and since we were seeing the orthopedist Tuesday (the next day) we would know better what to do. She took one look at these and freaked out! She compared them to medical journals and was concerned because Alex's looked so much worse than the pics in the journals!! She asked if it would be ok if she talked to the orthopedic (since she had referred him) and make sure he listened to me, and it was a hip problem, not a knee problem.... again, OF COURSE!!
Walked in the door from therapy and the phone was ringing. The therapist had called the Drs office, they looked at his x-rays online, told her to call us back and instruct me to not let him put anymore weight on it, don't let him eat or drink anything and get him to PCMC emergency room immediately!!!!!!!!! Alex was in surgery 2 hours later. 41/2 hours later, they had put 1 screw in his left (good) hip since he was high risk of it happening to the other side as well, and readjusted his right hip to be in better position then put 2 screws in that side. What happened is the ball of the joint, the growth plate, slipped off the femur. They're pretty sure it started slipping in July and that was why he started to limp, but when he fell it pushed it off even further since it wasn't stable. ALL the drs and nurses that knew what a "skiffy" was was hugely impressed that #1 Alex had been suffering with this for so long, and #2 that he had been walking on it. The orthopedic when he saw the x-ray said, "Holy Cow! Are you kidding me?" This is a pretty common occurrence in people with Down Syndrome, people with hypothyroidism and if it has happened before. So Alex is in 3 high risk categories. Thank goodness he was finally taken care of.
We came home Tuesday afternoon. He has done absolutely fantastic!! Still in pain, but already better than before the surgery. The Dr was pleased with how things looked and only time will tell if he has any nerve damage, or circulation problems because he was injured for so long. They were also pleased with the length of his leg; they don't think it will be much shorter! And still no idea about the growth plate. Just a wait and see.... but I'll take a little shrimpy kid over one in pain anyday!
So... if you ever hear of anyone having knee pain, please have them check their hips! And just to set the story straight; that Dr that told me to let Alex grow up and he needed to buck up? When he heard what happened he sought me out twice in the hospital! The first time was right before the surgery and a lot was going on so I didn't get to talk to him other than introducing him to Mike (and Mike could tell he was the culprit because he was sulking around!) But then he came to Alex's room the next morning, and allowed me to chew him out, agreed and apologized profusely! I have to tell you, that in that 12 hour stretch when the therapist validated my opinion that something was terribly wrong, all the Drs and nurses in the ER and OR were so kind and caring and took great care of Alex, and then when the rheumatologist apologized, I regained hope in the medical profession.
Keep praying to our Heavenly Father so you know you're not alone, and always trust that gut feeling. It's the spirit, and if you follow it you will never go wrong!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What's up with Al??
So... after the MRI we found out that Alex does not have arthritis!! I think the doctors were shocked, because they made the radiologist look at it twice, and explain things. What they did find is a fissure along the bottom of his growth plate on his thigh bone (right by the knee) which they made sound like it was no big deal. Basically what they said was it "might cause some discomfort", but Alex should just buck up. They suggested another x-ray and physical therapy. The x-ray showed Alex has what is called Osgood Schlatter. Basically it's a bad growing pain - too fast of a growth spurt has caused all the ligaments to be stretched. Much better news than arthritis and physical therapy is the best thing for it.
We met Mary a week later. She had looked at all the doctor's notes and started assessing him. Gave us some exercises to do and made another appointment a week later. She did ask us to go see a Dr. Aoki, an orthopedic that specializes in knees just to cover all our bases, because she was a little worried there was something more going on. The reason for this is how Alex walks; he looks like an old man who has had a hip replacement. When he marches only his left knee can be lifted but not his right. That's a hip bend. Anyway, when we went to therapy this week, she was relieved that we did get an appointment with Dr Aoki (on the 24th) and said she had talked and talked to other therapists because she just felt uneasy with things after we left. She assessed his hip this time, since she concentrated so much on his knee. Now what she's thinking is that maybe he started with the Osgood Schlatter, which is what started the limping, but when he fell she's concerned he damaged his hip somehow and now maybe it has grown improperly.
I'm just so grateful for doctors that listen to their patients, or their parents and try everything they can to figure things out. We will go get another x-ray soon and see Dr Aoki next week. Cross your fingers that IF there is anything else that needs to be found, it will be found.
Alex is getting faster at walking and only seems stiff in the morning. He's getting better!
We met Mary a week later. She had looked at all the doctor's notes and started assessing him. Gave us some exercises to do and made another appointment a week later. She did ask us to go see a Dr. Aoki, an orthopedic that specializes in knees just to cover all our bases, because she was a little worried there was something more going on. The reason for this is how Alex walks; he looks like an old man who has had a hip replacement. When he marches only his left knee can be lifted but not his right. That's a hip bend. Anyway, when we went to therapy this week, she was relieved that we did get an appointment with Dr Aoki (on the 24th) and said she had talked and talked to other therapists because she just felt uneasy with things after we left. She assessed his hip this time, since she concentrated so much on his knee. Now what she's thinking is that maybe he started with the Osgood Schlatter, which is what started the limping, but when he fell she's concerned he damaged his hip somehow and now maybe it has grown improperly.
I'm just so grateful for doctors that listen to their patients, or their parents and try everything they can to figure things out. We will go get another x-ray soon and see Dr Aoki next week. Cross your fingers that IF there is anything else that needs to be found, it will be found.
Alex is getting faster at walking and only seems stiff in the morning. He's getting better!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A funny thing happened on the way to Josh's house...
Let me set the scene;
I'm sitting in the living room feeding Morgan. Taylor is sitting across from me, just chattin and chillin. Alex comes in and says, "I'm going to Josh's!" - - - Now remember, Josh only lives 4 houses away!!
Taylor watches Alex as he gimps his way down our driveway, and heads toward Josh's. She stops in mid-conversation with me and says, "He's stopping what's his name?" (A neighbor that lives on the other side of Josh's house had started down the street in his car) She watches for a minute..... "Now he's getting in his car!!"
Yes, Alex hijacked the neighbor and made him reverse into Josh's driveway so he didn't have to walk all the way!! What a funny guy! Thank goodness for nice and understanding neighbors!
I'm sitting in the living room feeding Morgan. Taylor is sitting across from me, just chattin and chillin. Alex comes in and says, "I'm going to Josh's!" - - - Now remember, Josh only lives 4 houses away!!
Taylor watches Alex as he gimps his way down our driveway, and heads toward Josh's. She stops in mid-conversation with me and says, "He's stopping what's his name?" (A neighbor that lives on the other side of Josh's house had started down the street in his car) She watches for a minute..... "Now he's getting in his car!!"
Yes, Alex hijacked the neighbor and made him reverse into Josh's driveway so he didn't have to walk all the way!! What a funny guy! Thank goodness for nice and understanding neighbors!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Mike as Darth Maul on Friday for work. The funny thing about this is his co-workers harassed him for weeks because he never dresses up, and this year he was only one of 3 that dressed up. And the other 2 were very easy, small costumes!!
Josh as Darth Maul. Yes, we used chocolae kisses on both his and Mike's forheads to get the spikes!
OH NO! Yoda against Darth Maul!!
My Yoda!
Sweet little Morgan. Monday, October 26, 2009
The last little while...
... has seen a lot of change....
...after being sick for quite a while, Mike's Uncle Brent (Denis' brother) died and we were able to attend the funeral. I don't know Brent and his family really well, but what I do know of them is they are hard working people who care about others more than themselves. Brent was in the service so we were able to witness the beautiful tribute that is given to 'fallen soldiers'...
... I would like to personally thank all the men and women who have risked their lives so that I can raise my children in a free country. And I hope that I will be able to do my part in keeping this country one that is under God, and indivisible in honor of all that have served...
... since we were in Idaho, let's we visited Grandma Mingo!!...
... 5 generation picture; Sharon , LaDonna holding Morgan , Michael and Colby ...
...Grandma Mingo holding Morgan for the first time. She was nervous that she would drop her with only her one arm, but she hasn't lost her touch!...
...5 generations.... amazing....
...I get to babysit Morgan now!! I can't get enough of her!
...Alex started middle school (7th grade) and is having a hard time being awake at 6:00 and ready for the bus by 7:00....
...he also has been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has 'graduated' from the wheelchair and has been using a walker for a week and a half now! ...
...a few weekends ago, there was a special remembrance walk for those that have had children die. We met at the Larkin Cemetery downtown....
... and when his name is read amongst all the others, Cali and Josh release his balloon... we love you Baby Mac!
...and Morgan and Oakland together! They're already best friends!!
...after being sick for quite a while, Mike's Uncle Brent (Denis' brother) died and we were able to attend the funeral. I don't know Brent and his family really well, but what I do know of them is they are hard working people who care about others more than themselves. Brent was in the service so we were able to witness the beautiful tribute that is given to 'fallen soldiers'...
... I would like to personally thank all the men and women who have risked their lives so that I can raise my children in a free country. And I hope that I will be able to do my part in keeping this country one that is under God, and indivisible in honor of all that have served...
... since we were in Idaho, let's we visited Grandma Mingo!!...
... 5 generation picture; Sharon , LaDonna holding Morgan , Michael and Colby ...
...Grandma Mingo holding Morgan for the first time. She was nervous that she would drop her with only her one arm, but she hasn't lost her touch!...
...5 generations.... amazing....
...I get to babysit Morgan now!! I can't get enough of her!...Alex started middle school (7th grade) and is having a hard time being awake at 6:00 and ready for the bus by 7:00.......he also has been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has 'graduated' from the wheelchair and has been using a walker for a week and a half now! ...
...a few weekends ago, there was a special remembrance walk for those that have had children die. We met at the Larkin Cemetery downtown.......Oakland and Darth Maul enjoyed the sunshine! (Cali is in the maroon shirt with Oakland and Kianna is in the white shirt with her little boy that Alex is sure they will name Darth Maul. They are due one day apart from each other!!)...
...after a talk and song, the group took a walk around the cemetery. It is a very impressive sight to see so many people who have lost a child...
... then we get a balloon, a blue one for our little boy. We each took turns writing a little note to Mac...
... and when his name is read amongst all the others, Cali and Josh release his balloon... we love you Baby Mac!...and a Happy Halloween from Morgan...
... and Oakland....
...and Morgan and Oakland together! They're already best friends!! ... so there you have the last little while in pictures. Enjoy the next few months, and spend some extra time with your family. That's what I plan on doing!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Alex update
I have great news!! I see improvement in Alex!!
On Sunday we were at my brother's house for his birthday, and Alex found a toy gun that he wanted to borrow. Shaun (my brother) was quick on his feet and said, "Alex, if you walk to the front door with no help, I will GIVE you that gun!" Now back up a little bit, and Alex has been using the walker more than the wheelchair, but was still not walking by himself. After ten minutes of bribing and cajoling, Alex walked across the living room and to the front door with no help!! It was ugly, and he did stop and grab people along the way, but he did it!! I was so impressed!
I sent him to school yesterday with only the walker, and he made it through the whole day and when he came home he didn't complain about pain anymore than he had other days. This morning his knee was pretty stiff, but one thing I noticed was he was laying on his side when I went to wake him up. That's been unheard of since this whole thing began! He has been flat on his back with towels under his knee to keep it bent, and not moved from this position all night! Even when we tried to help roll him over, just to give him a different way to sleep, he couldn't do it because it hurt too bad. But last night he was able to roll onto his side, obviously with no help.
Thanks for everyone's prayers. I know we are being blessed with support from so many people. Thank you so much! His MRI is scheduled for October 29 - we'll find out much more then!!
On Sunday we were at my brother's house for his birthday, and Alex found a toy gun that he wanted to borrow. Shaun (my brother) was quick on his feet and said, "Alex, if you walk to the front door with no help, I will GIVE you that gun!" Now back up a little bit, and Alex has been using the walker more than the wheelchair, but was still not walking by himself. After ten minutes of bribing and cajoling, Alex walked across the living room and to the front door with no help!! It was ugly, and he did stop and grab people along the way, but he did it!! I was so impressed!
I sent him to school yesterday with only the walker, and he made it through the whole day and when he came home he didn't complain about pain anymore than he had other days. This morning his knee was pretty stiff, but one thing I noticed was he was laying on his side when I went to wake him up. That's been unheard of since this whole thing began! He has been flat on his back with towels under his knee to keep it bent, and not moved from this position all night! Even when we tried to help roll him over, just to give him a different way to sleep, he couldn't do it because it hurt too bad. But last night he was able to roll onto his side, obviously with no help.
Thanks for everyone's prayers. I know we are being blessed with support from so many people. Thank you so much! His MRI is scheduled for October 29 - we'll find out much more then!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Alex's Dr. appointment was yesterday
We had Al's appointment with an arthritis specialist yesterday and I thought I should share what happened.
His appointment lasted 3 hours, which was mostly in the exam. They were very thorough, which is very comforting to me. They didn't just check his knee, they checked his entire body down to his fingers and toes!! Because of the description I gave them of the onset of the stiffness and how it progressed, they are fairly sure he has arthritis. But because of the fall he had, they have scheduled an MRI just to rule out any injury. Thank goodness! I have been so worried that, yes he does have arthritis, but with an injury on top of it. So now hopefully we will be able to rule - or find - out any injury!!
Depending on what, if any damage they find in the MRI, will determine the time schedule a little on the treatment. For the arthritis it will be a steroid shot directly into his knee joint.
I made quite a fuss when they discussed the MRI not being until November, and I think they realized I'm not someone to mess with!! This is one time I don't care if they think I'm a wench... don't mess with my kids!!
I had to fill out quite a lengthy questionnaire, and it was interesting some of the questions; intolerant to cold and heat, sensitive touch (very ticklish)..... things I never would have put with an autoimmune problem. They even talked about his 'birthmark' saying they thought that was an autoimmune problem. Interesting, huh?
So, Alex is an autoimmune mess. Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, arthritis, vita... something, and something to do with intolerance to cold. Whew!! I'm just so glad to find out what is happening. I know this test is more for me than for Alex. He is such a brave little man, and I'm a wussy. I hate seeing him in pain, and not being able to do anything for him. It hurts to see his blood sugars so high because of the pain, and not being able to control them better. I hope for his sake, I learn my lesson in patience fast, so he doesn't need to suffer anymore.
His appointment lasted 3 hours, which was mostly in the exam. They were very thorough, which is very comforting to me. They didn't just check his knee, they checked his entire body down to his fingers and toes!! Because of the description I gave them of the onset of the stiffness and how it progressed, they are fairly sure he has arthritis. But because of the fall he had, they have scheduled an MRI just to rule out any injury. Thank goodness! I have been so worried that, yes he does have arthritis, but with an injury on top of it. So now hopefully we will be able to rule - or find - out any injury!!
Depending on what, if any damage they find in the MRI, will determine the time schedule a little on the treatment. For the arthritis it will be a steroid shot directly into his knee joint.
I made quite a fuss when they discussed the MRI not being until November, and I think they realized I'm not someone to mess with!! This is one time I don't care if they think I'm a wench... don't mess with my kids!!
I had to fill out quite a lengthy questionnaire, and it was interesting some of the questions; intolerant to cold and heat, sensitive touch (very ticklish)..... things I never would have put with an autoimmune problem. They even talked about his 'birthmark' saying they thought that was an autoimmune problem. Interesting, huh?
So, Alex is an autoimmune mess. Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, arthritis, vita... something, and something to do with intolerance to cold. Whew!! I'm just so glad to find out what is happening. I know this test is more for me than for Alex. He is such a brave little man, and I'm a wussy. I hate seeing him in pain, and not being able to do anything for him. It hurts to see his blood sugars so high because of the pain, and not being able to control them better. I hope for his sake, I learn my lesson in patience fast, so he doesn't need to suffer anymore.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Lunch Ladies... what the...????
Have you noticed that lunch ladies everywhere have a bad rep? Why is that? I honestly can say that I don't even remember the lunch ladies in my schools. I have a neighbor, who is a head lunch lady, that I think is absolutely amazing and quite adorable, actually. And 2 other neighbors who work in the lunch room as cashiers - again, not even close to the stereo-typical lunch ladies, but darling, with-it women.
But my kids... well, they have stories! They even remember one by name who used to yell "Turn your tray around!!" if they tried to eat food on the far side of their tray. Who does that? And this was in elementary school! And then there's Adam Sandler's song Lunch Lady Land that is hilarious, but I've never known any lunch lady that married the janitor Sloppy Joe. Actually, now that I think of it, I've never known a janitor named Sloppy Joe, either.
I bring up this random subject because I met an actual lunch lady today. Ewwww! She made shivers go down my spine. I had gone early to help sell t-shirts at an undisclosed school during the lunch hour. The lunch lady and all her helpers were holding a meeting. At first I thought all the helpers had special needs or something because she talked so demeaning to them, they had to have some kind of disability. I mean, you don't just talk to adults like they're 2 years old unless they have some kind of intellectual problem. Then I thought, "But you don't talk to ANYONE that way!"
She passed around pictures for them all to look at - each had 20 seconds then HAD to pass it on - and she timed them!! - then they were supposed to say what was wrong with each picture. I think everyone was afraid to say anything - another reason I thought they had special needs, because they all acted intimidated, but I would be too if I had to work for this woman! I didn't see any of the pictures because I was clear at the other end of the room, but she was repeating (very loudly) whatever the offense was in each picture and it was things like "this lid should be moved over 2 slots so it's directly above the correct pot," "the condiments aren't placed in alphabetical order," and "what the heck is this can of pineapple doing here?" (I don't know where the can of pineapple was, or where it was supposed to be and I don't think the helpers knew either, because none of them got that one right!) Then she said, and I'm not kidding, "I don't think you're dumb, but some of you have worked in 5 star kitchens before and you'd never know it by how this kitchen looks." Now if that's not bad enough, she then told them, while wagging her finger, that if she didn't get a 5 star kitchen because of them, they would all be very unhappy because she would be unhappy.
I had to leave at that point. I mean, come on people!! Lunch lady or not - you don't talk to anyone like that!!
I was gone 10 minutes max. When I got back to the cafeteria another mom had shown up to help with the t-shirt sales. The first thing she said to me was, "Oh my gosh! The lunch lady is a B------east!" (She wanted to say the other 'b word' but was nice enough not to.) She said that she made the helpers raise their hand if they wanted to keep their job. Of course, some of them thought she was just trying to make a point and didn't raise their hands, and then she got in their faces and said, "WHAT? You don't want to keep your job?"
At that point, we were frightened. We both had little kids with us that wanted a drink, and neither one of us dared to go buy a milk from the lunch lady. We did approach one of the helpers, but we were very timid about it and watched for a safe time to enter the 'danger zone.'
I'm sure if I got any closer, I would see that she had a huge mole with hair growing out of it. All I know is I've had my scare for the month. Beware of the lunch lady!!!
But my kids... well, they have stories! They even remember one by name who used to yell "Turn your tray around!!" if they tried to eat food on the far side of their tray. Who does that? And this was in elementary school! And then there's Adam Sandler's song Lunch Lady Land that is hilarious, but I've never known any lunch lady that married the janitor Sloppy Joe. Actually, now that I think of it, I've never known a janitor named Sloppy Joe, either.
I bring up this random subject because I met an actual lunch lady today. Ewwww! She made shivers go down my spine. I had gone early to help sell t-shirts at an undisclosed school during the lunch hour. The lunch lady and all her helpers were holding a meeting. At first I thought all the helpers had special needs or something because she talked so demeaning to them, they had to have some kind of disability. I mean, you don't just talk to adults like they're 2 years old unless they have some kind of intellectual problem. Then I thought, "But you don't talk to ANYONE that way!"
She passed around pictures for them all to look at - each had 20 seconds then HAD to pass it on - and she timed them!! - then they were supposed to say what was wrong with each picture. I think everyone was afraid to say anything - another reason I thought they had special needs, because they all acted intimidated, but I would be too if I had to work for this woman! I didn't see any of the pictures because I was clear at the other end of the room, but she was repeating (very loudly) whatever the offense was in each picture and it was things like "this lid should be moved over 2 slots so it's directly above the correct pot," "the condiments aren't placed in alphabetical order," and "what the heck is this can of pineapple doing here?" (I don't know where the can of pineapple was, or where it was supposed to be and I don't think the helpers knew either, because none of them got that one right!) Then she said, and I'm not kidding, "I don't think you're dumb, but some of you have worked in 5 star kitchens before and you'd never know it by how this kitchen looks." Now if that's not bad enough, she then told them, while wagging her finger, that if she didn't get a 5 star kitchen because of them, they would all be very unhappy because she would be unhappy.
I had to leave at that point. I mean, come on people!! Lunch lady or not - you don't talk to anyone like that!!
I was gone 10 minutes max. When I got back to the cafeteria another mom had shown up to help with the t-shirt sales. The first thing she said to me was, "Oh my gosh! The lunch lady is a B------east!" (She wanted to say the other 'b word' but was nice enough not to.) She said that she made the helpers raise their hand if they wanted to keep their job. Of course, some of them thought she was just trying to make a point and didn't raise their hands, and then she got in their faces and said, "WHAT? You don't want to keep your job?"
At that point, we were frightened. We both had little kids with us that wanted a drink, and neither one of us dared to go buy a milk from the lunch lady. We did approach one of the helpers, but we were very timid about it and watched for a safe time to enter the 'danger zone.'
I'm sure if I got any closer, I would see that she had a huge mole with hair growing out of it. All I know is I've had my scare for the month. Beware of the lunch lady!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
Did you know that? I'll bet you also didn't know...
I'll bet you DID know that we are the luckiest family in the world to be able to celebrate this wonderful 'occurrence' in our family!! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month - if you know a person with Down Syndrome, you can't be anything BUT happy!!
*Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that has an occurrence rate of one in every 800 - 1,100 live births.
*It affects people of all ages, races, nationalities, and economic levels.
*Down Syndrome is one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormalities.
*Down Syndrome's most common form is Trisomy 21.
The common physical characteristics are: low muscle tone, depressed nasal bridge and small nose, upward slant to the eyes, abnormal shape of the ear, single crease across the center of the palm, and large tongue in relation to the size of the mouth.
The common health concerns are; congenital heart defects, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory problems, obstructed digestive tracts, childhood leukemia, shortened life expectancy and autoimmune problems.
I'll bet you DID know that we are the luckiest family in the world to be able to celebrate this wonderful 'occurrence' in our family!! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month - if you know a person with Down Syndrome, you can't be anything BUT happy!! Sunday, September 20, 2009
Update on Alex
It's been a long 2 weeks, but we really don't have anything to show for it! Alex is now in a wheelchair. That sucks! He's quite the trooper, though. He tries to do things like get in the car by himself, or in and out of his wheelchair or bed by himself, and sometimes he can do it! Other times, he needs someone to lift his right leg up and in. We did try crutches; NO GO! At least he's not in horrendous pain anymore. That's a blessing. We just wish we could find out more information. We can't get in to see the rheumatologist (to check for arthritis) until October 12!! It's just a waiting game until then.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Whazzup??
I don't even know where to begin. First of all.... I got to babysit Morgan yesterday!!! Not that it was hard or anything; she came asleep, she stayed asleep, woke up and ate, visited GG and Grandpa Scott for 20 minutes, then her parents came back home. I told you before, and I'll say it again... my grandchildren are PERFECT!!
It's been a long couple of weeks for Alex. About a month ago I noticed that when he woke up in the morning he walked really stiff. As the day wore on he loosened up, but it made me start to pay more attention to how often it happened. It slowly progressed to limping in the morning, and after he had been sitting for a while. Then it got to where he limped more than he didn't. Last Sunday a handful of other people noticed it, so I knew it wasn't just the paranoid mom in me. Of course, the next day was Labor Day so no doctor was open, but I noticed Alex dragged his right leg whenever he tried to run. He went to school the next day (with a note from paranoid mom asking them to let him take it easy) and the teacher called (Ms. Jerrard is awesome!) saying how bad he limped ALL day. Then to get off the bus, my happy-go-lucky kid had to slide down the steps on his bum. Couldn't make the big bus steps with his knee!! Of course, Alex is a little on the grumpy side - which who wouldn't be after being in pain this long- but all in all he's still happy Al.
Tuesday late afternoon - first doctor appointment. (Another incredible person - Dr. Ellie Brownstein - we're on first name basis with Ellie!) Took x-rays and blood samples to check for swelling of the tissues. X-rays came back with fluid on the knee, but bones look fine. Whew! No blood test results, yet. I keep him home from school Thursday, since the teachers call me Wednesday saying Alex can't take it any longer. We keep his foot elevated, ice pack it and about every 2 hours go for a (very) slow walk around the circle just to keep his body moving. Seems to be helping?!?
Thursday evening; during our slow walk, Alex decides to go say hi to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Scott. Angel (our dog) thinks this a fantastic idea, and plows over Alex to get to the door first! Alex went down - directly onto his sore knee!! Weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth followed suit. Oh, the pain! Oh, the agony - and that's just my perspective of having to watch a child be in pain! He wouldn't put any weight on his foot, so we put him to bed.
Friday morning; still won't put pressure on his foot. Complaining ALL the time (no more Mr. happy-go- lucky!) Goes to Dr. Carbone - his new Dr. Still doesn't have blood work back, so 'keep doing what you're doing, and I'll call you back with more info when I get it.' He did give us a different anti-inflammatory since Ibuprofen every 6 hours was upsetting Alex's stomach. Later got the blood test results back; they look ok.?. We rented a wheelchair because he's just too darn big for us to be lugging him around in the baby stroller, or even trying to carry him. I certainly can't do that anymore, and it's getting hard for everyone else too.
Friday night - I'm getting too old for this! An all-nighter of rubbing his knee, trying to calm him down, trying to keep him comfortable. Meds aren't doing a thing! He is having leg spasms and with every twitch the pain is horrific!! He even asks me to take him to the hospital!! We figure out he's more comfortable either sitting - which isn't too conducive to sleep - or with his legs bent. Finally at 5:30 in the morning, my sweet, little man falls asleep. He slept until 10:30 - and that's with me waking him up to give him his meds, test him and give him his shots at 8:00!
The next step is just wait for the anti-inflammatories to do their stuff, and if by Wednesday he's still in a lot of pain, we'll go see a rheumatologist to check for arthritis. Kids with Down Syndrome are more likely to have incidences of auto-immune problems; diabetes , and thyroid problems, which Alex has both, so why not add rheumatoid arthritis to the mix??
In the meantime, trying to find our happy Al and keep him comfortable without babying him. He did sleep much better last night (the dr. really medicated him for nighttime) and he's trying to move a LITTLE bit more. Poor guy! Good thing he's tough!! Even better that we like him!!!
It's been a long couple of weeks for Alex. About a month ago I noticed that when he woke up in the morning he walked really stiff. As the day wore on he loosened up, but it made me start to pay more attention to how often it happened. It slowly progressed to limping in the morning, and after he had been sitting for a while. Then it got to where he limped more than he didn't. Last Sunday a handful of other people noticed it, so I knew it wasn't just the paranoid mom in me. Of course, the next day was Labor Day so no doctor was open, but I noticed Alex dragged his right leg whenever he tried to run. He went to school the next day (with a note from paranoid mom asking them to let him take it easy) and the teacher called (Ms. Jerrard is awesome!) saying how bad he limped ALL day. Then to get off the bus, my happy-go-lucky kid had to slide down the steps on his bum. Couldn't make the big bus steps with his knee!! Of course, Alex is a little on the grumpy side - which who wouldn't be after being in pain this long- but all in all he's still happy Al.
Tuesday late afternoon - first doctor appointment. (Another incredible person - Dr. Ellie Brownstein - we're on first name basis with Ellie!) Took x-rays and blood samples to check for swelling of the tissues. X-rays came back with fluid on the knee, but bones look fine. Whew! No blood test results, yet. I keep him home from school Thursday, since the teachers call me Wednesday saying Alex can't take it any longer. We keep his foot elevated, ice pack it and about every 2 hours go for a (very) slow walk around the circle just to keep his body moving. Seems to be helping?!?
Thursday evening; during our slow walk, Alex decides to go say hi to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Scott. Angel (our dog) thinks this a fantastic idea, and plows over Alex to get to the door first! Alex went down - directly onto his sore knee!! Weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth followed suit. Oh, the pain! Oh, the agony - and that's just my perspective of having to watch a child be in pain! He wouldn't put any weight on his foot, so we put him to bed.
Friday morning; still won't put pressure on his foot. Complaining ALL the time (no more Mr. happy-go- lucky!) Goes to Dr. Carbone - his new Dr. Still doesn't have blood work back, so 'keep doing what you're doing, and I'll call you back with more info when I get it.' He did give us a different anti-inflammatory since Ibuprofen every 6 hours was upsetting Alex's stomach. Later got the blood test results back; they look ok.?. We rented a wheelchair because he's just too darn big for us to be lugging him around in the baby stroller, or even trying to carry him. I certainly can't do that anymore, and it's getting hard for everyone else too.
Friday night - I'm getting too old for this! An all-nighter of rubbing his knee, trying to calm him down, trying to keep him comfortable. Meds aren't doing a thing! He is having leg spasms and with every twitch the pain is horrific!! He even asks me to take him to the hospital!! We figure out he's more comfortable either sitting - which isn't too conducive to sleep - or with his legs bent. Finally at 5:30 in the morning, my sweet, little man falls asleep. He slept until 10:30 - and that's with me waking him up to give him his meds, test him and give him his shots at 8:00!
The next step is just wait for the anti-inflammatories to do their stuff, and if by Wednesday he's still in a lot of pain, we'll go see a rheumatologist to check for arthritis. Kids with Down Syndrome are more likely to have incidences of auto-immune problems; diabetes , and thyroid problems, which Alex has both, so why not add rheumatoid arthritis to the mix??
In the meantime, trying to find our happy Al and keep him comfortable without babying him. He did sleep much better last night (the dr. really medicated him for nighttime) and he's trying to move a LITTLE bit more. Poor guy! Good thing he's tough!! Even better that we like him!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Our first granddaughter!! 6 lbs. 14 oz. / 19.5 in.
GRAND BABY #2, FIRST GRANDDAUGHTER!! I'M A LUCKY LADY!!Sunday, August 30, 2009
We survived!! And I need your suggestions...
We survived the first week of school!! Or should I say Alex's teachers survived. And you know how I said Taylor is working in a cluster unit? I know most of the kids she's working with because I worked with them as 2 year olds!! So much fun!! Alex only had one OOPS! when he forgot he was 12 not 3, and ran away and hid. Only once!! Whoo-hoo!! And no sugar dives for his teachers, yet. (Notice I put YET in there, cause it's going to happen! We all know it!)
OK, so I need some fantastic suggestions; I am now the activities chairperson in our ward and I want your ideas for ward activities!! We haven't had ANY activity for a while now, so our ward is starved for things to do. Gimme, gimme, gimme!! And then gimme some more....
OK, so I need some fantastic suggestions; I am now the activities chairperson in our ward and I want your ideas for ward activities!! We haven't had ANY activity for a while now, so our ward is starved for things to do. Gimme, gimme, gimme!! And then gimme some more....
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
First day of school
I just put Alex on the bus. I don't know how I feel; proud. He didn't want to wake up, and really fought me, but then once he was awake he was happy and even seemed excited waiting for the bus. Scared; new teachers in a new school with A LOT more kids - and none of them know much about diabetes. Worried; he has to be on the bus at 7:55! I don't know if he can do that for a sustained period of time. Happy; a schedule again!!
Taylor will start school tomorrow at UVU again, and today is her first day of work at Willow Canyon! Yes - she is working in a cluster unit at Alex's elementary school!! She'll do a fantastic job and they'll be so lucky to have her. She is working with a new teacher, so it will be good for both of them!
I'm getting old!! First I will have 3 grandchildren by Christmas, and now my 'baby' is going to middle school. Holy Cow!!
Taylor will start school tomorrow at UVU again, and today is her first day of work at Willow Canyon! Yes - she is working in a cluster unit at Alex's elementary school!! She'll do a fantastic job and they'll be so lucky to have her. She is working with a new teacher, so it will be good for both of them!
I'm getting old!! First I will have 3 grandchildren by Christmas, and now my 'baby' is going to middle school. Holy Cow!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
The last few weeks in photos...
July 27, 2009 - WENT BOATING WITH THE HINCKLEY FAMILY FOR MAC'S BIRTHDAY! BEAUTIFUL DAY AT WILLARD BAY - BUT I DIDN'T TAKE MY CAMERA WITH ME :(
MY boat! My testosterone overflows when I drive it!!
...balloons in front of our house...
MY boat! My testosterone overflows when I drive it!!
...balloons in front of our house...JUNE 28, 2008 - HAD A BIG BIRTHDAY BASH FOR MAC AT HIS GRAVESIDE WITH HINCKLEY'S, MAUGHAN'S (AND EXTENDED MAUGHAN'S) AND MOWERS, AS WELL AS MANY FRIENDS WE CONSIDER FAMILY!!
...Josh and Cali serving cake...
...balloons sent to heaven for Mac to play with...
...spoiled little kid!...
...Cali insisted on taking a picture of me (so Colby held me in place). Not bad, Lou!
JULY 13-17 WENT TO GIRL'S CAMP WITH SOME GREAT MEN AND WOMEN!!
...Griff cutting firewood for us womenfolk...
...(L-R)Sue Burton (Stake YW 1st counselor), Cristy (Camp Director), Michelle Matthews (Stake YW Pres.)
THEN ALEX, MIKE AND I WENT TO PICK TAYLOR UP FROM HER SUMMER JOB AT THE HIGH ADVENTURE BOY SCOUT CAMP NOT FAR FROM JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING! WE'RE VERY PROUD OF OUR COPE COURSE INSTRUCTOR!!
...Mike and Alex on way to hotel swimming pool...
...these 2 missed each other A LOT!!...
... me with Taylor and Alli after Destiny (not shown) pulled me up the Giant's Ladder! Thanks Destiny for helping me... wouldn't have been able to do it without your help. It was a great time; and I did it!! I'm proud of myself, but also disgusted with how out of shape I am.
... my 2 studs getting ready for the cope course...
...Alex at the END of the zipline. He loved it!!...
CALI AND JOSH CAME UP FOR THE WEEKEND AND SINCE TJ WAS DONE, WE VISITED JACKSON HOLE!!
...fam in front of the antler arch...
WE GOT PICTURES TAKEN WITH SOME OF THE LOCALS...
...a relative maybe?...
...MADE FOOLS OF OURSELVES WITH A PACK OF WOLVES....
...PLAYED AT A COOL PARK...
...AND SAW A WILD WEST SHOOT OUT IN TOWN SQUARE!
...Josh and Cali serving cake...
...balloons sent to heaven for Mac to play with...
...spoiled little kid!...
...Cali insisted on taking a picture of me (so Colby held me in place). Not bad, Lou!JULY 13-17 WENT TO GIRL'S CAMP WITH SOME GREAT MEN AND WOMEN!!
...Griff cutting firewood for us womenfolk...
...(L-R)Sue Burton (Stake YW 1st counselor), Cristy (Camp Director), Michelle Matthews (Stake YW Pres.)THEN ALEX, MIKE AND I WENT TO PICK TAYLOR UP FROM HER SUMMER JOB AT THE HIGH ADVENTURE BOY SCOUT CAMP NOT FAR FROM JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING! WE'RE VERY PROUD OF OUR COPE COURSE INSTRUCTOR!!
...Taylor after shimmying up a pole...
...Mike and Alex on way to hotel swimming pool...
...these 2 missed each other A LOT!!...
... me with Taylor and Alli after Destiny (not shown) pulled me up the Giant's Ladder! Thanks Destiny for helping me... wouldn't have been able to do it without your help. It was a great time; and I did it!! I'm proud of myself, but also disgusted with how out of shape I am.
... my 2 studs getting ready for the cope course...
...Alex at the END of the zipline. He loved it!!...CALI AND JOSH CAME UP FOR THE WEEKEND AND SINCE TJ WAS DONE, WE VISITED JACKSON HOLE!!
...fam in front of the antler arch...WE GOT PICTURES TAKEN WITH SOME OF THE LOCALS...
...a relative maybe?...
...MADE FOOLS OF OURSELVES WITH A PACK OF WOLVES....
...PLAYED AT A COOL PARK...
...AND SAW A WILD WEST SHOOT OUT IN TOWN SQUARE!
ON THE DRIVE HOME WE HAD TO TAKE OUR PICTURE NEXT TO MAUGHAN ROAD!!
WE WERE HOME WITH TJ FOR 24 HOURS THEN MIKE, ALEX AND I HIT THE ROAD AGAIN, THIS TIME TO IDAHO FOR UNCLE RON'S, JED'S AND JORDAN'S FUNERALS.
... it was very humbling to see 3 caskets.
...Ron's grandchildren and Jordan's children let balloons go...
...AND WE COULDN'T LEAVE IDAHO WITHOUT VISITING THE FARM. IT WASN'T QUITE THE SAME SINCE GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HAD NOT LIVED THERE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, BUT THERE ARE SOME GREAT MEMORIES THERE!!
...the shed / airplane hangar where 'the' plane was kept. Grandpa and Jed re-built the plane, and then grandpa died while working on it (fell or had a stroke?) and Jed, Jordan and Uncle Ron were killed in a crash in the same plane.
...looking out into the fields. Mike spent many a day out in them thar fields!
... it was very humbling to see 3 caskets.
...Ron's grandchildren and Jordan's children let balloons go...
...AND WE COULDN'T LEAVE IDAHO WITHOUT VISITING THE FARM. IT WASN'T QUITE THE SAME SINCE GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HAD NOT LIVED THERE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, BUT THERE ARE SOME GREAT MEMORIES THERE!!
...the shed / airplane hangar where 'the' plane was kept. Grandpa and Jed re-built the plane, and then grandpa died while working on it (fell or had a stroke?) and Jed, Jordan and Uncle Ron were killed in a crash in the same plane.
...looking out into the fields. Mike spent many a day out in them thar fields!
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