Oh goodness, I have been such a bad Blogger. There, I said it. I can't believe how I have neglected this. I truly wanted this to be a reflection of my life, something I and my family could look back on and remember what was happening in our world.
From the looks of this blog site, life has been pretty boring since right before Christmas. Yes, that is the last time I took time to write here. I was so frantic, trying to get everything ready for the kids to arrive. And they arrived and it was such a whirlwind of activities, well of course there wasn't time to write.
They all left on Friday and I woke up very sick on Saturday. Sick enough that I went to the Dr. for medicine. Severe upper respiratory infection, antibiotics and 2 weeks later, I was feeling well enough to accompany Ed on a business trip to San Antonio. We had so much fun! We took a Segway tour of Downtown San Antonio with friends, had some wonderful meals and lots of laughs. Thankful we did, because it all went down hill from there....
Ed started feeling bad on Sunday, another gall bladder attack. Fortunately he was a little better on Monday and we made our way home. Things were pretty good on Tuesday, but Wednesday I woke up with some now all too familiar symptoms. Lupus had reared it's ugly head once again. And then things got really bad. That pesky gall bladder started acting up again on Thursday and Ed was at the beginning of a two and a half week long nightmare. He toughed it out over the weekend and. I wasn't much help since I was down with a flare. We mostly just lay in bed and were miserable together. With the exception of Saturday, when we frantically pulled the house together for a second look by prospective buyers. More on that later.
And in the midst of all this, my Grandmother passed away on Friday the 17th. Needless to say, we were both too ill to make the trip to Tennessee for her funeral on Monday the 20th. She was my last grandparent and I was unable to be there to say goodbye.
On Monday, Ed finally decided to go to the Dr. They did some blood work and said they would call
in the morning. When he had not heard from them by 10 am, he called them. The nurse called back
and said, "You have a lot going on! Dr. Jennings wants you to go directly to the hospital and be admitted." And so it began.
The gall bladder was not a happy camper and since misery loves company, it got the pancreas very angry as well. Very, very angry. Which then got the liver upset. And that liver was so angry about everything, he turned Ed a not so lovely shade of yellow. Take it from me, it was not a flattering color for Ed. He was diagnosed with Acute Biliary Pancreatitis, extreme dehydration and jaundice. He was in a great deal of pain and was immediately connected to all sorts if IV's. He was a pretty sick boy. This was Tuesday, January 21st. His Lipase numbers were over 9,000. Should be around 100. Like I said, he was pretty sick. By Friday the 24th, his numbers were much better, but some new problems were appearing. He was not sleeping and becoming very confused. On Saturday, the confusion was much worse and he was becoming paranoid. He felt like his heart was pounding, so I checked his pulse. It did not sound very good to me, so I called for the Nurse. She agreed it wasn't right. They began to look for what was causing this and thought he might have a pulmonary embolism and/ or a
brain bleed/stroke. He was moved to ICU and things went from bad to worse. A
Neurologist was called in and another MRI was scheduled. Thankfully, there was no embolism or stroke/bleed. He was started on meds to help him sleep and they did nothing. Finally on Tuesday the 28th, he was given Haldol and after 5 days of not sleeping, he slept for 3 hours! Not much, but a good start. He slept some that night as well. Still sporadic, but at least a little. The problem was that he couldn't have the gall bladder surgery as long as he was still altered. He improved a little each day and finally on Friday the 31st, he was able to have surgery. But in true Ed fashion, there was a complication and another Dr. had to come in and do an ERCP procedure to move a stone blocking the duct to the small intestine. We were so thankful to have that behind us after all he had been thru.
Saturday was the day we had been promised for discharge, but Ed's liver enzymes were over 1000, when they should be around 30. It took some persuading and promising to come in for more bloodwork on Monday, but he was finally released! We couldn't get out of there fast enough! We
were so thankful to finally be home and sleeping in our own bed. While he is still recovering and we
have numerous Dr. appointments in our future, he is so much better and that is enough for now.
2014 has been challenging so far, to say the least. We have quite a few changes happening in our family. Remember that showing I mentioned earlier? We have sold our house! We will be moving to Tulsa and into Ed's parents house for the time being. Very mixed emotions about that, we know we are doing what is best for Ed's parents, it is just going to take some adjustment on all of our parts. But we have prayed about it and know this is the path God has planned for us.
Whew, I am exhausted just getting all of this out. And there is so much I didn't cover. Christmas was
wonderful with all of our babies here with us. Bittersweet, as it turns out to have been our last Christmas in this house. But wonderful, none the less.
Will try and do better in the future, but make no promises. The next few months are going to be busy to say the least.
Please pray for us all....
Monday, February 10, 2014
Friday, December 13, 2013
They're coming......
One week from today, yes, you heard that right, ONE WEEK!!!
They will be here. The Boston Babies and the Cincinnati babies. The OKC baby doesn't get here until Tuesday. I have one million things to do before they arrive. Anyone want to place a wager on how much I actually get done?
Don't bet on me people, that would be a losing bet for sure.
Let me count the ways...
Oh forget it, there are too many to count and I have to get busy.
Because they are coming.
And I can hardly wait!!!
Merry Christmas!
They will be here. The Boston Babies and the Cincinnati babies. The OKC baby doesn't get here until Tuesday. I have one million things to do before they arrive. Anyone want to place a wager on how much I actually get done?
Don't bet on me people, that would be a losing bet for sure.
Let me count the ways...
Oh forget it, there are too many to count and I have to get busy.
Because they are coming.
And I can hardly wait!!!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
It's been a while
Today is October 1st. I have been absent from my blog for quite a while.
With good reason I assure you. Many , many good reasons in fact.
There have been numerous trips to Boston, Cincinnati, Tulsa and even Hawaii.
And we added to our family! That's right, we have another precious grand baby in our family, Miss Caroline Kai! More on her later.
I have been feeling pretty good, a few small flares, but nothing I can't handle. I am thankful that my health hasn't kept me from enjoying my family and traveling. I realize how blessed I am to be able to do all the things I do.
Our house is still on the market, that is a whole 'nother story folks. It has been a frustrating experience, but I know that there is a plan and I just have to have patience.
So, the most exciting event of the past few months is the birth of our 4th grandchild, Miss Caroline Kai Poynor. She is absolutely precious and already 3 weeks old! Caroline was born on September 9th at 9:25 am, weighing 7lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long. I was able to spend 3 weeks in Boston with the Poynor's, helping out,cuddling this sweet baby girl and entertaining her big brother. Oliver is a great big brother and when Caroline cries, he says " Don't cry Carywine, I'm here, I'm here." It is just the sweetest thing.
Our next big adventure will be our family vacation in California at the end of the month. 7 adults and 4 babies, 3 and under.
Pray for me.....
With good reason I assure you. Many , many good reasons in fact.
There have been numerous trips to Boston, Cincinnati, Tulsa and even Hawaii.
And we added to our family! That's right, we have another precious grand baby in our family, Miss Caroline Kai! More on her later.
I have been feeling pretty good, a few small flares, but nothing I can't handle. I am thankful that my health hasn't kept me from enjoying my family and traveling. I realize how blessed I am to be able to do all the things I do.
Our house is still on the market, that is a whole 'nother story folks. It has been a frustrating experience, but I know that there is a plan and I just have to have patience.
So, the most exciting event of the past few months is the birth of our 4th grandchild, Miss Caroline Kai Poynor. She is absolutely precious and already 3 weeks old! Caroline was born on September 9th at 9:25 am, weighing 7lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long. I was able to spend 3 weeks in Boston with the Poynor's, helping out,cuddling this sweet baby girl and entertaining her big brother. Oliver is a great big brother and when Caroline cries, he says " Don't cry Carywine, I'm here, I'm here." It is just the sweetest thing.
Our next big adventure will be our family vacation in California at the end of the month. 7 adults and 4 babies, 3 and under.
Pray for me.....
Saturday, June 1, 2013
My name is Connie
Hello, my name is Connie and I am an addict....
My drug of choice?
The Pioneer Woman's Salsa...
That's right, I am addicted to this salsa. I make it 2-3 times a week and when that jar starts to get low, I start getting very anxious.
I start checking to see if I have cilantro, limes, tomatoes and Rotel. If there is anything from the recipe missing, I have to go to the store immediately and replace it in my pantry.
I told you, I am an addict.
And I am not ashamed to introduce others to my world. My husband, daughters, sons-in-law, no one is spared.
Just yesterday I made converts of my brother, sister-in-law and two of my nieces.
They are now hooked. I don't regret it one bit... They actually thanked me! That's how good this stuff is!
If you haven't had any, I am so sorry. I know you must feel something is lacking in your life and I guarantee, this will fill the empty spot.
Try it, I promise you will thank me and be a Pioneer Woman convert in no time at all!!
I will save you the trouble of googling it, here is the link to my addiction!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/
My work here is done.
My drug of choice?
The Pioneer Woman's Salsa...
That's right, I am addicted to this salsa. I make it 2-3 times a week and when that jar starts to get low, I start getting very anxious.
I start checking to see if I have cilantro, limes, tomatoes and Rotel. If there is anything from the recipe missing, I have to go to the store immediately and replace it in my pantry.
I told you, I am an addict.
And I am not ashamed to introduce others to my world. My husband, daughters, sons-in-law, no one is spared.
Just yesterday I made converts of my brother, sister-in-law and two of my nieces.
They are now hooked. I don't regret it one bit... They actually thanked me! That's how good this stuff is!
If you haven't had any, I am so sorry. I know you must feel something is lacking in your life and I guarantee, this will fill the empty spot.
Try it, I promise you will thank me and be a Pioneer Woman convert in no time at all!!
I will save you the trouble of googling it, here is the link to my addiction!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/
My work here is done.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
My baby brother
My little brother Doug is a Battalion Chief for the Edmond Fire Department in Oklahoma. He has been on the job for 23 years now. During this time he has responded to countless emergencies and unfortunately has seen his share of disasters. He was on the scene, searching through the rubble after the bombing in OKC. I can't begin to imagine what he has seen and dealt with during his career.
Monday he drove south to Moore and his team was assigned to Plaza Elementary. Below is something he shared with us.
Thanks everyone!! I have to share a quick story and a lesson I a 23 year veteran of the FD was reminded about this morning by a new recruit we just hired with 3 WEEKS on.
Yesterday afternoon we responded to Moore and got our assignment to go to Plaza Elementary School to assist with search and rescue. Once there, the new recruit was simply assigned to start cutting 4x4 posts into 2' sections. That's it, just cut as many 2' sections as you can with the lumber we had to use as cribbing. Mind you he is standing in front of a horrific scene and his job was to cut boards that will be used to support weakened concrete. At first he thought surely there is something more I can do. However, this morning when we returned to the station and we gathered as a group to debrief. It was then that he shared his story and the task he was assigned. He also shared that at first he was aggravated about his assignment, but finally it hit him, his portion of the mission was to produce cribbing that would be used to keep responders and victims safe. His portion although seeming trivial it was a small part of a huge effort to provide comfort and closure to a lot of people.
Long story short, not one first responder can do their job without the support of every Oklahoman. Whether it be getting involved in local government, volunteering at a local charity or donating goods or money, it takes a team to be successful. A Oklahoma team I'm proud to be part of!!
Doug generally keeps his feelings pretty well hidden, he has never really talked about what he saw at the OKC bombing site with me and doesn't like a lot of attention for what he does. It is his job, he loves it and that's enough.
But, I am his big sister and since our Mom is no longer here to brag on him, I am going to. He probably wishes I wouldn't, but I just can't help myself. I am so very proud of what he does on a daily basis. He is a good man, husband, father and brother. His chosen career has meant he missed out on some things with his family. But that's ok, he was out there helping other families. We all make sacrifices, but our First Responders very often make the ultimate sacrifice, as witnessed recently in West, Texas.
So, if you love a First Responder, give them an extra hug today. We all get a little complacent and forget what they do for us, until something like Moore, Oklahoma happens and reminds us.
Thank you for all you do Douglas,
I love you,
Sis
Monday he drove south to Moore and his team was assigned to Plaza Elementary. Below is something he shared with us.
Thanks everyone!! I have to share a quick story and a lesson I a 23 year veteran of the FD was reminded about this morning by a new recruit we just hired with 3 WEEKS on.
Yesterday afternoon we responded to Moore and got our assignment to go to Plaza Elementary School to assist with search and rescue. Once there, the new recruit was simply assigned to start cutting 4x4 posts into 2' sections. That's it, just cut as many 2' sections as you can with the lumber we had to use as cribbing. Mind you he is standing in front of a horrific scene and his job was to cut boards that will be used to support weakened concrete. At first he thought surely there is something more I can do. However, this morning when we returned to the station and we gathered as a group to debrief. It was then that he shared his story and the task he was assigned. He also shared that at first he was aggravated about his assignment, but finally it hit him, his portion of the mission was to produce cribbing that would be used to keep responders and victims safe. His portion although seeming trivial it was a small part of a huge effort to provide comfort and closure to a lot of people.
Long story short, not one first responder can do their job without the support of every Oklahoman. Whether it be getting involved in local government, volunteering at a local charity or donating goods or money, it takes a team to be successful. A Oklahoma team I'm proud to be part of!!
Doug generally keeps his feelings pretty well hidden, he has never really talked about what he saw at the OKC bombing site with me and doesn't like a lot of attention for what he does. It is his job, he loves it and that's enough.
But, I am his big sister and since our Mom is no longer here to brag on him, I am going to. He probably wishes I wouldn't, but I just can't help myself. I am so very proud of what he does on a daily basis. He is a good man, husband, father and brother. His chosen career has meant he missed out on some things with his family. But that's ok, he was out there helping other families. We all make sacrifices, but our First Responders very often make the ultimate sacrifice, as witnessed recently in West, Texas.
So, if you love a First Responder, give them an extra hug today. We all get a little complacent and forget what they do for us, until something like Moore, Oklahoma happens and reminds us.
Thank you for all you do Douglas,
I love you,
Sis
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Praying
My heart is broken for the people of Moore.
Praying for all those affected by these horrible storms...
Praying for all those affected by these horrible storms...
Monday, May 13, 2013
For Sale
Well, we did it.
Our house is officially on the market.
Not going to lie, just a little scared about this. I have always felt very confident in our other moves. I am sure I will get there with this move, just not quite there yet.
But I know God has a plan and I have to trust that everything will happen as it is meant to be. As one of my darling daughters (Alissa) said, Everything will be fine in the end, if it isn't fine, it isn't the end....
Hope she is right.
Our house is officially on the market.
Not going to lie, just a little scared about this. I have always felt very confident in our other moves. I am sure I will get there with this move, just not quite there yet.
But I know God has a plan and I have to trust that everything will happen as it is meant to be. As one of my darling daughters (Alissa) said, Everything will be fine in the end, if it isn't fine, it isn't the end....
Hope she is right.
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