Nicole had her bandages taken off today. WOW! Is all I can say. The new areas look so wonderful. As the swelling comes down I know it will just get better and better. Isn't amazing the medical technology these days. I know we have great technology and have had for years but it just seems like things are getting better and better.
Her doctor is very pleased with they way her torso looks and will look as she heals more and the swelling goes away. In the next 3 months we will have the end result to look at. Thank you Dr. Agarwal for helping to make this happen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Block Party
Our neighborhood had it annual block party tonight. I know many people who have block parties in their area but I do have to say this one was rocking, literally.
We had a live band. Yup! They were terrific. We barbecued and everyone brought things to share. What great chefs we have in this neighborhood.
We loved getting to know our neighbors better and meeting several we had not have the pleasure of meeting before. We learned so much and look forward to getting to know others better.
Thanks to all who planned, set up, cleaned up, donated time and effort so everyone could have such a great time.
We are looking forward to next years festivities.
We had a live band. Yup! They were terrific. We barbecued and everyone brought things to share. What great chefs we have in this neighborhood.
We loved getting to know our neighbors better and meeting several we had not have the pleasure of meeting before. We learned so much and look forward to getting to know others better.
Thanks to all who planned, set up, cleaned up, donated time and effort so everyone could have such a great time.
We are looking forward to next years festivities.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Nicole's Torso Reconstruction
I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated our blog. I have a lot of catching up to do. Even though this is being typed up Feb 28, 2011 I am back dating this as well a few more so they look like they have been done on the date in chronological order.
Today, Nicole is having her torso reconstructed. This particular surgery has been a long time coming. The burn doctors did a great job when they were doing her graphs on her torso but it left her very misshapen-ed. So now is the time to fix this area and give her more shape.
We choose Dr. Cori Agarwal. She is a wonderful plastic surgeon. We had many talks about what was going to be done, how things would look different and what the end results were going to be. (She is also the doctor that will do the reconstructing of her leg.)
The surgery went extremely well. Nicole will stay in the hospital a few days and then she will be home. So far, what I know of how this went, it looks as though this was a huge success. I guess we will see in a few days when the bandages come off.
Today, Nicole is having her torso reconstructed. This particular surgery has been a long time coming. The burn doctors did a great job when they were doing her graphs on her torso but it left her very misshapen-ed. So now is the time to fix this area and give her more shape.
We choose Dr. Cori Agarwal. She is a wonderful plastic surgeon. We had many talks about what was going to be done, how things would look different and what the end results were going to be. (She is also the doctor that will do the reconstructing of her leg.)
The surgery went extremely well. Nicole will stay in the hospital a few days and then she will be home. So far, what I know of how this went, it looks as though this was a huge success. I guess we will see in a few days when the bandages come off.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Idaho
I went to Idaho today with my mom to guide her through the maze of state agencies. Her brother is living alone in his home. It may not seem like a bad thing, he is only 73, but, he is an amputee as well and is full time in a wheel chair and has Parkinson's disease. He needs full time care but is too stubborn to accept it. Thank goodness he does allow someone to come in a couple of times a day to help him.
He doesn't always make the most logical decisions. So we have gone to Idaho to find some agencies that can render aid to him in various areas. Since working with many state agencies over the years I know my way around getting services from which place. It is a lot of leg work but so worth it in the end.
We looked at getting a circuit breaker for his taxes on his home. We also went to the state to see what medical services the could offer that they currently are not doing.
I even called the local bishop for the area which he lives. My uncle is not a member of our church and many people don't know that a bishop is responsible for ALL the people living within the boundaries of the ward, member and non member alike. He was wonderful, offering to come by each week and check on his welfare as well as getting the scouts to help with some yard and home things. I don't know if he feels the love but I sure do. I love knowing I belong to a church that is the same in KS as UT as ID. And around the world. There are people out there that care not only if you are of the same faith but care because you are their neighbor.
We didn't get as much accomplished as I wanted to, but we did get the ball rolling. I am so glad I can help him when he can't help himself. It is frustrating but I feel I have at least some knowledge to help the situation.
I know we will be revisiting this again in the not so distant future.
He doesn't always make the most logical decisions. So we have gone to Idaho to find some agencies that can render aid to him in various areas. Since working with many state agencies over the years I know my way around getting services from which place. It is a lot of leg work but so worth it in the end.
We looked at getting a circuit breaker for his taxes on his home. We also went to the state to see what medical services the could offer that they currently are not doing.
I even called the local bishop for the area which he lives. My uncle is not a member of our church and many people don't know that a bishop is responsible for ALL the people living within the boundaries of the ward, member and non member alike. He was wonderful, offering to come by each week and check on his welfare as well as getting the scouts to help with some yard and home things. I don't know if he feels the love but I sure do. I love knowing I belong to a church that is the same in KS as UT as ID. And around the world. There are people out there that care not only if you are of the same faith but care because you are their neighbor.
We didn't get as much accomplished as I wanted to, but we did get the ball rolling. I am so glad I can help him when he can't help himself. It is frustrating but I feel I have at least some knowledge to help the situation.
I know we will be revisiting this again in the not so distant future.
Friday, September 17, 2010
TOFW Boise
How I love Time Out For Women.
Nicole and I drove to Boise this weekend to attend Time Out For Women. What a weekend. TOFW is uplifting, mentally and spiritually recharging and give my whole being a tune up.
The line up:
Mercy River: This is why we went to Boise. Nicole loves her some Mercy River. 3 women who's voices are a breath of fresh air. They meld together beautifully. To top it off...Drum Roll Please.... On our way up to our hotel room we were about to step on the elevator and who was there? Yup, you guessed it 2 of the three Mercy River Gals. Brooke and Whitney. Oh my. I could hardly contain Nicole. They were very gracious. We were able to gab to them for about 15 minutes. Soni, their other band mate was resting as she was about to deliver a baby and had been having contractions all day. TOTALLY MADE NICOLE'S WHOLE WEEKEND.
DeAnne Flynn, Amanda Dickson, Emily Freeman, Linda Eyer and Shawni Eyer Pothier, Mariama Kallon and Jerico Road. ( A Boy Band ) Each of these people spoke on subjects that are dear to them. Maybe they wrote a book about it or maybe they have lectured about it before. But, whatever it may be they are passionate about it.
Each year I go a few times. I have been 16 times. I have been with Nicole 4 times. Each time I take my notebook, that I take every time, and add to it my thoughts and inspirations I receive when I hear the offerings of Time Out For Women.
One day I will get out my notebook and post some of the incredible insights and words of wisdom I wrote down.
What a weekend I had with my daughter. She so enjoyed it and in turn I enjoyed it more. Not only being able to share it with her, as I wondered a year ago if I would ever be attending another Time Out For Women with her, but to know I am a better person because of it.
Nicole and I drove to Boise this weekend to attend Time Out For Women. What a weekend. TOFW is uplifting, mentally and spiritually recharging and give my whole being a tune up.
The line up:
Mercy River: This is why we went to Boise. Nicole loves her some Mercy River. 3 women who's voices are a breath of fresh air. They meld together beautifully. To top it off...Drum Roll Please.... On our way up to our hotel room we were about to step on the elevator and who was there? Yup, you guessed it 2 of the three Mercy River Gals. Brooke and Whitney. Oh my. I could hardly contain Nicole. They were very gracious. We were able to gab to them for about 15 minutes. Soni, their other band mate was resting as she was about to deliver a baby and had been having contractions all day. TOTALLY MADE NICOLE'S WHOLE WEEKEND.
DeAnne Flynn, Amanda Dickson, Emily Freeman, Linda Eyer and Shawni Eyer Pothier, Mariama Kallon and Jerico Road. ( A Boy Band ) Each of these people spoke on subjects that are dear to them. Maybe they wrote a book about it or maybe they have lectured about it before. But, whatever it may be they are passionate about it.
Each year I go a few times. I have been 16 times. I have been with Nicole 4 times. Each time I take my notebook, that I take every time, and add to it my thoughts and inspirations I receive when I hear the offerings of Time Out For Women.
One day I will get out my notebook and post some of the incredible insights and words of wisdom I wrote down.
What a weekend I had with my daughter. She so enjoyed it and in turn I enjoyed it more. Not only being able to share it with her, as I wondered a year ago if I would ever be attending another Time Out For Women with her, but to know I am a better person because of it.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
UTAH STATE FAIR!!!
We love the state fair. Ever since John and I took the kids to the Texas State Fair we have been hooked.
Christian, Nicole and I headed out tonight amidst the rain as it was the only night we could all go together.
The first thing we went in search of was a fried Snickers bar. Christian said they ere amazing. We found them alright. The line was very long but we waited. Not only did they have fried Snickers but also fried Twinkies and fried Oreo's.
What would a state fair be like with out going to see the animals. We saw everything...goats, cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and horses. The Utah state fair is different then the Kansas state fair. We like to to see the buildings where everyone is hocking their wares. There was minimal at this state fair. Not that I need to buy anything but it is fun to see all the stuff.
We went to a comedy show at the grandstand. It was pretty funny. When it was over as we were walking back to find another fried snickers we passed by the giant slide. you know the one. You climb the very tall stairs, you sit in a gunny sack, push off
And swoosh...over the first hump, over the second hump and gliding into the carpet area at the bottom. That was so fun especially because we all did it together.
Christian, Nicole and I headed out tonight amidst the rain as it was the only night we could all go together.
The first thing we went in search of was a fried Snickers bar. Christian said they ere amazing. We found them alright. The line was very long but we waited. Not only did they have fried Snickers but also fried Twinkies and fried Oreo's.
What would a state fair be like with out going to see the animals. We saw everything...goats, cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and horses. The Utah state fair is different then the Kansas state fair. We like to to see the buildings where everyone is hocking their wares. There was minimal at this state fair. Not that I need to buy anything but it is fun to see all the stuff.
We went to a comedy show at the grandstand. It was pretty funny. When it was over as we were walking back to find another fried snickers we passed by the giant slide. you know the one. You climb the very tall stairs, you sit in a gunny sack, push off
And swoosh...over the first hump, over the second hump and gliding into the carpet area at the bottom. That was so fun especially because we all did it together.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Canning
OH MY GOODNESS!!!
Can you say bountiful harvest?
I have been canning my guts out. I haven't canned in years and I rekindled the bug in me. I went out the the polygamist place in Draper and purchased 3 bushels of tomatoes as well as half bushel of onions and peppers. I came home and got right to work.
24 pint bottles of chili sauce. ( a recipe that has been passed down though generations) for over 150 years. I also canned 18 quarts of diced tomatoes, 6 pints of ketchup, 12 quarts of V-12, 36 pints of salsa. The salsa Nicole made this year all on her own. She did such a wonderful job.
Then I moved on to meats. 12 bottles of pepper steak, 6 bottles of Sicilian chicken soup, 12 bottles of chili verde and 8 bottles of pulled barbecued pork.
Can't can without making some freezer jam. 24 pints of UT peach freezer jam, 24 quarts of sliced peaches, 6 pints of strawberry freezer jam and peach puree.
I have to tell you also...this years fruit leather was the best I think I have ever made. Maybe because the peaches were so sweet adn fresh. I don't know btu we got about 150 rolls of peach leather, 50 of apple leather, 20 of pear leather and 50of cherry leather.
Can you say bountiful harvest?
I have been canning my guts out. I haven't canned in years and I rekindled the bug in me. I went out the the polygamist place in Draper and purchased 3 bushels of tomatoes as well as half bushel of onions and peppers. I came home and got right to work.
24 pint bottles of chili sauce. ( a recipe that has been passed down though generations) for over 150 years. I also canned 18 quarts of diced tomatoes, 6 pints of ketchup, 12 quarts of V-12, 36 pints of salsa. The salsa Nicole made this year all on her own. She did such a wonderful job.
Then I moved on to meats. 12 bottles of pepper steak, 6 bottles of Sicilian chicken soup, 12 bottles of chili verde and 8 bottles of pulled barbecued pork.
Can't can without making some freezer jam. 24 pints of UT peach freezer jam, 24 quarts of sliced peaches, 6 pints of strawberry freezer jam and peach puree.
I have to tell you also...this years fruit leather was the best I think I have ever made. Maybe because the peaches were so sweet adn fresh. I don't know btu we got about 150 rolls of peach leather, 50 of apple leather, 20 of pear leather and 50of cherry leather.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Dr. Fletcher
What can I say about this man. WOW! What a God send in my life.
I was Diagnoses with Central Serous Retinopathy about 5 years ago. I discovered my vision diminishing so I went in to have my eyes examined. That doctor sent me to a specialist who diagnosed me. I couldn't believe it. Me, losing vision in my left eye. The doctor said it probably had been happening for a couple of years but because the vision in my right eye was so good it just took over.
The vision lose was so gradual I didn't even notice that my world had turned from 3-D to 2-D. My worst fear was not being able to see well enough to drive and then to lose my vision all together. The specialist said there really wasn't anything he could do but come back if I totally lost the vision and he would see what he could do then.
Well, that was unacceptable. I found another doctor who only sees CSR patients. He is in UT. We made the trek to Utah to consult with him. He said pretty much the same thing. I couldn't believe it. I started planning things I wanted to see and do in case I lost my vision.
Now, 5 years later I have started loosing the vision in my right eye as well.
Then in steps Dr. Fletcher. He practices a few days a month in Wichita as well as a few days in San Fransisco and Orlando. I thought we traveled a lot. John met him at church and told him about my eyes. He told John that he had pioneered stuff that was just for CSR. John made an appointment for the next time he and I were in town together. Well, that day was today.
I was scared and hopeful. Even though we brought the scans and test results from the other docs, he also did his own. When he was done he gave us the results. Some of the tests are test he invented that other docs use now.
Yes, I did have CSR. Yes, I was loosing vision but, I had adapted to my difficulties better then any other person he had worked with. I am a cheat reader. I have had the ability to read very fast in the past. That skill, unbeknowst to me, has helped me continue to be able to read. My eyes go over the words so fast that even though some letters are missing as I read my brain puts together the missing pieces.
He also told me that I would be able to drive for many years to come. Yes, I can't pass the eye test at the DMV but he will give me a letter stating the diagnosis and clear me to drive. I was happy about that. And he said that even though i have difficulties reading and a few other things that I not go totally blind. He gave me exercises to do to keep my eyes strong AND....
He gave me HOPE!
(By the way, he also told me that reading in dim light doesn't effect your eyes like so many people think) Good because I don't like bright light.
I was Diagnoses with Central Serous Retinopathy about 5 years ago. I discovered my vision diminishing so I went in to have my eyes examined. That doctor sent me to a specialist who diagnosed me. I couldn't believe it. Me, losing vision in my left eye. The doctor said it probably had been happening for a couple of years but because the vision in my right eye was so good it just took over.
The vision lose was so gradual I didn't even notice that my world had turned from 3-D to 2-D. My worst fear was not being able to see well enough to drive and then to lose my vision all together. The specialist said there really wasn't anything he could do but come back if I totally lost the vision and he would see what he could do then.
Well, that was unacceptable. I found another doctor who only sees CSR patients. He is in UT. We made the trek to Utah to consult with him. He said pretty much the same thing. I couldn't believe it. I started planning things I wanted to see and do in case I lost my vision.
Now, 5 years later I have started loosing the vision in my right eye as well.
Then in steps Dr. Fletcher. He practices a few days a month in Wichita as well as a few days in San Fransisco and Orlando. I thought we traveled a lot. John met him at church and told him about my eyes. He told John that he had pioneered stuff that was just for CSR. John made an appointment for the next time he and I were in town together. Well, that day was today.
I was scared and hopeful. Even though we brought the scans and test results from the other docs, he also did his own. When he was done he gave us the results. Some of the tests are test he invented that other docs use now.
Yes, I did have CSR. Yes, I was loosing vision but, I had adapted to my difficulties better then any other person he had worked with. I am a cheat reader. I have had the ability to read very fast in the past. That skill, unbeknowst to me, has helped me continue to be able to read. My eyes go over the words so fast that even though some letters are missing as I read my brain puts together the missing pieces.
He also told me that I would be able to drive for many years to come. Yes, I can't pass the eye test at the DMV but he will give me a letter stating the diagnosis and clear me to drive. I was happy about that. And he said that even though i have difficulties reading and a few other things that I not go totally blind. He gave me exercises to do to keep my eyes strong AND....
He gave me HOPE!
(By the way, he also told me that reading in dim light doesn't effect your eyes like so many people think) Good because I don't like bright light.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Dad's Birthday
Dad, HaPpY bIrThDaY to you. 81, I can't believe it.
What a morning we had with you. We ate at the Dodo in Sugarhouse. We all talked about when we ate at the Dodo downtown years ago. I know you loved having the kids there to help you celebrate.
Sometimes it is hard to tell you my feelings but I want you to know I love you even tough you make me crazy sometimes.
I wish I had some childhood memories to put here but I really don't have any one my own. I only have ones that every else has told me. I don't really remember you building the tree house but I do know I played in it many many days and had many sleepovers in it.
I played every sport under the sun and you and mom were always there supporting me.
I love you.
What a morning we had with you. We ate at the Dodo in Sugarhouse. We all talked about when we ate at the Dodo downtown years ago. I know you loved having the kids there to help you celebrate.
Sometimes it is hard to tell you my feelings but I want you to know I love you even tough you make me crazy sometimes.
I wish I had some childhood memories to put here but I really don't have any one my own. I only have ones that every else has told me. I don't really remember you building the tree house but I do know I played in it many many days and had many sleepovers in it.
I played every sport under the sun and you and mom were always there supporting me.
I love you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
