Painting this weekend!

This weekend D started painting our bedroom. I love fresh paint. The winter time is the time of
year that D and I paint rooms and do most home repairs. Summers are just too busy. I use the term we loosely. I mainly supervise. It's what I do best.Here is a before picture. The room to the right is the bath. The door that you can hardly see to the left is a walk in closet. You may not be able to tell but it was already green; it just wasn't dark enough for me. I choose a rich darker green. It is called Cottage Sage. I love it with all the black and white I have in here. I have lots of windows in my house; so using dark colors is not a problem. Below is the other side of the room that is completed.

See what a richer green this is. I just love it! I really need new lamps in here. Something larger and maybe black. Don't look too close at the picture frames. They are a work in progress. I am having some black and white photos of my kids put in these. It's on the long list of things to do. One project on my things to do is buy 2 white pillow shams for this bed and have them monogrammed. They will go in front of the black ones that are already here. I LOVE anything monogrammed.
Today all of the zoo members; including the ones that do not currently live here any longer went to a bone marrow drive at a local church for a young girl that in fighting Leukemia. Here name is Becca and she is 19 I think. Not too sure of her age. We have known this family for over 20 years. Some of the zoo members were unable to participate because of certain health issues. Drew for example; because he has had open heart surgery he was unable to be a donor. But he was there for support for the rest of us. They had over 700 people show up. I sure hope someone is a match. We will be praying for Becca.

Blessings,
Heidi

Thirteen years ago today my life changed forever.

Today thirteen years ago my poppy(pictured above on his wedding day) went to heaven.
My life changed forever.
I miss him so much.
I think about him often.
I can still hear his voice.
He taught me so much about life and God.
I see some of him in my boys.
I wish I had just one more day with him.

Ok third and final post for the day!

We need prayer for this beautiful couple on the left. They are 22 weeks pregnant and just found out on Friday that they are going to be having a baby girl. During the sonogram the doctor found that their baby girl has a condition called Gastroschisis. This means that the babies intestines are on the outside of her little body. They will be delivering by c-section around 37 weeks and take the baby immediately into surgery to repair this defect. The baby will be in the hospital for 6 to 8 weeks.

The two men in this picture are my nephews; Gabe is the one on the left and Brian is on the right. Gabe's wife's name in Adrienne. Brian's girlfriends name is Danielle.

This news lays very heavy on my heart. I know what it is like to have a baby with a birth defect. I know the stress and worry that they are going through. I will be on my knee's every night in prayer for them.

Second post in one day!

This is my friend HC and her beautiful family. Yesterday was her birthday. Happy Birthday Friend! We will celebrate real soon!

Back to the Emergency room

Yesterday afternoon we found ourselves back to the emergency room with D. He had a construction accident. He was in a forklift type of equipment that had a boom on it; the boom was fully extended when the ground gave way on the front right tire sending the boom crashing to the ground. D was in the cage and was knocked around a bit when the boom hit the ground. The emergency room paper work states head concussion with no internal bleeding. That was why I took him. He refused to go to the hospital when the paramedics arrived on the seen and I wanted to make sure there was no bleeding internally. The job that he was working on was two hours away; by the time one of his employees drove him home he had a pretty good headache. I was not taking any chances.

Funny story; well not so funny for me, I wanted to crawl under the emergency room bed that D was laying on. A while back D stated that he needed new socks. I went to purchase him some like I have done for the past 27 years. These would be work socks; thick white, gray on the toe and heel. Just something for him to stuff in his work boots. Well I must have had my head somewhere else when purchasing these socks because I bought a size 12 to 15. Umm can we say way too big. The gray part of the heel when D puts them on are half way up his calf. Well any smart man would set these aside for me to donate. No not D he has been wearing them.
When we were in the emergency room and the nurse pulled up his jeans to check for swelling in his legs he had on those socks. He looked like a small child wearing his dads socks. I wanted to just die!! D has never been one for fashion; but this was a new level even for him. Needless to say I will be removing all of those socks from his dresser promptly this morning.

Thank GOD D was ok; it could have been so much worse. There was no other construction workers near him on the ground so that was a blessing. If I see him in those socks again though I will be giving him another concussion.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

New Furniture

Today I went shopping with Meg and Drew to find them a new bedroom set. In the last couple of days we have been into several furniture stores. I have seen some really beautiful things to items I am not sure what they were. The sales people varied from courteous to we were wasting their time by being in their store.



But late this afternoon we went into a mega furniture store. We were treated very well from the time we entered the store until the time we left. Meg and Drew bought a beautiful bedroom set without breaking the bank. As soon as it is delivered and set up I will post pictures. The salesman met Drew's price which is always nice. I am so excited for them. I always love to shop and spend other peoples money.

These two will be reunited tomorrow. Heather is cutting her vacation a little short because she misses the princess. The princess misses her too.

Blessings,

Heidi

Weekend Away

D and I spent last weekend at the lake with my in-laws. We had an awesome time. The temps were almost 60 on Sat. I called the kids and they said it was almost 30 and blah! Goosh what a difference it makes just a couple of hours drive to the south. But my fun and warmth didn't last because Sunday as we were driving home the rain turned into ice. Back to winter.

HC finally figured out what the problem was with her phone and e-mailing. I received the apron pictures when I returned home from the lake.

If you know me at all you are not surprised by the animal print. I can't wait to make one for my mother-in-law. I think Meg wants one too. Oh the possibilities.





We just learned how to do the coolest thing; Skyp. This picture was taken while we were skyping them. Devin and Heather are out of town this week. Devin has a training class and Heather decided that she would go with him for a mini vacation.

I am keeping the princess while they are gone. Don't think things are going to well. Mommy and the princess have cried everyday thus far.

The princess doesn't understand why mommy is talking to her on the computer but doesn't come and pick her up. Devin has class until Friday; not sure if Heather is going to last that long. This skyping is the coolest thing; we were able to see their Hotel room. Heather showed us how awful her bed comforter is. I think I saw pink flamingos but hopefully it was just a bad skyp.
Modern technology; you just gotta love it. Need to work on the quality of the picture though.

Blessings,

Heidi

Handmade Aprons and Chicago Pizza

Today I spent the day with my friend HC. We always have so much fun when we are together. Today's project was completing our aprons. It took us several hours because we do not know how to read a pattern but we completed them and love how they turned out. I forgot to take my camera so I don't have any pictures. HC was to e-mail me the picture that she took however at the time of this post I haven't received it. Today her new baby chocolate lab had a little surgery so she is probably busy with him. I will try to forgive her.

HC and I love to try new recipes; and for lunch she made me a Chicago Pizza. This was not your normal pizza. It was so good. Made in a round cake pan with homemade crust and sauce. Very deep dish that melt in your mouth. Goosh maybe I need to call her to see if there is any left. Just talking about it makes me hungry.

Meg and Drew went out on a date tonight; they really needed to get out for a while. I believe they went to dinner and a movie. D and I stayed home and played with Drake. My favorite thing to do.

Our sweet princess Aspen has an ear infection. That poor baby has really been through it lately.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Ash Wednesday

Today is the beginning of lent. It is a time that I reflect on so many things. I just love this time of year. Even just a few short days ago it looked like this.

The top picture is my view from my front porch. The second one is of my back yard. All this snow is very beautiful. However this time of year I know it will be all over soon and spring is around the corner. YEA! I have decided to give up sugar for lent. I know I can do it. Just maybe a few pounds will go away in the next forty days with all of this snow.

Heidi

Happy Heart Day Drew!

When our youngest son Drew was born we were told that he had a condition called Tetrology of Fallot. Which means that he had two holes in his heart. We were told that when he was strong enough they would need to do open heart surgery to repair the holes.





On this day 22 years ago Drew had that open heart surgery. Today he is a strong and healthy Man. D and I thank GOD every day for him.

We hoped and prayed that one day he would have a son of his own. Now he does and D and I hoped and prayed that our boys would never feel the pain that we felt by having a son with a heart condition. So far our prayers have been answered.

Heidi

Hospital Pictures and a Hair Cut

The computer genius came by last night to set up Meg's new lap top. We are so grateful. Now I can post pictures from the Hospital. Here is our princess in the emergency room waiting for a room.

This was the next day when I brought her some balloons for Valentines Day. She had her oxygen off but the IV was still in.
It was so hard to keep her entertained and stay in that bed!

Here is her daddy finally getting her to take a nap. It was late Saturday afternoon after all of her aunts and uncles and other grandparents had left for the day. She was so tired but not giving into a nap until Daddy rocked her. We are so glad that she was well enough to go home Sunday. Yesterday she was almost back to her self.

Today was hair day. Meg and I were in desperate need of a highlight so Drew's friend Beckee came over to make us beautiful.

Drake also got a hair cut. His parents have to be creative when it is his turn. Sucker always works. He needed a bath after this. Hair and sucker was all over him. I just love a new hair cut and color. Helps me handle all this snow and winter cold much better. Not sure why; it just does. Did I mention that it has snowed everyday in February. It may have just been flurries but it was there. Gosh I am done with it.

Heidi

Valentine weekend in the hospital

Late Friday afternoon I went to Devin and Heather's to watch Aspen while they ran a few errands. Earlier in the week Aspen had been diagnosed with croup so they didn't want to get her out if they didn't have to. When I first arrived Aspen was asleep on Heather's lap. Heather and I had a brief conversation then I took Aspen from her and held her while they left. At that time Heather and I discussed that she was getting worse as the week went by. They had already taken her to one emergency room because of the croup this week. But Heather and I discussed it was time to take her to Children's Mercy.

After the kids got back from a brief errand we took her to Children's Mercy. I have pictures of our little princess however this computer will not allow me to upload them. I will hopefully be able to post them later in the week when Devin can get Meg's new lap top up and running.

So after Heather and I arrived at the hospital they did a brief exam and gave her some meds for her fever and told us to wait another 45 min to see if we see any improvement in her. She became considerably worse and it wasn't long until we were admitted. Her breathing was very labored and she was dehydrated.

At about 11:00 pm we finally got her in a room hooked up to oxygen and an IV with fluids. At midnight Heather and I were starving. Devin had to work that night so he was unable to stay. Heather went to the cafeteria to get us something to eat while Aspen was fast asleep. I don't know why but that was the best cheeseburger I have had in a while; it was probably all the people watching that Heather and I was doing in the emergency room. It sure works up at appetite. And there we plenty of sights to see.

I finally went home at around 1:30 am hoping that maybe Heather could get some rest. I arrived back to the hospital at around 10:00 am the next morning to help out in any way that I could. It is so hard for a two year old to understand that she needed to stay in bed and sit still. We had our work cut out for us.

Needless to say as the weekend went by the better she became. Tonight she is at home with her mom and dad resting comfortably with mom and dad pushing as much fluids as they can. Eating is still not important to her but as she starts to feel better hopefully so will her appetite.

The best Valentines ever is to see Aspen home and doing better. Other than that this was another snowy weekend. I don't believe it is ever going to stop snowing!

Heidi

Great Day!

For starters the sun was out today! This always helps. I also went shopping with my girls Heather, Meg and Aspen. Devin tagged along. We needed him for part of the shopping trip because Meg purchased a much needed lap top. I am so envious. I want one so bad. Did I ever mention that?

Meg will be going back to school in the fall and really needed this lap top. My reasons for wanting one is more important than that. Blogging!

I was with the computer genius this afternoon; still don't know how to post pictures. Dang! Hopefully over the next couple of days he will be by to set up Megs computer; I can have a crash course in picture posting then.

Hopefully there will be more sunny days this week. God knows how bad I need it; I have told him.

Heidi

SAD

Today I did absolutely nothing. I am experiencing that SAD; seasonal depression and just wanted to stay in bed all day. My asthma is rearing its ugly head once again. I have an appointment with a specialist for the 1st of March. That is the earliest that I can get in. Goosh; I hope I can make it until then.

It keeps snowing and snowing. I picked up some gardening books at the library but can't seem to find it in me to read them. I will be expanding my garden this year and want to do some research on tomatoes. If it would just warm up a tad and quit snowing so that I can see that spring will arrive.

D and I went to see the kids tonight in their new house. I would love to post pictures but still have not discussed it with Devin on just how to do that with this computer. I would also love to post a picture of the awesome print that Heather got me for Valentines Day. I just love it.
Did I mention that I need a laptop!

Heidi

Just a Monday

Ya know Mondays are so different for me now that I am not working. I am really starting to enjoy them. To be truthful when you don't work your not really sure what day it is. Especially when D is not working either. UGH!
Today I rearranged furniture. Now that half of the zoo members have their own place I have moved a bunch of furniture around. I put all of my sewing and craft stuff that was in my laundry room in a sewing and craft room. Now my laundry room is just a laundry room.

When Devin was moving all of his stuff from storage to his new house he decided he didn't want a few things. I am grateful that he allowed me to have them because most of the items were my grandmas. I have very few things of hers. The items that Devin gave me have no monetary value at all; just sentimental.

The move has taken a toll on Aspen and Heather. Both are not feeling to well today. The cold temps I am sure have a lot to do with it.

I would like to post pictures however Devin took the lap top with him so I am not sure I know how to down load on this desk top that he left me with. I will have to talk to him about it. I need a lap top so bad. Hopefully soon.

Heidi

Apprenticeship Completed/Moving Day

This week Drew completed his Apprenticeship program. He is now officially graduated from school. I really hate that these trade schools do not have a graduation. These guys work hard to complete this program and get no recognition at the end other than to say see ya. All done.

Well this mama is proud. I want to hold a small party for him or something; but I am not sure that he would let me do that. But Drew I am so proud of you. I know that there were so many ruff times this past four years. I am proud that you stuck it out and kept your goal in sight. (He probably wont even read this; oh well.)

Moving Day:

Devin and his family are moving into a place of their own this weekend. I know how difficult it was for so many living here at the zoo. They are so excited to be living on their own; and D and I are excited for them. They only moved about 15 minutes away to a town near by. I can't wait for them to get settled so that I can come and visit them. It's going to be hard not seeing Aspen and Brennon on a regular basis. But I know how happy they are. This location is good for them. Brennon's school in right down the road. He will be starting Kindergarten this fall.

We received about 5 inches of snow today. I am really getting cabin fever. I need spring to be here in the worst possible way.

Heidi

Cooking Class

Well last night was my cooking class with my friend HC at the local Parks and Rec. I did have a great time spending the evening with friends. However I feel the Parks Department needs to sick to Park related issues; or I just prefer someone to make cinnamon rolls for me. Probably the later.

I felt they taught us a really complicated recipe for cinnamon rolls. I know there has got to be a better way. With the whole process I had a terrible time trying to get my milk and butter temp to exactly 100 degrees so that I didn't kill the yeast. I kept thinking that this would be so much easier if I could call the local diner in my small town called Neighbor's that makes the best cinnamon rolls ever and order me a couple dozen and be eating them before my yeast has a chance to rise.

Oh well; I brought home a cookie sheet full of homemade cinnamon rolls that I will be putting in the oven Friday morning for all the Zoo members to enjoy. Why Friday? Well we are to have several inches of snow by then and it just seems like and item that I will need that morning. Either that or spike my coffee so that mentally I can handle another round of that beautiful white stuff.

Where is Spring?

Heidi

Emergency Room

I have been having problems with my asthma for the last couple of day. I am not sure why because my asthma is triggered my allergies. I have not been experiencing any allergy problems so I am not sure what triggered this attack. Monday night I got very little sleep because I simply could not breathe. I thought I would give it one more day and maybe with my inhaler it would settle down. Well at about 1 am this morning the inhaler ran out. As the hours went by the more problems I had in breathing.

At about 3 am I thought if I can just make it until the doctors office opens I will get in right away. But by 5 am I could hardly walk across the floor. I woke D and he took me to the emergency room right away. While D was parking the car after dropping me off at the emergency room door I slowly walked into the emergency room. I was the only one in there and as I approached the counter where a lady was sitting I tried to convey to her that I was having an asthma attack. All I could hear from her was "Don't I know you", "You look so familiar". I am thinking to myself. How can I look familiar; I am in my jammies; my hair is a mess; no makeup. Quite frankly I looked like crap.

As I am trying to smile but tell her I need help! I can't breathe. She finally picked up the phone and told someone hurry up to the front; lady in full blown asthma attack. I thought thank god she is doing something. In the mean time she ran to me to get my name. All I could get out was Heidi. She jumped up and said "I knew it". About that time D arrived and took over. I was whisked away to a room where 3 nurses and 2 doctors worked on me so quickly I felt my head spinning. All I could think of was I hadn't had a chance to call Devin. At about that time he was getting off work and doesn't know his mother is dying. Well that was a little dramatic but he has asthma. The only one in the family that does so I thought I would get the sympathy I needed from him. I needed someone to feel my pain of not being able to breathe. WOW this post is long!

After about fifteen minutes I was starting to breathe so much better. D decided that he needed coffee so he went back to the waiting room to find some. That ER lady followed him all the way to tell him that she went to high school with me. When D returned he told me this and for the life of me I do not know who she is. Her name was not even familiar. Oh well.

They did chest xrays and found out that I had cells that were collapsed. Meaning when I had pneumonia a couple of months ago my lungs were not fully healed. There was talk of keeping me overnight but I had a small tantrum and said I would return if I had any problems just please let me go home. They agreed after small fortune in meds I was released.

Now I am just ready for sleep.

Heidi