I have decided it all has to go! I can’t stand my hair any longer…I’m getting ready for a hair appointment and I will be getting a new look..

Help me decide on one of these cuts. cast your vote…  (I blurred the faces so you can focus on the hairstyle)

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Jim arrived home Friday from a week in Brazil for Bridgestone. These photos he took in Camacari. He got to enjoy some time walking on the beach and watching the fishing boats. The Resort was at the beach. I love  seeing what photos he brings back. The coconut tree is pretty cool…

cheers!

Here are some photos Jim took during my recent health events I’ve put into a college to share. I didn’t want many photos taken but I’m glad he went ahead and took some. I wish I’d gotten one with my cousin Kelli, who drove from MO. when I got home.

These events taught me many new things during many hours of prayer and reflection. Here are a few.

I learned

God can and will get you through times you never knew were possible. Two surgeries within 2 weeks were only possible with the loving grace and prayers covering me.

I learned

To always be ready to push that morphine button when the light turned green!

I learned

How much any effert of encourgement can make a difference

I learned

There are friends who will be there for our family without any request from us.

I learned

You can live on ice chips for 5 days, with an IV

I learned

Accepting help is an adjustment. Life will go on even if I’m not in full control.

I learned

Nurses know that when you are getting out of bed for the first couple of times after surgery you are only going to “try to sit up” until the pain hits you and then they will have to pull you up!

I learned

I love edible arrangements. Jim’s office sent one when I got home and it was glorious!

I also learned, well I’ve always known this, I pray I won’t have any more surgeries!

 Well it definitely feels good to be getting back to my life. Even if that also in tells laundry, dishes, cleaning and cooking! This week I have started back driving and running errands.

But…. I think I need a little “focus” and time management with my new freedom.

This morning I drove Calvin to his I.E.W (writing class) with the plan of dropping him off and running over to One2Yoga in Donelson and have a hot tea and visit with Bonnie, who is the owner for Tea for Two. I also have been dying to pick-up the handmade soap made by Greg, the owner of Green Pergola that I am now addicted too. (just the best soap, ever!)

Bonnie and were having the best chat while I enjoyed a strawberry margarita… When my cell phone rang. I knew immediately from the ring tone it was CALVIN… It was one of those, “OMGosh” moments! He was out of class and waiting for me! Shocked that the time had flew by so fast and my child was now waiting for me I quickly paid for my items, nervously laughing with Bonnie, embarrassed I’d forgot I needed to pick up my child and flew out the door…. Just to make one thing clear, that strawberry margarita was HOT TEA…  and nothing more.

I arrived 15 minutes later to my son sitting in the grass, who still  had a smile to give me… So all is good.

If you can drop in at One2Yoga you owe it to yourself to check it out. I’ve added the links to all 3 of the business in this post. (click the underlined words to check them out) It will be a while before I am ready to return to my gental yoga classes with Jan but I’m going back just as soon as possible. Bonnie carries a huge assortment of loose leaf teas and gifts and Greg makes the most fragrant moisturizing soaps and lotions you can find…

that’s it for today…

Seriously, Europeans have the most twisted pranks ever. Look out for patches of leaves! I found this way funny! Oh and Happy first day of Fall!

I have watched from the front door Calvin begin whisked off with our wonderful friends to so many fun events these many weeks I’ve been in captivity (I mean recovery). We joined the H.O.M.E (homeschool field trip group on Friday afternoons) with a group of our good friends. This week they enjoyed a walking tour at Cheekwood. All I could think about all day yesterday was strolling the grounds, camera in hand! But I am so happy that he isn’t missing out and just love our pals who have been so gracious to us!!

He is off to a great start in his new homeschool tutorial CHET. Of course gutair is his favoriate 1/2 hour of the day. Archery is right up there with Gen. Science coming in last! Though having his friend Gus as a lab partner is a bonus!

It’s apple harvest time in our back yard. Jim’s red delicious apple tree is packed with the most amazing apples this year. Friends have been coming over to visit and enjoying picking bags of apples to take home. The kids find it a lot of fun. Jim has made 4 apple pies so far and I’ve cranked the juicer back up…

Today I am getting out of the house! And I’m not going to the doctor’s office or a hospital! YEA… My sweet friend Anita has offered to drive Calvin to a much needed hair appointment and I’m GOING ALONG… OK, so it might not seem like much to you but I haven’t been out of the house, other then my strolls in the driveway and yard, for a L-O-N-G time…

All for now… Happy weekend…

I feel as though I’m emerging from a haze! Yes, emerging! With a grateful heart for each step towards my restored health. I’ve made it up the stairs of our home to my office. Thrilled! I’m making my way back.

When Mom was getting ready to make her trek here to play, well “Mom”, which entitled nurse maid, and house keeper among other tasks while she was here, I put in a request for a family snap shot. The photo in this post. This is my Mom at 21 and me, getting ready to go Trick or Treating. The memory of this photo popped into my head when I was thinking about Mom coming to TN. to help us during my surgery and recovery at home. Strange really, as I haven’t seen this photo in YEARS, but I guess it must have always reminded me of a time in my life when I was in her care (she is putting a sweater on me, must have been 70 degrees in Phx. in Oct. which once a upon a time was chilly) as I was counting on being once again when she arrived to be at my side.  I love her smile in this photo.  So Mom arrived at our home with this little photo memory in a enevlope labled “Laurie’s photo”.

Mom arrived ready to be any and everything I would need her to be to help me through a difficult time. Her strong faith and unconditional love were blessings to me. Her soft hand holding mine in the hospital was like a step back in time. Time when I looked to her for all. I felt secure. Mom was there…

I have contacted my clients that I will be getting ready to fill their “pushed back” sessions later in Oct. I can’t wait to get back to my photography. I’m so excited about my upcoming sessions! When I know I am ready to start back I will first fill the dates with my booked clients and then post what is still available soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hello Dear Blog Readers,

Just a short post update… My surgery Aug. 6th was a difficult 6 days in the hospital. I came home

with some kidney issues which resulted in another surgery and 3 day hospital stay Aug. 27th.

I am in the recovery mode once again. We pushed back my Mom’s stay with us a few extra weeks.

Don’t know what we would have done without her help and the prayers, love and support of our family and wonderful friends.

We give all the praise to God for his provision of strength, healing, grace, etc..!

That’s the update.