the famous santa threat.

HI! I JUST HAD SOMETHING CUTE HAPPEN, SO BEFORE I FORGET, WE HAVE BEEN USING THE FAMOUS THREAT OF "IF YOU ARE NOT NICE SANTA WONT BRING YOU TOYS", AND LILLI SAID "WHAT ABOUT DAD, HAS HE BEEN NICE?" OR YOU MOM, "WERE YOU NICE?" IT MADE ME LAUGH AND THINK, HAVE WE BEEN? I AM SURE MY MOM WOULD SAY YES, I HAVE BEEN. BUT JUST IN CASE, I WILL BUY MY OWN GIFT. WE WENT TO WALL-MART SATURDAY, AND I LET LILLI PICK A GIFT FOR TOYS FOR TOTS, SINCE THEY WERE COLLECTING THAT DAY. WE BOUGHT IT, AND SHE GAVE IT TO THE SANTA THERE TO GIVE TO KIDS. THEN LILLI SAID "MOM HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE SANTA, HE HAD A WIG FOR A BEARD." SHE DOESN'T MISS A THING. I PERSONALLY AM NOT A FAN OF HOW CHRISTMAS IS PERCEIVED. IT SEEMS TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH JESUS, BUT I CAN'T HELP USING THE BRIBE OF SANTA. IN A PERFECT WORLD MY GIRLS WOULD JUST BE AS SWEET AS THEY LOOK, BUT THAT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE. SOME DAYS I FEEL I NEED A WHISTLE AND STRIPED SHIRT FOR MY SWEET GIRLS. I OFTEN CALL MY MOM TERESA FOR PARENTING ADVICE. SHE SEEMS TO HAVE DONE THE BEST JOB WITH HER ROLE AS A MOM. MAYBE SHE JUST HAD THE BEST DAUGHTER TO WORK WITH. BUT HER BOYS TURNED OUT GOOD TOO. I REALLY THINK SHE HAS THE MAGIC. I DO A LOT OF PRAYING THAT I AM DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR MY DAUGHTERS. BUT I KNOW I AM A TOTAL SOFTY FOR THEM. I ALWAYS WANT TO BELIEVE THEY ARE TRYING TO BE THEIR BEST. WHEN I WAS A NANNY I WAS MUCH MORE FIRM.
LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL.
LOVE TAMI AND HER DARLING GIRLS.

Tami here.

WE HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING, WITH LOTS TO GIVE THANKS FOR, AND LOTS OF YUMMY FOOD! GRANDMA TONI AND AUNT MONICA DID ALL THE COOKING. THE BOYS WENT RIDING ON THEIR FOUR WHEELERS. THE GIRLS AND I HUNG OUT, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR FOOD. OF COURSE IT WAS FABULOUS! I TRIED TO EAT AS MUCH AS I COULD FIT, WHILE LEAVING A SPACE FOR PIE LATER. THEN BRING ON THE FOOD COMA! MY ELLA PASSED OUT IN HER CHAIR, SOUND ASLEEP RIGHT BEFORE WE ATE. TONI ASKED WHO IS GOING TO SAY GRACE? LILLI SPOKE UP AND SHOUTED OUT "GRACE"! WE ALL LAUGHED AND SHE SAID, "MOM WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?" SO I EXPLAINED, AND ON WENT THE MEAL.
SINCE SLEEPING SOMEWHERE ELSE IS NEVER THE SAME AS BEING AT HOME, THE GIRLS HAD A ROUGH NIGHT BEFORE. SO WE WERE ALL EXTRA TIRED AFTER DINNER. THE GIRLS AND ALBERT FELL ASLEEP ON THE COUCH, ALL SLUNG OVER EACH OTHER. IT WAS SO CUTE! MY LITTLE FAMILY IN A DOG PILE! WE HAD TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHICH ONE WAS SNORING. I THINK IT WAS ALL 3.
WE CAME HOME THURSDAY NIGHT, AND ALBERT WENT TO MEET HIS BROTHER FOR A WEDDING IN LAS VEGAS. SO THE GIRLS AND I ARE BEING LAZY TODAY. I HOPE EVERY ONE HAD A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY. LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL.

Good afternoon. It is Tami. My girls are off to school. It is so quiet at home, I love it!
So I went to the new doctor yesterday. She seems very good. She is VERY thorough, which is good. The old doctor was the exact opposite. I think I will like her. I was frustrated yesterday because she set up 2 appointments for me on Wednesday. She wants me to have my eyes checked, in case my seizure medication is causing trouble with my vision. We do want to know if it is, although I am concerned, because I don't want to have to switch meds again. But my real trouble was finding rides and child care for these 2 appointments on such short notice. I go to the first one at 8a.m and will have to be gone most of the day Wednesday. That stinks for me, but I shouldn't complain. I will have Thursday and Friday to rest.
One funny thing with the new doc is, she says I need to be eating 3 to 5 meals a day. I had to laugh since I am doing good to have 2 a day! SO THIS WILL MAKE BETH feel better about my diet. I might even gain a pound or two.
Now I know I am not part of the general female population when I say I am trying to gain weight, and that I am self conscience about my bones showing. Only Hollywood thinks being this skinny is cool.
The cute part of my Monday had to be watching my little Ella dance to dads music. Lilli has been a dancer since she could stand, but Ella is much more reserved. But she is changing and she had her hands on hips and was rocking out. It was so cute! Wish I could show everyone. Although she is growing up I still see her as my little baby.
I will be gone for a few days. We are going to Albert's grandma Toni's, in Enterprise for Thanksgiving. I wish you all a wonderful holiday!
GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU ALL.
Love Tami and her tiny dancers.

SNEAKY CHILDREN.

HELLO IT IS TAMI AGAIN WITH OUR NEWEST CHALLENGE. I PUT THE GIRLS TO BED AS USUAL LAST NIGHT AND; THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE A PARTY, SO I WENT IN TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND; ELLA WAS UP ON LILLI'S BUNK BED WITH A FLASH LIGHT AND THEY WERE HAVING A BALL. SO I TURNED THE LIGHT ON AND THEY WERE COVERED IN MY LIP-STICK! SO THEY BOTH GOT IN TROUBLE FOR THAT AND HAD TO GO BACK TO BED. THIS MORNING I NOTICED THAT LILLI HAD HER NAILS PAINTED PURPLE. SO I CHECKED HER BED, AND SURE ENOUGH, POLISH ON EVERYTHING! I HAD THROWN THE POLISH AWAY LAST WEEK AND I HAD TRIED TO HIDE THE LIP-STICK, OBVIOUSLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH. THEY ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO GET AT IT. SO TODAY SHE IS GROUNDED TO HER ROOM AND I AM PUZZLED WITH HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE ADVENTURES OF SNEAKINESS. ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME.
I KNOW IT LOOKS REALLY BAD TO TIE UP CHILDREN'S HANDS, SO I WON'T GO THAT ROUTE. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO START PATTING THEM DOWN BEFORE THEY LEAVE A ROOM. LIKE A METAL OR MAKE-UP DETECTOR. NOW WE ONLY HAVE 2 CHILDREN WE SHOULD HAVE A HANDLE ON THAT. SOME FOLKS HAVE MANY MORE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT TROUBLE.
I HAVE AN APT. WITH A NEW NEUROLOGIST TODAY. WE WERE NOT PLEASED WITH THE LAST ONE. AT LEAST IT SHOULD BE A PAINLESS VISIT. I WILL TELL HOW IT GOES LATER. I FEEL LIKE I AM GETTING IN THE GROOVE OF THIS WHOLE SITUATION BETTER EACH DAY.
MORE TO COME LATER.

tami here.

Hi! to all . It is Saturday morning and I have the girls watching Little Mermaid so I can update without their fingers trying to help. I was reading back through the old blog from the beginning of this journey, and was brought to tears by all the love. I missed most of the stressful action I brought to those that followed the news. What a trip! I hope to never repeat it. Those that talk to me, or see me, know that I am a huge Twilight fan. I had read all the books before my stroke, and once I was home, I buried myself in them again, for the happy escape that reading gives me. Last night was opening day of the New Moon movie, and my dear friend Andrea bought me a ticket earlier in the month. So we went last night, and it was fabulous! I am already wanting to see it again. I even played my handicap card and didn't have to wait in line. It was funny though, the staff said to me," Where is the handicap person?" I laughed and said," It's me, but thanks for not noticing."
This morning Albert had to work, so the girls and I are hanging at home, like we do. My little Ella did a 2 year old thing and came crying to me. I asked " what happened?" She cried,"I have licorice in my nose!" I had given them a nibs, and I guess it smelled good. We got it out, and I thought, "at least it took her this long before she tried that childhood trick." I am so much better than my old blogs. It is crazy what we can survive, once put to the test. I continue to improve. I know that I have to keep trying things that I maybe couldn't do before, because I can usually do them now. I still have a long way to go, because I want near perfection. I want everything just as good as it used to be, and I WILL get it!
Continued love, and grace to all.
Love Tami
Thank you to everyone for the last year.
My editor mother Teresa has been busy correcting my punctuation and grammar this week since I have entered so much . Love you mom.

tami's evening post.

Hello from Tami. It is Thursday night. My girls are sleeping and I should be too, but wanted to brag about my babies first school picture day. Their aunt Monica came in the morning to fix their hair so cute ! She did pigtails with perfect ringlets for each. She had also bought ribbon to put in. They looked so innocent and cute! I am so excited to see the pictures. Their teacher said that Ella wouldn't smile. She had told me she was going to do a scary face. I hope that wasn't the case.

I had biofeedback therapy today, and continue to beat past records for myself. I also told him I am running out of patience. I am usually really good at staying positive, but I can feel myself losing that with my hand. I can surely move my shoulder and arm, but still nothing of use. I have had it with not having two hands! I find myself wanting to scream or cry through the day when I remember it doesn't work! Because I will go to do something that should be so simple, like carry laundry, or help my girls get dressed, and sure enough, it just hangs there. Now 6 months of that is annoying. It has been more than a year, and I have had it! I really hope I have learned whatever lesson God is trying to teach me.... Because I need a recess !!!

Now there is a man that has therapy with me on Thursdays, and he has been paralyzed for 3 1/2 years. He is now standing, and can walk with a walker. So I tell myself if he can do that, there is no reason I can't get my damn hand going! I'm sure I should say " dang hand" but that's not what I mean! I feel sometimes like I am being a snot. I should be so happy that I have made it through all this mess and all I lost was one limb and some brain. But I still have so much left, or technically I have my right side, not much of my left, but you know what I mean. Everyone says at least I am young, but that is a double-edge sword. Yes, I am young, so I should be tougher, but I am too young for this crap! My parents are too old for this crap! No offence mom and dad, you know I love you both, and you have the crappiest seat in this. My Ella cut her lip at the park, and I wanted to cry for her! She is my baby! I am 28 and totally my parents baby, at least my dads for sure. Teresa has a softer spot for my children. I think she is used to my drama.

Hi, from Tami . We made it through Tuesday, so I'm sure that since I mentioned just yesterday how great my blood check has been, I jinxed it for today. My blood has been perfect since August. Today it was too thin. No big deal, it just means they alter my dose a bit and they have to draw a vile of blood. My girls always come with, so when I knew the shot was coming, I said "dang it", and Lilli said, "What's wrong mom?" So I explained that mom hates shots. She said "Be tough mom, if you're sad then I am sad. " So I said," No worries baby, mom is so tough, and Ms. ancy does it so it doesn't even hurt." Then my dear friend Julie, that had driven us there , took the girls to school, since it was time for it. Then I came home and picked up the hurricane mess that my angels had made earlier. Once I had done that, it was safe to try a nap. I slept for one lovely hour, then dad and the girls were home. My little Ella is still getting used to school during her nap time, so she crashes as soon as she's home. Tomorrow I told Ella, if the sun isn't up she has to stay in bed. She was up at 6AM this morning again, so hungry she needed a few pieces of cereal and a drink of milk, then she's done and tired. I tried to feed her extra before bed to make her not hungry.

Wednesday is my favorite day, only Lilli goes to school, and then it is just Ella and mom. We have no appointments and we always go to church @ 7pm. I love it! The girls have the little kids bible class to go to, and dad and I sit in the service. I love it so much! I look forward to it all week.
Love to all, good night.
I'm too tired to proof read this, my mom does it again anyway.
Thanks Teresa.

my happy monday.

MY DARLING ELLA WOKE ME AT 6:15 THIS MORNING. EARLY EVEN FOR HER! SHE WAS WHINING ABOUT HOW HUNGRY SHE WAS, SO I TIREDLY GOT UP TO GET HER BREAKFAST, AND HONESTLY SHE TOOK 2 BITES AND WENT TO LIE ON THE FLOOR CUZ SHE'S TIRED. DUH ! THE SUN WASN'T EVEN UP! SO BY 7A.M. I WAS ALREADY DREAMING ABOUT LUNCH AND NAP TIME. I KNOW THAT ONE DAY THEY WILL BE TOO BIG TO NAP, BUT I WILL PUSH IT TILL THE LAST MOMENT. SO I LEAVE THE HOUSE A MESS, AND TRY TO GET A NAP TOO. SOME DAYS BETTER THAN OTHERS . BOTH GIRLS HAVE PRESCHOOL TOMORROW SO THAT WILL BE MY BLESSED NAP OF THE WEEK . WE HAVE MY BLOOD CHECK IN THE MORNING AND GRATEFULLY I HAVE HAD PERFECT NUMBERS FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. SO I DON'T EVEN WONDER ABOUT IT ANYMORE. IT IS THE GIRLS FAVORITE APPOINTMENT TO GO TO WITH ME . THE NURSE THAT DOES MY BLOOD WORK ALSO LOVES THE GIRLS AND SPOILS THEM WITH 2 SUCKERS EACH. THE WHOLE CLINIC LOVES TO SEE THEM . I ALMOST WORRY IF THEY WOULD STILL TREAT ME AS WELL WITH OUT MY SIDE KICKS. THE NURSE IS NAMED NANCY ,THEY CALL HER MS. ANCY THEY WATCH HER SO OFTEN I BET LILLI KNOWS HOW TO DO IT HERSELF. MY LITTLE FUTURE NURSES.
WHEN ALBERT GOT HOME TODAY I ASKED HIM TO TAKE ME TANNING, SOMETHING I USED TO DO ALLOT BUT HADN'T SINCE I HAD LILLI . THERE IS A PLACE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. I WENT TWICE LAST WEEK , AND REMEMBERED HOW MUCH I LOVE IT! I LOVE THE WARMTH, DOWN TO MY BONES, AND NOW IT'S LIKE A MOMMY TIME OUT.
I USED TO WORRY ABOUT WRINKLES, BUT AFTER THIS LAST YEAR I COULDN'T CARE LESS ABOUT THAT. NOW MY BABIES ARE IN BED SO I HAVE SOME QUIET TIME TO REFLECT ON OUR DAY .
FOR LUNCH I LET THEM GET ON THE COUNTER TO WATCH ME, AND WHEN I GOT THEM DOWN, THEY WERE BOTH SO HAPPY BECAUSE MOMMY WAS HOLDING THEM. I LOVE THAT THEY STILL JUST THINK OF ME AS THE SAME OL' MOM. THEY LOVE ME EVEN IF I CAN ONLY HOLD THEM FOR A SHORT MINUTE. THEY MAKE MY WORLD A HAPPY PLACE . THEY REALLY LOVE THAT THEY ARE FASTER THAN ME.

DAD WALKED THEM TO THE PARK CLOSE BY TONIGHT, AFTER DINNER . THEY CAME BACK FREEZING COLD. SO THEN WE HAD HOT COCOA TO WARM UP.
I AM SO LUCKY! WHAT A LIFE I HAVE! HOT CHOCOLATE WITH ANGELS , PLUS THEY DIDN'T EVEN HAVE DADDY WITHDRAWALS TODAY. THAT WAS GREAT FOR ME!
GOD BLESS AND LOVE TO ALL.

Tami here, with our weekend fun.

Saturday we went to uncle David's birthday party, at their house. All day Ella said she was going to help uncle David with his candles. Ella is hard to win over, but while I was in the hospital, the girls spent alot of time with family, and David made a soft spot in Ella's heart. He is currently her favorite. I hear he would let her pick large amounts of grapes from our grape vine, and the way to her heart is surely through her tummy. So like she planned, David put her on his lap while we sang, and Ella soaked up the glory, pretending we were singing to her. She then helped him blow the candles out and each time one of the family would say "Hi Ella", she would respond with , " I go to school now." She is so happy to be in the club with her sister, and as their mom it's always fun to see how proud & happy my daughters are.
We ate wonderful food, as always, with Albert's family, and when we went home we brought home the girls cousin for a sleepover. She is 6 and loves playing with the girls. Sunday morning we got our usual weekend breakfast that dad always makes, waffles with whip-cream & strawberries. Then I needed to go to Walmart, so we took the kids to the park first to let them run around, but it was really cold for us sun- soakers, probably 50 or so. It was windy too, so I hid in the truck while dad played with all 3 girls. He is always willing to play. Lucky for me, and for the girls. Then off for the endless Walmart list. Usually we each take one girl and meet at the front. I had the two big girls, Lilli and her cousin. It was the first time Lilli got to walk. It took her about 10 minutes before her excitement wore off, but she was good and stayed close to mom, and I would tell them what we needed and let them put it in the cart. They found that to be very neat, like they were shopping. We came home to have lunch and let them have a nap. Then I was so pleased about getting in the bath last week, so I decided to try it again. A nice peaceful bath. I think I had about 10 minutes before Lilli and Ella were standing right next to the tub, giving me bath toys from their tub, wondering why I didn't have some already, and they want to help mom all the time. So they stood at the door and kept saying "mom just tell us if you need anything." THEY waited... not so patiently... until I was ready to give up on my relaxing bath. They really are sweet! They want to help with anything I need. So I gave in and let them do their favorite thing, and use their always cold little hands, to put lotion on mom's back. They learned this from when Teresa lived here, even the cold hand part. We had to find some way for them to be useful. Now tomorrow is withdrawal day. They both go into shock on Mondays when dad goes back to work, after they have their best buddy home for two days. It's always hard when he leaves. They love mom but on Monday when they wake, they are so sad to see that dad is gone . With mom it's just routine and house junk, with dad it's play and outings. He really has fun with them. Ella tells him," You're just a big boy." I have to agree. The 3 of them are noisy, fun, and silly. Very lucky to have such an active dad for my girls. They just keep getting bigger. I can't believe my Lilli will be 4 in January! How time flies! We both know we only have about 10 years of fun to go, and then trouble, 14 and 13, and they are so sassy, heaven help us! Albert's birthday is next month, and like most, he's not looking forward to being older, and I'm chomping at the bit to be 30! Two years to go, but I imagine how strong I will be by then, and with hope, I'll be wiser as well. I'm so excited for both! I also daydream of how incredibly easy my days will be, as soon as I gain full use of my left arm. I truly feel blessed that my health challenge was hard as heck to begin and NOW I have as long as I need to get better. Most illnesses, it's the other way, it gets progressively worse. Mine was a big wreck and then eased off, not easy, but do-able, I get to know the worst is behind me, and since they found out what caused it, I have full faith it won't ever happen again. Glad to get that out of the way. For those that were there when I woke from the trauma, I had thought I was in the hospital to have a baby. What other reason would a young woman be in the hospital? So I was very sad to find out that wasn't the case, and even though I struggle to keep up with my two, my heart still wants the one from my coma dream. God is mysterious, who knows, maybe I get that baby later in life. I adore my girls, and know I have little angels tearing up my house each day, but there is nothing more magical than a new baby. I continue to dream of my delusional baby at least once a week. I am so glad I got the two real ones first. My memories of the coma are very interesting to me. I remember bits and pieces of reality, in a fog of hallucinations is the best I can describe it. I wish I could update with some photos. We just got some of our Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty from Halloween, and holy crow! They look stunning! I would love to show them off. We are really hoping to get a family photo done before the holidays. We haven't ever had a real one. When we get one, I'll try to get it on here. Well my girls are in bed and I'm ready to follow, as for the entry from my grandma Ann , I had mentioned that I might stop making entries and she obviously doesn't want that, and if it would make her happy I will write them forever! She has been amazing, as always, but so much this last year. She still takes me to my biofeedback therapy most weeks. She scanned a very neat article on it to me, So if anyone would like it I can e-mail it to you. It talks about some special cases where some have recovered from stroke and spinal cord injuries. It's proof that I will get everything back the way I used to be. It'll be hard work, but that's what makes things worth while. I have been so focused on being able to fix the girls hair , it barely occurred to me last week that I will be able to fix mine as well. I hadn't even thought of how useful that will be for me! I had Albert take me to go tanning twice this week. I used to go all the time, 'till I was pregnant. So it had been 3 years since I had gone. I forgot how much I loved it! Since I am always so cold, it felt great to be warm to my bones for awhile. I'm so happy to fit that in, since I'm so pale. I only do about 7 minutes, so Albert and the girls just wait in the truck. It feels good to have even 7 minutes to myself. I asked Albert that on the days he gets to go to the gym I would love to go tan, sounds like a good deal for both of us. Each week gets more comfortable for all of us, as we adjust to our new life. Albert has been going out on his 4wheeler a lot lately. I know that's how he has fun. Last week he crashed and got some road rash, he had the girls taking care of him since I'm mean and had no sympathy. I told him to " suck it up." Lilli said" suck what up, mom?" I know he's itching to go camping again. They haven't been for almost a month, which is long for them , but it's getting colder.
love to all and GOD BLESS.

Grandma Ann here. . . .

I think it is very important for you to continue this blog. It serves as a record/journal for you. This story that has been logged here from the beginning and as you said, you receive strength from reading how far you've come.

The entries don't have to be long and terribly detailed, but I encourage to write at least weekly . . . . .posting how your life is becoming more 'normal' and things that encourage or discourage you. Also, it will be so fun for your girls to read about themselves and what a delight they are to you.

I think you still have friends and family that would love to check in here periodically. . . .keep it up sweetheart! Love ya!

tami's back to update the week.

ELLA HAD HER FIRST DAYS AT PRESCHOOL THIS WEEK . SHE WILL JOIN LILLI 2 DAYS A WEEK. LILLI GOES 3 DAYS. ELLA COULD BARELY CONTAIN HER JOY AT KNOWING SHE WAS GOING TO SCHOOL WITH HER BIG SISTER ON TUESDAY. IT WAS PRETTY CUTE. SHE HAS BEEN VERY GOOD WITHOUT HER PACIFIER. SHE ALSO GRADUATED OUT OF HER HIGH CHAIR THIS WEEK. SHE IS OFFICIALLY A BIG GIRL. SHE HAD A VERY EXCITING MONTH, POTTY TRAINED, GOING TO PRESCHOOL, NO PACIFIER OR HIGH CHAIR. MY BABY IS GETTING SO BIG! THEIR TEACHER PICKS THEM UP ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, AND JUST LILLI WEDNESDAY. THE SCHOOL THEY GO TO IS REALLY GREAT, AND THEY SAID THE GIRLS ARE SO FUN TO HAVE. LILLI GETS TO PLAY THE BOSSY BIG SISTER, A ROLE SHE'S GOOD AT. THEY JUST GIGGLE AND PLAY AND TELL ME ALL ABOUT THEIR DAY AND ALL THE FRIENDS THEY MAKE. I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL NOW THAT THEY ARE GETTING BIG TOGETHER. WHEN I HAD THEM SO CLOSE IT WAS REALLY HARD, BUT NOW IT'S PAYING OFF. THAT IS OUR BIG NEWS RIGHT NOW.
I WAS THINKING I MIGHT CUT BACK ON MY BLOG ENTRIES FOR AWHILE
SINCE MY PROGRESS HAS SLOWED DOWN. I WILL JUST BRAG ABOUT MY GIRLS CONTINUED GROWTH.
I WANTED TO WAIT TILL I GOT TO ANNOUNCE SOMETHING WONDERFUL LIKE I BRAIDED THEIR HAIR OR ZIPPED A JACKET. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK TO READ THE OLDER ENTRIES IN THE BLOG TO REMIND MYSELF HOW FAR I HAVE COME. I FORGET SINCE I JUST CONTINUE. NOW I'M SELFISH AND STILL WANT BIG LEAPS OF IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REALLY FOCUS ON MY LEFT LEG TO MAKE MY WALKING BETTER. IT IS GETTING STRONGER AND I CAN PRACTICE ANYWHERE I GO. IT KIND OF LOOKS SILLY WHEN I'M TRYING TO SWING MY ARM AROUND. I SAVE THAT ONE FOR HOME. I APPRECIATE THE SMALLEST THINGS THAT'S FOR SURE! LAST WEEK I ACCOMPLISHED A HUGE THING FOR ME. I HAVE A NICE BIG TUB THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO USE SINCE IT IS SO DEEP. I WAS SCARED TO GET IN. WE HAD TRIED WHEN TERESA FIRST BROUGHT ME HOME, AND IT DIDN'T REALLY WORK. BUT LAST WEEK I GOT IN AND OUT BY MYSELF. I WAS VERY HAPPY AND PROUD OF ME FOR DOING THAT! I ALSO REALIZED THAT MY GIRLS GET ALOT OUT OF THOSE MOMENTS, SINCE THEY GET TO LEARN HOW TO HELP THEMSELVES WITH THINGS MOM ISN'T ABLE TO DO YET. MY LITTLE ELLA CAN DRESS HERSELF AND PUT HER SHOES ON. OF COURSE, I WISH I COULD DO EVERY THING THEY NEED, SO I REMIND MYSELF THAT IT TEACHES THEM INDEPENDENCE SKILLS.
GOD BLESS ALL, UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAMI

my e-mail at last. for those that have been waiting for me.

It's a long one but I guess there are a lot of Tamara Richardsons out there.
taminatormom 14 @live.com
I can usually check it at least once a day.
As you all know Teresa left .
Ella had her first dentist check yesterday and he said no more pacifier. So we had to do the heart-breaking task of taking it away. She cried most of yesterday & ended up in mom and dad's bed last night. She is so sad! I think it'll be hard for me to stick to since I have a super soft heart and hate to have her so sad all day. She is still my baby, even if she's two. Her dad cut all her pacifiers up, so I have no choice but to follow rules .
This morning she asked Lilli to go buy her a new one.
God bless to all and to Beth, yes I'm eating. I even put on 3 whole pounds in a month! That's huge for me! It takes a lot of ice-cream and focus. love you.

IT'S TAMI

WOW! I JUST SAW THE NEW PICTURES FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT'S STILL UNREAL FOR ME TO SEE THE OLD PICTURE FROM THE HOSPITAL. I WAS SO SCAREY LOOKING! I HAVE TO GO TO AN APPOINTMENT NOW. I'LL WRITE MORE LATER.

TERESA GOES HOME

HI FRIENDS AND FAMILY. TERESA HAS BEEN HERE BLESSING ME WITH HER HELP AND PATIENCE WITH MY GIRLS. I REALIZED IT'S A GOOD THING SHE HAD TO MOVE BACK TO VERNAL AND LEAVE ME TO FEND FOR MYSELF AND THE GIRLS. IT'S MUCH TOO EASY TO SIT BACK AND LET HER TAKE OVER FOR ME. I SURELY HAVE IMPROVED OUT OF NESSECITY. SHE HAS TO HEAD HOME TODAY. SADLY WE ALWAYS WISH SHE COULD SPEND MORE TIME. THE GIRLS JUST ADORE HER AND MIND HER SO MUCH BETTER THAN THEY DO ME.
I TRY TO CONTINUALLY GET USED TO THE NEW ME. I GET FRUSTRATED SINCE I WAS SO DRIVEN AND INDEPENDANT BEFORE AND I DO REQUIRE SO MUCH HELP FROM OTHERS. STILL THE CORE OF ME STILL KNOWS HOW LUCKY I AM, BUT THE HUMAN PART OF ME GETS IRRITATED WITH MY TROUBLED BODY. I TOLD TERESA I'M SURPRISED THAT I CAN STILL HAVE SO MUCH PRIDE AND WANT TO DO THINGS BY MYSELF. I WOULD THINK I COULD LET THAT GO BY NOW.
LOVE TO ALL AND GOD BLESS

HI AGAIN FROM TAMI. WE HAD OUR HALLOWEEN FUN FRIDAY NIGHT. ALBERT'S FAMILY TOOK THE GIRLS OUT SATURDAY TOO, BUT I WAS TO TIRED TO GO AGAIN, SO I HUNG AT HOME HOPING FOR FEW TRICK- OR- TREATERS, SINCE I HAD MY FAVORITE TREATS TO GIVE AND WOULD LOVE TO EAT THEM MYSELF. THE GIRLS HAD A BLAST AND I DID MANAGE TO HIDE THE CANDY WHERE THEY CAN'T FIND IT, AND WE CAN RATION IT OUT SLOWLY. IT'S SO DIFFERENT TO BE THE PARENT INSTEAD OF THE KID. I STILL REMEMBER HOW MY DAD WOULD" INSPECT" MY TREATS FOR SO CALLED SAFETY, AND NOW ITS MY TURN.
I KNOW TERESA MENTIONED MY CALIFORNIA TRIP, BUT I WILL FILL IN THE EXTRA INFO. I WENT SO I COULD GET A BREAK FROM THE HOUSE AND SEE WHERE ALBERT IS FROM. SURE ENOUGH I MISSED MY GIRLS THE SECOND I LEFT THE HOUSE. I HAD BEEN QUITE NERVOUS TO TRAVEL THAT FAR. IT'S NOT AS EASY FOR ME NOW, PLUS I HAD NEVER BEEN SO FAR FROM MY BABIES. ALBERT'S FAMILY WAS VERY WELCOMING AND MAKES THE BEST FOOD! I THINK I ATE MORE THAT WEEKEND THAN I HAVE ALL YEAR! IT WAS WONDERFUL! WE WENT TO THE SAN DIEGO ZOO AND I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD MOTOR CARTS FOR THE ELDERLY, WHICH I FEEL LIKE I AM. SO I TRIED TO BE TOUGH AND WALKED THE WHOLE DAY! THAT WASN'T THE BEST IDEA I'VE HAD. IT WAS NERVE RACKING TO HAVE ALL THE PEOPLE AROUND ME. I ALMOST GOT KNOCKED DOWN TWICE BY ROWDY KIDS. I FORGET THAT THEY CAN BE DANGEROUS, SINCE MY GIRLS ARE SO USED TO ME AND KNOW TO BE CAREFUL WITH MOM. BUT IT WAS STILL VERY NEAT AND MAN WAS I SORE THE NEXT DAY! BUT IT WAS MY BACK THAT WAS SORE, SO I KNEW I WASN'T WALKING RIGHT. WELL I ALREADY KNEW THAT. SO THE NEXT TIME I HAD BIO- FEEDBACK I ASKED TO WORK ON MY LEFT KNEE INSTEAD OF MY ARM. IT WAS SO NEAT! HE HOOKED IT UP AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO CONNECTION FROM MY BRAIN. BASICALLY MY BRAIN COMPLETELY FORGOT I HAD A LEFT KNEE. BECAUSE OF THAT I HAD NO MUSCLE, SO AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF USING THE COMPUTER TO LET MY BRAIN FIND THE CONNECTION, WE HAD IT WORKING. I WAS SO EXCITED THAT I KEPT WORKING ON IT UNTIL MY LEG FATIGUED. I WAS PROUD, BUT THEN I LEFT AND MY LEG WAS SO TIRED I COULDN'T GET ON THE ELEVATOR BEFORE THE DOORS CLOSED. IT TOOK ABOUT TEN MINUTES BEFORE SOMEONE WAS GETTING OFF AND COULD HOLD THE DOOR FOR ME, AND SOMEONE ELSE HELD IT SO I COULD GET OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS VERY FUNNY. THAT'S WHAT I GET FOR TRYING TO SHOW OFF.
OK BACK TO CALIFORNIA, IT WAS COUSIN KRISTINA'S BIRTHDAY, SO THEY GOT A STRETCH HUMMER LIMO AND WE ALL WENT TO TEMECULA, TO A WINERY. THEN WE TRIED TO GO TO DINNER, BUT THE PLACE HAD CLOSED. FOR ANYONE THAT'S BEEN IN A LIMO IT'S USUALLY STOCKED WITH ALCOHOL, AND WHILE I CAN'T DISCLOSE DETAILS, WE WILL JUST SAY IT WAS A PARTY ON WHEELS! WE ALL HAD SO MUCH FUN! I THINK EVERY PICTURE OF ME, MY MOUTH WAS WIDE OPEN FROM LAUGHING SO HARD. WHAT FUN WE HAD! I STAYED WITH AUNT BECKY AND UNCLE FRANK AND THEY HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD GIRL THAT IS VERY CUTE, BUT MADE ME THINK OF MY GIRLS CONSTANTLY. BY SUNDAY NIGHT I WAS SO READY TO BE HOME WITH MY BABIES. IT WAS A REALLY LONG DRIVE HOME. I HAD BOUGHT LOTS OF STUFF AT THE BEACH FOR MY GIRLS AND HAD COMPLETELY FORGOT TO GET ANYTHING FOR ALBERT, BUT AT LEAST HIS AUNT MONICA GOT HIM STUFF. I WAS VERY HAPPY TO BE HOME AND DECIDED THAT IF I NEED TO GET AWAY, NEXT TIME I WILL JUST GO TO GRANDMA ANN'S SO I'M NOT SO FAR FROM THE GIRLS , AND IT'S ONLY A 5 MIN. DRIVE HOME. LIFE IS BACK TO OUR ROUTINE NOW. ME, THE GIRLS, BREAKFAST, CLEAN, LUNCH, CLEAN IT, DAD COMES HOME TO MAKE DINNER. I KNOW THEY ARE KIDS, BUT THEY ARE SO MESSY! I CAN'T EVER CATCH UP! MY POOR ALBERT ENDS UP DOING A LOT OF HOUSE WORK. THE GIRLS ARE SLOWLY LEARNING TO HELP TOO. I ALWAYS THINK OF THE SAYING THAT CLEANING HOUSE WHILE THE KIDS ARE HOME IS LIKE SHOVELING WHILE IT'S STILL SNOWING . THAT IS SO VERY TRUE . MONDAY OUR FAVORITE VISITOR IS COMING FOR 2 DAYS. IT'S GRANDMA TERESA. NOW I KNOW MY MOM LOVES ME A TON, BUT I ALSO KNOW SHE MAKES THE VERY LONG DRIVE TO SEE HER GRAND DAUGHTERS AND I'M HAPPY WITH THAT. WE GET VERY EXCITED TO HAVE HER. IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS FOR US EACH TIME. SHE REALLY IS THE BEST. I'M SO LUCKY IN A MILLION WAYS !
LOVE TO ALL, HAVE A GREAT WEEK,
GOD BLESS!

GUESS WHO FINALLY GOT A COMPUTER? IT'S TAMI

I AM PART OF SOCIETY NOW YEEHAW FOR ME.!WE HAD EXPLAIN TO EL WHY SHE DOES' MUCH FUN TODAY LILLI HAD A COSTUME PARADE AT HER PRESCHOOL SO WE WENT AND TOOK ELLA IN HER COSTUME AS WELL EL WAS SO BLASTED HAPPY TO GO TO BIG SISTERS SCHOOL THEY HAD CUPCAKES AND ROOT BEER IT'S HARD ENOUGH TO EL WHY SHE DOESN'T GET TO GO EVERY DAY NOW SHE THINKS IT'S ALWAYS A PARTY THEY WERE SO PRETTY CINDERELLA FOR LIL SLEEPING BEAUTY FOR ELLA OF COARSE I THINK MY GIRLS ARE THE CUTEST KIDS EVER BUT THEY REALLY ARE
WE ARE GOING TO A FRIENDS CHURCH FRIDAY NIGHT FOR TRUNK OR TREAT. IT'S EASIER AND SAFER THAN DOOR TO DOOR. I'M ALREADY CRINGING AT THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR THEY ARE GOING TO EAT. I WILL BE HIDING AS MUCH OF IT AS POSSIBLE FOR EASTER MAYBE THATS FAR ENOUGH AWAY THEY'LL FORGET BY THEN.
NOW I WILL UPDATE THIS MORE OFTEN FOR SURE AND TERESA WON'T HAVE TO FILL IN FOR ME.

Monday Oct. 26,2009

From Teresa... Hi, it's been awhile since I've added anything to this blog. Tami seems to be hanging in there these days. She was invited to join Aunt Monica and family on a weekend trip to San Diego. They stayed with Aunt Becky's family and had a great visit. They went to the beach, zoo, and other local sights. The long drive was hard on Tami's bottom, but it's that way for any of us.

Tami's neurologist changed her anti-seizure medicine from the keppra to something else, which seems to have less severe side effects for her. The new one makes her sleepy and affects her complexion but less mood swings and other frustrations.

Last week at her bio-feedback therapy Tami asked Steve to work on her left leg and knee, instead of her arm. She got some major improvement by the end of the session! Only she fatigued that leg so much during the appointment, that she had a hard time getting on and off the elevator to leave! The good news is.... everything her brain learns during the sessions, it remembers, no matter how long between therapies. I think she wants to do more leg stuff this week again. (The knee and ankle don't have the "lift" movement very well. As a result she swings that leg out and around. ) Then she'll go back and work more on the arm and hand.

Lilli and Ella both picked up a ''bug" of some kind this last weekend. They are both feeling better today. Tami's happy to be done with cleaning up the puke and diarrhea for now. She is also trying to be sure to get her rest in , so she stays healthy too.

Lilli is going to pre-school three days a week now. The sweet teacher picks her up and drops her off at her house those days. Lilli absolutely LOVES it, and Ella gets some quality alone time with her mommy. It's great all around.

I'm hoping to run to St. George on my days off next week. I really miss the little turkeys. More later....Teresa

WELL HI TO EVERYONE WE ARE STILL MOVING FORWARD. LAST WEEKEND I JOINED ALBERT &THE GIRLS FOR A LITTLE CAMPING IN PINE VALLEY I HAD HIGH HOPES TO MAKE IT 3 DAYS BUT AFTER THE FIRST COLD UNCOMFORTABLE NIGHT OF VERY LITTLE SLEEP I WAS BEGGING TO HEAD HOME SO ALBERT GAVE IN AND DROVE US HOME AFTER OUR DINNER ON SATURDAY EVENING THE GIRLS ARE VERY USED TO ALL THE FUN OF THE MOUNTAINS & BEING WITH THEIR WONDERFUL DAD. WE SAW DEER CATERPILLAR'S AND THEY FOUND A SNAKE WITH DAD SO WE ALL HAD FUN AND WERE TIRED AND DIRTY WHEN WE CAME HOME IT WAS OUR FIRST TRIP IN DADS NEW CAMPER ALBERT COOKS WONDERFUL FOOD WHILE CAMPING GRANDMA TONI CAME OUT TO JOIN US FOR DINNER. THEY HAVE SWITCHED ONE OF MY MEDS AND IT HAS MADE A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN MY MOOD I'M HAPPIER AND ENJOY GOING OUT MORE PLUS IT DOESN'T HAVE THE NASTY SIDE EFFECTS OF THE OLD ONE WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A BUNCH OF FUN AS A FAMILY WE MADE A TRIP TO THE FUN CENTER TO LET ME TRY OUT MY DRIVING SKILLS IN THE GO-CARTS IT WAS SO MUCH FUN LILLI RODE WITH ME AND DAD & ELLA WATCHED US IT WAS SO MUCH FUN I CAN'T WAIT TO DO THAT AGAINIT WAS THE BEST REHAB HOMEWORK SO FAR IT WILL BE AWHILE BEFORE I BRAVE A REAL CAR AND ROAD BUT IT'S JUST UP FROM HERE. I'M CONTINUING WITH MY BIO FEED BACK THERAPY ON MY ARM AND EVERY WEEK IS STRONGER THAN THE LAST I STILL DON'T HAVE USE OF THE FINGERS AND PRAISE GOD WHEN I DO I WILL HAVE THE WORLD IN MY HAND LITERALLY A YEAR HAS PASSED AND I'M FINALLY ADJUSTED TO MY NEW WAY OF LIFE BUT NOT GOING TO SETTLE I WILL KEEP GOING AS HARD AS I CAN. I TOOK THE GIRLS FOR A WALK TO THE PARK LAST WEEK BY MYSELF IT WAS QUITE THE STRUGGLE BUT THE GIRLS HAD FUN AND WE MADE IT WE HAD GREAT NAPS WHEN WE GOT HOME LILLI HELD ELLAS HAND AND I WALKED BEHIND THEM WITH OUR SNACKS MY BEAUTIFUL GIRLS ARE TRULY WHAT KEEPS ME GOING. ALBERT ALSO TOOK ME TO GET MY HAIR DONE WHICH I LOVED SHE STRAIGHTENED OUT MY CURLS AND I ACTUALLY FELT GOOD. ALBERT WAS SO HAPPY HE SAID I LOOKED LIKE THE OLD ME LILLI WAS UPSET BECAUSE SHE WANTS MOM TO HAVE CURLS LIKE HER I PROMISED HER THAT AS SOON AS MOM GOT IT WET THE CURLS WOULD BE RIGHT BACK AND SURE ENOUGH THEY WERE AND SHE WAS CONTENT AGAIN THE SWEET GIRL THAT DID MY HAIR SAID I COULD STOP IN ANY TIME AND SHE WOULD STYLE IT FOR ME IF I WANTED. I TOOK HER UP ON IT SO I COULD GO TO A PLAY AT TUCAHN THEATER AND FEEL CUTE I LOVE IT I ACTUALLY HAVE HAIR NOW WHICH IS SO NICE I DIDN'T PULL OFF THE BUZZED HEAD LOOK VERY WELL. SO LIFE GOES ON AND I GET STRONGER EVERY DAY I FEEL OVERWHELMING GRATITUDE TO ALL THAT HAVE HELPED ME THROUGH THIS PAST YEAR AND THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM
GOD BLESS AND LOVE TO YOU ALL! I'M MAKING IT A GOAL TO GET A COMPUTER SOON AND JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD WITH E-MAIL AND SUCH. THAT WILL BE SO NEAT.

Then and Now...

The top photo was taken last October (I'm guessing). . .walking was a very tenuous ordeal. As you can see she has a belt around her waist and a therapist anchoring her. We were so thrilled when she could take a few steps.

The photo below was taken at her 28th birthday party last Saturday. Doesn't she look beautiful!!! Congratulations Tami ! You are an inspiration!

TAHDAH! IT'S TAMI

HELLO I JUST GOT DONE WITH MY FIRST DRIVING EVALUATION MY HOMEWORK IS TO PRACTICE ON SOME AT V'S OR GO TO THE FUN CENTER FOR GO CARTS. THAT'S THE BEST HOMEWORK SO FAR. FRIENDS FAMILY AND STRANGERSI HAVE MADE IT ONE WHOLE YEAR AND I AM STILL SMILLING! ! THAT'S PRETTY GREAT I THINK I WAS SO VERY LUCKY AND GOT TO HAVE MY 28TH BIRTHDAY ON SATURDAY WITH OUR CLOSE FAMILY HERE IN ST. GEORGE NOT IN A HOSPITAL THIS YEAR IT WAS WONDERFUL START TO FINISH TERESA DROVE DOWN FRIDAY NIGHT SO SHE AND I STARTED THE DAY OFF WITH A MASSAGE AT MASSAGE ENVY THEN WE CAME HOME AND ALBERT WAS COOKING MY POT ROAST BIRTHDAY DINNER AND TERESA STARTED CLEANING MY HOUSE TALK ABOUT QUEEN STATUS FOR ME MY BEAUTIFUL GIRLS PLAYED WITH MY BALLOONS AND WE WAITED FOR THE PARTY TO START KNOWING THAT JUST A YEAR AGO I WAS FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE SURE MADE IT EASY TO KNOW THAT I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL AROUND! . OF COARSE I STILL HAVE HARD DAYS BUT I WOULD HAVE TO SAY MY LIFE IS INCREDIBLE! I CAN'T WAIT TO TURN 30 IMAGINE THE PROGRESS BY THEN THIS WILL ALL JUST BE A CRAZY STORY. THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THE AMAZING PEOPLE THAT HAVE HELPED US THIS LAST YEAR BECAUSE IT SURE HAS TAKEN A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO KEEP OUR FAMILY A FLOAT I REALLY WISH I HAD A BETTER WORD THAN THANKS IT JUST FEELS TO SMALL FOR WHAT I REALLY MEAN THIS HAS BEEN QUITE THE JOURNEY ONE I DON'T WISH TO REPEAT EVER WE HAVE SOME NEW PICTURES THAT I'M HOPING WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET ON HERE SO PEOPLE CAN TRULY SEE THE DIFFERANCE.
GOD BLESS ALL and please know i'm the last person to get a computer so i don't have e-mail or facebook so if anyone would like to speak with me feel free to call or text my phone the old fashioned way some day i might get the internet when its as cool as a.m. radio
LOVE TO ALL LIFE IS GRAND

TAMI IS BACK AUGUST 30TH

WELL HELLO FRIENDS AND FAMILY I FINALLY MADE IT TO A COMPUTER I . HAVE TO ADD TO TERESA 'S ENTRY SHE DID MORE THAN JUST VISIT SHE MADE MY LIFE SO AMAZINGLY EASY WHILE SHE WAS THERE I COULD SLEEP WHEN TIRED AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THE GIRLS AT ALL SHE DID ALL MY HOUSE CHORES AND DROVE ME EVERYWHERE I NEEDED TO GO AS ALWAYS SHE IS SUCH A GIFT TO ME AND MY DAUGHTERS THEY JUST ADORE TERESA OF COURSE,I REALLY COULD APPRICIATE HER SINCE I HAD BEEN ON MY OWN FOR THE SUMMER I WANTED TO CRY WHEN SHE HAD TO GO. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFICULT ON MY OWN WITH MY LOVELY GIRLS AND TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF THEM AND MYSELF BUT I FULLY ADMIT THE HOUSE WORK JUST DOESN'T GET DONE IT WILL ALWAYS WAIT FOR ME IT IS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PRYORITY LIST I CONTINUE TO GET BETTER AND STRONGER EACH WEEK AND I THINK I HAVE ACCEPTED MY NEW LIFE NOW MUCH BETTER THAN I COULD IN THE BEGINING I WOULD RATHER IT BE BACK TO NORMAL BUT IM OK WITH IT A LITTLE MORE EACH DAY WHICH MAKES FOR LESS TEARS AND FRUSTRATION MY LEFT ARM IS STILL MY SAD HAND AS LILLI CALLS IT THERE ISN'T A TASK I DO THAT I DON'T WISH IT WOULD WORK FOR ME I HAVE COME SO FAR WITH IT I CAN MOVE IT QUITE A BIT JUST NOTHING THAT IS HELPFUL YET I STILL HAVE FULL FAITH THAT I WILL GET IT BACK I WONT STOP TILL I DO

I AM SO GLAD I GOT TO PUT AN ENTRY IN SINCE NEXT WEEKEND MARKS MY ONE YEAR MARK IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW FAR I HAVE COME BASICALLY I YEAR AGO THE MOST I COULD DO ON MY OWN WAS SPEAK AND MAYBE HOLD MY HEAD UP FOR TEN MINUTES OR SO I REMEMBER I COULDN'T EVEN GET MY EYES TO LOOK THE SAME WAYI HAD PEOPLE DOING EVERYTHING ELSE FOR ME LITERALLY I HAD A FEEDING TUBE NURSES AND TERESA BATHING ME AND DRESSING ME SADLY EVEN CHANGING ME I THINK THAT WAS THE WORST MOST HUMILIATING THING FOR ME I GET TEARS JUST THINKING OF IT AND NOW I'M NOT ONLY ON MY OWN BUT TAKING CARE OF MY ANGELS THE WAY TERESA HAD TO TAKE CARE OF ME I'M NOT RUNNING OR DRIVING YET BUT IM HAPPY AND KICKING ASS AND I GET TO TURN 28 NEXT MONTH AND BE PROUD OF MYSELF EVERYDAY IT HAS BEEN A VERY HARD YEAR! AND IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT STILL HELP ME WITH RIDES AND BABYSITTING MY GIRLS FOR MOMS APPOINTMENTS I ALWAYS KNEW I WAS LOVED I JUST HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH TILL THIS LAST YEAR IT HAS TRULY BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN SO MANY PEOPLE MY NEWEST GOAL WILL BE TO TAKE A DRIVING TEST AND HOPEFULLY GET MY FREEDOM BACK WITH THAT AND THEN I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CLAP AND GET ALL OF MY FORMAL SELF BACK MY LIFE LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER THAN IT DID ONE SMALL YEAR AGO.
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR HELP AND PRAYERS GOD BLESS LOVE TAMI AND FAMILY

Aug. 3, 2009

From Teresa... I had a few days off in a row and a dear co-worker picked up my Sunday shift, so I drove to St. George after work last Wednesday. I arrived at 9:00 pm. The little girls were already asleep, so I had to wait 'till morning to play with them. Doesn't EVERY grandma think her grandchildren are the sweetest, neatest, most wonderful things on the Planet! I DO! Anyway... we had fun!

On Thurs. we met Grandma Ann at the Olive Garden for lunch and then we went to Tami's bio-feedback apt. She's improving nicely in the last 6 weeks. The machine beeps each time she manages to move the muscle hard enough to reach the line that is set. When it beeped the girls would say "Good job mama!!! You did it!!! Yeah!!" It was so cute. She had her own cheering section. Thurs. evening Tami and Albert went to the movies and dinner while I got some quality time with my " angel babies."

Friday we took Tami to her apt. with her counselor. The girls and I explored and got lunch at the hospital cafeteria while she was busy.

Friday after work Albert went up to his Grandma Toni's to help her out at her farm and spent the weekend. His Aunt Becky and her girls stopped by Sat. night before they headed back to Calif. to visit Tami and the girls.

I tried to let Tami rest, and tried to do some things around the house that she might not get to for a while.

Lilli and I went to Mass Sat. night . Then on Sunday I took Tami and the girls to church at the Calvary Chapel. The girls wanted to wear their yellow "Belle" dresses. (from Beauty and the Beast). They looked so stinking cute! After church we went to Rick and Tracy's house and Aunt Tracy worked on Tami's hair color. Grandma Ann dropped by with great food and Uncle Rick inflated the huge water slide in the back yard. It was fun. Then it was time for me to head home again. Short but sweet. I told Lilli and Ella I would come back again when I get a few more days off in a row. More later, Teresa.

TAMI MADE IT TO A COMPUTER

TAMI MADE IT TO A COMPUTER FINALLY HI THERE EVERYONE MY LIFE IS ROLLING ALONG I HAVE HAD A FEW NEW THINGS MY ARM IS GETTING MORE MOVEMENT EACH WEEK LAST WEEK WAS HUGE FOR ME WE DECIDED TO TRY THE HAND FLEXORS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I COULD DO IT WITH RELATIVE EASE WE WERE SHOCKED I WAS SO EXCITED THAT IF YOUR ON MY TEXT LIST I SENT YOU A MESSAGE RIGHT AWAY! AS MOST OF YOU KNOW GOING BACK TO WORK WILL DEFINITELY NEED BOTH MY HANDS & THAT IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST GOALS SO TO BE ONE LITTLE MOVEMENT CLOSER TO THAT WAS AMAZING FOR ME . I STILL HAVE A VERY LONG JOURNEY TO GET THE REST OF MY ARM WORKING WITH MY BRAIN ONCE AGAIN BUT I WON'T STOP TILL I GET IT AND CAN GO BACK TO DOING WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH &THAT IS MASSAGETHERAPY & HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR HEALTH I CAN'T EVEN DREAM OF DOING ANYTHING ELSE FOR A JOB. SO THAT WAS BIG EVENT #1 SECOND WAS MOSTLY FOR ME BUT IMPORTANT ALL THE SAME SUNDAY WE WENT TO ALBERT'S GRANDMA TONI'S HOUSE FOR THE DAY & OF COURSE WE GOT TIRED SO ELLA &I WENT TO LIE DOWN NO BIG DEAL BUT ELLA ACTUALLY CURLED UP ON ME AND SLEPT WITH ME & I WOKE UP WITH HER & THANKED MY GOD BECAUSE SHE HASN'T SNUGGLED WITH ME SINCE THE STROKE AND THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE MOST HEALING NAP I'VE HAD SINCE LAST AUGUST. WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY ELLA WAS JUST A BABY &WHEN I CAME HOME SHE WAS GROWN &TALKING AND NOT TO FOND OF ME AND THAT HAS BEEN SO HARD FOR ME I DESPERATELY MISS MY LITTLE BABY I HAD ONLY STOPPED NURSING HER WEEKS BEFORE MY STROKE HAPPENED SO IT WAS HUGE FOR ME TO FEEL A BIT OF A BOND WITH HER AGAIN.I KNOW IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER FOR ME AND MY FAMILY BUT IT IS STILL VERY HARD EVERY DAY AND THE RIPPLE EFFECT FROM THIS HAS BEEN ENORMOUS, MY GIRLS CONTINUE TO MOTIVATE ME AND GET ME THROUGH JUST THIS MORNING LILLI SAID TO ME MOM YOU USED TO HAVE A BRAIN BUT IT BROKE AND YOU HAD TO GET SHOTS HUH? SHE CRACKS ME UP SHE HAD HEARD SOMETHING ON TV ABOUT A BRAIN. WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO MY BIO FEEDBACK APT. NEXT I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT MUSCLE I CAN GET WORKING TODAY!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL LOVE, TAMI & FAMILY.

NOTE FROM ALBERT'S FAMILY

(This is Grandma Ann. . .I asked Aunt Vi to write a note about the yard sale. Albert's family is just amazing and they worked SO hard and do so many things to help. I am so glad she was willing to contribute to this blog. Thanks Aunt Vi!)

The gang in St. George area got together to get a huge yard sale going. We had it 2 weeks ago on Friday and Saturday. Monica, her Mom Toni and Aunt Vi were there selling a variety of items on Friday.

Saturday we had more things to put out - 2 sewing machines, 2 tvs (really nice ones). Monica's friends at Smith's market donated and helped. Vi's neighbor donated a couch and chair. Another gave other items which were all sold.

It was a labor of love for Tami. Monica's husband Daivd and married son David helped in moving the heavy items. We finished Saturday about 4pm.

Our total amount made was over $1,000. Thanks to Karen, Tracey and friends at Smith's for donating and helping. In times like this we know money is tight and time is valuable.

Thanks to all who helped a worthy cause for our loving Tami, Albert and family.

HI FROM TAMI REALITY CHECK!!

HELLO FRIENDS &FAMILY I FINALLY GOT TO A COMPUTER. AS YOU MOST KNOW I AM LIVING WITHOUT TERESA NOW WHAT A WAKE UP CALL TODAY MY DEAR FRIEND ANDREA TOOK ME TO GET MY!BLOOD CHECKED AND THEN LET ME USE HER COMPUTER SHE IS SO NICE SHE TAKES ME AND THE GIRLS AND THIS MORNING SHE EVEN FIXED THEIR HAIR TOO I AM SO VERY BLESSSED TO HAVE SO MANY HELPERS TERESA SURE DID A LOT IT TAKES ABOUT 6 PEOPLE TO FILL HER PLACE WE LOVE AND MISS HER THE GIRLS ADJUSTED BETTER THAN THE ADULTS AT HAVING HER GONE FOR US ALL. WE ARE HANGING IN BUT IT SURE IS HARD I'M ALWAYS TIRED BUT THAT'S NOTHING NEW THE GIRLS ARE LEARNING TO HELP MOM A BUNCH I HAVE HAD MORE THAN A FEW DAYS OF DESPARE WHERE THERE WOULDN'T BE ANYTHING NICE TO WRITE ABOUT BUT LIFE GOES ON I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REMIND MYSELF HOW FAR I'VE COME &TO NOT SCREAM OUT LOUD SOO MANY WONDERFUL SOULS HAVE PITCHED IN TO HELP ME ALBERT'S FAMILY WAS AMAZING &DID A FUND RAISING YARDSALE TO HELP OUR LITTLE FAMILY THEY SPENT TWO VERY HOT DAYS & DID AWESOME!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MONICA GRANDMA TONI AUNTIE VI JESSICA KAREN AND THE KIND PEOPLE THAT DONATED UNCLE BILL AUNT LUPE GRANDMA HERNANDEZ THEY HAVE ALL BEEN SO INCREDIBLE AND ALWAYS THERE FOR US WE ALSO GOT TO GO TO LAS VEGAS TO MEET COUSIN ANNA'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER GRACE &SEE EVEN MORE FAMILY COUSIN BILLY &HIS GREAT FAMILY AND WE MET HIS DAUGHTER LAYLA FOR THE FIRST TIME SHE LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE ELLA
THANKS TO ALL MY ANGEL'S GOD BLESS & MY BLOOD IS PERFECT FOR ANYONE THAT CARES I WILL WRITE AGAIN IN A FEW WEEKS

LOVE TAMI &FAMILY.

REMEMBER THERE IS NO GRAMAR CHECK ON THIS ONE TERESA IS GONE.

June 26th 2009

From Teresa.. Hi, the wedding went well and Tami and family headed back to sunny (hotter than you know What!) St. George. I'm happy to be up north in the cooler climate. I miss my girls and they miss me, but life goes on. Tami got her new glasses, and says she likes them. Hopefully they stay in place and she doesn't have to tilt her head up to see out of them. The daughter of a friend has come over a few times to help out during the day so Tami can get a nap or just to help out. Tami said she did real well at her bio-feedback apt. yesterday. She was able to do quite a bit more with a muscle that wasn't doing much the week before. Her blood work was right on last week, so she will go two weeks between checks, and the cumidin dose stays the same. Her friend Andrea is taking her for blood checks , counseling apts., trips to the park, and if she needs anything from the store during the day. Grandma Ann took her to the monthly stroke support group meeting. Thank goodness for willing family and friends.

I'm on full-time at Lowe's in Vernal and happy to be back among the paycheck earning crowd again. I love my job. I work with a really great group of people. I worry about Tami and the girls, but I try to stay busy so I don't dwell on it. I have faith that God will watch over them and they as a family will figure things out that will work for them. More later, Teresa.

Thursday June 4,2009

From Teresa.....Hard to believe it's been two weeks since I've updated this blog! I drove to Vernal and worked and now tomorrow I'm on my way to do it again for Sat. and Sun. Today I took Lilli and Ella in for their Well-child check-ups and immunizations. They weren't too pleased with the shots, but the stickers, suckers, shinny band aids, and treasure chest they got to choose out of , made it a little more tolerable. They are both healthy and on track for their ages. Then we took Tami to get new glasses. The good news was the doctor only found a little bit of peripheral vision loss. It looks like her brain is rerouting or healing since the last check in November. I choked at the price of glasses, but I understand that's the norm. We did get the extra warranty to replace frames or lenses if anything unexpected happens to them. (Little fingers trying to "Help Mom" with them.) The bright sunlight makes it harder for Tami to see, so she got the "transition" lenses in them. We had tried to save money last time by using the frames from an old pair of glasses. They were fragile and couldn't be tightened too much. As a result they keep sliding down her nose and she tilts her head back to see. That has to make her neck sore. So hopefully these will be better.


Ella turned 2 on May 29th. She is a little echo of everyone in the house.She repeats everything she hears. She got a set of 4 "glass slippers." Lilli was very happy that there were enough to share. They have been clomping around the house in them ever since! On Sat. there was a big party with family and friends. It turned out nice.

Next weekend we are all going up to Vernal for my nephew Chad's wedding, and I plan on staying there. Albert, Tami and the girls will come home to manage without me. I've been trying to line up ways for Tami to get blood work checked and other things done. She's getting better slowly but surely. More later...Teresa.

Wed. May 20th 2009

From Teresa... Hey! Brother Clayton, HAPPY 45th Birthday tomorrow. (May 21st) Like I tell Tami, "If you SURVIVED it, CELEBRATE it!" Anyway, have a great one! I plan to drive up to Vernal on Friday so I can work at Lowe's on Sat. and Sun. and drive back to St. George on Monday. (That way I can stay employed and keep my insurance going.) Lowe's has really been good to work with me since all this happened to Tami. I'm hoping to move back up there by mid-June. Tami is down to one therapy on her arm a week and blood checks every two weeks. She has an apt. with the neuropsychologist every other week and stroke support group once a month. She's come a long way in 9 months. I will really miss my little "Angel Princesses" , but I'm looking foreword to getting back to my other life. I worked in Vernal over Mother's Day weekend and all my old co-workers were so welcoming and kind, it felt like home. It was good to be back in the workforce again. (although it's been so long that I've forgotten how to do some stuff and had to ask questions.) I'm also out of shape and need to build back up my endurance for being on my feet all day on concrete floors. I love helping the customers again! Anyway...

Tami has blood work , support group, and bio-feedback therapy tomorrow, busy day. We are plodding along. Have a great Memorial weekend everyone. More later, Teresa.

TAMI'S BACK IN SUNNY ST.GEORGETHERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!

OUR ADVENTURE TO VERNAL WAS FUN . SEEING TRAVIS AND THE KIDS WAS THE BEST! HIS KIDS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND SO SWEET, I COULD HAVE PLAYED WITH THEM FOR DAYS ! I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE HOME WITH MY OWN WONDERFUL GIRLS . TERESA'S FAMILY CAME FOR HER BIRTHDAY AND WE WENT TO JUMPING JACKS, A BOUNCE HOUSE PLACE WHERE I USED TO TAKE THE GIRLS A LOT. IT'S ALL PADDED SO I FIGURED IF I FELL I WOULD BE SAFE. IT WAS REALLY HARD TO NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY LIKE I USED TO, BUT I WAS VERY PROUD WHEN I DID MAKE IT UP ONE SLIDE . IT WAS A TON HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. I KNEW I ONLY HAD ONE ARM TO CLIMB WITH BUT DIDN'T REALIZE HOW LAME MY LEFT LEG STILL IS . THE ANKLE DOESN'T MOVE AND I CAN'T CONTROL THE KNEE VERY MUCH AT ALL, SO THAT REALLY MADE CLIMBING HARD. BUT LIKE I SAID I DID MAKE IT UP ONE SLIDE . MY LITTLE ELLA WENT UP EVERY ONE! SHE IS SO STINKING TOUGH! SHE LOOKED LIKE SUCH A BABY ON THOSE BIG SLIDES. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT KNEW MY UNCLE BRETT YOU ARE SO LUCKY! AFTER WE LEFT, I KEPT THINKING HOW HE NEVER LET ANYTHING SLOW HIM DOWN, EVEN WHEN HE WAS VERY SLOW, HE COULD HAVE MADE IT UP EVERY SLIDE I'M SURE . I DEFINITELY HAVE A BIGGER FEAR FACTOR THEN HE DID. YOU WON'T FIND ME ON ANY HORSES OR BOATS ANY TIME SOON. NO MATTER HOW MUCH DUCT TAPE THERE IS! MY GRANDPA DAVE WAS HERE AND HE IS 76 YEARS YOUNG & I HAD TO LAUGH BECAUSE HE & I HAVE MORE IN COMMON NOW THAN EVER BEFORE . IT WAS A REALLY FUN BIRTHDAY FOR TERESA AND THE REST OF US, TERESA HELPED HAUL EACH GIRL UP EVERY SLIDE AND THEN TOOK THEM SWIMMING AT THE HOTEL. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE HER! THE GIRLS SEEM SO LOST WHEN SHE ISN'T AROUND. THEY COULD CARE LESS WHAT MOM'S DOING. IT'S WHERE IS GRAMMA TERESA OR DAD? THEY KNOW WHERE THE FUN IS. I DID GET TO SPEND THE WHOLE DAY MONDAY WITH THEM, WHILE TERESA WAS GONE & ALBERT WAS WORKING. IT IS TRULY TRIAL & ERROR TO SEE WHAT I'M READY FOR, AND SADLY I'M NOT QUITE READY TO BE AN AT HOME MOM AGAIN YET. I GET TIRED WAY TOO FAST, AND I'M QUITE BORING MOST THE TIME , BUT WE DID MANAGE WITH NO HARM . THEY WERE BOTH SICK AND BY 4PM ALL THREE OF US WERE IN TEARS , SO WE HAD TO CALL DAD TO RESCUE US. I HAVE A VERY LONG HARD ROAD TO GO BEFORE I CAN HANDLE MY OLD LIFE, BUT TIME WILL TELL, AND I HAVE MADE IT FAR. I'M GOING TO KEEP CREEPING ALONG TILL THIS IS ALL JUST A MEMORY. STILL SO MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CONTINUES TO PRAY & HELP US. WE ARE SO BLESSED LOVE TO ALL TAMI & FAMILY.

Mon. May 4, 2009

From Teresa... We had a nice little jaunt to Vernal, then Grand Junction. It was great to see family again. It had been 8 months since I had been in Vernal. ( The calendar on the wall of my old room was still on Aug. 2008, with my belly dancing schedule still marked down on it.) Wow !So much has happened since then! Travis and family are doing well and it was great to see them and play with those beautiful babies! Maggie is growing up so fast and can read books to grandma. Giacomo is a darling dimpled faced little bundle of fun. Tami had him just giggling and rolling around in her lap. She loved it! Of course the trip was too fast, but we take what we can get.

My sister Liz flies into Las Vegas today and will catch a shuttle to St. George and stay until Thurs. morning. My mom and dad are driving down from Vernal tomorrow and will stay with Liz in her hotel room. They will go home Thurs. too. It will be fun to have them here.

Tami is done with the rehab that the insurance will pay for. We will continue to go to the bio-feedback therapy once a week as long as she continues to make progress. The neurologist apt. went well. He was pleased with her improvements since he saw her last in Jan. She doesn't go back to him for 6 more months. We checked her blood today and it was a little thick, so we need to increase the cumidin and check it again on Thursday. And so it goes..... Anyway, more later....Teresa.