SURGERY UPDATE

I thought I would just type a quick post on how I was doing as I've had several people ask. Today I'm doing great....last week, I wanted to die! I didn't tell a lot of people I was actually going in for surgery. For one, it was scheduled pretty quickly. For two, it wasn't a huge procedure. A couple of years ago they found a benign tumor on my right ovary. The only time I really could feel it was when I ovulated on my right side, so, every other month. TMI? Anyway, the pain has been steadily getting worse and I was also curious to see if I had endometriosis. I've never been checked for it. So, last month when I went in for my yearly, I talked to by OB and we decided to remove the tumor, check for the endometriosis and then remove any blockage he could find in my fallopian tubes. Again, maybe tmi? It was an outpatient procedure which required anywhere from three to four incisions and then filling the stomach with CO2 so they could better access the organs they needed to.

I was super nervous about the CO2 because I'd heard such horror stories of how painful it is when it leaves the body. It actually travels up and out through the shoulders. One friend told me it felt like she was having a heart attack for days. Another said it was worse than giving birth. Um, thanks. So, Tuesday the 15th rolled around and at noon I was checked into McKay Dee Hospital. By 3:30ish they were rolling me into the OR and that's about all I remember until I woke up once in post-op and then finally really woke up in the recovery room. My OB told the Bubs that everything had gone well. I had three incisions but the tumor (which was a lot bigger than anyone had anticipated) was gone and although I didn't have endometriosis, I did have blockage in my tubes which they flushed. Sounds weird, doesn't it? Flushing out your tubes....such a car thing! I was SOOO sick trying to come out of the anesthesia and then had to be on oxygen for about four hours. They couldn't get my oxygen levels to rise (they should be at 95-97 and I was at 85-87) which was a huge concern for them. I also couldn't keep anything down because I was nauseated. They gave me three different kinds of nausea meds, but it wasn't until they had the pharmacy mix up a super powerful one for me that I actually started to feel a little better and could keep the coke and crackers down they gave me. In order to get out of recovery you have to do three things: 1- Keep your oxygen levels up. 2 - Be able to keep down coke/crackers which means your nausea level is down. 3 - Have a pain level of 5 or less. I missed being admitted to the hospital by an hour and a half. They close recovery at 10 pm and we didn't end up leaving the hospital until about 8:30. I was SOOO excited to go home! I actually felt pretty good Tuesday but by Wednesday was in sooo much pain due to the CO2. It hurt to stand, it hurt to sit, it hurt to move and laying down made the pain unbearable. So, I didn't sleep for about four nights. There's not a lot of good tv on in the early morning. Poor bubs had to deal with a mini breakdown on Thursday. I was soo tired and didn't feel good because of the pain meds they had given me. The bubs has been the absolute best. He took almost all of last week off and wouldn't let me lift a finger. Such a great husband!

Anyway, now that this post is forever long! I'm starting to feel a lot better. I actually was able to sleep most of last night and have just a little left over pain in my shoulders/back/tummy. I can DEFINITELY feel the incisions now and where they removed the tumor, but I'll take that pain over the CO2 any day. I'm planning on going back to work tomorrow. I was going to go back today, but ended up being a little too ambitious yesterday and made one of the incisions bleed. So, today I'm taking it easy and catching up on sleep and maybe just a teeny tiny bit of housework.

Thanks everyone for the prayers, positive thoughts and calls. They've all been super sweet. Also thanks to the Bubs for being the BEST husband in the world. He's been such a trooper and I secretly think he was kind of relieved to go back to work today! He also pointed out that he didn't go running at all last week in order to make sure he was around to help me with whatever I needed. I think it was driving him crazy as running is a huge stress outlet for him. So Bubs, by all means, please go running today!

10 YEARS AND COUNTING

Well, I never did finish my countdown. Oh well, at least I got to day 6, right? Things just got a little too hectic. Anyway, our anniversary was the best! We wanted to go away on a trip, but are thinking about doing it later this year. Maybe a cruise in December to the Caribbean again? Or maybe Hawaii? Not sure yet! Anyway, on our actual anniversary (Wednesday the 16th) we headed down to Salt Lake for the day. It's kind of funny because I took the day off for the bubs not knowing he had already taken the day off and was going to surprise me at work. It's a good thing we found out what the other was doing the night before! Anyway, we ended up at the Salt Lake Temple (which is where we were married) and did sealings. We've done sealings in some of the closer temples, but have never been back to the Salt Lake to do any work. We've talked forever about going down for a live session but haven't made it. After we got done at the temple we went to the Spaghetti Factory (which is where we had our luncheon) for lunch. It was fun to just reminisce and spend the day together. The bubs also informed me he had a surprised planned for the Saturday following our anniversary. I was way excited to find out what it was and anxiously waited for Saturday to arrive.

When Saturday came I was informed we would be going back down to Salt Lake for dinner and I needed to dress up. We ended up at a restaurant called Metropolitan which is in the heart of Salt Lake. The atmosphere was way cool (kind of LA or a New York scene) but one of those places where you're not quite sure what it is your ordering. Just kind of pick and hope for the best. When we first got there they asked us what kind of water we wanted to drink - still, mineral, sparkling. I got sparkling and the bubs got mineral and we happily sipped away. Found out later that the glass of water cost us about $16 for both. It was Voss water. Nice. If we ever go there again I'll ask what they have on tap first. That, or go outside with my glass and hope for rain! The food was great and surprisingly the portions were a decent size. The desert left much to be desired, but overall the meal was great. Expensive, but good. But hey, you only celebrate a ten year anniversary once, right? But the best moment of the night was when, after ten years of marriage, I finally got my proposal! If you read back a couple of posts you'll see the bubs kinda jumped the gun on proposing. He got nervous and just kind of blurted it out. Anyway, while we were waiting for dessert the bubs mentioned he had something for me. He then placed two conversation hearts of the table. One said "Will You" and the other said "Marry Me?" I thought it was so sweet and when I looked up from reading them he had a ring in his hand. So, I not only got my proposal, I got some bling as well. It was a past, present, future ring and then an eternity band, both in black diamonds. I've never seen black diamonds before and LOVE the rings! He did a great job and I've gotten a ton of compliments on them. Overall, it was probably the best anniversary we've had so far. Thanks bubs for being so great to me and for the great surprise. Love you!

COUNTDOWN - DAY 6

We're getting closer! Okay, let's start with the remember me (again) because, well, I think these are more fun! Today's remember when: Remember when we met? It was at a church dance which is the CHEESIEST (and most cliche) way of meeting. It's just so Mormon. Not that that's a bad thing, it just reminds me of the Singles Ward. You know the scene where they are at a dance and congratulating a couple who had just gotten engaged. The couple had also just met the week before at a dance or something along those lines. Anywhoo - I didn't want to go to the dance. At. All. They always sucked in Utah and weren't highly attended. But, Bethia (bless her sweet little heart) talked me into it and along we went. She was dating Donny at the time and mentioned that Donny's friends, were, well, goobers. Not really dating material. So when I met the bubs, I wasn't so interested in MEETING the bubs. In fact, at the dance we didn't say more than two words to each other and they were "hi" and maybe "how's it going?" It wasn't until after the dance that we really talked. Of course, according to the bubs, it was how the game worked. Take stock of the girls who are there and then decide who you really want to talk to later at Mel's. I guess I was the lucky girl that night (although I didn't find all this out until later). But, we went out the next night (yep, he's a quick mover ladies) and the rest, as they say, is history. When people ask how we met I usually am a little embarrassed to admit it was at a church dance. The bubs on the other hand just tells people we met on the mission (as he served in Ogden) and we had an illicit affair. Right.

Okay, my number six why I love you: You are such a hard worker. I know your job frustrates you. Well, maybe not the job so much as the people. But I do appreciate how you work hard and time to get overtime as much as possible. And I really appreciate how with the goals we have in mind over the next little while, that overtime will make them more attainable. Thanks babe, you're the bestest!

COUNTDOWN - DAY 7

I'm going to start off with the remember when's because I love this story. Actually, I completely forgot about it until Bree reminded me. That, or I just blocked it out! Anyway, one weekend when the bub's came down from school in Idaho we headed down to Salt Lake. I can't remember why, but I think we were running errands. Anyway, we decided to go to lunch and the bubs ended up taking me to Hooters of all places. Our waitress was the best. Little bit older lady who mentioned she had dropped the curling iron on her, um, ladies that morning. Not only did she mention it, she also showed us just where she had burned herself. Nice. Guess that's why they call it Hooters. Tee Hee. Very memorable. I guess.

My number seven why I love you: you are going to be such a great daddy. It's one of the reasons why I married you. After watching you interact with my kids when I was a nanny, it helped make up my mind on whether I was going to continue dating you or not. You passed with flying colors. One of these days, babe, one of these days!

COUNTDOWN - DAY 8

Today's remember when is one of my favorite! When the bubs and I were first talking about getting engaged, we had decided to pray & fast about it. Bubs was coming over later in the evening to break our fast and talk about things. He seemed kind of nervous but I didn't really think too much of it. I mean, I guess most guys get nervous talking about marriage. Anyways, after breaking our fast, the bubs looked at me and just kind of blurted out, "so, you wanna get married?" I was a little surprised and sad to say my first response was, "are you serious?" I thought the whole asking part would come later with a ring and a romantic gesture. He had initially planned on asking that way, but got nervous and jumped the gun. Too funny! So, I never got the romantic proposal. But, I have to say, mine was just as memorable!

My love you countdown has to be the way the bubs always has my best interests at heart. I know a lot of times I don't agree with the bubs or even see eye to eye with him, but he just wants the best for me. Can't complain about that! :)

COUNTDOWN - DAY 9

I love this pic with the bubs grandpa! Anyway, today is day 9, sooo.....I'll start with the remember when. Remember our first kiss? It was after a fireside at Donny's parents house. It was pretty romantic....in their driveway with neighbors fighting and ghetto birds circling overhead. BUT, you were and still are a great kisser! :) We never did pay up with the ice cream, though! Now onto the #9 reason why I love you so much. You put up with my craft obsessions. Yes, I know, two craft rooms are a bit much. And dragging you to different craft stores can be a bit exhausting. But, you don't complain. Well, overmuch that is. Thank you for understanding that crafting is my way of unwinding and de-stressing. Maybe you understand that it's to your benefit, though? Otherwise I'd be crazy lunatic. Well, more than I already am!

ANNIVERSARY COUNTDOWN!

I posted this on facebook, but wanted to blog it as well. So, here goes! February marks the bubs and mine ten year anniversary. I can't get over how fast the years have gone bye. We've had ups and we've had downs, but we've weathered both together and can honestly say we've come out better people because of it. So, I thought what better way to countdown our anniversary (as it's on the 16th) than a top ten countdown of why I love the Bubs and also some remember whens. Just because. Coming it at number ten of why I love the Bubs: He is always thinking of me. A lot of times when he goes to the store he'll come home with my favorite treat in hand. Or, (and this is my favorite) when I get "just because" flowers at work. Those are the best flowers EVER. This past week I had to work late to get financials done and he had posted on fb to come home because he "missed my guts." Love it! So baby, thank you for always thinking of me. It's incredibly sweet and very humbling to have someone think of you all the time.

Now, my #10 remember when: Remember when you were late to our first date? By a half hour? Lucky you. I still went out with you anyway. And never regretted it! Love ya bubs!

SLACKER!

Yes, I am a huge slacker (and yes, this is a huge post). I've had pics to upload, just not a huge desire to do so. But, it's Sunday afternoon, dinner is cooking away in the crock pot and the Bubs is watching a football game (go Patriots - only time I'm going to say that!) What better time to do it than now? For Thanksgiving this year we made the long, arduous journey out to the land of sun and no snow, Cal-if-orni-a. It was the first time the Bubs siblings had been all together in a couple of years. So, it was a couple of days of pigging out, hanging out, family pictures (which is a WHOLE 'nother story), seeing some good friends (unfortunately not everyone we wanted to see) and celebrating an early Christmas. We left the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and stayed the night in Reno, which I'm thankful for. The roads were HORRIBLE through Nevada and the drive pretty much sucked.
Anyone recognize the Tree of Life? We've passed by it a million times, but this is the first time we've actually stopped at it. It was super windy and the start of the bad roads. Of course, the hotel we stayed in that night pretty much sucked, too. I let the Bubs choose the hotel this go around and we ended up staying at the Wyndham. Usually Wyndham hotels are fairly decent. This one? Not so much. As soon as we get to a hotel room, I immediately look around to make sure everything looks decent. First thing I noticed? The huge piece of hair stuck to the shower that was NOT ours!Second thing I noticed? The nasty mold down the walls.It was pretty nasty all around. I told the Bubs that if there was ANYTHING in the bed at all, we were totally leaving (we got in pretty late and the roads were horrible, otherwise we would have left right away). We pulled down the bedsheets and inspected EVERY inch of the bed. Lucky for us it looked clean, so we decided to stick it out for the night. Let's just say the shower the next day was the quickest one I've EVER taken in my life! Once we checked out, got some breakfast and got on the road, this is what we encountered:You cant really tell, but traffic was backed up for hours (this was on the Nevada side before even starting Donner Pass). Luckily the day was beautiful and clear, so although I was ready to get out of the car (not the best at going on road trips - I hate being stuck in the car!) it was a nice drive with this occasionally thrown in
(don't worry, everyone was ok. I'm not sure how they got the car out, though). Once we got into California it was good until we hit traffic in Roseville. But, eventually we made it to the Bubs parents house and settled in to visit. We made it up Wednesday night to hang out with some friends we haven't seen for a while (thanks Donny & Mich for the yummy dinner and fun game night. Still not sure if I'm a die hard Killer Bunny fan, though!) Thursday morning was spent taking family pictures (which didn't turn out the best, but heck, now we have the memories, right?) Thursday afternoon was spent pigging out on yummy Thanksgiving food and then we celebrated an early Christmas that night. Every year for Christmas the siblings on the Bubs side rotate, so this year we had his sister Kiersten and her family. I made a birthday countdown and birthday wreath for the door (each family member has a little tag with their own name.
(sorry, it's kind of hard to see the pictures) and then some new name blocks for London and a blanket for Ashton (didn't get pictures of either). The Bubs mom got this cute little guy
(along with some other things) that can be used for both Thanksgiving and Christmas/January (one side is the snowman and the other is the turkey). There are wires that create feathers for the turkey (and arms for the snowman) that you can put pictures in. For the Bubs grandma I wanted to do something for her house. She moved into a new home a couple of years ago and has this huge space above the couch in her living room that's been driving me nuts for years! I was going to put vinyl up, but the walls have a bumpy texture so the vinyl won't stick very well. So, I made the followingand then another sign that has their last name and the year she and Grandpa were married. I then asked the Bubs aunt to send me some pictures she had of Grandma/Grandpa (thanks Ev!) and had them blown up and restored. Everything was hung up on the wall with the goal of having other family members send pictures so they can also be hung up. Sort of a family legacy that started with these two great people which will span generations. I'm not sure how everything turned out and didn't get a chance to take a picture (my cute bro-in-law had to hang the pictures for me after we left) but I'm hoping it turns our like I envisioned. I'm going to send out a copy of the family pictures we took while out there to hang up. We ended up leaving on Saturday and traveled the entire day on roads like this
but all in all it was a great trip and totally worth the drive. Hopefully, this post was worth the read as it was SUPER long! Sorry!

CHRISTMAS

I have so much to blog and not enough time. BUT, I did come across this quote tonight and thought it was very appropriate for this busy time of year:

Christmas, my child, is love in action.....
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
~Dale Evans Rogers

I know a lot of times for me I lose focus on what Christmas should be about. I get caught up in the gifts and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I'm thinking now that some of the bigger stuff is out of the way (Christmas work parties, etc) I need to take a deep breath and enjoy the season for what it is. Merry Christmas everyone!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2010

It's that time of the year again! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert was last night and was WONDERFUL as usual! It ended up being a girls night due to the bub's getting sick (he and I usually take my mom for an early birthday present). I got a call at work about 10:30 or so from the bub's saying he was throwing up. No fun! Everyone is sick right now with this nasty flu bug, so now it's his turn. Poor guy! I didn't want to waste an expensive ticket, so I called my very cute sister-in-law up and asked her if she would like to go with us. She mentioned a couple of months ago (when I first purchased the tickets) that she loved going but couldn't get my grumpy brother to go with her (he went once and wasn't super impressed with it). I didn't know if she would be able to go so late minute, but she seemed excited and said she would make it work! I'm so glad she did, too, it was a TON of fun!(sorry - this picture is a little blurry. I asked the kid sitting in front of us to take it!) It was a little different this year (after this first part, of course. They do this story first every time). Usually it's a lot of Christmas music, but this year they ended up playing some of the new stuff they are working on and then just some random songs. I actually liked it quite a bit better! I also loved that it was held at Energy Solutions Arena so we could park at the Gateway and just walk over. Much easier to get to the venue and much easier to get OUT of the venue! Thanks gals for a very fun night out! Even though I feel bad about the bub's being sick, I'm glad things worked out the way they did! Also, big thanks to Jeff for watching the girls so we could steal his wife for the night! Love ya big bro!



(Don't ya just love all the pics with the poor bald guys head in them? I just noticed that!)