Biggest Loser 10 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers :)

[mikamah]

Tuesday 11/23 QOTD-- What was your favorite non-disney vacation?

We went to cabo san lucas when michael was 4 with a friend and her son. It was a time share she had right on the beach, and we never left the resort. We'd get up and have bkfst and go to the pool, the kids would swim, we'd order a fruit platter by the pool and just sign the check, the kids would do the kids activity late morning, we'd order lunch by the pool, then go back to the room and take a nap/rest, and come back to the pool for happy hour, 2 for one frozen drinks around 3. It was so relaxing and we talked of doing a tour or going into town, but the kids had an absolute blast that we never did. If she didn't have the time share, I would never have stayed at such a beautiful resort. I'm a value resort type of girl, but it was such a treat to feel so pampered. The weather was perfect too.

Never answered yesterdays qotd, but my favorite vegies are corn and zuchini. No tricks to get them in except to buy plenty of vegies when I shop and I ussually cook a larger amount for leftovers.

 

[tigger813]

Check out this article from Sparkpeople. I agree with someone's comment: Who Eats Like This? I know I never ate that much but I definitely don't eat as much as I used to.

http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?...t_and_extra_calories_from_thanksgiving_dinner

Our meal plan for the day:

Breakfast: Turkey bacon and double cheese quiche made with egg beaters and reduced fat cheese

Lunch: Cookies and Cream Herbalife Shake

Dinner: Turkey breast, stuffing, green bean casserole made with reduced fat cream of mushroom soup and skim milk, honey glazed carrots and mashed potatoes with gravy. For dessert we'll have ice cream and coffee cake.

My big downfall is the stuffing as I LIVE for stuffing at Thanksgiving and Christmas! I'm not a big potato eater. DSIL and I are the only ones who eat the green bean casserole and I always give her the leftovers. I can't eat a lot of turkey as it messes up my stomach.

I may make one or two bacon quiches and one sausage one to put in the freezer. I always make these quiches for the holidays. It's usually what we have for Christmas Eve and Christmas breakfast. I use Gruyere cheese and reduced fat cheddar cheese. I have enough crusts so I probably will do all three. I also will save some of the sausage for a small sausage and mushroom stuffing. I have some cut up portabello mushrooms in the fridge that I will use. Trying to jazz up my recipes a bit this year. We don't want to have a lot of food in the house. We have to go to the dump next Tuesday evening with all of our trash before we go away so the fridge will be cleaned out of food.

Tummy bug is taking its toll on DD2. It's gotten worse. I won't go into details. She's hopefully going to fall asleep soon. I got her out some Powerade Zero to have when she can drink something. I try to keep it on hand when the kids are sick. They ask for it other times but I try and remind them that if they drink it when they're not sick it won't be available when they really need it. We're watching Chugginton now.

Gotta get DD1 up at 6:30 and DH up at 7.

Keep your fingers crossed and send PD that no one else in the house, especially me, gets this! Not how I want to lose those last pounds!

TTFN

PS Pam- Still praying for you and DH! Hugs to you!!!!

 

[mikamah]

Rose and Taryn- I'm sorry and hope I didn't offend you about the antidepressants. I just wanted to share that some people are really helped by them, and have a really positive result. I was really so jealous of my sister and how well she was doing on the med, and wanted to feel that much better too.

Shawn- I hear ya on the why did I pull out all these ornament/decorations, but once they're all out, I love that my house is all decorated. When I really regret is in january when I have to pack them back up and drag them down cellar. Good luck finding the game system at the best price. I want to buy a laptop and walmart has one for 349 now, and I know I won't get out friday am to fight the crowd for the 199 one, so think I might just get it now. I don't know much about them, and it's only 2 gb of memory, but I only want it for goofing around online and dis-ing, so I think it might be fine. I was hoping to talk to a guy at work yesterday who is very tech-savvy, but it was crazy and i never got the chance.

Taryn- Hugs to you on your stressful day, and the mono. I'm sure that is making it tough for you do deal with all the other stress. Do you have big plans this weekend or can you take some quiet family time and just relax, rest and enjoy those precious daughters of yours. Hang in there.

Dona- I did hold my breath when michael got up and did his memorized two lines, and he stalled in the beginning, and the teacher had to prompt him. He's doesn't like to make mistakes, and I could see he was disappointed after, but then he had 3 solo lines in a song that he did just fine, so by the time it was over, he was fine and happy. They were really so cute. Hope your final full day goes well.

Tracey- Hope dd is better soon. I am thinking even though it is a pain for her to be home from school, it's maybe a good thing you will have a healthy vacation. Nothing like hanging out in the hotel with a sick kid. Hang in there.

I am going to get dressed now to run for 30 min when michael goes to school. I missed one of my short runs last week, so I need to make sure I get them both in this week.

Have a great day.

 

[cclovesdis]

That makes disappearing post number 2.

I'm going to post today's mini-challenge and then I'll try again later, I hope. My dad has the rest of the week off and I have a few things planned for the day.

Mini-Challenge Tuesday 11/23: Enjoy 2 servings of dairy today.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Lindsay-- I think timed conferences are pretty common, but I think it stinks that she didn't point out some positive stuff as well. If you have concerns that weren't addressed, I would call and schedule another time to see her. And as for the behavior, my son was very well behaved at school, but really acted up for us. I don't think that's unusual at all. And most teachers expect this as well, I think. Hang in there. I would have been frustrated with that conference as well.

Kathy and Taryn--wasn't offended at all by any comments. I felt like I was being too negative about meds and wanted to point out that they really are needed and useful sometimes.

We had bad t-storms and lots of rain last night. I got up and went to the Y, so I got in a 4 mile run before work. I'm already at 9200 steps for the day! I think I'm going to have trouble leaving work today cause I have a ton to do, so very happy to have found a chance to run.

Hope everyone has a good day. I will try to check in tonight!

 

[cclovesdis]

Ok, here goes nothing.

I like almost all vegetables, except mushrooms and eggplant. We've been eating a lot of stews/soups and homemade pizzas lately. Vegetables on pizzas are so good and there are endless recipes out there. I made one a couple of weeks ago with roasted squash.

I love roasted veggies! Not a big fan of eggplant, but if it’s grilled, I’ll eat it. I added marinated artichokes to pizza last week. Yumm!

We had Ryans first "real" parent teacher conference tonight. I have to be honest I am a bit disappointed. Not with ryan but with his teacher.

First, for 170s! You are on a roll!

I’m with Kathy. I’d request another conference. You may consider finding out when the next eval is scheduled and have the conference within a few days. 4 weeks in K is a huge amount of time. Of course, you already knew that. Also, I know you are busy, so know that there is no reason why you can’t at least ask to talk with his teacher on the phone. Some teachers are very willing (to the point of preferring) to e-mail parents. I know that happens A LOT around here.

Just ordered the "special gifts" for the girls. DD1 is getting a karaoke machine and DD2 is getting Go Go my Walking pup! Santa is keeping things light this year. I am heading to Target in the morning to pick up a few small things and to Best Buy to get the new Santa Paws movie for the girls. I will also go to KMart and get DD1 a Darth Vader clock for her room. I hope to be mostly done before we leave in 8 days!

Always great to be done early! My dad and I tried to pick up a gift certificate for my mom from her hairdresser’s, but it was closed yesterday, and so he said, “It isn’t Christmas Eve.”

I sent you a PM. Let me know how to find you and I will definitely look you up.

Thank you! Please send Pamela a gaint .

 

[cclovesdis]

CC- Glad you've had a good eating day, and hope you had a good tutoring evening.

Thanks! She has made so much progress! I couldn’t be prouder of her! And, no dessert…until I got home that is.

Shawn: All I can say is 400 ornaments! Ok, maybe we have that many too.

Well, I spoke too soon! I guess the bug comes on gradually with warning! DD2 woke up at 3:52 am getting sick! I really prefer my alarm clock to a puking kid!

Hope she feels better soon!

cc I hope you had a relaxing day yesterday

I have to get moving. Last full day today. I am giving tests all day today. Tomorrow is a half day. Classes are 24 minutes long and then we have a pep rally. I don't have my last class since they will be taking the senior picture then so it really is nothing day. I do want to get my paperwork done from all the tests I am giving today.

Have a great day everyone.

Thanks! Have a great day too! Hope your students rock their tests! I know from when I was teaching, it was so rewarding to see my students do well!

Taryn: on the mono. Hope you feel better soon!

Tuesday 11/23 QOTD-- What was your favorite non-disney vacation?

Do I have to pick just one? We did a long one going from Las Vegas, to the Hoover Damn, to the Grand Canyon, to Flagstaff/Rt. 66, and ended in Phoenix. That was great. I’ve never been somewhere with temps of 110 and no humidity! So different than New England. San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Yosemite were fun. Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone were amazing. Oh, I don’t know, I can’t decide. My parents have this ludicrous idea that there is more to the US than Disney World!

You got it!

Have a great day.

You too!

Rose: I was going to ask if you got in a run this morning, but since you posted, for 4 miles!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Good thing I did my last grocery run yesterday. We are having a blizzard here. We get snow or wind but not the two together so it is quite unusual. Later we will have subzero temperatures tonight and tomorrow -- it is 7 degree outside now and will be about 10 below tonight.

I noticed the kids whooping and hollering more than usual when I picked up DS yesterday -- school was cancelled today -- so it will be a six day week-end! I am lucky and don't have to go to work today but unfortunately DH does unless they close the courthouse which almost never happens. I may start the Christmas decorating a little early.

Pamela, I am keeping you, your DH and family in my prayers today as your DH has his facial surgery. Maybe you can take some walking breaks up and down the halls. Hope that you got some good rest last night. So glad that you can count your blessings, my friend.

Maria, I'm looking forward to your coaching this week, too. I always enjoy your questions!

CC, glad that you got some rest.

Rose, 9200 steps at 5 am my time!

Lindsay, woo! hoo! on the 170's! Sorry for the cruddy conference. I learned that a lot of the things that go on in elementary school are the fault of the administration and not the teachers -- if they would just let the teachers do their jobs, it would be better for everyone.

Tracey, hope that the rest of the family doesn't get the bug. Hopefully this means it will be out of your systems before you go to WDW.

Maybe I'm stalling at 208 to wait for you so we can hit ONE-derland together. Love that your ate escargot to impress a date. When I was in my condo I liked the guy down the hall, and went out for sushi to get to know him better after a condo association meeting. Didn't care for it, and never got a date either..

I don't care when we hit ONE-derland, as long as it is before the Princess.

Got a big laugh out of the sushi story -- DH ate sushi once to impress a girl. DH does not eat fish -- never has. Apparently things went downhill when DH ate the wrong end of a shrimp -- and his sushi days and time with that girl ended!

Shawn, I'm amazed at all the ornaments that you have and that you brought them with you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you on that 25 pound clippie!

dona, enjoy your last full day this week!

Taryn, hope that you can get some rest this week-end. That will help your body fight off that bug. There are some good ten minute guided meditations online and on ITunes. You might want to check out a couple of those to try to help calm the stress. I think some of the stress this week over finances may be because Brad is off work.

Tuesday 11/23 QOTD-- What was your favorite non-disney vacation?

My favorite non-Disney vacation was when we went to San Francisco for spring break a couple of years ago. We had a great time riding the trolleys, going to the science museums, Alcatraz.

I think I will put on my pedometer and try to make sure I get a lot of steps today. A little snow shoveling will be good exercise, too. It's fun to be stuck in the house the first day -- it's those later days that may not be so fun.

Have a great day all!

 

[tigger813]

I'm sooooo tired! I was dozing when DD2 came out to ask for a drink. She seems to be better but we're staying in. Hoping if DH gets home soon enough I can run out to the store to get a few things. I may still take DD1 with me.

I honestly don't think I have the energy to get in any exercise today! My head is feeling funny from being so tired!

So far today I've made a chocolate chip coffee cake, fried up some turkey bacon and sausage and made a bacon double cheese quiche. I've also cleaned up the kitchen and done about 3 loads of laundry. I also still want to bake some cookies. And I have our pork chops for supper marinating in teriyaki sauce!

I could really fall back asleep right now! I think I'll get up and get some water or tea or maybe a soda so I get some caffeine in me!

TTFN

 

[pjlla]

Well... as luck would have it, I spent a few HOURS off and on this morning replying to everyone and posting an update about DH.... then when I hit submit, my computer logged me out of the wireless service here at the hospital and all was lost. I am so sorry I cannot duplicate it... but here are the basics.

THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers, pixie dust, warm wishes, and concern.

Medical update ahead... feel free to skip if you are squeamish.

Basically DH is in for an 8 hour surgery today. THey started about 9am. They are cutting the skin open across the top of his head from ear to ear, peeling it down, and repairing his forehead/sinus, eye sockets, cheekbones, and nose with titanium. Then they will stitch that up and start on the jaw. The bottom jaw, which was broken in half nearly exactly in the middle, will have hardware (not sure how much of it will be permanent) and be wired to the top jaw. Idea is that that the top jaw will heal itself (also broken in half through the palate) properly when wired to the bottom jaw. Additional fracture at the left joint of the bottom jaw will not be repaired today. If it does not repair itself it may require further surgery at another time. Also possible that either part of jaw will not repair properly and will require more surgery.

Hardest part for DH to hear was about the breathing tube. Because of his neurological disorder and all of the facial fractures and the fact that they are working in the mouth, they had to insert a breathing tube while he was still awake this morning. They told him it would be unpleasant. I was with him in pre-op when they started prepping him for that, but DD and I left. I am not particularly squeamish, but decided we didn't need that memory. Hopefully DH won't remember any of it by tomorrow.

DD i s here with me today... makes her feel helpful and it is! DS decided to go to school and robotics... that was the best decision for him. He seems to be dealing okay with this, but I'm afraid it will hit him hard later.

I got home last night for a few hours.... I felt terrible leaving DH, but he said he was okay with me going and he did sleep mostly through the night. It was nice to be home, snuggled up with my kids, even briefly. And I got a shower and change of clothes and a hug from my parents and the cat. Felt mentally refreshed this morning.

Don't have time right now to repeat everything I lost, but these are the basics. I'll try to hop over later and chat.........P

 

[Cupcaker]

Hi everyone. I am finally caught up in all 20 pages. I am almost caught up with the weight I gained from my trip- all but half a pound. It has been freezing over here. Lows in the 30s and highs in the 60s. In California standards, that is cold. It has taken a toll on my motivation to exercise, but I will keep going and do it. I am looking foward to thanksgiving. I especially like leftovers. Liberty Tree Tavern from WDW has tainted me. They serve honey butter, so this year I insist on making it. I usually dont like butter, but this was soooooo good. That will be my treat for thanksgiving. That and maybe flan...mmmm...

Im happy to be back. Reading what everyone is up to, their successes and struggles, really helps me move along too. I have been really struggling since getting back from my trip, but I think Im ready to move on.

Pamela- Praying that your DH will recuperate in no time. Thank goodness there was no major bleeding and no broken teeth! Hang in there, you are doing so well. to you and your kids.
Lindsay- I hope things are going better for you and DH.
Shawn- that’s so nice you are coming back to the states for Christmas. Congratulations on reaching onederland!
Taryn- Im glad things are working well with PC. Having your own site must help out a lot too. Have you tried the gummy multivitamins? I assume they work for adults because on the package it says the dosage for adults. I take the sour gummies To compensate for Calcium, I take some fruit chews specifically for it. I had a time when taking the “real” pills would make me sick to my stomach, now taking my candy is so much better.
CC- You are doing so great with studying. Im sure you passed the test with no problems.
Tracey- congrats on reaching 50! Hope your DD feels better soon.
Cam- Hope you are feeling better. Glad you are back to WW.
Rose- Hope DS has a safe trip home.
Kelli- Congratulations getting past your plateau! Welcome to onederland.
Deb- Yay for new appliances!
Dona-congrats to DS making the honor society
Connie- You are a trooper. Congrats on finishing your first half!
Jayne- I picked up some of those boots too
Lisa- enjoy your six day weekend!
Kathy- you are so sweet to figure out how to conquer itunes to put music on Michaels nano.
to everyone else.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

:Lindsay YAY for the 170's!!!! AS for the conference, we have to do 10minute meetings, too, to get all the parents in. It's frustrating. I make an agenda for each one, and the first thing I write down is something positive. That always gets the parents more comfortable, and sets a better tone. I hate that she didn't do that. I think sometimes I get so caught up in expectations, I might sound that way, too. Thanks for the reminder. We find that so often parents are SHOCKED at what K kids need to learn, that we spend too much time going over where they need to be. I'm sure he has picked up A LOT of the things since that eval. a month ago! Did she ask you if you had any concerns or questions? I always start w/ that, too. Don't let it get you down, you know you have a terrific kid. FWIW, kids are ALWAYS worse when their parents are around. Since you didn't mention it, I guess everything was okay with Dh's work yesterday.

Hey Taryn. I honestly dont think it was so much the time limit, and expectations that got me it was just how she presented everything. She does a great job with the kids but from the start my dh and I didnt really care for her personality. No fluffiness to her just down to business. Its not what I imagined for kindergarten. I feel like she is somewhat unapproachable and I just get the feeling she doesnt like me. Anyway, I feel like she told me everything he didnt know but really didnt say if he is on target or if he is behind. I know what he still has to learn and work on but we have until june. So where is he now??? I thought about emailing her but Im not sure what I am going to do. I know there are time restraints but to set a kitchen timer and once it goes off say ok well thats all the time we have so I cant show you anything else...I just thought it was rude. My dh and I didnt really say anything the whole time so it wasnt like we took up all the time talking.

Another book ahead, sorry.

1. Work - frustrated! Principal is overwhelmed, won't listen to anyone. I've mentioned new construction, the doors are WAYYY too heavy. She's insisting our kids use that as fire exit, but the doors will close when the alarm goes off. They can't open them, we can't stand and hold them, someone's going to get hurt, and she says "they're just going to have to deal."

1b. Parent was considering med. for her son. Borderline if he needs it at this point, IMHO. Not affecting grades, but he does stay in trouble, misses "good behavior" rewards. She asked for the county psychologist to come watch him. Which means she was watching me. She sat in my room for over an hour, he was an . Told her I have NO idea what was up. Got an email an hour later from the parent saying she started meds w/ him Fri. night. At least the psychologist validated my opinion about the heathens I teach and my teaching.

2. Finances - 2 people cancelled PC shows yesterday. Really got me down. Then DH really wants to go to ACC championship that VT is playing in. Tix are only $25, which is cheap for VT fb. Well, I told him that he knew the finances, I wouldn't go, but if he wanted to go w/ friends take off. He got upset again about it all. Decided not to go. Did not lead to a pleasant evening. I am trying everything possible to get us back on the right track, but it's feeling a little "all in vain" this week. Feeling the weight of the world again.

3. Health - during the time I wasn't posting much, was having issues with running a fever, feeling really bad, sore throat, swollen glands. I'm still really tired, talked to school nurse. She said "do you think you had mono?" DUH. I always get mono when I am stressed, run down, etc. Turns out, several kids I am in contact w/ a lot had it, and now 2 of my students do. That makes me feel a bit better, to have a probable cause. Came home and slept for an hour, took another 30 minute nap after dinner, and still slept like a log last night.

4. Diet - seeing some bad habits creep back in. Gotta get with it. Really want to run, kinda, but I really don't have the energy after work, and have to have my mornings to work on classwork/schoolwork/PC stuff.

5. THANKS IF YOU MADE IT THROUGH!

Have a great Tuesday!
Taryn

1a. Thats tough to not get what you need and not feel listened too. I dealt with that for years with my office and now we finally have someone who not only listens but tries to get us what we need.

1b. Glad someone else saw what you have to deal with on a daily basis.

2. I feel the same way once you get a little more something else comes up that you need to pay or buy. I feel like we can never get ahead or when we finally catch up something knocks us down again. All I can give is hugs

3. Make sure you get your rest! Take it easy this week. Dont worry about the running until you feel better.

4. At least you conciously know the habits and can stop them before they become habits again. You know what to do. You will be ok, its hard to have everything under control when times are busy. Just do your best....thats all you can do.

5. Your welcome.

Tuesday 11/23 QOTD-- What was your favorite non-disney vacation?

I am having a hard time choosing just one they all have so many different meanings.

The cross country trip I took with my best friend when we were 21 was awesome. We actually only went half way because I got home sick after a few days. But our time we spent in new orleans was amazing. We had a blast and did things I would never do again. Yes that involved beads. Remember I was 21....

My dh and I's first trip together was a long weekend to ocean city, MD. We enjoyed the beach and the resturants. It was a great and relaxing trip.

The most recent trip we took as a family was to Gatlinburg,TN. I enjoyed it but it wasnt disney.

Good thing I did my last grocery run yesterday. We are having a blizzard here. We get snow or wind but not the two together so it is quite unusual. Later we will have subzero temperatures tonight and tomorrow -- it is 7 degree outside now and will be about 10 below tonight.

Wow Lisa, that is crazy! I hope you are staying warm and not getting blown away. Your description of the weather made me think of the part in rudolph the red nose reindeer when they are looking for rudolph and the wind is blowing and cold. I thought I had it bad here because its dropping to the 40's. Thats springtime compared to what you are going through.

Medical update ahead... feel free to skip if you are squeamish.

I am praying for dh that his surgery goes well and is successful. Gosh i am still amazed that he didnt loose any teeth with all those fractures. Im glad you got some rest last night too. You have two wonderful kiddos there. Glad DD was there with you today.



Dh is feeling better mentally but now is sick. Poor guy cant catch a break. He has a cold but you know how men are. I dont know how soon the pills are suppose to work but he seems alot more like himself. Doesnt seemed worried and upset all the time. Hopefully he gets through tomorrow without any hiccups at work and we can enjoy a nice holiday and weekend without the added stress of his mental breakdowns. Thank you all for your concerns.

I am having a hard time focusing at work. This happens during holiday weeks for me. My brain takes off alot sooner than it is suppose to.

I have to pick up the kiddos after work and take them to my parents. School is closed tomorrow so my dad offered to keep them for us. They decided to turn it into a sleep over. The kids are excited. I think I will get up in the morning and run since it looks like rain for thanksgiving. I can get that in and still get to work by 8 since I dont have the kids to worry about.

 

[lisah0711]

Greetings from the Great White North!

The blizzard is gone and it is just very, very cold now and will get colder tonight. It's kind of fun to be housebound, for now, but I imagine by Thursday it may be losing it's charm!

Tracey, I hope that you are not coming down with the bug, too. Get some rest!

Pamela, thanks for the update. Your poor DH! I don't know why they have to do the breathing tube when you are still conscious -- I know it is very unpleasant so it's probably just as well that you didn't stay around. It's bad enough your DH had to be there. It sounds like he is so lucky that he was not injured worse than he was -- when he feels better you can call him the Bionic Man! I'm glad that you are letting your kids deal with it in their own way -- you are a good Mom! It might have helped your DH to rest better knowing that you got to go home last night -- even when those guys are flat on their backs, they still want to look out for you, you know? You all still have a long road ahead but it sounds like things are improving rapidly.

Lindsay, your poor DH was so stressed it's not surprising he got a bug on top of everything else, poor guy. Hope he is feeling better soon. And hope that you don't get it, too.

Jeanette, it is cold in California when it gets into the 30's. When I grew up in Anaheim we longed for a white Christmas -- the best we could do was frost or a Santa Ana wind!

For your folks getting the Peppermint Mocha Kahlua -- there is a $10 rebate from Kahlua if you buy two bottles. It's good stuff!

Off to do another load of laundry. Have a great evening all!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Pamela--so glad you got some rest. Hope the surgery went well.

Lisa--Oh I am so not ready for snow.

I had a good day at work, though I was hungry for most of the day. That always happens when I work out before work. DS just texted me that they are on there way. Mike is off getting a haircut and I am doing nothing for a few minutes. All of a sudden I am swamped with stuff at work. It's nice to be so busy, but I'm pooped when I get home.

Thank you all for all the good travel wishes. I'm sure I'll be back on later to check in. We're going to stay up until DS gets home, though I'm guessing at some point I will fall asleep on the couch.

 

[pjlla]

Evening all....

DH made it through surgery and they even finished early. They were able to do all of the facial fracture repairs, pretty much as anticipated. That's all good news.... but of course, it cannot all be good, right?

They had warned me back on Sunday to watch for fluid leaking from his nose, that it would be spinal fluid and could mean a more serious injury. Didn't seem to have that, so didn't think more about it. Surgeon tells us that when they opened him up they did find significant leakage of spinal fluid... but it had been dripping down his throat (probably accounts for how gurgly and congested he sounded). They also discovered a significant skull fracture that traveled across his forehead back past his temple towards his ear. They repaired it the best they could from their angle. Also found significantly more skull damage than they anticipated. Had to do lots of repairs.... took out lots of bone fragments and replaced it with ??? (can't remember what they called it... some sort of bone replacement). Also had to permanently fill in the sinus in his forehead area... it was too damaged to fix. They took out all of the mucosa and filled the sinus area with a synthetic bone replacement that will harden.

They have made a repair to stop the spinal fluid leak and are reasonably confident that it is fixed, but if not it will mean evaluation by neurosurgery and the possibility of another open surgery on his head. We are, of course, praying hard that the current repair will be sufficient.

He still has a breathing tube and is on a vent right now. They are leaving that in place until at least tomomrrow. Hopefully they will know soon about the fluid leak repair and can make the decision to remove or leave the tube based on that.

We did see him in PACU and is vry sedated. Hard to tell how the facial repairs really look because of the swelling and breathing tubes and bandages... guess we won't worry too much about cosmetic stuff at the moment.

I'm up in the air about what to do tonight myself. DD's friend's Mom and swim coach are coming up for a visit tonight and I asked them to take DD home with them. I'd like her to go visit her friend overnight and get away from this situation which has become our "standard" for now. She was a trooper here with me today and must be feeling stressed and tired, even if she wouldn't admit it. A few hours with friends watching tv and eating junk food would be great.... they don't have school tomorrow, so all is good with that.

I can tell you all honestly, when he told me about the additional skull damage and possible need for further surgery (and neurosurgery at that), I felt like someone kicked my legs out from under me. My ability to put two intelligent thoughts together went right out the window. I could have thrown up on the surgeon's feet. But I held it together for DD's sake, at least.

Thanks once more for the continued prayers.... they are still needed so much! Thanks for being there for me to unload on... I feel like our families have so much to deal with right now, they don't need me whining and complaining. I just need to vent.

Amazing how life can change in the blink of an eye.........P

 

[lisah0711]

Pamela, bless your heart! What a horrible roller coaster ride you have been on this week. Your DH must be a strong guy to have gone through all he has and come out of surgery early today. That was a lot of work. Surely if they thought that what they were doing wasn't sufficient they would have called in the neurosurgeon today. I hope that you can see Deb tomorrow because she is the perfect person to talk to about all the fears with neurological problems.

I'm glad that you can have your daughter go home with someone else tonight. I'm sure that your DH will be heavily sedated all night. I hope that you can go somewhere and be alone and just let yourself go for a bit. Cry and gnash your teeth and just feel bad for your DH, your family and yourself at the horrible situation that you find yourself in now. I'm sure that you are trying to be strong for everyone but that can't go on forever. See if someone will give you a prescription for a sleeping pill. Your problems won't be gone tomorrow but you will be better able to deal with them after you've had a good nights rest.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Rose, I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers until your DS is safely home.

 

[flipflopmom]

Oh gosh P. That's awful. AT least there was some good with the bad. I hope that what they did took care of the spinal leakage. I am praying hard for that, for your mental strength, and for the best healing possible. No words, just prayers....

 

[Rose&Mike]

Oh P, I am so sorry. I am sending good wishes your way for the strength you need to get through this really difficult situation and that your DH is not too uncomfortable with everything he has had to go through. Thank you for sharing your story. Selfishly, I have definitely gotten the reminder of what is important in life--health and safety and the ones we love. Please know I am thinking about you and yours.

 

[cclovesdis]

Evening!

Not a good day with eating. I was stressed out, but at least I didn't binge. I am feeling better and hoping for an OP day tomorrow.

I'm exhausted and ready for bed. I was gone most of the day and feel like I didn't accomplish a thing. I tried to find my sister and BIL a Christmas today and had no luck. I need wide width sneakers and the store I went to didn't have any in the styles I liked. I'll try somewhere else tomorrow and Friday, if necessary.

A few quick replies and then I'm going to bed. I think I'm going to skip setting the alarm tomorrow. Yeah, right.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

Lisa: Stay warm, but enjoy the prettiness too!

Tracey: Hope you are able to get some rest tonight and stay healthy!

Pamela: It sounds like DH has been blessed with amazing doctors. Glad DD was with you today and also, that she and you have lots of support from others. Please, do keep us updated. DH, you, and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanette: Way to get back on track immediately!

Your love for honey butter has inspired my mini-challenge for tomorrow.

Thanks for your kind words!

Lindsay: Glad DH is doing better. Hope he feels better physically soon.

Glad your father is able to help out with DSs tonight and tomorrow! I still love my time with my grandparents.

Rose: for your night and for DS' safe return.

 

[cclovesdis]

Mini-Challenge for Wed., 11/24: Plan if you will have a "splurge" food for your Thanksigiving meal(s), and if so, what it will be.

Mine will probably be a serving of yams. We are not planning to have any desserts.

No mini-challenge on Thanskgiving except to enjoy the day!