Happy 29th Taylor!

While were in SA for Ruth & Taylor's baby shower, we were able to celebrate Taylor's birthday with him. I can't believe he's 29. For some reason, my birthdays never bother me, but when my little brothers hit certain ages, it makes me feel old.

***Aunt Lanie, Sheryl, Mom***
***Funny Meg***

***Taylor's b-day cheesecake***

***Taylor blowing out the candles***

***Grace & Mom***

***Pregnant Ruthie***

***Tyler & Megan***

WOW!

I had major back surgery on December 1, 2008. For years, I've been battling back pain. I never realized how bad it actually was until now. Since my surgery, I have felt no leg pain. Every day is better than the next.

Right after my surgery, the thought "What in the hell have I done?" went thru my mind. I was miserable. I wanted to go back to the original back pain with the shooting pain down my legs. Now, 3 months post op, I couldn't be happier I did it. I feel GREAT! I still have a little pain in my back from the surgery, but the amount of hardware may be to blame for it.

Check out my new (and improved) back!!!

I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Meadows and his team. He has been amazing to work with. I'm so glad that I made the decision to have my surgery in San Antonio. I had to spend a two painful weeks away from the comforts of my home, but it was worth it. Mom and Dad were so hospitable to me and were a great help taking care of Meg.

This child of mine!

Yesterday, we flew to SA. Meg loves flying and has turned out to be such a great travel companion. After we landed, we went to lunch with Poppy, then headed home.

Meg went "missing" in mom and dad's house, and when I called out her name, she said she was in the bathroom. When I opened the door, she was sitting on the floor naked from the waste down trying to put on a newborn diaper. I was laughing so hard, that I had to tell meme and poppy about what she was trying to do.

After my laughing fit, I went back to the bathroom to tell her to stop being silly. She told me she really wanted to wear the diaper, so I decided to give in and I put it on her. Needless to say, it was a touch too small, but it did make for a great photo opp for me.

I love that she loves to have her pictures taken. It will make embarrassing her when she's a teenager that much easier!

She asked, so I said

..."YES, you can definitely help me with the laundry!!!"

I was folding laundry a few nights ago, when Meg innocently asked "Mommy, can I help you with the laundry?" I was so excited that someone was offering to help me do the laundry that I almost started jumping up and down! I put her in charge of separating socks and undies. She did such a great job and wants that to be one of her chores from now on.

Now, her chore list includes changing the paper towels, pushing the laundry thru the house, folding socks and changing the trash sacks. She also helps with unloading the dishes from time to time and she still loves to wipe things off.

Wordless Wednesday

I heart faces!

Be sure to head on over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!

If I step in it again..

...I'll scream...Urgent Care Mansfield, that is!!!

Today, Meg and I made another visit to the Urgent Care doctor office. This is our fourth trip in 6 weeks. Let me break it down for you.

• First visit - Jan 26. Meg is diagnosed with strep
• Second visit - Feb 17. Meg is diagnosed with the flu
• Third visit - Feb 23. Mommy is diagnosed with the flu AND strep AND an ear infection
• Fourth visit - March 2 (today). Story below.

Today was a trip to look at Meg's hand. A few weekends back (Valentine's night to be exact), Meg spent the night with her grandparents. She loves spending the night with them. We met up with them on Sunday for a dinner, and to pick up Meg. Immediately, I noticed what appeared to be a tiny cluster of ant bites on her left hand. When I asked her about it, she said they were ant bites.

As the "ant bites" started to clear up, it turned into this. Well, keep in mind that she got the flu, then I got sick, so this fell off my plate of things to worry about. After looking at it again on Friday, I decided it was time to go to the doctor.

As it turns out, Meg has ringworm. Yes, ringworm. It is usually contracted from an animal. So, we don't know where it came from or who gave it to her, but she has it. The doctor gave Meg a prescription for a cream that I have to put on twice a day until it clears up (could be 3 days, could be 3 weeks, could be 3 months). And, she also told me that I have to bathe the dogs with an anti-fungal shampoo.

Fingers crossed that this is the end of the doctor visits! I don't want to step in the Urgent Care Mansfield again!

***Meg's ringworm***