looking back . . .

I didn't want to let this day go by without acknowledging that it was one year ago today that I had my accident.

So much has happened in this last year; I wish I could say that one of those things was my complete recovery, but that's not to be -- at least not for now. It's been a year filled with events wonderful and events tragic.

But I'm not going to focus on the past -- good or bad -- but on the future, instead. "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11

Here's to the coming year!

:)

baby to toddler . . .

I can hardly believe this darling, precious little guy will turn ONE YEAR OLD next month! Where has this last year gone?! Certainly, though, for as quickly as it's passed for me, Sawyer has grown in leaps and bounds, and is definitely moving into the toddler realm!

I'm not sure what had caught his fascination up there, but I do adore his little profile!

He's about to bounce out of his swing -- but he still loves it so. He's gets so excited and I love to watch him dance, twirl, and jump, and to listen to him laugh and "talk" while he's at it!

There were a few quiet moments (not just his nap times) yesterday. He will sit with a book and page through it for quite a while. He likes turning the pages, regardless of who's doing the reading, him or me!

Still a ham. He knew very well that I was taking a picture. He purposefully scrunched up his little face!

And his first word (after mama and dada)? BALL! Says it plain as day, and knows exactly what it means, too. That's my grandboy!

Climbing, furniture walking, scooting . . . he's perpetual motion!

I took lots of pictures yesterday, and caught some *great* smiles and laughs, but unfortunately, because he's so on the move, most of yesterday's pictures look like this . . .

A baby BLUR!! LOL!

Todd came over and we stayed at Kim & James' for dinner last night.

I'd gotten dinner in the crock pot early yesterday, and we enjoyed pork tenderloin with sauerkraut, smashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yeast rolls for a yummy dinner. And for dessert?

I even had time to make an apple pie! It was a nice evening -- we really enjoy spending time with our adult children. We're so proud of them!

One little upset yesterday -- I got up off the couch yesterday evening, got twisted up, and really wrenched my knee, but good. Unfortunately, it was on the left -- my good leg. This morning I'm shuffling around like a little old lady. Not a pretty sight. I'm hoping that a little Aleve, some ice, and elevation will have it good as new by tomorrow. Luckily, it didn't happen while I was still watching Sawyer -- I'm not sure I could have managed, it hurt that badly!

And for my sister, an up-to-date comparison on the feet . . .

This is first thing this morning, so the swelling is at its lowest. It's still painful; the brace eliminates mostly all of the pain for a bit -- but it's rather like when I started on the anti-inflammatory, Celebrex. It was awesome for two weeks, and then slowly things slipped back to where they were. I'm beginning to wonder if I just need to steel myself to being in pain. I go back to the doctor this week, and I'll see what she says.

On a happier note, being propped up on the couch today provides me with the perfect opportunity to do some hand stitching . . . I see an owl quilt finish coming soon!!

:)

it's here . . .

Finally, after much anxious waiting, I got the call that my brace was ready to pick up. It looked pretty much like I thought it was going to look, except the brown was prettier than anything I'd seen in pictures, and it smelled like Todd's new coat (which is leather) or a new car (with leather interior). In other words, it smelled like leather. Which it is.

I have to admit that I've been a little skeptical about how much the brace would help. I mean, how could it make the bone-on-bone-on-bone pain quit? I really wasn't sure, even as the orthotist put it on and laced me up.

Then I took my first step.

And I cried.

Yesterday I took the first pain-free steps with my right foot since May 21, 2010. It deserved my tears of joy! I don't think my orthotist realized how significant an event this was for me. Or perhaps, since he's got a wife and daughter, he understood all too well. :)

So, here it is . . .

It's not really much to look at, though there's nothing a little bedazzling and some pink, sparkly laces wouldn't fix.

And I need to get new shoes to wear with it. My tennis shoes (which I've been wearing because my orthotics fit best in them), are a tad snug.

And you definitely need to be in a shoe when you're wearing this thing! Shoelessness is not an option.

Pretty funky, right? I don't care. It felt *good* to walk to today! I still walk funny, because I'm getting used to the brace. It doesn't allow me ankle/flex movement, so I look a little stiff. But who cares? It doesn't hurt! And driving was a little . . . interesting. Because I can't flex me foot to press the gas or brake, and have to move my leg from the hip to exert pressure, especially to accelerate. But who CARES??? It *still* doesn't hurt!!!

I've quilted five of the owls . . . only seven more to go! Easy-peasy. And nice to do while Todd's playing football on the xbox!

I wish the quilting showed up a little better in these photos, but the owls are so cute, I decided to show 'em anyways.

And besides, whooooooo cares?

It doesn't hurt to walk!

:)

bracing myself . . .

So, here's a picture of one style of an Arizona brace. The tech who fitted me for mine said that there would be at least one, possibly two, velcro straps at the top of the brace, along with some eyelet lacing. It will be made with the custom orthodontic built into the brace. Isn't it pretty? LOL! Don't answer that!

I ordered mine in chocolate brown. The tech said most folks ordered them in black, but I really didn't want one in black -- especially since I'll be wearing it in the summer. It wouldn't be so bad, but I wear skirts/dresses--no pants--so it will be relatively visible! I should be getting a call to pick it up any day now. I'd be put off by the looks if I wasn't so excited about being able to take a step without pain!

Yesterday I talked about the possibility of joining a gym, so I could have access to a stationary cycle and get some much needed aerobic exercise. After a little online searching, however, I found this little baby . . .

This particular model was the most expensive of the ones I found, but it also had the best reviews. There was better control of the tension, the petals had straps, and it was more solid and didn't slide as easily as some of the others. And for less than three months at the gym, I could have one.

The thing is, I have so many unanswered questions! Like, is it really aerobic? Do I have to sit a certain height above it? Will is hold up? Ugh. Anyone?

Tomorrow is the first day of pickup for the BOM I'm doing with the local quilt store, Patches & Stitches. We'll do two blocks every month.

The small blocks around the center are the ones we'll be creating -- two a month for eight months. How the quilt is put together will be up to each individual quilter. I'm looking forward to getting started!

Tomorrow: finally FRIDAY!! Todd & I are going on a dinner date tomorrow night. I can't wait! I love my darling husband!

:)

*some* of the rest of the pretties . . .

This will actually be a dual-purpose post. I wanted to share some of my favorites of the quilts supplied by our guild members to go with the exhibit of the Heroes Quilt. I wish I could have pulled up *all* of the quilts, but I settled for my favorites . . . I did want to finish this entry before the new year. LOL!

I also went to the orthopedist yesterday, and wanted to share a the results of that meeting. I'll do that at the end of this entry, so photos can be enjoyed unhindered!!

This first quilt is owned by Michele E. Our guild does a pretty cool thing; when the current guild president is finishing up her term, the rest of the board creates and makes a quilt for her! Michele was the guild's president last year, and this is the quilt that the guild presented to her . . .

Presidential Stars

This cute wall hanging was made by my friend, Kari H., for our HQH Quilt the Vote challenge in 2008. It was made with some darling (and very unique) fabrics, and embellished with felt stars . . .

Stars & Stripes Forever

This next one was my absolute favorite. It's owned/created by Georgia F. It too was made for a challenge -- this one to remember 9-11-2001. In her description, she included that "the cross depicts Christ's shed blood to redeem us from sin."

I AM Was There

This beautiful quilt was created by Barbara B. (who is a wonderful, wonderful quilter/teacher). She writes, "The ultimate patriotic quilt; precision piecing and exciting quilting designs make this a quilt with special appeal."

Red, White and Blue Stars & Stripes

I really liked this one too -- for two reasons. I loved the hand prints in the star and I loved that it was finished just in time as the quilter headed off on deployment to Iraq for a year. It's owned by Maria H.

Service Star Quilt

This striking wall hanging was done by another of my favorite quilters, Karen M. She paper pieced it for her husband's office. He collects eagles.

Land That I Love

And how could I *not* include this beautiful redwork quilt? It was created (I keep wanting to say "built") by Jo R. in 2001, in honor of the birth of our great country. Her stitchwork is simply gorgeous!

Patriotic Redwork

And lastly, I had to take a shot of this poster that was up at the exhibit!! I'm not sure I'll have a quilt for this show, but I'll definitely be a part of the works!

I can't wait to see the raffle quilt in person!

Okay -- now for the foot stuff. As I said, I had an appointment with my orthopedist yesterday. I've healed as much as I'm going to heal -- the pain and swelling I'm left with is the result of my traumatic injury, and will not get better (though it may get worse). She gave me a couple of options. The first was to do nothing and live with the pain. I don't think I want to do that. There's still too much life left to quit being active!!

The second option was not really an option for me (per the surgeon). Complete ankle replacement. She said that the technology has not really advanced in ankle replacements like it has for hips and knees.

The third option is a fusion surgery. This would eliminate the pain and most of the swelling, but I'd also lose some motion. The surgery would be put about where I was after the accident. With 12+ weeks of recovery in a boot, and 6-8 weeks of that as non-weight bearing. And then physical therapy, to teach me how to walk. Hmmm. You know it's one thing to find yourself in the circumstance, quite another to have to chose it!

The fourth option is an Arizona brace. It's a leather brace that starts mid-way on your foot and runs up the length of your calf. It laces up the front and immobilizes your ankle as if you'd had it fused, and redirects the stress up the leg. She said she'd had patients that had worn them and loved them, and had worn them and loved the relief but HATED the brace and opted for the fusion surgery.

With another grandbaby on the way and family coming in March and so many things I want to do (and not wanting to have to move out of the RV, or give up watching Sawyer on Mondays, or sewing with my machine, or not being able to drive at all or work regularly) -- it's a tough decision to make. Because I also am *really* tired of the constant, persistent pain. And quite frankly, the knowledge that I'll never be as good as I was before the accident can be incredibly depressing. Bleh.

Anyway, we decided to go with the brace and see how that went. I got fitted for it yesterday. Oh my. I'd kind of pictured something like a leather boot moccasin. Uh, no. LOL!! Since it's a custom made piece, it'll take about a week or so to make, and then I'll be styling! I'll post updates and photos (maybe) when I get it and am strapped in!

Until then, I'm going to breathe in and breathe out. And quilt. And take care of my darling husband. And love my children and my grandbaby. And be grateful for life.

:)

tough day, happy finish . . .

It was a tough day yesterday. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on it, but when I got home from work and physical therapy yesterday, I was very discouraged and frustrated and angry and sad. I almost felt like I was in mourning, which when I think about it, may actually be a fairly apt description.

Anyway, Todd was on shift, so it was just me. I got in, put up my stuff, and headed outside to put up my wreath and my winter welcome sign. And in that same tub were the Christmas lights Todd had strung on our awning last year. And as much as I adore outdoor lights, we had pretty much decided we wouldn't do that again, because you've got to take the lights off before you roll up the awning (which you have to do in heavy winds) which made it rather impractical! But as I was standing out there, I had an idea; we had a porch this year -- I could string the lights on the porch!

So I pulled out the mass of lights and set to untangling them. Ummm. Yeah. What a mess! Not only were they tangled up, but there were those big, plastic-coated paperclips attached to them in various places, which was complicating matters! I thought about quitting several times, but the activity was just mind-numbing enough (not to mention the temperature was foot-numbing) that I felt like it was just what I needed to take my focus off me.

The result:

Something that makes me smile!! I came in, ate some cookies with chocolate, put Elf in the dvd player, and laughed and smiled. And I really smiled when I looked out my little kitchen window and saw this . . .

Yay for the little happies!

When Elf was finished, I decided I go ahead and take advantage of my alone time and work on that Christmas table topper. Next thing I know, the whole top is pieced!

I'll sandwich it up and quilt it tomorrow and/or Friday. Yay!

Doesn't it look like it was just made for this table?

Oh, yeah -- I guess that's because it WAS!

:)

nothing new . . .

Which means, unfortunately for me, that the internet is still out, which means NO PHOTOS! Bummer! I so have a whole slew of them I'd like to share! Patiently I'll wait.

I've been dealing with a lot of pain and aggravated swelling of my foot this past week. I'm not sure what's happened. When I first switched from the Mobic to the Celebrex and started wearing the compression stockings, the swelling got so much better. Now it seems to be almost as bad as it was, and the pain has gotten worse. Not just when I walk, either. Sometimes I'm in bed awake for hours waiting for the pain to subside enough for me to sleep. *sigh* Tuesday I pick up my custom orthodic inserts. Perhaps that will make a difference.

Enough of THAT!

I spent today doing this and that in the sewing room. More of that later, when I can show pictures!

I also spent today doing one of my favorite things: watching The Walton's -- all the Thanksgiving movies and the original movie, The Walton's Homecoming. It gets me into the holiday spirit!! Yay!

Last, since I can't share photos, I thought I'd share one last holiday tradition that we start over the Thanksgiving weekend, and make through the New Year. Eggnog!! It's not homemade, but it's not completely store bought, either. Consider it a 'semi-homemade' recipe. It's not as thick or cloyingly sweet as the stuff you buy in the store -- my family loves it!

Semi-Homemade Eggnog
(makes one gallon)

1/2 gallon of store bought eggnog (I use Publix brand)
1 quart whole milk
1 quart half and half
1 Tbls vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup granulated splenda
1-1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix in a one gallon container. Shake well before serving.

Note: This is definitely *not* a low-fat, low-calorie drink! But boy-howdy it is GOOD!

I'm putting this Thanksgiving weekend to bed.

Be a blessing; be blessed!

:)

loverly weekend . . .

Truly, it's been a lovely, long weekend! I do adore having Mondays off. It gives the weekend lots of depth, and makes the work week far more bearable! ;)

Plus, we get to pack a lot of stuff in! Saturday, Todd and I headed to South Huntsville to pick up a golf cart for Camp MACOBA. We got a *sweet* deal on this baby, and it runs great. It handles the trails out here very nicely, which means Todd was able to take me through the woods and all around -- places I haven't been able to get to since the accident. It was wonderful!!!

We also purchased a large (20' by 10') screened tent. This will give us a place to have both sets of kids and their families over to eat, and have bug protection, too!

All it needs is to have one of the picnic tables brought over. Todd's going to do that sometime soon. I even grabbed my red-checkered tablecloth from Hunter Road for use here! We've got our lawn chairs, too, that we'll put under there for coffee in the mornings. Fun!

Saturday afternoon I made chili and put it in the crock pot, then I made Todd and I some sugar-free gourmet hot chocolate. We took it up to the bedroom and watched the Alabama game on the flat screen up there. We rarely watch TV up there (I watch it up there when I'm alone), so it was like a party.

The hot chocolate (with whipped cream piled high) made it feel like a party too!

This morning, I asked Todd to bring me some Coffee Mate on his way home. What a darling ... he also brought me some flowers!

He said the orange just looked happy -- I have to agree! And perfect for autumn!

I found a pair of shoes at the Dollar Store that I can wear on BOTH feet!! You can't know how exciting this is for me. Never mind the fact that I had to buy a size larger so that my right foot could fit into it! I DON'T CARE!

They aren't the most glamorous of shoes, but they're functional and look halfway decent and they're the SAME! I'm smiling! You can tell there's still swelling in the right ankle, too, but I really think the Mobic is making a difference. It's been a lot easier to walk since I started taking it.

This afternoon I decided it was time to decorate with some fun, fall things!

I think I kept a good balance of fun and pretty things. This is my second fall to decorate in the RV; we moved in early in November last year, and I did put my fall things out (for just a little while). I can't believe that *I* didn't take any pictures -- Camera Queen that I am!

Finally, as I often do, I'll end with a little reminder of one of my favorite things in the whole, wide world . . .

He really *is* such a happy little dude!

:)

one-third . . .

Had a pretty good doctor's visit yesterday. She told me that the foot looks great (considering) and that the x-rays were great too -- she can't even tell where the breaks were! Yay for healing! That was the good news. The tough news was that I'm only one-third of the way through the healing process. She said that the bones take 3-4 months to heal and then the soft tissue takes another 6-8 months to heal after that. Because my injury was so traumatic, it's going to take the high end of both time frames. *sigh* She did put me on Mobic, an anti-inflammatory, and gave me new physical therapy orders.

I only teared up a little. LOL! No really, I did. :)

On the other hand, I've made tremendous strides since the accident first happened and I need to focus on the progress I've made instead of what's still to come! For example, two months ago I would not have been able to give Sawyer a bath in the bathtub! And we had *so* much fun!

He's such a waterbaby! He would have splashed and played for hours. I was the one who had to give it a rest!

And ever the ham! Look how big his hand is! I see future Alabama linebacker material here!

One day he may give his grandma grief over these pictures! But he's so darling, I can't help it!

This weekend is free and clear of obligations! We've got a family reunion coming in Saturday at the Camp, so that should be fun. Alabama is playing their first *real* game of the season, so we'll put on a pot of chili and enjoy some SEC football. Sunday, Todd's on shift, so it'll just be me heading to and from church. Then Monday ... who knows! Perhaps I'll be able to do a little quilting!

Or, since our washer/dryer is STILL not working, perhaps I'll head over to the house and do a week's worth of laundry!

C'est la vie!

:)

already?!?!

It's September? Really?? It seems like just a couple of days ago I was remarking on the fact that it was already July! Next thing you know I'll be wishing everyone a happy new year! :)

The SS conference session went very well last night! Todd did a great job. Overall turnout was low, but we had six, which was probably as good as any of the breakouts (except perhaps the pastor breakout), so we weren't complaining. The a/v all ran smoothly, too!

Today was long. I'm tired, and tired of constant, nagging pain. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the thought that perhaps this is my new normal; that there will always be pain when I take a step on that right foot--or even just when it's doing nothing (which really scares me). I have to shake that kind of thinking out of my head real quickly -- no need to borrow trouble! For now I'll just presume it's part of the healing process, continue to pop ibuprofen, and work through it.

James shared a new picture of my Sawyer with his beautiful mommy . . .

This certainly takes my mind off trivial things like feet!

:)

normal is *good* . . .

Yesterday was a GREAT day. It was normal. *I* felt normal! I made omelets and toast for breakfast, I did dishes, I cleaned the toilet, sink, and shower, I did laundry, I organized our closet and my drawers, I played in my sewing room . . .

I felt like I had my life back again!

Here's a current snapshot of the ol' foot:

Can you see it??? There's an ankle over there on the right side! Whoohoo!!! And look at how much the scar is fading across the top of my foot!!!

It's still puffy and there's still swelling across the back of the heel, and I *still* can't get it into a normal shoe, but oh my goodness, it looks *so* much better! In fact, when I compare a picture like this to the picture of this poor foot on May 21, 2010, I consider this to be a major miracle! :)

Physical therapy is coming along well. I have a reevaluation appointment on Tuesday. I don't imagine they'll cut me loose just yet -- I still have a very pronounced limp -- there's still plenty of strengthening that needs to be done. I can't balance on my right foot alone for longer than, oh, about 10 seconds, before it begins to scream at me!

You know what else felt good about yesterday? I was able to walk and hold my precious grandbaby!! I can hardly believe he's just two weeks shy of being SIX MONTHS OLD! Gracious. He's so much fun -- and *everything* goes into his mouth! And if there's not something to grab and put into his mouth, his hands will do!

In fact, it was tough getting a picture of him *without* his mouth being filled with one thing or another . . .

Okay, Grandma, here's ONE.

Oh my, how he melts my heart!

:)