MRI Results

So I got a call from a PCM at the base with my MRI results. FINALLY. I've only been waiting almost a month for the results. Reason for the delay you ask, because my PCM (who sucked btw) was fired. She apologized repeatedly for the long wait and then gave me my results. So I've known about the herniated disk in my lumbar region since 2002 but it has gradually got worse over time with failed therapy, injections, and multiple pain medication attempts. I also have one in my neck as well which causes my neck to spasm and me to have continuous spasms and pain in my shoulders as well. So anyways back to the recent changes in the herniated disk in my lower back. The herniation is at l-5 S-1. The disk now has a grade 3 annual tear in it and is compressing on a nerve on the right side. My sciatic nerve is also more inflamed and shows signs of compression than they would like as well as my sacrum. My sacroiliac joints are also very inflamed. I also have significant DJD(arthritis) of the lumbar and sacral area. Back two years ago with my last MRI the DJD was minimal and of no concern. Now they are saying the DJD is very apparent and has spread to my sacral joints. They are very concerned w/ the possibility of drop foot and loss of feeling to my right foot and leg setting in. Especially since I already have numbness and tingling down my right leg and in my right foot the majority of the time. So what exactly does this mean for me? Well I'm in pain management currently under going multiple injections and for now that's the only method I am taking. Not to mention ER visits for Demerol and morphine injections during down time from the injections through pain management. They did enter in a referral for me to see a neuro surgeon and would like for me to go consult with him. Been there done that. I know it sounds dumb after reading my MRI results, but I really do not want to under go any type of back sx. My father had a very bad experience with his and although his back was about 20x worse than mine is all I can think of is how bad his went. I know he had severe herniation and drop foot as well as many other factors but still. Even my sister in law had back sx and she possibly needs repeat sx. I do not care to have multiple surgeries just to relieve my pain. So until I absolutely need it I'm going to do everything I can to avoid it. I just wish I wasn't at the point were all forms of muscle relaxers, anti inflamatories and pain pills dont work. Sure would make it a lot easier if I didn't have to take morphine and Demerol to get relief.

Happy Bithday Dad!

Cake the kids made

Today is my dad's birthday. I wish I was there in Texas with the kids helping him celebrate. So here's hoping that you have an awesome day dad. I love you and Happy Birthday.

Wooo Hooo!

So it's finally official that my best friend will be here in Aug. About a week left to be exact. I am soooo excited. She called me and let me know she has a plane ticket and everything. I cannot wait! We are going to have so much fun. And, best of all I get to go get my kiddos. I miss them so much!

Let the Testing Continue...

So my mind is feeling a little frazzled these last few days. The chapters are getting more in depth for sure. The other day I read about/learned the entire digestive system starting with the mouth to the rectum. UGH that's a lot of info to retain in one sitting. I took two quizzes yesterday, one over chapter 5 and the other over chapter 6. I made a 85 and then 100 so not too bad. I have three more chapters to read and take quizzes over before I take the second big graded test. After that I have my first test over the entire section of Advanced Medical Terminology. Then, I get to move on to the actual transcription part. I'm excited to start typing reports. So hopefully I'll be finished with the entire certification by five months. That's my goal at least.

Flowers From my Sweet Girl

Today I got a picture from my mom and it's of Kailee with some flowers. Mom said she picked them especially for me. I tell you my little girl is the sweetest. :)

Justin's new Bed and Bedding

Since Justin has been in Texas with my parents, Paul and I decided it was time to get his crib out and set his room up for his toddler bed. He's a big boy and was getting in and out of his crib by himself, so we knew it was time. I am sooooo EXCITED! I ordered Justin's new bedding to go with his fire truck toddler bed and it came in this morning. Talk about fast shipping since I just ordered it three days ago. :) I think it looks fantastic and I cannot wait for him to get home and try his new bed out. It even came with the matching curtains. I can't hang them because of my back, but I know Paul will hang them for me tomorrow. Now all I have to do is decide what I want to do to the walls. I want his room to be nothing but fire trucks. This will be a room he can grow into for sure. He loves fire trucks, so I know he's going to go in his room and go nuts over his bed and bedding. My mom and dad bought the bed for his first birthday and we cannot be more appreciative. Thanks mom and dad. Love you guys.

Saturday Videos

So instead of deleting my last post and starting over to add the videos to the bottom I'll just post a new one of nothing but new videos. Plus it'll give me more space to explain them. In the first two they are of Kailee and Justin playing a play flute. Good thing they are still young and have time to improve their skills. LOL






The next videos are of Kailee singing the Hug song off of Yo Gabba Gabba and JP singing the Yee Haw part of she'll be coming around the mountain.






The next one is of Kailee telling the difference between her and JP's cotton candy cause she knows how her name is spelled.

Saturday

I know it's been a few days since I last posted, but I'm back with pictures and videos. It's been pretty slow and relaxed around here. Paul and I have been doing a lot more together now that he's had some days off. Last night we went to dinner with a bunch of the car people. On the way there Paul and a friend thought it would be fun to race each other since his friend Matt has a turbo in his Trans Am. Problem being they chose to do it on the main road. Paul smoked him which was awesome, but then we had a cop follow us half way to the restaurant. Super scary considering street racing is illegal here and they are really starting to crack down on it. Luckily we didn't get pulled over and it gave us all a good conversation starter while waiting forever for our food. I usually don't do the whole car club scene with Paul to try giving him his guy/hobby time, but after last night I realized it's actually quite fun, plus he has a really cool group here in Tucson that actually bring their wives. So all in all it was a pretty cool night. Now on to the reason for this post. I got some new videos of the kids and pictures as well. Hope you enjoy.

Yay Me!

So I took my first graded test through Allied. It was on all four of the first chapters and I passed. I didn't do as good as I wanted to but I still did decently. I took the chapter four quiz and made a 100 so I just knew the test would be easy. Haha. Not so much. It was so hard my brain actually hurt. Anyhow I ended up passing the first four chapter review test with a 88%. Now I have another six quizzes before my next chapter review test.

I feel the need...The Need for Speed

So Paul and I went to dinner with some new friends tonight to Applebees. It was soooo good. Afterwards we decided to go for a cruise in his car to get him some ice cream. I know he races and I don't have a problem with that. After tonight I know why. Its awesome! Some Subaru that had a turbo charged engine tried racing him. Paul smoked him. Talk about an adrinalin rush. After a very crazy night last night we just took it easy today. We cleaned the house and backyard, then just kind of relaxed until dinner. Now I'm off to study for another test. That should put me to sleep for sure LOL

I'm smart

So my dad has Justin walking around calling himself smart. He'll say "I'm smart."
He called just to tell me he's smart lol. Sooooo CUTE :) I got a few other videos of the kids that I'll post later on tonight after Paul's party.

Shampoo

Here's a cute little video of Justin saying Shampoo during bath time. Nothing too big about this video just thought it was a cute one.

My Favorite Way to Wake Up

I know I've said it before, but there is nothing better than waking up to a good morning video of the kids and a phone call from them. Well, except them actually being here in the house waking me up, but while they are in Tx this is the best. Too bad the two of them are always to busy to actually talk to me. I'm lucking if I get a hi bye from them lately. LOL I guess it's a good thing they are having such a good time without me. For me personally, I'm glad the time is coming to an end. I cannot wait to get them back. They are going to have such a busy first week back. I have so much planned and since Blue will be here we can really do it all. Cannot wait. :)

90, 85, 95

My recent quiz scores! I'm pleasantly surprised at how well I am doing with this MT training. I have one more quiz to take over chapter 4 and then I take my first test over chapters one through four. This is the big 82 multiple choice, written word definition and abbreviation meaning test. This one actually counts. After the big test I will have another one over 5 chapters then I'll have my final test on Medical Terminology. Then I'll be moving into the MT portion and training where I will actually get to transcribe records. I must say it's moving quite fast. I'm still hoping to finish everything within the 5 month range although they give you up to 18 months. I would rather get it done and start a whole new area to get certified on.

It's my Husband's Birthday :)

Happy Birthday Paul!

Today is Paul's 30th birthday and what a way he gets to spend it. Right now he's probably still in a classroom testing for Tech. He has been studying so hard despite all his regular tests and classes he has been taking since we got here and dealing w/other work related stuff. I sure hope he just lets the rest go and does his best which I know he will. Tech is the hardest test to make but I know he'll try his hardest. So here's a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE AND A GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TEST.
P.S. Even Kailee wanted to send you a good luck/happy birthday video. However, Chris got a hold of her in one and wanted her to tell you that his car was faster and he would prove it when he came to Az. Hopefully it'll put a smile on your face.

Yesterday's Funnies

So I called to tell the kids goodnight last night and Kailee as always had something humerus to say. She wasn't in the mood to talk so she said "Can I just say goodnight and I love you and bye?" So conversation went as followed:

Kailee: Goodnight mommy

Kailee: Don't swallow a cow mommy.

Me: Ok sweetie goodnight and I won't.

Kailee: Good thanks for not swallowing a cow. I love you

Me: I love you too

So my mom gets ont he phone and tells me there's some old nursery rime about an old lady who swallows things that my dad taught her and that's where she got the don't swallow a cow from. So I'm guessing she considers me old and wanted to make sure I didn't follow in the old lady's footsteps.

Then I got some videos of the kids reading a book. They are too cute and I swear Kailee has one of those imaginations that just make you go wow where do you come up with this stuff. She made her story up just by looking at the picture on the front of the book from what I understand. And I got another video with Chris in the background You never know what she'll say with him around so i was a little worried. She's holding her arms up like she flexing her muscles and calls them her guns. Chris is always telling her he has big muscles and then he taught her to refer to them as guns, so I always get to hear how big her uncle's guns are. I swear he has that little girl thinking he has the fastest car, biggest muscles, and is the greatest. Oh the susceptible mind of a young child. Something else I found to be pretty comical was the trick Chris pulled on Kailee that had her scared for like ten minutes straight. I have to admit he did a pretty good job considering it's hard to trick her. I guess they were outside while Chris bbq'd them some hot dogs and he was letting them roast marshmallows. It was getting kind of dark outside so he said it was time to come in which Kailee didn't want to do. So she's sitting on the back step and here's what happened.

Chris: You need to come in.
Kailee: I'm not ready to
Chris: Ok, but it's getting dark and that's when vampires come out.
Kailee: um whatever uncle there's no such thing as vampires.
Chirs: If you say so just watch out if the light goes out.

So Chris being the uncle he is closes the back door and shuts the back light off to which Kailee starts screaming "let me in let me in." She then went inside all hysterical claiming a vampire was going to get her. Chris asked her "I thought you said vampires didn't exist?" Kailee said "They don't well I didn't think they did but the light went off so they must." Needless to say they spent the next ten minutes trying to re convince her vampires don't exist. Way to go Chris.

Sunday Videos

Today was pretty uneventful. Paul and I went to one of his friend's houses and had some homemade fried chicken, homemade macaroni salad, biscuits and corn on the cob. DELICIOUS. Not that I'm stuffed to the brim I'm home getting ready to read another two chapters. Yippee! That was sarcasm by the way. I did however get some videos from Blue today of the kids. Thought I would go ahead and share them with you guys. Well my weekend is officially over and a good one it was. I changed my injections from Monday to Tuesday so Paul wouldn't have to leave work Monday. He's off Tuesday so it just made it easier. Wish me luck that this set goes as well as the last. I'm sure I'll be back before Tuesday with pictures of videos of the kids The first video is of Kailee saying she doesn't like kisses from Justin and from who she does. The second one is of Justin tickling Kailee. The third one is of the kids dancing and the fourth one is of Kailee giving Justin a horsey ride.

I'm back...

Sorry for all the posting today, but after I have my injections on Monday it'll be a while before I get back on. Plus, I have two tests I have to get done and three chapters to read, and I have to label the entire human body front to back and inside and out. So, I'm taking advantage of this time while I can. Here are some pictures of the kids from today. They went to the park and had snow cones. I'm loving the fact that Blue has been visiting so much b/c I've been able to see pics and videos of the kids more. ENJOY!


P.S. Please excuse they way my daughter is dressed. Apparently she decided to dress herself.

My Pondering Thoughts: A Little Sappy Today

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am truly blessed. I have a wonderful husband, absolutely amazing kids, and the best family and friends I could ask for. It's days like today when I wake up and sometimes just have to step back and remind myself that all the little stressors, hard times, and depressing moments, and constant business are all part of a bigger plan and just that...moments that will pass and that shape us as individuals.


On a side note. My husband went out to a friends house just to hang out, drink some beer, and shoot the well you know what. No biggie. We had just gone and had dinner and watched Public Enemies. Which I loved. I mean two full hours of Johnny Depp and gangster type action you cannot go wrong. So what did I care if he went out. Anyways long story short. He went to the grocery store at some point to get beer and what do you know bought me flowers. How thoughtful and sweet. I swear he is the best. And, not because he bought me flowers. That's not the point. But, because he's always doing nice and sweet things just because. Even though he's dealing with a lot at work, testing for Tech on Wed, getting things set up so he can start college, dealing with modifying his car, and just plane stressed out he stopped and thought about me. Sometimes life is so crazy around here and I'm dealing with my own stuff I forget just how lucky I am. So a quick I LOVE YOU to the best husband ever. And of course show off my beautiful flowers. :)


Another awesome thing is I woke up to a good morning from the sweetest little girl ever. I soooo miss my good mornings and I love yous from my baby girl in the mornings, so this was the absolute best way to wake up. My kids are everything to me and I am thankful to the Lord above that he allowed me another day to live on this earth to hear my daughter say such a simple thing as good morning and it bring me more joy and love than anyone can ever know.



Waking up in this overly thankful mood this morning has me wanting to take some time and thank some very important people in my life that I know I don't thank nearly enough.

My mom, dad, brother Chris, and my bestie for life Blue. What can't I say about these four people. Next to my kids and husband they are everything to me. My parents for always loving & supporting me and treating my kids like they are everything to them. They are not only the best parents in the world, my mom being my best friend, my dad being the man I love, look up to and respect the most, but they are the best grandparents. Not b/c of the material processions they give the kids, but because of the continuous love and support they give my kids. Because in a drop of a hat they would come just to see the kids even if for a day. The way they make the kids the center of their world. And take care of them the way I do and never overstep boundaries or do something I would disapprove of. I know I'm a difficult mother for them to deal with b/c of all my rules and guidelines and because they can't spoil the kids rotten and give them whatever they want just because they are their grandparents and yet they enjoy every second with the kids rather by computer, phone or in person. My parents are truly amazing people and I don't have enough space, time, or mind set to lay it out in a better way. I love you mom and dad.

My brother Chris, wow where to start. The only brother I have in my mind. We had our moments where we hated each other and sometimes I still do LOL He has come such a long way and I am beyond proud of him. He has a wonderful job and is going somewhere with himself. I know for sure I don't take the time to say that to him or thank him for being the best uncle ever. He has come such a long way. From not even wanting to hold Kailee until she was a week old b/c she was so little to jumping right in and starting the most amazing relationships with both of my kids. My kids LOVE LOVE their Uncle Chris. He's been there from day one. Always playing with them, holding them, talking to them, spinning them around and around until they can't stand, sneaking them little treats, having little side jokes with Kailee behind my back, teaching the kids some not so mature things but giving us all a laugh out of it, driving across town just to see them, and lately driving from Brownwood after a long day and shift just to spend time with the kids. Staying his days off at the house and just making the kids feel like they are the reason he came and not the fact that he wanted a break from his hotel room. Some might think big deal so what, so he's a good uncle. Well my brother is a single dude, all about work and cars. He doesn't have his own wife or kids. Heck my kids were the first kids he had ever been around. So it's a huge deal to see my brother where he is. It was huge for him to even hold my daughter, wait let me rephrase take off work, spend hours at the hospital knowing he had to go back and work just to be there to see his niece born. And, he didn't just do it with Kailee he was there for Justin too waiting in the hospital just to see them wheel him out so he could say he was there and then turn around and go finish his shift. And now look, he's the prized Uncle. The uncle both kids cannot get enough of and hold the highest. He went from a selfish uncaring single dude to the most caring, loving, best uncle in the world. He knows both the kids moods, likes, dislikes, temperaments, everything about the both of them. Not too bad considering he's just the uncle and not their father. Not too many brothers step up and take the time to really get to know their nieces and nephews. I can say mine has and I'll love the punk forever for it.

Blue. Last on here but definitely not last in my heart. 7 years of endless memories and friendship. You can't beat that. Started off as enemies for typical chick crap to being best friends. Well more really. She's a part of not just me but my family. Everyone knows Blue and her role as best friend, sister, aunt, nanny, maid, painter, re decorator, cook, party planner, you name a role she's stepped into it at some point over the last 7 years. My sanity, my rational side, my religious teacher, brings out the softer less gruff side in me, has molded me to a better more understanding person on a lot of levels. Although people still say I'm the mean one and she's the nice one she really has taught me to not write people off as quickly as I once would. The emotional one as she will tell you. I will say she's the only person who has ever made me mad or sad and still been in my life, friend wise. And she doesn't just mean everything to me, much like Chris, she's everything to my kids. A real Aunt, not by marriage or blood but by pure wanting to be. Been there from day one literally. From being the third to find out I was pregnant with Kailee, to being at the hospital right with my parents, from never leaving my side while at the hospital after my first c-section and anyone who knows the real story behind my c-section with Kailee they know what a huge deal that is. To coming to the house the day we came home just to talk with me. To being there through my whole pregnancy with Justin, from trying to talk me into having her dad do some mexican tradition to tell me what I was having knowing that stuff creeps me out, to being at the hospital after he was born even though I wanted no visitors and just wanted my darn cocktail and sleep, to helping me set up JP's room, heck Kailee's too. Being there for every first. Not missing one. From being Aunt Boo(JP) to being Kailee's favorite. For always being there when Paul was gone just so I wouldn't have to take care of two kids by myself or be alone, to bath time filled with tons of splashed water all directed towards her, to staying home and watching Trading Spaces instead of going out drinking even though it was a Saturday, to traveling to Az just so she wouldn't miss Justin's first birthday, always trying to talk me into letting someone help me with the kids even if it means letting her carry all the groceries in. Much like Chris she knows my kids inside and out, knows me inside and out and even puts up with Paul LOL. The best simply stated. Not many people can ay they have a friend who knows you, the real you and still likes you. I can honestly say that about her. Not many can say their friendship didn't change once they got married and had kids. I can. I could go on and on about this girl but I wouldn't want her to cry all day even though I know she is reading this.

There are many other people in my life that I am thankful for. I have the best in laws. I'm not just saying that because they can read this at any point I'm saying it because it is true. Paul's dad is like my second father and Mariellen like my second mother. They have been there for me during some really difficult times. Paul's mom what can I say. Heck what can't I say. She is awesome. Awesome with the kids, awesome with me even though I married her only son, and just a real person. No fluff, no BS, just real. Given me some really good advice, always grounded me when I had a freak out about something the kids were or weren't doing. I love her for who she is and what she isn't. Barry. Good ol' Barry. Always the same. Has always treated me the same from day one. The loved Poppy to the kids. A wonderful Poppy who the kids just seem to be drawn to. I gained a sister when I married Paul something I never would have imagined. She's a great mom, a wonderful Aunt to my kids, and just someone I look up to in many ways. Her husband is amazing with kids. Amazing. It's like his calling. The most patient man I have ever met when it comes to kids. And, they gave me my first nephew and niece. Jayden and Cami. Another set of great kiddos that distance has stolen a relationship with. I love those two though and can't wait to see them in Nov. I also have two of the cutest nephews ever in Japan. I've only met my youngest nephew Gabriel once and he's a cutie for sure. Spoiled like you wouldn't believe. I'm sure not as much now that he's not an infant but he sure was when I met him. Lucas, has a piece of my heart. The sweetest, smartest, most adorable little boy ever. I just love that little boy. I really hope one day I'll have a relationship with them. The distance hasn't allowed me to get to know them like I wish I could. Paul's grandma Garcia is the sweetest most awesome lady you will ever meet. More like a grandma to me than my own as harsh as that sounds. His other grandma Crosby is amazing as well. Super sweet and great with kids. Well she has a ton of great grand kids and grand kids. Very patient.

Well I'm going to take a break and go get my toes done and come back and finish this oh so very long blog entry and edit the ones from yesterday. Which means more pics and videos to come.



* I'm back from getting my toes done. I have ugly feet but I just love the color I went with. Not only that but they did a deluxe message on my feet and legs which I desperately needed. Now that I'm all relaxed I should be able to get everything caught up as far as the blog goes. Nothing like some relaxation to get the creativity flowing. Hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend. :)

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Lala Kaillee

So Justin is finally calling Kailee by her name and not Lala. Kailee apparently put her foot down and had enough of being referred to as Lala. So now when Justin slips and calls her Lala she will say "I'm not answering you until you call me by my name." So Justin being a typical brother will turn around and call her "Lala Kailee" LOL But according to mom he is calling her Kailee about 80% of the time. That's not too shabby considering he's had a nickname for her. It went from Sista, to Kayla, to Lala. And another little brag. He has always known his name. If we would say Justin he would always respond. But I never have been able to get him to actually call himself Justin. Well now when you ask him what his name is he will say Justin in the smallest sweetest little voice. :)

TGIF! I woke up to more pictures.

What a great Friday! I am so happy and excited right now. I woke up to like five snapfish albums full of everyday pictures of the kiddos from bath time, pool time, to the kids coloring, to JP talking on the phone to me, just a lil' bit of everything. Not only that, but Paul e-mailed me two of the pictures of us from our retreat to the Tanque Verde Ranch. For some reason they kept taking pictures of our family and I think we have at least 8 more coming to us. It was such a good time and it's always nice having someone else capture you or your kids so you can enjoy hands on time with your kids.

Kaileeism

First let me give a little history so you don't think my dad has lost his mind. I mean I'm sure no one could blame him if he had considering he's had two toddlers for a month, but that's besides the point.

The Republic of Djibouti, is a small country in eastern Africa, located in the Horn of Africa. Djibouti is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. On the other side of the Red Sea, on the Arabian Peninsula, 20 kilometers (12 mi) from the coast of Djibouti, is Yemen. Dabooty is informal for a person from Dijibouti, the country in Africa
So, I get a call and my mom is cracking up. Cracking up so much she can hardly get the reason she called out of her mouth. Here's how the conversation goes in the background as my mom is laughing:

Papa: Kailee do you want to go live in Jabooty?

Kailee: Papa How can I live in Jabooty when my booty is on me?

Papa: Tell mommy you want to live in Jabooty.

Kailee: No Papa I don't want to live in my booty.

Obviously I started cracking up which led to Kailee laughing and of course my dad was in the background in hysterics. So I asked my mom where in the world did dad come up with that. Apparently there is a Cokezero commercial where they say Jabooty and that is where my dad got it from.