First Day of School-Kindergarten

Today was Matthew's first day of Kindergarten.  He looked so cute in his uniform:)  He was so super excited to go today.  It was only a half day but he made the most of it.  I did get a little emotional at the thought of him going to school, but I know that he is in excellent hands and he will love it! 

Maggie took this picture

Gig Harbor

We went over to Gig Harbor this weekend for the 2nd annual Dental School BBQ!  We had a lot of fun seeing people and the ever growing kid population.  We had great bbq, hung out by the sound and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL day over on the west side. Obviously, we got to see my family too which was really nice.  A great way to wrap up the summer!

Matthew and Eric in the Kyak

Matthew and Ashton

Dental school class of 2004! Well the ones that were there:)

Cakes!

I had a couple of cakes due this week.  I did one last week for my sister and then this week I had a bridal shower and a bachelorette cake...yes my first:)  That one is NOT appropriate for blog or facebook but if you would like to see it of course I took a picture of it (heehee) and I would be happy to email it to you!  No shame, I have texted it to a lot of people!  They were all fun to do in there own way.  I don't have any more at this time but that is ok too.  I like it when they ebb and flow!

Our Rockers

We had some friends over for dinner last week and the kids put on a "show" for us!  We were cracking up!  They were so cute and it reminded me of when my parents used to have dinner parties and we would put on shows for them.  I loved it!

Rachel and Rob's reception/housewarming party

I went to Seattle this past weekend celebrate the marriage of my sister, Rachel, and my brother in law, Robert.  They also bought a beautiful house in Everett so they opened their doors and had a celebration.  What a celebration it was!  People were there from 2pm until midnight!  They had TONS of delicious food, drink and festivities.  All of their friends pitched in to help.  I made the desserts (minus rice krispies, mom:)) and they turned out really well.  I got to go over by myself which was nice because I got to spend some quality time with my sister which I don't get one on one very often.  It was a great time!

My sister and her wonderful friends!

The table before the food!

Her friend arranged those!

Robert and Rachel

My nephew, Jacob

Lisa!

A couple of weeks ago, my former boss at GU and more importantly my good friend, Lisa came to visit Spokane for the first time in a LONG time!  (I think she said 8 years?!)  She now lives in Virginia with her husband and son and I miss her.  She was my boss all 5 years I was at Gonzaga, but more important, she was (and still is) my friend and mentor.  I can't imagine what she must have thought all of those years ago when this 18 yr old walked into her office telling her about her boyfriend at the time and all the other stuff:)  But then I think "Man, she was only 27 at the time!  What a baby herself!"  Recently, we did an online bible study and my friend, Kelli, joined us and a few other women.  It was really fun!  Lisa wanted to meet Kelli in person so we strolled over there and snapped some pictures.  It was really good to see her and I hope it is not 8 years before she comes back!!!

Lisa, Kelli and I

Don't mind the glasses...my eyes were really dry that day!

Back from the Brink...

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to share.  I am not sure what I would have taken them of:)  I just wanted to report that I am on the upswing.  These last two weeks have been interesting to say the least.  Most of you that read this probably have communicated with me in some way, shape, or form but just in case I will catch you up. 

The surgery went well for the most part.  The only slightly annoying thing was that it was delayed by 2.5 hours because Dr. Mitchell had some nasty cases before mine that were unexpected.  I was very hungry and tired, to say the least, by the time that I was wheeled back into the OR.  Anyway, it took about 20 mins (I was told) and I was out of there and home before I knew it.  The first 5 days were painful but not too bad.  My mom came, which was amazing and helped with the kiddos and the house stuff.  Between my mom and Chris, they were handling it all and I was free to rest and eat popsicles.  I would get tired but nothing too bad.  I even switched to Advil and was off the hydrocodone.  I guess I got a little cocky thinking I was in the clear.  I even joked with Karen that we would probably be paling around together the following week...

Well day 6 and 7.  Hmmmm how do I describe the pain?  I am not sure I can.  I honestly thought I was going to rip out my throat.  There was nothing I could do but cry.  Especially day 7.  I just laid in my room and cried.  I was over eating mushy food but I was starving.  Every time I swallowed it felt like a knife was jabbing into my ear and down my throat.  Sleeping hurt because you woke up with a dry throat and that was 20 times worse than the worst pain I was feeling awake.  I was in agony.  I felt bad for my kids because they just wanted me back.  Chris was feeling terrible because he didn't know what to do for me (which was nothing).  Karen was holding it all together for me.  I kept thinking that the next day would be better and really hoping so because if not I didn't know if I was going to make it.  Seriously, I am not being dramatic.  I was angry and grouchy and didn't want to see or talk to anyone. 

Luckily, since then it has been better.  I am still not completely pain free but I am better.  I can eat more regular food.  The morning is still the worst but it isn't as bad.  I am sleeping better.  I am back to alternating the hydrocodone with the Advil.  (Oh and PS didn't loose a pound:( what the heck!) I don't regret doing the operation but I never want to experience pain like that again.  I urge anyone whose child needs the surgery to do it the younger the better because as an adult...hell. 

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to everyone who helped me.  My mom and Karen especially.  I honestly couldn't have made it without you.  You were amazing and helped with the kids and the chores and led me through the worst pain I have ever experienced.  Karen you have seen me in my darkest moment and I appreciate just doing what needing to be done:)  That is friendship right there!  Thanks Nicole for taking my kids and for all the people who brought food and checked in with me.  That meant a lot to know you were thinking of me:)  I am sorry if I was short with any of you but there were days that I literally didn't want to see anyone.  I am hoping to be 100% shortly and resume the crazy world of Siri!!! xoxo

Tonsillectomy

I am having my tonsils removed tomorrow so if I am absent for a bit that is why:(  I have to admit I am pretty nervous about it.  I know, I know two c-sections are a cinch compared to this right?!  I just have no idea how much pain I will be in and how long it will take to recover.  The thing that is stressing me out the most is that my check-in time is at 12:15pm and I can't have anything to eat or drink (not even water or coffee) after 12am!  WHAT!  I am a total breakfast eater so this is going to suck BAD:(  Oh well at least none of you have to deal with my craziness up until then...sorry Chris:(  Luckily I have some amazing support around me starting with my husband who has the rest of the week off, my mom who is coming Thursday night until Sunday and last but certainly not least my good friend Karen who has graciously offered (more like tricked) into coming up from San Jose to hang with me from Sun-Fri in case I need extra support when Chris goes back to work.  Not to mention the countless people who have offered to bring food and watch my kiddos:)  Thanks so much to all of you!  Seriously, this woman feels the love!  So if you try to call or text or facebook me and I don't get right back or you get some crazy message back...don't worry I am just high on pain meds!  hahahahah  Here are some pictures of how I have been spending my final weekend and day.  (That sounds so morbid:))

First there was breakfast at Chaps and shopping with Nicole and the girls:

Then there was Hatch Pool today with Nicole, Jess and all the kiddos:)  We had a blast what a great place!

Pray for a speedy recovery and that I don't throw up.  I am not asking for no pain because I know that is crazy but speedy and no puke would be great!