A trip to the hospital

Whew! Can you say "Scare me!?" Jay came home from school on Thursday sicker than a dog. I've never seen him so sick! Incredibly high fever, chills, body aches, etc. He was literally flat in bed. Then, Friday morning he woke up with this rash on his leg. It was kind of scary looking and I didn't want to take any chances so I sent him to the doc. After a shot in the behind and a prescription for antibiotics, he was told it was just a skin infection. Well.... by Saturday evening his "rash" had spread up to the top of his thigh. Angry red streaks, the works. We loaded up and headed to the ER only to find out his skin rash was cellulitis. It was severe enough that he was immediately admitted. As it turns out, he had a nasty case of MRSA. Yes folks, it's the staph infection that is killing people! We can't figure out how or where he got it, but got it he did. Five long hospital days being on the big gun antibiotics have hopefully taken care of it. I brought him home today but he's still on two major meds, along with creams and ointments. I'm just praying it isn't a repeater!

Major life changes

The time has come, my fellow bloggers, to admit I've reached that stage. You know, the middle aged, frumpy, remember when stage. Those who have known me for eons know that I used to be small, petite, trim, etc. Used to be is the key phrase here! I wasn't just small, I was TINY! When I think back (remember when moment) I can hardly imagine myself that small. In fact, I took Brinlei to the doc a few weeks ago for a needed booster shot and her weight was exactly the same as mine was on my wedding day. Brinlei is a beautiful, lean image of a goddess and OH MY HECK! I was the same size!!!!! So, here I am, professing my unsightliness to the blogging world and making known that I no longer will be this massive hunk of lard! I am starting a new diet! There, I said it out loud. I would put up a before picture here but decided to wait for the dramatic effect of the before and after montage. I will not be putting my current weight out there for everyone to read either, but I will post the poundage lost.

So what's the plan? I actually do have a plan. It's called Medifast! I've done a lot of research via the net and chatted with several people who have been successful with the program and then I ran into an old friend who looks amazing and happens to be a Take Shape for Life (Medifast) coach. I almost giggled with glee! I'm just waiting for my shipment of Medifast to arrive and then I will officially be on my way to Slenderhood. Wish me luck!

My brother, my hero

This is my older brother who has spent the last year in Iraq. He truly is my hero! As we were growing up, he was the one that I shadowed everywhere. He's three years older than me and I always thought he was the coolest. Unfortunately, he didn't feel the same towards me, you know, younger pesky sister. Anyway, after he came home from his mission, we developed the friendship that I always wanted to have with him. I actually introduced him to his beautiful wife! Well, when he was in college he made the decision to join the reserves. I remember the panic I felt thinking that some day he might have to fight for our country. It was a dream he had kept ever since he was young and he joined the ranks with gusto. As we both became more involved in our own families, our relationship changed and although we don't have that same comradery that we used to have, he will always hold a special place in my heart.

Well, a year ago my fears came true and he was called up. I can't begin to explain the emotions I went through. From fear and distress to pride. I'm so proud of who my brother is and the sacrifice he and his family made to support our country. We got word this week that he would be finally coming home! In fact, he's literally on his way at this moment. I can't wait to drive down to the airport with signs in hand to welcome our soldier home.

Birthday time!

It's the Jaker's birthday today! Woohoo!!!! He informed me this morning that it's great to be 5. Last night, before bedtime, he had a little conversation with his dad and told him that since he was going to be 5 he didn't need to wear pullups anymore. Our little guy has had an issue with the dreaded bed wetting, but apparently when you turn 5 you no longer have that problem. Guess what?! He proudly wore his unders and woke up DRY! Wonder if it had anything to do with the 2 potty breaks throughout the night? He was so proud of himself, though. When he woke up this was the conversation we had.

J- Hey Mom! Guess what? I didn't pee my pants!

M- Way to go, bud! Give me a high five!

J- Mom, did you know Jordan wears unders to sleep in?

M- Umm, yea I knew that.

J- Well, now I can be like Jordan and wear unders to sleep in too!

Makes a mom proud. He's growing up so fast, too fast for this mama's heart. He's smart as a whip, loves school, is incredibly athletic, has a huge heart and loves nothing more than to tease the dickens out of his older sister. Although he had his issues when he first came to our family, he's always been our Bubba. I wouldn't trade him for anything and feel so lucky to be his mom.

In the tradition of birthdays at our house, this is what he's chosen for the day~

He gets to hog the bean bag chair all day because "He's the man" today.
He chose McD's for lunch.
He wants a chocolate cake for his birthday cake because he's "chocolate".
His dinner choice is Ramen...hmmmm me thinks he'll be eating ramen and the rest of us will find something a little more appetizing.
And...he gets to wear unders to bed again!

He's such a funny kid! Happy birthday Jakie! We love you to pieces and pieces!

Peaches anyone?

What a great weekend! Our little, homey town of Brigham has a huge celebration every fall to celebrate the luscious peaches that our town is known for. Of course, it's Peach Days! Filled with a carnival, parade, car show, and beauty pageant. The town literally comes alive during the Peach Days weekend. We go from about 20 thousand people to around 80 thousand! It wouldn't be Peach Days without all the food and craft booths, and you can find any type of entertainment you could ask for in the town square from bands and dance groups to hypnotist. The ultimate of all enjoyments, though, comes in a small dish loaded to the top with piping hot peach cobbler, topped with a generous amount of whipped cream or ice cream. Who could ask for more? The weather was perfect and friendships renewed as I leisurely walked among the booths. It was great! Now, if I could only convince Jay how much fun Peach Days really is. He'd rather sit at home watching a football game than fight the crowds and chaos. Every year he comes up with some excuse not to go and this year I told him he didn't even have to try, I was giving him the day off. I think he enjoyed himself in the solitude of an empty house!

I'd love to share pictures of my fun weekend, but alas the camera was left home so you'll just have to imagine it all! Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Fat, baby legs

Need I say more?

Labor Day fun

Oh, what do you do on Labor Day when all the world is....cold, and rainy, and miserable?!