Playing Around with School

Back in November I started a "Mom's Time Playgroup." The idea was for Mom's to get together and do "their crafty thing" while the kids played. During the Winter we met at my apartment's clubhouse. The group solidified with me and two other Mom's, each with two kids. A total of 4 boys and 2 girls. Slowly, we started meeting at each other's places and ditched the clubhouse. When we ditched the clubhouse, we also seemed to have ditched the crafting thing. I'd like to get back to crafting, but for now, the playgroup is an important thing too.

Since the weather's warmed up, we've been meeting at different parks and playgrounds. Today, we went to the elementary school by our house. I think I've written about Wyoming playground equipment before... Tom and I thought they'd outlawed this type of stuff! We just NEVER saw it around Arizona... metal toys... merry-go-rounds... sand pits and asphalt under the equipment...


I mean, that is a SERIOUSLLY BIG METAL SLIDE!!!

Look at Frank (at the top) and Jack (at the bottom)! They are just tiny!


We've recently added another lady to our group, so we now have six boys (2, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 5) and two girls (2 & 4) that are playing together. Here are the two we've known for several months:


George and Frank were in the Sports Camp together. I can never get over how serious George tends to be. Andrew is a lot like Jack. They are determined and a bit mischievous! It's so interesting to make friends with other ladies with two sons, about the same ages as ours. I've got two friends like this now, and it's a lot of fun to compare notes on how the two boys interact with each other and others.

So, Frank has made two friends, both two months younger than him. All three of them will be starting Kindergarten this fall. George here is going to the Elementary School where they were playing today. Jeremiah will be homeschooled, along with his sister who's been homeschooled the past two years (she'll be in second grade). I just realized that either way, public school or homeschool, Frank will have a friend in his grade... someone to do "school stuff" with and someone to "compare" against the "other" method of learning. As we get closer to the beginning of the school year, Tom and I are more and more excited about the opportunity to continue schooling the boys at home!

Whenever you talk or think about your reasons for doing things with your kids, be it school or otherwise, you usually have a whole myriad of reasons, not just one or two. In the end though, I think it boils down to "it's the right thing to do for our family / child". Right now, homeschooling Frank (and Jack) feels like the right thing for us to do, and we are excited to do it. So. Yes, we are still planning to homeschool the boys.

This question of homeschooling came up in a comment to yesterday's HUGE post. I wanted to especially thank you for your feedback about that post; especially Cricket's unique Insurance Inside Insight. It helped me truly "understand" what was going on.

Thanks, as ever, for your feedback, input, and comments. They help this blogging thing feel more "alive"! :D

Repercussions

I'll apologize now, because I think this post is going to be disjointed and "all over the place!"

Repercussions, as defined in Merriam Webster Online:

Main Entry:

re·per·cus·sion

Pronunciation:

\ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən, ˌre-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin repercussion-, repercussio, from repercutere to drive back, from re- + percutere to beat — more at percussion

Date:

1536

1: reflection, reverberation2 a: an action or effect given or exerted in return : a reciprocal action or effect b: a widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an act, action, or event —usually used in plural

— re·per·cus·sive \-ˈkə-siv\ adjective

Tom had a headache. A very bad headache. It lasted for MANY hours and was so intense! Noise and light became unbearable. He thought he was experiencing his first migraine. Upon further inquisitions, I discovered that all the pain and trouble were on the right side of his head. I said "it doesn't sound like a migraine, it sounds like a tumor" ... because it sounded like pressure on his brain causing the trouble. Then. I thought about an injury from last Monday.

While in Riverton, he walked into an open door (one on his truck that lifts up, but couldn't go all the way up because of an awning or something). When he hit the door, he knocked himself to the ground... not an easy thing for someone who's 251 pounds (he's lost 25 pounds recently! YEAH TOM!!!) Afterwards, he reached for things that weren't there and stumbled about until he found the cab of his truck. He laid his torso down on his seat and left his feet outside. He says it was "ten minutes" before he could see again. Of course, since he couldn't see, who knows how long it really was. He'd cut himself right at the hairline on his right temple. The next morning, he said it felt like someone'd been kicking him in the head... since I'm sure he's had this happen in Bar Fights, I believe he wasn't exaggerating.

So. I thought back to this walking into something (again... he'd hit the same part of his head about a week earlier, though not quite as hard) and all the pain he was having and decided he must have a concussion. He was in A LOT of pain. I'd called around and got him an appointment
the first thing the next morning with a Chiropractor.

That night the pain in my hip / thigh / sciatica / lower back returned with a vengence (thanks to my FINALLY starting a garden with the boys...

ALL I did was dig and rake a SMALL bed for the corn. REALLY! It was just 4' x 6'. That's seriously a small amount of gardening!!! Of course, I've been having trouble for the past three weeks since grading the front yard for sod... so, my body still wasn't healed. But REALLY we have a VERY short growing season here, and I wonder if these will even beat the frost... the corn should be productive by the 12th of September. We still "need" to get the carrots in the ground. All they have are corn, and marigold seeds mixed in with the strawberry plants (which I don't expect any production from until next year).

Anyway, my left hip/back was hurting, BAD! So bad that when I tried to lay down and go to sleep, I **literally** jumped out of bed to "get away" from the pain. I wound up on the couch. Standing doesn't hurt it. Sitting doesn't hurt. Just laying down. I've been completely deprived of sleep the past three weeks and Tuesday night was THE WORST!!!

Tom fetched me from the couch around 2:30 am. His head felt better and he wanted me to go to his appointment in the morning. I poo-pahed him. At 7:55, when he got up, he came downstairs and told me to get myself ready, because I'd be going to the Chrioprator.

I did. I've been going to Chriopractors since I was eight. Every one has their own unique approach and touch. Usually, I feel a little "tightness" or a "pull" in the area(s) worked as I'm walking out. This doctor did a different approach AND I felt better when I left. Relaxed. No pain. The true test came at bedtime though, when I was able to sleep without pain in my left hip!

This turn of events was good for me, but, the doctor whom I'd spoken with the day before, wanted to know where my husband was. I described things and he too thought a concussion might me the culprit. The doctor STRONGLY urged me to get Tom to a doctor. In fact, I was on the phone making the appointment when the doctor came in to see me. He realized whom I'd hung up with, handed me my phone, told me to call back and make the appointment before he'd treat me, then left the room! That's pretty amazing (to me). That a doctor would thank you for hanging up, but ask you to call back.

So. Yesterday afternoon, 10 days after the injury. Tom went to a doctor where a concussion was confirmed. His right eye-lid (unnoticed by us) is still droopy. His right eye is having trouble tracking. And of course, all the pain he's still having, all on the right side of his head. The doctor wanted to order a CT Scan as a CYA procedure. Since it's been so long, he's not too worried about more complications... just need to let things heal up. Rest and Time.

I'm still concerned though. And, quite honestly, tired of listening to all the "my head hurts" every afternoon and evening. So, today Tom had to drive back to Evanston, about 1 1/2 hours. I told him I'd take him. So he could rest and his head wouldn't hurt so bad. I thought it would be a good test to see if it would help, him being able to relax and sleep while riding instead of having to focus while driving. It also would be safer than him continuing to drive with this obvious pressure in his head.

Well. His lead found out that we were with him and why. Then, not an hour later, his boss called. We were headed to another call at the time, but, we got sent home. Apparently, my driving him is a liability for the company... because if we got in an accident, la-la-la... So. Even though Tom can do his job and I can drive him to-and-from his job. We're not allowed to because of the risks to the companies legal department. I understand. I get it. But really, I think of Tom and I as a team. He's hurt (a little) and I can help. Why shouldn't I be able to? If your spouse / friend drops their vehicle off at the shop for the day, you can drive them to work, right? Their boss usually appreciates them getting to work. Especially when there have been LOTS of personnel conflicts about coverage in the past few weeks. It should be okay that a wife A) wants her husband to be seen and treated when he's hurt himself, and B) wants to help him continue to do his job.

I feel sad that our society has disjointed it's members to the point where all the parties of a family are suppose to report separately to work / school all day, every day, and aren't "allowed" to help each other out.

[Okay. End of RANT. It's safe to come out now!]

So. About thirty minutes from Evanston, I discovered that the "fix" was likely to take ALL day... like five or six hours! In the past, I've always gone along for the drive, been there 20-30 minutes, then headed back. So, the break and stretch would be nice, but I hadn't "planned" to be gone ALL DAY.

After dropping Tom off, we headed out to find the Chamber of Commerce. On our way to it, we found several photography worthy old buildings, but this really caught the eye of our camera...


I tried to explain that phones use to be fixed objects, not mobile devices. I'm not sure if the message got through. I'm also not sure the boys saw the humor of my wanting to pose with my cell phone against a phone booth...


EVENTUALLY (EIGHT) photos later (many of them more of the sidewalk than *ME*) Frank took the one you see above (well, I did tweak it with Pioneer Woman Adobe Photoshop Actions).

Back to playing in the booth...


I did warn you that this post was bound to jump around a lot, didn't I? I don't think I mentioned that it would probably turn into a book though!

One more shot to show you near the phone booth. Not because it's such a great / clear shot, but because it'll show you my haircut. I had my hair cut last month. First "new" style for me in... EIGHT YEARS!!! I *always* get an undercut, all-one-length cut. The length fluctuates slightly between my chin and my shoulders. It gets cut every six weeks - religiously. So. My first NEW STYLE in eight years and NOT ONE PERSON notices or pays enough attention to comment. Here. you can see the layers falling around my face...


It's a slight layer / stack at the back, but still pretty much all the same total length. I'm enjoying it, although my round brush broke and so when I do blow it dry, it's just been with a flat brush. Anyway, I know My Mom wanted to see it, and I thought I'd share with you. I had my hair cut differently and *no one* cares! Boo-hoo! :*(

[And now for something different...]

Frank and I trotted on over to the first Farmer's Market of the season. It looked promising to start...


Turns out. This was one of TWO produce vendors. There were also TWO bread makers and ONE Salami. The rest of the TWENTY or so vendors were all arts and crafts and wares. This is okay and everything, but shouldn't it be called a "Craft Show" instead of a "Farmer's Market"? I'm just sayin'!

We came home with this patehtic lot.


I mean, I'm sure they'll TASTE good, but the price? They lot of it was $21. The cantaloupe fits in the palm of my hand. The asparagus is pencil thin. The beans and potatoes are nice, but they were $5 each.

I guess we're just spoiled by Lander's Farmer's Market at Sprouts in Lander last year. They had eight to ten produce vendors each week, just one jewelry vendor and the price was 1/4 to 1/3.

Anyway, we enjoyed going, but we'll probably go to our Sister City's Farmer's Market next week, but I doubt we'll go back to this one. Maybe in a few weeks, to see if some other vendors come.

So. There you go. No posts and then THIS! The Mega-Post from hell! Enjoy!

On the Road

After over a month of dedicated blogging, I realize I took a sudden hiatus! The reason is simple - at least to me!

Last Thursday, we went to Cheyenne for a night. It was our first time there and we enjoyed it (more than going to Salt Lake). It is an hour further, but much smaller and easier to get around, while still having all the stores we like to go to. Friday, we watched my Uncle be commissioned by the Supreme Court of Wyoming as a Wyoming Highway Patrolman (or "Trooper").


We returned to spend Saturday unpacking from Cheyenne and then repacking for new trips. On Sunday, Tom flew out to Ohio (for training for work... and yes, he's off of Worker's Comp). After dropping him off, the boys and I headed South. We spent yesterday in Vernal, Utah with my sister (waiting out a storm) and today found us back on the road. Tonight we are in Panguitch, Utah.


Tomorrow, we shall arrive at my Aunt's in Pine, where we will spend a few days before heading down to The Valley of The Sun for some visiting there.

Now, you know where I've been and why you're not likely to "see me" online again for a bit. :D

Tom Update – Staples Out, Healing Continues

Healing

Tom's staples were removed on Thursday, February 7^th. Since then, we’ve seen a rapid (almost immediate) decrease in prescription pain killers. The past few days Tom has had many hours “pain-free”. He’s still in his boot (which means he can wash, stretch, and scratch his ankle at will, but protect it too). This week he should be able to start putting weight on the foot again… although I’ve seen him doing it for the past few days.

Worker’s Comp and Pay

Tom’s company pays for their own private Worker’s Comp Insurance, and they were processing him just fine, until the State of Wyoming , came and took the file. This was last on February 4^th. They didn’t call him or anything, so, when he called the private company on the 7^th, that’s when he learned that ANY work related injury happening in Wyoming MUST be processed by the state. It’s “the only state in the Union” that requires State Worker’s Comp to be used. Luckily I’d ask Tom to make sure we’d have a paycheck (mid-month) and he called and found out about the change well before payday. He was able to work something out... his work generously paid him another full paycheck, even though he’s been out the whole time… it was their mistake to not file the paperwork properly, so, they paid him… very nice!

Back to Work

After he gets back on his feet, but if he’s not able to drive yet, Tom’s going to talk to his boss about going to Ohio for some corporate training. Even when he was there for three weeks at a time, he never had a rental car, they just shuttled the students between the hotel and the training facility each day. So, he has some classes he’s been needing to take and this might be an “acceptable” way to get him pack on the payroll. So. There’s the update on what’s happening with Tom’s healing.

How I’m Handling It

I’m getting along much better with Tom being hurt and home. Actually, last week he finished doing the illustrations for the quilt pattern I’ve designed… now to get some extra time to publish it!

First Follow-Up Visit

After Tom’s first follow-up visit (side note: as I write this, I’m having de ja vu) to the Orthopedic Surgeon… I felt nauseous. I’ve never been one that handles damage to bodies well. Don't get me wrong, the functional body is amazing to me, but when it’s injured... I just don’t do well. Yes, I realize that an injured body, in the process of healing, is technically functional. I’ve always acknowledged that there are people out there (Aunt Theresa, Cousin Marie, Father-In-Law Russ, Friend Becky) who are fascinated by and work in the medical field, at I’m grateful to them! I’m just not one of them.

Upon seeing his surgical wound Tom said “it’s healing nicely.” Me? I saw it and hurriedly blocked the view from Frank and then ushered him out of the room. I did take a photo of the 7” incision, bruises, and twelve staples. If you’d like to see it, please contact me and I’ll send it to you… if you are one of those sick people who enjoy looking at such things! BLECH! :P

Gratefully, I’d brought the Leapsters for the boys, so, they were busy with them when the doctor uncovered Tom’s wound. I found Frank an out-of-the-way “fort” to wait in while we finished up with the doctor.

Jack could have cared less. He glanced at his Dad’s leg, then went back to the Clifford program he was working with. This was just what I expected from him and why I left him in the room.

I explained to Frank why I took him out (he’s been worried and having scary dreams), what Dad’s leg looked like, and that he could look if he wanted or avert his eyes, but that I was removing him from the room so he could decide. He choose to avert his eyes.

Now. As for Tom’s prognosis. The doctor wrote him a release for as soon as Tom felt he could be back to work… Monday, 4 February. The release carries these conditions:

1. crutches required
   
2. no weight bearing on right leg
3. no driving

Tom’s boss has told him that Diebold will supplement Worker’s Comp payments so that we receive his regular salary. (YEAH!) They’ve also been working to bring a new-hire from the Salt Lake office to Wyoming (on a short-term basis). The new-hire would chauffeur Tom around while Tom provides on-the-job training. This was the boss’ plan within two hours of Tom’s injury. Now for the technicalities…

1. Although Tom has been on his own here in Rock Springs since September, he's still officially “in training” himself . His hire date was in April, so, I guess he’ll be “trained” on his anniversary, I don’t know. In any case, the company may not be “allowed” to let someone in training train a new-hire.

2. Once Tom goes off of Worker’s Comp and “back-to-work”, if he’s not ready, then it’s very hard to reverse the procedure.

3. Liability. If Tom were to slip on the ice – again, while still recovering from a work-related injury, the company could be in Bucco trouble.

So. What all this is sounding like (to me), is that they WANT Tom at work, even if in a training capacity… but, because of legal liability, they probably WON’T LET him come back until he’s given a full (walk on your own two legs, drive yourself) kind of release. Today the nurse told us "that for someone of his age" healing should take place in 6-8 weeks... healing that no longer requires crutches. Sounds like I'm in for a long-haul does of full-time hubby-around-the-house medicine! Doesn’t he look comfy here at the doctor’s today…

In this picture, you can see how far up his incision goes (what, about 1/3 of his calf?)

You can also see the afore-mentioned blue jeans (which I washed and am putting back into service while his leg's still in a support device). I really am kicking myself about the jeans! I wish I’d ask them to cut the outside… I SO could have repaired the outside seam. Do you think Worker’s Comp will be paying for new jeans and thermals? I wonder…

So. That’s the latest with Tom. Oh yeah, and, the Doctor wants him up and about… on his crutches. Doing things. Not “just lying in bed all day.” Because of this, Tom (with Frank’s help) made dinner tonight… ground beef tacos, rice, and corn. Very tasty and a nice break from the kitchen for me (though I vacuumed and took things down to the van during that time).

Suzy

After A Visit to the Orthopedic Surgeon...

We have learned that Tom has (forgive my spelling, but the Doctor talks FAST and didn't want to write it down for me. :P):

1. Distal Fibula Fracture
2. Tailus Sublex Posterially
3. Ankle Widening

Basically, both his lower leg bones (fibula and tibula) are broken and splaying over his ankle bone. The fibula has a sprial fracture almost three inches long.

Tomorrow, at nine in the morning, he's scheduled to have an ORIF Surgery (Open Reduction Internal Fixation)... Dr Ludwig F Kroner, III is going to open him up and put pins (and likely a plate) in, to pull it all back together.

I've determined just one more reason to be caught up on one's sleep... when an emergecny or other unforseen event pops us, as life is sure to cause from time-to-time, having proper rest is critical to maintiining a healthy, calm, reasonable disposition. I, however, have been short on sleep for quite a while now. I was actually to bed a little earlier the night before the accident, but now, I'm all off again.

Must go now, since I have to be up at 5:30, to have me out of the house by 6:30 (to warm the van in the -17F I saw this morning), to have everyone out by 7:00 to drop the boys off at a new friend's, to have Tom to the hospital by 7:30 for surgery around 9:00. Agh! I MUST HAVE REST!!! Goodnight!

Suzy

PS: I was going to fix all my spelling / typos but decided to leave them so you can see how tired I am. :P