Friday, July 24, 2009

Chores

If you are one of those mothers who does all the cleaning and laundry for the family I'm going to give you a bit of advice, teach your family how to help you now. I can't tell you how glad I am that I have made the kids do their own laundry since they were old enough to reach the washer.

Back injuries like mine mean you can't bend over or lift anything more than 5 pounds. If my family relied on me for clean clothes they would be in a world of hurt since I can't carry laundry anywhere and I certainly can't hang it on the line. Because the kids have been doing their own laundry for years they not only haven't had a disruption in their schedule but they have been able to help with my laundry. The same is true for cleaning the house. My mom has been here for the past 2 weeks helping out but at least I know we will be able to function when she leaves on Sunday. The kids are more than capable when it comes to cleaning because they have done every job imaginable around the house at one time or another. Sure they will have to pick up the slack over the next few months as I recuperate but at least they already know how to clean the bathroom and kitchen.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Update

Things here are getting back to normal, sort of. I'm up and about a lot more. I've resumed going to Sweet Adeline's rehearsals and Lorna has had a few rides that I've sat through but I'm still sleeping a lot. Today I'm going to try to drive myself to a music meeting, we'll see how that goes since I'll have to forgo the pain meds until I get home.

Lorna's had a rough week where riding is concerned. It's been really hot (105+) so she hasn't been able to ride much, the trainer she interns with has been busy with breeding the last month or so we haven't been going over there much, and she tried out a horse on Friday where some hurtful things were said about her riding ability during the trial. She ended her week on a good note though, she was able to go out riding on Saturday. She rode a horse that she hadn't ridden before and did well. The best part of it was that I got a glimpse of the happy girl I know is in there but that I haven't seen much of lately. The big smiles and chatter afterward reminded me why we do this. She learned a tremendous amount and is looking forward to trying an endurance ride in October.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Ouch!

I have to say that the ending to our July 4th weekend wasn't good.

The weekend started out great, we were able to visit with some friends down in the LA area. There was lots of food and conversation. It was really nice to get away from the stress in our lives for a day.

Sunday we went out for a pleasure ride. Well it was supposed to be a pleasure ride but Missy freaked out at the end and dumped me on the ground. Our day ended up at the emergency room. I spent one night in our little hospital up here and then was transferred via ambulance to the big city hospital 50 miles away where I spent another night. I have 2 fractured vertebrae and I am very sore all over.

At this point I'm home but there isn't too much I'm allowed to do. I have to wear a brace for 10 weeks 24/7 and then I'll be wearing it a little less each day. It's amazing to see how many friends we really have.

The trainer Lorna works with watched the kids for 2 days since they weren't allowed at the big city hospital. Since we've gotten home we've had food delivered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My friends are keeping us covered until my mom gets here in Friday. We've had numerous offers of help that we've had to turn away. I feel so loved and blessed! I couldn't ask for a better group of friends.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Gift

Some children bring their mothers cards or flowers, my daughter brought me this.



I guess this is what happens when your daughter volunteers at the vet. She got an anatomy lesson and she and the vet dissected the other one. She very proudly came home to tell me how the various pieces and parts worked. I'm glad she's learning and retaining what she sees there but I think I would have preferred chocolate or flowers!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Jr Queen competition

Lorna has decided to run for Jr Queen at the local team penning.

The riding and interview will be the easiest thing for her, the most difficult thing is the raffle ticket and sponsorship sales. She is required to sell 200 raffles tickets.

Willingly speaking to people and asking them for things is not something I thought I'd ever see her do. The last few months of interning and volunteering at various places has made a tremendous difference though. She has visited 3 businesses so far and received two maybes and one sponsorship. Not a bad start. The vet's office is tomorrow and they have already offered to take some tickets to sell to their customers when Lorna isn't there, Lorna will also be asking them for a sponsorship while she's there. We have a Sweet Adeline's mini-show tonight and the directors have agreed to allow Lorna a few minutes afterward to ask the audience for support. She has also spoken with a restaurant owner in the valley who is just waiting for the printed information to decide what level she will sponsor Lorna at, so I guess she really has 2 sponsorships!

I'm so proud of Lorna for stepping out of her comfort zone to pursue something she really wants! I'll be posting pictures of the practice sessions over the next few months, it should be fun to watch her try to pen a cow!