Fourth of July Fun!

Okay...yes...I am stilling playing catch-up (and I think I will be for awhile!) We were so excited that Handsome was able to be home for the Fourth of July! It's just not quite the same without him! Kimmy and I, with our long hair, have not quite mastered (or even started) the art of the grill! It just wouldn't be the fourth without barbecue! We also love to have him here for everything else associated with the holiday...but especially the barbecue!


We love to make cupcakes for holidays (or cookies...or cake...or ANYTHING sweet!) The kids got to decorate patriotic sprinkled cupcakes. They had a lot of fun decorating them. Missy was so careful with her decorating...


...Stevie could have cared less about the decorating...just let him EAT them as fast as can!

We always have a tradition of buying LOTS of glowsticks for the fourth. (That and those little poppers you can throw) I watched my nephew accidentally step on a sparkler one year and it went right through his foot :( I have never let the kids play with them...It was horrible! They love the glowsticks because you can do so much with them--they wear them, throw them, hide them...the list goes on and on! Missy usually ends up with a ton of them before the night is through!

This time she had made a belt, crown, bracelets, necklace, anklets and more! They usually end up having light-saber fights too

When we lived in Washington, the base handed out fireworks 3-D glasses at their Fourth of July fest...makes the fireworks really beautiful! We saved them every year so we have a pretty good stash of them LOL! We still use them at whatever show we go to (and they make laser shows at the planetarium phenomenal too!) We were lucky enough that we can see the big fireworks show the base here provides from our own front lawn! Then we spent lots of time watching all the traffic from the cars that went to the big fireworks show!

The girls look pretty relaxed watching the show too! Maybe they were just full from barbecuing for lunch AND dinner! Mmmmm...hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad and watermelon! Gotta love the fourth!

Here's handsome and I looking like the old folks relaxing in their rocking chairs! Grow old with me...the best is yet to be!!!

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home...

...or...Where the heck has Heidi been? She hasn't posted in FOREVER!!! LOL!

I know...I know...as I am reminded SO often...my blog is really out of date lately! I got out of the habit while I was down with my foot and I keep MEANING to update it...I just never get to it! So pretend today is January 1st and this is my resolution! I have to get back in the habit!

Steven came home for R&R in June for two weeks and it was WONDERFUL!! We had lots of fun just being together as a FAMILY! It is sooooo much nicer to see them in person than just on a webcam! (although the web cam is DEFINATELY an improvement since the first time he went to Iraq during Desert Shield/Storm!!) It was SO much fun to go to the airport and pick him up. I felt like a teenager getting ready for a date LOL! "Is my hair okay?" "Does this outfit look okay?" "Will he still think I am beautiful?" I think I drove the kids nuts! Needless to say...he liked what he saw! I love that man!

I took a ton of fun pictures of our days of playing...and will try to post a few more here and there! (Yes, mom...this is mostly for you...I know you LOVE the pictures!) The kids were very excited to have their cameras they got for their birthdays. Kimmy's birthday isn't until January...guess what she wants? We'll have more pictures of every event than any family should EVER have! Now I need to find the time to scrapbook a few of them!

Do I at Least Get a Discount on Pedicures?

Wow! This is a hard post to write about! I have thought about it several times in the last few weeks that I need to update my blog...but honestly...I am kind of scared to share this {sigh}

About four weeks ago, I got sick...REALLY sick! We had been cramming to finish our homeschool year up early. Our promotion date was Tuesday, April 20 and WE MADE IT!! We wanted to be able to get our new supplies before summer, so we could work ahead since we knew we were going to be moving next year in the middle of the year. We had a bunch of fun things planned to do over the next month while we waited for the supplies to get here. Everything WAS looking great!

Wednesday morning I woke up feeling kinda crummy...like I had the flu coming on. I stayed in bed. I even {gasp} turned on Steven's big TV and watched it. (I NEVER watch TV--I hadn't even turned his TV on since he left in November). I mean, I REALLY felt crummy. I kept getting worse and worse. I hurt everywhere. Thursday I noticed my left foot was swollen and really bothering me. I had a blister on my toe that looked infected and the toe was starting to swell...but I HATE doctors...so I just kept putting ice on it and anti-bacterial stuff--hoping it would go down. By Friday, I was pretty much in agonizing pain. I took the last of a some leftover pain stuff I had from a previous problem and it didn't even dull the pain. I still fought going to the doctor though.

Finally, about 11:00 pm, I couldn't take it anymore and begged Kimberly to take me to the Emergency Room. By this time the toe was almost twice the size and the whole left foot was red and swollen almost up to the ankle. Military waiting rooms are notorious for taking FOREVER and this was no exception. When other patients are asking to pray for you...you know you must be in pretty bad condition. Basically, my toe was just "melting". It was turning black and oozing everywhere. Each time they would ask me where my pain was on a scale of 1-10, I would say 9 or 10 and still I waited.

When we finally were able to see a doctor who could help us, it was early Saturday morning. This doctor was an angel. She chose to come in even though it was not her weekend. She knew the urgency of what was happening and knew how quickly it had to happen. She told me later, 12 more hours and I would have been dead. I knew from watching my toe that it would be amputated. We didn't know how much more would have to go too. It was very tramatic. I felt so bad for Kimmy--she was worried and scared. I am so blessed she chose to come to Texas with me to stay while her dad is deployed. She gave up scholarships to to it and I will be forever grateful to her for choosing to be with her family.

I spent 3 days in ICU and an additional 5 days in the hospital. The big toe had strep and e coli infections in it. They also had to take part of the bone the the toe connects to. I am very blessed that was as far as the amputation had to go. They were very concered I would lose the whole foot and possible the leg before I went into surgery. There was also a worry of organs shutting down if the wound became septic. (To read more about this type of infection: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrotizing_fasciitis)

I came home from the hospital having gained 56 lbs. of water weight from all the IV's and such! I felt like Violet after she turns into a blueberry in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"! It was pretty miserable--I felt like if you poked me I would explode. It was pretty amazing losing 50 lbs. in about 6 days though! I wouldn't suggest this diet plan though {grin}

It is going to be a long recovery {sigh} I have to have antibiotics administered through a PICC line for about 6 weeks. I am also supposed to be non-weight-bearing on my foot for quite a while. I am not the easiest person to put on those restrictions...I am not a patient patient {grin} I guess I just am frustrated a lot...we had worked SO hard to finish school so we could have a month off...and now our new books are here...and I am still hurting tremendously and can't do anything. Percocet is my new best friend...but then I overdo and pay for it later...or my head is so muddled I can't do what I want. {sigh}

I am so grateful to so many people who have looked out for my family. For all the meals people have brought in (even when I say we don't need them--I know Kimmy has appreciated having a night off), for the people who have said they are bringing "just milk and cereal" and then proceeded to bring the whole store, for the flowers and cards, for the visits to keep me sane while I am stuck on the couch, and the phone calls "just to check on me"...Thank you! You will never know how much it has meant to me and my family. I hope one day I can make a difference in your lives too.

I have tried to find humor in this trial. Sometimes it's not easy...but I'm trying. One day in the middle of a bad pain period we got to laughing too hard about my toe--the doctors think I have a warped sense of humor I think. (They also think you're strange if you mention the words "Toe Funeral" while they are in the room!)

• How will the little piggy get roast beef now that the big piggy is not there to go to market? The piggy that stayed home is going to just HAVE to get over his anxiety about leaving the house!

I have had MANY people want to see pictures. So...if surgery pictures gross you out...you may want to quit reading {grin} but here goes: {BIG BREATH}

This is what my foot looks like most of the time {grin} Nice BIG bandages covering the whole foot! Lots of cotton gauze!

This is the PICC line I get my antibiotics in every day. They asked me in the hospital "Are you right or left handed?" I assumed it was so they wouldn't tie up my arm I used the most...Nope! They put it in my right arm, so it is hard for me to do stuff {sigh} I have a nurse who comes a couple days a week to draw blood and change the bandaging...but other than that it is "Nurse Kimberly" who takes care of me!

This is my foot about 5 days after coming home from the hospital. You can still see some of the swelling. The round black spot is another dead skin area they are still watching. There was quite a bit of concern about having to still go in and take it off too. The incision is a LOT longer than most people expect--it goes almost up to my ankle. I guess they had to clean out quite a bit of infected skin. I have a great start on a Frankenstein costume for Halloween!

This is my foot on my most recent Doctor appointment last week. You can see the swelling is down quite a bit. There are still a couple trouble spots they are watching, but it is looking a lot better. They had to add more stitches to the incision--it was not healing quite like they wanted. YEOUCH!! The skin is starting to peel horribly too--so it itches like crazy! Hopefully one day I can put this whole experience behind me {sigh} It has been a very long month!

The Goose Attacked the Grandparents!

I know I am a little (well okay...a LOT) behind in posting! My parents had been here from Idaho visiting! They came down for Stevie's birthday and we had been playing a lot! It was an awesome visit! The first day they were here, we decided to take them to the duck pond. I guess they must have look appetizing--the big brown goose decided to sample my poor dad. (He also got Kimmy--she has a big bruise on her leg) We had to run away from them--the goose was too demanding and would try to nip you--and it HURT!


Kimmy (injured leg and all) had fun feeding the BIG fish in the pond. They are HUGE and it is fun to watch them jump for the bread! There was a turtle that day too. Oh yeah...and the ducks *grin*


Stevie and Missy just stayed away from the goose! They went on the other side of the pond and had fun playing in their imaginary world--they are always in some magic kingdom with creatures of all sorts around them.

My mom...can't you just hear her saying "Don't you take my pictures Heidi!"?? One of these days she'll get used to her shutterbug daughter! LOL! She was busy feeding the small birds around her.

I love this picture of my dad feeding the ducks! Isn't he handsome?

It was a fun trip...goose bites and all! We had a lot of fun playing this week. (Sadly they already went home) I have lots of fun pictures to put up! Thanks for coming Mom and Dad! You made Stevie's birthday extra special! We had a BLAST!!

Well...that was fun...NOT!

Last weekend I decided to show some "team spirit" and take the kids to the Bttn Easter Party. Okay...admission time here...I used to be the FRG leader...and an overachiever FRG leader at that! (Does that surprise you??) LOL! Our kids used to love our FRG parties...so I thought "Well, we'll give it a shot..."


Stevie really liked the Longhorns sign! His Scout council is the Longhorns and he made a longhorn at Build-a-Bear last month. He had to have his picture with the sign *smile*

Missy decided to get a dragonfly stenciled on her hand. They had a few crafts--but no one was forthcoming with help or instructions...plus everything seemed geared for the under 5 crowd.

They had an Easter egg hunt--the kids looked around but didn't find any--they weren't looking too hard I think. My kids let the younger kids go first--since they were so much older. After 10 minutes they begged to go home. I was very ready to go too. I am grateful I didn't have to run it, but sad that it didn't have much to offer my family too. They really could have used a good activity with other kids whose dads are deployed. It could have been so much more. Once in awhile I miss being as involved as I once was...then I remember how nice it is to have time to myself and to spend with my kids! The atta-boys were a lot of fun and I have awards a-plenty, but I would give it all up for a hug or a snuggle with my kids. Maybe we'll have to plan our own Easter fun this weekend while my parents are here from Idaho to visit!

Stevie's New "Do" is a "Don't"

Can I just say...it has been one of those weeks? Sometimes it seems like a really good idea to just crawl back in bed and sleep until November 3 or so. Everything that could go wrong this week pretty much did. *sigh*

Wednesday, Stevie and I went out for our "Mommy-and-Me" date. (Each week I take a different kid). We had a great lunch at Logan's and then decided we should get his hair trimmed before his grandparent's get here next week. Who knew this would be such an adventure *grin* I took him to the place Steven has always taken him. We walked in--signed in--and waited our turn. The stylist looked him up in the computer and I tried to explain what I wanted done. She kept telling me she already knew--they stored it in the computer from the last visit. I mentioned he likes his hair longer--just to trim it and not a military haircut. (Is this foreshadowing or what??) Well, I went back to the waiting area to work on a crossword puzzle...looked up just as she took the shears right up the back of his head and shaved the back!

Momma Bear went running in yelling "STOP!" Did she not even listen to me?? I made her go back and look at the computer again--yep--you guessed it...She had looked at STEVEN! Well, the damage was done--all we could do was finish with the back the way it was--but she had promised she would make the top spikey and cute. Well, she kept trimming more and more and more--until there really wasn't much to work with at all. He was devastated. I kept trying to make him laugh but it was a tough sell. We went to Target and tried to buy some spikey gel or some cool colors or something. It definately put a damper on our good date. I finally took him to Gamestop and we found a fun game to take his mind off it. I know...it's just hair...and it will grow...but to an almost 14 year old boy...it is important. My sister will say "But it looks good" (she likes short hair) and my parents will probably love it...but it is his feelings I worry about. I am grateful that none of the Young Men made fun of it Wednesday night--that would have devasted him I am sure. Anyways...here are the much requested pictures for my family:

I decided we should take it into our own hands to make him laugh...so this is our try at longer (and laughable) hair for him...SILLY STRING!

He is so good natured...he just let us spray him! What a kid! We never did find any colored hair gel though. I read where Dennis Rodman used Kool-Aid (would that work?) Any ideas? Let me know!

We had a fun time with the Silly String! What a crazy thing to do in the middle of a windstorm though--it kept flying back at us!

Happy Birthday Girl Scouts...or...Who are These Weird People in Walmart??

Today is the birthday of Girl Scouts (WHOO-HOO...Go Girl Scouts!!) I have been a Girl Scout leader since Kimberly was 5! Until this past 2 years...Due to moving, we decided to Juliette Missy in Girl Scouts--basically we are home-schooling Girl Scouts too LOL! She likes it and we have a lot of fun with it.

So...after a long day of homeschool today...I decided we should celebrate this holiday in the BEST way I could think of...with a "MOM-MIS-ADVENTURE" (Pause for dramatic effect *smile*)

I had Missy put on one of her Girl Scout t-shirts and we all loaded up in the van to head "who-knows-where"! The kids were trying to figure out what mom was up to this time (Well, Kimmy knew--since she is usually in on my plans while Steven is gone) but the two younger hoodlums were trying to figure it out!

We ended up at Walmart. Walmart? For a Girl Scout Birthday Celebration?? As we were walking into Walmart...I went into full-movie director mode..."Okay Missy...we're shooting our big number next...the "GIRL SCOUT BIRTHDAY" What is your motivation for this part...feel the birthday...be the birthday...focus..." By this point Missy is cracking up and can hardly walk. Kimmy is the "paparazi" on this film shoot. She is constantly snapping photos...the flash...the roar of the crowd...okay, well the roar of laughter from my children who are wondering what is up with their mom!

We reach the cake department of Walmart..."Focus Missy...focus on the CAKE...Be one with the cake...Find the PERFECT cake..."

After MUCH debate on the theories of the PERFECT cake for Girl Scouts..."Would it have pink? Girls like pink. Or should it have sprinkles? Multi-color sprinkles--Girl Scouts is world wide...We finally chose chocolate (for Brownie Girl Scouts" with blue frosting accents (for Daisy Girl Scouts) and lots of sprinkles of every color!

The next part...the ice cream! Not just ANY ice cream would do...by this time Missy thought SHE could direct ME! The GREAT...one and only...MOM! I don't THINK so silly girl!

We auditioned the PERFECT ice cream...Dreyer's Ice Cream...the actually have Thin Mint Ice Cream and Samoa's Ice Cream! Ooooh yum...they got the part immediately!

Stevie...through all of this silliness...kept trying to be "cool" and "duck the paparazi"...but she was too quick for him! It's hard to be almost 14 and have crazy parents like he does!

The final event...the culmination of the night's events...the birthday cake candle blowing/singing/and EATING! (Yes, that is a Yankee candle on top--That's what happens when you plan things spontaneously and don't have candles! *smile* Mom, the director, instructed Missy on the proper blowing techniques before the big event! Missy had to do practice breaths and lip exercises in anticipation! After a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday Dear Girl Scouts" and the blowing out of the candle...it was time to...EAT THE CAKE!!

Unfortunately for Missy...this did not involve silverware *grin* Yes, those are her fingers...in the Girl Scout sign--three fingers together like a good Girl Scout! Eventually we did take pity on her and gave her a BIG slotted spoon to eat with...messy but extremely funny! But it could have been worse...

Stevie didn't even get to use his fingers. We just told him to eat it out of the bowl and...

...that wasn't fast enough...Mom decided to HELP!

It was a fun night...and I am sure it will be worthy of a few more therapy sessions when they grow up!

Happy Birthday Girl Scouts! (and to my cute Scouts in Miami who read my blog! I miss you!)