Playing Serious Catch Up

I do in fact remain in existance. Sorry blog world...you were the first thing to slip when my health was being onry and horrible.

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I am FINALLY starting to feel a little better. My surgery hit me HARD and took me way longer to get on my feet than I expected. I have learned several things through this experience...

a. I NEVER wanna deal with this again

b. I have no idea why anyone is addicted to oxycotin...that stuff is HORRIBLE. And yet, I had to take more than I can bear admit because it was the only thing that helped my pain. SOOOOO glad that's over

c. I truly have the most wonderful family and neighbors in the world

d. I know precisely where my left kidney resides...not just a "somewhere in here" kind of knowledge but an exact knowledge. This is not needed per say but nonetheless...

e. I am STILL a terrible sick person and my poor husband had to force me to stay down and relax. Boy I sure do love him

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Ok really I learned a whole lot more but those are the top 5 I suppose. I am alive, and atleast 75% back to normal and so dang happy about that. I am not taking drugs, not peeing into a strainer and not needing people to take my kids.

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I absolutely have to take a minute to thank several people.

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My husband...above all. He took days off, attempted to do EVERYTHING I normally do and was Mom and Dad for several days. He put up with my emotional break downs over not recovering overnight, and told me to relax, take pain meds and let myself recover. He made dinner for like 3 weeks straight, did laundry, toilets, entertained the kids...all while I slept from being knocked out on pain meds. What a man! I am more than lucky!

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I have to thank my Mom and sister Natalee! Mom took my older kids a few times when I just couldn't handle my life. She watched them while I was in the hospital, and even though she fed Judd graham crackers and he therefor got an ear infection from his allergy, I still appreciate the help. My lil sister Nan took Judd for an entire day, brought me flowers and chocolate and even dinner one night. She checked on me everyday and offered to help however she could. What a lifesaver they were.

Next to thank is my neighbors. Wendy, Tami, Jamie, Mandi and Karen all brought dinner at one time or another. I can't really explain how amazing it is to have that one burden lifted from your thoughts. Dinner, such a simple thing, but when you feel terrible, just one more energy draining worry. Thank you thank you thank you ladies! I owe ya all big time!

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Ok so time for a lil catch up. I will try and make this quick but like an entire month has gone unblogged so bear with me.

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First we had Fathers day! I love this day to pamper my amazing husband and get to visit with my Dad too! We made Matt and big breakfast and a big dinner and he napped in the middle. I am certain he enjoyed his day...food and sleep...couldn't we all use more!

Then a visit to Dad! All us girls went in together on tools!

Hope you both had a fun relaxing father's day! Love you both more than words!

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We have also had my 2nd favorite holiday of the year go by

The 4th of July

I was all doped up on drugs and missed pretty much all of it, but Matt was the hero for the kids and took them to all the festivities while I slept and took pain meds. Then he was the hero for me by taking pics so I atleast knew what I missed. :)

Here are a few of my favorites!

Kids and cousins at the parade!

My neice Brynlee Clair!

Having a bbq and snappin pics of these adorable kids!

Lastly my favorite part of the day! I love watching the fireworks with my kids. We always eat Twizzlers, decorate our bodies with glow sticks and curl up with blankets and pillows and watch the beautiful colors. My sister always makes fun of me for singing along to the songs they play. I faithfully EVERY time end up crying. Especially when they play "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. That song takes me back to living in NY during September 11th. They played it hourly while they searched the twin towers trying to rescue people...and I cry every time I hear it.

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 I am always humbled thinking of what the 4th of July really stands for. More than parades, and bbq's and fireworks...it is honoring this most blessed nation that we are able to live in. I don't know why I was able to be so blessed, but despite all the USA's flaws, there is no better place and I know I am lucky to be here! A special thank you to all our Armed Forces and their families. Not everyone, including me, could do what you do! Thanks!

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There is much more to blog about, but those are the major holidays I have missed atleast! Thanks for all the support! Love ya all!