We Were There!...

On Monday we went to Artprize in downtown Grand Rapids. I have to admit I'm not much of an "art" person. I don't usually see what the artist was trying to convey. You can say...I'm art challenged!

On a spur of the moment, the boys and I headed down to see some of the sights...after only a few trips around the block we parked and set out to see some of the sights. I wanted them to see the Moose. We found it and were also on TV.

Here is the News clip! Only Trent and I made it in the clip and then just me after more of the Artist interview. Keep your eye on it...we aren't there long! It's obviously me...I 'm carrying Trent's crutches! Enjoy!

(Many thanks to my wonderful husband who went to great lengths to help me get this posted!)

Another First!....

Well, I went to see the surgeon today. Surprise, he said I needed my Gall bladder out!

I scheduled my outpatient Surgery for October 28th. I'm gonna see if I can get a video of the procedure for Tod's viewing. Maybe, they will let me bring home my Gall bladder or at least the stones??

I've never had a surgery..but they assured me I would be in good hands. It will most likely be Laparoscopic Surgery. And the best news is...the Doctor is not 22!

My largest stone is 1.7cm, just in case anyone wants to know!

And this is just because I thought it was funny! It says....Now I know why they call it ICU!

Adios...

Michigan's Best...

One of the best things that Michigan has is....APPLES! This time of year is a great time to live in the Apple belt! We've got them all them all. Fuji, Gala, Macintosh, Johnathan, Courtland, Red Del., Yellow Del., Honeycrisp, Empire, Johna-mac....

So, to celebrate the season, I made an Apple Crisp. I thought I would post my recipe, so you too can enjoy an Apple Crisp at your house. It's a great smell.



The peeled apples




A necessity for people that live in MI!!!





The peelings and the cores


~Apple Crisp~

8c. apples peeled, sliced
1c. sugar
2T.flour

Toss 3 together and put in 9x13


1c. butter--melted
2c. oats
1 1/2c.flour
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar

Combine above & spread over apples, gently push down. Bake 375 for 45-50 min.

The finished product....



Mine








Steve's



my hints..~use a mixed variety of apples (you get better flavor and consistence!)
~Add sugar to apples as needed....some like them sweeter than this.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!

Movin On...

Trent had to go get a new cast on today......

They took x-rays, cut off the old cast, put on a new cast & he got a walking boot.

If you zoom in on the x-ray..you can see how much bone has already formed. The x-ray on the left was today...compared to the right one from 2 weeks ago. Amazing

Here's the naked leg.

Here is the new cast and walking boot.

The Dr was very explicit...you may not run in the boot, or jog, hop, or dance, or ride a bike....Does he know Trent?

Designer wrap. Hot Pink and green stripped! Trent all the way....BOLD!

He will return on Oct.27 to hopefully remove this cast and not get a new one! 4 more weeks, I can do it....I think I can, I think I can!

They Found Them....

I had an ultrasound!



And they found Gallstones. To be exact....free moving Gallstones and sludge! That sounds nice doesn't it! I have appt on Oct.6 to see a Surgeon about getting my Gallbladder removed. I'm assuming that's what he will tell me.

I have never had a surgery....I've never been 'put-under'....never had anesthesia.

Hopefully, I don't respond like Dad did after they took out his Gallbladder....the words they used were....combative.

I've had problems for about 8-9 months on and off. I would have an 'attack' about every 1-2 months. They seem to be getting closer....so they recommended a ultrasound. The 'attack' lasts about 20 min.-1 hour...then I'm fine. Recently, I have felt a 'full' feeling and my chest slightly hurts.

I'll keep you posted, after my appointment.

A Day.....

I thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse of a day in the life of Tyler.

5am--get up-shower-frozen waffles (sometimes..if he has time) in hand

5:55--catch bus at High School to go to KCTC

10--arrive back at KCHS--finish out school day

3--soccer practice and/or game

5--home after practice and/or game (if away game..more like 7-8ish)

Dinner/relax/IM friends/SH youth group/X-box...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maybe you are wondering what KCTC is....Kent Career Tech Center.

In short, it is a school in Grand Rapids for the schools in the Kent County Area. They offer more 'trade' type training like....Auto Mechanics, Cosmetology, CAD/Engineering, Food Service, Health Services, Electronics...and on and on.

You can only attend your Junior and Senior years of HS. We encouraged Tyler to attend and he was eager to sign up. He originally enrolled in CAD/Engineering but after attending orientation he stated he wanted to go change to Aviation. After some quick changing and a few phone calls he was able to get in. He has so enjoyed the class. They actually rent a hanger at the Kent County Airport and bus the kids over there each morning. They are learning all about Airplanes...except flying them.

As a matter of fact, today he is staying all day at KCTC to participate in a High Ropes course with the Aviation Team...so he gets to miss school.

I can't wait to go to the open house to see (and take pictures) what they are actually doing. Who knows where this might take him in life. When we discussed switching, we talked about how no training like this, is EVER a waste of time.

We are so proud of Tyler and his accomplishments. He has kept a great attitude and has got up most mornings unassisted! We are so proud of the man you are becoming. We are blessed to see the ways God is changing your heart and directing your path. Keep up the great work Tyler! We love you!

Brothers...

I took this picture of Tyler helping Trent put together a Lego Technics Go-Cart. He received it from Mrs. Heinicke (our neighbor across the street) for having an injury! Thanks Norma, that was so sweet of you!


Trent hasn't perfected Lego assembly yet. I'm not sure he will have the patience for it. Tyler use to get Lego kits and sit and assembly them....and loved it! Then he would make his own 'creations'..I would have to display them all over my living room!

Troy really never liked Lego's...I think it was the tedious job of putting all those pieces in the right spot!


Tyler was quite impressed by all the moving parts the new kits have. The steering wheel actually moved the tires and it had a piston that moved up and down..they've been busy in LegoLand perfecting their kits!


The other little boy is Jack..he lives across the street. He loves coming to our house and doing 'boy' things! He's an only child, so he thinks our 'House of Boys' is a pretty neat place to hang out!