Thankful Hearts

So I know that this is a little overdue, but I thought I would fill everyone in on the ongoings at Ida. Joe is doing much better and went back to work this week. I think more than anything he needed to get out and feel like he is doing something again. His normal daily life is a little more busy and exciting than sitting at home cleaning the house and doing laundry:) We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend time with both families and Luke and Julie. Over this past six weeks it has been a big adjustment on both of our parts but it also has made me realize a lot so here are a couple things I am thankful for.
- I am thankful for the daily strenght I get from my savior.
- I am thankful for being raised in a Christian home.
- I am thankful for my wonderful Husband, who means more to me than he will ever know.
- I am thankful that God has blessed us with two beautiful boys who are the light of me life.
- I am thankful for my wonderful parents and Gretchen and Marc. Also my great in- laws and extended family that we are so close with.
- I am thankful for great close friends who have always been there for us.
- I am thankful for the house we have right now (even though we don't own it) and how it has helped us.
- I am thankful for Noah's school and his teachers
- I am thankful for the jobs we have and that they have been a blessing for us.
Anyway the list could go on, but I thought I would share a couple things with all of you, if anyone still reads this :)
Blessings to all
Emilie

Cuts Like a Knive (But It Feels So Right)

So here I am, 10:19 on a Monday night.

I have had my surgery this morning, at 8am, Emilie has gone home to get some sleep (she needs this dearly). The boys are at Oma and Opa's for the next couple of nights. The only things going through my mind is that "I can't believe that we are done". I mean we have been thinking, dreaming even of this time, when I was done with the surgery. I am comfortable, for the most part. I am on pain meds, but have a bit of a head ache because of them all, and because I have not had a smoke in over 24 hours. (If anyone is reading this, this does NOT mean that I intend to stop smoking anytime soon. Let us not go down that road right now!!)

My doctor told me that I can't return to work for at least two weeks! I hope I do not become the Wally Pipp of the DART program. It has been nice to hang out with my family so much though. I must say that my wife absolutely is the best hands down. I will not even take arguments regarding this! There is NO better wife ot there than Emilie.

So now I wait to go home. I know that I am here for at least one more day, maybe two. I cannot leave until I have the cathader removed. (Which I will not boast of the benifit of. I can fart around on the internet, drinking water and grape juice and not have to get up to pee. I know to some that may not be cool, but for me it rocks!!!) It's not bad here, I have a private room, if anyone want to visit, 5025 I'm not going anywhere!

Great nurses, pretty good coffee (I also learned that coffee is NOT bad for kidney stones)
I have my computer to watch movies, play on the internet.

Until next time....

Stay (Wasting Time)

So it's Friday of the first week that I am at home...bordome has set in. I think Emilie is getting tired of me being home all the time. I have changed the way my boys get through the day, they are not used to daddy being home so much. I have learned that there is not much to offer as far as daytime TV goes. I can only hope for a good documentary on the History Channel and the allowance from my children to view it. I have watched every movie we own, and am being to enjoy the thought of bangging my head upon a wall. All the while, I am still in pain and at times the taking of more percept and going to my "happy place" is the only respite at times.

So that is the negative...the positive are great.

I am at home! I have not seen my boys this much in a long time and it is truely great. I have spent so much time with Levi and realized that he is one of the funniest little boys in the world. Noah, is very gifted at everything he does. We have eaten many meals together and it reminds me how important family is. I have also spent a day with my Mom, who is sick herself, and had a great time. (There is nothing like being with Mom when you don't feel good).

I have set a loose goal of going to at least one class next week, or maybe I'll try to go into work. I am trying to just "get used" to the pain for at least half the day. I also realized that I have some control issues that I need to work through. Emilie has to drive me everywhere and at times I do not act as a supportive husband as I should. (Sorry about that Em)

I check my email very regularly throughout the day hoping for some interaction. Soon life will get back to normal, until then I think I will take this time and enjoy my family.