Monday, July 31, 2006

Typhoid McDonald struck Jake

So every time we seem to be getting things in order and balanced Typhoid McDonald strikes our family. We say this jokingly, as it was our family's nickname in California, implying we were a always dealing with one illness or disaster after another and to beware.

Anyway, Jake was doing PT this morning and bunny hopping across the gym with the rest of his soldiers when all of a sudden his back went into spasms and caused him incredible pain. The gym medics took him out on a strecher and drove him to the Troop Medical Clinic via a field ambulence. At the clinic he was examined by a PA and told that it was tight muscles. She gave him a pain killer there and a prescription for a muscle relaxant and told him to lay down for the day then come back the next morning.

I'm a little upset because...
1. They didn't even have him see a real doctor
2. The PA didn't do an MRI or X-ray
3. The PA didn't prescribe him anything for the pain after he got home.


Now I don't have a very high opinion of the Troop Medical Clinic in the first place, to me it seems to be a joke. However; I have seen some fabulous doctors at the Family Practice Clinics/hospitals. It seems like Army Medicine doesn't care to give it's soldiers quality care, but keeps their families happy.

Anyway, I'm really worried that Jake isn't receiving the care he needs, and that he's in so much pain he won't "fight" for better care. He was in so much pain today that he avoided moving at all costs. I'm also frustrated because he's 5 hours away and I can't do a thing to help him. I keep thinking if I were there I could "take care" of him and help fix it. Being so far away and helpless is horrible.

So please everyone, keep him in your prayers.

Thanks,

Elizabeth


Me in a Nut Shell


So this is me... I am a mother of 3 beautiful children. My oldest is James, 3 yrs. old. Then there are the twins, Michael and Evelyn who are 18 months old. Not only are they beautiful children, but most people would classify them under the "handful" catagory too. I just love them and spend most of my time trying to keep up with and enjoy them.

I'm also a wife. My husband, Jacob, is the perfect match for me. In some ways he is my complete opposite, which allows us to balance each other. In all the important ways we are of one mind, which unites us. The most important being our faith, and love for God. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We love our church and would be happy to tell you more about it if you are interested.

In addition my husband is in the Army, which requires a lot of love and support on my part. Not to mention having a personal stregth that allows me to thrive despite the risk that he could be shipped off to some foreign place at any time. The benefit of knowing that, is we spend the time we have together as if it could be our last. When you know you can loose someone, you value the time you have with them all the more. We've been very blessed that he has not had to deploy since our oldest son was conceived.

As you can tell, my family and faith is the most important thing in my life. I also have several very close friends who are my "sisters." The family I've choosen through the years. Cara, Misty, Katie, and Heather - I love you all! The funny thing is that each represents a phase of my life, and although we've each moved on our friendship remains and binds us close.

Although my family consumes most of my time I also have a few hobbies... cooking, cleaning, laundry... just kidding. I enjoy music and play the flute. I also enjoy photography. My husband is a professionally trained photo-journalist for the army, and has taught me a great deal of how to take a good photo. I love to bake & eat sweets, but lately have avoided it due to my need to thin out my waist line.

I also enjoy looking for that good bargin buy (thanks Cara!) I love garage-saling, flea markets, thrift stores, and "free yard sale day" otherwise known as bulk trash pick-up. The part that really thrills me is when I find that perfect piece of furniture and then get to re-finish it.

We just bought a new home and I'm a big fan of home improvement. Call me crazy but I like painting, peeling wall paper, changing lighting, building, sanding, just plan working with my hands. I like to walk into a room and see the greater potential it has, and then make it happen. With my husband being in the Army we get to move, alot. So each time I get to try something new. Luckily my husband is pretty handy himself and shares my dreams (but keeps them with-in our budget).

I also have several hobbies I used to enjoy regularly before we had kids, like rock climbing, skiing, camping, hiking, swimming & diving. Someday I'll get back to those, but for now my children are more important.

Anyway, that's pretty much me in a nut shell. Please add comments if you know me well enough to do so.

-Elizabeth