My Birthday

Since I started blogging I've had four birthdays.  Two have been great, two have stunk. 

This years?  It completely rocked. 

To make up for last years Shawn promised me a fabulous one.  I don't need fabulous, but fun over stinky is always better. 

He'd taken Friday off to start the festivities.  He had things planned, but first I had to sell tickets for this years musical.  But before we got there he'd taken me to get a pedicure.  My favorite new color was no where to be found.  And with an obvious language barrier, it wasn't going to be found.  So I settled on another purple, that ended up being pink!  Dadgum it, I'd done it again.  But since Easter was two days away, I went with it.  2 minutes after my nails were done they brought the perfect color to me.  They'd found it.  If I wasn't in a rush to get to ticket sales, I would have insisted they re-do them. 

As soon as we were done selling tickets we went out to dinner, followed by shopping, a movie, and an overnight stay in a hotel.  We've never done that before.  I'm a huge fan of my own bed, and not a huge fan of hotels.  But this time I didn't mind.  Mom and Dad were in charge at home and I didn't have a care in the world.  After breakfast at Starbucks we headed home to pick up everyone and go to Macaroni Grill for lunch. 

I don't even want to know the amount of calories that I consumed in the three days of birthday festivities because it frightens me.  I could feel every single one of them hanging around me while running this morning.  Sure hope they fell off.

But then Shawn did the most fabulous thing of all.  He went to Wal-Mart for me to buy Easter groceries.  I have never been happier in my life.  And while he was out he bought me a second set of the new dishes my aunt had given me and got me a Starbucks gift card.  Then he came home and helped me prepare all the food for Easter.  I was such a happy girl. 

Completely overwhelmed, definately blessed, and happy. 

So this year was amazing.  I sure hope that doesn't mean next years will stink. 

Yikes.  I'll just keep reliving this one:c)

Thanks to the most amazing, most generous husband out there!  Love you hunny!

My Curly Hair

My first day back to running didn't start well.  Cold, windy, and drizzling.  But I was going no matter what.  Mainly because I knew Karreen would be waiting on the corner.  That accountability can really come back and bite you in the behind, can't it?  So my straight hair and I started out.  And when I got back I had 'the curls'.  Not the wavy, half curly, have to work really hard on it curls.  'The curls'. 

The pretty/could never make it happen on my own/would pay big bucks for/perfect curls.

Can you see it?  You have to look close because it's only the top layer of my hair!  I've discussed my cursed hair before, but it bears repeating.

Sigh...If only I could make that happen without a cold drizzly run.

My New Love

I know that I am constantly falling in love with things.  New phones, photography things, food...but this is a new love. 

I have found the perfect toenail polish. 

For about three years now I have been completely faithful to OPI's Midnight in Moscow.  It's the perfect black without being black.  That makes sense, don't worry.  I strayed a few times, but always came back. 

My friend Karmen gave me the best tip a few years ago.  Own the color you get when you go for a pedicure.  That way if you get a chip before you're ready to go back you can fix it yourself.  That tip has saved me so many times. 

I had forgotten to take my perfect shade a few months before the San Francisco half marathon so I picked a pretty purple.  I loved it.  It was so TNT purple.  When I went back for my pre-trip pedicure I picked what I thought was the same color and it turned out pink.  Bright pink.  Luckily our Mitchell's Angels shirt were pink so it all worked. 

Since then I haven't had a pedicure.  I'm not in training so I can't justify it.  My feet look bad, yes, but that doesn't matter.  Well, I found a way to make it justifiable.  When you put your feet into bed at night and slip them under the sheets...and the sheets go with them...it's time.  Luckily I started training for my next half marathon a week later. 

When I walked in I knew I wanted purple.  The purple I'd had before.  I picked the darkest one I could find and set in for my time with the massage chair, I mean the pedicure!  But something happened as my lady was shaking my bottle....I saw what the lady next to me had on.  I instantly asked for it.  Five minutes later it was mine. 

So here's to my new love.

It's glittery, but dark, but light. Yes, I know that makes no sense. Let me 'splain.

In indoor light it looks brown.  In outdoor light it looks purple.  And in direct light it sparkles. 

Hello perfect color! 

I'm thinking it's time for another pedicure:c)

And in case you are wondering, I believe it's China Glaze.  I'm pretty sure that's the only brand they have at my place. 

Go forth, paint!

My Left Boot

I have favorite winter boots. They're not for warmth, they're for looks. Almost every time I wear them someone comments on them. I heart them. Bunches. I found them at a ritzy consignment store on $1 shoe day. I actually looked past them several times, but a weird lady who was also there told me I should try them on. I'm so glad she did! They're comfy and fashionable. What else do you need?

So you can see why at this moment, I am about to go crazy because I can only find one! Over a month ago I remember putting one away and telling myself, "I sure hope I can remember where I'm leaving the other one." Now why would I remember that, but not where it is? (And while we're on the subject, why would I only grab one?) I've offered rewards. I've pleaded for help. I've cleaned my house from top to bottom. I've moved furniture. The left one is no where to be found. Does that make sense?? Of course not! The house is only 2000 square feet, where could it have gone?

So my friends, if you find a perfect, stylish, comfortable, black left boot, call me. Maybe we can make a match.

I'm offering a reward:c)

Running Almost On E

It's that time of year.

School has started.

Schedules are filling up.

Chores are getting forgotten.

The pool is emptying itself.

And routine is hard to find.

And I feel like this.Almost running on e.

Anybody else feel this way??

8 years

Well, actually 8 1/2 years.

Since what?

Since I had a job.

I drove a school bus for a local school system for 7 years (3 different times) before I 'retired'. When Reagan came along Shawn and I decided it was time for me to quit. McKinley was in half day Kindergarten and a friend took her to school in the morning and I picked her up at 10:30. When she started first grade I wouldn't have been able to take her or pick her up. I was basically a stay-at-home mom that worked about 2 hours a day...it was just the 2 wrong hours.

So now my babies are entering 9th, 6th, and 3rd.

It's time I re-enter the work force.

Speaking of Kindergarten...the girls all had the same teacher. I heart her. As she would say, I get her humor. Basically she's hilarious and I laugh at everything she says. Because of a little favor she asked of me, I am now her assistant at her new job. Somehow I knew my hatred of rolling and love of cutting in while painting would help me out in life.

So what do you think I do?

*We move stuff a lot
*We give suggestions
*We make a lot of presentations
*We're on stage a lot
*We beautify
*We de-clutter
*We teach
*We shop

Sounds like a great job, doesn't it?

We worked together yesterday and my car looked like this. Any guesses??

Strep Stinking Throat

The first time I had strep throat I was a freshman in high school. I thought I was going to die. I stayed in bed for days with a cup to spit into because there was no way I was going to swallow. And why is it when you have razor blades in your throat, you make tons of saliva? Just because it was yearbook picture time, I also developed scarlatina, a rash that can go along with it. I am probably the only person that can tell, but in all the group pictures I don't look quite right. I also was the only person wearing a turtleneck.

Since that first time I've had strep at least twice, some times three times, for 23 years. When I was 18 I started the campaign to get my tonsils taken out. 3 years, 3 doctors, and 3 no's later I gave up. They all said that because of my 'advanced age' it wasn't safe. Hello! Since when is 18-21 advanced?? My point was that every day that I kept them I was getting older. I had proven that I had strep enough, why wouldn't they do it?? One doctor even told me that if I didn't have tonsils I'd get more upper respiratory infections. So?? I'd trade that for strep!

When I was pregnant with McKinley I tested positive for strep b. Apparently my body just likes strep. Since I'm a strep carrier I always have the lovely bacteria living in the back of my throat. My doctor doesn't even swab my throat anymore, he just knows. I'm happy about that. I don't know anyone who enjoys a throat swab. I just gagged myself and made myself throw up while brushing my teeth. Large tonsils are annoying.

I am sitting here now with strep for the second time this year. It's June. I hate to think how many more times I'll get it.

I'm frightened Auntie Em.

And of all times! I'm still working through my to-do list to get ready for family to come in town. But...there's different family coming in two days! Because of my aunt's funeral on Saturday I have a cousin coming to stay with us Friday. And we're having about 15 cousins for dinner and dessert that night. Let's just say, the to-do list is not done. I can pull some things off that will make it look like I finished the list, but the strep throat is kind of hampering that.

Wish me luck and pass the antibiotics!

Perfection in Paper

I have a big, huge, overwhelming story to tell you all, but I'm too exhausted to start it.

Let me sum up.

91 year old great-aunt.

No children.

Single.

Now in assisted living.

Serious collector.

Wonderful taste.

Packed house.

3 weeks of family work.

3 days of estate sale in the house, and yard sale in the back.

Day 1 is done and I'm worn slick out.

But this made it worth it.Two of my favorite things.

In one book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone want to come over for Pickled Oysters???

No? How about Broiled Fish a la McKinley?

(Since the girl is halfway through 24 straight days of steroids, she thought that sounded good. Well, she thinks anything sounds good.)

I recently joined a book club. Is it a problem that I only read cookbooks?

I better ask.

Photography Class

Since I'm not smart enough to own my camera I am taking a class this month. The teacher is one of my favorite photographers. He took many of McKinley's first pictures. Each week I go, take three or four pages of notes, take a few pictures, say 'aha' a lot, and leave wondering if I will ever be able to take a good picture. I can get good pictures, but I don't know how I'm doing it. I just take a bunch, changing a few things each time, and get one that I like. Fine when I'm forcing my own children to sit still and smile, but future clients might not enjoy that.

Tonight was our second class and we had an assignment to bring five picture in our area of interest, taken with no flash in natural light. No problem. I am not a flash user and I have three daughters, easy. The story behind what I actually did is another post in itself. It involved barbed wire, poison ivy, ticks, and a lot of gas. I wasn't pleased at all, but got rave reviews from my teacher. I might know what I'm doing....well, maybe I just lucked out.

My favorite, and the one the teacher liked the most is this one. I know I've already shared it, but it's a favorite.

I played with it a bit and loved it with a texture. Kind of hides the fact that they're not dressed nicely, it's off center, and it's a complete accident!

This weeks assignment? Five pictures, no flash, field of interest, depth of field, full manual.

I'm not smart enough for my class.

Why I Haven't Been Posting

Since Monday at 4:00 I have spent 34 1/2 hours at the school. That's because of three dress rehearsals, three performances, and 8 hours of ticket sales.

But it was all worth it. The musical was wonderful. Memories were made. New friends were made. And a pretty nice photo cd available for only $10 was made.

4,000 pictures later here are some of my favorites.

The Von Trapp children with Maria. Kennedy is third from the left on the front row. She was Marta.

My nun and my Marta. And one of the best back stage helpers the school has ever seen:c)I learned a lot about my camera during the week of 4,000 pictures. I shot almost all of them in TV mode while adjusting my shutter speed. Of course, until last night when Shawn told me it was my shutter speed, I just called it the fraction number thingie.My friend Christie is an amazing seamstress and spend many more hours than me working on costumes. The costumes in the first picture were my favorite. They were made out of the curtains Maria finds in her room. Of course, that meant Christie had to make curtains and costumes. And the children only wore them in one scene for about 2 1/2 minutes! Their uniforms were worn the most. They were so cute!The nuns though wore their choir dresses with a long sleeve button up shirt. The first night I helped McKinley (second from the right) tie on her wimple. It was a bittersweet and funny moment. When I put this picture on Facebook several people commented about them all having braces. My friend Keron said they must have a good dental plan to the convent!What I love most about the musicals is that each year our principals and superintendent are in it. Our school system is so small that Pre-K through seniors are all in three buildings in a 4 block area that are all connected. That means it really is like a big family. Our superintendent is very involved. He fills in for crossing guard duty when needed and I've even seen him mowing the grass during the summer. The three principals are great guys, too.

This is our elementary principal. He was the Nazi official that came to Captain Von Trapp to give him his commission papers. He had quite a few lines and did a great job!This is our high school principal and his wife who works in the elementary library. He was my Algebra 1 & 2 teacher and although I don't remember much, he was a great teacher. He did lie though when he said I'd use it every day. He and his wife were a couple that visited the party the Captain threw for Baroness Shrader. His wife had a little flirtatious moment with the Captain that had the audience cheering.Our middle school principal was the hardest to photograph. He was the Nazi official that ran in to report that the Von Trapp family had left the concert and were gone. He ran in, said a quick line, and ran off. It took me four nights to get this picture.But here's my favorite, our superintendent. He was the priest that performed the wedding ceremony. He didn't have any lines but was the most memorable person. This was the first dress rehearsal he came to so he's not in costume yet. But the cast was still excited to see him. Look at the smile on Kennedy's face!At the cast party last night a group of moms were standing around and one asked if we'd seen her son in the nun chorus. He'd been begging the choir teacher to let him be one. She finally caved after making him sing the song to make sure he could do it. So Franz the butler became a nun. Luckily I'd decided to take a few more nun pictures last night and had one of him!Since I had been taking pictures the superintendent asked if I'd take a group picture on the stage with the amazing set that had been purchased. And while I was at it, why not add the entire cast also. No pressure there. So after the last show I stood in the second to back row, on the chair arms rests, and snapped about 20 pictures. I was terrified that I wouldn't get a good one. But I did! And if you look at the last person on the right, you'll see Franz the butler wearing his wimple!

So another year of the musical is over. It's such an amazing thing to be a part of. But now it's time to move on to another of the projects I listed a few days ago.

Know what I penciled on my calendar for May 26th?

Collapse.

I can't wait.

Why I Am Stressed

What I'm currently working on:

*Tickets sales for the All School Musical which starts Thursday
*Fielding up to 20 calls a day from people who don't want to go buy tickets on the days they are being sold
*Having two children in the musical
*Doing hair and makeup for both girls Tuesday through Saturday because the makeup person is scary and mean and consistently late
*Taking pictures at all the dress rehearsals to sell on show nights
*Editing the 3000 pictures I've already taken to choose 100 to have printed and put on cds
*Heading up the 5th grade promotion for 107 students. I send out e-mails, notes, hold meetings, handle all the money, and coordinate all the days events and the parent volunteers
*Working on a fundraising auction. I have to describe each of 100+ items to create a program from.
*Running a 5k this Sunday
*Fundraising $3500 for a half marathon in October
*Having a garage sale Thursday-Saturday. I'm selling our things to raise the $1000 needed to buy pool paint and selling donated items to go toward my fundraising.
*Pricing all the stuff that wonderful friends and family have given me to sell. I haven't seen my 200 square foot patio in three weeks because of all the stuff.
*Healing! I am still having a lot of foot pain but only because I can't take any time off to heal!
*Getting costumes together for Book Character Day this Friday. Why oh why would they have this the week of the musical and the week before state testing?
*Staying calm and organized. I'm really trying.

Things I'm not currently working on:

*Working out. I ran Monday and rode the bike yesterday but can't fit it in again until the 5k Sunday.
*Cooking. After making 9 dozen cookies (for a dress rehearsal) and 3 loaves of bread Monday I haven't been home a night all week to make dinner.
*Cleaning. I am working on laundry because apparently the people I live with need clean undies. But the rest of the house is in shambles.
*Calorie counting. I have given up hope on that until Monday. My birthday is Friday so I have just decided to celebrate my birthday all week. I've been good, but I haven't counted.
*Staying calm and organized. I don't think I'm doing a good enough job.

Wow. Seeing it all there typed out makes it

When Clumsiness Attacks

If you remember, after my Easter debacle, I became a proud owner of crutches, and the proud borrower of Walter the wheelie cart. But with those two things came something else. Bruises.



Warning...these pictures might scare the life right out of you.



Don't judge me.



Just pity me.And for the actual injured area?Yep, a little tiny bruise. The main thing you can tell from this picture is that I desperately need a pedicure. But having someone touch my foot right now is not an option.

See, you should pity me.

PSA

We apologize for the inconvenience, but this blog is being ignored by the writer
who can not keep her big yap shut and keeps saying 'Of course, yes' when she should answer with a big fat, 'NO'!

I'm Well On My Way!

Thanks to amazing friends, some I don't even know in person like Kim and Peggy, and some awesome family like Robin, I have reached $1,150 in my fundraising!

But I still have a long way to go. If you feel lead to donate please visit my LLS page.

Because Mitchell's family will be moving to Texas at the end of May, Tracy will not be able to be our mentor. A mentor sends out e-mails, is always available for any questions, and is just an encourager where needed. I was honored when I was asked to fill that need. And to be asked to attempt to fill Tracy's shoes, wow. I will never come anywhere close to giving the encouragement that she gave me and all of the Mitchell's Angels. But I'm honored I'm being given the chance to try. So wish me luck!

Since our team Saturday morning runs start in the middle of May I really need to fast forward this healing on my foot. I told a friend today that if I could just take two weeks off and not do anything, I'd be fine. But as many other moms know, that just isn't possible. So for now I just overdue it every day and around 7 I try to make up for it by putting it up and alternating heat and ice. So far, no good. But I'm hopeful. It feels great every morning!

So, here I sit, relaxing....thinking of the millions of things I need to be doing. Typical mom thinking, don't you think? Man, considering I'm on pain pills, I'm doing a lot of thinking!

Curve Ball

You know how life throws you curve balls? Well, I thought the whole Easter Debacle was mine.

Then I got an even bigger one.

I lost my mom to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. She lost her mother to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. Five of my grandmothers sisters have had breast cancer. One has survived. Wish you were me? Didn't think so.

When I had a breast reduction three years ago at the age of 34 my plastic surgeon was shocked that I hadn't started getting mammograms. I told him that every year when I went to the gynecologist I would ask when I needed to start them. He would always say at age 40. I would then remind him of my family history and he'd still say 40. The plastic surgeon told me it was absolutely necessary to have one before the reduction to get my baseline. As I checked out the cashier mentioned that my insurance probably wouldn't pay because I wasn't 40 yet. When I told why I'd started she said that still wasn't enough reason for my insurance. She then asked if I had breast cancer in my family. I let her in on the 411. She said she'd have a doctor call me. When the head doctor called she asked if I'd like to join their study group. I of course said yes. Well, because of an insurance change shortly after that it wasn't possible. But I went again for my mammogram the next year I was asked again. The doctor assured me she would convince my insurance.

And she did.

Yesterday was the day for my first MRI. I have that once a year and six months later a mammogram. A week out I was thinking it was a simple climb in the tube and lie still MRI. But then I got a letter from them. I had to have an IV. Yuck. I am not an easy stick and I hate needles. I always get through it, but it's not my favorite thing. So I went in a little jittery. I had two wonderful nurses who put me at ease and after three different tries in three different places I finally had an IV. Oh, and blood drawn. That hadn't been in the letter. Because they were inserting dye into me they had to check my kidneys to make sure they could get the dye out. I passed with flying colors. I went into the MRI and spent 28 minutes listening to muffled music and horrendous startling sounds. Those things are so annoying! I did like that this one (compared to one I had on my wrist) had me lying on my stomach. It was a lot like a massage table with a hole for my head. But I've never seen a massage table with boobie holes:c)

Four hours after my appointment I got a phone call from the radiologist. That can't be good. She said there was an area that worried her. It was only my first MRI! They weren't supposed to find anything! I guess they didn't know that. She said she wanted do an ultrasound to check it out. She then asked when I was available. Hello? I would run there if needed as soon as possible. Luckily they had an 8:30 appointment today.

I'd put on Facebook that I was having an MRI and I was worried I was overwhelmed with 13 comments from friends and family supporting me. Five hours later when I put that I had to go for an ultrasound on a questionable area I had 25 comments saying they'd be praying for me. I went to bed last night with such a peace about a situation that should have had me freaked completely out. I know it was the sweet people lifting me in prayer.

This morning I was thrilled to report that I have a fatty deposit wrapped around scar tissue from my reduction. Can I get an Amen for fat?? I've never been so happy to have a fat problem! I was shocked to have 39 likes and comments on my 'All Clear!' status. I have been in tears so much in the last 33 hours and it hasn't been because I've been scared or worried, it's been because of the outpouring of love I have felt. From my Aunt Marcia who sent a text almost as soon as I posted something, to my aunt and grandmother who called as I was driving to the ultrasound...the friend who whispered across the room during a meeting today that she'd woken up at 2:45 and started praying for me...and the friend I ran into at Hobby Lobby who said she'd been so relieved to read that it wasn't bad....I have been carried. I can never thank the people in my life enough. I'd be lost without them.

And to the sweet friends here who commented on my Easter Debacle posts, thank you. I am still overdoing it daily but that's because this is the busiest time of year for me. But each night around 7 I am able to sit down and completely relax and take care of it. I am also anticipating an uneventful weekend that should be just what the doctor ordered.

Hopefully tomorrow we will return to our regularly scheduled funny, picture filled posts. If there are any more curve balls headed my way I plan to duck. Just hope I don't get goosed.

Love you all!

The Easter Debacle Part 2

So where did we leave off? Oh, that's right, I'm a big klutz. That's where we were. So here we go.

I woke up Easter morning not sure if I could pull off getting three girls ready and myself. I had no idea how I was going to shower, let alone shave my legs. I decided though that it was Easter. I had to go. I survived my shower and with Walter at my side I woke everyone up and got everyone out the door on time. That hardly ever happens even when I'm not injured. Shawn dropped us off at the closest door to our seats and I set out to prove I could use crutches. I did fine on the slight incline leading into the sanctuary, but then I hit the angled floor. Our sanctuary is high in the back and has a slow decline down to the altar. Having crutches on two different ground levels is hard! Still, I made it and we had a wonderful service. But then I had to leave again. Ugh. I was never so happy to see my car. The rest of the day was spent swapping between the crutches and Walter and I crashed into bed that night.

Monday morning I knew I couldn't go for a run but my running partner had said she'd do the treadmill and I planned to do machines. I worked out my arms hard. I usually do 30 reps of everything, instead I did 60. I refused to gain weight like I did when I had my broken coccyx. I was so proud of myself and started out of the gym with a big smile on my face. But then I got about 10 crutch lengths out of the door and realized my arms were quivering. Well, actually, they were trembling. A good arm workout was not the best idea I'd ever had. The workout was followed a few hours later with a trip to my doctor where I parked in Texas and had to get in the door. I think I should have fought one of the old people for a handicapped spot. As I got out of the car I had no idea what to do with my purse. I put it up on my shoulder but then the crutch wouldn't fit. Then I decided to just leave it in the car. But I didn't think I had enough pockets for my lip gloss, id, credit card, cell phone, and the magazine I brought. I know, high maintenance. I finally decided that I could just hold it in my hand and still grasp the crutch grip. That worked for exactly one step. Since I don't carry the lightest purse it really affected my balance. Good grief I'm a hot mess, aren't I?

My doctor took more x-rays and agreed with the 'tweaked' part. But he told me to walk on it as soon as possible. My arms were grateful to hear that and so were the countless bruises my legs had from Walter.

So today, even though I stayed home the whole time, I walked. I do miss the freshly vacuumed look in the carpet that Walter leaves though. I loaded the dishwasher, did laundry, and centrally located all the Easter decorations from around the house. And I also took a nap. Don't tell. I've found out that my pain pills keep me awake. I took half of one last night at 9 and got in bed at 11. By 1:30 I was still ready to party. No one but Jackie 'O' was willing to play though.

So tomorrow will be the test. I have a M.R.I. at noon (on a different body part), a post office run, shopping to do for an upcoming auction, stuff to pick up from a friend who is donating to my garage sale, musical practice for two of the girls, and dinner to cook. I plan to walk as much as possible but will have the crutches to help out if needed. I just hope my arms will understand.

This tweaky foot is really putting a cramp in my normal life. Anyone else out there ever had tweaked tendons that can offer words of advice? Or can offer advice on how better to use crutches? The ER nurse told me that if my armpits hurt I was doing it wrong. I honestly don't know how I could do anything different. I'm moving my body from one point to the other on metal sticks. How can that be done any differently?

Send advice. Send help. Send someone to do my chores. Or just send well wishes and prayers. I'll take anything I can get!

The Easter Debacle

Can we just pause a moment and take in the fact that this is my 500th post??

Wow.

Okay, let's move on.

I made the Easter candy, ingredients for dinner, present run Friday night. While I was gone Shawn and four girls set up the tents in the backyard. Kennedy's friend Emma was the fourth. I unloaded and put away all the gifts and groceries and sat down for a 30 minute break and Facebook time. I was trying to decide on a status, because I do that you know, and finally decided on...'is the Easter Bunny. Shhhh, don't tell.' As I typed that I realized, I was in the house alone and it was a decent hour, why not fill the eggs? I always end up doing it on Saturday evening, close to midnight, after cooking and cleaning all day long. I know, I'm a genius. I ran upstairs to grab them out of the attic, pausing only a moment to be upset that there were 50 swimsuits spread across the floor. Since I was alone I didn't have any lights on but I know my house so well (I've been in it since I was 7) that I wasn't worried. As I came to the last stair I started falling. I'd thought I was on the last step, but instead I was one from the end. As I fell I somehow tucked my left foot under because as I landed it was on the top of it. I basically tried to touch the back of my toes to my heel. Yes, a little foot taco. I instantly started crying and rolling around on the floor holding my leg. When I finally composed myself I realized the house phone and my cell phone were in the den. Two rooms and two stairs away. I started crawling. It took me 10 minutes to crawl in there and get up on the couch. I called Shawn in the backyard (Thank the good Lord for cell phones) and told him I needed a nurse. While I waited for him to get in I started filling the eggs. What else was I going to do?

It took us about an hour to decide that it was a good idea to go to the ER. Since it was a big weekend where I had a lot to do, I really couldn't wait until Monday to see my regular doctor.

Now, who to call to come over to take care of the girls? We usually call my Aunt Janis but it was 1 am and we knew she wouldn't be up to crawling into the tent. So, wake up the girls and bring them in, or find someone else. That's when I thought of my cousin Tyler. He never sleeps. He was over in about 20 minutes and we were off. A funny thing about Tyler being there. We thought the girls wouldn't even notice that he spent two and a half hours out there. But the next morning Emma told everyone that a teenage boy had crawled into the other tent, stayed a while, and then crawled out and Shawn got back in. I couldn't believe she hadn't freaked out and started screaming! Guess she wasn't completely awake.

We were taken into the hospital quickly and waited for the doctor. When I explained what had happened he asked if I'd heard a pop or snap when I fell. I told him all I'd heard was about 100 eggs hitting the floor. When I told him I was training for a half marathon he said we should hope my foot was broken because breaks heal faster than tendon damage. After eight x-rays he came in with his head down and told me it wasn't broken. I've never been so disappointed to hear something wasn't broken. But my tendons aren't torn or twisted...they're 'tweaked'. That was his term. I was sent home with pain pills and crutches. By 4 I was tucked into bed with a buzz and an ice pack.

The next morning I started planning my attack on the day. I had to make almost all the food so that I could just pop it in the oven after church. With help from Shawn and Kennedy I was able to make something, take a break, and start again. I had a kitchen chair next to me to put my leg on but I still had quite a bit of pain. I'd work as long as I could and then go ice. Shawn vacuumed and ran every little errand I asked him to. Halfway through the day Reagan's teacher showed up with Walter. Walter saved Easter. I felt it deserved a name since it was so wonderful. Walter the Wheely Cart. Thank you Cindy! I love him!But, so do the girls. He's not always where I leave him. The crutches are also a hit. Kennedy climbed into bed with me Saturday morning and asked what had happened, hugged me, told me she loved me, and asked if I got to keep the crutches after I was better. I had to laugh.

So with Walter, my family, and those blasted crutches, I survived Easter. But what has all this taught me? My lifelong procrastination habit could have saved me all this struggle. If I'd just stayed on the couch and not decided to fill the eggs, I would have been fine. That's a life lesson right there folks. No cost to you.

Tomorrow, what I've learned about myself and life while hobbling around. I'm sure you all are on the edge of your seats:c)

Facebook Funniest

All these times that I've shared my funny Facebook friends I've left the most hilarious person out! How I overlooked this fabulous person I don't know.

So are you ready??

Here we go.

It's ME!!!!!

If you think I'm funny here you should see me when I get on Facebook and Twitter. I have them rolling in the aisles.

Here are a few of my favorites.

*For each sneeze that I have today I have a mini ab workout. I should have a 6 pack by morning.

*I'm home with the only democrat in our house. I'm not sure how she feels about health care reform but at the moment she just feels sick.

*I decided today was the day to clean out the attic. After all, it's been 9 years. We've accumulated enough to either start our own country or have a garage sale.

*I'm definitely counting the upcoming Wal-Mart trip toward my calorie burning today. If I buy a lot and run down the aisles with the cart I think I can get some good numbers. Stay tuned for how this theory works out.

*I just filled up my car for the 5th time in 13 days. Great way to kiss $300 goodbye.

*I was chased by a roadrunner today. No lie.

*I wonder if this is why I have a weight problem. I wanted clementines for breakfast and we're out...so I had a waffle.

*Let it be known-Princess Bride never gets old. Never. That is all.

*I honestly believe that Junior Mints and a Sonic Diet Dr Pepper with cherry and easy ice would make me feel 100% better. Anyone feel led to purchase and deliver??

Let me just say, one friend commented and said if she'd known earlier she would have. Another friend sent me a text and said she was out and would be over soon. Don't I have the best friends??

*I would like to know who hit me in the head with a 2 x 4 while I was sleeping.

Here are a few responses: The 2 x 4 fairy?? - I'm so sorry. Did I get the wrong house? My apologies.

*I've eaten 18 clementines in the last two and a half days. I expect to look like I have an 80's spray tan soon. In unrelated news...I need a manicure.

*I just fried two pounds of bacon. My house, and quite possibly the block, smell terrific.

*When Hootie became a country singer did he leave the Blowfish floundering?

*I am living in a house with no milk, eggs, butter, cereal, or oatmeal. That frightens me to my very core.

*I just found out it's a lot easier to treat your family to donuts when your purse is in the car when you get to the donut place.

*I am cracking up that McKinley just texted "No oyster oy" to someone because even though her eyes are dilated she insists she can see.

*My steroid says to take after supper. Since I'm not eating at my Grandma's, I don't exactly know when that is.


Really and truly, I crack myself up!

Can You Hear The Angels Singing??

I submitted the yearbook today!!

I have my life back.

56 full color pages.

350 books for sale.

700 students.

28 teachers.

25 support staff.

2 tired but very happy editors.

I am in love with black circles.

Cue the angels.

And good night.

My Yearly Visit

It's that time, the yearly visit.

To the roof.

Of my daughters school.

With a camera.

And a prayer.

It's 5th grade group yearbook picture day!

I sure hope it's not windy.

Here are the posts I wrote after this yearly ritual last year.

Just noticed that last year I was wearing a short sleeve shirt. Sadly that won't be happening this time.

Shoot.

See you all tomorrow!

If I survive.