update

I'm going to copy some posts instead of retyping it all out here. Here's what's going on:

From March 24th:
About 2 weeks ago Madison started walking. We noticed that when she walked, she walked with one hip up, so she did a sort of limp walk. I called the doctor and he saw her today. He immediately sent us for x-rays and said to bring them back to his office as soon as they were done. He looked at the x-ray and said "this is not good." He said it appears there was some damage to the growth plate, and now the hip is not where it should be. He's not sure how it happened, but he does believe it was fairly recent (not something she was born with). So we are now scheduled to meet with a specialist tomorrow. The doctor said it is not something that will be fixed quickly. And more than likely it will require surgery to fix. He said he expects her to make a full recovery from this, and not have problems with it in the future, but until then, his words were "you're going to be very busy." Please keep us in your prayers. This is very hard for a mom to hear. I will update as things progress.

The next day:
We saw an orthopedic surgeon today. He explained it all a little better to us. For starters, Madison was born w/ a dislocated hip (developmental dysplasia of the hip). This did not happen recently. The only thing to do to fix it is surgery. He wants it done soon, so even though he's booked up till August, he's bumping others and working her in within the next two month. He started off by saying of all the orthopedic issues to deal with, this is the worst. She has little to no hip socket. So surgery will be to go in and give her a socket, put the leg back, and then she'll be in a body cast for 3 months to ensure it stays. If during that time the hip comes out of socket - a likely possibility, the process starts over again. After the body cast comes a brace. I can't remember how many more months that is. My head is sort of spinning right now w/ all I've heard. There are many things that could go wrong, but he seems confident all will go well. All the "bad" have a low chance of happening, so we'll be praying for the best.

Today -
Surgery has been scheduled for April 13. I don't have a time yet, that will be determined at her pre-op visit on the 8th. I knew it would be soon, but had no idea it would this soon. I find it interesting her surgery is the day after Easter. We are doing our Easter musical that Sunday at church, and the next day, I will be dealing with something I never thought I'd have to deal with. I am so scared. I've never dealt with one of my kids having surgery before. Everyone keeps saying "she'll be all right." And I'd like to believe that, but I have no guarantee. Ya know? Anyway, I go back and forth between being strong, and being scared. I guess tonight is the latter.

So now I'll get to blog about having a "hip baby". At least it's something that's fixable. And after this whole process is over, she should be fine and have no lasting side effects. So that's something.

That's all I have for tonight. (((HUGS)))

Spring Break is over

Spring Break is now over. The kids start back to school tomorrow. It was a wonderful break! We had so much fun, and got in lots of quality family time. It wasn't all positive - each of the kids got hurt. :( Caleb fell at the park and hurt his leg. Conner got his fingers shut in the door, and Megan ran into a rope of some kind at my parents house. She has a cut on her face that starts under her nose, and goes across her cheek to her ear. OUCH!! Madison is finally getting a tooth on the top. woohoo!!

Madison is walking pretty good now. She's been walking for a couple of weeks now. But when she walks, she walks w/ one hip up which causes her to do a strange limp-walk. I've had a few people comment on it, so I'm going to call her doctor tomorrow and have him look at it. It's probably nothing, but everyone will feel better to have the doctor tell us that.

We got a lot of yard work accomplished this week also. Hubby had to mow, but first had to fix his mower. Chris and I both re-screened our back door that the dog tore up. We got this screen that is suppose to be "pet resistant". We'll see. But so far, so good. The flower beds are now ready for flowers. Our yard is ready for spring. And it must be spring b/c they are predicting storms for us tomorrow.

I guess that's all for us. Had a wonderful week. Back to routine tomorrow.
(((HUGS)))

Spring Break Day 3 (and a small rant) :)

Conner had a blast staying w/ the grandparents by himself. My mom said he was great! Tonight is Caleb's night. I did some spring cleaning today. I did some closet organizing - mainly in the boys' closet. Tomorrow will be the girls' room. We stayed in all day today, and just worked around the house. Then we had dinner our with my parents to swap kids. Another successful day!

As I was driving to dinner tonight, I noticed how dirty my windows are in my van. The main thing on them - little fingerprints. I just had to smile. I LOVE being a mom! I love having 4 kids. But I heard a story on the news that I found very sad. People are using "permanent birth control" b/c of the hard economic times. Ok, I can understand not having a child right now if you are struggling financially. But to permanently decide to have no more children b/c times are hard now? That makes no sense to me. What are you going to do if you are doing great financially in a few years?? Why make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation? Shouldn't the decision to have kids come from God not our bank account? I understand being responsible. But what decides financial stability? If we had waited till we could "afford kids" (by the world's standards) we still wouldn't have kids! But look at us - 4 kids, own our home, 2 vehicles, no huge mountain of debt, nice clothes, food, etc. I believe our world has turned into such a materialistic society that we don't know what has value any more. People would rather have a home theater than a baby. Moms would rather work 60 hours a week to afford "things" that stay home and raise their own kids. The things I value most in the world are my husband and my children. I'm the richest women in the world!

Spring Break day 2

Oops forgot to update, so here's how Spring Break day 2 went -
Playdate at Chuck E Cheese - All 4 of the kids (and mom too) had a great time!!! We met another friend there, but she didn't stay long, so it was just me and my kids!
I managed to get everyone down for naps when we got home. (including mom) ;)
My mom said the kids could stay the night w/ her and my dad this week, one at a time, as a special treat. So we decided to use it as a bribe. lol Whoever was the best, got to stay the night. All the kids were so good yesterday, it was hard to pick. So I went with Monday's best - Conner. So last night we took him over to my parents'. My mom said he's having a great time. Last night was pretty normal - kids bathed, in bed, and then Mom and Dad got to watch TV together.
I am really enjoying this time with the kids!
(((HUGS)))

Spring Break Day 1

What a great start to Spring Break! A friend told me about a "critter" show at the library, so we met her and her kids there. The kids got to see some "critters" (skunk, snake, turtle, etc) and learn a few facts about them. Then we wandered around the library, and each kid checked out a book. Then it was lunch at BK. From there we met up with another friend and her kids at the park. Madison got to swing for the first time. I think she enjoyed it. At first she was doing that laugh that could easily turn to a panic-cry, but then she truly enjoyed it. However, she wasn't a big fan of the slide. But the fun came to end when Caleb fell and hurt his leg. If he would have listened to Mom, he wouldn't have been hurt, but you know kids. So after cleaning up his wound, we headed home. Madison went straight down for a nap, and mom followed shortly. :) I was so exhausted, but woke feeling a little better. Tomorrow we have a playdate at Chuck E Cheese. Not my choice, but the kids love it, and I'll enjoy the "girl talk". For those of you on spring break, I hope you are having fun! (((HUGS)))

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I have had several people tell me my youngest son (6) is going to be a preacher someday. He just has that feel about him. Today in service the music minister said he wanted someone to praise God for something - just to share something they were thankful for, or some way God has moved in their lives recently. Now, numbers were down today (less than 20 there), and no one was saying anything. My son raises his hand and waits for the music minister to call on him. From the back row (where we sit since I have the kids w/ me during service, and the youth sit back there) my 6 yr old say "I'm thankful for life, and that I get to have birthdays."

Are you thankful for life? Do you remember to thank God each morning that you wake up? I don't, but I should. Thanks Conner for that reminder.

Sunday

Today was a pretty normal Sunday- church, home for naps, etc. But I'm joining the choir for our Easter musical, and tonight was the first night I got to go to practice. My hubby is "Jesus" in the musical. :) This is the same musical we did 4 years ago at our church in FL, and hubby was Jesus in that one also. I was also in the choir for that one, so I know the songs!! The only difference is this time I not 9 month pregnant. :)

I think Madison is getting sick. She's had a runny nose for a couple of days, and she's been cranky. She has a slight fever, but I'm not sure how high b/c I can't find a thermometer with working batteries. *sigh. I can tell it's not too high, so I'm not worried.

Tomorrow starts Spring Break. This could be a great week or not. It all depends on how the kids behave. I would love to do something fun every day, but if they start acting up, we will just sit at home and do nothing. Not that that's any fun for mom, but they've got to learn to behave! I must say - they've been doing a lot better.

I guess that's my update for today. (((HUGS)))

Madison is ONE!!

My baby turned one on the 5th. I can't believe it's been a year! Where did the time go? She's walking really well now. She still only has 2 teeth and very little hair. :) But she is the sweetest, friendliest, happiest baby you will ever meet!


The older 3 kids are all playing soccer. What a difference a season can make! All of them are playing so well. Caleb really has a gift for soccer. Megan is actually paying attention, and following the ball. She has even scored a few times. Conner is getting into it - running around, kicking, etc. Last time he played (a year ago) we could barely get him on the field. I am so proud of all of them! Here are some pics of the kids. I didn't get any of Caleb b/c I was shooting video at his game. But I'll get some soon. Funny that the "action shot" is clearer than that still shot. lol Just shows my wonderful photo ability.




The rest of us are doing good. Chris is working hard and studying harder. I'm just trying to keep sane. :)

That's all the update I have for now. Hope everyone is doing good!

(((HUGS)))