Green Light



Pumpkin Farm-Russ, Allie and Jacob 10/20/10

 It's been well over a week since we've updated.  Tara went to church this week, her first time back and it was so wonderful to see everyone in her ward.  Our support from our ward has been amazing. There was lots of encouragement and thoughtful mention of prayer and worry in her behalf.  She taught her class and enjoyed seeing the kids.  She was rather pooped after the second hour and Russ took her home.

 Courtney finding her special pumpkin.  Good job Court 10/10

Tara had her post-op appointment and was given the green light to start getting back into normal life for a couple of weeks.  She has another surgery scheduled for the second week of November for thoracic outlet.  This is the surgery she would have had if they hadn't found the aneurysm.  This week was representative of  getting back on track with errands, her first big shopping trip to Walmart, and car pool.  It's amazing how busy we can get without even trying.  She also made it to the gym and did about 15  minutes on the stair climber, of course at a reduced level.  It was bitter sweet knowing where she has been.


It's tradition that we go to the pumpkin patch and pick out our pumpkins we've done this for the last 5 years or so.  We know someone that has a large farm and we actually cut them off the vine.  The kids look forward to it-we had one less child because Syd was helping a friend with an Eagle Project.


Yesterday evening we all went to the 4A State Girls Soccer Game.  It was up at the Rio Tinto Stadium home of the Salt Lake Real.   It was  Timpanogos vs. Bonneville.   Many of Courtney's club players play for  Timpanogos.  It was an excitting game and we enjoyed watching and  Court loved seeing her teammates play.  Bonneville came out on top 2-0, but not without great effort by Timpanogos.  They had several  shots and opportunities of scoring, but it wasn't meant to be.  The funny thing with soccer is you can give  your heart and soul and dominate the whole game and not come out on top.  It makes for exciting play.  We are looking forward to playing club again-and have some tournaments coming up.

On the Mend.

It has been nearly a week since the blog has been updated.  Our apologies.  It will be 4 weeks since Tara had surgery on friday.   She is doing well and very anxious to get moving in any direction.  Two months without getting any exercise is starting to wear on her, but she has done well.  She has kept herself busy doing embroidery and writing notes, visiting and reading.   Tara has had a lot of opportunity to reflect on this experience and the opportunity it's given her to understand the atonement more.  She has a greater understanding of the importance of family and that life is eternal. 

She is looking forward to getting back outside in the yard and doing some sewing-she may even do some painting, as in walls.  Allison asked if she could have her room painted for her birthday.  Russ will probably be helping out with this one because her birhday is at the end of the month. 

The kids have been busy as usual.  Courtney finished her season of soccer with a game at Payson and at Uintah this past week.  Court didn't start either game, which was a great disappointment.  She is a freshman and has three good years ahead.  Maple Mountain also played their first State Tournament Game today (10/12/2010) against  Timpview and lost in double over time, which went to a shoot out.  Court had all of maybe 2 minutes of playing time which was a bummer and was to be the 6th shooter in the shoot out if it went that far.  The coach only made substitutions for one player for a minute here and there and  all of the other players did not received any relief.  We felt it was to  the teams detriment- the other team had several substitutions which allowed for renewed/stronger play.  Our players were worn out.  Only one shot was made of 4 opportunities of the shoot out.  It was a hard fought game.

Soccer ended two weeks ago for  Jake and Allie.  They will both be playing basketball this winter.  Erin has the best schedule-no recreation activities until spring.   She keeps herself busy doodling and designing in her  art book and visiting on facebook.  She and Courtney both babysit and have many opportunities of that weekly.

Syd has been busy with school and is doing MATC and has a heavy load of homework.  Her seasonal work has ended and she is looking for another job.  She has some leads and we are hoping for the best.  She doesn't want ro return to Macey's.  She would like something new.  She seems to come and go as she pleases and is home  more than she used to be.  When she is home she is a wonderful help and has been a lifesaver in taking and picking kids up.

Russell just finished 9 days of hunting.  He had drawn out for a wasatch tag for bull elk.  The weather was a huge factor, it was just too warm.  The last three days it was cool and he hit one at dark and couldn't find it.  He rounded up a group to help him go back up  the next morning and they couldn't find it.   He appears to be worn out and not too excited about the deer hunt and doesn't plan to go.  He could certainly give you more details if you were to ask him.  We were soo glad when it was done, as was he.

Well, that's about it.  We hope you are all doing well and have a chance to enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  Fall is one of our favorite seasons because it draws your family close.  Best to you.

Catching Up!

We had a great weekend.   Conference was wonderful and we had the opportunity of listening to some inspiring talks.   We can't help but relate to Pres. Hollands talk on the green jello and funeral potatoes and the wonderful LDS culture many of us can relate to.   We have had random acts of service that have increased our faith and love for those around us.

Tara had some surprise visitors friday while she was getting ready to go to lunch with Russ and Jake. She has been itching to do something and Russ thought getting out to lunch for an hour or so would help.   Courtney's Club Soccer Team made her a quilt with all the girls names on it, that each of the girls decorated.  Jeni Warner and Cindy Henderson brought the quilt and took the time to visit.  It made Tara's day and she was touched by their thoughfulness and willingness to take time to come out to Spanish Fork and see her.  The team is mostly from Orem.  You are AWESOME ladies (Jeni & Cindy) for making this wonderful quilt and thank you girls for sharing apart of yourselves.  This kind of thing is what it's all about.  We have felt inadequate in letting everyone know how much we love and appreciate all they have done for our family.  (The girls were fighting all weekend about  who was going to wrap themselves in the blanket next...they loved it!)

Russ had been hunting the night before (Thursday) and he and Jake had returned home very early in the a.m. to regroup and check on Tara.  Jake wasn't all to keen about going to school and Mom gave him a comp day.  Allie wasn't to happy he wasn't going to school and felt a bit cheated.  Life is just not fair! Tara came home for a needed rest.  Russ and Jake went back out after the kids got home from school.

Tara and the two girls, Court and Erin, went to the show later to escape the bordem, and Allie went to Kayden's and Sydney picked her up later.

The family spent the weekend enjoying conference and having dinner with the extended family in Salem at Tara's sister, Tana's house on Sunday .  She enjoyed visiting and giving and receiving hugs from everyone.

Wow! what a week. Thanks everyone for all you do!

Wow! What a week.

At the hospital 2 days after surgery.  Pretty grusome!

Tara got her staples out this week.  She was so pleased when she went to the doctor and the girls there asked if her staples were in her neck or back.  She smiled and told them they were in her head.  She had curled her hair and had a scarf on.  Wow! You go girl!  She had 22 staples removed.  The front ones were driving her crazy.   She is soooo glad they are out.  She has been a couple of days without pain pills.  She exhausts easily and is still getting plenty of rest.

Our family has had a crazy week and our ward family has really helped out a bunch.   Our neighbors have helped out a ton.   Sunday, Lauren brought dinner.  Monday, Amy took the girls to the orthodontist.  Melissa has been doing Tara's week of carpool.  Tami took two of the girls to violin on Tuesday.  Annalyse took Tara and Allie to Allie's  soccer game on Wednesday. Today, Courtney has a home game with Springville and we haven't decided who will be going to that and we hope Friday is a breather.  It's amazing what mom's do.  Tara hasn't been able to drive.  After friday it's been two weeks and she can take kids.   She has decided to cancel anything that doesn't absolutely have to be done next week.  

We have had amazing meals and people are so generous.  We have felt sooo blessed to be on the receiving end.  It's difficult to allow others to serve because you would rather give than receive.  We have learned what it means to have prayers answered and angels administer.  Our faith has been strengthened and we have truly been uplifted.  

We are looking forward to the weekend and General Conference.  It's tradition that we be as available as possible to catch every talk we can.   If we have errands or obligations we listen in the car.  We also listen and relisten as soon as the cd's are available at he distribution center and on the internet.   It's a great tool for parents to play the talks over and over while in the car because you have a captive audience-the kids can't go anywhere and the stories are easy to listen to and it brings a wonderful spirit.  We hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Homecoming Weekend

Allison and Jerzi at the soccer game 9/23/10

It's been a several days since we've posted any updates.  We've been busy with kids activities.  Soccer games x3 and Sydney had her 18th birthday on thursday, and Homecoming for the High School is this weekend.  Even when there are reasons to slow down things can still be hoppin at our place.



Tara  has had the chance to rest quite a bit. She gets up with the kids and helps with a few things and then goes back to sleep.  She rest's as much as she can before the kids get home . It's been nice for she and Russ to have some quiet time.  Russell stayed with Tara at the hospital  three of the four nights she was  there.  It's been a good bonding time admist the chaos. 







Sydney and Kelby Homecoming 2010



Our neighbors and friends have been amazing.  We've had some wonderful dinners and people have been so generous and kind.  I am realizing  that life is what you make it.  If you want to find the good it's there.  I think we are blinded by our own ignorance and pride when we can't see the positive.  If you are struggling think of what you are grateful for and things will improve.



 

 Thursday was Sydney's birthday.  We usually decorate to start off the day, and usually have things planned out.  This year was different, of course, and we just rolled with the punches.  Syd and a close friend had their toes painted and they went to lunch.  Court had a soccer game at SFHS vs. MMHS and the family went over for that.  Tara stayed home.   Maple Mountain won 7-1 and Russ was really pleased at Courtney's effort.  Early in the day Tara wanted to go visit Sheree while she was canning in her Garage.  Russ walked her over, so that she could visit for about a half hour.   When she got home, baby Jerzi and Melissa stopped by to visit before they all left for the game.  Tara really enjoyed seeing the baby (everyone in our ward knows we love babies).  Syd had some friends over later that night and we had cake and ice cream. 

Friday we had hoped to take a ride and pick up Russell's mounted head of his goat from last year.  Tara wasn't feeling quite up to it, so we didn't go.  She rested most of the day.  Before the kids got home they ventured out to the fabric store and picked up some fabric for Sydney's homecoming dress.  When they got home he  took half the kids to do errands.  Tara called her good friend Kristy and she came over to help do the sleeves for the dress.   It turned out sooo nice.  Kristy did a super job.  Syd had purchased her dress, but it needed sleeves to be modest.

Someone dropped by with dinner and Tara's visiting teacher dropped by some flowers and visited a little bit.  Russell got back with the kids and Syd and Court left for the homecoming game.  Tara and the little kids watched tv the rest of the evening on her bed. She was pooped.

She is hoping she gets her staples out on Monday.  They are starting to itch and drive her crazy.








Courtney playing soccer at Spanish Fork vs. MMHS 9/23/10



September 20, 2010

Today has been a great day.  I started out rather antsy-- just toooo excited to get up.  I literally woke up every two hours wondering if morning was every going to come.  Then I couldn'tremember... why I was so excited I cant remember now, but just the same.  Russell got up and left at 6:30am to get home for the kids.  Court and Erin had to be taken to school by 7:35 am and the other kids had to be picked up by car pool by 8:10am or so.   Syd takes herself about 7:15am.  When Russ left I got in the shower.  I had to sit on a chair with a towel on it and just let the water run- it felt sooo good.  I just sat their for a good 15 minutes.  This is why I must have been so excited, I guess a simple pleasure.

Dr. Reichman came in early and I could hear him out in the halls.  He sauntered in and talked with me about getting a CT scan and he mentioned that I was doing well.  We talked about my treatment and he mention yesterday that my arteries had had trauma.  We discussed it.  I felt a lot better knowing that.

I had a slower day which was nice because I needed some rest.  Russell returned from taking the kids and we just took it easy He didn't have work, so he studied for his class in the afternoon.  I watched tv and read the paper and listened to several talks on dvd.  I rested. My mom came to relieve Russell and he went to class. 

I had several visitors, my older sister Tanise, she had just returned from Florida with the BYU team and Pres. Samuelson. It was a short quick trip for her.  We chatted and talked about miscellaneous stuff and laughed as sisters do.  Doug Cornell stopped by, one of my dear friends. The Radfords came and it was nice to snuggle their little baby.  Diane came and we laughed and laughed.  Diane you are awesome.  My brother, Aaron, and his family came to say hi and Russell came back with the kids for a short visit. Sydney came to get the kids after going to the gym.  Why is it you can't enjoy your family as you do others?  They seem to get on your nerves and you are done sooner than later. 

I had two CT scans, one in the morning early and one in the evening with contrast and it looked great from what I hear.  I enjoyed meeting many people at the hospital that were interested in why I was there 

It was a nice day.  It was good to see everyone that came to support me.  I can't believe I've had brain surgery.  It's amazing.

Update for Monday, 20 September

Tara seems to be progressing well toward  being ready to be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.  She is getting some rest, and stronger than yesterday.  My observation, is that her pain is in better control and aside from getting over the allergy to one of the medications she is aware and more conscious of her surroundings.  She still has her sense of humor and quick witt!  She is deciding whether to cut some of the hair the doctor left unshaven for her to make the decision to keep it or what.  Her older sister, Tanise visited and presented her with a new baseball-type cap with the familiar "Y" on the front.  She is all set to go and no one would ever suspect Tara had no hair underneath it after major surgery!   

Russ has had quality time with Tara and spent all morning at her side.  Then, I (Grandma Mattie) went over in early afternoon and sat with Tara until Russ returned a couple of hours later.  Sydney stopped by for a while too.  Tara also said she has had a few visits from extended family, as well as her younger little ones too, who were very anxious to see how their Mom was doing.  They can't help but to miss her and have her home soon.  .

They were able to visit with her as well. Maybe she can post something later about that and describe how their first visit went with her since her surgery on Friday. 

Thanks again for all the well wishes and the family is most grateful for all the kindnesses extended in their behalf.  You are all so amazing.