Chatting with Gundi

[Christine]

LOL I will take the really smart kids you can have the stinky diapers

[addielee]

It's been really crazy around our house. It's the start of the new school semester. Sebastian had his test for yellow belt. Jeremiah has been coughing for weeks and we have a new puppy! Isn't she cute. She is 12 weeks old. Not much scrapping time these days...

[Christine]

it does sound crazy! so how did Sebastian do on his yellow belt test?

[ReneT]

Cute puppy Addie! I think I'll take really stinky diapers over house training a puppy at the moment, although I do love puppies, just no time for one right now.

I am just now starting to feel somewhat normal. Whatever type of virus that caused Jace to have the horrible stinky diaper has continued with him, only not to that degree, but was then passed on to me. He still has it, but only about 3 or 4 diapers a day and acts like he feels fine and is still eating and drinking. It hit me and Drew about 6:00 in the morning Wed. Drew was fine by noon. By that afternoon, I was at the clinic getting nausea shot, then at the ER all day yesterday with bad dehydration. So after 3 different kinds of nausea meds and 2 bags of fluid they finally let me go home. I'm much better today. At least I can walk across the room without everything going black, just don't have much energy. Bleh.

So we'll be spending a quiet weekend at home making sure Jace gets well. His pediatrician didn't seem to think he needed to come in unless he had 12 or more bad diapers in a 24 hour period and/or wasn't eating. So we'll see how things go this weekend. So far all he's doing is making a big mess! :lol:

[GrandmaCrys]

Rene, I hope you and Jace are both on the mend. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[addielee]

it does sound crazy! so how did Sebastian do on his yellow belt test?

He did great! I'll be working on a layout soon. I took sooo many pics! It took him a few tries to break his board, but then a kick like that is a tough skill for a 4 year old. He completely missed a couple of times and then broke it the second time he connected.

[Christine]

wow that is awesome! Great job Sebastian!

[GrandmaCrys]

Cannot wait to see the layout(s), Addie. That Sebastian is some little guy! :D ;)

[ReneT]

He did great! I'll be working on a layout soon. I took sooo many pics! It took him a few tries to break his board, but then a kick like that is a tough skill for a 4 year old. He completely missed a couple of times and then broke it the second time he connected.


Yay Sebastian!!!!!!

Rene, I hope you and Jace are both on the mend. :hug: :hug: :hug:

I'm great and feel back to normal today. Jace is still having about 3 bad diapers a day. If it's not gone by tomorrow, I'm taking him in to the doctor. This is going on a week for him and I just think that's too much even if it's not 12 diapers a day. We are supposed to go to San Antonio to see Lindsey & Brad on Friday. Drew and Amy are going out of town also, to buy a Mustang car (don't get me started on how I feel about spending their income tax return on a car instead of this baby) :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: so we're taking Jace with us and I want him to feel good because he ADORES his Aunt Lindsey! I never in a million years thought I would see Lindsey being nurturing or caring about a baby, but she loves Jace to pieces and I think is starting to consider having a baby of her own. It has been shocking to me and Gary, but that's a good thing. :)

[addielee]

Glad to see your pinkness back Rene!!

here are the pics from S's yellow belt test.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/994/thumbs/scrapbook_2012-01-27-Yello.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=403466&title=yellow-belt&cat=all)
Yellow Belt (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=403466&title=yellow-belt&cat=all)

[ReneT]

I saw your layout over in the I&S thread, but haven't commented on them yet. Looks pretty cool from the thumbnails though!

I took Mr Jace to the doctor today and they told me to get this probiotic powder to sprinkle in his food once a day and give him only Pedialyte, formula, apples, bananas and rice cereal, which is what I was doing anyway except for the Pedialyte and apples. So hopefully we'll see some change in a couple of days. They said they have seen a lot of this stomach virus with their babies. :(

[sands_healy]

http://p.playme.com/cspv/46-02-57-20-00-AudioPreview-Cover-JPEG256x256/the-birthday-bunch/hokey-cokey.jpg

Hope it's a fantastic day for you!

[Christine]

:D Thanks!

[GrandmaCrys]

My Birthday Wishes to you! They may not be as cute as Sands', but at least I was smart enough to put them in your favorite color! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :hug: :hug: :hug: :drumroll: :drumroll: :drumroll: :drumroll:

[Christine]

You sooooooo have me pegged! Thanks Crys!

[addielee]

Happy birthday Christine!

[just-pjz]

*static* *static*

I'm interrupting your chatting with birthday wishes....

HApPy bIRtHdAy chRIsTiNE!!!!

*static* *static*

[evergreen100]

Happy Birthday Chris:hug:

[Raphne]

Its your birthday?!?!?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE!


:drumroll::party::yippee::yahoo::drumroll::party:: yahoo::drumroll::party::yippee::yahoo:

[teetopper]

:party::yahoo::party:HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUNDI!:party::yahoo::party:
Sorry I'm late, DH decided he needed to share his flu with me:annoyed::annoyed: Darn him... why can't he just share his money?:rofl::rofl:
Hope you've had a wonderful day!:hug:

[Christine]

ahhhhh thanks everyone!!!!! I had a super fantabulous day! DH didn't work until noon so we spent time together this morning and ds2 made me breakfast, then my friends took me to lunch, dd1 got me a cute stuffed monkey w/ cinnamon lips which I LOVE c.bears c. santas, c. bunnies you get the picture. LOL plus we went to get frozen yogurt cuz our fave place gives a free one on your bday, dd2 made me a cute card thing and ds1 tried to be extra helpful. Then dh surprised me and got off work early and took me to dinner and a laser light show at the planetarium. AND my dad took dh and I to dinner last night. AND all my family called, plus lots of texts and FB and email msgs. Yep it was an awesome day! (and I now weigh approximately 20 more pounds than I did this morning!) :rofl:

[ReneT]

Happy Belated Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :party::party::party: (Crys already used YOUR favorite color, so I'll use MINE instead.) :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[PQ]

Happy Birthday Gundi!!!!

[Christine]

Thanks Rene and PQ!!

[GrandmaCrys]

ahhhhh thanks everyone!!!!! I had a super fantabulous day! DH didn't work until noon so we spent time together this morning and ds2 made me breakfast, then my friends took me to lunch, dd1 got me a cute stuffed monkey w/ cinnamon lips which I LOVE c.bears c. santas, c. bunnies you get the picture. LOL plus we went to get frozen yogurt cuz our fave place gives a free one on your bday, dd2 made me a cute card thing and ds1 tried to be extra helpful. Then dh surprised me and got off work early and took me to dinner and a laser light show at the planetarium. AND my dad took dh and I to dinner last night. AND all my family called, plus lots of texts and FB and email msgs. Yep it was an awesome day! (and I now weigh approximately 20 more pounds than I did this morning!) :rofl:

That sounds incredible, Chris! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: You are definitely a loved Mommy, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend, et al.

[Christine]

just checking in super fast to see where everyone is :) I have been sooooo busy the last few days. Joshie is getting baptized today and the date was up in the air for the longest time cuz dh was supposed to work and then got off at the last minute so I am frantically trying to get everything ready. Especially because my friend wrote this piano/flute duet and I am supposed to play the flute, which I am not that great at, so I have been practicing practicing practicing! I am so praying it goes well.

[teetopper]

just checking in super fast to see where everyone is :) I have been sooooo busy the last few days. Joshie is getting baptized today and the date was up in the air for the longest time cuz dh was supposed to work and then got off at the last minute so I am frantically trying to get everything ready. Especially because my friend wrote this piano/flute duet and I am supposed to play the flute, which I am not that great at, so I have been practicing practicing practicing! I am so praying it goes well.

I'm sure you will do fantastic! I can hear it in my mind already:love2:

What a fantastic celebration, although hectic:yikes:, I hope y'all have a wonderful day! I can't wait to hear all about it.
;)Deep Breaths:D ;)Relax:D ;)Breath Out:D ;)Enjoy!!!:D :love1:

[addielee]

Sebastian wants me to "do all the happy faces please."

:) :D :p :rolleyes: ;) :cool: :confused: :( :help: :cry: :o :annoyed: :worried: :mad: :eek: :love2: :love1: :love3: :yikes: :shocked: :doh: :pray: :lol: :rofl: :think: :applause: :yahoo: :tup: :wave: :yes: :no: :hug: :yippee: :party: :drumroll: :popcorn: :santa: :santa1: :snowman:

[Christine]

I remember when Josh used to LOVE to do that too addie :)

[Christine]

Well I survived, the baptism was beautiful and Josh was soooooooo happy and excited. We had soup and salad at the house afterward for our family and friends, that was a hit. I am disappointed with my part of the flute playing. I have done much better in practice, but Josh was so cute because as soon as we finished he JUMPED up to clap then remembered we don't clap in church and hurried and sat back down. LOL So I am trying to not be too disappointed/embarrassed because I did it for him and he loved it. :)

[Maggie Macpaine]

Hey all! I'm just checking in. My life has been crazy lately. Between a student teacher, life craziness and kiddo activities my balance is all out of kilter. Sadly, it is my scrapping that is suffering. I'm home today with a sick one (and kinda enjoying it -- not her being sick--the being home part) I hope things will calm down, but I'm not sure when that will be :(

[Christine]

so good to see you Maggie! Which it didn't take sickness to make it happen but I guess there is at least one silver lining :)

[GrandmaCrys]

Well I survived, the baptism was beautiful and Josh was soooooooo happy and excited. We had soup and salad at the house afterward for our family and friends, that was a hit. I am disappointed with my part of the flute playing. I have done much better in practice, but Josh was so cute because as soon as we finished he JUMPED up to clap then remembered we don't clap in church and hurried and sat back down. LOL So I am trying to not be too disappointed/embarrassed because I did it for him and he loved it. :)

Glad the day went well, Chris, and just remember you pleased the ONLY person who really mattered on this momentous day! ;)

[Christine]

:) thanks!

[Christine]

in case any one is confused, I just noticed I said we don't "laugh" in church and I meant "clap" in church so I edited, but now if you reread and think you are going crazy, you probably still are, but not in this case. :rofl:

[Christine]

Did anyone do anything special for Valentines? Us not so much, we both have birthdays before it this month and so it always gets mostly skipped. I did do a "heart attack" for DH. I cut out about 50-100 hearts from cardstock then wrote little notes on them and taped them all over the door to our bedroom and the door you come in from the garage. He said he liked it and made him feel good.

[GrandmaCrys]

Awwwwwwwww..that is so sweet, Chris! My Valentines Day included a very special 5 loads of laundry, and not much else! :annoyed: :annoyed: :rofl: :rofl:

[Christine]

geeee I am jealous!

[Maggie Macpaine]

That is soooo cute, I'll have to remember it for next year. We didn't do anything. We are remodeling a bathroom so if it ever gets done, that is our present to each other.

So, last week I had a sick one, she ran a temp and was out of school until Friday. It turned out it wasn't the flu, but an ear infection minus the ouch. Then Wednesday, my oldest fell during skating and has either sprained her wrist or cracked a growth plate. We are leaning towards a sprain because she hasn't complained to much. She will have it looked at again on Wednesday. Until then she has a brace.

My hubby must have been feeling left out, because he has an awful migraine today. We may end up at the ER yet to get him a shot. Only time will tell :D

Other than that.....life is good, and the house is dirty.

[Christine]

ahhh Maggie, sorry to hear you are having health issues around your house. That is never fun!

[Christine]

Yay!! I finally got a new iPhone. I have wanted one since the very first ones came out, but kept saying not needed etc and so finally I took the plunge! It arrived on Monday the iPhone4 16gb. So excited!

[Raphne]

Woooooo Whooooo!!! Chris, you will LOVE it!!! I dont know what I EVER did without mine now. And a plus: the video capability is surprising!

[GrandmaCrys]

Yay!! I finally got a new iPhone. I have wanted one since the very first ones came out, but kept saying not needed etc and so finally I took the plunge! It arrived on Monday the iPhone4 16gb. So excited!

I LOVE my iPhone. I have the 3GS, but we're due to update in May. Looking forward to that! :D

[Christine]

any great apps that you guys just love?

[addielee]

I've been such a bad Gundi Girl! We've been super busy here...no real excuses other than I'm not getting the time during my school day to pop in. I used to be able to pop in during breaks, but no more...so busy! Anyway, I can't really speak to iphones...we don't have any i-anythings in our house. No real reason to start, but it's become a matter of pride! LOL

[Christine]

lol well don't worry I am more than taking up my own share. We have 2 ipods, 2 itouches, 1 ipad and 1 iphone in our family! Oh my word we need therapy I think. LOL

[Raphne]

. . . we have 2 iphones, 2 ipods, 1 ipad, 2imacs, and 2 mac laptops. I am a mac girl all the way! The people at work get very tired of me saying "if we were on macs, this (insert frustration of the day) wouldn't be happening. . ." So, I should probably have the session before you, Chris!

As to apps, I find dragon dictation really useful, and I have a flashlight app that comes in very handy (turns your flash into a flashlight). Love the kindle reader, although less so since they "updated" it, and Angry Birds have kept my children tolerant in many kid "unfriendly" situations.

[Memouse]

My hubby has all the istuff in this family... I don't like to spent that much so I get the knockoffs, LOL
I haven't been around for a bit do to coming down with the flu and with my resistance being low now a head cold or sinus infection or something, but I have been having a hard time just trying to keep up with the challenges I have bought for let alone any other scrapping.
Plus I am still having to get up and take care of the 10 puppies since my DH can't stand the smell of their puppy food so I get to mix it up and all that fun...
Kids have been home sick with me to for a week now I am hoping that soon they can go back to school... Well I hope you are all having a better time then I now I must go and sneeze again....

[Christine]

Oh I hate when I come down with one thing after another! I keep having one "project after another that keeps moving my fun down the list.

[Christine]

attention all gundi girls! I miss you all, hope you can come back soon! Hugs!

[addielee]

Oh Chris!! I think we're finally hitting a spot of normal! The boys are done swimming lessons and there are no more long weekends until Easter, so we are back down to only 2 after-schools busy again. With the boys in bed by 7:30 it's nice to get back to some normal afternoons! This past week, DH and I have been out a lot watching our national women's curling championships which were held a couple of miles from here. My butt hurts from the arena seats!

How's your iphone treating you?

[debilou]

Hi all GG's..

Wave to all.. I'm out lurking..

But, working on a lot of projects..

I'm around.. just not so active on the forums..

Hope everyone is doing ok.. I am..

And, hopefully very very soon, my mac will be the cleanest mac in the universe

[Christine]

Oh Chris!! I think we're finally hitting a spot of normal! The boys are done swimming lessons and there are no more long weekends until Easter, so we are back down to only 2 after-schools busy again. With the boys in bed by 7:30 it's nice to get back to some normal afternoons! This past week, DH and I have been out a lot watching our national women's curling championships which were held a couple of miles from here. My butt hurts from the arena seats!

How's your iphone treating you?

I am loving it! Glad things are settling down for you guys. I know how that goes. :) With the remodel stuff I did (dang still need to take a pic of that) I saw all of this stuff that needs to be cleaned out, dejunked etc. LOL Been working on that and it is slowly making progress. Of course I have been picking the easy areas first otherwise it is just too easy to be discouraged and give up :D Young Women's is busy but I love it!

[Christine]

oh my heck I finally have all of my extra LAWKI pages down and I have uploaded up to the artscow site. Here's the preview link if you want to see :)

http://www.artscow.com/gallery/book/lawki-2011-qjsd1fbvjose

[Raphne]

darn it, it wont let me look. . . apparently I need to install something but I'm not sure it's mac compatible. . . *sigh*

[Christine]

Oh yeah that is silver light. No idea if it plays nicely with mac

[Raphne]

Turns out, it doesn't. Ah, well... That's what you get when you don't use a window platform

[Christine]

you rebel you! :)

[GrandmaCrys]

I had a peek at your book; AWESOME!!!!!

[Christine]

Thanks! I hope it is awesome when it arrives too :D

[Shana34]

Hey guys. Remember me? I just wanted to stop in and say hi and how much I miss everyone. I want my computer back!!!! LOL. Hope everyone's well. :D

[GrandmaCrys]

Shana, where did your computer go? :confused: We've missed you here. :D

[Shana34]

A very bad relationship that left me with nothing but experience and the knowledge of what I deserve and what I never want to put up with again! LOL. I'm working on getting myself a laptop again, but I just got a car back. One step at a time. I'm working again in a pharmacy...yay! :D

[GrandmaCrys]

Lessons learned can do nothing but make you stronger, Shana. And as you say, one step at a time. I'm sure a car was WAY more important than a 'puter. ;)

[Christine]

hey Shana, long time no see! It does sound like you are in a much better place now. :yahoo:

[hlmbugle]

It stinks to learn that lesson the hard way, but you've got the right attitude about it! Nice to meet you, I used to have family in Binghamton. I wish I lived closer, I'd lend you my laptop. :(

[addielee]

Shana!! I hope every day is better than the last for you. :hug:

[Christine]

I have a new challenge in case any of you have missed it :)

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54298

[>>aruaL<<]

Hi Shana, just recently I was asking someone if you been around, etc. Glad to see your doing well.

[Christine]

Oh my heck!!! Did any of you know there is a spell checker in PS? I just barely found this out TODAY! I can't even tell you how many times that would have been nice with WA or journaling!

[GrandmaCrys]

Is this only in CS5, Chris? And are you going to elaborate? :D

[Christine]

cs3 and up is what I have been told. So all you do it right click on the text box and one of the options is check spelling. I haven't tried it specifically with a non text box like just a word, but I would think it does the same thing!

[>>aruaL<<]

I go up to the top row... I think it's under EDIT... so EDIT>spell checking ... it checks all my journaling, etc. Um, but I don't always do it - like I should!

[Raphne]

As if I needed another reason to upgrade. . .

[Christine]

what do you have Raphne? are you before CS3?

[Raphne]

PSE 6! So, very much so!

[Christine]

LOL in that case, yes you NEED to upgrade :) Hey did you know that you can get the academic version if you have ANYBODY in school? That includes kindergarten kids up through high school. It saves you TONS of $$

[addielee]

do you happen to know when CS6 is coming? I told DH the other night that I'm going to upgrade then.

[Raphne]

LOL in that case, yes you NEED to upgrade :) Hey did you know that you can get the academic version if you have ANYBODY in school? That includes kindergarten kids up through high school. It saves you TONS of $$

Ooooo, I'll have to look in to that! I thought it was only if you were a college student! That might help me sell the idea to DH...

[GrandmaCrys]

Good luck, Raphne!!!

[addielee]

I am a bit of a mess today. I found out this morning that a former student had died. I suspect a drug overdose, but I'm not sure. Then I found out that the funeral was today. So I managed to book a substitute teacher and go. It was very difficult going through the whole grieving process within 6 hours. Now I have a whopper of a headache and I've already decided to skip band practice tonight. Seems like a good night to scrap...

[hlmbugle]

Sorry to hear it, Addie. :( Scrap therapy might help.

[Raphne]

Oh, Addie, I am so sorry. That is just awful. *hug* I hope you find some comfort in scrapping, or whatever else it takes tonight. I'm sure that you made the effort to come to the funeral will be a comfort to the family in the hard days ahead.

[JaeDee]

Hello ladies, I'm budding in here with some news!

It's time to get ready for birthday week! Get your birthday avatars on and post a link here:

Birthday Avartar Forum (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54348)

The Birthday Fairy will be arriving soon to hand our prizes so hurry over!

And to get your Blinkies click here:

Birthday Blinkies (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54410)

Also, please come vote in the photography challenge:

Photo Challenge voting (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1062412#post1062412)

Thanks,

JaeDee

[carti]

I can never get this right! Regarding Birthday signature!

[Christine]

Good luck, Raphne!!!

From me too!

[Christine]

Hugs Addie! So hard to go through!

As far as CS6 goes, it has to be close because they keep doing "sneak peeks", but I haven't heard a date.

[GrandmaCrys]

Well, that's just going to put me one more notch down the totem pole. :rofl: :rofl:

[Christine]

Hey everyone! I am so excited about my basement area. We had exercise gear and video game stuff and half broken crap and the kids had a huge mess. So this year I have a goal to have one major area clean up each month, so that was my goal for march. I got these cute cubicle shelving units that I put on their sides to make an entertainment center area. Then I put the TVs (yes we have a new one that does DVDs and the Wii etc then a really old one that has are really old super Nintendo attached to it) then in the fabric drawers I have the different games and vhs movies etc. it looks so much better. I also made some new cushions for our rocking chair and organized the exercise gear. It still looks a bit like a hodge podge because it is exercise and media stuff but for a basement play area it is cute! And I got rid of lots of junk. And hung some cute pictures up etc. I spent pretty much the whole day on it but wahoo looks much better :)

[RaeofSunshine]

Hey everyone! I am so excited about my basement area. We had exercise gear and video game stuff and half broken crap and the kids had a huge mess. So this year I have a goal to have one major area clean up each month, so that was my goal for march. I got these cute cubicle shelving units that I put on their sides to make an entertainment center area. Then I put the TVs (yes we have a new one that does DVDs and the Wii etc then a really old one that has are really old super Nintendo attached to it) then in the fabric drawers I have the different games and vhs movies etc. it looks so much better. I also made some new cushions for our rocking chair and organized the exercise gear. It still looks a bit like a hodge podge because it is exercise and media stuff but for a basement play area it is cute! And I got rid of lots of junk. And hung some cute pictures up etc. I spent pretty much the whole day on it but wahoo looks much better :)

:drumroll::drumroll::drumroll:
Very inspiring Christine! I have to do an over hall of my office with a play area for the kids. Too much crap that I don't use and not using the space I want to use it for. I need a conference area and what I have is a really jacked up storage space that no one can get anything out of. My enclosed office is soooo piled high with paper I can't find anything. But you have inspired me. I will have to post before and after picks. My baby is turning 13 and wants to have his BD party here in two weeks so I best be gett'n on it :help:

[carti]

:drumroll::drumroll::drumroll:
Very inspiring Christine! I have to do an over hall of my office with a play area for the kids. Too much crap that I don't use and not using the space I want to use it for. I need a conference area and what I have is a really jacked up storage space that no one can get anything out of. My enclosed office is soooo piled high with paper I can't find anything. But you have inspired me. I will have to post before and after picks. My baby is turning 13 and wants to have his BD party here in two weeks so I best be gett'n on it :help:
I can identify with this! My office has papers and folders all over.Plus boxes with CDs for programs etc. Everytime I try to dispose of stuff I find I might need them.
Who said once you have a computer you will have less papers! LOL
Let me know how you are doing with this project maybe you can give me some tips.
Carti

[GrandmaCrys]

Hey everyone! I am so excited about my basement area. We had exercise gear and video game stuff and half broken crap and the kids had a huge mess. So this year I have a goal to have one major area clean up each month, so that was my goal for march. I got these cute cubicle shelving units that I put on their sides to make an entertainment center area. Then I put the TVs (yes we have a new one that does DVDs and the Wii etc then a really old one that has are really old super Nintendo attached to it) then in the fabric drawers I have the different games and vhs movies etc. it looks so much better. I also made some new cushions for our rocking chair and organized the exercise gear. It still looks a bit like a hodge podge because it is exercise and media stuff but for a basement play area it is cute! And I got rid of lots of junk. And hung some cute pictures up etc. I spent pretty much the whole day on it but wahoo looks much better :)

Sounds awesome, Miss Bundle of Energy! :D

[GrandmaCrys]

Rae, just wait till your baby is getting ready to turn 37, which is what mine is doing! :eek: :eek:

[Raphne]

Hey everyone! I am so excited about my basement area. We had exercise gear and video game stuff and half broken crap and the kids had a huge mess. So this year I have a goal to have one major area clean up each month, so that was my goal for march. I got these cute cubicle shelving units that I put on their sides to make an entertainment center area. Then I put the TVs (yes we have a new one that does DVDs and the Wii etc then a really old one that has are really old super Nintendo attached to it) then in the fabric drawers I have the different games and vhs movies etc. it looks so much better. I also made some new cushions for our rocking chair and organized the exercise gear. It still looks a bit like a hodge podge because it is exercise and media stuff but for a basement play area it is cute! And I got rid of lots of junk. And hung some cute pictures up etc. I spent pretty much the whole day on it but wahoo looks much better :)

Ok, I need a nap now. . . .
But when you are done there, would you come over to my house? We need to clean out a room so the kids can start hosting sleep overs. . .

[Christine]

:drumroll::drumroll::drumroll:
Very inspiring Christine! I have to do an over hall of my office with a play area for the kids. Too much crap that I don't use and not using the space I want to use it for. I need a conference area and what I have is a really jacked up storage space that no one can get anything out of. My enclosed office is soooo piled high with paper I can't find anything. But you have inspired me. I will have to post before and after picks. My baby is turning 13 and wants to have his BD party here in two weeks so I best be gett'n on it :help:

Oh I hope you are making progress! That was part of the push for me, I have been planning/thinking about doing this for a little while, but on Wednesday evening the part of the Young Women that I am over were planning on having a "sympathy party" here. They are the 12 and 13 year olds and the older YW were going to be going to Youth Conference this weekend, but my Beehives aren't old enough, so I told them for out activity night this week we could have this party. They had fun! (Youth Conference was also fabulous with the older youth. We were only gone for about 24 hours, but we jam packed it with great experiences.) So anyway, I really wanted everything done before the party. :)

[Christine]

Sounds awesome, Miss Bundle of Energy! :D

who me? *blush* :D

[Christine]

Wow what a busy couple of weeks I have had! I have had a bunch of appointments etc come up at work and then we just got done with Youth Conference and have New Beginnings this week. Both our HUGE endeavors for YW. Why we scheduled them so close is still a bit of a mystery. LOL The last of my big onslaught of appointments should be done on Wednesday (at least for a few weeks) and ironically that night is when New Beginnings is as well, so maybe I can breathe after that. :rofl: Oh! btw, have any of you iphone, ipad etc users tried the errands app? I love it! I like it even better than reminders. It has been my life saver this month as I have so many things pulling me in all directions. Holler if you need more info. :)

[GrandmaCrys]

I need more info! But, I'm concerned that dogs have eaten through your wires or something; where the heck have you been? :confused: :eek: :D ;) :rofl: :rofl:

[Christine]

LOL where haven't I been? I have worked a bunch of extra hours and been busy w/ YW and working on rearranging the house and yeah those dang dogs decided that our cable wires would be a good thing to chew on! So the only internet I had for a couple days was on my iPhone.

[Raphne]

Well, thank heaven for that iphone!

[Christine]

true! This is a great reason to say, "see I NEEDED this!" :rofl:

[idtwinmom]

Hey, I'm sitting in front of the computer! I feel like, uh - what is a computer?

Chris - thanks for the comment on my LO! I would gladly ship you the water right now!!!! We've had low 40s during the days lately and let me tell you, the puddles aren't puddles, they're ponds! Unless we have a freak late storm (which I'm not counting out), we aren't going to make that snowfall record. But we are only missing it by a couple inches, so anything can happen.

Hope you are all well! This year's school has really taken it out of me. The boys are really needing a lot more input from me. But, I'm proud to say that all three are doing really well, so I think I'm stuck with this home school stuff. :lol: My thyroid numbers are finally normal. (It's only taken a year.) Plus I have been extra busy with my new hobby which will hopefully will be slightly income producing by the end of the year.

[PQ]

So Gundi.....I rode by the Mormon temple today, which made me think about you saying that you and your family had gone and visited several different temples.

I have seen a couple of Mormon temples, and they all looked the same. Is each temple different on the inside? If they all look the same, what would be the point in visiting several different ones? Couldn't you just revisit the same one several times and pretend like you were some place else?:D

[Christine]

what?! I think your glasses need to be checked. LOL Definitely not the same, pretty much the same on the inside but not the out :)

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/logan/images/logan-mormon-temple.jpg
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/vernal/images/vernal-mormon-temple.jpg
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/monticello/images/monticello-mormon-temple.jpg
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/images/salt-lake-mormon-temple.jpg
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/jordanriver/images/jordan-river-mormon-temple.jpg

Here's just some of the ones from Utah :D and the point was just to go spend some time with my girls while serving the Lord. :yes:

[Christine]

so which temple was it you went by? Maybe it is just that you keep going by the same one and that is why they all look the same. :rofl:

[PQ]

so which temple was it you went by? Maybe it is just that you keep going by the same one and that is why they all look the same. :rofl:

The temples that I have seen look like the Monticello Temple that you photographed.....

[PQ]

so which temple was it you went by? Maybe it is just that you keep going by the same one and that is why they all look the same. :rofl:

:rofl::lol::rofl::lol:

[Christine]

The temples that I have seen look like the Monticello Temple that you photographed.....

I wonder if that is why. Monticello is one of the new smaller temples that they are building in some of the more remote areas.

[Christine]

Wow I have been in the mood to scrap! I have done 5 double page spreads this week.

[addielee]

Way to go Chris! I've been working on setting up a blog this morning. Perfectly Planned Pixels (http://perfectlyplannedpixels.blogspot.ca/) Any thoughts?

[stitchmich]

Hello Gundi Girls!!!!:wave: How is everybody?
Chris, I just had to stop by and congratulate you on scoring Christy McB as your DED! :tup: Lucky you!!!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Christine]

Way to go Chris! I've been working on setting up a blog this morning. Perfectly Planned Pixels (http://perfectlyplannedpixels.blogspot.ca/) Any thoughts?

It looks good so far. It depends on what your goal is as far as suggestions go. If u partly want to promote dsp, it would be great if u had some links back to the site to the products u use, either in your header or the LOs u show. Also more links our blogs the DSP site etc.

[Christine]

Hello Gundi Girls!!!!:wave: How is everybody?
Chris, I just had to stop by and congratulate you on scoring Christy McB as your DED! :tup: Lucky you!!!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Yep!!!!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[addielee]

It looks good so far. It depends on what your goal is as far as suggestions go. If u partly want to promote dsp, it would be great if u had some links back to the site to the products u use, either in your header or the LOs u show. Also more links our blogs the DSP site etc.

Thanks Christine! I am still trying to figure out how to do all that... :D Thanks for looking. ;)

[Christine]

I am certainly not the expert at blogs. LOL I just need more hours in the day :)

[GrandmaCrys]

I need more hours, too, and the only thing I know about blogs, is how to spell the word. :rofl: :rofl:

[Christine]

LOL you are too funny!

[stitchmich]

hey Gundi girls! What going on over here? It's vewy vewy quiet

[Christine]

Maybe we will just have to have an exclusive party! :D You and me stitch!

[stitchmich]

Okay... what's new with you Gundimom? :D I've been working too much. Can you believe I've been at my "new" job for a year now? I do like it, but I really do miss my embroidery shop. And I miss having spare time for scrapping. I've been managing 2 pages a month most months, but I am happy to say that this month I've posted 6 pages! Yes, 6, and one of them made LOTD. Sorry, but once in a while ya gotta pump yourself up, kwim? :rolleyes::rofl::yippee:

[Christine]

I am glad you did! That is awesome! So remind me what your new/old job is now? So did you totally sale the embroidery shop? Guess what came today?! a new Nikkor 55-300 VR lens! I am totally excited! I haven't actually put it on the camera yet, but I WILL!

[stitchmich]

My new job is in Molecular Genetics at LabCorp. My dept. does DNA testing for genetic diseases, my test being cystic fibrosis. Quite a change of pace from stitching monograms, wouldn't ya say? I sold the embroidery shop in November. I just couldn't keep up with it working full time.

Awesome lens! woot! Put that bad boy on and show us what it can do! :yahoo:

[Christine]

I would say that is quite a difference! So did you have a degree to do that? I would say how in the world can you go from medical sciences to something so crafty and back, but I guess I can't talk much. :rofl:

[stitchmich]

haha, we may be two peas in a pod there. Yes, I have a degree in Medical Technology. I worked in a hospital lab before the kids came along. I started the embroidery business so I could work at home.

[Christine]

yep that's it exactly!

I was so busy today! There is so much weeding to do in the spring, then we had lots of taxi errands to kids' works, ball game, etc etc. I am beat!

[stitchmich]

yes, but as I recall you are somewhat of an energizer bunny :D
My work schedule is Tues. through Sat. Working Saturdays isn't as bad as I had feared and I do love my Mondays off. But it's quite a change of pace from working for yourself and being to make your own schedule. Mondays are usually my day of errands and cleaning and blah, blah, blah.... :rolleyes:

[Christine]

who me? :lol:
I know what you mean, I love running errands on a week day instead of Saturday. It is so much less busy and it just seems like you get lots more done. How are your kids doing? Isn't this your DDs first year of college? How is it? I can't believe the school year is almost over!

[stitchmich]

The kids are great. Ali will be home from her first year of college on Friday. She's got 2 exams left this week. She's had a great year. AJ is finishing up his first year of high school in June. They both have lifeguarding jobs for the summer.
How's your gang doing?

[>>aruaL<<]

Hey Stitchie, I just wanted to swing by and tell you that you look exacccccccctly like the lady who runs/owns the little hobby RC car shop that we go to. She's even got the same smile as you have in your pic! Same hair cut, color, etc... I mean, you could be her sister! LOL!! I can't even tell you how badly I want to call her "stitchie", everytime we go in to get parts for the little cars n trucks that my son owns, I have to totally hold back from doing so! I always wonder if she catches me watching her, while I'm thinking "she is stitchies twin!" ...... I told my son, and he was like "whatever mom... " (ya know how teens can be!) but when I showed him your pic here at dsp, he was like "whoa.. mom... they could be twins!" ... ahahahahahahahah!!!

So... ya gots a 'twin' here in the desert that you didn't know about ;-)

[stitchmich]

HAHA! I've got a doppleganger! that's too funny. Now I totally want to see her. Maybe next time you're there you could take her picture :lol:

How are you kiddos doing?

[GrandmaCrys]

and yuorsStitchie, we LOVE when we see one of your awesome LOs gracing our gallery! :hug: Glad to hear all is well with you and yours. :hug:

[>>aruaL<<]

HAHA! I've got a doppleganger! that's too funny. Now I totally want to see her. Maybe next time you're there you could take her picture :lol:

How are you kiddos doing?

Ohh I should so ask her! She's very nice.. she miiiiight let me...otherwise I'd have to sneak it! LOL!

Kids are doing excellent. Kaylin is about to finish her second year of college, and is doing well and loving life. Kevin recently had surgery on his head for cancer, but all is well now and stitches are out and it's healing nicely, minus the patch of hair that doesn't seem to be growing back (and he's not too pleased). No treatments needed, thankfully. He's doing great in school and he also made himself busy redoing my front yard for me - he moved the sprinkler system, put pavers down lining the driveway and walkway, planted new flowers and made me a little water feature. He did a great job! I need to scrap the pics I took now.

Your kiddo survived her first year of college I see... how did YOU do? LOL! :-)

[stitchmich]

Oh my gosh! So sorry to hear about the cancer. But I'm very glad to hear he's doing well. I can't even imagine how horrible it would be to hear your child has cancer. Big hugs to you! :hug: He sounds like a very hard worker... which makes you a very good mom :D
Can you believe your dd has finished 2 years of college? where does the time go? Ali's first year was good. It wasn't as hard for me as I had feared. Of course she's less than an hour away so we got to see her every once in a while. In a way, I think we've gotten closer because we really talk a lot and reconnect when she's home.

[>>aruaL<<]

Time has flown!! I understand about being closer to them while they are 'away'.... I talk to my daughter every day many times a day by text, and at least a couple times a day by phone. Sometimes it's long conversations and other times it's just quick "hey, Im done with work, going to the gym and to dinner... " type of stuff. She doesn't make it home very often because of school and work, even though she's not very far away either. But we do get up there to take her to dinner and visit with her at least every two weeks or so. I also pop in to check up on things, since we pay for her apartment and all of her bills, I make sure she's following the rules we have set forth. She keeps pretty busy with work and school though, and the gym.

She's a nursing major and because here in California all of the schools are considered 'impacted' for nursing major, she believes her schooling will now be 5 years or even 6.. she's a little bummed about that but there isn't much she can do about it really. It's okay though, she's not even 19yo, I told her to just enjoy being a kid and allowing us to pay all the bills. So long as she's done by the time her brother starts college, then all is well. LOL! I don't want to pay for two at the same time - YIKES!

[Christine]

so what does that mean "impacted", Laura? I am happy Kevin is dong so well. How scary! I don't even want to hear too much about kids going off to college, I can't believe Lex is about ready to be a JUNIOR! eek! She isn't that old and I KNOW I am not that old. :)

[GrandmaCrys]

Glad to hear Kev is doing great, Laura; so scarey!!

[Christine]

Wow! I am in a scrapping groove apparently! Would you believe I have uploaded THIRTY-FIVE LOs this week! I think that is more than I have done the rest of the year. LOL

[Christine]

and even better......I have been working on mostly 2005 and I only have 40 digital pics left that I haven't scrapped. :eek: and yes I know I am woefully behind. LOL If any of you need something to scrap, just holler I have plenty to choose from.

[stitchmich]

WOW, Chris! I was excited that I posted 5 last month. :lol: You really are on a roll :D

[Christine]

I am sad :( Yesterday we discovered a nest w/ 5 baby starlings in it inside our barbecue. We had no idea there was a nest in there and when we opened it up, we scared the mama, she never came back last night and it was freezing so all of the babies died :( I did get some pics and they were soooooo tiny! Like the size of a quarter to fifty cent piece. :cry:

[debilou]

Gundi - did the mama bird come back? And i'm totally impressed with the number of layouts completed in a month
In that like a world's record?

[>>aruaL<<]

so what does that mean "impacted", Laura? I am happy Kevin is dong so well. How scary! I don't even want to hear too much about kids going off to college, I can't believe Lex is about ready to be a JUNIOR! eek! She isn't that old and I KNOW I am not that old. :)

Impacted majors are those majors in which there are tons more people applying for than they are able to accept. Like a lot more. And thus, they raise the 'bar' as well when this happens.... the requirements for applying are usually tougher as well, but not always. Accepting approximately 80 a year out of the nearly 850 that apply, just at her school alone.... and sadly, thats the way it is for all California schools in the nursing major.

I have a feeling she'll change her major though... she's already done with her prereqs (well all but 1 class) and so if she can't get in the first round, then she really has nothing to do for nearly 2 years. But we'll see. I'm letting this be her decision, I just write the checks. I don't want her to do something based on MY opinions or judgements, I want it to be something she decides. Personally, I think she should just change majors or find another way to do the RN program... like maybe at the junior college level rather than at her university. She finishes her second year over there in just a couple weeks.... I haven't a clue what classes she's going to take this coming fall since she's already got what she needs. She best find something to take though if she wants the bills paid by us..... no slackers allowed at our home.

She did mention that she might do a minor in Sociology or in Human Biology... just so that she has something to do for the time being. We shall see.

[Christine]

Ahhhh sounds like pharmacy school. So I have unbelievable news. I had a stroke Saturday night. I have since found out that the reason was I still have an open foramen ovale which allowed a clot to sneak thru to my brain. I am doing amazingly well, already I have recovered most of my strength on my left side. They are concerned about some spots that are old on MRI so they r trying to also rule out MS also. And I have to see a cardiologist to see about fixing my heart. I would appreciate all thoughts and prayers that the ms tests come out negative. :)

[hlmbugle]

Wow, Christine, not the kind of news you expected (or wanted) to have! Hope you have a speedy recovery, and we will say extra prayers for you!

[addielee]

OMGosh Christine!! Thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery and good news!

[sandygb]

Hugs and prayers from me too Chris. "Unbelievable" is an under statement. Praying for good test results and a complete recovery!

[GrandmaCrys]

Steadily praying.........................:pray: :pray: :pray:

[debilou]

Oh Christine, hugs and prayers for a very quick recovery!!!

[>>aruaL<<]

Hugs Christine! Prayers for you!! Goodness sakes.... I hope all the tests come back with good results!

[debilou]

And, how is Mrs. gundi today.. Hopefully a bit better?

prayers still coming your way!

[Raphne]

Prayers from me, too, Chris! How are you feeling?

[Christine]

The lab messed up on drawing my blood, put it in the wrong types of tubes so i had to go back in and have them take 9 more tubes of blood. Between that and the lumbar puncture my head is killing me when i am vertical. I got an appt with the cardiologist next monday.

[sandygb]

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you Chris.....

[GrandmaCrys]

Oh, Chris, we want this to go as smoothly as possible, but...well, life is life. Prayers for you, My Friend. :pray: :pray:

[Raphne]

:( Chris. That's miserable. I'm glad you have your appointments all set up though-- it will be so reassuring to have a plan of attack

[Christine]

They couldn't get me in until tomorrow at 8:10am so until then I will continue lying down.

[debilou]

I'm sorry about the lab screw up

Hopefully you will have answers on Monday!

Feel better. Hugs. And prayers

[AliceMattison]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Chris.

[PQ]

The lab messed up on drawing my blood, put it in the wrong types of tubes so i had to go back in and have them take 9 more tubes of blood. Between that and the lumbar puncture my head is killing me when i am vertical. I got an appt with the cardiologist next monday.
Praying for you Gundi!:love1:

[Raphne]

any update, Chris? I hope you had the blood patch and are feeling much, much better!

[Christine]

I had to get a blood patch done on Friday for the spinal headaches from the lumbar puncture done on Monday. I have spent practically the whole week in bed flat on my back. Yesterday my headache was lots better but my back/hips/neck were so stiff both from the patch and from being flat so long. Today my headache is gone YAY! and not quite as stiff/sore. Another YAY! I still have some fine motor issues from the stroke, so I am doing "therapy" by typing. LOL I have to say it is frustrating to be so slooooooow at something I normally do every day! My leg, arm and face are still a bit fuzzy on my left, but compared to what it you typically see from a stroke I am grateful! I have a cardio appt tomorrow to see about the hole in my heart, another MRI this week, then a neuro appt next week. I haven't heard back on any results yet. I am going to try to go to church today and see how it goes. I am so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.

[stitchmich]

Oh Chirstine!!! I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. Big hugs and prayers for you sweet friend. I hope your recovery is a quick one. You are a naturally speedy person, so I think your healing process will be a speedy one :D
sorry about the lab error. it was probably one of those crazy labcorp people, lol.
:hug:

[stitchmich]

what's a blood patch?

[idtwinmom]

I had to get a blood patch done on Friday for the spinal headaches from the lumbar puncture done on Monday. I have spent practically the whole week in bed flat on my back. Yesterday my headache was lots better but my back/hips/neck were so stiff both from the patch and from being flat so long. Today my headache is gone YAY! and not quite as stiff/sore. Another YAY! I still have some fine motor issues from the stroke, so I am doing "therapy" by typing. LOL I have to say it is frustrating to be so slooooooow at something I normally do every day! My leg, arm and face are still a bit fuzzy on my left, but compared to what it you typically see from a stroke I am grateful! I have a cardio appt tomorrow to see about the hole in my heart, another MRI this week, then a neuro appt next week. I haven't heard back on any results yet. I am going to try to go to church today and see how it goes. I am so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.

OMG!!!!! I just read this post in my email and just could not believe it! I know I've not been around, life has simply interfered, but my prayers are with you and I will at least try to read more often. :pray::hug:

[idtwinmom]

Ahhhh sounds like pharmacy school. So I have unbelievable news. I had a stroke Saturday night. I have since found out that the reason was I still have an open foramen ovale which allowed a clot to sneak thru to my brain. I am doing amazingly well, already I have recovered most of my strength on my left side. They are concerned about some spots that are old on MRI so they r trying to also rule out MS also. And I have to see a cardiologist to see about fixing my heart. I would appreciate all thoughts and prayers that the ms tests come out negative. :)

Adding my prayers to this too! Oh, my heart just aches for you! :pray::pray::pray::pray::pray:

[Christine]

Oh Chirstine!!! I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. Big hugs and prayers for you sweet friend. I hope your recovery is a quick one. You are a naturally speedy person, so I think your healing process will be a speedy one :D
sorry about the lab error. it was probably one of those crazy labcorp people, lol.
:hug:

dang them :rofl:

[Christine]

what's a blood patch?

because the hole in the spinal column doesn't seal, the spinal fluid (CSF) leaks out, therefore your get a horrible headache when you are vertical. Lying flat helps keep the pressure off your brain. To do a blood patch, then take your own blood from you arm etc and then go back next to the spinal column (not IN the spinal column) and inject your blood in the same spot. The blood clots over the top of the leaky spot so it can't leak any more. Sort of like a patch on a bike tire.

[Christine]

Adding my prayers to this too! Oh, my heart just aches for you! :pray::pray::pray::pray::pray:

yeah it has been a wild ride. :) Thanks to everyone for the support

[stitchmich]

because the hole in the spinal column doesn't seal, the spinal fluid (CSF) leaks out, therefore your get a horrible headache when you are vertical. Lying flat helps keep the pressure off your brain. To do a blood patch, then take your own blood from you arm etc and then go back next to the spinal column (not IN the spinal column) and inject your blood in the same spot. The blood clots over the top of the leaky spot so it can't leak any more. Sort of like a patch on a bike tire.

oh my heck. that does not sound fun. It helped though right?

[addielee]

Praying for you Chris!!

[debilou]

because the hole in the spinal column doesn't seal, the spinal fluid (CSF) leaks out, therefore your get a horrible headache when you are vertical. Lying flat helps keep the pressure off your brain. To do a blood patch, then take your own blood from you arm etc and then go back next to the spinal column (not IN the spinal column) and inject your blood in the same spot. The blood clots over the top of the leaky spot so it can't leak any more. Sort of like a patch on a bike tire.

Is this a permanment fix? Or how long does the "patch" last?
Hugs and many prayers coming your way!! :pray::pray::pray:

[ReneT]

Stopping by to check on you Chris!!! Have you met with the cardio and neuro docs yet? If so, what has been decided? I am continuing to pray and will re-add your name to the temple's list here after the 2 weeks are up from the first time! Big hugs sweet girl!!!! :hug::hug::hug:

[PQ]

Stopping by to check on you Chris!!! Have you met with the cardio and neuro docs yet? If so, what has been decided? I am continuing to pray and will re-add your name to the temple's list here after the 2 weeks are up from the first time! Big hugs sweet girl!!!! :hug::hug::hug:

Inquiring minds need to know....

I am still praying.:pray:

[wardlw]

Haven't been on here for ages, but some reason I felt the need to check on you Chris. Then I read about your stroke...Wow, what a surprise? I am sending my prayers knowing God will heal you in his own special way. Listen to the Drs. and you will have a speedy recovery. Hugs to you and your family. You might not remember me but, if you check your posts back when you got started you will know who I am.

[debilou]

Just checking for an update Gundi. Hope you are doing better! More hugs and prayers coming your way!!

[Christine]

I am in the midst of TESTS. :) My spinal headache is all better, just now dealing with the huge deep bruise from the blood patch. I couldn't figure out why I hurt so bad at the top of my bum, but essentially they gave me a deep bruise by injecting all of that blood into my back. I can't hardly bend at the hips, but I was able to do the elliptical this morning because you don't bend at the waist much. :)
Yesterday I did a transesophageal echo, which is where they put a probe down your throat to be able to get a really good look at you heart. I wasn't very nervous abt it until the night before when my friend told me some horror stories and then I got nervous! I am happy to say it all went perfectly. My heart definitely has the PFO which is kind of a bummer but the things that they ruled out are much worse so if I have to have one I will take the PFO. LOL It was so odd because I remember the MD putting a pillow behind my back to prop me on my side and then turning away to get something before starting the procedure and then dh was talking to me and I kept saying are they going to start yet? They're already done. Really? but I have to do the swallow thing. You already did it. Really? LOL He said I repeated myself like 5 times and I don't remember that at all! My throat is a teeny bit stiff/sort inside today but not even as bad as when you are sick and get a really sore throat. Soooooo happy about that.

Today, I have 2 more tests. One is a c-spine MRI (still trying to rule out MS) and the other is a cranial doppler (where they see just how bad the shunting of blood is from my heart). Neither is particularly invasive, just like I am having very intense photo shoot. LOL I haven't heard anything back on any results of any tests so still waiting and no answers.

So there is my update for today. I am hoping tomorrow I might actually be able to package up the kits I was working on when I had the stroke. It was so funny while I was in the hospital I kept thinking, if I die, dh better figure out how to get the kits in the store after I did all that work! LOL MCB, who is the DED for Nic and me told me my kits were a stroke of genius. lol ok maybe the drugs are still affecting me cuz I am being silly. :) But let me know if you are tired of hearing all of this junk, I know I am tired of living it. :) Thanks again for all of the support!

[>>aruaL<<]

Thinking of you Christine....

Hugs!

[GrandmaCrys]

Adding my prayers and well wishes here! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Christine]

Is this a permanment fix? Or how long does the "patch" last?
Hugs and many prayers coming your way!! :pray::pray::pray:

as far as I know

Stopping by to check on you Chris!!! Have you met with the cardio and neuro docs yet? If so, what has been decided? I am continuing to pray and will re-add your name to the temple's list here after the 2 weeks are up from the first time! Big hugs sweet girl!!!! :hug::hug::hug:

cardio, yes, hence the reason for all of the tests this week. :) Neuro next week

Haven't been on here for ages, but some reason I felt the need to check on you Chris. Then I read about your stroke...Wow, what a surprise? I am sending my prayers knowing God will heal you in his own special way. Listen to the Drs. and you will have a speedy recovery. Hugs to you and your family. You might not remember me but, if you check your posts back when you got started you will know who I am.
Yay I do remember, wish there was better news to come back to, but hope you stick around :)

Adding my prayers and well wishes here! :hug: :hug: :hug:

Thanks everyone. You guys might be surprised to hear how you have helped me in a real tangible way. yesterday when I was so nervous about the TEE, my nurse was telling me to be in a "happy" mindset and it would go better, so I had my iphone and was rereading the texts and messages that I have received while I was waiting and it really did make me feel better and got rid of the nerves. So THANKS!

[AliceMattison]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Chris!!!

[PQ]

Still steady praying. :love1:

[Christine]

Well I did both of my tests today. Of course the techs won't say anything about the results, but on the cranial doppler, I kept pushing them like what are we looking at. What would you see if you get lots of bubbles in the brain? (cuz that would mean lots of shunting through the FPO) What are we looking at? So they finally had me hold really still and showed me a zigzaggy line where the zigzags are really close together so it looks like a 1/4 inch fat line with ridges on the top and bottom if that makes sense and it was red. He had me say my name and I saw how it broke up the line and had more zigs and he said something like the bubbles break up this line. OK So I did the blow in the tube thing like they said and at first I didn't see any changes but later realized..... duh it has to get from my arm to my head, because a few seconds later I saw HUGE changes like now the fat line was 2 or 3 times fatter and lots of different colors mostly white and lots more erratic. I tried to get an answer about what kind of level this related to 1-5 (5 is the biggest hole) but no dice. So I think there were tons of bubbles, and therefore lots of shunting. All just supposition at this point.

We have mixed feelings about tons of bubbles. On the one hand doing the heart procedure has risks, so therefore low bubbles would be better, but on the other hand I think having lots of bubbles could mean that could be the explanation for what is in my head and less likely to have MS and hopefully would be a fix and done kind of thing, which sounds pretty good. KWIM

[ReneT]

I'm glad things are going well with your tests so far - at least in regards to them not being too uncomfortable and you getting a bit of relief from your nervousness. I totally get what you're saying about maybe having lots of bubbles would at least give you answers and hopefully a permanent resolution and no MS.

Take care, my friend! The elliptical, Chris? Really? Don't make me send GrandmaCrys to come jack-slap you! :rofl::rofl: RELAX AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

[ReneT]

Laura, I just read back a couple of pages! Oh my, how scary about the cancer! I'm so glad he's doing well now!

Emily just finished her first year of college too. She DID NOT like it at all. She went to the junior college. Emotionally and maturity-wise, Gary and I agreed that was a good idea. She would have been swallowed up at Texas Tech. But she seemed to finally find herself a bit this year. She's made a couple of good, fun friends and is enjoying herself hanging out with them. It would not surprise me in the least if she didn't go back to school in the fall. She went up to Gary's office today and brought him lunch and stayed all afternoon. Gary finally finished paying Emily's mom a few months ago for her 1/2 of what his business was worth (according to her attorney :rolleyes:) at the time they divorced 14 years ago. She has not worked since before she married Gary in 1984. So she lived off of Gary and did nothing all these years. So the point of all this is that Emily told her dad today that her mom told her yesterday that when she gets back from her vacation with us on June 9th, that her bed and bedroom stuff would be all packed up and in storage because she was going to put her house up for sell and move in with her parents instead of getting a job to support herself! She is 50 years old and she's gonna live off her parents who can barely make it living off their Social Security? So poor Emily is all stressed out because she doesn't want to live in a 2 bedroom duplex with her grandparents and sleep in bed with her mother! So she's trying to find a full time job that pays enough for her to move out on her own, but that won't be easy to find. If she works full time, I really don't think she'll go back to school in the fall for sure! Bless her heart! Of course she can live here while she goes to college, but I'm not sure that's a good idea to bring her into this environment considering all the issues with Drew & Amy living here with Baby Jace. KWIM? I need some normalcy, some super boring, uneventful days. I've almost forgotten what those are like. :)

[debilou]

Well I did both of my tests today. Of course the techs won't say anything about the results, but on the cranial doppler, I kept pushing them like what are we looking at. What would you see if you get lots of bubbles in the brain? (cuz that would mean lots of shunting through the FPO) What are we looking at? So they finally had me hold really still and showed me a zigzaggy line where the zigzags are really close together so it looks like a 1/4 inch fat line with ridges on the top and bottom if that makes sense and it was red. He had me say my name and I saw how it broke up the line and had more zigs and he said something like the bubbles break up this line. OK So I did the blow in the tube thing like they said and at first I didn't see any changes but later realized..... duh it has to get from my arm to my head, because a few seconds later I saw HUGE changes like now the fat line was 2 or 3 times fatter and lots of different colors mostly white and lots more erratic. I tried to get an answer about what kind of level this related to 1-5 (5 is the biggest hole) but no dice. So I think there were tons of bubbles, and therefore lots of shunting. All just supposition at this point.

We have mixed feelings about tons of bubbles. On the one hand doing the heart procedure has risks, so therefore low bubbles would be better, but on the other hand I think having lots of bubbles could mean that could be the explanation for what is in my head and less likely to have MS and hopefully would be a fix and done kind of thing, which sounds pretty good. KWIM
Oh Chris, you must be so stressed out! Know that we care. And many are praying for a swift recovery ! My dh has ms, i pray that is not your diagnosis. Instead something that is short term and quickly fixable. Many hugs. Debilou. :love3::love3:

[debilou]

Laura, I just read back a couple of pages! Oh my, how scary about the cancer! I'm so glad he's doing well now!

Emily just finished her first year of college too. She DID NOT like it at all. She went to the junior college. Emotionally and maturity-wise, Gary and I agreed that was a good idea. She would have been swallowed up at Texas Tech. But she seemed to finally find herself a bit this year. She's made a couple of good, fun friends and is enjoying herself hanging out with them. It would not surprise me in the least if she didn't go back to school in the fall. She went up to Gary's office today and brought him lunch and stayed all afternoon. Gary finally finished paying Emily's mom a few months ago for her 1/2 of what his business was worth (according to her attorney :rolleyes:) at the time they divorced 14 years ago. She has not worked since before she married Gary in 1984. So she lived off of Gary and did nothing all these years. So the point of all this is that Emily told her dad today that her mom told her yesterday that when she gets back from her vacation with us on June 9th, that her bed and bedroom stuff would be all packed up and in storage because she was going to put her house up for sell and move in with her parents instead of getting a job to support herself! She is 50 years old and she's gonna live off her parents who can barely make it living off their Social Security? So poor Emily is all stressed out because she doesn't want to live in a 2 bedroom duplex with her grandparents and sleep in bed with her mother! So she's trying to find a full time job that pays enough for her to move out on her own, but that won't be easy to find. If she works full time, I really don't think she'll go back to school in the fall for sure! Bless her heart! Of course she can live here while she goes to college, but I'm not sure that's a good idea to bring her into this environment considering all the issues with Drew & Amy living here with Baby Jace. KWIM? I need some normalcy, some super boring, uneventful days. I've almost forgotten what those are like. :)
Gosh Rene, just when your life seems to settle down a bit, wow another wild ride coming up. How could Emily's mother do that to her?
We have talked before - i think being a step mom is one of the hardest jobs on earth! Hugs my friend. You take such wonderful care of all of your family! I hope they appreciate it - if not now - someday! :love3::love3::love3:

[debilou]

I'm glad things are going well with your tests so far - at least in regards to them not being too uncomfortable and you getting a bit of relief from your nervousness. I totally get what you're saying about maybe having lots of bubbles would at least give you answers and hopefully a permanent resolution and no MS.

Take care, my friend! The elliptical, Chris? Really? Don't make me send GrandmaCrys to come jack-slap you! :rofl::rofl: RELAX AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Oh and that's funny abiut sending Crys to jack slap anyone. When i feel bad she sends me tinker bell or Cinderella stickers. Is that jack slapping?? :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[PQ]

Emily just finished her first year of college too. She DID NOT like it at all. She went to the junior college. Emotionally and maturity-wise, Gary and I agreed that was a good idea. She would have been swallowed up at Texas Tech. But she seemed to finally find herself a bit this year. She's made a couple of good, fun friends and is enjoying herself hanging out with them. It would not surprise me in the least if she didn't go back to school in the fall. She went up to Gary's office today and brought him lunch and stayed all afternoon. Gary finally finished paying Emily's mom a few months ago for her 1/2 of what his business was worth (according to her attorney :rolleyes:) at the time they divorced 14 years ago. She has not worked since before she married Gary in 1984. So she lived off of Gary and did nothing all these years. So the point of all this is that Emily told her dad today that her mom told her yesterday that when she gets back from her vacation with us on June 9th, that her bed and bedroom stuff would be all packed up and in storage because she was going to put her house up for sell and move in with her parents instead of getting a job to support herself! She is 50 years old and she's gonna live off her parents who can barely make it living off their Social Security? So poor Emily is all stressed out because she doesn't want to live in a 2 bedroom duplex with her grandparents and sleep in bed with her mother! So she's trying to find a full time job that pays enough for her to move out on her own, but that won't be easy to find. If she works full time, I really don't think she'll go back to school in the fall for sure! Bless her heart! Of course she can live here while she goes to college, but I'm not sure that's a good idea to bring her into this environment considering all the issues with Drew & Amy living here with Baby Jace. KWIM? I need some normalcy, some super boring, uneventful days. I've almost forgotten what those are like. :)

Rene, if I were you I would be SO stressed out! My sister's two boys have moved back in with them.....with their wives and their babies (Brandon has 2 kids and Kendall has 1.5). I can't imagine. (((((((((hugs )))))))))))) for you!

[Christine]

uggggh Rene, I just do NOT get some people! Be strong and do your best. hugs!

[idtwinmom]

I am in the midst of TESTS. :) My spinal headache is all better, just now dealing with the huge deep bruise from the blood patch. I couldn't figure out why I hurt so bad at the top of my bum, but essentially they gave me a deep bruise by injecting all of that blood into my back. I can't hardly bend at the hips, but I was able to do the elliptical this morning because you don't bend at the waist much. :)
Yesterday I did a transesophageal echo, which is where they put a probe down your throat to be able to get a really good look at you heart. I wasn't very nervous abt it until the night before when my friend told me some horror stories and then I got nervous! I am happy to say it all went perfectly. My heart definitely has the PFO which is kind of a bummer but the things that they ruled out are much worse so if I have to have one I will take the PFO. LOL It was so odd because I remember the MD putting a pillow behind my back to prop me on my side and then turning away to get something before starting the procedure and then dh was talking to me and I kept saying are they going to start yet? They're already done. Really? but I have to do the swallow thing. You already did it. Really? LOL He said I repeated myself like 5 times and I don't remember that at all! My throat is a teeny bit stiff/sort inside today but not even as bad as when you are sick and get a really sore throat. Soooooo happy about that.

Today, I have 2 more tests. One is a c-spine MRI (still trying to rule out MS) and the other is a cranial doppler (where they see just how bad the shunting of blood is from my heart). Neither is particularly invasive, just like I am having very intense photo shoot. LOL I haven't heard anything back on any results of any tests so still waiting and no answers.

So there is my update for today. I am hoping tomorrow I might actually be able to package up the kits I was working on when I had the stroke. It was so funny while I was in the hospital I kept thinking, if I die, dh better figure out how to get the kits in the store after I did all that work! LOL MCB, who is the DED for Nic and me told me my kits were a stroke of genius. lol ok maybe the drugs are still affecting me cuz I am being silly. :) But let me know if you are tired of hearing all of this junk, I know I am tired of living it. :) Thanks again for all of the support!

I won't tire of hearing it until we know you are OK! I prefer getting these updates.

Keep on being silly, the laughs are good for you and us!

[Christine]

My cardio called me and I just have to say I LOVE him! Not because of the results but because of his bedside manner. Anyway he said I have a 1 out of 5 at rest and a 5 out of a 5 with valsalva. Translation: I have a big hole with lots of shunting. He said I am a strong candidate for the heart procedure being beneficial. He was awesome though about not trying to push me into doing it, more just giving me the full info. We will be able to decide what to do after meeting with the neuro on Wed. I am really praying that absolutely nothing supports MS. I could very well have both, so I am trying to not get my hopes up too high, but at least I know where I stand w/ the heart.

[ReneT]

Gosh Rene, just when your life seems to settle down a bit, wow another wild ride coming up. How could Emily's mother do that to her?
We have talked before - i think being a step mom is one of the hardest jobs on earth! Hugs my friend. You take such wonderful care of all of your family! I hope they appreciate it - if not now - someday! :love3::love3::love3:

I haven't talked to you in so long Debi! Yep, being a stepmom has been and is tough, but weirdly enough that is the least of my problems right now. Since we haven't talked and I haven't been over here to check in in a long time, you probably don't know that my DIL, who I once thought was the daughter I never had, turned out to be not the person I thought she was at all! You know her and Drew moved in here a month or so before Jace was born and things were fine until he was born, and then Gary and I began to see who she really is. She is a HORRIBLE mother. She has absolutely no attachment to this baby. The only time she interacts with him at all is when she is putting on a show for me & Gary, because she knows we're on to her, of what a great mother she is. She does that for about 10 minutes a day when she gets home from work and then will immediately start trying to get him to go to sleep. Her whole weekends are spent trying to get him to sleep so she doesn't have to deal with him. Subsequently, Jace has no attachment to her. He is ambivalent towards her, ignores her, or is trying to push away from her. He is very attached to me and he ADORES Gary even though Gary may not even see him but about 15 minutes a day because of what time he gets home from work and what time they put Jace to bed. But she can't stand that he is so attached to us and not to her, even though she's the reason, so if we're all in the room together and he stops playing with his toys to crawl over to me or Gary, she will literally stand up and stand in his path so he can't get to us or pick him up and carry him somewhere else. I guess that's how you show gratitude and respect for the 2 people who provide you with free rent, utilities, childcare, food for yourself, food, diapers, clothes & toys for your baby. In the first few months we tried to model how to take care of him and interact with him, that didn't work, so we tried several times to talk to them about our concerns, but were told it was their baby and they'd do what they wanted, they'd both get ugly and disrespectful and have always let us know they could take Jace and move to Springtown where her parents are, and I'd end up in tears feeling hurt, used and afraid of them taking him 5 1/2 hours away. So now we just say nothing, grin and bare it, and I try as hard as I can to give Jace the love, stability and attention that he needs when I take care of him during the day, at least for as long as he's here.

Oh and that's funny abiut sending Crys to jack slap anyone. When i feel bad she sends me tinker bell or Cinderella stickers. Is that jack slapping?? :rofl::rofl::rofl:

I'm not sure what a jack slap is. Crys just threatened to give me one a month or so ago, so I thought I'd send her to Christine for being on the elliptical so soon after her stroke!

Rene, if I were you I would be SO stressed out! My sister's two boys have moved back in with them.....with their wives and their babies (Brandon has 2 kids and Kendall has 1.5). I can't imagine. (((((((((hugs )))))))))))) for you!

Yeah, I am pretty stressed out. A day without tears and a night with sleep are the exception, not the rule for me these days. But I am very blessed with an awesome hubby and my great DSP friends. :)

uggggh Rene, I just do NOT get some people! Be strong and do your best. hugs!

Thanks girl! I'm trying.

My cardio called me and I just have to say I LOVE him! Not because of the results but because of his bedside manner. Anyway he said I have a 1 out of 5 at rest and a 5 out of a 5 with valsalva. Translation: I have a big hole with lots of shunting. He said I am a strong candidate for the heart procedure being beneficial. He was awesome though about not trying to push me into doing it, more just giving me the full info. We will be able to decide what to do after meeting with the neuro on Wed. I am really praying that absolutely nothing supports MS. I could very well have both, so I am trying to not get my hopes up too high, but at least I know where I stand w/ the heart.

You could have both? Good grief! I am so hoping too you don't have MS. Continued prayers and hugs for you!

[Raphne]

I'm glad things are going well with your tests so far - at least in regards to them not being too uncomfortable and you getting a bit of relief from your nervousness. I totally get what you're saying about maybe having lots of bubbles would at least give you answers and hopefully a permanent resolution and no MS.

Take care, my friend! The elliptical, Chris? Really? Don't make me send GrandmaCrys to come jack-slap you! :rofl::rofl: RELAX AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

:lol::lol::lol: Well phrased, Rene-- and good advice! Chris, really, shouldnt you be taking it a bit easy????

Oh and that's funny abiut sending Crys to jack slap anyone. When i feel bad she sends me tinker bell or Cinderella stickers. Is that jack slapping?? :rofl::rofl::rofl:

:rofl::rofl::rofl: That must be it!

Emily just finished her first year of college too. She DID NOT like it at all. She went to the junior college. Emotionally and maturity-wise, Gary and I agreed that was a good idea. She would have been swallowed up at Texas Tech. But she seemed to finally find herself a bit this year. She's made a couple of good, fun friends and is enjoying herself hanging out with them. It would not surprise me in the least if she didn't go back to school in the fall. She went up to Gary's office today and brought him lunch and stayed all afternoon. Gary finally finished paying Emily's mom a few months ago for her 1/2 of what his business was worth (according to her attorney :rolleyes:) at the time they divorced 14 years ago. She has not worked since before she married Gary in 1984. So she lived off of Gary and did nothing all these years. So the point of all this is that Emily told her dad today that her mom told her yesterday that when she gets back from her vacation with us on June 9th, that her bed and bedroom stuff would be all packed up and in storage because she was going to put her house up for sell and move in with her parents instead of getting a job to support herself! She is 50 years old and she's gonna live off her parents who can barely make it living off their Social Security? So poor Emily is all stressed out because she doesn't want to live in a 2 bedroom duplex with her grandparents and sleep in bed with her mother! So she's trying to find a full time job that pays enough for her to move out on her own, but that won't be easy to find. If she works full time, I really don't think she'll go back to school in the fall for sure! Bless her heart! Of course she can live here while she goes to college, but I'm not sure that's a good idea to bring her into this environment considering all the issues with Drew & Amy living here with Baby Jace. KWIM? I need some normalcy, some super boring, uneventful days. I've almost forgotten what those are like. :)

I haven't talked to you in so long Debi! Yep, being a stepmom has been and is tough, but weirdly enough that is the least of my problems right now. Since we haven't talked and I haven't been over here to check in in a long time, you probably don't know that my DIL, who I once thought was the daughter I never had, turned out to be not the person I thought she was at all! You know her and Drew moved in here a month or so before Jace was born and things were fine until he was born, and then Gary and I began to see who she really is. She is a HORRIBLE mother. She has absolutely no attachment to this baby. The only time she interacts with him at all is when she is putting on a show for me & Gary, because she knows we're on to her, of what a great mother she is. She does that for about 10 minutes a day when she gets home from work and then will immediately start trying to get him to go to sleep. Her whole weekends are spent trying to get him to sleep so she doesn't have to deal with him. Subsequently, Jace has no attachment to her. He is ambivalent towards her, ignores her, or is trying to push away from her. He is very attached to me and he ADORES Gary even though Gary may not even see him but about 15 minutes a day because of what time he gets home from work and what time they put Jace to bed. But she can't stand that he is so attached to us and not to her, even though she's the reason, so if we're all in the room together and he stops playing with his toys to crawl over to me or Gary, she will literally stand up and stand in his path so he can't get to us or pick him up and carry him somewhere else. I guess that's how you show gratitude and respect for the 2 people who provide you with free rent, utilities, childcare, food for yourself, food, diapers, clothes & toys for your baby. In the first few months we tried to model how to take care of him and interact with him, that didn't work, so we tried several times to talk to them about our concerns, but were told it was their baby and they'd do what they wanted, they'd both get ugly and disrespectful and have always let us know they could take Jace and move to Springtown where her parents are, and I'd end up in tears feeling hurt, used and afraid of them taking him 5 1/2 hours away. So now we just say nothing, grin and bare it, and I try as hard as I can to give Jace the love, stability and attention that he needs when I take care of him during the day, at least for as long as he's here.


Yeah, I am pretty stressed out. A day without tears and a night with sleep are the exception, not the rule for me these days. But I am very blessed with an awesome hubby and my great DSP friends.


oh, my. . . :hug::hug::hug: Grandparenting isn't for the faint of heart. How fortunate that Jace and Emily have you in their lives. In many ways, I think grandparenting is harder than parenting, because you are so vulnerable if the parents make bad decisions. Its one thing to let someone suffer (and hopefully learn) from their own mistakes, but so hard to know an innocent party is also put at risk. All you can do is hold on, shower them with love, and pray. :hug:


My cardio called me and I just have to say I LOVE him! Not because of the results but because of his bedside manner. Anyway he said I have a 1 out of 5 at rest and a 5 out of a 5 with valsalva. Translation: I have a big hole with lots of shunting. He said I am a strong candidate for the heart procedure being beneficial. He was awesome though about not trying to push me into doing it, more just giving me the full info. We will be able to decide what to do after meeting with the neuro on Wed. I am really praying that absolutely nothing supports MS. I could very well have both, so I am trying to not get my hopes up too high, but at least I know where I stand w/ the heart.

I think this is good news, Chris! Not that I'd wish a PFO on you, of course, but in a very real way it is such a relief to have a definitive answer, and one with such a definitive option for intervention. I'm definitely still wrapping you in red threads, positive energy, and prayers for good results with the tests you're still waiting on. :hug:

[ReneT]

oh, my. . . :hug::hug::hug: Grandparenting isn't for the faint of heart. How fortunate that Jace and Emily have you in their lives. In many ways, I think grandparenting is harder than parenting, because you are so vulnerable if the parents make bad decisions. Its one thing to let someone suffer (and hopefully learn) from their own mistakes, but so hard to know an innocent party is also put at risk. All you can do is hold on, shower them with love, and pray. :hug:

Yeah, Jace is the ONLY reason we do what we do. We know we're enabling Drew & Amy, but like I've said before, we're not willing to let Jace suffer to try to force them to grow up.

[PQ]

Yeah, Jace is the ONLY reason we do what we do. We know we're enabling Drew & Amy, but like I've said before, we're not willing to let Jace suffer to try to force them to grow up.

I think that you are doing exactly what you should be doing and I applaud you!!! God bless you Rene!:love1:

[stitchmich]

still praying Chris! I'm glad you got some definite answers. I sure hope the neuro gives you good news. :pray:

Rene, there just seems to be no end to the craziness in your life, girl.

Remember my friends...
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

[Raphne]

Yeah, Jace is the ONLY reason we do what we do. We know we're enabling Drew & Amy, but like I've said before, we're not willing to let Jace suffer to try to force them to grow up.

I think that you are doing exactly what you should be doing and I applaud you!!! God bless you Rene!:love1:

Indeed, you are doing the only thing you CAN do. You have no good options, however hard it is. :hug:

[PQ]

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

Amen.

[Fade2Pink]

Wow, Chris, just read about your medical issues...how sobering! I hope things are working out ok for you. Sending healing prayers your way.

[debilou]

Gundi, Any new news????

Hope you are feeling better.. praying....

and, Rene

Jack slapping is the same as - - in the the south we say "Slap Skippy upside the head"...

[ReneT]

Remember my friends...
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

Very true!

Indeed, you are doing the only thing you CAN do. You have no good options, however hard it is. :hug:

Thanks!

and, Rene

Jack slapping is the same as - - in the the south we say "Slap Skippy upside the head"...

:rofl::rofl:

[Christine]

I have more questions that answers today. the last couple of days I am feeling odd, I can't explain it other than I can't focus and my speech is off, but just minimally, and i have more tingling. My back feeling is still really sore from the blood patch. I don't know if all of these are stress symptoms, from the blood patch, another stroke, or something else. It is driving us crazy. I hope we get some answers on wednesday and that they are happy answers. lol On the good side of things, I have an awesome husband, who is being so wonderfully supportive, plus also all of the love and support or my friends and family.

[Poffles]

I've been lurking here on and off (mostly off) for awhile - so like everyone else I was stunned and saddened to learn of the medical challenges you've been having Chris. Sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery and the best possible prognosis.

[debilou]

I have more questions that answers today. the last couple of days I am feeling odd, I can't explain it other than I can't focus and my speech is off, but just minimally, and i have more tingling. My back feeling is still really sore from the blood patch. I don't know if all of these are stress symptoms, from the blood patch, another stroke, or something else. It is driving us crazy. I hope we get some answers on wednesday and that they are happy answers. lol On the good side of things, I have an awesome husband, who is being so wonderfully supportive, plus also all of the love and support or my friends and family.

Hopefully, you will get some answers today.. hugs, and more prayers Gundi
and, I'm so happy you have Mr. Gundi!!! :love3::love3:

[GrandmaCrys]

Chris, just dropping by to tell you that you are on my mind. Still praying, hoping, and wishing. :pray: :hug: :love1: :pray: :hug: :love1: :pray: :hug: :love1:

[Christine]

OK we went to the neuro and had a great discussion. I know we talked for almost an hour. A mixed bag of news but mostly good.

Good news: I do not have MS! That is such a relief off my mind! The pain from the blood patch is not surprising and should just take time. I was surprised to hear that because I am younger it is more likely to have cause problems because I don't have much atrophy of the brain so things are tight in there. I guess now you know I have a big BRAIN! LOL labs were all normal except one which I will tell you about in a minute. The place that the actual clot happened it is less common to have come from the heart and more likely to have formed there. So they tested a whole bunch of tests to see why it would form there, including high blood pressure and diabetes and nada! So they are thinking it came from the heart, and with a level 5 PFO both had and cardio are saying get it fixed. the cardio is going to call me to see abt when.

The concerning news: (now it is not bad more just keep this is mind for future reference.) I have one thing that showed up in the spinal tap that can be a an indicator for autoimmune disease, but without any events or symptoms medicine doesn't even know to do anything. I am at a slightly higher risk of developing MS in the future, although that gets lower the older I get, and I can decrease that risk even more by getting my vit D up. Mine is at 37 and they want it at least 75. I am supposed to be diligent watching for signs because early treatment can make a huge difference, but taking vit d and monitoring I can do that. The only other thing concerning is when I felt off this w/e it could have been another stroke or it could have been just the stress, exhaustion etc, so they want to do another MRI. I don't think it will change the prognosis, just speed things up on the patch and dang it I seem to have gone backwards on my typing progress, I get I have to type more. :)

I can't say thank you enough for all of the prayers, hugs, thoughts, well-wishes etc. It has been such a blessing to me.

[GrandmaCrys]

Christine, all I can say, I've said. Still am and will continue to pray. I guess, just do the BEST you can and follow what they say and your life is in your faith and your medical team. So wish I could be there, to have a one on one. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ReneT]

I'm continuing to pray for you Chris! And I've been thinking about you lots! Big hugs my friend!

[Christine]

Well I just have to yahoo! The grades are in and all 4 kids got all A's (or the equivalent for the elementary) for the WHOLE year! It is so nice to have a good reason to cry. LOL

[AliceMattison]

Congrats to all your children! You must be so proud. Still keeping you in my prayers.

[idtwinmom]

OK we went to the neuro and had a great discussion. I know we talked for almost an hour. A mixed bag of news but mostly good.

Good news: I do not have MS! That is such a relief off my mind! The pain from the blood patch is not surprising and should just take time. I was surprised to hear that because I am younger it is more likely to have cause problems because I don't have much atrophy of the brain so things are tight in there. I guess now you know I have a big BRAIN! LOL labs were all normal except one which I will tell you about in a minute. The place that the actual clot happened it is less common to have come from the heart and more likely to have formed there. So they tested a whole bunch of tests to see why it would form there, including high blood pressure and diabetes and nada! So they are thinking it came from the heart, and with a level 5 PFO both had and cardio are saying get it fixed. the cardio is going to call me to see abt when.

The concerning news: (now it is not bad more just keep this is mind for future reference.) I have one thing that showed up in the spinal tap that can be a an indicator for autoimmune disease, but without any events or symptoms medicine doesn't even know to do anything. I am at a slightly higher risk of developing MS in the future, although that gets lower the older I get, and I can decrease that risk even more by getting my vit D up. Mine is at 37 and they want it at least 75. I am supposed to be diligent watching for signs because early treatment can make a huge difference, but taking vit d and monitoring I can do that. The only other thing concerning is when I felt off this w/e it could have been another stroke or it could have been just the stress, exhaustion etc, so they want to do another MRI. I don't think it will change the prognosis, just speed things up on the patch and dang it I seem to have gone backwards on my typing progress, I get I have to type more. :)

I can't say thank you enough for all of the prayers, hugs, thoughts, well-wishes etc. It has been such a blessing to me.

Yeah! About the no MS! Boo, that there could still be a possibility in the future. Monitor, monitor, monitor! Take that Vit D, it's not that bad, but I warn you, get the bigger dose that comes in the Capsule/Oil form. The tablets, although small are a pain to swallow. Well, they are for me any way.

Continued prayers :pray::pray::pray: for this to all work out well. Hugs, friend! :hug:

[idtwinmom]

Well I just have to yahoo! The grades are in and all 4 kids got all A's (or the equivalent for the elementary) for the WHOLE year! It is so nice to have a good reason to cry. LOL

Congrats! I know how it feels. My boys had to take the 3rd Grade State exams this year. Can't tell you how proud I was that they got an Advanced marking in all three areas - both of them!

[Christine]

Wow! It has been a very difficult day. To go from you don't have MS but might in the future..... to you definitely do, in less than a week. I think somebody forgot to define future to me. :) Feel free to tell me in good stories about MS, but hold any scary ones I just can not take them right now. :) Right now my disease is really aggressive so they are going to a huge dose of steroids and then we need to decided on a disease modifying drug. Dang those things are expensive! Probably going to be more that $2000 a month........and to really finish off the day I cracked a tooth and broke part off. Anybody have a spare money tree? lol Trying not to whine too much, just thought you would want the update. Hugs and thanks to you all.

[addielee]

OMGosh Chris!!! HUGS HUGS HUGS!!! I don't know what else to say other than that I'm thinking of you!!!

[sands_healy]

I'm so sorry Chris :( :hug:

[idtwinmom]

Wow! It has been a very difficult day. To go from you don't have MS but might in the future..... to you definitely do, in less than a week. I think somebody forgot to define future to me. :) Feel free to tell me in good stories about MS, but hold any scary ones I just can not take them right now. :) Right now my disease is really aggressive so they are going to a huge dose of steroids and then we need to decided on a disease modifying drug. Dang those things are expensive! Probably going to be more that $2000 a month........and to really finish off the day I cracked a tooth and broke part off. Anybody have a spare money tree? lol Trying not to whine too much, just thought you would want the update. Hugs and thanks to you all.

OMG! But when it rains it pours! Really wish I had that money tree! I would love to share it with you! Also wish I could think of anything to say that would make you laugh!

[Poffles]

Chris - So sorry to hear your news! Praying for the best outcomes with your treatments! I work in the same building as the MS Society here in Edmonton. They provide a lot of great support for MS sufferers here. I hope there is that same resource available to you where you are. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

[evergreen100]

Big hugs Miss gunds:hug::hug: So sorry to hear this news

[bendipez]

So sorry to hear this!!!
Sending lots of Hugs!!!

[debilou]

Wow! It has been a very difficult day. To go from you don't have MS but might in the future..... to you definitely do, in less than a week. I think somebody forgot to define future to me. :) Feel free to tell me in good stories about MS, but hold any scary ones I just can not take them right now. :) Right now my disease is really aggressive so they are going to a huge dose of steroids and then we need to decided on a disease modifying drug. Dang those things are expensive! Probably going to be more that $2000 a month........and to really finish off the day I cracked a tooth and broke part off. Anybody have a spare money tree? lol Trying not to whine too much, just thought you would want the update. Hugs and thanks to you all.

Gundi, my husband has ms. Feel free to email me any questions you might have -
We have lived with this disease for over 25 years.

Hugs and many prayers!! :love3:

[carolyn d]

I work with a gal who has MS and she said she has never felt so good as when she was pregnant.... just a thought !

[>>aruaL<<]

Chris, I'm so very sorry to hear of this news!!! Huge hugs!!
I don't know very much about MS, as I'm learning about it as well because my MIL was just recently diagnosed with it (her mom had it too). I only know that she was on a medication to help slow it (or something... not sure exactly what it was suppose to do) but it was like 2500 a month or so, and she felt guilty that we were paying that (her insurance won't pay it) and so she just recently stopped taking it... ugh.
Your in my prayers!!

On a side note.... I want to talk to you about something totally off topic... it does have to do with scrapping though :-) ... so can you please shoot me a PM when your feeling up to shootin a couple emails to eachother?

Hugs!!!!

[Christine]

Oh gosh, where to even start. This was supposed to be our Mexico vacation but didn't feel comfortable leaving the country so we opted to take a short trip down to Lake Powell. I can't remember if I told you that gave me 3 days worth of steroids, the grandiose sized doses then we decided to try to go relax and get our mind off things. We were warned to be cautious about overheating but thought we could just get it the water. (not a problem cuz the water was COLD!) I still had numbness and tingling but we were having fun and spending time as a family. Last night, my left arm went totally dead feeling and then started spasming like it was trying to turn itself inside out or something. It pretty quickly went away. I called my neuro to see if we should come home and he said if it was stopped we didn't need to. After we got off the phone, it happened again.....HARD. I went to lie down for a bit and then got up to eat. It happened several times in a row and made it feel like it was hard to breath but that could have been the panic that was setting in about that time. :) We decided to get some sleep and reflex and come home early. I went into see my MD and he wants to get me started on the disease modifying drugs ASAP to get things under control. We have to jump through hoops cuz of the huge costs but hopefully it won't be too long. It is weird because I had several times where it felt like my arm was going to spasm today but then it would stop, but once I was in the MD's office and him telling me that this is still really active etc it started doing the multiple spasms in a row. The more upset I got the worse my spasms got. So I guess the lesson is don't get upset! Easier said than done. LOL

On the good side of things, I have to tell you how the Lord has blessed us. Normally I sign us up for our yearly insurance stuff from work. Now I hate insurance, I never want to pay for it cuz it seems you pay and pay and pay, but never need it or if you do there is some dumb reason why they won't pay YOU. Because of this I always want to do the minimum amount possible. Well my sweet, awesome hubby decided that since we have a HUGE deductible he would do some critical illness insurance, just in case there was a big accident or heart attack etc we would get some money to help pay the deductibles. Stroke was on that list and last week we got a check. What a blessing to be able to pay some of these huge bills. I know he was totally inspired cuz this isn't what he would normally do either. I never even knew we had the policy. Next Thursday, I will have my heart procedure. It is so hard to believe that I have gone from having no medical issues except a little arthritis and occasional migraines to all of this in a little over a month! Thanks for all of your good thoughts and prayers, I have felt such love and it is making it possible to get thru this. :)

[evergreen100]

I posted over on the GT in reply to this gunds, but wrapping you in more red threads over here:hug::hug:

[idtwinmom]

Oh gosh, where to even start. This was supposed to be our Mexico vacation but didn't feel comfortable leaving the country so we opted to take a short trip down to Lake Powell. I can't remember if I told you that gave me 3 days worth of steroids, the grandiose sized doses then we decided to try to go relax and get our mind off things. We were warned to be cautious about overheating but thought we could just get it the water. (not a problem cuz the water was COLD!) I still had numbness and tingling but we were having fun and spending time as a family. Last night, my left arm went totally dead feeling and then started spasming like it was trying to turn itself inside out or something. It pretty quickly went away. I called my neuro to see if we should come home and he said if it was stopped we didn't need to. After we got off the phone, it happened again.....HARD. I went to lie down for a bit and then got up to eat. It happened several times in a row and made it feel like it was hard to breath but that could have been the panic that was setting in about that time. :) We decided to get some sleep and reflex and come home early. I went into see my MD and he wants to get me started on the disease modifying drugs ASAP to get things under control. We have to jump through hoops cuz of the huge costs but hopefully it won't be too long. It is weird because I had several times where it felt like my arm was going to spasm today but then it would stop, but once I was in the MD's office and him telling me that this is still really active etc it started doing the multiple spasms in a row. The more upset I got the worse my spasms got. So I guess the lesson is don't get upset! Easier said than done. LOL

On the good side of things, I have to tell you how the Lord has blessed us. Normally I sign us up for our yearly insurance stuff from work. Now I hate insurance, I never want to pay for it cuz it seems you pay and pay and pay, but never need it or if you do there is some dumb reason why they won't pay YOU. Because of this I always want to do the minimum amount possible. Well my sweet, awesome hubby decided that since we have a HUGE deductible he would do some critical illness insurance, just in case there was a big accident or heart attack etc we would get some money to help pay the deductibles. Stroke was on that list and last week we got a check. What a blessing to be able to pay some of these huge bills. I know he was totally inspired cuz this isn't what he would normally do either. I never even knew we had the policy. Next Thursday, I will have my heart procedure. It is so hard to believe that I have gone from having no medical issues except a little arthritis and occasional migraines to all of this in a little over a month! Thanks for all of your good thoughts and prayers, I have felt such love and it is making it possible to get thru this. :)

Make sure to let us know how the heart procedure goes as soon as you can. Following your posts and praying :pray: all goes well. :hug::hug:

[Raphne]

Oh, Chris *hug* What a terrible roller coaster you've been on. I hope that those DMA get to work quickly!

[addielee]

Prayers and hugs!!

[Christine]

Another change in plans.....my heart procedure got cancelled for tomorrow cuz remember how I broke my tooth the day I got the lovely news? Well since I got put on prophylactic antibiotics cuz of my ears were stuffy and had big doses of steroids and since my tooth fix was only temporary, I have to be off antibiotics for at least 2 weeks and no dental stuff 4 weeks before or 6 months after, so I had my tooth fixed and now I will have to reschedule in 4 weeks. It is frustrating that I can't have stuff go according to plan, but I supposed it is better than endocarditis. :)

[Raphne]

Ah, Chris. . . *big hug* I know it isn't a lot of comfort, but remember, while it may not be going according to OUR plans, everything unfolds according to HIS plan

[idtwinmom]

Oh, darn, since I haven't been posting a lot, I missed the latest update in Chris until just now! How are you feeling? Still keeping you in my prayers.

OK, I have had several of you comment on my latest LO so I thought I really should post the story some where around here so you will all get the whole thing. If you don't want to be kind of freaked out, or feel very sorry for my Dear DS#2 (and yes, I want it to read Dear twice), stop reading here as this is not pretty.

DH and DBIL got together and planned a wonderful 4 day vacation. DBIL usually goes set-net fishing at least once a year to catch a freezer full of salmon and he thought it would be a great time for the kids, plus we would get a share of the fish. After lengthy discussion we decided DH would be OK taking the kids by himself as he wasn't needed in the boat, just on the beach for cleaning fish, and I could stay home with the dogs, one of which is getting very old and would not have tolerated tent camping at all. The weather was incredible, sunny and 70 even on the beach with the breeze. The kids were having a blast, even playing in bathing suits in the sun and burying each other in the sand (very cute!). Right up until Saturday morning when, while playing hide and seek, DS#2 snuck up behind a truck where one of the friends of DBIL had a Scottie type mixed terrier tied. Apparently he startled the dog and it turned on him, biting him in the face. He lacerated the upper lip down into the muscle but not all the way thru, with a couple of small rips up near the nose and split the lower lip nearly in half with a couple of other small puncture wounds. It wasn't pretty and I still nearly cry just thinking of it. But he was amazing. My not yet 9 year old son was so still during the suturing that the ER Doc called him a tree. He has not complained even a little (except that his jaw is sore from the swelling holding it in an uncomfortable position and even then, only when asked). And since we really felt it best for him to come home right away instead of waiting until the normal return the following day, I flew down and he and I flew back together which he only viewed as an extreme adventure, especially as it was a very small plane on which he had a great view, not only of the land and water below, but of the cockpit and all its instruments. Now, 4 days later, the swelling is considerably less and he is healing well, but he will forever hold a scar that distinguishes him from his twin.

[Cupcake]

Chris if you need any help remember I am not that far away and can come help if you need any. I feel so bad that you have to go through all of this trauma and hope they can get a handle on it ASAP hugs and kisses

[PQ]

http://www.familylobby.com/common/tt8723889fltt.gif (http://www.familylobby.com)

[Raphne]

Ouch, Lisa! What a scary experience for you all, and what a brave boy your son is! I hope he doesn't develop a fear of dogs now. . .

Any updates, Chris???

[Christine]

So focusing on the good stuff first :) my MS stuff seems to be settling down. I have taken 2 doses of the weekly shot and had no problems or side effects so far. yay! no new flares so that is a relief. I am not up to the full dose yet, because I am titrating over 4 weeks, but so far so good. I still have spasms on my left side which are definitely exacerbated by heat and stress, but I haven't had one for 2 days. It isn't that they hurt it just freaks me out to have my hand go out of control and feel like I can't breathe or move. My biggest problem right now is quite literally a pitb! :D You may remember that after I got the blood patch my backside hurt etc, well then it got better so I thought it was fixed. Well it wasn't too long before it started hurting again and getting worse. I have since realized that it got better when I had the huge doses of steroids and when those wore off the pain came back. Sitting for more that a few minutes, especially on a hard/straight-backed chair, makes my legs go numb, my bum kill and the bottoms of my feet on fire. I don't know what the plan is next. I am a bit leery since originally the blood patch was to fix a problem following the spinal tap, what's going to happen if I fix the blood patch. My arm might fall off. LOL I have my heart procedure rescheduled for July 19. I just hope nothing else bad happens between now and then. :)

[Christine]

Oh Lisa I am so sorry to hear that! Sounds like he has been a real trooper!

[Christine]

I want to tell you all again how grateful I am to have your love, prayers and support!

[Raphne]

*hugs hugs hugs* Chris. Definitely keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

[idtwinmom]

I want to tell you all again how grateful I am to have your love, prayers and support!

Amazing how friends so far away can offer so much comfort in a time of need! Just keep telling us all the good and the bad and we will just keep praying that all works well in the end.
:hug::hug::hug:

BTW: DS#2 is doing great! He gets his stitches out tomorrow and then he will look almost normal. I'm sure the scar(s) this will leave will make him look devilishly handsome and every time I say that he grins and tells me how happy he is. Such a love!!!!!

[Christine]

and this is why we are told to be as little children :)

[idtwinmom]

Well, DS had the stitches removed yesterday. Man, what an amazing kid I have. The Doctor had to really pick at him because of the scabs and in all that only one time did he even wiggle. He held my hand and squeezed when it was hurting, but never moved a muscle. I sure do have a brave little man!

How are you doing Chris?

[Christine]

ahhhh he is awesome!

I am taking it day by day. The last couple of days I have been shaky/dizzy and had a weird twitch in my shoulder. I am sure it will just take time to know what is "normal" and what to freak out about. For right now, every little thing makes me go "Is the MS getting worse?" "Do I really have MS?" "If it isn't MS, what is it?" Is it something worse?" LOL I don't remember if I told you guys that my heart procedure is going to be in 2 weeks on the 19th. At this point I will be happy to just to get through a day without thinking about MS. :rofl:

[Raphne]

I'm sure the stress isnt helping anything either! It will be nice to put some of this behind you, Chris, and settle in to a new routine. Hopefully one with a lot less excitement!

And wow-- what a kid you have there Lisa!

[addielee]

I'd imagine day-by-day is the only way to go at this stage. I hope that will become easier as time passes.

[Christine]

sometimes I feel more like it is hour by hour or even minute by minute. sigh :)
I can't tell you how much I wish I could be told, wait this long and you will be all better. :D

[Christine]

hey hey! Where is everyone? C'mon guys you have to tell me what is going on, so I can think about something else rather that just "woe is me". :rofl:

[addielee]

I'm here Chris. We are in the middle of a heat wave, our first in a couple of years. Temps are approaching 90s with humidex much higher. We aren't used to this kind of heat let alone the humidity! We spent a lot of the last 2 days outside, but are letting today be an inside day. I can get much more done this way. Even the dog doesn't want to be outside much today and usually she will be out most of the day.

The boys have been taking skating lessons in the morning. They are doing so well. Sebastian is top 2 in the class depending on the day and is almost striding after 1 week. Jeremiah is the youngest in the class and near the bottom, which is not surprising. he can move on the ice, albeit slowly. He still needs help getting up when he falls.

Not too much else to report here. We are going camping with DHs cousins this weekend so should be a fun time.

Hope you're feeling better than expected. :hug:

[Christine]

good for them! It seems so funny to think about ice skating classes in the summer, :) Hope you don't get too hot camping. I hear you on the heat, it is over 100 here today. I came out from my CPR class this morning around 1:00 and thought it was going to kill me off. It was sooooo hot!

[Christine]

There is an MS specialist that I have had multiple people tell me how great she is. She is hard to get into though. I got a referral and she agreed to see me, but I couldn't get in until November (the day before Thanksgiving!). I asked to be put on the cancellation list, but didn't know if I would hear anything cuz she is so difficult to get into. I got a call and her scheduler told me they had an opening for me on Aug 13! I am so happy cuz I really want to first off have a 2nd opinion and second off don't want to be in limbo for the next 4 months. We have prayed about this a lot and I started crying when I got the call. :) and even better I am still on the list so if something even earlier comes open I can get into that too!

[addielee]

That's great news Christine! I hope you can get in even sooner.

Our camping trip has been adjusted as DH's cousin's wife, who is expecting twins, is currently at the hospital being assessed for pre-term labour. We are instead going to camp at their house unless she is admitted. She's only at about 29 weeks so really hoping she's sent home with no more than partial bedrest.

[Christine]

what a great attitude to adjust your camping to fit her needs. :) I hope she and the babies do great! I know 29 weeks is scary, but the majority of the 29 weekers did amazing when I worked in the NICU. That being said be sure to encourage her to do whatever she can to prolong it. Every day at this point makes a HUGE difference!