State Football Finals

The guys went to the state football finals held at the Home Depot Center Saturday night and were excited to be able to visit with our long-time friend, Kenny.

Birthdays and ER visit

First - HaPpY BiRtHdAY to my nephew, Josh, who is 20 today, and my Dad who is 74 today - how can either of those be??!  Hope you both have a fabulous day.

Has been a crazy time since returning from Texas.  Three holiday celebrations with girlfriends, church christmas concert, horse class, and lunch dates.  Tomorrow is the holiday party for Ryan and all the houses so we will go up for that.  It's held at a hotel so graduates, families, residents, and friends can attend the luncheon and program (each house puts on a skit they have worked on for months).  Afterwards, Mark, Connor and Ryan will go to the Home Depot Center to watch the state championship football games with a family friend.  Will be a long, busy day.

Earlier this week Ryan had the flu and was pretty sick.  When I was visiting with him last Saturday he mentioned that his tailbone hurt and it bothered him to sit down and walk.  Wasn't sure what he'd done.  Yesterday the area was red and swollen so one of the guys took him to ER.  He had two abscesses at the base of his tailbone the size of racquetballs that had to be drained.  The doctor called to explain what they had done and was amazed that Ryan had refused the morphine.  Apparently these cysts are common in guys his age as there's a cavity in that area that can form them and they are extremely painful.  He goes to the doctor on Monday to get the packing removed and is taking antibiotics obviously.  If they return, he has to see a surgeon.  Been a tough week for the guy!

He gets to come home Christmas Eve afternoon and be here until Christmas Day around 5p.  He is VERY excited as are we.  Of course his siblings are excited it's the last day of school for two weeks! 

Our Texas weekend

Kelleigh and I are back from our girl's weekend in Texas.  Reality is setting in as I listen to Connor's incessant talking, I plow through the stack of mail, catch up on answering emails, and get the Christmas decor up!  We had a fabulous time and loved being able to see Caroline as the Sugar Plum Fairy, watch Sarah ride her horse, see Maureen's sister and niece again, and attend Donoho's (jewelry store) holiday open house.  Such a fun, fun weekend.

Kelleigh had a great time entertaining Molly, the newest Spillane wildlife ...

It was quite hilarious to see the herd snap to attention at meal times ...

Caroline as the Sugar Plum Fairy in her custom costume which was FaBuLoUs ...

All of us after the show ...

... the Spillane family ...

... and Kell dressed for the evening ...

While we were gone the guys visited with Ryan where they raced go-carts and had lunch, and Sunday Connor had his first lacrosse games.  We won't talk about how many times they ate out ...

Fall leaves

I'm always so excited when one of our trees changes colors during the Fall as it is so beautiful.  The fact it's next to the pool isn't so wonderful!

Another day of Thanksgiving

We are grateful that Blanche was able to return home today a month after she fell.  She is very fortunate to have done so well with her PT and to not be in pain.  She is excited to be back in her environment and her comfy bed!  Today we celebrated Thanksgiving here and indeed have many things to be grateful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope this note finds all of you having enjoyed a day with family and friends counting your blessings.  We were grateful to be able to spend the day together as a family for the first time in six months.  It has been that long since Kelleigh has seen Ryan and they were both very excited for today to come.  It ended up being a beautiful day despite all the rainy day forecasts.  Tomorrow grandma comes home and we will celebrate the day again here at home.  Then it's leftovers and NO cooking for me all weekend! 

More Koalas

Okay - I'm a sucker for these little guys.  Look at these sweet faces ...

and with my sister ...

From Australia ...

My sister is in Australia on business.  I told her that Connor wanted a picture of a croc or kangaroo while she was there (can you tell he loves Steve Irwin)!  She sent me some pictures - how sweet is this koala and her baby ... and the kangaroo ... ah!

and Connor's croc!

Today's visit

I saw Blanche this morning but she wasn't looking so happy when I got there.  She was laying in bed all covered up with her robe.  She told me she hadn't eaten breakfast as she was having chest pains too badly.  As I asked her about the chest pains, she told me it has happened a couple of times in the last two days.  A pressing sensation down the middle of her chest.  Apparently she asked them to take her to the hospital but they felt it was due to her burping.  I told her the next time it happens to call me and I will come over; if she wants to be taken to the hospital, that's where she'll go.  She feels if they need to do tests she would prefer to be in one location rather than run back and forth to doctor appointments.  The nurse's station called me this afternoon to tell me they had started her on a new medication for her indigestion (I believe).  Apparently their solution for her chest pains. 

Unless something comes up in the meantime, she is still planning to come home on Friday.  We will see Ryan on Thursday and enjoy the day with him; Friday we will celebrate at home with Grandma.  The kids are enjoying their week off.

Catching up

I'm sorry that I'm just now posting some news re Blanche.  My friend's death has been a little overwhelming and today was her memorial service in Pennsylvania so it has been heavy on my mind.

Blanche is scheduled to come home on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 11/25.  Originally it was Wednesday but, due to both Mark and I hoping to both go to Ryan's as a family, none of us felt comfortable with her being home alone on Thursday given it would be her first day back.  We will pick her up Friday morning and celebrate Thanksgiving here that day.  She was very tired today when I saw her and couldn't walk all the way back to her room.  She said she has a couple/few good days then needs a day of rest.  I've rearranged her appointments and rescheduled things for December. 

Tomorrow is the last day of school for this trimester and the kids have all of next week off for the Thanksgiving break.  Other than ortho and PT appointments for Kelleigh, I am hoping it's a productive week and I can get most of my holiday shopping/gifts finished. 

With such sadness ...

... I write that my dear friend of 32 years, Peggy Graves, has passed away.  The call today from her husband has left me speechless and incredibly sad as it was all unexpected.  She had broken her femur in May and, when allowed to finally begin putting weight on it, the screws broke requiring a second surgery.  She wrote to tell me the second surgery was successful, rehab went well, and Tuesday that she was home.  Wednesday and Thursday she had a fever so the doctors feared an infection at the site but an appointment showed nothing.  Friday she was disoriented so they took her to ER where blood work showed she was sepsis and an ICU nurse discovered she couldn't hear.  They began writing notes and she could reply.  Saturday they asked for a CT Scan which showed an abcess near the surgical site and asked Larry to write her that they were prepping her for surgery as they got an OR ready.  She replied "please don't leave me ... I love you ... I'm sorry for everything", closed her eyes, and died.  They tried to revive her to no avail.  Because she was in the hospital only 9 hours before her death, Pennsylvania law requires it to become a coroner case.  An autopsy will be performed so they will know the cause of death.

I can't even tell you the sadness I feel.  I am so grateful that she was able to see her niece whom she so adored be married only 6 weeks ago as she was the daughter she never had.   She was an amazing woman.  Generous, beautiful, devoted, phenomenal cook, talented, and someone I feel very blessed to have known.  This will be a hard transition for her husband and family.  She will be dearly missed by us all.

Oops....

.... I forgot to post this last night!  Kell and I stopped to see Blanche yesterday afternoon and she was doing well despite the rainy and cold day.  I asked her what she thought of the trip home and she said they wanted her to get a raised toilet seat thing like she had in rehab which she "let go in one ear and out the other", their concern over her desk chair ("which has never been the cause of any problems for her"), and the shower.  Okayyyyy.  She said they had her do more leg PT when she got back that day and she told them she'd been cooperative since she'd gotten there but enough in one day was enough!  She was tired and wanted a break so not to bug her over the weekend.  I will see the OT tomorrow and ask what their projected discharge date is as Blanche is very concerned about how unsteady she feels on her feet.  I just need some ballpark of what they are thinking...

Home visit

Since Kelleigh and I were at a craft show, Mark handled the visit with his mom and OT to the house.  No surprises that the areas of concern were the bathroom and her desk chair.  The bathroom is as functional as possible without being designed for a handicap person - two grab bars, seat inside, hand-held shower wand, etc.  Apparently they discussed having someone come in and help shower her.  Her desk chair can be replaced with whatever is appropriate.  There was some discussion about the toilet which I'm not clear on.  When we built her area, we put in the seats that are higher than the average to make it easier for her; she also keeps a walker on it to make it easier for her to get up.  Why a discussion of her having a toilet in her living area even arose I don't know but frankly that's not going to happen.  She admitted that she didn't feel sturdy on her feet so they noted that they will work on that in PT.  Mark is on his way over there now so will update with anything else that happened once she got back or how she felt it went.

Connor had his last football game Wednesday night and since they won, they are Valley League Champions having finished the season 8-2!  He was very excited.  The freshmen team got introduced last night before the varsity game.  Now we'll start winter lacrosse which will lead into spring lacrosse!  Tonight he is with a friend playing laser tag as the kids were off today.

Tomorrow Mark and Connor will go visit Ryan and show him the footage of the games Mark was able to record.  Hopefully we won't get the awful rain storms predicted all week.  Kell will be at her counseling group for a while so I'll have a couple hours to myself - yippee!!  Have been busy working on Christmas gifts so I can enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Upcoming OT visit

I visited with Blanche this morning and met with the OT.  They asked how I felt about them (Blanche and her) coming to the house Friday morning to see how she makes out in her own environment.  I must have looked a little surprised.  I told them in no uncertain terms that she must be steady on her walker and there can be no use of a wheelchair as we can't accomodate that.  The fact they had her stand at a sink (holding on for stability) and prove she could make a sandwich really wasn't proof enough to me that she's ready to leave.  Once the gal left Blanche commented on her concern that she can step over the ledge (about 4") into the shower, getting it turned on/off (I can do that part), making sure no soap on floor, etc.  I told her she may need help and was she ready to accept that?  She asked if I'd prefer she go to an assisted living arrangement; I told her we'd assess that the next time she falls (as even she knows there will be a next time).  I've taken her rocking chair out of her room and put the wing chair in there as it's sturdier for her to get in/out of.  I guess we'll see what Friday brings and what they will work on in preparation for her return home. 

Doctor Visit

We saw the orthopedic doctor today and she will follow up again in one month.  He explained that she fractured the right wing of her pelvis and how it's an unusual break as generally a fall like that would break the hip instead.  She asked why she was doing PT if it did nothing to help "heal" the bone and he explained the need for her to stay active rather than bed rest, etc.  She told him that she fell again last night.  She was sitting on the edge of her bed and reached to put a bottle of lotion on the sink and leaned too far resulting in her ending up on the floor.  Naturally the call button was on the opposite side of the bed so someone heard her calling for help and lifted her back into the bed.  Now her bottom is sore too!  He told her she was to use a walker all the time from this point on as she may not be so lucky the next time.

Steady progress

Blanche continues to make steady progress and has been given the go-ahead to go to the bathroom alone and dress herself.  Tuesday we have the orthopedic doctor so will update once we've seen him unless something comes up in the meantime.

I was a little alarmed to arrive at Blanche's and discover she was still in bed with her nightgown on, etc. rather than up and in PT.  I asked her if she was sick and she simply replied that she told them she wasn't doing PT in the morning anymore as she liked to sleep.  It was too much for her to have the gang in doing meds, breakfast, and then wisking her off to PT as she was exhausted by noon.  Now they will come around 1:30p and do their thing.  She said she has no control over her right leg but that is the only problem with her standing.  Other than that she's doing great.

Kelleigh starts her PT on Monday.  Connor only has the game tonight and next week and football season is over.  He's sad to see it end but looking forward to having the afternoon free!

Steady improvement

Both gals continue to make steady improvements with their respective injuries!  Blanche was in PT when I visited with her today and doing well.  She's enjoying the flowers Johnny brought as well as the cards she's been receiving.  She's getting feisty which proves she's quickly getting back to normal!  Thank you Ann for stopping by for a visit today - she loved it!

I'm working on getting Kelleigh's PT set up as well. Need to get that girl where she can write again!

A special visitor

It was so great to see John who was in town on business from Oregon.  He was amazed at how well Blanche is doing and we agree!  She's doing PT twice a day and OT once.  I saw her this morning and she wanted her nightstand moved to where she can get into it using her wheelchair.  It got moved and I put her things that weren't hanging in it so she could get them herself.  She was happy.  A follow-up with the orthopedic doctor was scheduled for next Tuesday and I will meet her there. 

Kelleigh and I went to her appointment for the MRI results.  The doctor was flabbergasted that it showed no tendon damage.  What it did show was significant swelling and bruising around the bone; so much so that she has to do PT to get the body to reabsorb it.  He said it's very rare to have that much show up and not have a break or fracture with it.  She's out of PE and riding lessons for the month but should be good by the end of it.  The PE part thrilled her but the riding part didn't!

The Renaissance Girls

Kelleigh and Ashlie in their costumes ...

Happy Halloween!

Tomorrow I'll post some Halloween pictures but for now I must get the kids fed before the little creatures start appearing at the door!  Why does it seem like Halloween has been coming for the last six months - so done with the store decorations, adults at their place of business dressed up, geez I hate Halloween...

I saw Blanche this morning and her words as I walked in were "thank God you came"...okay...  Apparently the hoopla in her room began at 5:00a with a blood draw so the panel would be back by the time the doctor came in, the urine sample still hadn't been turned in for her possible UTI, she requested a nebulizer and, when they finally found one, they decided to give her the breathing treatment as her breakfast was being served, then PT came for her and she proceeded to give them a piece of her mind about how much she should be expected to do each time as she is 92, then they oversaw her ability to get to the bathroom herself (she has to be supervised still thank heavens), and finally helped her back to bed.  All of this rambled out in the course of about 49.3 seconds ...   She was quite perturbed.  Talked through all of that, showed her the clothes I brought and other things from her "list" the night before, took notes on a few things she wanted Mark to bring her over a while ago, and she was calm by the time I left.  She appreciates the cards, the call from Fran while I was there, and is looking forward to seeing Johnny when he's in town this week.  If there's anything new to report from Mark's visit, I'll update tonight.

Sunday

I'm a little behind on today's post!  Mark and I just returned from visiting Blanche and she's doing great.  It was frigid in her room so I had to go deal with that but she had thawed out by the time we left.  Her PT yesterday was a bit too aggressive and she's going to speak with them about perhaps taking into account her age.  She's perfectly willing to do whatever it takes but was too much she said.  I had to fuss at her for walking by herself  from the bathroom to her chair this afternoon ... and told her I'd better not get a call about it!  She had a long list ready of things she wants me to bring her tomorrow and I labeled all her clothes while I was there tonight. 

Kelleigh had her MRI this morning but other than the tech's comment about it "not looking good" we'll have to wait until Tuesday's appointment to know the outcome.  She still hurts and is upset that the sling isn't going to go well with her fancy Halloween costume ... but what would Halloween be without a broken arm!

The guys enjoyed their trip to the Rose Bowl despite the Bears losing.  Connor was literally begging to go to bed at 8:00 as he was so tired.  Works for me!  Mark worked more today on his shed/shelves project and is making great progress.  We have another busy week ahead.

Saturday

{Update} Kelleigh and I just saw her.  She was on her way to PT but they let us visit and will come back for her.  They warned her she'd be doing some standing today.  I encouraged her to take a pain pill while we visited so it would set in before they returned.  She seemed fairly comfortable in the wheelchair and had gotten herself (in the wheelchair) to the dining room to say hi to a woman she knew.  We had been shopping for a couple things and brought them in to show her which she enjoyed.

Mark saw his mom last night and she's doing fine.  Had PT and, while it was painful, she is fine with it so she "can get the hell out of here".  That's the spirit!  Kelleigh and I will see her later as the guys are going to the Cal game at the Rose Bowl.

Kelleigh has an MRI tomorrow and follow-up for results on Tuesday.  Hoping for the best ...

Update on the gals

Grandma - She is settling into her new "home away from home" and thrilled to not have to share a room with anyone.  I went over this morning and signed all the paperwork, took her some clothes and her favorite blanket, and have some things to take her back later today.  PT was to begin today.  While she was dreading it, she was anxious to get on with it as she wants to be home.  She was busy talking to me about figuring out how she can get up by herself and get herself to the bathroom without help.  I looked at her like she'd lost her mind!  Told her the last thing she should think about is trying to do anything alone for a while as her falling again now would be catastrophic.  Geez.  When the gal came in to weigh her, I commented on the color of her side.  She can't really see herself so I offered to take a picture and show her.  For the sake of modesty, I've cropped the picture so you'll have to imagine that this goes down to the bottom of her hip ... ouch!

Kelleigh - We have an MRI scheduled for Sunday morning and a doctor appt for Tuesday afternoon.  She is sore on her hip but arm remains the main problem.  Today she insisted on going to her horse lesson and asked to walk around on Vinnie.  She even gave him a one-armed bath.  Proud of her! 

Grandma & Kelleigh

{Update} Originally Blanche was to be moved at 1:30 but she told doctor she wasn't feeling well.  They did lab work and everything appeared normal including BP.  The doctor called me and because there was no "medical" reason to keep her in the hospital, we both felt she was overwhelmed worrying about the actual transport and situation in general.  Should there be a reason for her to return to hospital, that will happen.  So....at 3:30 she was moved and they called to tell me she was settled in.  She has a private room which she is delighted about and the charge nurse remembers her.  I will go over in the morning to take her a few things and also sign the paperwork.  Please give her a couple days to settle in and then feel free to call her as she has a direct phone:  858/485-5153 ext 4061.  Should you call before 5p, you can just tell them Room 406. 

Kelleigh is finally sleeping and I'll wake her shortly for our meeting.  Mark is off to Connor's football game and I checked that he had his insurance card just in case ...

Grandma first ... Mark, Kelleigh, and I all saw her this morning and she was doing better.  They will move her to the nursing home (where Chuck was) around 1:30 today where she'll stay until she can walk on her own.  To quote her "I plan to be there as short a time as possible" which I think is encouraging.  There are still several people there she knows from Chuck's day so I think it will make the time more tolerable.  Once I know her room number, if she has a phone, etc. I'll update you.  I won't get to see her again today but have a list of things she wants me to bring over tomorrow!

Kelleigh ... didn't have the best night mainly due to the arm.  Finally got them to agree to an orthopedic appt but not at our usual office.  Whatever.  Took an xray and it showed no breaks; fracture won't show up for a week.  Because of the pain and where she's hurting, he feels she has torn ligaments and has ordered an MRI.  We're to follow-up next Thursday and do the MRI when it's approved, etc.  She's very sore on her hip but insisted on going to her classes today to turn in homework.  Fortunately this week they are only going to noon daily so she didn't miss much when I sent Mark to fetch her.

I'm hoping to get no calls tonight that Connor got hurt at the football game ... cross your fingers ...

Grandma - Wednesday

{Evening update}  Well it's been an interesting evening.  Our original plan was for Mark to visit Blanche after his meeting while I took Kelleigh to horseback riding lessons then picked up Connor from football.  All that changed when Kelleigh was thrown from her horse and we headed to ER.  I had to laugh as, seriously, twice in three days ...  After four more hours logged in ER, a significant amount of morphine, a splinted arm, and badly bruised hip, we are home.  Tomorrow the arm will be re-xrayed and go from there.  I was able to go upstairs to see Blanche before we left and she was doing okay.  She knew from Mark's call that Kell had been hurt and asked how that was going.  (Of course it took him a while to convince her that it wasn't Fran calling as she struggles so with the phone!)  I told her that they had called me today about her being approved to go to Manor Care (it has a new name now) and we'd know tomorrow when that may happen.  I didn't stay long between the nurse trying to get her situated for the night and Kelleigh downstairs.  I'll see her in the morning and see what the day brings.  Just call me Florence Nightingale ...

Mark and I just returned from seeing Blanche.  She definitely wasn't looking as good as when we saw her last night although she says she had slept the night but isn't used to being awakened at 6:00a!  We didn't see the nurse to confirm that her levels were good so appears no procedure is needed at this point.  She said when she woke up she had no idea where she was, what had happened, why she was in the hospital, etc.  The nurse explained it and stayed with her for a while.  Whether it's the pain meds, the shock of it all, or a combination of everything, it has definitely taken a toll on her.  She's confused at times and yet aware at others.  Very sad to see.  Fortunately I'm on her checking account so I'm going to go in and see what needs paid for now.  We'll go back later today and see how she's doing.  (If you want to try and call her the number is 858-613-4410 but I will warn you she has a very difficult time hearing on the phone.  If you'd like to send her a note, please mail to our house and I'll take to her.)

Grandma - Tuesday

{Evening update}  Connor and I went by this evening for a quick visit and Mark is going over there now to spend some time with her (and take her Starbucks!).  She had finished dinner, been able to sleep (wasn't sure what day it was), and asked for her bag of things I'd brought over yesterday.  Her numbers were up from the transfusion and they are doing labwork every 8 hours; tomorrow they will determine if she needs the procedure to stop any bleeding.  She's off the morphine and on a pain pill now that she is happy with.  Things are good if she doesn't move! 

{Noon update}  I was able to talk with the doctor when I visited her a bit ago.  They are concerned about the bleeding and will be making a decision shortly about whether the procedure to cautherize the artery is done today or tomorrow.  She was in the midst of a transfusion and her BP was returning to normal as a result.  She ate some breakfast and hopefully can sleep a little.  She was clearly in pain but happy no one was going to come and ask her to move.  She isn't accepting morphine due to the hallucinations she was having so alternating between a couple others which aren't quite as effective.

I am going to the hospital in a few minutes.  Blanche called to tell me they were starting a transfusion and she was having surgery.  I told her I wanted to talk to the doctor who, fortunately, was standing right there.  She continues to bleed internally and the orthopedist was coming in to determine if she needs a procedure to cautherize the artery that won't stop bleeding (not exactly surgery).  She is being put on complete bed rest as the more she moves, the more she bleeds.  Having no OTs bug her will be the bright spot of her day!  The doctor was very nice and told me to have the staff page her any time I want to talk with her.  More later ...

Grandma's fall

{Evening update}   We took the children to see her as they were quite upset over it all.  She looked better but was clearly still in pain.  She told them she didn't want any more morphine tonight and to just give her tylenol; don't think that will last long!  She'd eaten a little dinner and slept a few hours.  They were about to move her as she was feeling too much pressure on her bottom from laying in the same place too long.  The nurse had no notes about the bleeding issue; seems no one is concerned except me about that answer.  She did request Manor Care for rehab (where Chuck was) as I won't agree to the place attached to the hospital (thanks to the horrible experience last time she was there).  Mark was getting her a Starbucks and going back to watch the World Series with her for a while.  Hopefully she'll have a restful night and I'll see her in the morning.

{Noon update}   Mark and I went to see her and she wasn't doing so well.  Hadn't slept since I left her earlier this morning but did have some breakfast.  They were just giving her morphine as the OTs came in thinking they were going to stand her up.  I just laughed.  She got to a sitting position, starting being sick, and they realized that was as much as she could do.  The orthopedic dr had been in but I couldn't get any info out of her.  I will find out tonight the bleeding situation when I go back.  My guess is that she is there through the week or until the pain management is controllable.  I'm taking the kids back later to say hi so will write again if there are new developments.  (On a humorous note - she was worried about me getting food out of her refrigerator and to buy her new Lotto ticket!)


As some of you already know, Grandma fell last night when she got up to walk to her computer.  She lost her balance and fell hard onto her right hip.  She knew as soon as she fell something was different this time from past falls.  We called an ambulance and were sent police, fire truck, and ambulance.  Was quite a houseful!  She was doing fairly well with pain until they stood her up and it was then apparent something was very wrong. 

The doctor gave her a 95% chance her hip was broken, however, x-rays came back as a fractured right pelvis.  Because it wasn't clear how badly it was fractured she was sent for a CAT Scan.  That showed that it was shattered and bleeding.  They drew blood to determine her CBC to compare to when she was admitted to determine the amount of bleeding.  Those results had not come back before I left at 2:15a.  She was being taken to her room and the orthopedic doctor will come today.  There will be no surgery but perhaps a procedure based on the bleeding issue to stop it.  She will be moved to a nursing home in a few days until she is able to walk on her own.  I'm not sure how much of that sank in as they put her on morphine fairly soon after her admission.  We are all grateful that it's not a broken hip but sad that she has to be gone for a while.

I'll update this after Mark and I see her around 10a this morning.  I'm sorry I'm not able to write individual emails each day so please check here for updates.

Cindy

Visit with Ryan

Today Connor and I went up to see Ryan and had a great visit.  It was quite cool in L.A. but they wanted to go dig for sand crabs at the beach and go through the little aquarium at the pier.  How they could be in that water is beyond me!  They enjoyed playing a little lacrosse catch and many of the boys joined in as they had also played in school.  Was great to see them all talking about their experiences, the position they played, what equipment brand was their favorite, etc.  Kelleigh went to a science expo with her best friend as they get extra credit if they do a report on it.  If you want to see what my naughty dog did while I was gone, visit my craft blog! 

Not a whole lot going on these days.  Mark continues to beautify his garage with fresh paint, everything taken down/apart/rearranged and cleaned, trip to Salvation Army, equipment gathered to donate to lacrosse league, etc.  It really does look great.  He subs when they call him from Francis Parker and has no shortage of projects for when the garage is finished. 

The kids are all fine.  Progress reports came home and Kell's was less than stellar so we met with her teachers and she's upped her game.  Let's just say the grades reflected the effort!  She knows that continuing with horseback riding lessons is on the line so she has a lot to lose if she chooses to not do homework, study, etc.  Connor has room for improvement but overall is doing well with the adjustment to high school expectations and the addition of football until late.  We visit Ryan most weekends and he and Mark enjoyed a day together on Sunday.  Connor and I will go up this Saturday for a visit; Kelleigh gets to see him Thanksgiving.

I don't often post crafty things on the family blog but here are some cute jars I made for a blog hop that I am part of that began today.  Aren't these tiny jars the cutest?!  (To see more pictures, click over to my craft blog.)  Tonight I'm hosting the gals for Craft Nite and we're each working on different projects.

With October going by so quickly I'm feeling a little pressure to come up with ideas for Christmas gifts.  I think back on the days when all my holiday shopping would be done by Halloween ... ahhh ... those were the good ol' days ... !!

Hope your week is going well.

Naughty Dog

While it's still a huge mystery how it happened, somehow it appears Buddy got locked/shut out of the house and was determined to get back in as is evidenced below.  Mark threatened a one-way trip to the vet this morning but knew it wasn't worth divorce court.  So it's been sanded down, painted, and the door will be replaced when we no longer have furry friends.  Because we all know ... it will probably happen again ...

If you want to see how I spent my  morning, head over to my craft blog!

Halloween Window

As much as I loved the Fall themed window, I had to change it for Halloween as I have some cute things to put out.  So it was time for a new banner and to get out the cute spider placemat! 

Family Room Pictures

Finally ... pictures of the finished family room!

Before ...

After ...

The new clock and candlesticks relocated from the dining room ...

and canvases I ordered from my trip to Altos de Chavon (Dominican Republic) (they don't look this "bright" in real life) ...

After the holidays we hope to get a leather, sectional L-shaped sofa to finish the room. 

House makeover pictures

We are FiNaLly finished painting the back rooms of the house.  Geez it seemed to take forever but I love the end result.  Here are some pictures of the kitchen ...

Before ...

After ...

I will take some tomorrow of the family room finished as the lighting was wrong today when I thought of it! In the meantime, look at this gorgeous fall arrangement Mark's mom made for the table ...

Today Mark and Connor went up to visit with Ryan.  They arranged to visit on a Sunday so Mark could show him a work out routine then they went to lunch and to get Ry new jeans (he's lost enough weight to need new ones - yeah!).  Kelleigh and I enjoyed our day, her friend visited, and we baked cookies.  I was able to finish both of the girl's halloween costumes which I'm soooooo thrilled about!  Here are a couple pictures taken with my phone - use your imagination to picture the blouse tucked into the skirt!  (Kell's is the pink one and Ashlie's the green.)

The week's events

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mom!  Wish I was there to celebrate with you.

It has definitely been an interesting week.  Monday Mark came home early from work and told me the government had cancelled the contract effective immediately that supported the San Diego office meaning they are all out of a job.  The government has 90 days to reinstate the program but in the meantime the employees take a leave of absence or quit.  So I have a paint helper!  We are nearly finished.  One more gallon of paint and we'll be done (already 3-1/2 gallons used!).  We got a new huge clock for over the fireplace and half of the DR picture canvases came with the rest expected on Thursday.  When they are hung I will post the before/after pictures.  I am very, very pleased with it.

Tuesday Kelleigh had her second riding lesson - this time on Cupid.  She had an unexpected lesson on trotting when Cupid decided to take off!  She handled it well and didn't panic.  Now she wants to do it all the time!  Of course she was soooo excited to wear her new helmet, britches, and boots (which she declared are the most comfortable shoes ever...). 

Because of the rodeo, she didn't have a lesson on Friday but this year, more than most, she was very excited to go.  It was fun and so amazing to see the guts those bull riders have but my personal favorites are the barrel racers.  The kids also raced and some were as young as six years old just flying around on huge horses - was great!  None of the pix I took with my phone came out as we were sitting up high and the lights were too bright.  Oh well ...

Today Connor was allowed to come with me to visit with Ryan.  He'd waited all summer to take the wooden box he'd made for him up and loved sharing about football, what teachers he has, see how big Leah had gotten, etc.  Was a really great visit and a nice way to start the weekend.