Ready to go

Giant Prayer Request

So all who know me know that I have pretty bad scoliosis. I've had it since the seventh grade when Coach Kytle discovered my spine was crooked. Wore a back brace for three years, all the way into high school.  The brace was worn until my pelvic bone closed or something in order to keep me "straight" during my years of growth during adolesence.  I didn't mind the brace although it was huge and i got made fun of ALOT!!  But it was fine, because I knew it was better than the scoliosis surgery they were trying to prevent.  It is just something I've lived with my whole life since I can remember - and yes, it's painful but the older I get, the more painful it has become. Maybe painful is not the right word....more like uncomfortable.  Well, i had an appt Friday with an orthopedic surgeon because I've just been hurting in my lower back.  And after x-rays two doctors came in and told me that it is possible that my curve has progressively gotten worse in the past seven years - so they recommended THE surgery.  Immediately i burst into tears b/c I have always been very afraid of this happening.  It is a major surgery.  Rods and about 26 pins lining both sides of my spine.  I'm writing about it now because it's very hard to talk about and I need prayers!  I am going to see a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon in Brunswick in late March in order for him to look at my x-rays and see what he thinks because I do need another opinion and I want to know what he thinks as he is a close family friend.  This is something that I'm not really handling very well.  It's hard to think of anything else since Friday when I got the news.  Not only is the surgery itself very intensive and long - but the recovery is about a year.  Can't lift more than a pound for a year, I would be in a back brace on bedrest for like eight weeks, the list goes on and on.  I am terrified and praying that I don't have to do this anytime soon, and really praying for a miracle that I never have to do it although that is unlikely.  It's a very hard decision and I am praying for wisdom from the doctors and praying so hard that if and when I do it, the outcome is perfect and my babies are older.  Lots to think about.
I appreciate your prayers for our family at this time - I know God knows the answer already so I'm trying not to worry about it, but it's hard because this would affect my husband and two children immensely if I have to do this, so thanks so much to everyone!

In other news, it's a beautiful Sunday - church was great and the Oscars are on tonight. :)

love you all,
asc

randomness

mags playing in her room

libby and matt on their way to the fernbank for an imax movie

mags on valentines day -yes, the girls wore matching dresses with hearts on their tights

the keys came over for dinner.  my oven broke!  so, no pizza....had to make pb&js.  glad they are like my family!

a few weekends ago, the girls and i out running errands together.  love, love, love.

these pictures are all random and taken at various times in the past month, but i wanted to add them because it just shows life from my iphone camera on a daily basis.

My New Hobby

Stay tuned......Lately I've been painting some furniture.  I have distressed one piece and working on a few more.  I'll post pics once things are dry and back in the house in their places.  It is so much fun to do this and not really hard.  Also, my friend Katie is helping me get started on making a headboard for a king size bed.  (www.momscrafty.blogspot.com) and I'm really excited about all of my projects!!  Libby helps me paint, honestly, she's quite good and loves to follow directions, and Maggie has been playing beside us.  Pics to come soon I promise!

When mommy works out....

Maggie Mae pouts......


Poor baby, she loves her daddy in a ridiculous way (obsessed!) but the other night I went to the gym after dinner and she was not happy.  This pic is so sweet though!

Valentines Day 2011

we are not big valentines day people (at all, i have never really "celebrated" this silly day) BUT with two little angels that we are blessed to have for daughters, valentines day was extra sweet this year.  the girls and i went to dunkin donuts for libby to get her heart shaped pink donut and then had class at the library, park time, and just being together.  made a yummy dinner and felt very loved and blessed!

Learning to draw faces

IMG_2536.JPG, originally uploaded by matthewcertain.

Libby and her left-handed-self decided to draw some faces for us the other day and we thought that we'd share them with you.

February 2011

Libby & Matt had a date at IMAX this past weekend!  Her first "movie" - she loved it.

Making our grocery list earlier this morning

On valentines day, Mae (newest nickname) got a tiny little bitty taste of chocolate frosting from a doughnut!  

She was singing "I wanna be a cowgirl" in target....oh precious Libby!

Winter Afternoon with the family

We had a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather and wanted to share the pictures. Enjoy.

. 

Best part of my day....

so far, has been when Libby decided to go to her room and undress and came into the den in her birthday suit dragging her dora rolling back pack, sunglasses on, while reading a book and walking.

and margaret stood up on the planter and knocked it over and dirt is everywhere on the floor.

a day in the life!  never dull!  :)

LOVE it!