Post Surgery Dr. Visit

I had my six week post surgery doctor's visit today. All is going well. She said that I recouped very fast for this type of surgery. (I have a great pain tolerance) She also said she got the results from pathology and that the tumor was 11.5 cm by 7.5 cm and it was not cancerous. Yeah! She also advised that I could start trying to have kids in six months. Okay, I know she said that, but I don't want all of you getting your hope up. Joe and I decided that we are going to wait a little while. I need to get a teaching job first and get settled, then we will start talking about it. Besides, I need some practice with my niece first! I am really overjoyed about this visit. Now I can officially forget about this whole thing and start worrying about student teaching. Thank you all for your support during this time. I am so blessed to have all of you!

Love,

Kathy

Back to the Daily Grind

Well, it is official. I am back from the land of taking it easy. I went back to being a substitute teacher today. I now have both jobs back, a full time career as a student, and a new business to try and grow. I am adapting to my new surroundings with a little hesitation. I have to admit, I was getting used to sleeping in and watching "A Baby Story" on TLC every day. Now I actually have to study, and prepare for student teaching that starts soon. I can't wait for the day that I only need one job, and Joe and I can hang out together sometime (right now, we see each other on Sundays).

No word on bringing home Grace yet, but we are still collecting donations for the orphanage.

Talk to you soon,

Kat

Life After Football

What a couple of weeks! I went back to school last week, and I forgot how much energy kids take. I was exhausted by the end of the week, and I was looking forward to a great weekend of football. So, maybe I should have just slept all weekend so that I didn't have to see the Colts break my heart! Don't get me wrong, I am not a bandwagon fan, and I will never give up on my Colts. However, the Sunday game drained me of all of my emotions. I have never been to a more emotional game than the game against Pittsburgh. I was sad, excited, surprised, hopeful, ecstatic, angry, and depressed all in the matter of the last quarter of play. For those of you who know me, know that I put my heart out on my sleeve, and I do it for football. I am in mourning. I probably will be until training camp starts up again. Please don't call and talk to me about it, I really can't discus the game for another couple of months. I will now be cheering for Denver (much to some family friends delight).

On a lighter note, Andy and Emily are just waiting for one more phone call so that they can go get Grace from her orphanage. We are still collecting items to donate to the orphanage if you are interested. We still don't have an expected arrival date, but soon.

Joe is doing well. He is playing out almost every night on the weekends. He is still having fun and enjoying his band. What more could you ask for?

Well, the Colts season might be over for this year, but I still believe that 2006 is going to be the best year ever. I have hope!

Kathy

Helping Others in 2006

I received an email from my brother-in-law asking for donations for the children in the orphanage where his little girl is living. They are going to collect these items and bring (or ship) them over when they go to pick up Grace. If you are wanting to help these children please let me know, and I can come pick up the stuff and bring it to Andy and Emily. I still have another week of bedrest, and I would love to get out of the house. I feel like this is a small way that we can give back to a community that is giving us so much!

Here is a list of items they need. Andy stated that plush animals and plush toys can not be accepted because of hygenic issues.
Needed Items:
Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments
Hydrocortisone cream
Child Motrin, Tylenol, or other fever reducers
Pedialyte (powdered form please)
Infant decongestants
Child vitamins
Similac
Child sheets
Infant clothing
Bactoban ointment
Nystanin (Mycostatin)
Standard Nipples
Children's shoes
Developmental Toys
Baby Shampoo
Baby Bath soap
Baby oil, powder, wipes
Diapers
Disposable surgical masks and gloves
School supplies

What a wonderful way to start out the new year!
Kat

Insomnia

Well, every few months I have a bout of insomnia. This is one of those times. So, I thought that since I am wide awake at 3 in the morning I would write a little in my blog. Joe and I rang in the new year at CT Peppers where Joe's band The Five Apples played through midnight. It was awesome, definitely the best New Year's celebration that I have had in a while. I was also excited to leave the house for a party, I haven't really been out since Christmas. My 2005 was full of a lot of ups and downs, and I am ready for a great 2006. It has already started out great with a baby niece and a baby cousin on the way. We actually know five babies being brought into our lives by various family members and friends in 2006. I guess this is the time in our lives where we go from weddings to babies!

I don't like making New Year's resolutions, but I do believe in goals. With that in mind I have a few goals for the upcoming year. I think some are going to happen regardless of my actions, but still, I need to write them down to keep in mind what kind of year I want in 2006.

Goals in 2006
1. Tumor free in '06
2. A Colts superbowl
3. To graduate in December
4. To get a teaching job (okay, this might have to wait until I graduate, but here's to wishful thinking)
5. To grow leaps and bounds with Mary Kay
6. Travel to Italy (or Spain, we haven't decided yet)
7. To continue to support my husband with his work and music. I want our relationship to grow even further this year than last year. I want to be sure to tell him how much I appreciate him and love him every single day.
8. To strengthen my friendships, and relationships with my families.
9. To be proud of myself and my actions.
10. To have a heck of a lot of fun!!!!!!

I feel that if I accomplish these goals, I will be able to look back at 2006 and be proud of myself. I wish you all joy and happiness in 2006.

Kat