November Happenings

We had a lot of fun in November since Jason was home most of the month.  He was off for a little over 2 weeks with his surgery.  The girls really enjoyed having him home...mom did too!  We had fun making crafts, seeing movies, running (mom), putting up the Christmas decorations and baking!  This time of year is so much fun with little ones around.  It goes by way too fast!

 

We spent Thanksgiving with my family this year.  I had to work on Black Friday (day shift), and I ran a race Thanksgiving morning so it was going to be too hectic to travel.  It was cold Thanksgiving day, but that didn't stop the little ones from playing outside with Papa.

 

Jason and Lily at her Pre-School Thanksgiving Feast

We saw Frozen...super cute movie!

We made Pumpkin Bars and Turkeys!

 

 

 

 My friend Keeley and I at the finish of Feast and Feathers Trail Half Marathon

 

 

Cousins (Paces side)

 It has been a tradition to have Lily put the star on top of the Christmas tree...5 years going!

Jason's Surgery

On Friday, November 1st, Jason was playing slow pitch softball and he ruptured his Achilles tendon. He has had issues for many years with his Achilles (xrays, tendonosis, physical therapy, pain, swelling) and this time it ruptured.   He saw an Orthopedic Surgeon the following Tuesday and he had surgery with Dr. Michael Thompson at The Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital on Monday, November 18th.  The surgery last approximately one hour, and the recovery period is still ongoing.  He came out of surgery with a fiber glass cast, which he was in for 2 weeks.  After 2 weeks, he went in for a follow up appointment and was put back in his walking boot.  The boot has a layered heal lift.  Every few days to a week he takes a layer out.  This helps to re-stretch the tendon.  He uses crutches sometimes, but he has been getting around pretty well.  He goes back in on January 6th for another follow-up appointment, and I'm thinking at that time he will start to schedule his physical therapy appointments. He will do PT for 6 weeks. 

 

This has been a journey.  I was angry when it first happened because he said he was done playing intramural sports because his Achilles was so bad.  I knew it would rupture and so did he.  After going to the first appointment with him, I started to become more understanding.  It was only a matter of time before it ruptured, and it could have happened at home running up or down the stairs.  You never want your loved one to have to undergo any surgical procedure, and I was worried about him.  I was worried about him being in pain and I was worried about the long recovery period, and I'm not going to lie...I was also worried about finances being so close to Christmas.  Everything has worked out, and I need to be better in the beginning about trusting that all will be well.  The girls were also scared the day of the surgery.  All they understood was that Daddy was going to get his foot "cut open" to get the ouchie fixed.  They went to daycare the day of the surgery and they were so happy so see Daddy when they came home that day, and I think Daddy was pretty happy to see them too!
 

 A few hours after surgery eating a Firehouse Sub recovering on the couch!

Happy to see Daddy!

 The first shower...wrapping that was interesting!  We used saran wrap, press and seal, tape and a garbage bag!

 This is 2 weeks post surgery when the cast came off and stitches came out.

Bellevue Berry Farm

If my memory serves me right, my sister and I took the girls on October 1st to the Bellevue Berry Farm.  It was a beautiful fall day (quite warm), and it was the start of Pumpkin Patch season!  My sister and I both LOVE going to the Pumpkin Patch.  Vala's is our favorite, but this little gem in Bellevue makes a perfect little day trip for the little ones!  The Bellevue Berry Farm is a much smaller scale pumpkin patch than Vala's, but also much more affordable and just as enjoyable for the kiddos.  We were the ONLY ones there on this day and it was a major bonus to have the place to ourselves!

Avery's Birthday Fun with Family

 

Avery woke up bright and early on the morning of her birthday to open up her presents.  This was no surprise because that kid is up every morning before sunrise.  She is my early riser, and her sister rolls down hours later.  We don't dare wake up the sleeping monster (Lily) before she is ready!  I had wrapped Avery's presents the night before and set them out in front of the TV.  I knew she'd be awake before Jason left for work to open them.  Her face was priceless when she saw her loot!

 

We celebrated with our family at Texas Road House.  Avery was excited to ride the birthday bull!  She was a little frightened at first, but then Lily hopped on with her and she grinned from ear to ear!