Pictures from Luke's Birthday :)

My blog has been rather serious lately and rightfully so. However, these pictures from Luke's birthday really warm my heart and lighten my mood. I hope they do so for you too! :)

Isn't Luke cute in his new "ear protector muffs" :)

Gma and pa tractor got him a new fishing pole! Gma Woo Woo and Gpa Dan got him a new golf set:) He was in heaven with BOTH gifts! Aunt Sarah and Uncle Aaron got him new clothes (thanks Aunt Sarah) and a great book. Aunt LJ and Uncle John got him FANTASTIC water toys (slip n slide and a cool sprinkler). Uncle Tom and Cousin Ben got him a wonderful Mega Block FIRE TRUCK! Luke LOVES all of his toys!!!! (and clothes...again THANK YOU Aunt Sarah) :):)

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We found this little tractor at the garage sale next door--no not Scott and Shannon's house :) The new neighbors on the other side of us! Luke was more than pleased with the five dollar find!!!

He absolutely LOVED his "ear muffs" that he can wear when riding the lawn mower (TRACTOR) with Dad! In the background you can see the gas pump we got him so he can fill up his cozy coupe and his "new" (garage sale find) tractor! He was thrilled with his gifts from us :) Yay for creative gift giving!

The Last Week

This is my last week of my first year in Sparta...say that five times fast! At the end of this week, I have completed my 7th year of teaching! Can you believe it! Even after 7 years, I still LOVE teaching special education!!! I feel so blessed to be able to say this. I miss Goodhue (often) yet LOVE Sparta! It has been a wonderful place to continue my career. Because it is a much larger district, there are more opportunities for me to lead others. I still can't believe how quickly the time has flown :) I look forward to MANY many many more years of teaching special education and leading special education staff down many new and challenging paths.

Happy end of the school year to all of my teacher friends! Use this summer to recuperate, relax and rejuvinate for the start of the next school year. We have the greatest profession!

"Hold" Mama

I have been gone quite a bit lately for various things.... time at the hospital with my grandma, grad classes, HS graduation to attend, etc..... this seems to be taking a toll on poor little Luke. He has been a mama's boy since he was born but lately he has been even more clingy! I have been "weak" and getting up with him at night when he yells "Hold Mama" or "Up-y-stairs Mama".... and then letting him sleep on the air mattress in the guest room with me. I let him cry it out for a while last night but I was so tired and it was so late and I just wanted to sleep so I gave in and went and got him. I am going to try and be strong tonight. I really want to sleep in MY bed and Luke to sleep in HIS bed. I love the little bugger but want to give him love during the day when we can play--not pacify him at night :) Heading to bed now in hopes of a full nights sleep...... knock on wood!

Day at the Hospital

I spent the day at the hospital with my mom and grandma today. She is still struggling a bit but it was nice to see her eat real food (finally) after a week of liquids and IV only! I am still grateful for all of the prayers and warm thoughts! Continue those prayers as my grandma will have surgery again on Sunday to help rid her body of the infection in her right ankle bone. This infection is "un-related" to the other issues she has been having but it needs to be taken care of so the infection does not enter her blood stream. We are still taking one day at a time.

Prayer Requests Continue

My grandma was expected to have surgery today but they decided to hold off because she is still so frail. The doctors are now going to wait and see if the antibiotics help the infection in her bone before making the decision to operate on it. They are also waiting to see how her leg heals from the hematoma. My mom said there is a very large patch of skin that will most likely die. The plastic surgeon is talking about doing a skin graph. My mom is so tired these days. She has been at the hospital 24/7. My great aunts, grandpa, dad and brother all go up to TC to help out but it is my mom that my grandma requests to stay overnight with her. My grandma is not sleeping well these past few days. She is having very strong hallucinations and is disturbed by them. Becuase she is not sleeping, neither is my mom. I pray for my grandma's continued healing and for my mom to get some rest. Tomorrow is my mom's birthday so I also pray she feels God's love on this special day and knows how much we all love her.

My Mom

My mom is my sunshine. She warms my heart and gives my soul a reason to sing. She is a rock. Her strength is unwavering. She has been a major part of my grandma's world for my entire life (and before I am sure) and I am so proud and amazed that even though the times are tough, she continues to pull through. She has spent every waking moment working on getting her mom better. She has given my grandma motivation to get better. My mom has advocated for my grandma's needs. My mom has set her own needs aside to be with my grandma night and day. She has gone out of her way to make sure everyone's needs were met before her own. She is self-less and amazingly giving. I want to take care of her. I want her to get rest and relaxation so she does not burn out. I want her to know that she is not alone in caring for my grandma. I am absolutely inspired by my mom and her love for others. I aspire to be like my mom.

Mircacles Continue

Many more miracles today for Grandma since my last post :)
1. Talking and enjoying her family from the ICU
2. Ate SUPPER--jello and broth count!
3. Remembers "blacking out" and was able to ask questions about all that has happened to her in the past few days
4. Convinced my mom to go home for the night and sleep in her own bed and requested she sleep in!
5. Her kidneys have started functioning ON THEIR OWN--she had to have dialysis earlier because she had fluid in her lungs but other than that, the kidneys are giving good out put!
6. She may be able to move to a surgical floor by the end of the week!

Family and Friends--I am eternally grateful for the outpouring of support. Please continue to pray for my family! Love ALWAYS, Teresa

Memorial Day

I give thanks today for those who have served our wonderful country and those who continue to serve--especially my Grandpa!

I also give thanks today for miracles that I can only attribute to prayers and inner strength of my grandma. She is off the ventilator! This is huge! She continues to be in the ICU but has needed less blood, is breathing on her own and is trying to talk (or yell at the family as my brother said)! I am SO proud of her---she has made it through many critical times over the past 5 days and many times we thought she was leaving us for the heavenly kingdom, only for her to fight her way back and show us she is a fighter!

My grandma still has a long road ahead of her so please continue to pray for strength, wisdom and support.

Happy Memorial Day to you and your loved ones.

Update on My Sweet Treasure of a Grandma

Today is Sunday--the day of rest. I am hoping my grandma is getting good rest and that her body is healing. It has been a very long few days and I have been on a pretty rocky emotional roller coaster. It helps me to talk and think about the tough things in life--therefore, I am going to blog about her medical journey. If you are squeamish or having a tough time yourself, you may not want to continue reading.

Friday I posted an update on my grandma. She had been doing pretty well and dialysis was really helping. Saturday morning, I also got a positive update from my sister--grandma was coherent and was on dialysis again. Things definitely changed between 9 am and 11 am Saturday morning. On my way out of the grocery store, I gave my dad a quick call to get an update. He answered by saying, "Who contacted you? How did you know to call?" My grandma took a turn for the worse. She had gone unconscious, lost her blood pressure and had a very weak pulse. Josh, Lynda, John and I headed up immediately to see her. Because of the damage done to her femoral artery (when they attempted a dialysis port), she was bleeding internally and was in a very fragile condition. Her hospital made the decision they were not the best equipped hospital and sent her by ambulance to a hospital about 45 miles North. Upon arrival, she went into emergency surgery. The doctor's were able to repair her femoral artery and stablize her. She is now in the ICU. They are concerned about her hematoma on her right leg and the skin around it which is dying. She has a bone infection in her right ankle (most likely an un related problem) and is on a ventilator. She is taking a few breaths on her own but was struggling too much without assistance so she went back on it. Her eyes are open and she is trying to communcate with her face (eyes, etc.). Her blood pressure is still not good but they are using many different medications to keep that elevated and steady. Last night she had a one-on-one nurse all night and today has improved enough to have a one-to-two nurse. I continue to pray for wisdom for doctor's, strength for my grandma, patience for me, support for my family, emotional strength for my grandpa, and God's guidance to help make the hard decisions.

My Grandma: A Treasure

My grandma is a treasure--she is the most sincere and genuine person I know. I don't think she has a mean bone in her body yet she also has enough sass to be funny! She has mailed me a letter every week for the past 10 years--A feat I find absolutely incredible! She started sending me a letter a week when I moved away to college, continued when I moved to MN and continues today as we live in MI. In the past few months, she has also started to include a letter and stickers for the boys in my weekly letter--there is even an inner envelope for Jack to open! On top of this, she has also mailed Lynda a letter a week for 8 years! My grandma and grandpa live less than a mile from my parents so I grew up with them close by. Because my parents owned a family business, it was my grandma who cared for me when I was sick. It was my grandma who I went to when I needed a break from my siblings (Never :)) and it was my grandma I went to when I wanted a present but mom wouldn't get it for me! :) I loved to visit my grandma. I would often ride my bike down to her house so we could play cards or tic tac toe. I was a known cheater and she loved to laugh at it. My grandpa always had the "puffy" cheetos for me (my favorite--still to this day) and my mom never had them for us! They spoiled me rotten and still do :) I love them both so much!

I found out yesterday my grandma is very sick. She is a frail grandma--she has struggled for as long as I can remember with terrible, crippling arthritis and has gone through numerous surgiers on her hands and feet. She is not a complaining grandma--in fact because she complained to my mom she was not feeling well, my mom knew how sick my grandma actually is. She was admitted to the hospital yesterday with Blood Pressure of 60 over 40 and 0% kidney functioning. My sister and I drove up today to be with her. By late afternoon she was able to get dialysis and her coloring looked better. I am grateful she is feeling better but would appreciate any prayers you can share for my family. Specifically Prayers for: an increase in blood pressure, wisdom for the doctors who help make decisions, a smooth transition for my grandma and grandpa as the figure out dialysis and the time/schedule it will take, ease of stress on my mom, strength for my grandpa during this difficult and stressful time, that the port will go in with ease, that my grandma's pain lets up and for our family to feel the love of those around us who care so deeply for grandma's well being.

My grandma is my treasure and one of my favorite people. I pray for her healing and for her to know how much I love her.

Amazing Husband

I have an amazing husband! He has made this 29th birthday of mine absolutely wonderful! On my actual birthday I worked a half day (love that schedule of mine) so we met for lunch and to go see Wolverine at the movies. He then made the boys and me a fantastic dinner of kabobs and rice! For dessert he made homemade angel food cake (for boys and grandma) and home made tirimisu (my favorite). He also had a SURPRISE--a new table for the entry way! This was just the beginning :) He also planned for his parents to take the boys for the night and picked me up in grand rapids today after graduate class. He took me to the MELTING POT! For those of you who have not experienced this eatery, it is incredibly romantic and tasty! We had a four course meal that was exquisite! Eveything there is fondue--we had a cheese course, a salad plate, a meat platter (shrimps, steaks, chicken--all in various marinades) and my favorite the dessert fondue! We also topped off dinner with a couple cups of tasty decaf. This was a complete surprise--I did not what we were doing once he picked me up! It was such an enjoyable evening. Now we are sitting down to watch The Godfather (yes my choice). Josh made my birthday awesome! I love my husband so much!

Read Josh's Blog

Go to the bottom of my blog.
Click on the "Pointless Ponifications of a Backseat Driver"
You will find a VERY cute picture of Jack and how he compares to a Dragon Ball Z character!

A Stud Muffin

Luke is a stud muffin. He is totally into mousse, having his hair blow dried and using hair spray. He also loves Daddy's "eorant" (deodorant) and Mommy's powder. He is totally SOMETHING else! :)

Mom Day 2009 Pictures

In Response to Curiosity

In response to curiosity, I will share the story behind my change in work status! If this does not interest you, abandon post now:)

A few months ago, it was announced in my district that cuts would have to be made and these cuts would "hit harder" than in the past because staff cuts would have to be made as we were already "bare bones" with programming, supplies, custodial staff, etc. After the announcement, I was pretty distressed. I knew I was low man on the totem pole (staffing is very driven by seniority) and would most likely be cut. I also read an article in the paper and was contacted by a superior that my position was on the chopping block. I started to update my resume, etc and was mentally preparing for the move to another district. This was a very tough time. I did not want to share this with anyone as if I did, it seemed real and I was not ready to face the music. Josh was so supportive and kept me cheerful and optimistic.

Fast forward a month and I was called to the principal's office (insert "doom and gloom" music here) and met with the Superintendent. I was mentally prepared to hear bad news and was SURPRISED with pleasant news. He shared the part time position I held between the two buildings was definitely cut but I would have a job. He could not tell me what the job would be or what building I would be in but I would have a job. Since this was a verbal reassurance, I really did not talk about it with people....did not want to let myself down if it fell through. Last week, I got a formal letter stating that my position was cut but I was reassigned to a FULL TIME high school teacher (a position opened up). I am no longer part time (moving from .67 to 1.0 FTE) and I will be in ONE building!!!! I can't wait! I really love the staff at the high school--especially the special ed department! It is such a great place to work! I feel so blessed! I am also a bit nervous as I have been part time for the past year and got used to it--I really liked it :) I know I will get used to full time again and love that once more as well!!!! :)

Goll I love my Boys

I have three wonderful boys in my life--Josh, Jack and Luke!

These three guys have treated me royally today:) We started the day with a surprise activity! They picked out some paper, stickers, new markers and new scissors so the little guys and I could make Mom Day Scrapbook pages together! (this is by far the coolest gift I have ever gotten) We then headed to Perkins for Breakfast--which because we got there early WAS NOT busy! That was a great bonus! :) We then drove to the playground and spent more than an hour chasing, giggling, climbing, swinging and just playing hard! When we got home, the boys and I made our scrappages! It has been a great Mom day! :)

This afternoon I plan to get ahead on grad class homework before heading over to Josh's parents for supper to celebrate mom day and for an early celebration for my birthday. We will celebrate Mom day with my Mom in a few weeks!

Happy Mom day to ALL the moms in my life. I appreciate the fantastic things you do for your family :):)

DID NOT POST :(

What I witnessed this afternoon between Kaden (neighbor) and Jack

Garage Sale OVER :)

We (Shannon, Mom B and I) had a garage sale Thursday/Friday this week--it went very well! Thursday may seem like an odd day to you but for us who live near the HUGE weekly flea market, it makes sense! Many people on their way to the flea market have to pass by our house and many stop to find more deals! It was fantastic! I am grateful Mom B and Shannon had "big stuff" to pull in the crowds so I could sell my piddly little stuff :) I am pleased with the "junk" we sold and the money we made1

Work

Bad News: My position at work has been eliminated

Good News: I have been reassigned and you are now looking a FULL TIME High School Special Education Teacher!!!! :) This is VERY good news :) I am a bit nervous about full time...just got used to part time :) but know this is what I am meant to do!

Allergies.....

I spent three hours at the allergist today :( My arms continue to give me troubles and itch constantly.... well there is a pattern to when they itch but today they defy the pattern. Today, the did the traditional "prick your back 67 times" test. I am hoping the tests I did today will help the doctor figure out what to do with me....however, he said that none of the things that I am allergic to as of today's test gave him any real indication for why I am having the troubles I am having! This means, I also have an "icky-er" test coming up in a few weeks. I will have the "patch test" done. This means they will slather various chemicals on my back, in a nice vaseline type substance, patch them and leave them there for 72 hours...oh and in that time, I cannot perspire (easier said than done for me...), exercise, move my arms in a backwards repetitive motion, wash my hair OR Shower! I am really hoping that one shows something or at least provides good information to help the doctor figure out what is going on!

Quick Update

I am heading to bed as it is "late" on Sunday night and I need to be in bed..... Monday will be here sooner than I think!

I had class Friday and Saturday. It was enjoyable! :) The professor is super KNOWLEDGEABLE and full of spunk. She is so easy to listen to! The best part...it is an "Intro" class for sped admin...i.e. a "get to know yourself and figure out if you will make a good sped admin or not" and not too many hard assignments! YAY! I got one of my three assignments done tonight! I read the cutest book on leadership The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus. 1 down, 2 to go for that class! I spent some time thinking about my other class (that technically starts tomorrow) and got two chapters knocked out as well...just got to post 4 "thoughts" on them this next week and that can be checked off the list. I am heading to an "optional" meeting tomorrow to hear more about the larger assignments...yes there are FOUR of them in 6 weeks. Enough about that however...I am following Tina's advice. I am taking it one day at a time!

Venting...AGAIN

The bell rang, school is over for the weekend and I am going to try and post my vent once again. If you are already stressed out, feel free to abandon my post!

I have a lot of stressors every day. I try to deal with these appropriately by talking to Josh or just pushing them out of my head. When I have an overbearing number of stressors, I tend to respond inapporiately--i.e. I cry (a lot), snap at people, have mood swings, etc. Poor Josh tends to get the brunt of most of these terrible responses. In order to help myself deal with the crazy number of stressors I am feeling today, I am going to vent them in my blog.

Time management is my number 1 issue. I have broken down every thing I have to do/want to do in the next 6 weeks into "daily" and "extra".

Daily:
-Playing with my children, planning meals, making healthy meals, playing with my children, spending a few minutes with my husband, exercising a minimum of 20 minutes daily, sleeping, relaxing even a few minutes, getting outfits work work ready (trivial but important), working

Extra
-garage sale (2 days), 6 grad credits (with TONS of huge projects and three full weekends of class PLUS one of the classes is online....online starts Monday and weekend one starts tonight), end of the school year wrap up, high school graduation, my birthday, Luke's birthday and PARTY, mom day, etc etc etc......

if you think of me and want to be supportive, can you send me a short note sometime in the next 6 weeks? :)

A time to vent

Oh that makes me want to cry--I just typed a LONG email about my stress and COULD NOT POST IT and now it is gone!