Taking Care of Mom...

It's inbred, natural really...
When we, as mothers, make dinner....we serve others first.
As women I find we watch over others moreso than ourselves.

Yesterday, after...well....let's just say several years...we needn't be too exact anyway...what's the point?!

I FINALLY took that step, albeit painful.

Why after so many years of dealing with the constant pain have I given in? I can't tell you an exact reason, but reality hit Sunday after church.

We walked home. Living less than a half mile from church is definitely a blessing when dealing with one car. Hubby unfortunately had to depart for work right before church ended to get make it to his shift on time. The kids and I...walked home. They never complained, but I found myself blessed to see their sweet spirits as every few minutes my girls would look back at me to make sure I was still with them. My son, walked next to me, hand in hand, watching over me the way only he can do.

As I approached the stairs, 3 flights of the most insane way to finish a half mile walk, I inwardly groaned, knowing the throbbing burning aching pain which would soon settle in and I would hide from my kids as we celebrated Bryan's 14th birthday a day early.

Going back, my feet began hurting several years ago whenever I climbed out of bed or sat for a length of time. It was never too bad and the ache went away after awhile. I've also never received much help when going to doctors. Upon going in for my knees when they first began hurting I received the admonition that I was too fat and needed to lose weight. Twice doctors have told me these words causing me to never want help from them again. it was an unconscious decision. Sunday, however sent me over the edge. i slept for 2 hours before being awakened at 1:35 am and desperately trying to get back to sleep while ignoring the pain.

Enough was enough. I'd done enough research on the Internet to diagnose myself with Plantar Fasciitis with possible bone spurs causing the pain. I searched my provider's directory silently feeling thankful I didn't need a referral which may have caused me to decide not to bother. I called my first choice after researching the doctors to find the earliest they could get me in was July...are you kidding me?! However, I had another idea to call another doctor...I can't explain why I picked him but let's just say his name stood out to me.

I called to check and see how early I could get to see him. I was aiming for friday...it is my day off so a perfect way to waste my day away. Was I in luck or what?! They had a cancellation if I could get there in the next 45 minutes. Seriously?!?! NICE!!!

Now, about this Doc....you know, the random one i picked out because his name just stood out to me. Pshaw...what a stupid way to pick out a doctor!!!! Not really!!! It seems he is VERY well educated and was appointed by the governor to be on the state board of podiatry examiners. NICE!!! My first thought...get a lottery ticket...just pick the numbers that stand out...yeah right!!!

The sweet ladies in the office took the xrays and it was discovered that I am such an overachiever that they considered calling the Guinness Book of World Records...no not really, but close. He showed me on the xray where I had not one but 2 fabulous beautiful bone spurs. The one on my heel...Not so bad, just good info to know. The one on my heel...big enough to be counted as an extra toe in my opinion.

The course of action...

cortisone shots, 3 of them spread out in a 6 week plan. By the way, if you've been blessed to never have a cortisone shot, feel blessed, but I'll liken it to being the Devil's own medicine, second only to Pitocin...ugh!!!

Wrapping my foot. Done!!!

Insoles, highly uncomfortable, but Done!!!

Not walking long distances if not needed. I'll give it a shot!!

Putting my feet up. NICE!!!

Not lifting heavy objects...including boxes while we move....I am loving my doctor!!!

All this in avoiding the desperate act of surgery.

After the doctor's office I ate a bagel and rushed to get dressed because I was supposed to make it into the office. One of our resorts was slated to visit so i was supposed to be there. I had a wonderful talk with my manager who gave me so much support and told me to keep her informed on the progress with my foot. And then we found out the property wasn't showing. I was there for no reason. I worked my shift and then sat down to wait. I was off at 8:30pm and unfortunately buses don't run at that time so I had to wait for my sweetheart to pick me up after his shift...he was off at 11pm. Oh yeah...

Before you get to feeling too sorry for me, I kicked back in the massage recliner in front of the big screen watching whatever I felt like watching. I know...I'm spoiled, but it's all right I'm good with it!!!

By the time I made it home, my foot was aching, my eyes were drooping as I was nearing the 23 hours awake mark. Hubby tucked me in bed and before he could say goodnight I was sawing logs, better than a lumber mill.

So...how was your day?!

The Finish Line...or the Beginning.

Today was another big day for our family. Corinna earned her Young Women's medallion and today the bishop took a few moments to award it to her. What was sweet is I had many parents approach me and tell me what a beautiful young woman she was and how the medallion enhanced her beauty.

I agree completely, though I may be partial.

What touched me the most was as we headed out the doors of church to start our walk home the young men came up high fiving her and congratulating her for earning her medallion. They applauded her standards and her hard work.

This is what I've noticed about the youth in our ward. It's been noticed that at dances when most of the kids spread out and hang out with other people from other wards our ward is different. They all are in the center of the room dancing and enjoying being together. I'm kind of sad for moving the kids away from such a group, but I know they'll be all right. They'll bond with the new ward and become a great addition. Until then, we'll celebrate the good times!!!

Next week...Mother's Day and being there when my son is ordained a teacher. Pictures to follow!!!

Can you change the world with a cup of lemonade?

I wanted to share a little story about 2 girls, friends really. They wanted to make a difference....and they have. A big difference. Oh! Did I mention they are only in elementary school.

These two girls decided to make a lemonade stand to support Relay for Life and help further cancer research. Read about their big day here!!!

I am honored to say I know half of the duo. Her father is a cancer survivor. Her mother is an amazing woman who works had to help Relay for Life where I used to live. And this young lady and her friend are going to change the world....one cup of lemonade at a time.

A Sunday for the Ages...

There's always that one Sunday when a plan always comes together...everything clicks. It started out early. 7:21am to be exact. It felt good to sleep in. Oh yeah, that WAS sleeping in for me...

ANYHOO....

It was the monthly early morning Presidency meeting and breakfast for the Young Women Presidencies which meant I had to roll my two girls out of bed. Clutching their binders, and stumbling blindly in their PJ's to the door it was a miracle they stopped yawning before walking into their YW President's home.

On the way home I pulled past the dumpster and scored with a large stack of moving boxes broken down and ready to be used!!! SUH-WEET!!!!

Afterwards they came home and hubby started a massive squirt gun war in the house...with the tiniest squirt gun imaginable. All while I attempted to iron...so domestic aren't I?! So, once the kids were sufficiently doused and it came to near tears I ended the war with a glass of cold water to hubby.

My sweet visiting teachers stopped by while the Fam got ready for church. I was incredibly entertained as were my visiting teachers when hubby entertained us with a rousing concert while he took a shower....Boy did he turn red when he found out they heard him. Oh yeah...they were so jealous!!!

Church went really well as and I survived my calling. For a woman who is not naturally drawn to babies being an Assistant Nursery leader, when our ward has no less than 4 nurseries, can be the true meaning of "enduring to the end." I felt blessed to be able to watch Corinna receive her final two ribbons of her Young Women's Bookmark. I was able to arrange Corinna's interview with the bishop and she will receive her Young Women's medallion next Sunday. I am so thrilled for her. I arranged for Bryan for his interview since he will be turning 14 next week.


After church Molly and I began our walk home. Hubby had to head to work the late shift so we opted to enjoy the fresh air. Corinna and Bryan had to wait after church for their BYC meeting. Our YM/YW leaders always make sure they get a ride home. We didn't even make it a full block until a wardmember pulled over and picked us up.

The reason our ward is so incredibly awesome...Thought we've tried many times...we've never walked the entire way home. Someone always stops. Too sweet!!!




So now, I am home with my feet up relaxing. 2 out of the 3 kids are home with me...Corinna opted to head out with her YW leaders for a special fireside with Brother Marvin Goldstein. He speaking to them all about developing their talents. I hope she has a wonderful time.

Lights!!!! Camera!!! Roadshow!!!!

The many weeks of practice had passed and it was down to this day. I've become so desensitized from people never wanting kids to be a winner or loser I didn't realize prizes were on the line for their performances. We were entertained by each ward. The kids truly put their heart and soul into their performance. And it was time to shine.

Molly arrived ready for transformation. She is our drama diva in the family. She loves to sit in a chair and have someone do her makeup and hair. It doesn't necessarily matter what she looks like, it's a pampering aspect to her.

Our ward's time... "Back to the 80's!!!"

Oh yeah!!!

They wanted to experience a slice of life...dressing in the 80's...it truly was hysterical to see just how they interpreted the 80's.


They sang, they danced, and with a strobe light for added effect they even had a fight scene. In the end, everyone won a prize just for competing. When the announcement was made, though, our ward came out triumphant. Each rehearsal, every moment memorizing their lines, every dance rehearsal was worth it...they had fun in the end. That IS the point after all.


And for me...my busy day had almost come to an end. I simply needed to pick my eternal sweetheart up from work. While I waited for him to finish the skies lit up in a bright lightning display... I think Heavenly Father was quite proud of all the kids in our stake who participated.

I know I'm proud of my three.