Rich Blessings

Day 13 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Day 13 Katie is such a different child! She is finally able to use her nose. She can breathe as she eats and drinks, before she would have to hold her breath. She also can breathe during sleep--no more snoring or sleep apnea! Although it was a hard, fought-over decision to have her tonsils and adenoids removed, Katie is truly a different child! It is amazing! The only issues we are having is she still has pain and says the left side of her jaw hurts. She cries and cries at times but nothing we can't deal with!

Day 7 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

Day 7 each day is a step in the right direction it seems. Although it will take 2 weeks to heal, Katie's throat improves daily. For 2 days now we have only given Tylenol for pain. Each day we see more Katie. I can tell a HUGE difference in her breathing! Thanks for every thought and prayer!

Day 6 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-29T06:48:00.000-08:00

Day 6 so far so good. She has eaten strawberry oatmeal and now ramen noodles. She has cringed with pain so we are trying Tylenol today. I checked her temp. and it was normal. She is playing.

Day 5 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

Day 5 I went ahead and called the doctor since Katie ran a fever Monday and now this morning. The nurse is going to talk with the doctor to see our plan of action. She said the doctor would probably call in a general antibiotic. The nurse said a fever is not rare and along with the surgery the doctor can give antibiotics. Continue to pray for my sweet girl and a speedy recovery. Thanks!

Well we made it through day 5. The doctor decided as long as the fever was responding to Tylenol/lortab no antibiotic was needed. Although she still has pain she is sleeping good and eating okay, not drinking great but...hopefully fever will disappear.

Day 4 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

Day 4 Katie had a rough night (little did she know) with a tickle in her throat to make her cough CONSTANTLY. She slept til 9:30 this morning and has been feeling okay. She has seemed not to feel as good today. This afternoon I could tell she was in pain. Nothing could soothe her. I checked her temp. and it was 102.2. The post-op information states it is normal to run a low-grade fever but...? With a dose of lortab she seems better. I can see part of her throat is raw so...maybe we are near the light at the end!

Day 3 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Day 3 Up bright and early before 8:00. Started off the day with tylenol for pain which worked for the first four hours. I continued with another dose of tylenol at 12:00. Katie decided she wanted to go outside for a few minutes with Chad, Lance, and Cayden but came in crying with pain. We got the lortab on board and after about 30 minutes she finally got some relief. She still wants her mommy with her in everything she does-which I love. I have to admit I am not used to letting everything go and just be a mom!

Day 2 After Katie's Surgery

2011-12-19T05:38:00.001-08:00

Day 2 today started out great and Katie was a trooper. Even on the lortab she still does not want to sleep. She finally took a 3-4 hour nap this afternoon. At times she is extremely whiney but that is expected. No scabs yet, still to come. We spent the day at mom's for a change in scenery and to have help caring for Katie.

Thanks to my mom who is always such an angel. She helped ALL day long!

Katie's Surgery Friday, December 16, 2011

2011-12-19T05:35:00.000-08:00

Katie had her tonsils and adenoids removed. Surgery took 20 minutes as planned. We went to see Katie about 15 minutes later. She was up on her knees, very agitated and crying. Once they got the iv out she was better. She calmed down as I held her and sang to her. We soon got our things and left. We got home at 12:00 and she was great! She ate applesauce, jello, swiss cake rolls, and chicken noodle soup. We waited on her hand and foot-our little princess!

Friday night was a little rough. Katie kept me and mom hopping. She was very emotional! But we made it through it. She finally went to sleep laying in between my legs with her head propped up on my leg.

Lance is 14! October 24, 2011

2011-12-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Lance celebrated his 14th birthday on October 24th, 2011! Wow it is hard to believe 14 years have already flown by. Seems like yesterday it was October 24th, 1997 at 1:38 p.m. when we were greatly blessed with a beautiful baby boy! We love every minute with you!!!

Lance in Washington D.C. October 6, 2011

2011-12-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

Lance went on a school field trip over fall break to Washington D.C. They left out on charter buses after his Thursday football game and traveled all night long. They began touring on Friday morning non-stop until 10:00 when they arrived at their hotel. Saturday and Sunday they toured again all day long. They loaded the buses on Sunday night and traveled during the night, arriving at Blairsville about 6:30 a.m. Lance had an awesome time! He just wished he could have stayed longer!

Cayden is 10!!! September 19, 2011

2011-12-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

On September 19th, 2011 Cayden celebrated his 10th birthday! We LOVE our Caybo! Thank you Lord for each and every day we have shared and will share with our son!

RIP Derrick Whittle

2011-12-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

A dear friend, Derrick Whittle went to be with Jesus on September 18th, 2011. He will forever be in the hearts of our "Rich" family!

Football Season

2011-12-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

For Lance football conditioning begins during summer break. This year the middle school team conditioned 2 days a week during the month of June. The month of July the team conditioned 3 days a week except for the week of July 4th.

As soon as we came back from the baseball tournament it was time for football practice to start for Lance and Cayden.

Lance's season was a great one, with high expectations for Lance and the rest of his friends in their last year of middle school! They lived up to those expectations and finished the season with only 2 losses, both to Rabun County. (One loss during the regular season and the other for the championship game.)

Cayden's season was as great! He played rec ball with his buddies and a few new additions-one in particular-CJ Streicher. The team went undefeated in the regular season! Then they won the first round of playoffs! Then his team won the second round of playoffs! And, the next step was the grand finale, the Superbowl! Cayden and his team WON IT ALL-a PERFECT season!

Cayden is the reserved child who really doesn't get fired up about ANYTHING! Just the other day Lance stated "You know mom, Cayden really just doesn't care and get excited about anything-he has to be from a different family." But he is an AWESOME quarterback-he has a cannon! The ability to pass to receivers for completion after completion was truly the difference between our team and the rest! Even with win after win Cayden still managed to be nervous for practices and games to the point of throwing up (even for practice)! Bless his heart-he is all heart!

Baseball Ends!

2011-12-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Both boys completed their baseball seasons.

Cayden was chosen for the 9 year-old allstar team. His team won the first round, hosted in Union County. But, state did not go so well BUT it was a fun season!

Lance continued to play for a travel baseball team, North Georgia Jackets. They won several tournaments and, for a season finale, played in an USSSA World Series tournament at Panama City Beach, FL over July 4th. There we stayed in a condo with our friends, the Mancuso family. We enjoyed the vacation and played 1-2 pool games each day until...the actual tournament began. On the final day the team played 5 games, 4 back-to-back, in 95 degree weather. Whew! Don't we just love our boys and baseball. The North Georgia Jackets ended the tournament in 3rd place, an awesome accomplishment against teams representing many different states!

Baseball Boys

2011-04-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here are my baseball boys. Lance plays on a travel team based in Ellijay, Georgia -- North Georgia Jackets. Cayden plays on a 9/10 team for the rec department --Red Sox.

Lots of things

2011-03-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

We have been busy, busy, busy!
Baseball season is at full blast with Lance and Cayden playing and practicing. Lance plays on the middle school baseball team and on a travel baseball team based in Ellijay. Cayden is playing 9-10 baseball for the rec department with the greatest coach ever - his daddy!!!
Also the wedding reception for my sister and her husband (boy, that sounds weird!) was March 19! There was a crowd of people and delicious food including BBQ, brunswick stew, slaw, chips, bread, and good 'ole sweet tea. Plus I took a friend, Abbey, with me to the reception since Chad needed to stay with Lance at his baseball game.
We enjoy our family time which is mostly spent at the ball field : ) We look forward to sunny days and warm weather to get in some good baseball : )

The Wedding

2011-03-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

On March 4th my sister Gina was married. Gina was beautiful and so was Katie as well as the boys were very handsome!

Katie is 3!

2011-03-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

Since the Rich house was infested with flu during Katie's birthday and the day of her actual party we celebrated at mom's house. With a few decorations and a cake Katie was happy and didn't miss having a party at all!

Here are pictures of the party at nan's.

Katie's Pictures by Amber Gibson Photography

2011-02-26T16:19:00.000-08:00

For Katie's 3rd birthday, Amber Gibson did a Valentine's Day photo session. As always, she did a great job. It was the easiest photo session yet with Katie. She just smiled so pretty.

Game Day

2011-02-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Today began the season for Union County Middle School baseball team with a double-header against White County. The team was defeated the first game 5 - 0. They won the second game 14 - 3.

Lance played well! He played in game two. He had several balls hit to him at shortstop. He made several great defensive plays with one error, maybe two. But it was one of those games where the good made up for the bad. At the plate he had a base hit that led to the team bats getting hot.

Even though he is my son he plays with HEART and tries so hard. We are so proud of him!

Love that #11 - and in his memaw's words - "Go sticks."

Wedding Changes

2011-02-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

As time progresses, my sister, Gina, has changed her wedding plans. The idea of a big wedding sounds great but is a lot of work and stress. To simplify, Gina and Michael decided to get married in Blairsville on a Friday evening but will have a nice reception in March for family and friends. As long as Gina is happy I am happy!

A Middle School Baseball Player

2011-02-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hooray - Lance made the Union County middle school baseball team!!! His dedication, hours of practice, and time invested has paid off for him. The first game is February 26th.

Valentine's Day was a full day at school and at home. At school, my students enjoyed afternoon refreshments and sharing valentines with one another AND recess! At home my Valentine's Day gift to the family was a home-cooked meal of cubed steak, rice and gravy, steamed veggies, creamed corn, and rolls. And, to my surprise, Lance and Chad brought in gifts for me - cards, chocolates, and candle.

Nanny came with gifts for the kids - gift cards for the boys and puzzles for Katie. Of course, Katie cried to go home with her "nan."

Almost a Full Week

2011-02-12T14:24:00.001-08:00

With the exception of one snow day it was a busy, jam-packed week. Cayden ended his basketball season, Lance started middle school baseball tryouts, and Katie, well, she just got to be Katie. The middle school roster will be posted Monday morning. Good luck to all, especially to Lance.

My sister's wedding shower is tomorrow. It will be nice to visit with my family. I have not seen them in some time. Both sides of the family will be coming.

And, as of today, me, Lance, and Katie have not had the flu. I have a terrible cold and Katie has a snotty nose but lots better than the flu.

2011-02-08T08:57:00.001-08:00

The Flu Victim 2

2011-02-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 3rd Chad came home early from work with a fever and body aches - the flu! He started a round of Tamiflu immediately. We will see if there is any difference between the symptoms and length with Tamiflu in his system.

At this point we are hoping and praying there will be no more victims. I have cloroxed everything, lysoled everything, and washed everything. Good luck to me, Lance, and Katie!

Katie's 3rd Birthday

2011-02-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

Katie shares her birthday with Groundhog Day and with her nan. My mom's birthday is February 3rd.

Katie was three on February 2nd! How I remember when she came into the world. I got to choose the day she would be born because my doctor was on call for the weekend, so we picked Saturday, February 2nd, 2008. Me and Chad went to the hospital bright and early that morning. My blood pressure was VERY high. Mom and Gina came down a little later and helped calm me down. Then the doctor started everything the induction, the epidural, etc. Chad was very sick with a severe cold and laid down the entire time I was in labor on a couch in my labor and delivery room.

Around 11:00 I knew the time was near that we would meet Katie Grace. The doctor joked and said I would be eating lunch and holding the baby. Well she was right. Katie Grace was born at 11:45 am weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces with Chad, mom, and Gina present in the delivery room.

What overwhelming joy, especially since my pregnancy started with the news of a blood clot. Katie was Chad's pick for the name and Grace was a family name. But, to us, our GRACE is unmerited mercy that God gave to us!

And now 3 years later here is my little Katie Grace, perfect in every way!

The Flu

2011-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

After the weekend Chad and I figured Cayden would be able to go to school on Monday. However, on Monday morning he had a 103.6 fever again. We made the decision to go to our pediatrician in Gainesville. Immediately the nurse swabbed him for the flu and - guess what - it was positive. That was definitely the problem on Friday but we did not get swabbed for the flu even when I suggested it. With a fever more than 48 hours Tamiflu is not an option nor any other treatment. The pediatrician said it would have to run its course with Cayden 7 to 10 days.

Today is day 7 and he still has a fever but seems to be getting better. Maybe he will be back to his normal self by Monday.

A Night to Remember

2011-01-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

About this time every year Cayden gets sick, REALLY sick. Friday, as he got up for school, he said he had been up all night long, freezing and never able to get warm. His cheeks were red and his lips were cherry red - our tale-tell sign. After giving him a few minutes to be out from under the covers we checked his temperature and it was 102.5. All day long he ran a fever between 100 and 101. Of course, we had other plans for Friday night - Lance's first round of his end-of-the-season basketball tournament. Cayden wanted me (mom) to stay home with him so Chad and nanny went to watch Lance. As the afternoon came to an end the fever went up, up, up. At 8:00 p.m. Cayden wanted us all to lay down. Immediately he was asleep. I was checking his temperature every 30 minutes so at 8:30 p.m. I checked it and it was 104.8. Then I started to WORRY! I got him up to try to cool him down. He got to the kitchen and started vomiting from the fever. Usually after he vomits his fever will immediately go down, well it didn't. Fifteen minutes later it was 104.8 still. So I called Chad, who was still in Ellijay, and said we are going to the emergency room. Chad had my car with my purse (with all my pertinent info). I, at least, had my insurance card. At the er he vomited again in the waiting room because the fever was still so high. Not long Chad got there (after going 100 mph). We were examined and blood work and a strep test was ordered. The results came in and no strep and the blood work showed a viral infection. But he had started coughing and barking. No antibiotics needed just a steroid pill. On the way to the car Cayden vomited again, the steroid pill. We got home, got more meds, and finally went to sleep. Whew! What a day! We thank God for the lower temperature and pray for a speedy recovery.

A Successful Day of Wedding Shopping

2011-01-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Cayden had a rec basketball game at 10:00 and he WON! Then we girls went wedding dress shopping. Although we got off to a slow start the perfect dress was found in a little bridal store in Buford. Of course, Katie had to match her Aunt Gina with her very own princess dress.

What a busy week!

2011-01-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

Back to school, back to the hustle and bustle life brings our way! Wow, what a busy week from school, work, basketball games and practices, and home.

Katie is sick : (

2011-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

After battling a cough for 10 days or more, Katie is now on an antibiotic, steroids, and breathing treatments. I called the pediatrician this morning when they opened, got an appointment for 10:15, and me and mom headed to Gainesville. The doctor was WONDERFUL with Katie and said she has congestion and wheezing in the chest/lungs. I am thankful I decided to go because the congestion was not going anywhere, especially after 10 days and could have turned into something more serious. Hopefully, she will be on the mend in a couple of days! Thank you Lord for your guidance.

Wedding Dress Shopping

2011-01-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

We - my mom, my sister, and me - are going wedding dress shopping in the near future. My sister got engaged in 2010 and is planning for a spring 2011 wedding, probably at the beach. Here is a pic of my sis and her fiance, Michael.

Dora girl

2011-01-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for a Dora birthday party. Katie turns 3 February 2nd!

Snow Day 4

2011-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Not much going on with the wintry weather except trying to stay warm. Lance has had open gym the past 2 days which has allowed us to get out of the house. Again just enjoying being at home with the family and having the time and "want to" to cook supper every night.

Katie was so sweet today about taking a nap. We got home from lunch and I told her it was nap time. She said "Mommy I go to bed. You not go my bed with me." So I took her to her bed and she wanted the fan on and then she went to sleep. Although it was easy today every day is not that easy, but never too hard. She is an awesome napper, usually 2-3 hours every day. Thank God!

Snow Day 2

2011-01-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

Another snow day for us today. During the Christmas snow Katie was sick and did not get to enjoy the snow. But we - Lance, Cayden, Katie, and me - played in the snow today (while Chad worked clearing snow). We built a snowman and walked around in the snow. Lance and Cayden built snow forts. Katie and I didn't stay out quite as long as the boys because she has another stuffy nose. Here are some pics.

Christmas Pictures of December 24, 2010

2011-01-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Sharing the pictures I took this year for the collage I created for my mom.

January 10, 2011 Snow Day

2011-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

At home enjoying the snow. Lance is working on his career on his new xbox NBA game, Cayden is working on his career on his racing xbox game, and Katie is watching Bambi.

Chad is working. His dad was asked by the county to be on stand-by with the motor grader to scrape roads. Chad got a call at 2 am this morning and has been working ever since. He did come home for brief break for a shower and to pack lunch/snacks/dinner. It will be a long day for him. At least the roads will be passable though thanks to him, the county, and other grading companies.

Between this snow and the snow at Christmas it is the most snow I have seen in Blairsville. It is so beautiful! The snow slows life down and allows for much needed family time.