Brady's visit to the orthopedic surgeon

I tried to upload a picture of Brady's finger, but Blogger isn't allowing that to happen right now. (UGH!) I took Brady to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. The doctor took one look and said, "When did this happen?" Brady told him yesterday, to which the doctor replied, "Why didn't anyone call us? You should have been seen yesterday. I can't understand why the doctor you went to didn't call us. We are usually always available, especially in cases like this where the finger is bent." I don't know what happened, but we were told to go home after the hospital x-rays, that they would get us an appointment to see the orthopedic the next day. The top part of the bone was completely off to the side of where it broke off from. Because of waiting a day, tissue had now formed under the broken bone. Brady was given three shots to numb the side of his hand/finger. The nurse then held down Brady's arm while the doctor pulled, twisted and tugged trying to get the broken bone back in place. No, I didn't watch, but I did glance over once or twice... that was enough for me. Brady said he couldn't watch either. More x-rays were taken. The doctor then put a splint on Brady's finger, put it in a bent position, and taped it for further stability. The tendons in his finger are pulling the bones apart. Keeping it in a bent position helps relieve the pull of the tendons. We go back Monday for another appointment and more x-rays. If this is working, great. If not, Brady will have to have surgery. In the meantime, the doctor will be consulting with a hand/finger specialist. The orthopedic surgeon told us,"What I did was very difficult, it was very hard. I don't know if it will work." Following this procedure Brady was in a great deal of pain. Shortly after coming home Dale and Brother Art Reid gave him a Priesthood Blessing. Regardless whether or not Brady has to have surgery, I just pray the outcome is a completely healed finger with normal functioning.

Good pass, not so good catch

Today toward the end of gym class Brady's teacher threw him the football. Brady attempted to catch it, but instead broke his finger trying. It's the fifth finger on his left hand. The school nurse called at 2:30 pm. She didn't want him to take the bus home, so I went in to get him. First thing he said to me was, "You don't want to see this." My son knows me so well! I think he just didn't want to be embarrassed by his mother passing out in the high school nurse's office! The nurse agreed. She said Brady showed it to one of his teachers, who happens to be pregnant and she backed away and "almost lost it." I called our doctor's office from the van and took him right in to have it examined. Next it was off to the hospital where it was officially declared broken. Tomorrow we see the orthopedic surgeon. We're hoping for a simple fix and quick recovery. I would post pictures, but then I'd have to look at his finger, and that ain't happenin'! Not yet.

Ashton becomes a teenager!

Monday, October 12th was Ashton's 13th birthday. She still hasn't told me what she wants as a gift. Once she decides, we'll have some shopping to do. The only thing I had wrapped to give her was her favorite gum!

Ashton is a straight A student, she loves sports, (especially softball), is artistic like her Nan Nan and is very good in dealing with young children. She would one day like to be a child psychiatrist.
Ashton requested LaBella's pizza, chips, cherry cheese pie and vanilla ice cream for her meal.

Her six siblings each had a gift for her, starting with Kaden -- a box of candy Dots!

Avery and Ashton

Bryson with Ashton

Brady's gift was time on his Mylo.

Gum from Kenzie.

Extra lovin' from Kassie!

I didn't tell the children ahead of time that Pappy would be coming to help celebrate. What a nice surprise!

Happy Birthday my little Ashton Annie!

Has it been twenty years?!

Growing up as a youth in the Church of the Brethren, I attended district youth activities. It was at one of these events that I first met Kelly. We later worked together at our church camp, Camp Eder in the summer of 1982. From there we entered BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) together in the fall of '82. After a month of training we went our separate ways. I served in Dixon, IL and Kelly served in Kansas. Following BVS Kelly and I got together when we could. I spent some time with her in her Newville, PA apartment, going with her to work at her day care job. We also did some camping together. Kelly then had the opportunity to move to Switzerland to work as a Nanny. It was only to be for one year, but she's still living and working there today! The last time I saw Kelly was after I met Dale, but before I was married -- 20 years ago! Kelly came to the states during fall break from her teaching position in Switzerland a couple of weeks ago and we were able to meet up in York. We had a very nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and later stopped at the local Maple Donut shop! Kelly just had to taste the best donuts ever made before leaving the states! It was so good to see her again! We share some great memories. We're already planning another reunion with another girlfriend of ours who is also living in Switzerland. They'll both be in the US next summer! Can't wait!