In lot's of ways this week has flown right by. In many other ways, WOW, it's been a long week! With surgery, anesthesia and pain pills everything that has happened from Monday on has been a blur. If I've talked to you please know that I didn't mean to forget everything you and I said, I just did. I had this after my previous surgery though as well, and kind of expected it. Still stinks though. The first few days home were horribly painful. Yesterday I had the desire to get out of the house to go check out a sale rack at a store downtown Zeeland (important stuff, I know)! I barely made it back home before throwing up. Not sure what all that was about. So, then I went back to bed (on the couch).
Last night I started taking one pain pill instead of two and feeling a bit more with it because of that. This morning I actually felt pretty good. I stayed on the couch until 10ish though, there is nothing I can do when I get up anyway. I went to the doctor hoping to get the two drains out. Actually, I was more than hoping. I was planning on it. Dumb. Don't ever plan on anything. I left that visit with two drains, same as when I went in. The drains go right into my skin (or something) and suck the blood/fluid out so that it doesn't accumulate under the skin causing swelling and pain (that's my definition at least, not saying it's 100% accurate or anything). The problem with carrying these drains around with me, aside from the fact that they are big and gross, is that my showers are limited to sponge baths right now. I feel gross. I've washed up a lot, I know that I'm clean, but there is something about the water running over your body that makes you feel cleaner. (I promise, don't feel like you have to try that one out on your own).
I made it through my appointment and my first haircut... and then quickly went home, took two pain pills and passed out on the couch. I haven't moved yet. My husband deserves a very big award for all he has done and is doing for me. He is the best. He doesn't complain, just does what needs to be done, expecting little to nothing from me. I know that I'm lucky!
Long term my biggest issue is going to be not lifting Lila. I've already forgotten a few times and attempted to grab her but was quickly reminded (and then consistently reminded for hours afterward) that she is above the recommended lifting limit. We've got it figured out that she can climb on my lap and snuggle, but even then she somehow knows where to hit me, kick me or push on me to cause the most pain. Oh well, this is it. This is the end. Wow! The end, didn't know that I would ever be able to say that! :)
January 28, 2011
January 26, 2011
Surgery Update
Just a quick update... many of you may already know from facebook. I definitely didn't anticipate feeling this awful after surgery. In fact, I anticipated being great by now, able to get out and about etc. I knew that I wouldnt' be able to lift Lila, but didn't think I would still be stuck on the couch popping pain pills every four hours. Due to the pain pills I can't keep my eyes open either. Blah!
I ended up with two drains in again (same as when I had the original surgery). The drains mean that I can't shower until they come out (hopefully on Friday). I'm feeling rather gross right now, but have been able to wash up a few times and Matt helped me wash my hair this morning (luckily it's pretty easy these days).
Prayers for quick healing and pain relief are much appreciated!
Thanks
Lynette
I ended up with two drains in again (same as when I had the original surgery). The drains mean that I can't shower until they come out (hopefully on Friday). I'm feeling rather gross right now, but have been able to wash up a few times and Matt helped me wash my hair this morning (luckily it's pretty easy these days).
Prayers for quick healing and pain relief are much appreciated!
Thanks
Lynette
January 23, 2011
Short and Sweet
Tomorrow is the big day! The expanders that I've had in since my mastectomy get to come out and the new, saline implants go in!
Currently sugery is scheduled for 9:30am, it's an outpatient surgery so I should be home in the afternoon. Surgery could take 1-3 hours. Prayers are welcome and appreciated!
Currently sugery is scheduled for 9:30am, it's an outpatient surgery so I should be home in the afternoon. Surgery could take 1-3 hours. Prayers are welcome and appreciated!
January 21, 2011
Simple
Did you make a New Years resolution? How is that going for you? Are you out to loose weight? Get more organized? Spend more time with God? Spend less $? Be on time? Slow down? All of the above?
I don't typically make resolutions. I've learned in the past years that I can't keep them. Ideally I would love to do all of the above. And, ideally I will strive to do those things every day, resolution or not. This year though, I decided to work on a word. If you don't know about this fad, it's something I've seen on blogs and other sites, to pick a word of the year and make that your focus or resolution for the year. My word is going to be Simple. I went back and forth between a few words before settling on simple.
I need to keep things simple. As shown below there are a LOT of ways to describe this word.
When planning an activity with the kids or family, a lot of times I will get so involved in working out details that I miss the whole point of the moment. Or I get crabby when it doesn't go according to my plans. Life would be so much easier if I just kept things SIMPLE.
When at the store I see some toy on sale that I'm sure the kids would love and so I get it for them. When in reality, they would be happy if I SIMPLY got them chapstick. (or better yet pulled one out of the drawer).
You will hopefully be seeing more posts on this topic in the coming months and with any luck I will learn to be more simple (and no I don't mean unlearned)! ;)
sim·ple /ˈsɪmpəl/
[sim-puhl]
adjective, -pler, -plest, noun
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.
7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
8. free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
9. common or ordinary: a simple soldier.
10. not grand or sophisticated; unpretentious: a simple way of life.
11. humble or lowly: simple folk.
12. inconsequential or rudimentary.
13. unlearned; ignorant.
14. lacking mental acuteness or sense: a simple way of thinking.
15. unsophisticated; naive; credulous.
16. simpleminded.
17. Chemistry .
a. composed of only one substance or element: a simple substance.
b. not mixed.
18. Botany . not divided into parts: a simple leaf; a simple stem.
19. Zoology . not compound: a simple ascidian.
20. Music . uncompounded or without overtones; single: simple tone.
21. Grammar . having only the head without modifying elements included: The simple subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “pony.” Compare complete ( def. 5 ) .
22. (of a verb tense) consisting of a main verb with no auxiliaries, as takes (simple present) or stood (simple past) ( opposed to compound).
23. Mathematics . linear ( def. 7 ) .
24. Optics . (of a lens) having two optical surfaces only.
I don't typically make resolutions. I've learned in the past years that I can't keep them. Ideally I would love to do all of the above. And, ideally I will strive to do those things every day, resolution or not. This year though, I decided to work on a word. If you don't know about this fad, it's something I've seen on blogs and other sites, to pick a word of the year and make that your focus or resolution for the year. My word is going to be Simple. I went back and forth between a few words before settling on simple.
I need to keep things simple. As shown below there are a LOT of ways to describe this word.
When planning an activity with the kids or family, a lot of times I will get so involved in working out details that I miss the whole point of the moment. Or I get crabby when it doesn't go according to my plans. Life would be so much easier if I just kept things SIMPLE.
When at the store I see some toy on sale that I'm sure the kids would love and so I get it for them. When in reality, they would be happy if I SIMPLY got them chapstick. (or better yet pulled one out of the drawer).
You will hopefully be seeing more posts on this topic in the coming months and with any luck I will learn to be more simple (and no I don't mean unlearned)! ;)
sim·ple /ˈsɪmpəl/
[sim-puhl]
adjective, -pler, -plest, noun
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.
7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
8. free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
9. common or ordinary: a simple soldier.
10. not grand or sophisticated; unpretentious: a simple way of life.
11. humble or lowly: simple folk.
12. inconsequential or rudimentary.
13. unlearned; ignorant.
14. lacking mental acuteness or sense: a simple way of thinking.
15. unsophisticated; naive; credulous.
16. simpleminded.
17. Chemistry .
a. composed of only one substance or element: a simple substance.
b. not mixed.
18. Botany . not divided into parts: a simple leaf; a simple stem.
19. Zoology . not compound: a simple ascidian.
20. Music . uncompounded or without overtones; single: simple tone.
21. Grammar . having only the head without modifying elements included: The simple subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “pony.” Compare complete ( def. 5 ) .
22. (of a verb tense) consisting of a main verb with no auxiliaries, as takes (simple present) or stood (simple past) ( opposed to compound).
23. Mathematics . linear ( def. 7 ) .
24. Optics . (of a lens) having two optical surfaces only.
January 19, 2011
Links I love... and projects I've made!
So, my posts have been sporadic at best. I get that. We've been busy. But, I'm back! I got up this morning and actually got excited that I may be able to do a blog post. One that wasn't just words. One that might include some pictures and links!
First... some of the projects I did this winter (Christmas presents mostly)...
My friend Kim taught me how to follow this pattern and sew this purse! This one was for Bailey. I made one for myself too (ultimately I'm not happy with how long the strap was though, but I made another one too, it's gray with black dots and ruffly)!
I made these pillows (which I'm noticing now you can't see all that well). The one that says "Bailey" was for Bailey (surprise) and the "peace" one was for my sister Angela for her birthday. They both have some old chenille fabric on the front (w/ dots, something I got off ebay YEARS ago and finally was able to use) and a printed fabric on the back, the word is appliqued on. The first one took me forever, the second one wasn't that bad (cutting out the fabric letters is actually probably the worst part of the whole process). (There was no pattern for these, I bought a pillow from JoAnn's (on sale) and did the rest on my own)
There is also a brown and gold blanket there that was for Landon. The brown is what the kids called a "squirrel fur". Just a very soft material, but a nightmare to sew with. There was brown fuzz EVERYWHERE. Even sticking to the walls! I made two other similar blankets as well, with minky fabric instead of the squirrel fur, but didn't take pictures of those. They are nice, warm blankets though!
And this is the advent "calendar". Just a bunch of felt stockings that I sewed one afternoon with lot's of ric rac on them. I love ric rac. So fun! Ultimately this will not be something we use long term, but it did what it was supposed to do. The kids enjoyed looking in each day and finding what the surprise was and what story in the bible went along with it! I always have good intentions on December 1, but by December 20 we are a few days behind and it get's overwhelming! Each year I say we will do better!
So, those are a few things I've made. I haven't made anything in a long time now though, I'm sure I'll get the itch again soon and start back up!
And, on to the links! Here are a few things I want to do when I do get that itch. (some of them are just dreams, but cute ones!)
How About Orange is one of my favorite blogs to follow. I've been following for a long time. So much cute (orange) and modern stuff!
These flowers are fun...
These fabric wall decals:
I just (literally JUST) discovered this blog: kojodesigns
and look at these pillows: I haven't had much time to surf around the whole site, but you can bet I'll be back!
And, there's the Tater Tots and Jello site that is always good for some fun ideas:
Here's a wooden name sign (love the book one underneath as well) (actually made by the kojodesigns friends):
First... some of the projects I did this winter (Christmas presents mostly)...
My friend Kim taught me how to follow this pattern and sew this purse! This one was for Bailey. I made one for myself too (ultimately I'm not happy with how long the strap was though, but I made another one too, it's gray with black dots and ruffly)!
There is also a brown and gold blanket there that was for Landon. The brown is what the kids called a "squirrel fur". Just a very soft material, but a nightmare to sew with. There was brown fuzz EVERYWHERE. Even sticking to the walls! I made two other similar blankets as well, with minky fabric instead of the squirrel fur, but didn't take pictures of those. They are nice, warm blankets though!
So, those are a few things I've made. I haven't made anything in a long time now though, I'm sure I'll get the itch again soon and start back up!
And, on to the links! Here are a few things I want to do when I do get that itch. (some of them are just dreams, but cute ones!)
How About Orange is one of my favorite blogs to follow. I've been following for a long time. So much cute (orange) and modern stuff!
These flowers are fun...
These fabric wall decals:
These ornaments are fun... I know, wrong season, but I'm just catching up on a lot of my blog feeds:
I just (literally JUST) discovered this blog: kojodesigns
and look at these pillows: I haven't had much time to surf around the whole site, but you can bet I'll be back!
And, there's the Tater Tots and Jello site that is always good for some fun ideas:
Here's a wooden name sign (love the book one underneath as well) (actually made by the kojodesigns friends):
So much fun stuff, now to only find the time and the ambition! Let me know if you find something you like or even better link me up if you try any of these!
January 18, 2011
The tree that DIDN'T fall down
I am the type of person that is easily consumed by fear. Ever since I can remember I've been scared that my house will catch on fire (resulting in my death, of course). Or a tree will blow over (in a gentle breeze or a wicked thunderstorm) and come crashing down on my house, smashing all occupants (I've even been known to make my whole family sleep downstairs if there is a threat of storms at night).
These are "what if's". I have no logical reason to fear these things. I know they are silly. These are things that Satan put in my head to turn me away from God.
When I was little and started to get consumed by these things I couldn't stop myself. I would end up sobbing and shaking (no dad, it was not my attempt at stalling bedtime), it was very very real.
As I've gotten older I've found a real cure for this fear. Something that really does calm me down. Completely.
Faith.
Knowing that God will protect me and that whatever happens is up to Him, puts me at ease (and to sleep). And really, the worst that could happen is also the best that could happen.
Looking over my BSF notes from this year I've noticed that God is teaching me more about this.
Some notes I've jotted down regarding fear and faith:
I will add that I've been doing BSF for many years. It takes both time and commitment. Some lessons are really hard. Some are very convicting. But I love it. If your looking for a great study, you should check it out, there are men's classes, women's classes, day classes and night classes, and classes for the kids (during the mens or womens study. (or email me and I can give you more information. bell(dot)lynette(at)gmail(dot)com )
These are "what if's". I have no logical reason to fear these things. I know they are silly. These are things that Satan put in my head to turn me away from God.
When I was little and started to get consumed by these things I couldn't stop myself. I would end up sobbing and shaking (no dad, it was not my attempt at stalling bedtime), it was very very real.
As I've gotten older I've found a real cure for this fear. Something that really does calm me down. Completely.
Faith.
Knowing that God will protect me and that whatever happens is up to Him, puts me at ease (and to sleep). And really, the worst that could happen is also the best that could happen.
Looking over my BSF notes from this year I've noticed that God is teaching me more about this.
Some notes I've jotted down regarding fear and faith:
- Fear grows when we see circumstances from a human perspective, Faith grows when we see circumstances from a God perspective.
- Some wise man once said (sorry, I don't know who this wise man or woman was): I am a man of many trials/troubles, most of which never happened.
- If we look at things from God's perspective they aren't as big or awful as they seem.
- Faith looks to God to save instead of human effort. Where am I relying on someone else or something to save me?
- Fear of God is living by letting God be God.
- Resolving to trust God over and over again builds a life of faith.
- We choose what we fix our minds on, God or our circumstances.
- Satan makes us think of the things that could happen but rarely do. God wants us to stay in today.
- We can't control the oppositions/fears that face us, but we choose how to react. Trust or give in?
- Behind a life of great faith is a life of faithful prayer.
I will add that I've been doing BSF for many years. It takes both time and commitment. Some lessons are really hard. Some are very convicting. But I love it. If your looking for a great study, you should check it out, there are men's classes, women's classes, day classes and night classes, and classes for the kids (during the mens or womens study. (or email me and I can give you more information. bell(dot)lynette(at)gmail(dot)com )
January 5, 2011
What we need?
Amazing how when I start doing my bible study in the morning I don't always know what I need for the day and just start reading, sometimes out of many books, sometimes BSF lessons, sometimes straight from the bible. God always seems to know what I need though and directs me to it. It doesn't always happen instantly. Sometimes I will page around in a book for a while before I settle on a passage or story to read, but when I do settle on something, it's usually something I need, whether I knew it or not!
This was from Moments of Peace for a Womans Heart.
There are no limitations on your relationship with God. Your earthly social, & cultural standing are of no importance to him. Your gender, age, and your parentage ore of no consequence to the ruler of heaven and earth. He accepts you fully and completely as you are. You can count on that.
Galations 3:28 (msg) In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.
Happy Wednesday!
This was from Moments of Peace for a Womans Heart.
There are no limitations on your relationship with God. Your earthly social, & cultural standing are of no importance to him. Your gender, age, and your parentage ore of no consequence to the ruler of heaven and earth. He accepts you fully and completely as you are. You can count on that.
Galations 3:28 (msg) In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.
Happy Wednesday!
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