On the road to recovery....

It's done. My surgery was done Tuesday morning. I'm back at home now trying to get back to normal. Everything went well, no major complications, thank goodness. I do have quite a lot of pain and I move like a turtle, but that is getting better with each day. I can't take the prescribed pain medicine as it makes me entirely too sick feeling. So I take some Advil and bear with it. I would rather feel the pain other than to feel dizzy and nauseous so terribly bad. I'm anxious for things to get back to normal to where I can take care of my family and my home and not lay around so much. It will come, they say. I try and do doctor's orders but I find it hard to be so lazy! Anyway, I'm happy the surgeries over and I can put it behind me.

I have yet another proud parent blog to share with you. We had Kaitlyn's parent/teachers conference last night and she received a glowing report! Her teacher told us that Kaitlyn is her favorite, but don't tell anyone. LOL . I wonder how many other parents heard that as well! None the less, it made me proud. She is at the very top of her class with reading and she can read at a third grade level. Pretty good for a first grader, huh? Her other subjects are extraordinary as well. She is such a good student. I asked her teacher if she has any problems at all, and I got the reply, " well, there is one problem". I asked what and she jokingly said that she has to ask Kaitlyn not to work so hard. So I guess that means no problems! She does really well. Brady conference went well too, he is a bright kid. His reading and grammar and spelling are extraordinary as well and he has no problems with his work. His argumentative nature was brought up though. I told his teacher we deal with that as well. That's Brady for you, he will get done what he was asked, but has to put up argument first. All in all, the conference went well.

Hope you all have a great weekend! -Mindy

Another Halloween done....

Yet another Halloween is gone. Now we are left with sugar filled kids to deal with! I'm caught between trying to limit their candy intake or just let them have at it for a day or two and then it will be over. I always try to limit it, but then I have it around for months, which is not good for a Mom who is trying to stay away from chocolate as much as possible. We had a really good time though. We went trick or treating to the town's businesses and after that we headed up to the church for the Harvest Party. A good time was had by all. Lots of people showed up to the party and there were costumes everywhere! I love to see the kids in their costumes, they have so much fun! Casey was dressed as Casey, he is far too cool to get caught wearing a costume! Although he did wear his Dad's Letterman's jacket, although I still have no idea why. He just thought it was pretty cool I guess. Brady, or should I say Britney, went to the party dressed as a girl. We had to convince Dad that this was okay being it Halloween and all, but that took some doing. Tad took one look at Brady and said, "this is soooo wrong on so many levels". I reassured him that is was all in fun. He finally settled down about it and let him out of the house. Kaitlyn was a black kitty cat, and very adorable I might add, and Miah was a pink Bunny rabbit, also adorable. They had a good time, as we all did.

I am scheduled to go in for my surgery on Tuesday. As the day draws near, I am feeling a little nervous. I know it will be fine, but losing a body part seems like a big deal to me. Oh well, it will be nice to get this dealt with and to go on with life as usual.

Brady knocked out half his front tooth yesterday. In three weeks he will have another x-ray to see if the root is dead or not, if it is he will have a root canal, and then a partial will be made for him until he is an adult. Lets hope the roots are not dead. If they are okay, then they will crown it and all will be okay. Poor kid, looks like he is straight from the hills! There always seems to be something going on and it seemed like it always involves Brady in some way or another. I guess you could say he has a little bit of a black cloud over him. He handles it well and is not in too much pain, thank goodness.

So, that's a day in the life of me! I hope you have a great day and Robin, Happy Birthday to you!!! Love you lots!!! -Mindy

Fun Times....

Well, I finally succumbed to my stubbornness concerning starting a budget. I put up a good fight I believe. But my own common sense won out and I finally told my husband that, yes, I will sit down with him and work out a budget. That is how I spent my Monday morning. I can definitely think of more enjoyable ways to spend a morning, but what are ya gonna do? Its funny, and not funny ha ha like, but just a Wow! kind of funny, how much debt a person actually realizes they have when its all written down like. I'm now to the point of stressing about how in the world are we are going to manage this, especially with my surgery and Christmas looming before us. So, if you would, please pray for this situation in my family. It really does worry me and I feel like I'm going to collapse under this strain. I keep trying to look in the future of being debt free, but the worries of today make themselves known in almost every thought.

On a brighter note, I'll talk about my kids. Brady had his last football game on Saturday and he received the Best running back award. He was so very proud of himself and it did wonders for his confidence! He loves football and will miss playing until next year. He is such a good boy! Don't get me wrong, he has his moments where I feel like smacking him a good one, but overall he is a caring and considerate boy who has a strong sense of right from wrong. I hope this will carry him through the vastly approaching adolescence years!

Casey, my 12 year old, has been on my proud list lately. He had a real struggle with grades and such and we put our foot down concerning it. We told him he has to get his grades up, or his life as he knows it, will be over. No more football, no more spending time with buddies, no more video games, t.v., anything that is fun until he gets them up. Well, he took as seriously and has managed a turn around with his grades. I'm proud of him and always knew he could do it! He is a bright kid, he proved that to us long ago.

My girls, Kaitlyn and Miah are keeping busy with their school and with playing girlie activities, such as dolls and barbies. They love to play together and miss each other when they are apart. They are good girls, as sweet as can be. God has really blessed me with quite the family. This picture is of them one morning last week when I rounded them up and snapped a shot of them together!

I hope this blog find you all well and enjoying this Autumn season! -Mindy

What a week!!!

What a week, to say the least! Last Monday my poor hubby was involved in a car accident. He is okay, but things could of been much, much worse. He ended up with a broken nose and the left side of his face all cut up. He rear ended a stopped pickup in his dad's pickup going 65 miles per hour. Needless to say, his dad's truck was totaled. When i saw that truck, I thanked God for sparing my husband. It was bad. Crunched. Ka-put. But, my hubby's whole and that is what matters.

We spent the rest of the week recovering. He is back to work and doing well. This is a picture of Tad the night of the accident. Miah took one look at him and asked me if he was dead. I said, "no Miah, daddy's not dead, he's just hurt". She accepted that and proceeded to give her Daddy a hug, very gently-like.

All is well again and God is good. I'm thankful for His blessings and His protective covering on my family. -Mindy

13 years...

Today is me and my hubby's 13th year anniversary. Wow. That is so hard to believe for me. It has gone by so quickly. Four kids later I believe we have a lot to show for our 13 years. We were able to get away by ourselves this last weekend for a night. We has such a good time. We went for walks, went out to eat, went to the mall, which is how I know he loves me, cuz he soooo hates the mall!:) It was nice to escape, even just for a night!

This picture of us was on the Boise river.

Hope you have a great day! -Mindy

This and that...

Life here at our home has been relatively predictable lately. The boys are still busy with school, homework and football while the girls are busy with school, and ever most important, playing. It always amazes me the difference of how boys and girls play. Boys get rowdy, get bored quicker, play with trains, planes and automobiles and have a fascination with bugs, lizards, and snakes. Girls, at least my girls anyway, love dolls, barbies, tea sets, paper dolls and coloring. They will play for hours with this. It reminds of me when I was a little girl, me and my twin sis played dolls from sun up to sun down. Maybe that's why I have four children now, you think?

Tad has been super busy with his 3 jobs. He works from morning till dark. We have an anniversary coming up this next week. We are actually going to go to Boise for a night to celebrate. I'm excited to get away, my niece and nephew-in-law are staying with the kids. I'm so looking forward to this, it will be good to get away. We will be married 13 years. So hard to believe its been that long already. 13 years. Wow.

Our Expedition broke down yet again. Its sitting at the shop now. I'm hoping and praying it won't be very expensive but Tad seems think its something major with the engine. I'm not quite sure how this will get paid for, but i trust God has a plan, he always does. Now I just need to be patient and trusting, 2 qualities that I struggle with. It will work out, it most always does.

I have a hysterectomy scheduled for November 6th. The closer that date comes the more I worry. I know its something that needs to be done, but I have so many questions that I need to ask first. I hope they all get answered and I will be at peace about this.

Anyway, that's the jest of things around here. I am enjoying the cooler weather and love to watch the leaves turn colors! I love Autumn! I hope you have a great day! -Mindy

Kids, Kids, Kids.....

Who knew football was such a hard sport to follow. I try my hardest to follow the game, but I get so lost so easy. But, on a better note, I am learning. Tonight Casey had a game. I was determined to watch and learn. I guess my first mistake was sitting next to my friend. I tend to visit and gab instead of watching the game. But after the first half I made myself watch. I also found that I get nervous when all those kids with helmets and pads on are intentionally mowing each other over. Surely one can't take that kind of impact and be okay, right? Well, turns out most of the time they are okay. The game ended well for our team anyway. They won 12-6. Casey informed me that he got 5 tackles in and he punted as well. I guess that's a good number, so he tells me. I'm proud of him, he puts his all into his playing.

Well, that's whats been going on here in our land lately. Football, football and more football.

-Mindy

Fall has made its appearance...

Yes, I do believe Autumn has arrived. The air has a crisp feeling and the sky seems to think about raining a few drops every now and then. I really love Autumn. I love the colors, the cool, crisp feeling, the long pants and cozy shirts. I love to watch the leaves falling and fluttering in the wind. Along with falling leaves, I love to watch kids pile them up and jump into them, like I did as a child! It really is a favorite season of mine.

Brady, my 10 year old, had his first football game this morning. I was proud of him, he did so well. It rained a little, but not enough to make it miserable. The girls played while we were there at the game, and it was just a very nice morning.

I hope this blog finds you all well and enjoying the change of season! -Mindy

Football season...

Football season is upon us here at our house. My boys live and breathe football this time of the year. They absolutely love it! Casey has his first game this morning. His official position is middle linebacker. He got a couple of really nice tackles in. I was proud of him! It was easy to watch him on the field because he was the only one wearing red socks! I have to admit though, I'm still learing the game. I get lost pretty easy and often wonder why everyone is clapping. :) Brady also started his practice last night. He seems to like it and his games will be Saturday mornings. So that is whats going on these days here. Hope you all have a great day!
-Mindy

We miss you Dad....

Today marks the 16th year that my Dad has been gone from this earth. Sixteen years ago today he was killed in an airplane accident. Life changed forever that day. I miss my dad, I wish my kids could have known him. I think back to him, and wonder what he would have thought about all that has become of his family. I really think he would of been proud to be a Grandpa of sixteen grandchildren and a Great Grandpa of one. He would of loved to watch them grow and I believe he would of put aside his "workaholic" ways and spent as much time with them as he could. My dad was a strong man. Not only physically, but spiritually as well. Once he became a Christian, and i only knew him as such, he put his faith ahead of everything. We were always in church, we always prayed, he always made it clear that it was expected for his family to be Christians. No, he wasn't perfect, he had his struggles and trials like all of us do, but he was a strong man. I love my dad. I miss my dad. I wish my dad was still with us. I know we will see him again some day. And my kids will finally meet Grandpa Jim. -Mindy

Preschool has begun...

Today pre-school started for Miah. She woke up this morning all ready and willing to go, which I was relieved about. I dressed her in her new school clothes, fixed her stubborn hair and fed the girl some breakfast. I have to say, she looked mighty cute and still like my little girl. I guess maybe i was expecting her to grow up overnight and was happy to see she hadn't! After we found backpacks, shoes, and whatever else a child manages to lose on a school morning, we were off! I dropped my other children and bid them a I love you and a goodbye, see you later. I took Miah to her school where she went right in and started playing with a long lost friend from last year. I was so amazed at how all the kids form last year did so much growing up this summer! They all looked so much taller! I guess that happens though, but yet it still shocked me. I left Miah there and then came home. I can't say it was a quiet morning for me, since I babysit 3 babies. But it was definitely different. Around 11:30 a.m. Miah came bounding in the front door. Her teacher, who happens to be a friend of mine, brought her home for me so I wouldn't have to pack up 3 babies and go do it. She loved school! She can't wait to go back tomorrow! I was so happy to hear that! So, tomorrow morning will be quite similar to this morning.

I hope you all have a great day! -Mindy

Things around here have been going okay lately. My husband has been on "vacation" this whole week from his regular job. It's a funny vacation though, I think he is working harder than usual! He has a 2nd and a 3rd job and he has been keeping busy with those two jobs. He really is a hard worker and I do appreciate that about him. He provides well. I always tease him and say that he is most happy when he is working, no matter what the job may be, which is true. He was raised to be a hard worker, there is not a lazy bone in that man's body.

The kids are still enjoying school. They seem to really like their teachers. Casey, my soon to be 12 year old, told me that his teacher is so cool, he thinks just like they do. That made me wonder, just a little bit. I'm glad he's happy with him, it makes such a difference in their attitude about school. Brady likes his teacher as well. He seems to be plugging right along and enjoying it. Kaitlyn finds her teacher funny. She comes home most every day and tells me something that her teacher said that made her laugh. She enjoys eating lunch at school this year too. She is finding that school food is not all so bad! Miah is still waiting to start pre-school. She seems a little bit more anxious then last week, but I still think she wouldn't mind being home with me. She does enjoy being home during the day, spending time with mama and entertaining the 3 babies that I watch. I have often found her putting on some music and entertaining the babies with her dancing. It is so cute to watch! She is a help to me, I'll miss her when she does go to pre-school.

So, that is my life this past week. I hope this blog finds you well and I hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend! -Mindy

So it is true what they say.....

People in my life have always told me that kids get more expensive the older they get. I now know what they were talking about and I fear the worst is yet to come. This whole month of August has been one expense after another. We had unexpected doctor bills, the kids needed school clothes and school supplies, our car broke down, and now, just this week, we had to make room in the budget for Miah's pre-school registration and first month, Casey's football sign up and Brady's sign up for football. Wow. Those three things alone near $200. But, we will make things work, we usually do. I just felt the need to gripe a little about it. I know that as they get older, the expenses become more and more. I'm gearing up for that. I know that in a few short years we will be looking at drivers licence's, insurance, ect. Bring it on......
-Mindy

The first and second days of school....

A good report was given by the kids when they came home from school the first day. They seemed to really enjoy it and liked their teachers as well. I think it will be a good year for them! Miah is still waiting to start preschool. She will start after Labor Day. I spent the last two days with Miah. Just me and her. I think she enjoyed it immensely. Its not everyday she gets mom all to herself! All in all, things went very well for them! -Mindy

Kids are off to school.....

Another school year has started. We were up at 7 a.m. The boys, much to my surprise, were already up and ready by then. Kaitlyn woke up easily and was already looking a little bit nervous. We had to peel Miah out of bed, she would of been more than happy to sleep in. She's like her mama that way. :) We all got ready, everyone in their new clothes, I fixed Kaitlyn's hair just so, and we were on our way out. We brought Casey to the middle school first. I had planned on walking him into his classroom, but when we got there he noticed that hardly any other mom was going in the school with their kid. So, the time has come where I had to stay in the car while he got himself to his classroom. What a sad time that was for me, my baby acted like he didn't need me. But, after he went in by himself, I went in just to make sure he made it okay. I was very discreet and he didn't even see me! I felt better to make sure he was were he was suppose to be. Then off to the Elementary school we went. We brought Kaitlyn to her classroom and by that time she was really quiet and almost sick looking. I asked her if she was nervous and she nodded her head yes. I assured her that she will have a great time and I will pick her up at 3 p.m. and she can tell me all about her day. She said "okay Mommy". It was hard to leave her so nervous, but she is in capable hands. At last we brought Brady to his room. I met his teacher and got a good first impression. He seemed very nice and very friendly. We got Brady settled in and then came home. Miah at first acted a little lost, not knowing what to do without her brothers and sister. But she soon overcame that and is now enjoying having Mommy all to herself!

My kids are growing so quickly. I wish time would slow down just a little bit. I realized today that this is the last year I will have a child home with me during the day. Next year my baby starts kindergarten. Wow. I can hardly believe that. So, another year started. Before we know it it will be summer vacation time again! -Mindy

School Days are approaching.....

I registered the kids for school yesterday. Overall, I am happy with the teachers they have this year. I think it will turn out to be a good year. Kaitlyn will be in school for full days now. She is beyond excited and feels really grown up about it all! I think she is going to do really well, as she does love to learn and loves the structured part of it. Brady is excited to start the 4th grade. He will have his first male teacher this year. This teacher is new to the area and I have heard good things about him. This will be Brady's last year in the Elementary school then he is off to the middle to join his brother Casey. Casey will be starting the 6th grade. He is excited this year because he found out his best bud will be in his class with him. Little Miah will start preschool after Labor Day. I suspect she would be more than content to stay home with mom as long as possible. She doesn't talk about school a whole lot and it just doesn't seem to excite her like it does her siblings.
I'm looking forward to getting things in a routine again. I can feel Autumn in the air every morning and I really do love the Autumn time! I hope this blog find you well, and Robin, I bet your my very first blog reader! Thanks! -Mindy

Brady Boy's Birthday

Well today, at precisely 5:27 a.m. , my Brady Boy turned 10. I have been thinking back to that day all day today. It just does not seem like 10 years ago when my husband rushed me to the hospital at 3:30 in the morning. He is now into double digits. I can hardly believe that. Brady has been a blessing in my life. He has a sweet spirit and a tender heart. But the boy does show a temper from time to time as well! I'm thankful for him, as I am for all my kids.

Last night we celebrated my Mom's 70th birthday. I did my best to try and give her a grandson on her birthday, but Brady had different ideas. He decided he wanted a one day difference. We had a good time eating at the Olive Garden. After dinner we went back to Mom's and had cake and sang Happy Birthday to all the August birthday people that were present. It was nice to spend that time with our family. A good time was had!

Nothing to worry about

My doctor appointment went well. He said that he thought it was just enlarged glands. I was so relieved to hear that. He said it did not feel hard, like cancer, and that it was soft and movable which I guess is a good thing. So I feel like I'm out of the woods, so to speak. I may be looking at a hysterectomy down the road, but I still need to give that one some thought. Anyway, it all went well and I'm happy with the outcome.

A call from the Doctor

Well, I received a call from my doctors nurse today concerning my mammogram I had done last week. She told me news that I considered good. The doctor did not see any lesions or masses or anything like that on the films. But he does want to see me and do a breast exam just because I felt a lump as well as the mammogram technician. So off to the doctor I go tomorrow. I'm really quite relieved about it. I will post again after the examination.

This week has been pretty busy. My brother is in town from San Francisco visiting us. I love it when he comes, he always makes me laugh. He also is the world greatest uncle and my kids just absolutely love him! He always makes time for them and makes them feel important. I love him immensely!

The kids are getting ready to go back to school in a couple of weeks. I am quite ready for them to go back and I think they are too! Casey will be in the 6th grade, Brady in the 4th and my Kaitlyn will be experiencing 1st grade this year. Little Miah will go to preschool. Where has the time gone? I can't believe how quick time has gone by. I wish I could slow it down just a little. Guess that's not a possibility though.

Anyway, thats what is going on in my life these days.

August 4, 2007

Well, today was my appointment for a mammogram. Now that was interesting. I went into the office, signed in, and they brought me to a little dressing room and told me to put on a huge, purple robe and then wait for the tech to come in and get me. As I was sitting there in my ugly purple robe, my thoughts went wild. I was scared of what they may find and could hardly believe I was sitting there in that type of setting. I am not old enough for this, its not in my family, how in the world is this a possibility, were my thoughts. I had to fight back tears and I was suddenly wishing I would have taken up the offer of having my niece come with me. I made it through okay though. In addition to the mammogram, there was a breast exam and then I headed over the the hospital and had an ultrasound as well. I will now wait for the results that are suppose to come in by Monday or Tuesday of next week. I hope it all is well.

MaMas Worries

The other day I found a lump in my left breast. I didn't even mean to, I just happened to have an itch and while I was scratching my fingers felt something not quite right. I called my doctor and they scheduled me for a mammogram to be done on Friday. This brings all sorts of thoughts and scenarios to my thoughts. One minute I'm feeling okay with it all, the next I start to feel a little panicked. All these "what if" questions bombard me. What if its cancerous? What if I have to have chemotherapy and feel sick all the time and even lose my hair? What if I have to have a mastectomy? How will my children handle having a sick mom? I know I'm getting way ahead of myself but I have never really felt this kind of fear before. Not in a million years would I have ever thought I'd feel a lump in my breast. Anything can happen. I'm anxious to get this taken care of and for the doctor to tell me something like "its just some tissue" or something similar. I'm sure this will teach me patience, which I need more of. Hopefully come Friday, my fears will be relieved. -Mindy

Mindy's very first blog.

Hi, I'm Mindy. I am a wife of almost 13 years and a mother of four. My two sons are 11 and 9, and my girls are 6 and 4. I keep extremely busy with being a stay at home mom. I also babysit for 3 babies through the week. I am very grateful that I am able to be home with them, although some days I would gladly give my most prized possession to be able to get away for a few hours! My hubby helps me with that and will happily stay with the kids for a while to give me my time away. You know the saying, " If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". I firmly believe that to be true! Really, my kids are a true blessing to me and I thank God everyday that He chose me to be their mother.