Project Adam and Eve

The cervical rib bone's connected to the first rib bone...Ok, so maybe that's no quite how the song goes, but I wanted to share with you about the surgery. We met the doctor on Tuesday and were very impressed. He was very thorough and his office staff was so kind. They brought us hot drinks and cookies while we waited. I flipped through Dr. Sanders (he's the doctor/surgeon) text book that he wrote while we were waiting. I don't know what any of it meant, but it looked smart. Once he had me perform a bunch of tests, he determined that I was a good candidate for the surgery and that I did indeed have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). He then sent me to a nerve conductor Dr. who sent electrical wave throughout my arm to see if my nerves were functioning properly. As compared to my left arm, which does not have any numbness or tingling, my right arm was not performing up to par. But, he felt the damage was not permanent yet and that he was certain that the cervical rib was the cause of my pain. Which means, remove the rib, remove the problem.
We got to the hospital very early just in case his first surgery didn't happen for some reason. They did show up, and we waited 4 hours to go back to surgery. He had told us before that the surgery would take about 2 hours, at the most 3. My surgery was 3 hours. He said that my cervical rib had formed a huge joint, that is was people could feel when they touched my rib, and that is ha attached to my first rib. So he ended up having to remove both the cervical rib and the first rib. The incision is small at the top of my neck, he just glued me together on the outside. So far everything is healing well. I am not in very much pain and I am slowly gaining normal rotation of my neck and arm. The best part though NO MORE NUMBNESS OR PAIN!
They sent me home with something called a ten pack, which Josh and I had used for therapy when we were going to the chiropractor. It's little circle pads that attach to a little machine that sends electricity to the pain, kinda an all natural pain reliever, which I appreciate, I hate taking pain pills.
Also, for good news, he told us before the surgery that the rib would be cut up in such little pieces that we wouldn't be able to tell what it was. After the surgery he said the joint was so big and in the way, he was able to cut out a big chunk. When my mom went down to the path lab to pick it up, they told her is wasn't ready and wouldn't be for over a week. As we were literally on our way out, the nurse got a call and said that Dr. Sanders was coming. So we stopped and he came up to us holding the small piece of my rib. How cool! So, for all of you guys that were curious to see it, I've got it!
Well, Josh is in AR with the girls, so I don't have much news about them. Hope you enjoyed the surgery synopsis!

A family that prays together...

My family gave me the most wonderful surprise tonight. Here I was thinking I was treating Josh to a night out just the two of us for one last meal before I leave, and he detours to my parents house. I think nothing of it because we go there all the time. When I get there, I see my brothers car, which is also not a surprise because he's often there too. Not long after we arrive my sister comes over with her kids. What a coincidence that we all show up at the same time! Well, little did I know, my dad had organized the whole thing. I got a little nervous when he started talking about good health in the family, thinking he had some terrible announcement to make. But, to my surprise the special occasion was just for me. He spoke from the heart about my surgery and his fears and prayers for me and then opened it up for my family to share some encouragement. Josh said some kind words and then our family gathered to pray. It was so encouraging to me and gave me much peace. I really appreciate the effort that was put into getting our whole family together to pray over me. Thanks guys! We also had some friends come over to watch the girls tonite so we could go out, and they too prayed over me before they left. It's such a special gift and bond to share among friends and family and I'm so thankful to know that I have many people praying for me while I undergo surgery.

End of Christmas Break

It's so sad that the end of Josh's break is approaching. It feels so much sooner to me because I won't get to spend any time with him his last week off. On Sunday my mom and I will be flying to Colorado for the long awaited rib removal surgery. Things are a little stressful in the Bradley house as we try to get everything ready for a week without mommy. I'm already starting to pre-miss my family and worry about being gone from them for a week. Although I am more than confident in Josh's parenting abilities, a week is still a long time to be a single parent. And of course, the uncertainties of surgery are also heavy on my mind. I don't know exactly what to expect afterwards except that I can't lift over 10 lbs for 4-6 weeks and that I will sometimes have lots of pain. Having a big scar on my neck isn't so thrilling either, I'm trying to come up with some great stories of how I got it, so feel free to give me some suggestions. I liked my father-in-laws perspective best, he thought that since I was getting the rib taken out that Josh should start submitting to me (just like Adam and Eve).
Christmas was great. Santa was very generous with all of us, we have more toys than space, but I guess that's a good problem to have. Makayla is starting to understand the concept of Santa and getting presents and thoroughly enjoys looking out for Christmas lights. Caroline just like to rip things. They both love the markers they got for Christmas, Makayla draws me pretty pictures and Caroline just sits there taking the cap off and putting it back on. Fun times for all! We enjoyed our time visiting in Ohio and got our long awaiting video camera, so we should be able to get some video clips on here (as soon as I figure it out).
We didn't take a lot of pictures this year, Christmas was pretty chaotic with so many little grandkids running around, but here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

Makayla and Caroline dressed up for Christmas Eve service

Poor Mason being forced into a family picture

Caroline stealing from her sisters stocking

The beginning of Christmas chaos

Starting Christmas Break

We have really enjoyed Josh being out of school so far. I still can't believe that we get him home for a whole month, but already the time seems to be flying by! I have started making my bow instructional videos, which have taken a LOT of time, but it's going to turn out great! I went to my first staff meeting at church this past week. I got up with 30 minutes to get myself and the girls ready, and boy did I learn a lot! Gum is not a sufficient snack for an hour! Kids will not sit and just color! And who knew that white out could be used as Mascara (Makayla is so talented)! Let's just say, I didn't stay for the whole meeting, but I am still excited about my new job! Josh's dad came and visited us for a few days, unfortunately I got sick and was locked in the bedroom for most of it. Josh and his dad had some great times playing Wii until the "wee" hours of the morning. The girls also enjoyed a lot of the attention from Grandpa! He took them to Marbles, a kids "museum" but more like a play wonderland. I put some pictures of that adventure below. Other than that we are just gearing up for lots of Christmas parties!

Back to Ministry

Today the elders at Brooks Avenue church of Christ announced that I am going to fill the position of Children's Coordinator. We have been praying about this opportunity for a long time. I've never been more at peace with the future of our family. I can honestly say that no matter the outcome, I knew that God would be taking care of our family. I am so thankful for this opportunity to work with the kids at Brooks and help them to grow in knowledge and spiritually and a little fun too :) Of course, there is always the financial blessing that gives our family great peace as we reach the midpoint of Josh's nursing program. This Tuesday he is done for the semester and does not return to school for over a month! We are so thankful to have this time as a family to gear up for a long stretch until July. We have pretty big plans for his break! Josh's dad is coming to visit us this week. We will celebrate with my family here this year on Christmas day. After Christmas we will travel to Ohio to visit Meemaw and Papa and some of Josh's other Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. And of course, we end his break with my surgery in Colorado. This time will speed by, but were are thankful to get to spend so much time with family and friends.
It was very cute to watch Makayla tonite. She is such a reflection of her parents, it's a good refresher for us. Tonite she proceeded to put her dolls in time out, telling them to be quite and sit down, she even made us turn on the "Time Out Bear" (we have a bear with a timer on it so she knows how long she has to sit in time out, it works GREAT!). Then she put her dolls nite-nite. She does a great impression of us! It's quite humorous, but it also shows us some areas to work on as well. She has no inhibitions in repeating what we say, and sometimes hearing it from her voice lets us know if we need to change some things.
One of the most precious things from this week is a holiday tradition that we are starting. I got together with the ladies and did an ornament exchange, not just any ornament exchange, but a Jesse Tree. Each day there is a different ornament that takes you through the story of Jesus starting at the very beginning with creation. Each night you read a passage in the Bible and hang the ornament. Even though my girls are still too young to understand fully what is going on, it is so sweet to watch Makayla with her "mock" I'm interested face and to hear her sweet prayers. I think that this might become more than a holiday tradition.
On other news, we had our first major Craft Fair this weekend. I hosted 18 vendors at our church. We invited the community and surrounding churches to join us. For our first event like this I think it went well, there is a lot of room for growth and improvement, but a profit is a profit and I am thankful!

Here are some fun pics from our week:
Gotta love those cheeks!
My new sassy hair cut

Believe it or not, our cat voluntarily got in the stroller