I have been trying for six days to download pictures onto my blog without success! I have no idea why it won't work! I am so frustrated with it! Anyone have a suggestion as to why it won't work and what I can do to fix it?

Tomorrow my parents have a meeting at the hospital to talk about my mother and what needs done in order for her to come home. She still does not have her strength back. She needs a nurse and a walker in order for her to "walk" to the bathroom. Her arms are also very week, although she can feed herself. We still don't know when she'll come home or in what condition she'll be in when we do get her home.

I am feeling better now that I'm finally on an antibiotic! The children are still dealing with stomach issues. Avery is home again today.

Dale has been working on putting a ceiling into our garage with the help of a friend from church. During the winter months it is bitter cold working in the garage. A ceiling would help hold the heat in. His next step will be to hook up the coal stove that's out there just waiting to be used. At this point he uses a space heater or nothing at all. Brrrr!

Me? A celebrity look alike?

Thirteen and a half years ago when new neighbors moved in across the street, their teenage son told me I looked like Linda Hamilton. OK, whatever. This past week, while visiting my mother in the hospital, one of the nurses told me the same thing! I wanted to post Linda's picture on my blog, but ran into copyright laws. Here's me, and below is a link to my apparent twin. What do you think?
http://www.berkshiretheatre.org/gallery/HS07/LindaHamilton

One week later

It's been one week since Mom went to the ER by ambulance. She is now in the transitional care unit of the Gettysburg Hospital. I saw her this afternoon, and I see even more improvement! She was out of bed, in a lounge chair. She was napping, but quickly woke when I spoke to her. We held a conversation for a good 20 minutes before Mom drifted back off to sleep. She is going to physical therapy each day, trying to gain the strength to walk again. Her mind seemed sharp, which gave me great hope that she can fully recover in that area.

Last evening I spoke with my father and he believes he'll have to quit his job driving a school van for special needs children in order to care for my mother. I offered to help with her care during the day, although I wouldn't be able to get there until 9:00 am because of getting the kids on the bus. We were trying to figure out how to make it all work. Dad then said, "Well, I'll just have to quit my job. Mother comes first, and it's my job to take care of her." He hates to ask for any help, although I think he would accept it from me. I did volunteer Dale's help in building a wheelchair ramp if it's needed. At this point, we're just waiting, not knowing what's next.

Today is Kassie's sweet sixteenth birthday!! Tomorrow I am taking Kassie and four of her friends out for pizza and a movie. Today is also Dale's birthday. He and I went out to Chili's for lunch. A friend from his work had given him a gift card to Chili's for Christmas, we were finally able to use it.

Earlier in the week, after Kaden recovered from throwing up, he developed diarrhea. Fortunately, that only lasted one day, and he's been good about only eating Popsicles, applesauce, crackers and bananas. Brady was next to become sick, followed by Kenzie, Avery and Bryson. Those four were all home from school today. The three younger ones each slept all day with a trash can by their side! Brady was feeling better and helped with Kaden while I ran errands and had lunch with Dale. It's nice now and then to run around without a toddler in tow!

Thanks again to everyone for their prayers on behalf of my mother!

Improvement!!

I'm so thankful for all of the prayers on behalf of my mother. Many of you have called or made comments on my facebook page, and I appreciate your concern. My father called me a short time ago to let me know they moved my mother OUT of critical care! Dad wonders if it was because of the expense or they needed the room for someone else, but regardless they must have felt she was well enough or they wouldn't have moved her.

Today my Dad was there to help her eat lunch. He said he helped get the food on the spoon, but she brought the spoon to her mouth all on her own. She ate more today than what she had been eating. Hopefully the improvements will continue to happen!

I was too sick to visit Mom today. I have a very sore throat and had a headache most of the day. I napped this morning and took another nap this afternoon! I feel somewhat better. The sides of my neck are so sore (swollen glands). I would love to be well enough to visit Mom tomorrow.