New Discs!

After 5 long years, Matt finally gave and got the go ahead to have surgery.  5 years ago, the discussion was a "fusion" surgery.  I'm so glad we waited because now the FDA has approved a "2-level artificial disc" surgery which allows for better mobility, less recovery time and less risk of damage to the discs above and below. 

We arrived at Scripps Memorial La Jolla at 10:30am for check in and pre-op.  Matt was pretty calm, but awfully quiet, as I knew his mind was racing.  The staff was extremely professional, very caring and unbelievably calming.  He changed into his gown, socks and hat and then they covered him with a heating blanket and started the IV.  Dr. Tung came in to say hello and mark the incision site.  We said our goodbyes as they wheeled him up to the Surgery Prep room.

 For the next 4 hours, I watched his progress from the surgical waiting room. Each patient is given an ID # for privacy, but loved ones can monitor their status.  I also took lots of walks, got some lunch and waited patiently to see Dr. Tung.  At about 3:45pm, he entered the waiting room to say everything went really well.  Nerve response improved drastically just by removing the damaged discs and Matt was recovering just fine.

I finally got to see him around 5:30pm as they wheeled him up to his room.  He was making jokes so I knew all was well. Unfortunately, he was put in a 3-bed room…ugh!  At least he was heavily medicated, so he put in ear plugs and slept pretty well.  I stayed for a few hours to get him settled, but went home to sleep and shower since there was nowhere to do that at the hospital.

 When I arrived in the morning, he was doing great!  He looked well rested, not in much pain and his drain was producing very little.  He had suffered nausea through the night, but kept down his clear liquid breakfast and regular lunch so they sent him home around 2:30!

He will be home for about 6 weeks to heal and take it slow, but so far so good and on the road to recovery!

Scholar Athlete

I found this on Taylor's desk the other day…nice of her to tell me about it.  She finished the first semester with a 4.0 and had one of the top 3 GPA's on her soccer team.  I love that she is able to balance her academics, athletics, leadership and social time so well this semester. She knows how important her grades are these next few years and she is taking care of business.  Great job Taylor!

GOHS vs. CHAP

 Taylor faced her good buddy Lauren today in their high school game.  They are both #8 and they had to go up against each other for at least part of the game.

 Thank you to Leslie for bringing her good camera and capturing some of it.

 The game ended in a 0-0 tie.  Taylor's team has yet to score in league play and the season has had its ups and downs, but we are hoping the girls will find a way to score like they did in pre-season.

These two will face off again in a few weeks and I hope they both finish out the season strong!

Keeper Training

 Allison was given the opportunity to attend weekly Goalkeeper Training with Pete Gregory several months ago.  Pete normally only coaches boys, but opened the clinics up to the Hawks keepers and since it began, he has selected Allison and Sabrina for even more training.  They now attend Tuesday and Wednesday nights and it has been such an awesome experience for Allison.

Pete makes them feel like they have the most important position on the field.  He just returned from another trip to England and brought each of them this cool Newcastle jersey and kit so they all match at training.  He helps create a very competitive environment, but loves to joke around and keep them on their toes.  Allison has now decided to become a full-time goalkeeper and we are grateful for the opportunity she has had this season with Pete and all of the goalkeepers!

On the Road Again

We made two quick stops before our road trip home today.  I always like to try a new food or restaurant whenever we travel and I found this place on Yelp for really good frozen custard.  

The girls and I loved Freddy's burgers and fries and saved room for a frozen custard cone for the road.  It wasn't as good as Ted Drewe's in St. Louis or Nielsen's in St. George, Utah, but it was still pretty tasty!

We filled up the car for $1.99/gallon in Litchfield Park.  We drove home from Arizona on about $19 worth of gas!!

More Arizona Fun

Wendy and I went on another nice walk this morning while David took Nolan to basketball and the girls stayed home with Parker.  Then after lunch, we drove a short distance to this beautiful hiking trail for a great desert hike.

 The landscape was so pretty and the weather was perfect.

 The kids buddied up, looking for unique rocks, wildlife and cacti.

 We logged about 4 miles of hiking and had a great afternoon!

We worked up an appetite for some chocolate chip cookies so the boys helped Allison with that before dinner and the Steeler's game.

We all got quite a laugh when Taylor clogged the guest toilet and Wendy didn't have a plunger.  So at halftime, we rushed out to CVS in search of one.  The employee laughed along with us as he helped us find the last one and we could both sense Taylor's embarrassment.  On the way back to the house Taylor said, "It's all about making memories, right Mom?"  

It was a wonderful weekend full of memories and we had such a great visit!

Arizona

Yesterday, the girls and I did a New Year's Day road trip to Arizona to visit Wendy, David and the boys.  They bought a beautiful house in a great little community and we were excited to spend a few days with them.  We spent most of Thursday catching up, playing games and having dinner at home.

 This morning Allison stayed home with the boys and Wendy, Taylor and I braved the crisp morning with a nice walk through the community.  We stopped at the cutest coffee shop to warm up.

 The whole place reminded us of a Pinterest page!

 I love the relationship these 4 have…they are best buds from the second they see each other again!

 Wendy planned a fun Girl's Night Out and David had a night with the boys.

 We drove by the Arizona Cardinals stadium on our way to shop at the outlets and eat a yummy dinner at Pita Jungle.

Then it was off to a fun new experience at Artherapy For Me.  Tonight's project with this cute LOVE themed painting.  We each chose a different color scheme, followed along with the instructor, snacked on candy and shared fun stories 

 while working hard on our masterpieces.

I was pretty proud of how they all turned out and we had such a fun night.  Thank you Wendy for the great idea!!