Surgery Update

walking in to Children's 6-29-11

I posted earlier - or at least I thought I did. I sent it from my email, to both my blog and fb - and the pic made it to fb, but not my blog. Who knows, probably in an hour, or day, or something, the pic will show up. That's how it works sometimes. :)

Anyways, surgery went good. They fixed the hyrdocele and repaired both hernias. He has two incisions each about an inch long - one on each side. He had some loopy med's again, and he was super silly. Kept saying he wanted to go homey-omey and that he was hungy-nungy. Poor guy - when we got to the hospital, he kept telling us that he was hungry - and then he busted out with "I forgot to eat breakfast!!" haha At least he thought he forgot and wasn't blaming us and saying that we forgot to feed him!!! He is snoozing right now, and before he fell asleep he told me that he was hurting 'right there' and pointed to the area where his incisions are. It has been a long day. Even though it wasn't action filled like most days, it sure has wreaked havoc on my nerves, and that wears me out more than anything. I'm so grateful everything went ok, and that we are home, and I can feed this hungry, growing almost 5 year old boy that only weighs 38 pounds who was withering away today!! :)

chillin at home after surgery ~
watching some Phineas and Ferb

This Moment

In honor of Gryfinn's upcoming surgery, I am posting the video that we took of him at the hospital before he had his tonsils removed. It had only been minutes since they gave him the medicine to help relax him, and he was SUPER loopy. In his words, he felt good - good good! haha And he couldn't sit up, he kept falling over. It is super funny! This medicine was awesome ~ it helped calm his nerves, and the nerves of his Moms!! Seeing him so silly made us laugh, and as we all know, laughter is the best medicine!!

Wordless Wednesday

Day 29 - 3 Wishes

Day 29 of the 30 Days of Blogging - 3 Wishes

I believe in wishes. I close my eyes and make wishes on eyelashes, shooting stars and dandelions. Sometimes my wishes are for things that I want. Sometimes they are for my friends. Sometimes, I will send the wish on to someone else -cause I know someone needs the wish more than I do - and sometimes I send it on to a particular person, or just send it on to the next person that may make a wish.

I know this post is to talk about 3 wishes in particular. But, if I do that, if I tell you what my wishes are - then those wishes may not come true. And, I want my wishes to come true. I really want them to come true. The ones that I make for myself and the ones that I make for my friends.

I know what my three wishes are - 2 of them have been my wishes for awhile now. And a 3rd is one that I have recently wished for. So - how about this - if, no, WHEN these wishes come true - I will blog about it - and will reference this post. (as long as they come true while this post is still at the forefront of my memory!!)

Day 28 - Something That Stresses You Out

Day 28 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Something That Stresses You Out

I think for me, just like soooo many other people, the 'thing' that stresses me out the most is money.... or the lack thereof. Actually, I think it is the only thing that actually stresses me out. Other things frustrate me, some things irritate me, but really, I don't think anything else stresses me out.

I mentioned before that we have come into a financial crunch - some things have happened, and then other things have happened, and then other things. So, money is super tight. We have everything that we need. No one is going with out. We just really have had to manage things better. (I say we, but what I really mean is Kelly. She is the money manager. :) But, we have had to cut back on a lot of things. I cook dinner every night during the week, when we used to eat out once. And our meals aren't as elaborate as they once were. But, they are still good. And really the only complaint is Jarrod on spaghetti night - but that has always been the case. The thing that gets to me the most is having to tell the kids no about things that we have previously been able to do. The ice cream truck is a big one. The kids love it. But, that has become a no - especially when we can get a whole box at the store for the cost of 1.5 items off the truck. And Dairy Queen/Youngs is a Summer time favorite. But, for now, the .50 cent cones at McD's will have to suffice. And the kids really are troopers. The little ones are easy to please, and the big boys understand. I just hate that they have to understand. Ya know?

And I really hate that being on a financial crunch stresses us out. We worry, we fret, we stress. Sometimes to the point that I can see it in how I react to the kids, or how Kel and I act towards each other. And that is what I really hate. And dammit - I need a date night - a night out with the woman I love - with no kids. But that takes money, extra money that we don't have to spare. Yeah, yeah, we could make a picnic dinner and go to the Gorge - but I want a meal that is served to us by someone else - while it's hot! Soon, right? Cause soon, things will turn around. I know it. They just have to.

Day 27 - Pets

Day 27 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Pets

This is one of my fav pics ever of our dog. It is a few years old - but I just love it!

Oliver Indiana Jones (aka Ollie)

Our frisky feline - she is always into something - literally

Carly (aka MiMi)

Our grumpy feline - she is the bitch of the house, just that she's a cat and not a dog

PJ (aka PG)

This pic was taken at Christmas time

the furbabies napping on the rug in the basement

Under the Knife

In January, Gryfinn had his tonsils out. I talked about it here and here ~ and probably in a few other posts too. We have a $3200 deductible for our health insurance. And we met that in January due to his surgery. And we joked that if anyone in our family is going to break any bones or need surgery, it will be in 2011. Cause anything else for the rest of the year will be dirt cheap. We should know better than to joke. We really should.

At Jarrod's well check, the dr noticed that he has some scar tissue from his circumcision. Wasn't noticeable until puberty hit, and his body started changing. So he referred us to a pediatric urologist at Children's. We went to the appt, and the dr said he will need to do surgery to correct it. We scheduled his surgery for Aug 9 - so that his baseball season is over and before school is back in. He isn't thrilled about having to have surgery, but he is self conscience of the scar tissue and wants it to be taken care of. He will have gym in the 8th grade, and will have to shower. And for anyone who is against circumcision and wants to say something like 'see, you wouldn't have this problem if you didn't have it done in the first place' - it was my decision to have it done, and I would do it again. And obviously, if he is self conscience of a little bit of scar tissue, how do you think he would feel if he was not circumcised?

A year or so ago, actually, it was probably longer, but anyways, we noticed that Gryfinn's left testicle was all of a sudden quite bigger than his right. So we called the dr's office immediately, concerned, and the dr on call said that it was probably hyrdocele, and that as long as there was no pain to just have his regular dr check it out at his next appt. We mentioned it to the dr, but he wasn't too concerned about it at the time. Well, about a month ago, Kelly was getting Gryfinn ready for school, and she brought him down to me, and said 'Does this look normal to you?' He had a lump on the right side of his groin. I said 'No, it sure doesn't'. So I called the dr, and they got us in. By the time we got to the office, the lump was gone, but the dr said it sounds like a hernia. And with him already having the hyrdocele, he referred us to a surgeon at Children's. I took him to see the surgeon on June 1st. He does have the hydrocele and a bilateral inguinal hernia. His surgery is scheduled for June 29.

I sure know better than to joke. It's like mentioning that the kids have been healthy (which, we have all had colds - so I won't jinx myself this time) and then minutes later, one throws up. That's what happens. And I know better. Even though financially it is better to have surgery or bones set, or whatever else this year - I would rather that they were all just healthy and whole and not have to worry about it. I am nervous about them both having to have surgery. I don't know what their recoveries will be like. I don't want them to hurt, to be in pain. And them being put under anesthetic scares me.

Day 25 & 26

Day 25 & 26 of the 30 Days of Blogging

Day 25 - Favorite Memory

This is hard. There have been so many memories over the past 33 years. How do you have a favorite? Was it getting my first car? Was it when my kids were born? Getting the positive pregnancy test? Hearing their heartbeats for the first time? Seeing them on ultrasound? Feeling them move? Signing the papers for our house? Kelly proposing to me? The vacations that we have taken? They are ALL amazing. They are ALL my favorite. Every day, we are making memories. And every day is amazing. So - life, every bit of it, is my favorite memory.


Day 26 - A Picture of your Family


Easter 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Day 24 - Something You've Learned

Day 24 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Something You've Learned

I have learned that nothing ever goes as planned, but it's always good to have a plan in place. As an outline. As a guideline.

I have learned that a giant calendar is wonderful in keeping our super busy lives on track. And color coding each kid helps too - cause all I have to do is look at the calendar and I will know which kid (and most of the time kids) have something going on on any given day. This has been a life saver during this Baseball Season.

I have learned that I need a family vacation each year. A vacation to take us away from the normal hustle and bustle ( and stress) of every day life. So that I can enjoy my family to the fullest, for atleast one week a year.

I have also learned that not only do I like the vacation, I like the planning of it. And I am missing all of that this year... but I will definitely make up for it next year!

I have learned that there is so much to do and so many beautiful places in Michigan, and they aren't as far from us as the ocean is.

I have learned that even though Jarrod and Jayk are growing up, that they still like to hang out with their Moms - and they have fun while doing it!

I have learned that even with a blog challenge, that I still suck at blogging. But I love it, so I shall stick with it! :o)

When Babies Grow Up

And Turn Three!!


Miss Caelyn Alexa! You are so full of life, so full of sugar and spice, and not to mention also a little bit of piss and vinegar! You are the absolute sweetest little girl I know, but watch out, cause you also have a temper that is bigger than you are! You are such a good little helper - whether you are helping Mama make cookies or helping Mommy make dinner. You have the best hugs - you wrap those little arms around my neck and just squeeze. You melt my heart each day with the sweet things that you say, and you make me laugh with the silly things that you do. You take wonderful care of everyone around you - whether it is your babies, your big brothers or your Moms. Three years ago we had no idea just how much you would change our lives and bless us the way that you have! Happy Birthday My Princess! I love you so much!

A three year old child is so many things
A tiny discoverer of butterfly wings
A hugger of teddy bears
A sweet sleepyhead
And someone full of dreams for the bright years ahead

Day 22 & Day 23

Day 22 and 23 of the 30 Days of Blogging

Day 22 - Favorite City

I have never been to NYC, or Vegas, or San Francisco, or LA, or any of the other big cities. Actually, most of the places I have been have been _____ Beach - I am a beach bum, and that tends to be where I wanna go when planning a vacation. So - I don't actually have a favorite city.

Day 23 - Favorite Vacation

As I said above, I am a beach bum. I love to go to the beach. I love the relaxing sounds of the ocean, the feel of the sand between my toes, the ocean breeze in my hair, the sounds of the waves crashing into shore..... ahhhh - I love it. Just thinking about it sends a little bit of calm over me. And I love that beach vacations are fun for ALL of us. From a newborn baby to a Grandma in her 70's - we all have fun.

I have been to Daytona Beach (several times), Cocoa Beach, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach (several times) and the Outer Banks. I have enjoyed each one an extreme amount, and the memories that have been made are priceless! But the Outer Banks is by far my favorite vacation. I have never felt more relaxed, more at home, more peaceful, more in love with the ocean than I did there. It was just an amazing vacation. We rented a house that was steps from the beach. The house was pink, and it was perfect. It had a pool and a hot tub, and more than enough room for all of us that went (my family of 6, Kel's brother's family of 3, my Mom, Kel's parents, and Kel's Grandma). It was perfect. We did a jeep tour in the part of the beach that is not paved, and we got to see wild horses! The area was so very family oriented. There weren't high rise hotels, or strips of touristic restaurants and stores. I didn't see a single bar or strip club. And I kid you not - the area was mostly asleep by 10 o'clock. Kel and I went to dinner one night - and on our way back to the house - we did not pass a single car! It was perfect. By far my most favorite vacation ever.



wild horses that we saw on our jeep tour


we had crazy waves - so much fun

Me and Kel

The Pink House

Me wearing miss Caelyn

The Corolla Light House

Kel and Gryfi about to be knocked over by those huge waves!

The family in the jeep after we went off roading ~
it was SOOO much fun!

Jaykie getting ready to ride the waves!

Jarrod having a blast!!

Day 21 - Favorite Place To Eat

Day 21 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Favorite Place To Eat

I love Italian food. Pretty much anything Italian. And yeah, I could probably eat it everyday. Lasagna, sketti, alfredo, stuffed shells, penne, parmesiano chicken - I love it all! So, it goes without saying that I love the Olive Garden and Bucca di Beppo. MMMMM - they both sound delicious...

But, my favorite place to go is the Melting Pot. It's so quiet, and so romantic there. I love the setting, I love the food, and I love how intimate it feels being there, just us, feeding each other.

Our new room.....

Has already been taken over! Caelyn and her babies (dolls, doggies, bunnies, kitties alike) have invaded our room and commandeered our bed!!

Day 20 - Nicknames

Day 20 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Nicknames

Well, there won't be a whole lot to this post. My name is Danielle. When I was younger, I was called Dani by most people. My Dad always called my Dani. As I got older, I became Danielle more than Dani. My brother Doug, he still calls me Dani, and his kids do too. And I have a few friends that still call me Dani. In high school, a couple of my friends called me Dan. And actually, if I hear from either of those friends on facebook, they still refer to me as Dan.

The most accomplished name I have ever been called is Mommy. I absolutely love being a Mom, and that name, it just melts my heart! (of course, there are times, when it is Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom...... that I joke that I am changing my name. But it really is just a joke, being a Mom to these 4 wonderful kids, is truly a blessing!)

Day 19 - Something You Miss

Day 19 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Something You Miss

I was going to go all sentimental, and talk about my loved ones that I miss. Cause I do, I miss them all an extreme amount. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my Dad. Not a time when I call to my daughter "Caelyn Alexa" - that I don't think of our dear friend Alexa. Not a laugh that doubles me over that I don't think of all the laughs I shared with our wonderful friend Rhonda.

But, I am due to start my period, and what I am missing the most right now is CHOCOLATE!!! And I don't just mean any ol' chocolate. I mean the good stuff! The kind that is so full of fat and calories that it is now forbidden! I want some hot fudge cake. Oh - and lava cake - from Tumbleweeds - which they don't even serve any more. Damn, I really miss lava cake.


lava cake - oh how I miss you


hot fudge cake - need I say more?

Day 18 - Something You Regret

Day 18 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Something You Regret

Ya know - I have thought about this. And, of course, there are things in my life that I wish I hadn't done. Or that I wish I had done. Or that I wish I had done differently. Mistakes that I made. But, I am not one to live in the past. My life is the way it is because of the path that I took in the past. If I were to change one thing, it could change the outcome of today. And by no means, do I ever want to change today. The song 'God Bless the Broken Road' - that song is how I feel. The path may be broken, but it is the one that I was supposed to take to get to Kelly, and to get to the life that I have now. So - ask me if I have any regrets, and I will answer, no I don't have any regrets.

Day 17 - Something You're Looking Forward To

Day 17 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Something You're Looking Forward To

There are lots of things that I am looking forward to - Little Miss Caelyn turning 3 on Friday, and celebrating her birthday Luau style on Sunday, Jaykie turning 11, Gryfinn turning 5, a Summer filled with lots of sunshine, and baseball, and outside fun, and cookouts, and family get togethers. Our room being completely finished. (the wall is back up, the room is painted, the bed is in place, just have a few finishing touches, and we will be done!)

But above all of these things, I am looking forward to marrying Kelly. We have come into a financial crunch, and money is super tight. I will just say it's been one of those domino effects - one thing happened, and then another and then another and then about 10 more - so we have kinda talked about maybe having to put the wedding on hold - but I am hoping that things will turn around, and we won't have to do that. Cause, more than anything, I can not wait to marry her. I can not wait to make her my wife. I can not wait to be her wife. Marrying her is the 'Something" that I am most looking forward to!!

Day 16 - Dream House

Day 16 of the 30 Days of Blogging - Dream House





Well, to be honest. I actually really like my house. I love our neighborhood. It is filled with kids for our kids to play with. And on any given day, you can usually find a number of those kids in our driveway playing basketball, in our front yard playing football or wiffle ball. It's great, and I love it! And as soon as our room gets finished (which should be soon!! :) we will have more space, and won't feel so crowded. It isn't anything fancy, but, to me, it's perfect. It is our house. Where 2 of our kids have been born. Where we are raising our 4 kids.

But..... if you twist my arm, and tell me that I had all the money in the world to build whatever kind of house I want, then I suppose, this is what I would want! :o)

I have always wanted a HUGE white farm house, out in the middle of nowhere. With a beautiful wrap around porch. With a porch swing in the front, to watch the sun rise, and rocking chairs in the back, to watch the sun set. Ya know that one song "watch the corn pop up in rows..... point our rocking chairs toward the west.... plant our dreams where the peaceful river flows" ? Yeah, when I hear that song, I feel that he was singing about my dream house. Not sure though about the river being too close - that scares me, I have young kids, and one little girl that is way to adventurous and fearless. I would love to have enough land to have a huge garden (and of course enough time to keep up with said garden) and enough yard to have a full on baseball game or football game. Yeah - that pretty much sums up what I think of when someone asks me about my dream house (well, with the exception of the bathroom - I want one of those huge jacuzzi bath tubs - the kind that will cover my knees and my boobs at the same time!)

My Graduate!!

Gryfinn - Preschool Graduation June 01, 2011