It is done!

March 18, 2008 @ 10:30, in the Scottsdale Healthcare my left knee was replaced with a titanium plate and a zirconium socket. Mom said that as I go through airports now I will set off alarms!

The surgery went fine, and although I am terribly sore, and limited in every way, including my thinking (due to pain meds) I have not regretted doing it. Every second clicking on my bedroom clock is reasurring to me that the seconds are getting me closer to full recovery.

I can not express enough my love for my husband and daughter Tyia, for every second of round the clock care and concern. During my 4 days in the hospital, and now at home I have every thoughtful thing done for me. Meals, body lotioned, hooking me up and taking me off the CPM machine, medication on time, water bottle always cold and full, iPod ready with relaxing, sleeping music, and music to do physical therapy to, clean eyeglasses, help to "potty" and to shower, opening windows, closing windows, photo slide shows, books to read, sudoku books, tapioca pudding, fresh fruit, and I could go on and on.

On Monday my mom arrived and now her name it on the "I Am So Grateful For..." list. No matter how old we are, there is no one who can do for you what your mom can do. Even if it is just knowing she is in the house, but she is here for ME. She has been through this surgery and has complete understanding. Dad, thank you for sharing her with me. It means more than you know to have her here.

The loving phone calls from my brothers and sisters. They are short phone calls, and I thank you so much for that. At this time, that is all I can handle. I know I am in your thoughts and prayers. I don't need to hear words to know that. I love you so very much.

My friends, my ward family, and neighbors, you are so wonderful. Your thoughtful meals, and get well cards, (those who have had this surgery are especially sympathetic and understand). I can not comprehend how great you all have been. I am so very blessed!!!!

Don't "Walk Like An Eyptian"

Tricia, Terri, Kristina

Amanda, Mary

Varcel, Tyia, Vicki

I am sick and tired of limping, gimping and hobbling! Surgery is March 18th. Am I afraid? Terrified!! We even did our wills this weekend. (Sorry kids, but I am a realistic fact facer...is that a real word?) So, if you want something, speak now or forever hold your peace.
For those of you who know me well, know I hate to shop. I can do Cost Co, and Michales and sometimes Walmart. But that is about it. I hate to spend money, I hate to wait in line, and I hate to make decisions. I also hate (my, that is a strong word, but you know what I mean) all the people who totally stand in my way. They don't know I am ready to have an anxiety attack and run them over with my cart, however, if they would look into my eyes, I am sure they would move.

Well, as usual, I am being overly dramatic, but it is kind of true. So, Friday, after EKG, blood tests, chest x-ray, and seeing the doctor, and applying for a temporary disabled person parking pass I decided I better get a few things. Walmart usually is the "one stop shop" I prefer. Things like "regular underwear" to be worn in the hospital, a couple of pajama pants to wear to therapy, a few t-shirts, some flannel (to crochet edges on baby blankets while I recover) shampoo and that sort of stuff I thought I was all set and headed home. I had done pretty well in crossing off the things on my list and was happy about accomplishing so much. But when I got home I had the best surprise of all. My house was still clean!

It is the little things in life that truly makes me happy. And a clean house is something I don't enjoy very often. With 3 dogs playing in and out the doggy door all day, I sweep everyday, and it never looks like it. It is like having triplets!! Toys, food, leashes, carseat halters, treats, treats and treats. (Most people have canisters for flour, sugar, etc. Not me. I have Greenies, Bisquits, and Rawhide sticks!) I had put the dogs in their kennels when I left and when I came home, my house was still clean. The floor shinned, the carpet still had the vacumm marks (does the word vacumm have two u's or two m's or two c's or does it really matter, because you know what I mean). There wasn't any dishes in the sink, or crap on the bar. It made my day!!

Tyia is off to snowy Idaho for Laramie's wedding and she took Ozkar with her. So the house is quiet, (and clean). I sure do miss her. She is so fun to have around, and a wonderful Cinderella.

So, during this quiet, clean house time, I have been able to ponder on some of my favorite people. Some of the things that are special in my life. To count my many blessings. I have the best, most supportive family. My husband, my children, my friends, my co-workers, the people in my ward, my neighbors...the list goes on and on. To each one of you, please know how important you are to me. Your examples to me help me learn each day. Your energy, your faith, your encouragement, your understanding, and most of all, your love. I am so grateful to you.

Above are a few, and just a sprinkling of recent photos I have to share. Each person I know has influenced my life. But, these few individuals are currently helping me grow. Teaching me to think "what would Jesus have me do?" Helping me to stay balanced. To reach deep inside myself and find the strength to not let go of the "iron rod" and to remember our eternal blessings. I love you, each of you, very much.