Day 130

We went to see my ortho first thing this morning. It wasn't icy at all, although that was a concern of ours. He took out half of my stitches without me being sedated, anesthetized, or crying!!! The right half of my leg is still healing, but looks good and is making progress (yes, I needed to hear it from him). Also, he gave me new directions about my arm and told me I could lift five pounds with it! That seems like nothing, but I have lost a LOT in that arm. I did not get to see my amazing PT at the hospital which made me a little sad. Before we left, Dad and I each got a muffin, and then headed home. I immediately took a nap that lasted waaaay too long, but was perfect.

Next, we headed to my new PT. She gave me new exercises and stretches to do. She was, of course, impressed I could do all that I did. I told her I did most of the exercises in the hospital, which I think really helped me. I can't wait to be strong again!!

When we got home from PT, one of my BFFs and another friend stopped by. She brought me a Christmas present, bath stuff, and it smells amazing!! I can't wait to use it! We talked about a little bit of everything. I showed them Peggy!!! They thought she was adorable. After they left, Mom decided we needed to work on my room.

So we reorganized some stuff. We got rid of some clothes. We moved stuff around. It's so much more functional now. Set up really is everything! I can now get to my closet to pick out what I'm going to wear. When we were done, I did my PT exercises (which Daddy helped me with) and got in bed. I have PT again in the morning, so it's off to LaLa Land (again) for me!!

And that's life...

Day 129- Christmas Day

So I woke up this morning like a kid in Christmas day... Except then I had to wait for my sister and her boyfriend to get here. So I got ready and sat around with Mommy until Dad got up. Mom made a delicious breakfast casserole that we all four ate while she went to the store to get some things she forgot. Yes, Albertson's was open today.

After my sister got here and we ate, Mom got back and they started making lunch. We snacked on some appetizers, then while there was a lull in the cooking, we opened presents! I got 2 scarves (one with built in mittens!!), some solar powered flower dancers, a mini-cupcake maker machine, smart gloves (you can use your smart phone but still be warm), a tablet cover, and a very special gift from my grandfather that I will talk about all by itself (yeah, it's that good!!!!). Next it was time for lunch! We ate a deliciously perfect meal. Mom and Sister did awesome!!

So my grandfather (the one that lives in another state and that drove with his left foot and told me I could do it) sent me an extra special, one-of-a-kind, handmade gift. He went to Build-A-Bear and made me an bear with a shorter right leg. Then he shopped all over for the perfect shoes for my bear. Next, he crafted a prosthetic (out of a spoon) for the bear. He fit the shoes to the bear, even taking time to hand sew the fabric where needed. It is, hands down, the most thoughtful and wonderful gift I have ever received!! Thank you! I think it will be a girl and that I will call her Peggy (like peg leg). Yes, that will do. I really truly appreciate the time and effort that he put into the bear. Best. Present. EVER!!

The three of us sat around after my sister left the rest of the day listening to Christmas music or watching shows. This was an amazing Christmas (that I'm really glad wasn't spent at the hospital)! It might even be the best one yet!!

A bit of progress- I began to lose my balance earlier, caught myself, and didn't cry!! I'm getting there. And I sat on the couch instead of my normal chair. Also, I go see my ortho tomorrow morning (come on, elbow, come on!).

And that's life...

Day 128- Christmas Eve

So today was jam-packed and full of fun!! Side note: my fantasy football team won the championship with me being in 7th of 8 places- I have the BEST manager, my Dad!!!

I woke up and Daddy helped me make a cake (Lethal Peppermint Chocolate Cake from the Cake Doctor Book). It was a process, but it allowed me to have LOTS of OT and use some serious patience (I spelled it right this time!! Haha!). We had to make ganache, the cake, and a peppermint buttercream, so it was quite the process. While the cake was cooling, I took a shower and got ready for our Christmas Eve activities. Then, I iced the cake and we were off!!

We went to my aunt's house and enjoyed some appetizery (yeah, that's a word) foods. I brought the stuff to make wassail and Mom made it. Can you say YUM?! It was so good (and I don't even like hot drinks)! We opened presents and I got a table top vanity mirror; I have one, but the stand broke and I have to hold it- try holding a mirror AND doing your hair. It's difficult. I also got Apples to Apples (YAY) and a Visa gift card! I am so thankful. I got a bear from my great aunt as a "get well" present. It was HUGE!! My sister was being so goofy playing with it. I'd post the video, but I want to live. Ha! The pictures, however, will be below.

I feel so blessed to have a family that loves me. My aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents (talked to both sets today) love me soooo much!! I could just burst with all of their love and the love I feel for them. I still maintain that I am the most blessed and the luckiest girl alive! I love my family!

To end the night, Dad and I went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my church. It was a really nice service. "It is well with my soul." I felt called to go to, and I did. I really enjoyed the service and apparently needed it.

And that's life...

P. S. Daddy read me "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" as per our tradition. I told you he is the best dad EVER!!

Day 127

We made it to church this morning, AND we were even early!! I got to visit with my youth children and other people. It was really nice. I am so proud of all of my youth and who they are.

We went home and ate some lunch after church, then Mom and I headed out to do some shopping. We met up with my sister, who consequently loaded and unloaded me every time and pushed me in most of the stores. Ha! At one of our stops, she leaned against a broken window on Mom's car and made all of the glass fall out of it. Hahahahahaha!! We were laughing so hard! Mom had tape IN THE CAR to fix the window; which was even more hilarious!! It was great. At every stop she had to fix her mirror, too! Hysterical!! We ate dinner, dropped my sister off, then did some more shopping.

It got so cold by the time we headed home! I was supposed to bake a cake tonight, but I guess I'll just put that off for tomorrow's activities.

I'm going to take a minute to tell you all how grateful I am for my family. My parents are the best there are. They spent countless hours, dollars, tears, and love for me over the years, but especially lately. They stopped their lives to deal with my wreck and me. Mom stayed every night (except for the weekends, then Dad stayed) with me in whatever room and whatever uncomfortable chair/bed there was. Dad came every night to visit me, driving 30 plus minutes there and back (putting a TON of miles on his new car). Both of them have loaded and unloaded my wheelchair so that I can be active and do things. We aren't even completely out of the woods yet because we still have lots of PT, OT, and appointments to go to. I can't express in words how appreciative I am and what that means to me; so let me sing a song- kidding. I just love and adore my parents, even if we don't always get along. My sister is near and dear to my heart, too. She makes me laugh and laughs at my jokes. We have a special relationship and an unbreakable bond (although it's been tested). I am the luckiest and most blessed girl in the world with the family I have!!

And that's life...

Day 126

Today we slept in. Then I showered and we sat around just relaxing and enjoying the break. Next, all three of us went to Cabela's. We went to look around and check for a jacket for Dad. We didn't find one he liked enough to buy.

After that, we went to Saltgrass to use our gift card we received!! It was pretty yummy. The mac and cheese left something to be desired. However, the baked potato soup was delish!! The steak was, of course, amazing! Yum yum.

We went to see the Interlochen lights next. It was a free event. It's a whole subdivision that put up lights and you just drive through. Some houses had their lights set to music and others had no lights at all. Kind of a disappointment, but it got me more in the Christmas spirit!! We listened to music in the car the whole time. It was nice.

Now we are headed home to sleep some more. I'm hoping we get to go to church tomorrow!

Thank you for reading my blog and being a supporter of me and my recovery. I really appreciate each reader and all of the comments. I love you all!!

And that's life...

Day 125

I went to work with Daddy today. All of the classes went so fast because it was a half day. 7th period really enjoyed the brownies and bubble gum I think! Next we went to lunch. Then I came home and started Dad's break off right, with a nap (I think he dozed of at least once). Ha!

TMI: I used the potty at the house to go today!! Woot! "It's all about set up," said the most amazing PT ever. I love her!! Had a text conversation with her today.

After that, I convinced Daddy we should go to Bass Pro Shop to see the lights... What a disappointment. There weren't even any lights to really see. Anyways, on the way up there my stupid map took us through the airport!! What was it thinking?! We don't know. It was an interesting little adventure. Ha! A LOT of people were buying guns; interesting considering recent events.

People were mostly really nice. They held doors, pulled their kids out of the way, gave me space; it was nice. One guy, though, called out to me that his sister just had an above knee amputation. I'm not real sure why he thought that was necessary information to tell me, but apparently to him it was. Some of the kids did a double take, but I'm starting to get used to that.

We got him with no detours. Haha! We were going to go see some Christmas lights, but decided to save those for tomorrow! I just took all my medicines (I'm like an old person with all the meds I'm taking, and we are doing wound care. Then I'm off to sleep!

And that's life...

Day 124

This morning I slept in because I had to wait for my walker to arrive. So I slept until about 9:30, then got up and got ready. I wrapped a Christmas present and waited. Finally the delivery guy calls and delivers my walker. He fits it to me and we sign all of the paperwork. About halfway through the delivery Mom came home. She took me to her school (it's so stinkin' cold outside!!!) and I shredded some more papers. I did finish her whole stack, though!! She took me to see a couple of teachers and then we were off to the talent show!!! Some of those kids are so impressive! I heard some new music and downloaded it. The teachers danced to "Call Me Maybe" (don't worry, I took a video but no pictures); I can't wait to be one of those teachers!!!

After "work" we went shopping! I got part of someone's Christmas gift and some other stuff we needed. We went to quite a few stores. Mom got tired from loading and unloading my wheelchair a thousand times. Ha! She kept saying she needs to start working out and I kept telling her she was. I'm so helpful. Haha!

After shopping we met Dad for dinner. I went home with him. Then we made the brownies for tomorrow's 7th period class. It was a little sad because I couldn't do it by myself. I miss my independence. I had to have Daddy help quite a bit. It's not that I don't like or accept help (ok, I don't accept it that well), but I want to be able to do it. I want to be able to do anything and everything, and right now I can't. Dad says I am doing a lot more than most people could or would do; I'm not most people and I want to be 100% now. He also said I needed patience, but I seem to have run out of those. I had so much for so long; I just can't wait any longer. I mean I know I have to, but it sucks. Ugh. I think I'll finish my night by watching some TV to get my mind off of everything.

And that's life...