This is a test

This is a test. Should you choose to accept the challenge you will be asked to continue. If you choose to decline this test, then you must act quickly and exit the program.

The test is this: Does Tawnya remember how to post a blog? It has been awhile, much too long. With nearly 600 digital photos from Alaska...which ones should I post? Maybe the grizzly.

But I took about 10 of this bear, and then there was the moose... all the many moose, which I have about 20 photos of various moose. And then there are all the photos at The North Pole, with Santa and the Reindeer..... and the 4 wheeling in the back country, and the fishing on the lake, and the laughing at Nikki and Tyia in the motor home, and on the swings, and hanging out at the Knotty Store, gosh, I don't know what to show. So I will randomly add some, and hope you enjoy seeing some of what I saw. Remember it never gets dark in Alaska this time of the year, and we didn't want to miss a thing, so we hardly ever slept. Try to imagine 52-60 degrees, sweat shirts and jeans, and loving every fresh breath that we inhaled. Trying not to think about our puffy sleepy eyes. Clean air, clean water, and untouched land..... It is hard to imagine even for me, and I was there!

And my computer is taking forever to upload the photos, so, due to time, "That's All Folks"!

Memorial Day in Arizona has never been like this before! We took our 5th wheel RV up to the rim and knew we would have a few days of unsettled weather. Possible rain, much like the valley, and a possible skiffffff of snow. But just to be sure I packed food for cooler weather. Veggies and such to make soup, baked lasagna, that sort of thing.... and it is a good thing. We ate lots of soup, hot tea, hot cocoa, read books, watched it snow, played games, crocheted, watched DVD's, and watched it snow. It was AWESOME! We woke to this weather on Friday morning, and it didn't melt until Monday. Then it simply disappeared. No mud for the dogs to play in, and not a mess inside the RV. The RV kept us warm, and we opened all the blinds, and just enjoyed the handiwork of God. It was quiet, restful, and soothing. It wasn't what we thought it would be like, it was better, It was Christmas.

Oliver was in town for a few days, so he pitched his tent in the snow, ans stayed a couple of nights with us. Kattie was able to come for a couple of days, and she brought her dog, Sadie, and they enjoyed the sunshine in the valley with Nikki while we had snow, and she came up on Sunday evening and enjoyed the cool but drier weather. Monday, Nikki and her family joined us and we witnessed what paint ball is between sister and brother inlaw. Kattie has a few bruises to be proud of. We also had foil fry dinners and som'mores around the fire and loved the cool evening and warm fire. The chocolate wasn't bad either.

Thank you family for making the effort to be together. My heart swells with pride and love for each of you!

Where does the time go?

The last 7 weeks seem like a fog I have started to come out of. I have let pain, pain meds, therapy, sleep, therapy, meals, therapy, and constant thoughts of my bionic leg take over my life. However, tomorrow may be my last therapy at TOCA if Dr. Duhon gives me the OK on Friday. I have signed up at the Glendale Rec. Center and have started to go there to ride the bike, and work out on equipment. Little by little I am getting back the range of motion in my leg. I still need to ice my knee for a while after doing much, and it still swells, but I am not complaining, especially after going through what I have. This part seems almost, ALMOST easy!

Last weekend I was rewarded by a little trip to Lakeview, Oregon. Mom and Dad were there visiting my sister and her husband, so my sister Vicki, (from San Diego area) and I flew to Reno and we rented a car and drove the 4 hours to see my family.

I had a wonderful time and I am getting excited to do a little scrapbooking again. My sister took us to a scrap book crop in Klamath, Or. We stayed at the Shilo and had one entire day to work on our projects. I finally started to do the pictures from our family cruise to Alaska in 2007. I am a bit behind. It was fun to see the photos again and remember the wonderful time we had.

So as each day passes, I am grateful for my many blessings, my suportive family, and all of those who have helped care for me the last several weeks. I appreciate my mom coming and staying a week to help. No one can do what a mom can do. Tyia, she has been such a blessing. Every minute of everyday she has been with me, tended me, cooked and cleaned the house, cared for our pets, kept me smiling, and provided heat, ice, motion and so much more. Thank you. Varce, there are not words to say "Thank You". You have listened, rubbed, unplugged and plugged in all the things I have needed. During my recovery you have had more than any husband should have to bear because you not only cared for me, but you have worked 17 hour days during this outage at your work, 5 days a week. I am grateful for your sacrifice for me and our family all these years to provide for us. Thank you for laying next to me when you took a nap on your days off. I have needed you near. And to all my other children, thank you for your time to be here when you could be, calling to check in, and give me the courage to keep "bending" when I really didn't want to. The phone calls, the cards, flowers, fruit and meals are appreciated so very much. Thanks to all of you who have taken a moment and prayed for me, or thought of me. From my heart to yours...Thank You

As we made plans for the weekend with Nikki and her family to join us to partake of the spirit of General Conference we added a few additional plans as well. We shared the food menu responsibilities for Sat and Sun and we planned a quiet activity to complete as we watched conference. The spirit in our home was strong as we heard the voices of our new prophet and apostles. We witnessed the mantel upon our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson. My testimony was strengthened and validated with the knowledge that I am a member of the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I am grateful for the modern technology which allows their faces to be in my home and speak directly to me and my family. What a wonderful weekend it was to be given such glorious and inspired messages.

During this time we, as a family, shared in good food, laughter, and creativity. The jokes and wit kept a smile on my face for 2 solid days as I listened to my daughters create and bond with one another. Included in this post are some of the photos of the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Wizards, faeries, dragons, and magical creatures came to life before our eyes, even our eyes (inside family joke) *insert much laughter here*. Our next project will be to provide faerie houses for shelter and atmosphere for our magical friends.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Today was one of the hardest days since surgery. My leg has been swollen and very stiff. When I stand gravity causes my leg to weigh 30 pounds more than normal. And wouldn't you know it, I'm out of pain meds. (But I have a secret supplier.)

Therapy has been going well, but has left me stiff and sore. This morning at 7:45 therapy began. At 9:15 I had my post-op exam and had 17 staples removed. I was given orders from the physicians assistant to get different TED hose and a cane, which I will be using for the next 4 weeks. Isn't that a depressing thought? TED hose and a cane??

Varce was with me today and we headed off with our list of things to accomplish. The first 3 stops were in vain. We had been given bum information. So Varce brought me home, hooked me up to the CPM machine, and then he left for work. Ty was shopping with Nikki and I would have a few minutes of peace and quiet. The doorbell rang, which I ignored, then the phone rang. There was a delivery at the door. So I unhooked myself and answered the door. What a wonderful surprise to brighten my low spirits! The doctors and staff, who I value as friends as much as coworkers, had sent me a nutritious lunch. It couldn't have come on a better day. How grateful I am to be surrounded by such thoughtful people.



It wasn't long until my home nursing staff returned. And she was just as happy to be able to partake. What a refreshing and light treat for the infirm and those who care for me.

Tyia has been valiant in every way. She anticipates my needs, knows my thoughts, and understands my desires. She fluffs my pillows, fetches pills, food, and water, changes the linen, keeps me supplied in DVDs, fixes dinners, tends 3 dogs, and keeps the laundry up. She's going to be a tough act follow. She has set the bar high for me. Especially while Varce is working long hours in another outage. She has gone above the call of duty. She even sleeps with me despite my snoring and tends to my needs through the night.

Thank you Ty for being such a special daughter and friend. My heart is full with gratitude for the blessing you are in my life. And thank you Varce for your never ending patience and willingness to help me even when I know you are so tired. I share my thanks with Heavenly Father daily for my loving family, my parents, and my friends. I am very blessed.

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.