splashes of joy: July 2014

Sunday, July 27, 2014

a month of change

This past month has brought change. On June 29, the joyful wedding of our beautiful daughter Kelly to Josh. We gained an awesome son in law and his family are all delightful. We feel blessed to have Josh as part of our family and I look forward to getting to know his family better.
My girl is a married woman now! Of course I am still her Mama and always will be but it will be fun to hang out with her as two married ladies. When they start a family down the road, oh boy, it will be so wonderful! OK, getting ahead of myself!

July 15, had my first knee replacement. Now that was a big change getting a new body part and I am recovering from that slow but sure. My loving husband, Dan has been taking great care of me. He is doing all the shopping, cooking, laundry, taking of our doggies and so much more. I am so grateful for him. I am anticipating the complete change when my other knee is replaced and both knees are healed. I have a list of places I am going, things I will do.

The latest change is that Kelly and Josh are moving away in a couple of weeks. Josh was offered a job that he couldn't turn down. They will be about 3 hours away. I am happy for them, this new job and adventure. But, I am sad that are leaving our area. This is a Mama speaking, it may sound selfish, but I really wish they would have stayed in our area. Going to miss them so much. I have to stop thinking about how this changes things. I know it's not far and it could of have been worse. Just disappointed that they will be too far away to make impromptu plans with them, will be losing the comfort of having them within a short distance. With God's help I am learning to accept all of this and I am doing my best to be supportive. Kelly has told me several times that she will be back to visit, lots. Thank God for that! I need time with my girl. We will go visit them when we are able, but it will be much better to have them visit us and see friends, family and of course Bentley and Tucker!

take care, be blessed

Friday, July 25, 2014

on the mend

My knee replacement surgery on July 15 went well. I came home on Friday, July 18. I have nothing but good things to say about University of Michigan Hospital, the doctors, nurses, assistants, etc. I had a private room with a nice view. I didn't have much of an appetite while I was there, wish I would have. U of M Hospital doesn't have the typical patient meal service. They have Room Service. I had a large menu with many choices, I could order food 24 hrs. When they brought the food, they knocked on the door and announced, "room service". It's been years since I have stayed overnight in a hospital so I was pleasantly surprised by the Room Service.

I am receiving in home nursing care and in home physical therapy. I have a nurse who comes 2 times a week, checks my incision, vitals, takes a blood sample and just visits to see how I am doing. I have a physical therapist that comes 3 times a week. The first week of August I will start going out to physical therapy, 2-3 times a week for 2-3 weeks. Next Thursday I have a checkup with the orthopedic surgeon and will have the staples removed.

I have to admit the pain has been pretty bad, but I am starting to feel better. I know it all takes time. It took awhile to get my appetite back, that has made a big difference.

Dan has been a great caregiver. He is busy around here taking care of me, the house, the dogs, the list goes on. He gave up his man cave ( aka Nautical Room) for me during this recuperation, so I could be downstairs and close to things. He moved Kelly's old bed in here. It's quite cozy. I think it will be a little while yet before I go upstairs and sleep in our room. Kelly has helped out with as well when she is home.

I have had many friends and family stop by, pray for me, bring food. I have received lots of flowers, cards and gifts. I am blessed to have so many people care about me and care about Dan as well.

I am looking forward to doing normal daily activities again and sleeping well at night.

Take care everyone.

xoxo

Friday, July 11, 2014

Mrs. Potter 2014 Summer Collection

This morning the FedEx guy rang the doorbell and left a package on our front porch.

As soon as I picked it up I noticed the logo on the box.

My 2014 Summer Kit arrived from Mrs. Potter!!

Everything was packaged beautifully and all of the products arrived safely.

The hand-embroidered linen hand towel is beautiful, what a nice addition to the kit.

I love how the large candle was wrapped in the towel.

The body lotion, body spray and hand sanitizer came in the

cutest white cotton drawstring bag!

This is what comes with the 2014 Summer Kit

(info from Mrs. Potter website)

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Large 10 oz Glass Soy-Based Candle that generously fills your home with our signature summer scent: a refreshing, light and sun-filled fragrance that evokes sea spray and warm days. Burn time: 60+ hours

6 oz Travel-Sized Tin Candle so you can bring the ambiance of a warm sea breeze with you everywhere. Burn time: 25 hours

Rich and velvety 2 oz Body Lotion
Silky 2 oz Hand Sanitizer
Refreshing 2 oz Body Spray

Hand-embroidered, large linen hand towel

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Oh my goodness, I can not even tell you how good everything smells!!

I tried all of the products and lit the large candle.

Smells like pure Summer.

Gorgeous and simple.

If you haven't check out Mrs. Potter yet, you need to! Not only can you buy this fabulous kit, you can check out lots of ideas for crafts, recipes, gardening, beauty and much more!

Also, just in case you didn't know...Mrs. Potter is actress, Monica Potter.

She currently appears as Kristina Braverman in NBC's Parenthood.

SO awesome!

Thank you Monica for sharing your talents both
on screen and off screen with all of us!

Pam