Day 31

Rob and his Daily Roman Missal.

I'm sure glad he likes it...I think it was his favorite Christmas gift. I know he definitely uses it each and every day. Like tonight, he's having another read of it on his way to bed.

Day 30

OK, so I'm not going to say much about this.  I'm sure if I did it would not be politically correct in any way. But really? Even our Valentine candy has to come in a Spanish version? Are ya freakin' kidding me?

Enough said...

Day 29

The girls are back home again...oh how we've missed them!

 Yesterday afternoon, I had every intention of getting Rob home and settled, and then going over to Mom's to get the girls.  But once I actually got home and slowed down for a minute, I realized I was exhausted...I mean, completely wiped out, so I left the girls for one more night at Grammy's house.

Tonight after work I stopped by and picked them up and they got to come home and see Daddy - they were so happy to see him after almost a week. And now, both of them have landed in their favorite spots...Baylee snuggled in her bed, and Lucy next to the hamper perched up on the dirty clothes overflow.

Day 28

At last...freedom! Rob is doing so well in his recovery, they have released him from the hospital. He has been more than ready to get home.  His nurse took his last IV out, we got him dressed and ready, and they escorted him down to the car.  Bye Bye Kadlec!

Now to get home for some decent rest...where they don't poke and prod you every hour on the hour!

Day 27

Beautiful flowers and first foods!

Today the doctor turned Rob loose on solid foods again.  His first in four days.  He tried a little meatloaf for lunch, and here he is with a little chicken and sweet potato dinner.

And, when I got up to his room this evening, he had received flowers while I was gone...a gorgeous bouquet of lilies and roses from Angie and Mark, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Things are definitely looking up...hopefully he gets walking papers tomorrow!

Day 26

Does this look like a guy who just came out of surgery?  This has been a pretty amazing day!

We started off not knowing what the day would bring for sure. We had just been told by our nurse that she had spoke with the gals in the OR, and that they had Rob's name as a possible surgery, they just didn't have him on the schedule.  Shortly after, Dr. Smith, the surgeon came in and said he had looked at the CT scan they had done on him this morning and his pancreas was looking pretty good. But, even though his pancreas numbers were down, his white count and billirubin were up again. He just really thought that getting his gallbladder out now was the answer to expediting his healing.  So within about an hour, Rob was headed to surgery.

From the moment he got back to his room, his voice was strong, his color was better, he was more alert and the severe headache he had been complaining of for the last day was gone. No doubt he was a bit beat up and wiped out from having his gallbladder removed, and the two-fer of having his hernia repaired at the same time, but overall he just seemed better. Dr. Smith tells us if everything goes as well as he hopes, he'll be sprung from this place by Tuesday.

Once he was out and settled into his room, with a grateful heart I headed across the street to mass - to thank God for the many blessings of the last few days; for giving us great doctors and nurses, for seeing Rob through surgery and putting him on the road to recovery, and for all the love and concern we've been receiving from friends and family. God is good!

Day 25

Here we are on our second full day in the hospital.  I left the hospital for awhile to run home and grab a shower, and to stop at mom's to visit the girls.  On my way back up I swung into Yokes and picked up this cute little puppy (his bandana says 'woof you') and a Feel Better Soon balloon to take back up with me.

I know this is seriously no picnic for Rob, and I just wanted to give him a smile if I could...and I think the puppy did the trick. These have been days filled with firsts for him, and not the kind you look forward to; first serious illness, first IV, first ultrasound and MRI, first hospitalization.  And, the poor guy hasn't been able to eat anything since Thursday except a mug of broth...as he is enjoying in the photo. Not that he's wanted anything else really...between his pain level, and the medication he's on, food is the last thing on his mind.

We did meet with a surgeon this afternoon, and he is leaning toward surgery tomorrow, but might want to look at a CT scan first before making a final decision. I guess we won't know until morning what he's decided. Another night of waiting.

Day 24

This is Rob's Road to Recovery board.  As you can see, lots of reds (no's and don'ts), and not much else going on on it.  We are still kind of in that wait-and-see mode.

He was admitted to the hospital last night, and brought up into a room about 4:00 a.m. They did an MRI on him right before bringing him up, and it shows there is no blockage.  They believe he had a stone, and with so much build up, it finally gave way and he passed it, and is now just left with the after effects.  For now we are trying to make his angry pancreas happy again, and then they will make a decision on what to do with him. 

We are being told there are two options; keep him here a couple days, send him home for further healing and then have outpatient surgery to remove the gallbladder in a week or two, OR, just go ahead and take the gallbladder out now while he is already in the hospital.  Either way, I'm afraid he's going to have to be here for a few days.

Day 23

Well here we are in the ER. Not exactly where I thought I would be spending my night...or Rob either for that matter.

He's been complaining of some belly pain and upset on and off for the last couple days. But tonight he got home from work and was crying out in sheer agony. His pain was intense and he was experiencing some vomiting as well. I knew something was very wrong, so we quickly loaded up in the car and headed for the emergency room.

After some quick lab tests they've told us all of his enzyme levels are elevated in his gallbladder, liver and pancreas. In fact, the normal range for one of the enzymes in his pancreas is 350-400...but his is 27,000!! They believe he may have a gallstone stuck in a bile duct causing everything to back up. They think they know right where it is, and have drawn a lovely diagram for us, explaining where it is and how its affecting Rob.  He will most likely need a procedure in the morning to have it removed.  I think we may be here for a little while.

Day 22

It's my new favorite beverage. Technically it's Rob's SodaStream that he got from Mom for Christmas, but I'm enjoying it very much myself!

Tonight I made another 'batch' of my favorite...a combination of cola and tropical punch.  It's delicious!!  Rob, always the more basic and natural kind of guy just enjoys squeezing lemon and lime juice into his for a fizzy, refreshing soda water.

Day 21

I know what they say, there's only two things you are supposed to do in your bedroom...sleep and...well, you know.

I already know this, but I have to say this is one of my favorite things to do.  We call it a picnic in bed.  Some nights I get home from work and I'm wiped out and cooking a full dinner seems like too much effort.  So usually we order take out, or it might just be quick sandwiches, or something of the like, and then we spend the evening on/in bed. We eat, watch some TV...maybe catching up on some shows, and in general just hang out all evening in our bedroom. And that's what we did tonight, and I enjoyed it!

Day 20

Unlike my scrap space, I have no 'before' photo.  However, suffice it to say, this desk looked like a cyclone hit it, just like my scrap table.  I spent a couple hours tonight sorting, purging, and filing away paperwork and bills. What a good feeling to fill a sack full of trash and get rid of it!  Why I wait until it piles up, I do not know.  I'm hoping to start a new habit...Monday nights will be mail and bill sort nights.

 He doesn't know it yet, but next stop...Rob's desk...shhhhhh :)

Day 19

Today was the final playoff game for the Seahawks. They played the 49ers for the NFC Championship, and won 23 to 17. They are headed to the Super Bowl for only the second time in franchise history.

I'm not much of a sports fan, and really not a football fan, but you have to root for your home team, right?  Mom has been paying pretty close attention this season, and I knew she'd be watching the game this afternoon, so I asked her if she wanted to come over and watch with Baylee and Lucy and me. She agreed, and so she watched the game, while I did some chores, made some Harry and David dip and Rice Krispie treats, and uploaded some photos for next weekend's scrap camp.  It was nice to have some company in the house...and the girls LOVE their Grammy!

Congrats Seattle...see you February 2 at the Super Bowl!

Day 18

Oooooh!  Now that's a good start!  The other day I posted a pic of my cyclone of a scrap space.  Tonight, while Rob was working, I got in there and got it decluttered, and about 80% organized - I still have some stacks of things to go through.  But tonight I purged some stuff, put lots of stuff away where it actually belonged, and even organized my scrapbooks and some supplies.

Woohoo!  Yay me!  Keep up the good work!

Day 17

That Baylee-girl.  Even when she's naughty, she's cute.

I picked up a new bag of food for the girls after work.  Mom hauled it in for me tonight, and set it next to the couch, and asked, kind of jokingly...'The girls can't get into this, can they?'.  Well I disappeared into the bedroom and bathroom for a few minutes, and realized I was hearing a LOT of rustling in the living room  Busted!  Baylee WAS in fact trying to get into the food...she had knocked the bag over, pushed it a couple feet across the floor with her snout, and was trying to dig her way in!  That nose...the nose knows I tell ya!

Day 16

Yum...Doesn't this look like a nice dinner?

After a long day at work, then some grocery shopping, putting all the food away, and doing a few chores around the house, preparing anything fancy for dinner was just not going to happen tonight.  So I made a prep-and-walk-away kind of dinner...Shake and Bake pork chops, a Marie Callender's Vermont White Cheddar Macaroni bake, and some broccoli.  I put it all together on a plate for Rob, so he can warm it a bit and have dinner when he gets home from work...and I just liked the way the plate looked - colorful, balanced, and yummy.  It's what's for dinner...

Day 15

A dinner double date with the Huntingtons.  What a great last minute plan that worked out lovely!  Trina texted me this afternoon to say that my Close To My Heart order was in. Then she asked if Rob was off tonight, and if we would like to double date with her and Tom.  Yes and Yes! We met at Texas Roadhouse just after work - where we both had gift cards (mine was a birthday gift courtesy the Huntingtons, ironically enough).  We had delicious dinners, and some good chatting...when the music and noise of the place allowed (a LOUD)!! 

Thanks for the invite...we'll have to do it again soon.

Day 14

Holy Scrapbook Mess Batman!!  This room (or side of the room at least) is IN-SANE! My poor scrapbook space.  It has been neglected for far too long - and become a dumping ground of sorts.  I came in tonight to get started on the overhaul...just in time to pack it all up in a couple weeks and head off to scrapbook camp!  Tonight, I only managed to download some photos though...funny how once you start looking at pictures, time disappears.  This project might take awhile...but I promise to post the tidy results when finished!

Day 13

Today, I decided to check out the Capture Your 365 photo prompt for the day.  It said, An Encouraging Word.  I guess this can be anything you make it to be.  For me, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed, the first thing I thought of was my prayer card for Saint Veronica.

I chose Saint Veronica, or rather she chose me, before being baptized and confirmed.  Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), she is not one of the more popular saints, so things with her image or likeness are not all that common to find.

Thankfully, Rob found this prayer card with a medal for me for Christmas.  I keep the medal on my necklace, and the prayer card on my nightstand.  Her Prayer to the Holy Face on the back side of the card is An Encouraging Word!

Day 12

Today was a bit of a continuation of yesterday. Rob and I went to Mass this morning, then I made an early dinner and sent him off to work.  After he left, I continued with trying to put the house back together...pictures back on the walls, knick knacks back on their shelves, furniture back where it belongs, etc., etc.  I did take a little break and attempted some Rice Krispie treats...unfortunately my marshmallows were old, and that didn't work out. So on to Plan B.

I've had these Cherry Chip Cookies before and I remember them being oh, so tasty.  All you do is take a cake mix, one egg, 1/2 stick of butter, 1 bar of cream cheese, and a splash of vanilla...voila, cookies.  I decided to add a little almond icing drizzle, just to dress them up and for a little extra flavor.  They aren't bad...but just not like I remember.  I think I've been wanting to make them for so long, I may have built them up in my mind.

I do have to admit, these cake mix cookies are pretty quick and easy though.  Might have to try a different flavor next time.

Day 11

I have spent nearly all day tearing down Christmas, and trying to get our house put back together again.  (I have never had my Christmas tree up until January 11th!!)  And this right here - this is my 'helper'.  She's like a mole stuck to my side - but since I haven't sat down much today, she doesn't have anyone to snuggle with.  Baylee could care less - she's off lying in her little doggie bed Santa brought her for Christmas.  But not Princess Lucy...she has to be in the thick of things.  And who wants to catch a few zzzz's in their new doggie bed anyway? Not her...not when you can make a perfectly fine bed out of a sofa pillow that has fallen to the floor!  All she needs is the crown.

Day 10

It's been one of those weeks.  Not a bad week, just kind of a crazy week.  With the first full week back to work after the holidays, and rolling into a new year, things were a bit crazy there.  And with me not feeling tip top just yet between my lingering cold and the infection in my leg and swollen ankle and foot, it was just...well...a crazy week.

But, near the end of the day, one of the Battalion Chiefs - who knew it had been a bit of a trying week for me at the office - came in and gave me a very unexpected Thank You...an Olive Garden gift card.  Well, it just so happens that Rob was asked to trade shifts today, and worked the morning and had tonight off.  I texted him and asked if he wanted to pick me up from work, and head across the street to the Olive Garden, and of course he did.

We had a great meal, I had this lovely cocktail...and although the place was packed and it was hard to hear each other talk, it was nice to spend an evening out together.

Thanks Curt for the gift card!  We put it to good use immediately!!

Day 9

Just me...with some new highlights and curls.

I got my hair done today, and when I was finished I got into the car and thought...why not?  Take a picture and capture the new do!  Traci does such a good job - I just pretty much tell her what I'm thinking, and she makes my hair look lovely.  Thanks Traci, for giving me a bit of a fresh look for the new year.

Day 8

Congratulations Rob!  This may be a short but sweet little email, but it has certainly has been a long time coming.

For about 5 months now Rob has been trying to become an Independent Contractor with the State of Washington.  To get this done, he has had to jump through hoop after hoop...resume, application, interview, reference checks, background check, etc.  And each time there is a lull in the momentum, it feels a little discouraging.  But on Monday, December 23rd, we received a Christmas Blessing...his contract came in the mail...his contract for services effective December 31, 2013 through June 30, 2015!

Today's email is just the icing on the cake - a note from the State saying they too had signed the contract, Rob's copy is in the mail, and notification is being made to local case managers that he is ready for clients!  Yay!!

Day 7

Look!  A quick stop at Hobby Lobby after work proved to be fruitful.

I've been searching the web looking for folks who post their Project Life layouts, and I've found some pretty good blogs to follow.  One of the things I've seen repeatedly has been a date stamp...yep, just the old fashioned kind you can roll up and down and stamp the date.  I like the way it looks, so I went hunting for one. I found a Dear Lizzy, and luckily all stamps were 50% off...score!

Also, I discovered that HL carries some of the Project Life stuff...not much, but a few things.  I found some themed cards for dogs.  Well...we all know there were probably be quite a few pup pictures throughout this year, so I grabbed those as well.  And, since it's been so very long since I've purchased product, I have yet to get into this whole Washi Tape business...so I grabbed a black and white chevron patterned one of those as well - to match my kit.  And, I just happened past a sticker sheet that I liked, all about faith, so I picked it up at 50% as well.

And did I mention I had a gift card...and only used about 1/2 of it...what a good shopper I am!  Just keeping the excitement and the momentum going...

Day 6

It came, it came!  I was so very excited to get a text from Rob this afternoon telling me a box from Amazon had arrived.  It was my Project Life order.  Just like any scrapper, new items cause near euphoria, but this...well this is a whole new world for me, so I couldn't wait to tear into that box and get EVERYTHING out to have a looksie. Now, to get busy putting it all together for 2014...Project Life Style!

Stay tuned for finished layouts, as I work my way through them, week by week.

Day 5

My cuddle bugs!!  Oh, what poor little Lucy will endure for the sake of a cuddle!  She just wants to be curled up on, or alongside someone...even Baylee.  And Baylee likes to have a leg up - either on the side of her bed, on your leg, or like now, even over the top of Lucy's neck.

I guess it's a match made in heaven?!?

Day 4

Lucy has found a new best friend.  She just LOVES Emilee.  She lays near her, next to her, or even on her.  Maybe because Em gives her some much love and attention.

Tonight she was even trying to help Em play with the Flashpad...I think her little paws on the board were were anything but helpful!

Day 3

Better late than never, as the saying goes.  January 3rd and our gingerbread house is finally finished.  I managed to get the house erected fairly early on, but then between Rob and I both being sick, the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and I guess just a lack of interest...that's where it stayed.

Well, Jenn, Tyler and Emilee came to visit for the weekend, so after dinner tonight Tyler took on the task of finishing the house.  I think he did a darn good job if you ask me.  Thanks Tyler.

Day 2

Ouch!  Yep, another one.  This whole staph infection thing is for the birds...and getting quite old!  Since my first occurrence that ended up with a hospital stay and surgery, I have battled reoccurring infections.  Some small and manageable, others not so much.  This is the first one I've had on my lower leg.  I felt a little bump at church on Sunday, and it has worked it's way up to this.  The new part though is all this swelling.  It's hard to really see in the picture, but my ankle and top of my foot are really puffy tonight!  I started antibiotics last night, so hopefully I'll see some healing soon.

Day 1

Today, on this 8th day of Christmas, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.  On this Holy Day of Obligation we honor her divine motherhood to Jesus Christ.

This is a photo of our church's beautiful Nativity. Unfortunately, I was too sick to attend mass on Christmas Day so I missed its first day.  Not that I didn't see it last year (in fact I posted a photo of it!), it's just that there's the waiting and anticipating, the excitement of its placement to carry us through the 12 days of Christmas!

Happy New Year!

It's a brand new year and here I am...trying my hand at Project 365 one more time.  In 2012, I made it somewhere deep into November I believe.  But 2013 was not just a failure...it was an epic failure.

Not to be defeated, I'm trying again but with some changes - live and learn I guess.  I want to take much of the pressure off of myself by thinking I have to have some original, and beautifully composed shot each day...you know, photography at it's finest - NOT!  Those shots are rare, which is what makes them great.  This is just supposed to capture everyday life.  So, being that my iPhone is my friend and is with me always, usually right in my hand or pocket, I vow to be alright with using it - even all 365 days if that's how it turns out.

And, the other change - that I am most excited about - is that I'm not just going to blog them, but I'm going to scrap them.  I will still blog a bit, but the descriptions may be short and sweet just to explain the photo, and keep those that are still interested in what the Auchmoody's are doing up to speed.  The exciting part (if you're a scrapper, you'll understand - otherwise insert yawn here) is that I ordered Becky Higgins' Project Life kit from Amazon yesterday.  Those kits came out in 2009, and I've toyed with the idea of doing one ever since, but just couldn't commit.  Well, I texted Rob yesterday and told him I wanted to do it, and he said go for it...order placed and on it's way!

So Happy New Year one and all.  2013 had some ups, but it had a lot of downs too.  I'm going to chalk it up to the 13 in 2013, and look forward to an AWESOME 2014!!  Bring it on world, I'm ready for it, and to document it all!!