After walking around for a few weeks on a sore foot, I finally broke down and went to the doctor today. He did an x-ray and found a heel spur. So, these are the instructions I need to follow for the next 8+ weeks until it heals:
1) Do not go barefoot. Make sure the soles of the shoes are padded, unlike house shoes that have no padding between my foot and the hard floor. YUCK! (This will be hard because I LOVE to go barefoot. When I walk in the door, my shoes usually come off before going into the living room.)
2) Wear heel cups in my shoes to help alleviate the pain.
3) Take Mobic, an anti-inflammatory, once a day for the pain.
4) Stop exercising on the elliptical and any weight lifting or exercising that involves my feet. He suggested swimming and upper body weights. I'll have to check with him about using a bicycle.
5) Stay off of my feet as much as possible. (Yeah right; I have three kids and a husband to take care of.)
6) To help the discomfort, put the insole of my foot on a ball or bottle and roll it around with my foot. This will help stretch out the muscles.
The healing process is slow so I need to be patient. That is one virtue in which I am in short supply.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Pain in the Foot
Most of you know that I have been dealing with pain in different parts of my body for about two years. The pain doesn't stay in one place. It started out in my right wrist/hand, and then moved down the right side to my hip, then knee, then foot. My right foot pain started in my heel then gradually moved to the area just below my toes. When I saw Dr. Boatright, my Rheumatologist, in July, I made the comment that the pain was going to move to the left side next. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy!
About a month ago, I noticed that both feet hurt to walk then gradually only my left one did. The pain started in the area below my toes, then moved down the side and is now focused in my heel. Sometimes walking on my toes helps alleviate the pain but not always. Since I am trying to workout more to lose weight, I thought I should get my Family Practitioner to look at it before I caused any damage.
When I woke up this morning, my heel felt better. I could even walk flat-footed, which has been very difficult and painful. When Andrew and I went to Sam's to pick up a few things, my heel started hurting as soon as we walked in the door. It continued to hurt until we left, about 10 minutes later. Strange, I know. I told Mike I feel like I am going crazy. I'm afraid the doctor will think I am a hypochondriac. I decided to wait until tomorrow to see how my heel feels before I schedule my appointment. It is still a little sore, like it has been bruised, but not bad enough to warrant calling the doctor.
About a month ago, I noticed that both feet hurt to walk then gradually only my left one did. The pain started in the area below my toes, then moved down the side and is now focused in my heel. Sometimes walking on my toes helps alleviate the pain but not always. Since I am trying to workout more to lose weight, I thought I should get my Family Practitioner to look at it before I caused any damage.
When I woke up this morning, my heel felt better. I could even walk flat-footed, which has been very difficult and painful. When Andrew and I went to Sam's to pick up a few things, my heel started hurting as soon as we walked in the door. It continued to hurt until we left, about 10 minutes later. Strange, I know. I told Mike I feel like I am going crazy. I'm afraid the doctor will think I am a hypochondriac. I decided to wait until tomorrow to see how my heel feels before I schedule my appointment. It is still a little sore, like it has been bruised, but not bad enough to warrant calling the doctor.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Controlled Chaos
Because of all the rain we have been having, we have missed three or four games and a bunch of practices. So, to help make up some of the games, Hannah's team had a game Tuesday night instead of practice. There is one other 1-3 grade girls team, the Soccer Angels, so the Huskies, Hannah's team, has the same opponent each week. Jessica, the Soccer Angels' coach, wasn't able to make the game so she asked Mike to help out. So, Mike coached BOTH teams AND was the referee. He commented that he would be happy no matter which team won. Plus, he couldn't argue about the call the referee made. Coaching both teams was challenging, to say the least, and they were playing against the clock. We only had one hour to get whole game in before it went completely dark. Like my title says, it was controlled chaos.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Big Boy Accomplishments
Andrew had some big boy accomplishments today. First of all, just before he got into the bathtub, I had him try to go potty. This has been an on-going event for a while with no progress made. At first, Andrew said nothing was coming out. I told him to wait a bit longer and something would. After I turned around to start his bathwater, I heard the sound of someone going potty. IT WAS ANDREW!!! Mike, Hannah and I praised him for doing such a wonderful job and he got a Hershey's Kiss as a reward.
The second big boy accomplishment was Andrew said his bedtime prayer all by himself. The whole thing without any prompting or help. He did a great job!!!
Andrew's third big boy accomplishment wasn't something he mastered. Rather, it was just a show that he is growing up. At lunch today, Andrew saw one of his Sunday school classmates, Tirzah. He looked over and said, "There's Tirzah. Mom, Tirzah's here." Now, this doesn't sound like such a big thing, but it was. The way he said it was so grown up and clear. He didn't sound like a two-year old but a much older boy. In the flash of a moment, I could see him about Will's age. My baby is growing up so fast.
The second big boy accomplishment was Andrew said his bedtime prayer all by himself. The whole thing without any prompting or help. He did a great job!!!
Andrew's third big boy accomplishment wasn't something he mastered. Rather, it was just a show that he is growing up. At lunch today, Andrew saw one of his Sunday school classmates, Tirzah. He looked over and said, "There's Tirzah. Mom, Tirzah's here." Now, this doesn't sound like such a big thing, but it was. The way he said it was so grown up and clear. He didn't sound like a two-year old but a much older boy. In the flash of a moment, I could see him about Will's age. My baby is growing up so fast.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Seth and Andrew
Today, Tracy and I took Seth and Andrew to Chuck E. Cheese's. We had planned on going to the Botanical Gardens but the high today was only suppose to be 55 degrees. Since I just got over a sore throat, we thought a change in plans would be in order.
I purposely did not tell Andrew we were going to CEC. It's his FAVORITE place and I knew he wouldn't stop talking about it if I did. He knew we were meeting Tracy and Seth and was really excited. We got there just as it was opening and were the only ones there for almost two hours. The boys had a BLAST!! Seth gave Andrew a hug when they first arrived while Andrew held the door open for them. After we purchased tokens, this was the senario: each boy would take a token then run off together, play a game then run back. When we asked for the tickets they get from the game, they would run to get them then run back. It went on like this for most of morning. They felt like big boys and Tracy and I got to talk and visit. NICE!! Andrew and Seth are the best of friends. I had hoped they would be, especially since their birthdays are only four days apart.
One of the great things about today was we only spent $15 for 100 token which we split. I brought our CEC souvenir cups so drinks were free. We ate when we got home. It also got us out of the damp cold weather. Couldn't ask for better morning.
Andrew is so tired from all the playing and running around that he fell right asleep once I got him down for a nap.
I have some pictures that were taken at CEC but my scanner isn't working right now. I guess I'll have to try to post them later.
I purposely did not tell Andrew we were going to CEC. It's his FAVORITE place and I knew he wouldn't stop talking about it if I did. He knew we were meeting Tracy and Seth and was really excited. We got there just as it was opening and were the only ones there for almost two hours. The boys had a BLAST!! Seth gave Andrew a hug when they first arrived while Andrew held the door open for them. After we purchased tokens, this was the senario: each boy would take a token then run off together, play a game then run back. When we asked for the tickets they get from the game, they would run to get them then run back. It went on like this for most of morning. They felt like big boys and Tracy and I got to talk and visit. NICE!! Andrew and Seth are the best of friends. I had hoped they would be, especially since their birthdays are only four days apart.
One of the great things about today was we only spent $15 for 100 token which we split. I brought our CEC souvenir cups so drinks were free. We ate when we got home. It also got us out of the damp cold weather. Couldn't ask for better morning.
Andrew is so tired from all the playing and running around that he fell right asleep once I got him down for a nap.
I have some pictures that were taken at CEC but my scanner isn't working right now. I guess I'll have to try to post them later.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Sound of Sleigh Bells Blog Tour
The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall was a great book and an easy read. It only took me less than a day to read the whole thing. I really enjoyed the story of Beth and her struggles. Most of the time, I put the Amish up on a pedestal and think they don't deal with the same relational and personal issues we do. This book shows that they do struggle with relationships and personal hardships and they, like us, can move on with God's help. My favorite character was Jonah. I loved how he made the most of what God gave him in regards to his own personal struggles. You can click here to purchase the book online.
Summary
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, The Hope of Refuge and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.
Summary
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, The Hope of Refuge and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.
Friday, October 9, 2009
So Many Things Running Through My Head
My head is awhirl with many different thoughts today:
1) Andrew's recent trip down the street by himself.
2) Will's recent actions at school.
3) The Beth Moore Conference tonight and tomorrow.
4) Everything I need to do around the house that is never-ending.
5) Obama's Nobel Peace Prize (WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!)
6) My next blog tour posting and the books I need to read for the next two.
7) End-times events
and on and on and on... I'll elaborate on a few of these.
Ever felt like, as a parent, you were failing miserably with your kids? That's the way I felt yesterday.
While my sister was inside talking to me after she came by to pick up her son, Andrew went out front with the other children. Melanie and I went out a few minutes later and asked where Andrew was. No one knew and he didn't answer or come when we called. Looking around while I was trying to keep from panicking, Nathan spot him down the road. Andrew had wandered about eight houses down and was in the middle of the road, still walking away from the house. Nathan went and got him and asked why he wandered off. Andrew wanted to pet a dog he thought was our next door neighbor's. The one he was after actually belongs down the street. Andrew got a firm talking to and a swat on the backside.
Will has been grounded for the last week because he cheated in school on a math test. Mrs. Scanlon said he was repentant and said he wouldn't do it again. Instead of giving him an F on his paper, she let him finish it away from the other children. Then, yesterday, he did something else that I will not elaborate on. Suffice it to say, he had to apologize to the Librarian and to Mrs. Scanlon this morning for his actions.
On the radio today while I was running errands, I heard that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! They said it was for his efforts in bringing peace to the world and his efforts towards the Muslims. If apologizing for America and saying we were wrong in everything we have done in the past (i.e. saving the Europeans and the rest of the world's posteriors on MANY occasions), bowing down to foreign leaders, and showing Americans disrespect for our Christian heritage and beliefs constitutes getting a Nobel Peace Prize, the Board needs to rethink their criteria.
1) Andrew's recent trip down the street by himself.
2) Will's recent actions at school.
3) The Beth Moore Conference tonight and tomorrow.
4) Everything I need to do around the house that is never-ending.
5) Obama's Nobel Peace Prize (WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!)
6) My next blog tour posting and the books I need to read for the next two.
7) End-times events
and on and on and on... I'll elaborate on a few of these.
Ever felt like, as a parent, you were failing miserably with your kids? That's the way I felt yesterday.
While my sister was inside talking to me after she came by to pick up her son, Andrew went out front with the other children. Melanie and I went out a few minutes later and asked where Andrew was. No one knew and he didn't answer or come when we called. Looking around while I was trying to keep from panicking, Nathan spot him down the road. Andrew had wandered about eight houses down and was in the middle of the road, still walking away from the house. Nathan went and got him and asked why he wandered off. Andrew wanted to pet a dog he thought was our next door neighbor's. The one he was after actually belongs down the street. Andrew got a firm talking to and a swat on the backside.
Will has been grounded for the last week because he cheated in school on a math test. Mrs. Scanlon said he was repentant and said he wouldn't do it again. Instead of giving him an F on his paper, she let him finish it away from the other children. Then, yesterday, he did something else that I will not elaborate on. Suffice it to say, he had to apologize to the Librarian and to Mrs. Scanlon this morning for his actions.
On the radio today while I was running errands, I heard that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! They said it was for his efforts in bringing peace to the world and his efforts towards the Muslims. If apologizing for America and saying we were wrong in everything we have done in the past (i.e. saving the Europeans and the rest of the world's posteriors on MANY occasions), bowing down to foreign leaders, and showing Americans disrespect for our Christian heritage and beliefs constitutes getting a Nobel Peace Prize, the Board needs to rethink their criteria.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Teton Trek
No, we are not in Yellowstone National Park visiting the Grand Tetons. Instead, Andrew and I went to the Memphis Zoo to see their newest exhibit. It is called "Teton Trek" and is modeled after Yellowstone National Park. It opened this past Saturday for members only and will open to the public on October 10th. My friend Amy and her son Barrett met us there. The boys had fun looking at the animals while Amy and I got to visit. My pictures are out of order so first you will see our visit to the other parts of the Zoo. Then, last but definitely not least, is the Teton Trek.
One of the two elephants the Zoo has. One of them had a baby a few months ago. Unfortunately, the baby girl died after accidentally being poked by her mother's tusk. Sad.
White Faced Gibbons
Andrew and me
Andrew near the Grey Wolves cages
Andrew climbing in a rocking chair while Barrett tries to open the door.
Andrew at the Northwest Passage exhibit
Me and Andrew sitting on the upper deck of the Teton Lodge. Right after this, we realized that we were locked out on the balcony. Luckily, there was a zoo employee below us who got us some help. Amy and I laughed about it. How many people can say they were locked out on the balcony of the Teton Lodge?
Another picture of me and Andrew on the balcony sitting in the rocking chairs.
A bronze elk outside the entrance to the Teton Trek
Grey wolves
One of the two elephants the Zoo has. One of them had a baby a few months ago. Unfortunately, the baby girl died after accidentally being poked by her mother's tusk. Sad.
White Faced GibbonsThey put on a show for Andrew and me while we waited for Amy and Barrett.
Andrew and me
Andrew near the Grey Wolves cages
Andrew climbing in a rocking chair while Barrett tries to open the door.
Andrew at the Northwest Passage exhibit
Me and Andrew sitting on the upper deck of the Teton Lodge. Right after this, we realized that we were locked out on the balcony. Luckily, there was a zoo employee below us who got us some help. Amy and I laughed about it. How many people can say they were locked out on the balcony of the Teton Lodge?
Another picture of me and Andrew on the balcony sitting in the rocking chairs.
A bronze elk outside the entrance to the Teton Trek
Grey wolvesThere is one male and three or four females in this pack.
Another picture of a grey wolf
Looking down at the Grey wolves
Another picture of a grey wolf
Looking down at the Grey wolvesThey stayed in this one area the whole time we were there.
Another shot of the Grey wolves.
Andrew and Barrett going up the stairs in the Teton Lodge.
The huge stone fireplace in the Teton Lodge. 
One side of the Teton Lodge
Another picture of the lodge and geyser.
A geyser like Ol' Faithful
Another shot of the Grey wolves.
Andrew and Barrett going up the stairs in the Teton Lodge.
The huge stone fireplace in the Teton Lodge. The chimney was floor to ceiling stones.
Flanking the fireplace on either side was two HUGE big screen televisions.
One side of the Teton Lodge(The fence they had up to keep out non-members also kept me from getting a full picture of the lodge.)
Another picture of the lodge and geyser.This is the view that greets you when you enter the exhibit.
Beautiful!!!
A geyser like Ol' FaithfulThis one is off and on like Ol' Faithful but I'm not sure of the time intervals.
Oh, before I get into trouble for not taking Will and Hannah with me... they were in school today. I plan to take them while they are off for Fall Break. Hopefully it won't rain so we can go.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Unwanted and Unwelcomed Visitor
Today, while sweeping the kitchen, I found an unwanted and most unwelcomed visitor. It was a small lizard. At first, I thought it was a dead leaf that had been stripped to the spine. But, at closer examination (or at least as close as I would get), I noticed it had toes, feet, head and long tail. It looked dead at first, but after a few minutes it moved. Talk about someone leaping off the floor!! It started climbing up the wall, then changed its mind. It stayed close to the baseboard then moved, more like hopped, over to a pile of dog hair that I had already swept up. I put a pot over the top then a towel around it to keep the lizard in. When the kids and I got home from school, Nathan volunteered to take it outside for me. I had him take it to the lake and release it.
My skin is still crawling!! OOWWHH!!
My skin is still crawling!! OOWWHH!!
A Few Minutes
I only have a few minutes to post something while I wait for Andrew to go to sleep for his nap. Lately, he likes to get up and either play or roam. Since I want to give the kitchen floor a good sweep and mop without having to stop every few minutes to check on Andrew, I thought I would post on my blog.
Sorry the posts have been infrequent lately. At night, while I am waiting to go to sleep, I write that day's post in my head. Unfortunately, I forget what it was I was "writing" the next morning. Sad thing is, it is usually something really good!! Then, when I have a few minutes to actually write something down on this thing, I can't think of a thing to write.
Can I brag on myself a little? As mentioned in an earlier post, I have started going back to the Y. My goal for now is to complete the "America on the Move" program they are doing. So far, I have made it to the first Y and I'm on my way to the next one (strictly on paper, of course). Wednesday, I did my personal best. I went 1.5 miles on the elliptical in 48 minutes 36 seconds!!!! My time this week and last has been above 50 minutes with the closest time being 51 minutes ? seconds. Today, instead of going to the Y and working out, I am spending time cleaning my house. It has been a while since it had a GOOD cleaning due to all the rain and kids being cooped up in the house. So, the windows are open and I've been working here. Even though I can't count these efforts on my workout chart, I am still counting them in my head.
The smallest, silliest, and simple things can please a parent. Earlier this morning, I noticed Andrew had a funny look on his face and he was holding his bottom. Since previous potty training efforts haven't worked very well, I thought I would take another chance and see if I could catch Andrew before he could dirty his diaper. We rushed to the bathroom and our efforts were rewarded!!! It wasn't anything big, but even a little effort is worth praising. We told "it" goodbye as we flushed it away then went to get some candy. But, alas, the praise didn't stick in Andrew's head. After lunch, he did his "job" before I could catch him. Oh, well! Maybe one day I can get this boy out of diapers. Once I do, it's PARTY TIME!!! I've been changing diapers for almost NINE YEARS straight with NO break in between kids!!!! We could use use the money (who couldn't) and I would love going out with all the kids and no extra bags. So, when that day comes (and it will), I want to have a celebration for Andrew and me. So, get your party clothes ready and get ready to have some fun!!
Sorry the posts have been infrequent lately. At night, while I am waiting to go to sleep, I write that day's post in my head. Unfortunately, I forget what it was I was "writing" the next morning. Sad thing is, it is usually something really good!! Then, when I have a few minutes to actually write something down on this thing, I can't think of a thing to write.
Can I brag on myself a little? As mentioned in an earlier post, I have started going back to the Y. My goal for now is to complete the "America on the Move" program they are doing. So far, I have made it to the first Y and I'm on my way to the next one (strictly on paper, of course). Wednesday, I did my personal best. I went 1.5 miles on the elliptical in 48 minutes 36 seconds!!!! My time this week and last has been above 50 minutes with the closest time being 51 minutes ? seconds. Today, instead of going to the Y and working out, I am spending time cleaning my house. It has been a while since it had a GOOD cleaning due to all the rain and kids being cooped up in the house. So, the windows are open and I've been working here. Even though I can't count these efforts on my workout chart, I am still counting them in my head.
The smallest, silliest, and simple things can please a parent. Earlier this morning, I noticed Andrew had a funny look on his face and he was holding his bottom. Since previous potty training efforts haven't worked very well, I thought I would take another chance and see if I could catch Andrew before he could dirty his diaper. We rushed to the bathroom and our efforts were rewarded!!! It wasn't anything big, but even a little effort is worth praising. We told "it" goodbye as we flushed it away then went to get some candy. But, alas, the praise didn't stick in Andrew's head. After lunch, he did his "job" before I could catch him. Oh, well! Maybe one day I can get this boy out of diapers. Once I do, it's PARTY TIME!!! I've been changing diapers for almost NINE YEARS straight with NO break in between kids!!!! We could use use the money (who couldn't) and I would love going out with all the kids and no extra bags. So, when that day comes (and it will), I want to have a celebration for Andrew and me. So, get your party clothes ready and get ready to have some fun!!
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