NOBODY IS MORE SURPRISED THAN US! GKTW alumni return! 10/21 MOVING DAY!!

[McDuck]

Happy Birthday to Christian!!!!


I continue to pray for full healing for Rachel!!!

We have an official date for Bill now. It's funny it feels a little better to know when vs just having a window.

 

[jedijill]

Happy Birthday to Christian!

Thanks for the prayers. Mom texted last night and said blood tests were showing a mild heart attack. I haven't heard anything else yet.

Jill in CO

 

[merbobear]

Happy birthday Christian!
Gosh I can't believe Rachel is still feeling so badly, what did the doctor say about it, ir anything? I've never had to deal with a concussion, I never realized that the effects lasted this long! Get well soon!!

 

[pwdebbie]

I'll keep praying for Rachel to rest and heal. Is Lisa better?

 

[happybelle]

Happy Birthday Christian. I hope you are having a great

 

[redomni]

Happy Birthday Christian!

I hope that Rachel is feeling better, I know how scary it is for her having a concussion, but I can only imagine how scary it is for you as a parent. Hopefully the rest will give her time to heal.

Thoughts and Prayers to all that need them

 

[VBAndrea]

I wish Christian the Happiest Birthday of All!!! And I just have this feeling that his time has come and good news is on the horizon for him. It's kind of the feeling I had when we got the first decent offer on our house and all the hard times and long wait turned into something good.

I'm so glad to hear Rachel is sleeping so much b/c I completely agree with Tink that the sleep is the best medicine for allowing her to heal.

JENNIE I'm glad you finally have a date. Chances are it will change more than once, but it's good to get something to ground you and help reality set in. How long do you expect your dh's deployment to be? My best medicine for deployment was to keep the kids busy. I had waterpark passes, zoo passes, swim lessons, pony camp, etc. -- I did whatever we could afford to do. Our house was rented that summer so it really made things financially possible. My dh was gone for 7 months, but summer was the toughest since school didn't occupy the kids.

Hugs and prayers to all in need.

 

[ladylyons]

God bless Sandra, Thank you!!! I am waiting on the blessings to roll in! Praying for the doctors to have LISTENED to the needs you expressed!!!

It's been a busy weekend already but I did want to share that they did decide to keep my SFIL in the hospital until Monday. so he has a couple more days before they will release him. I haven't been able to find out an update mainly because today I had a birthday party to attend and then our friend's annual Summer party. Didn't get home until about 9 pm, put the kids straight to bed and decided to jump on here really quick.

So decision made I called her back. After an encounter with a RUDE lady in the office I was able to speak to the one who had originally called me. She wanted to work on making sure I was able to stay - I was a bit surprised as this is a big corporation and why do they care if I stay or go it is just a rent check to them. She was so very kind and she worked with their corporate office to reduce my rates and now my rent is only going up $5 -- I couldn't believe it!! This was me I am so happy that I don't have to leave or find someplace else to live.

YEAH!! I'm so glad that they worked with you and you are able to stay!!!

There isn't any change in Rachel yet. Her personality still isnt her. Christian and David each went out with friends last night, Lisa had 4H with Pete...Rachel and I watched a cute movie 13 Going On 30, one of those rare times we can watch a girls movie, lol. Really what happened was I watched and she slept...she slept over 4 hours when she got home yesterday from the doctor, ate dinner, slept through most of our time together and went to bed at 9 and slept all night. The only difference was I didnt have to wake her up this morning.

Your continued prayers and your kind messages mean a lot to me.

I'm sorry Rachel still is feeling bad. Continued prayers coming her way!! Just had to laugh because after we put the kids in bed I turned on the tv and what do I see but "13 Going on 30"!! Then I read your post and smiled! We didn't watch it but just seeing the little part we did made me think maybe that's the movie I'll put on when I do go to bed. Which will probably be soon!!


Happy Birthday Christian!! Hope you were able to have a great day!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Hope Rachel is feeling better tonight. I'm so glad she didn't hit the counter corner on her way down, but I'm sure hitting the floor did a number on her. Benjamin had a concussion when he was 7. A boy at school pushed him down on the playground and he hit his head on the concrete. The school didn't notify me (we have since changed schools), and he told me it had happened when I picked him up. On the way home, he started vomiting, so we headed straight to the doctor's office to get him checked out. Fortunately, or pediatrician's office has all that equipment to check for concussions so we avoided a visit to the ER. But it is scary stuff. Poor girl, I hope they can figure out what caused her to pass out.

Sandra, congrats on the pregnancy! How thrilling for your family! I hope you are able to share your news with the rest of your family soon. My sister has been trying for #4 and lost a baby back in March. She told me a couple weeks ago that they are expecting again, and when she went for her first ultrasound this week, they found out they are having twins!! She said the babies are measuring small with slower heartbeats than expected so she doesn't want to get her hopes up, but the doctor said that a couple days off on their estimates early on can account for that. She goes back next week for a follow-up. I am so excited for her!

Poor Benjamin! How scary that must have been for both of you!! You were very fortunate they had a CT scan, EKG machine, etc and could avoid the ER! We went to the ER our Ped wanted us to go to, next time we will go where I want to! They were very misleading on Tuesday!

Hi Judy,

I "met" your family a few months ago when I was reading Wish Trip reports. I figured it was about time that I said hello.

I hope your girls are feeling better and that you all have a great trip in September!

Christine

Hi Christine and Thank you for letting me now you are here! Please chime in anytime you feel up to it, I love to know who is still here! THANK YOU for the good wishes for the girls and our trip!

Glad to read that Rachel is feeling a little better. Hopefully you get results tomorrow at her appointment.

So are we!! Hopefully we're going to see her again in about a week for a play date with the kids. The best part about the BIG playground is we just got a new one at the beginning of June. So it's really a big deal. Oh yes one school is going to be easier once the baby makes it's arrival. That's the one thing I look forward to most about the appointments is hearing the heartbeat. August 14 can't come fast enough but at the same time that just means we're closer to when school is going to start!! Don't know how ready I am for that.



Thank you! We are very excited and I'm ready to tell the family but have to respect my DH's feelings too. Ahh I feel your sister's pain. Before we had Jeremy we lost 2 and after having James we lost 2 more. So I really do understand her feelings. That's great news that she's pregnant again and with TWINS!!! I'll be honest that was my worst fear! But would have been happy any way! Yes they can be off on dates!! When I went in for my 1st ultrasound this time around we were thinking we were only about 4 weeks but the ultrasound showed different. We were actually 8 weeks (had a false period the month before)!! And with twins it is easier to be off on their days. I hope the best for her and let us know how her follow up goes!! Congrats to your family for the new additions too!!



Wanted to give an update on my step father in law. So we had an appointment today with his Dr. and were told he has COPD (lung disease), pneumonia, a torn esophagus and a very minor hip fracture. There is a very small possibility that he'll be released tomorrow but I voiced my concerns about that because he's still not able to eat very well and I'm afraid that if he goes home it's just going to get bad again. He's only drinking Ensure at home and at the hospital they are at least able to get some food into him. I think they took what I said under consideration so we'll see. I'll keep you posted on what's going on.

Everything is already "old news" so I will tell you how much i am glad yo are here, just as much as I was to see you weren't and HOPING that meant you were getting a bit of rest. I know you thought, the DIS brings some relaxation to you, just as it does me. My prayers continue for you and the family, as well as your FIL. I am SO happy they are keeping him through the weekend!

The construction company he works for does a lot of remodeling and not to many new builds, but he has had periods when he has been out of work too. I don't know what we will do if that happens. All our nursing homes around her require a CNA and unfortunately my has expired because I wasn't working at one when it was time to renew it. Just trying to get something part time until I finish my degree which should hopefully be at the end of next spring.

Hope everything went okay at the doctors today, and hope that Rachel continues to feel better and all the other kids are doing okay.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them.

PLEASE KNOW I am praying for jobs for you and your DH! For your finances as you finish your degree!!! For health and pain free days!

 

[blessedmom4]

Happy Thursday! I hope Rachel is feeling better and the doctor appointment went well. I also hope Lisa is continuing to feel better and stronger each day.

I have good news to report - YAY!! My apartment lease is up for renewal at the end of August - I received my letter about the new rates at the beginning of July - there was so much going on then that I just couldn't deal with it other than to notice that my rent was going up $90 per month!! I almost had a panic attack so I put it away because I had other more important things to attend to.

Well - last week one of the ladies from the office of my complex called me and and asked me to call her back about my rates. I knew a decision had to be made so before I called her back I figured out what I wanted to do which was essentially move (to where I have no idea because I have no money to move but...I also can't afford $90 more dollars a month so...) I also did not want to move because I have lived in this apartment for a while and I have a lot of memories with my puppy dog here.

So decision made I called her back. After an encounter with a RUDE lady in the office I was able to speak to the one who had originally called me. She wanted to work on making sure I was able to stay - I was a bit surprised as this is a big corporation and why do they care if I stay or go it is just a rent check to them. She was so very kind and she worked with their corporate office to reduce my rates and now my rent is only going up $5 -- I couldn't believe it!! This was me I am so happy that I don't have to leave or find someplace else to live.

I know you have a lot more in this update for me, but let me just say PRAISE GOD!!! That was such good news for me to read the other day about your housing, I was just grinning from ear to ear! I LOVE happy news! It really DOES make me excited!

Oh my goodness, so sorry about Rachel's fall. So very scary. Trying to catch up because I took the boys to Kansas City for a get away before school starts next week. ( yes we start that early). Prayers for all with requests.

Debbie

Thank you so much for being here when you can! How exciting you were able to get away. That IS an early start to school! We have been schooling all summer, which allows us time off when we need it through the year. Both our peds and neuro (who know us way to well) told us no school for Rachel until her brian heals.

So glad to hear that Rachel is feeling better. Continued prayers that she will be back to feeling like herself soon.

We actually went back to CA for our road trip. No visiting family (although we could have stopped to see several along the way). David wanted it to be just us for a week so we could spend time with one another. His work schedule now through November is going to be awful and we won't get much time with him until Thanksgiving. So we putzed our way along, stopped where we wanted to, and just enjoyed ourselves. David has always wanted to see the Reagan library, so we went there for a day and it was truly interesting (I wasn't expecting much). They had an exhibit on Abraham Lincoln with many of his personal effects that was fascinating. We also spent some time at a couple different beaches, truly a novelty for us CO folks! But now we are home, and my Grandma comes on Sunday, so I am cleaning my house in preparation for her visit. With the kids home all the time, every room was a disaster! I promised the kids that if we got it all tidied up today, I'd take them swimming tomorrow.

Hope you all have a wonderful day. Hope both JJ and Tessa are doing better, as well.

I am so VERY HAPPY you were able to get away again, I know you thought the wedding would be the only trip, I am so happy that wasn't the case! It sounds like a MARVELOUS time!

Morning, ooops...afternoon Judy. My how time flies when you're having fun at work. NOT! LOL! Hope that everybody woke up feeling lots better this morning! Tell Christian to be watching for a delivery either today or tomorrow!

Christian LOVED it Lisa, you are such a doll baby, THANK YOU!! He is a kid at heart! (Actually, aren't most men?)

I am so sorry to hear about Rachel's accident...so scary and hopefully she will be all right soon. I am praying that Christian will find a job soon. My son was out of work for 9 months and it was scary for him. He is on his own so he had rent etc. He lives in Maas. About 3 hours from us but he got a job at a job fair and is okay now. No matter how old they are Mama still worries!

Thank you Judy for the good wishes, it is hard to see our children struggle. While Christian doesn't have to pay us rent, he does have school loans he has to pay back. I only wish I could pay HIM for all he does for me! I agree, Mama's ALWAYS worry...and there is a lot to be concerned about! I am thrilled your son found a job! I hope he continues to thrive!

 

[blessedmom4]

Prayers for Rachel!!!

Thank you Alyson! PLEASE give us an update on everything when you get a chance!

At least you know that she's feeling some better if she's asking to play her guitar. Please keep us updated on how she's doing!

She asked but hasn't played...scares me...

Continuing to pray for Rachel. Poor girl, I'm sure she is frustrated.

THANK YOU!!! She is worried... and loopy...

Oh, how frustrating for Rachel! I'm sorry I didn't understand and assumed she was doing better than the first day after some rest. We'll keep her in our prayers, I know the next couple weeks will drag by for her, especially not being able to do her regular activities. I pray she'll see significant improvement soon. Any idea yet on what caused her to pass out in the first place?

NO worries Amy, I just really wanted to believe things were better than they are! THANK YOU for the continued prayers...they think as she was doing her inhaler she had a vasovagal response. The new rule is you MUST be sitting when you do the inhalers from now on.

Praying Rachel heals up soon!!!!

God Bless Jennie Than you! What is the date they set for deployment? I know it can change (Pete's always did) but what is the target, if you don't mind sharing.

 

[blessedmom4]

Not the news I wanted to hear I will positively be keeping Rachel in my thoughts. I'm a bit concerned particularly b/c she was dismissed from the ER without anything significant found on the exam/CT. Please keep us posted. See, this is why I'm better reading every few days -- if I waited until the weekend to log on you might have posted some more definitive news re: seeing the neurologist, etc.

You'll be delighted to hear my PT is scheduled: for August 27

I guess they really want my shoulder to freeze even worse and require surgery to save some $$$$ In a couple of years once all the new health care really goes into full swing everyone will be able to relate to what I deal with when the government runs your health care. I know you (Judy) are already getting ramifications of it with your insurance changes.

DAWN I am so glad your apt complex was willing to work things out with you

Thank you for your good thoughts Andrea. Trust me I am a little more than FRUSTRATED with the ER's "all is well." They DID do the CT quickly, but were so flip about the diagnosis and aftercare...To be fair, Rachel has progressively gotten worse as time has moved on, but they had told us NO restrictions on anything.

I am GLAD you have a date for therapy and I pray it works! At least I haven't asked you to appliqué anything for me! Trying to be sensitive to the fact your shoulder is INJURED!!!As for the military healthcare vs civilian...I have had both and I think they are both slow. Lisa's last therapy evals took us from March 4 (when they were ordered) to July to be approved. We just had the last eval this past week. And this is on a child who has known issues and has had therapy practically since birth.

I am glad you aren't waiting to read, you know I tell it as I know it! Does it hurt to type?? I don't want you to hurt yourself!!

As for the healthcare plan and how it affects us...you know how I feel. I am sure I have complained here , but we have to pay out Rachel's deductible for last year for Tuesday's visit (7/31) because co-pays don't go toward the deductible and neither did the meds..so that will be $1,500, then 20% of the bill. As of Thursday,(8/1) we started all over with the new plan... $5,000 deductible...you read that right...The first $5,000 of the bills belongs solely to us. At the rate we are going we will meet that by September...THAT is what is going to happen to everyone I am afraid. $6,500 could have bought me one dilly of a Disney Vacation...or a car for Pete! BUT, to get Rachel well it will all be worth it!

Judy, Thanks for the update on Rachel! Praying that she'll get the rest she needs to bring healing and end the headaches ASAP! Hope the appointment with the neurologist will provide answers. I know you'll monitor her carefully and won't allow her to overdo even playing the guitar. Your vacation can't get here soon enough!

God Bless you Gail, It is so wonderful to know you are praying for her! Poor sweetie only feels like lying on the bed or couch, so I don't have to worry about her doing too much..but I do worry! NOw I have TWO daughters I am scared to walk up and down the stairs alone...I need a one story house with cotton walls and bouncy floors! Praying Billy is well! And that you are taking good care of you!

Oh Judy! I'm so sorry Rachel is not feeling better. I'm so glad you already contacted the neuro and have the ball rolling. Are there any concussion clinics in your area? Ours was part of the Neurology Department at our local hospital and saw us almost immediately. Sending hugs and prayer your way.

Than you Erika, It is a comfort to know you are praying! We DO have a concussion clinic, only one doc. Rachel took their online assessment yesterday and the doctor, who is out of town, emailed me. His assistant is calling me tomorrow.

Oh I'm so sorry!!

Sending hugs and prayers to Rachel, you, and the family.

Than you Madeline, I so appreciate your prayers!!!

Sorry to hear that Rachel isn't bouncing back quickly. Its a long process , my mother wasn't back to full activities for quite some time after her fall and concussion, I would say 4 weeks before she could use the computer, read, do her puzzle books or really watch TV, she just had it on for noise. She and the cat slept alot, now the cat thinks he should sit on her lap all day or sleep with her every night And its hard to tell a deaf cat NO, and he is profoundly deaf, but we talk to him anyway.

Thanks so much, I am sorry your Mom had such a rough time, I remember that. Rachel feels the same way and Bandit is a huge comfort. Lisa has been lying with Rachel and they talk or Lisa sings to her. They are such great friends, I love that my girls care so much about each other. I would talk to the cat as well! Bless his heart and I wish only the best for your Mom!

 

[lovethattink]

Our premiums and deductibles seem to be going hand in hand with yours. But ours runs Jan to Dec each year. I sure hope ours doesn't follow suit again!

And if yours is like mine, the bills incurred beyond the deductible for one person aren't counting towards the pot for the family deductible. How can they get away with that?

 

[blessedmom4]

Christian had a marvelous birthday, it was very low key. To keep Pete from stressing out, I suggested we save his movie night for next weekend and he was THRILLED! Instead, Christian picked what he wanted for dinner and we watched Brave...his choice. I made him a big Chocolate cake (Pete stirred, I always do it by hand) and David helped me frost (he did the sides of the cake and sprinkles). Pete convinced me to do three layers (FYI: that is TOO MUCH CAKE and I LOVE cake) and the top layer was to small because of one of my pans...but it was still yummy!

Rachel had a scary symptom crop up in the late afternoon and after multiple phone calls it seems it is a "normal" symptom...or unrelated...okay...as I mentioned earlier, I have been in contact with the concussion center. Rachel could "snap out" of this in a week or two..or we could be looking at a long process. There is absolutely no way to tell at this point in time. Did I mention David thought the refrigerator had fallen over when Rachel hit the ground, that is how loud/hard the fall was...and he was upstairs when he and Lisa heard it.

I am watching Lisa closely, she finished her antibiotics on Thursday and she has been quieter/lying around more, and saying she is just tired if I ask...I don't know if it is her sinuses or just taking it easy because of Rachel...but I will take her back to the MD if it continues.

THANK YOU ALL for your continued prayers for my little family, they are so very much appreciated!! I hope you have a marvelous family filled Sunday!

 

[blessedmom4]

Our premiums and deductibles seem to be going hand in hand with yours. But ours runs Jan to Dec each year. I sure hope ours doesn't follow suit again!

And if yours is like mine, the bills incurred beyond the deductible for one person aren't counting towards the pot for the family deductible. How can they get away with that?

It is outrageous Michelle, OOP USED to mean total OOP...now they can do what they want. We have always had lousy insurance except for 6 months when Pete switched jobs back in 1996, then they started insurance shopping too. I think for so long many haven't had to deal with the bills/insurance the way you and and I have with chronic conditions and NOW that things are changing thanks to obamacare, a lot more folks will be affected, even if they don't go to the MD as often as our families do. I know you understand!

 

[lovethattink]

Christian had a marvelous birthday, it was very low key. To keep Pete from stressing out, I suggested we save his movie night for next weekend and he was THRILLED! Instead, Christian picked what he wanted for dinner and we watched Brave...his choice. I made him a big Chocolate cake (Pete stirred, I always do it by hand) and David helped me frost (he did the sides of the cake and sprinkles). Pete convinced me to do three layers (FYI: that is TOO MUCH CAKE and I LOVE cake) and the top layer was to small because of one of my pans...but it was still yummy!

Rachel had a scary symptom crop up in the late afternoon and after multiple phone calls it seems it is a "normal" symptom...or unrelated...okay...as I mentioned earlier, I have been in contact with the concussion center. Rachel could "snap out" of this in a week or two..or we could be looking at a long process. There is absolutely no way to tell at this point in time. Did I mention David thought the refrigerator had fallen over when Rachel hit the ground, that is how loud/hard the fall was...and he was upstairs when he and Lisa heard it.

I am watching Lisa closely, she finished her antibiotics on Thursday and she has been quieter/lying around more, and saying she is just tired if I ask...I don't know if it is her sinuses or just taking it easy because of Rachel...but I will take her back to the MD if it continues.

THANK YOU ALL for your continued prayers for my little family, they are so very much appreciated!! I hope you have a marvelous family filled Sunday!

Glad he had a nice b-day. 3 layer cake?! You are ambitious. Brave was a good choice.

I have friends who were in a car accident a year ago. They are just now beginning to do better with their concussions. I sure hope it is a faster healing process for Rachel.

Hope that Lisa is doing better and just taking it easy for Rachel.

I've updated my TR several times. In case you haven't lurked recently, JJ is still having life interrupted by the throat tics. His seizures seem more under control though, so that's good!

He has to get 2 teeth pulled soon. They are loose teeth that have stopped being wiggly (one on one side of the mouth, the other on the far other side). We went on Friday to have it done, but when a little girl came into the area of the procedure room where JJ was, he began to tic. Obviously the dentist couldn't work on him then. So she sent us home and rescheduled an appointment for a quieter time.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I'm glad that Christian had such a nice birthday Poor Rachel, I really hope that she is back to herself soon. Concussions are so scary. My younger brother got a concussion playing hockey in April, and he is still having some lingering effects from it. Thinking of Lisa and the rest of the family as well!

 

[McDuck]

I'm happy to hear Christian had a great birthday. Continued prayers for Rachel's healing and back to herself!

Kaity had fever off and on yesterday, but no other symptoms other than some tiredness. Thankfully it responded to Tylenol, but she came to our room in the middle of the night burning up, so we gave her more and then Bill went to sleep in her bed while she stayed with me. He went to church by himself this AM.

He is going to be gone about 5-6 months. I can not share the departure date due to OPSEC, but I can say once he is gone. It is soon.

 

[kaoden39]

Judy, praying for you all.


Your insurance is awful! I am not going to get started because once I start I will not shut up. I will suffice it to say that I would love to be able to afford to be a lobbyist for affordable health care for all and for the veterans to be taken care of better. Sorry. My rant is over.



Our house! They are saying the first week of November for it.


Thoughts and prayers to all!

 

[ladylyons]

Everything is already "old news" so I will tell you how much i am glad yo are here, just as much as I was to see you weren't and HOPING that meant you were getting a bit of rest. I know you thought, the DIS brings some relaxation to you, just as it does me. My prayers continue for you and the family, as well as your FIL. I am SO happy they are keeping him through the weekend!

I feel the way about you too. When I see you posting late into night/early morning hours I know your not getting the rest you need either. But yes the DIS is a time for me to just relax and have some quiet time. I have been trying to nap during the day and today was one of them. I'm so glad I have a DH that's willing to help keep the kids entertained so I could get a couple more hours of sleep in the morning.

I also pulled a "I can't believe I messed up my days." Our plan was to take the kids to Home Depot for the monthly kids build that they do. For some reason I thought it was today but oops! It was yesterday!! We wouldn't have made it yesterday anyways due to a birthday party and our friends big summer party. So the plan is to try again next month. Out of the 3 of them I thought Jeremy would take it the hardest but it was actually Sarah. As we were walking out of the store she started crying. Poor thing!! Got her calmed down and back home where I went back to sleep for a couple hours. I guess that's the pregnancy forgetfulness kicking in.


Glad Christian had a great birthday!

Continued prayers for Rachel! I really hope it's a sooner rather than later issue for her.