Patio is complete

After Betsy returned from Utah, she worked two full time days so that put progress on the patio to a halt, however, she was determined to finish her part.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Betsy gave every available minute to filling in the cracks with the sand cement.  The sand cement was amazing but very meticulous work.  You pour the sand into all the cracks between the pavers and in the decorative lines of the pavers and then use a mist spray to set the sand into concrete!  It's amazing!

HOWEVER, it is extremely painful on the back.  I was bent over for hours gently pouring sand into cracks and carefully avoiding getting any of the sand on the pavers so not cause a stain.  After pouring the sand, each paver had to be brushed with a paint brush to remove any excess.  It was a lot of work - lot of hours, but now that it's done - it's fantastic!

I am so pleased with the patio.

Next step is to level the dirt around the patio, plant landscaping and mulch it!
Second on the list is creating the fire pit.
After that it is more the fun stuff like buying patio furniture, and enjoying it forever!

I am already enjoying the patio.  It feels so peaceful and comfortable out there.  Opening up the deck and extending the living area (outside) made a huge difference to our "outside home life."  I think we will spend a lot of time outside (weather permitting).

4th game in two days

The most exciting and anticipated of all the games this weekend (which was an exception for this tournament) was the last game of the tournament.  It was at 4:15 pm against the Premier team within our own club, Kentucky Fire Junior.

Robert, with all the soccer drama of the summer, is on the Classic team - and loving it.  He is getting great playing time, great coaching and he is getting to play in new positions that seem to be very good for him.

This game is particularly important because it will show the boys where they rank compared to the "A" team.  Everyone was on their game.  It was very intense - both sides.  

Robert had an excellent game.  He really was aggressive and assertive in taking action on the ball, anticipating play, etc.

He played three positions, Left forward, Left wing and attacking mid (some of these names are the same as what I learned), but he knows where to go and where to be - so that's all that matters.  The A team scored first, but then 10 minutes later the "B" team scored.  Half time 1-1.

The second half was just as intense as the first half!  This time the sun is in our eyes.  Robert is playing super aggressive.  He has a few crosses to another player for the shot but they miss.  They were the perfect cross.  It was such a shame!  

He plays so calm and under control!

In the end, the game ended 1-1.  Neither team scored on the other in the second half.  It was a huge victory for the "B" team.  They are equal to the "A" team.  YAHOO!!!

Tiger Run - First Meet of the Season

It's a Busy day for the Lowe children; Robert, Devon and Marissa run at the Tiger Run at Championship Park (River Road).  Robert has to be there by 7:00 am, Devon and Marissa need to be at NOHS at 7:30 am for their buses.  Needless to say it was early to be for us the night before.


Betsy came back from Utah just so she could be at the Tiger and then take Robert to his soccer game in Lexington.  She never wants to miss an event of her kids.  It's just so important for her to be there to show her support!

Robert is the first to run.  His 3K race is at 9:00 am.  He is ready and on the front line.

Robert at the one mile mark in good position

Robert working hard to get ahead

Robert had a great run.  He had a 5:30-5:40 mile split and made up ground between the mile and then end of the race.  He finished 3rd for his team in 14th place with a new PR of 10:56.  It was a fabulous race for him!  Robert's team took 1st place!  Way to go NOMS Boys!

Robert finished in 14th place earning a medal

Devon's race is at 9:30 am, immediately after Robert's race.  He is working hard the whole race.

Devon at the one mile mark

Devon before the finish:  He actually passes the boy in front of him

Devon had a great finish; he sprinted hard to pass two people in front of him.  His finishing time in the Varsity race was 18:48, a huge improvement over last year's first race and only a minute over his PR.  He's off to a great start for NOHS!

Marissa's race wasn't until 11:45.  She had to run in the JV race along side another runner to ease her back into racing.  She ran with Caitlyn Robert.  She had a super great race considering she wasn't allowed to run all out, she had to stay with her.  Marissa sprinted just a bit at the end to finish in 19th place (top 20) 2 seconds before Caitlynwith at time of 23:04.  She also earned a medal and the opportunity to run without a "buddy" in the next race.

off to a strong start - go NOHS

Marissa (right) and Caitlyn at the 2 mile mark

Marissa looking strong wearing her brace

Getting Jessica settled as a SOPHOMORE

On Monday, August 20, Betsy and Jessica flew on Southwest Airlines (love the free tickets) to Salt Lake City to get Jessica settled into her new apartment at Liberty Square and to help her find a job for the next semester.  We flew out a week before school starts to get a jump on kids looking for jobs.

The flights went without a glitch.  Jessica slept on both flights.  I read and finished my book "Vitruosity" by Jessica Martinez (a friend).  I also watched "Goal" (a soccer movie).  Love it!  Then we were there - time went by fast.  We rented a car and were in Provo, UT by 4:00 pm.  We checked into the hotel, dropped off our luggage (which barely fit in the economy car I rented) and headed out to BYU.  Jessica went through memory lane with every twist and turn of the car.  "Jake and I …", "Jenny and I …", " this is where …."  It was so cute.  Her face would light up with the memory.

Our first stop was to see her new apartment but the office was closed so we just walked around until we found her building and apartment.  She is at 448 E 600 N #34 (Mansion) at Liberty Square.  She is on the third floor.  That's going to be great for my legs!

First task on the agenda is to find a job:  We stopped at the Brick Oven, but they require you to work lunches and Jessica has classes at that time.  Second stop is the Student Employment at the Wilkenson Center.  Just missed it - they close at 5:00, but a very nice lady talked to us and told us what to do for tomorrow.

I took Jessica to dinner at Zuppa's (like Panera) and then we drove up to the Provo Temple and past the Missionary Training Center.  I think it is killing Jessica inside to be this close to Jake and  yet not be able to talk to him or see him.

Back to the hotel to soak in the hot tub.  I am still so SO so soar from putting in that patio.  With every step I groan (out load or silently).  Seriously - I hope I can get the lactic acid out of my system soon.

Tuesday, August 21
First task is for Betsy to mail her dad's birthday card.  I had meant to do it before leaving but didn't have a chance!  There were so many things I didn't get done before I left - so many PTSA agenda items.  I have left everything in the hands of our President Elect, Nicole Wilson.  She is so sweet!

Second task is to take Jessica to the Employment Center to take typing, filing and data entry tests.  She finished after 45 minutes.  Done!

Third task is to check into her apartment.  I bought cash to pay the rent, but they don't accept cash so we had to go to 7-11 (got a soda at the same time) to get a money order!  This is so funny.  We just keep running around.  Back to Liberty Square - now we check in, sign forms, get the key and head up the stairs.

Her new family room

Finally we get inside!  She loves it.  We found a few things that needed to be fixed:  the oven door was broken, the stove electric units were broken, the frig had a piece broken off, a screen was missing, and the place needed to be cleaned, but other than that Jessica was thrilled to be in her new place!

Her new kitchen

The next stop was Walmart!  2 Hours, 3 Carts and $650 later, Jessica is ready to clean and convert that apartment into HER apartment.  The rest of the day we spent cleaning and setting up the apartment.  WE had to take apart her bunk bed, rearrange the bedroom furniture, clean the kitchen, and clean the bathrooms.  Betsy put new contact paper down in the cupboards and drawers.  Jessica cleaned the bathrooms.

At 6:30 we took a break to have dinner with Ali Hodge, Jessica's cousin.  Somehow we ended up at Zuppa's again.  We had a great time catching up with her.  After dinner we went back to Ali's to collect all the stuff Jessica stored at her place!  She was so nice to let Jessica store so much there!  Jessica and I took the stuff to her apartment and stayed there until 9:30 fixing things up - Jessica in her bedroom and me in the kitchen.

Wednesday 8/22 - We started a bit later but were busy every minute of the day.  I didn't sleep.  I just couldn't get comfortable or get my mind to wind down.  … We enjoyed another breakfast at the hotel to give us energy.

At 11:30 we picked up Jessica's stuff from her cousin Shannyn's place.  There we picked up the TV and some shoes.  Jessica couldn't find the DVD player.  She's so hoping we can find that.  We took Shannyn out to Zuppa's (again) for lunch to thank her for storing Jessica's stuff all summer.  It was so nice of her and Nick.  We had a great visit with her - catching up on all that she and Nick are doing and on her family.

From there Jessica and I returned a few things at Walmart and then bought $250 worth of groceries.  YIKES!  7 boxes of Oh's cereal.  Hopefully that will last a while.  We took the food back to the apartment and very carefully carried that HEAVY TV upstairs.  YES!  We did it by ourselves.  We stayed at the apartment getting more things settled in before we realized we needed to get to the BYU bookstore before they closed at 5:00.  We spent $400 on books for this semester.  From here we went out to Target for our LAST shopping trip.  We needed bathroom necessities (Walmart didn't have any nice ones).

In two days I've spent over $1200 at college ($635 at Walmart, $250 on Groceries, $413 on books & $28 at Target).

On the way home Jessica spontaneously decided to get her hair cut!  She had 2 inches taken off and layers added.  She looks so cute!

Ali called to let us know to come by to pick up one more thing she found of Jessica's so we drove over to her place and saw her a little more.  We were on our way to taking her to dinner with us when she needed to get back to see Chris (her boyfriend).  Jessica decided to go to Olive Garden for dinner.  We were both beat and exhausted (and I was so tired) so we needed some good food.  It was delicious and just the right thing before going back to her apartment to finish up.  I was able to finish up the kitchen details.  I also finished the bathroom while Jessica worked on her room and getting her clothes put away.  She's decided to stay at her apartment tonight.

At 11:00 I decided to go home - only to find I couldn't - someone had put a boot on my car!  NO WAY!  There are no signs or anything and they want to charge me $65 to remove the boot.  I had to wait around 30 minutes for them to come out.  When he got there I explained that I'm happy to pay but there are no signs.  He looked at the entrance - and sure enough - the sign was knocked down - so I got the boot off for free!  HOME - or at least HOTEL!  I need a good night's sleep.  I'm so tired!

Thursday 8/23 - today was the hardest day because it is the last day I will be with Jessica.  It started at 8:30 with me going back to her apartment to pick her up for breakfast.  We had a nice breakfast back at the hotel before heading off on our "To Do List for Today."  First - Post office to mail Jake a package, (I also mailed a package to Margaret Graham).  Second - try to get the wireless to work - struggle!  Let's go ask the experts.  We then went to the BYU bookstore to return the notebooks and find out about the server!  They said we don't need a modem and we already have wifi so we should be good.  Back to the apartment to try it.  Hours and hours were spent trying to get the internet to connect to their laptops (wirelessly) but it was with no success.  Finally, at 2:45 I decided enough was enough and took Jessica for a break.

We drove up to Park City to ride the gondolas up to the top.  It was so pretty.  I showed her all the ski runs, mountain bike trials, and amusement rides (for the summer) on the way up and the beautiful vista view on the way down.

We had a wonderful dinner at Malawi, an African pizza place that Jessica really likes.  She'd been there with Jake.



It was hard to say goodbye tonight.  I loved being with her and helping her get set up!  She will be living with some very nice girls and she is only a few blocks from campus!  Best of luck Jessica!!!  We love you!

2nd Soccer Game - vs Nelson Cty

Robert started as defense in the second game.  It always makes me a little nervous to see him on defense because you don't ever want a ball to get past you - you're the last one before the goalie.  

His main match up was this huge guy.  

Robert played really well.  He kept the ball at his feet and made good passes.  He had to work hard on his 1v1's.  

Before half time Robert assisted on a goal.  Yeah!  We are up 1 - 0. 

Robert had a great play - he challenged 17 for the ball…

won the ball … dribbled up field, looking for a pass …

passed to Conner for a great shot on goal, but it was blocked.  

In the end we won 1-0.

1st Soccer Game of the Season - vs OCYSA Legends

pictures still to come

It's a little scary that we are having our first game after only two practices with the team.  We've never been on a team that has only practiced twice before the season started - not even on rec.

What a perfect day for the first game of the season!  It was warm - 83 degrees, a slight breeze and sunny with a few clouds.  It was going to be a hard game for Robert because he would be playing against all of his best friends from North - Ryan Denahey, Aaron Green, Ryan Waldron, Holdon Tompson, etc.

Robert didn't start the game (we expected so with him being the new guy), but he went in as a midfielder with 20 minutes left in the first half.  He had a crazy first play - a Legends player went up and landed on Robert's back ending up sitting on Robert's shoulders.  UGH!

It didn't stop Robert, while in and before the half was over he scored the first goal (first goal of the game, first goal of the season).  He had the perfect shot.  It went in just two feet over from the left corner right along the cross bar.  AWESOME!  Everyone was happy.  Then before the half was over Robert assisted on our second goal!  Way to go KFJ!

Halftime:  2-0

Robert stayed in for the second half.  While in he had the chance to be a forward.  He had a few great passes for a goal (assist) but we didn't make the goal.  Then a player on defense was injured and they moved Robert back to cover for him.  His name is Trent (28).  He has just recovered from a broken knee cap.  I hope he is okay.

Before the game is over we score one more goal on a corner kick.  The ball bounced around and landed at the foot of one of our players right in front of the goal, and he just tapped it in.

Great win:  3-0

Laying the Paver Cobblestones

From this:

to this: in one very long afternoon.  After Robert's game on Saturday, Mark and I worked veraciously on getting the patio done.  He rented a wet saw from Home Depot to cut the pavers.  I leveled the sand and made the area ready for the paver while he laid each one in the sand.  We took 3 hours (1:00 - 4:00) to get the first 1/3 of the patio done, it did not look like we would finish in one day.  But then things sped up and we were able to get the whole patio done by 8:20 pm.  Our goal to get in done in one day was instigated by the fact that I was leaving Monday morning with Jessica so this was our only day to get it done.  

We love it.  It is approximately 18 x 18 with an additional section that is 7 x 6 for lounge chairs.  

There is still more to do:  we need to fill the cracks between pavers with grout and seal the patio.  Then we need to complete the stairs that will go down to the patio.  But that's it - we are on the home stretch!

Scrimmages start the season

Thursday - 8/16/12 Devon and Marissa ran a 3K scrimmage against Eastern at Tom Sawyer Park.  NOHS won in both races.  Devon did very well considering he got a slow start - he finished at 11:00 even.  He will run the Varsity race at Tiger, next week.

Marissa wasn't allowed to run "her race" - she had to stay with a freshman, Kendall to ease her back into racing from her hurt leg.  She did excellent as well, since all she had to do was stay with Kendall.  Her coaches were very proud of her for listening to them.  She will get to run the Tiger Run next week, yea!

Friday - 8/17/12 Robert ran a 3K scrimmage against South and East middle schools at Creasey Mahan.  He can in 9th for the boys - top 10 with a time of 12:10.  He looked very good.

First day of school

Wednesday  - 8/15/12

Today is the first day of school.

Devon is officially a Senior - this is his last year at NOHS.  It's crazy to think of…and it's a little down played because Devon doesn't make a big deal of things like this, but it's still very significant to me.  He is taking a very hard load; AP Spanish, AP Lit, Teacher Aid, AP Physic, AP Calculus and Psychology.

Marissa started her Sophomore year.  She is excited to see her friends again and start her year.  She is very prepared and very well organized for each class.  Her classes are:  English II, World History, Algebra II, Chemistry, 3D Art, and Spanish I.

Devon and Marissa left for Seminary after family prayer at 6:45 am.  They were a little late so mommy could get a photo.  Seminary starts at 7:10 am at the home of Sandy Simpson (she lives in Longwood - across for the school).

Robert started his 8th grade year today.  He is not happy about returning to school.  He says it's too much pressure, although he looked great in his new clothes.  He is taking Science, Algebra I, Language Workshop, Social Studies and his related arts classes are Computer Technology, Investigations, and Sports and Fitness.  He is not happy about computers but he is thrilled to have Sports and fitness.  Robert rides the bus with friends:  Jackson Heagy, Alex Green and Ben O'Brien.  The bus comes at 7:40 am (sharp).

Today was a great start to a new year!

Future Nurse: Marissa Lowe

It's Tuesday afternoon, just before 2:00 pm and Marissa is ready to get going to her opportunity to shadow a friend of ours, Lisa ElMasri, who works as a pediatric nurse (with babies) at Baptist Hospital East.  Marissa was so excited that she forgot to wear closed toe shoes and she forgot her papers.  Luckily Betsy remembered before pulling out of the driveway.  We are set.  We make it in perfect time and meet Lisa at the HR department.  Marissa is given a name badge there, after turning in all her papers, and then Lisa takes her to get some scrubs before they head up to the baby unit.

Marissa started her day at Baptist Hospital East at 2:45 and finished around 8:30.  She had a great day.  She saw some amazing events and some sad issues.  She saw a baby 12 pounds 3 ounces just after it was born, and she helped nurse a baby that was addicted to crack.  She said it was such a great experience to be there with Lisa.  She was very affected by the baby on crack.  She said it cried all the time, and it's a very painful cry.  She said the baby will have a long time before it can leave because it still has high levels to come down from.  The mother was there and talked to Marissa some.  What an experience.  She was ready for some dinner when she got off.  What a great day - many memories.  We can totally see Marissa as a nurse someday!

Marissa in her scrubs after a day at the hospital

Sand is simply the next step

The patio is moving along nicely.  Since Betsy was able to get the gravel layed in one day, we ordered the pavers and the sand.  They were both delivered this week and we've started laying the sand.  It will be so nice to have the patio finally done.  Our goal is by this Saturday!

Robert starts practice for the Kentucky Fire Junior

Tuesday, 8/14 - Robert got to meet his coach and the rest of his teammates at the first official practice for his new team:  Kentucky Fire Junior.  Every one is very excited and a bit nervous about their upcoming game this Saturday at 11:00.  It seems crazy that we only have two practices before our first game…but then again Robert enjoyed more time with his family and working on personal soccer skills at home - so either way - okay.

Gravel is Delivered and Done

Betsy is so excited.  The next step is here.  She just keeps thinking, it's just one step at a time and then the whole project will be done.  Well, we are up to … what step:  let's count.

1) design
2) pull up grass
3) dig 19 x 19 pit 6 inches deep
3.5) get rid of all the dirt (oops forgot about that one)
4) lay 3 inches of gravel
5) lay 1 inch of sand
6) lay pavers - cut pavers
7) grout and seal

We've finished step 3 and are ready for step 4.  Betsy is determined to finish this before Mark gets home from work.  It's 4 and 1/2 tons of gravel, but she is determined to do it right and have it done before he gets home.  Just as a way of letting him rest after he helped haul away all that dirt. She was about 90% done when her arms started aching and … the missionaries showed up and offered to help.  She couldn't say no.  They were a great help and together we finished it in 15 minutes.  Betsy brought out cookies and ice water for them.

We are at step 4 - we are over 1/2 way there.

New "Used" car for the family

Well, after finding out that Devon's accident "totaled" the car based on Blue Book value, we knew we would need a new car.  Wow!  We are not prepared for this.  We were hoping we could get another 2-3 years out of that car.   So Betsy spent all day Friday searching for new cars.  She started at the Mission Home on Eastern Parkway.  They had 4 Chevy Malibu's and 1 Toyota Corolla.  All of them were over $11,000 but had approximately 50,000 miles.  YIKES!  We were hoping for something closer to $6,000.  So I left there and went to Sam Swope Big Lot.  I really didn't have much better luck there.  They had cheaper cars but they all had high mileage.  

Mark and I talked about it.  We pondered and considered all options to determine what would be best for our family in the long run.  

  Mark decided to go with me on Saturday morning to the Mission Home to test drive all the cars.  In the end he preferred the Corolla based on their dependability and long term use.  He figures we will be able to keep this car for as long as (if not longer) than the previous Corolla.  

On Monday Betsy went to the bank with Jessica to get a cashier's check for $11,350 to purchase the car.  We met Mark at the Mission Home.  From there Jessica went to work in the Malibu (Mark's car) and then Mark and I finalized the transaction.  We are now the proud owners of a 2009 Toyota Corolla with 50,000 miles.  This will be "Mark's car."  The kids will use the Malibu and I will continue with the Honda Odyssey.  

Devistating Morning for Devon

Well, in all honesty, this morning is close to going like my worst nightmare, but only toned down.  My worst nightmare is getting a phone call that one of my kids has been in an accident and (I cant' even type it).  Today we count our many blessings that although something tragic happened, it was relatively less dramatic or life altering (but was life threatening).

Around 8 am this morning Devon came into my room, woke me and said he had some bad news.  I immediately guessed, "Were you in an accident?" But what I was not prepared for was the answer, "Yes!"
(The rest of this went very fast and could be out of order - I just can't remember it exactly, but it approximately what happened)

"What?  Devon, are you okay?  Devon, did it involve another car?  Where did it happen?  What happened?  Devon, who brought you home?"  The answers were surprising.  All this time I'm assuming it was on the way home from XC.

"Yes, I'm okay, but my thumb hurts a little."  Okay - we can get that checked out - are you sure you don't hurt anywhere else - "Yes, I've checked myself all over - I don't hurt anywhere else."

"No, it did not involve another car."  (That was great news)  It happened on the windy road.  (Betsy is assuming Covered Bridge Road - but he means Sleepy Hollow).

"I was driving around a curve and my tire went over the edge so I pulled the steering wheel but it went too far and I went off the edge on the other side of the road and ran into a wall."  WHAT!

"I walked home."  You walked home … then the wheels start turning in my head and I conclude it must have taken him a long time to walk home so this couldn't have happened on the way to XC so it must have happened on the way to XC (which he left the house at 6:07 for).  "Devon did this happen on the way to XC?  You didn't make it to practice - no one knows?"  "Yes"

"Where is the car?"  I pulled it over as far as I could.  It's on the side of the road."  Well, there isn't much room on either side of the road so I tell Devon to get his shoes on and we are going to drive there immediately.

This all happened so fast - and with the way my brain works things went in this order:  Thank the Lord he is mostly OK, Thank the Lord no one else was hurt.  These are two huge blessings.  Thank goodness Devon knew to come home - too bad his phone wasn't charged.  He must have over compensated when he turned the wheel to bring it back on the road.  I hope he didn't damage the wall too bad, I hope the car isn't totalled.  Oh, my - let's just get there and see.

So Devon and I get in the van and drive the 2 to 3 miles to find the car on a steep slope between two curves on Sleepy Hollow Road.  He's telling me about it as we get closer.  I can see where he dragged dirt and grass onto the road, so it must have happened just prior to that.

As I come around to corner I see a police officer is already on site with his lights on as a precaution to warn other drivers.  Wow!  Devon's tail end is sticking out about a foot into the road, but that is about as far as Devon can get the car off the road because there is a steep dirt wall to the left.  The police man tells me to move the car immediately - yikes!  He sounds upset.  I attempt to move the car a few times, but there is too much dew.  I ask Devon to help push and I get some slate to put under the tires so I can get some traction.  We are successful, but only to find out the car has two (2) flat tires on the driver's side and it is not drivable.  UGH!  Now it's sitting in the middle of the lane on a two-lane road.

I tell the police officer that we can't drive it home and we will call a tow truck immediately.  I call our emergency roadside assistance, but they take way too long, so the police calls Barrington (I've used them once before to charge my car).  They arrive 20 minutes later and pull the car up.  That's when you can see the full extent of the damage.  It's only the driver's side but he hit slate (which doesn't give) so it bent both tire rims and flattened both tires.  It also looks like it completely broke the tire rod of the front wheels.  Oh my goodness.  This is heavy!  As Devon and I wait for the tow truck I find I finally have a minute to call Mark and tell him the events of the morning.

Through all of this I am so impressed with myself.  I can lose my temper on occasion, but this entire morning I haven't raised my voice once!  I've stayed calm and objective.  Devon felt terrible about what happened and it's obvious by the look on his face and his solitude.  He doesn't know what to say.  I follow the tow truck to Certified Auto Mechanics but they don't do collision repair.  OOPS!  They tell me it's going to cost at least $3000 to repair the car.  It's then that I call Mark and relay the information.  Mark says to scrap it - we let the tow truck take it away.  By this time it's raining and slippery.  I carefully climbed up on the flatbed to remove our personal belongings.

Then it's time to say good-bye.  The Corolla is history!

Witness Heart Attack at the Pool

more to come

Wave goodbye to the Wisdom Teeth

Today, at 10;00 am Jessica had an appointment to have her wisdom teeth removed.  She went back and they started her on laughing gas - but she started to feel sick, so they had to slow things down and get her stable before they could give her the Zofran and start the oral surgery.  After she settled down, the doctor said everything went very smoothly.  

Mark and I were invited back after she started to come around.  She was in a very giggly mood - she actually couldn't stop giggling.  She giggles for 20 minutes straight.  It was hilarious!  I broke into laughter myself with tears rolling out of my eyes.  It was histarical.  

We got her up to get to the car, and she just dropped to the floor - it's a good thing we were holding her.  She couldn't believe that she couldn't stand.  Eventually she felt her feet and legs and we walked out to the car.  She was so loosy goosy!  

She was so funny in the car ride home saying things like, "Daddy, are you a race car driver?  Is Mommy a race car driver?  Look there are cars on the road.  Oh, we are IN the neighborhood!"  It just went on an on.  When we asked her is she could drive, she was sure she could.  When we told her she couldn't for about 24 hours she looked so confused, she had no idea why.  Then we had her do the "finger to the nose" test and she failed miserably!  It was hilarious.

Jessica had all the vocabulary of a 20 year old lady, but spoke as if she was a 5 year old girl that hadn't seen anything in her whole life.  Everything was so exciting and new to her.  For example, when she walked into the house, before we even got her to the couch she looked at the TV and said, "Look it's the Olympics."  

Our cute chipmonk.

She was so funny we had to video tape her.  Betsy took video of her while on the car ride home.  See below.

She was a great patient except for the fact that she didn't realize she couldn't do some things - like walk, drive, etc.  After about 6 hours the medicine started to wear off and she started to come around to her normal self.  At that time the pain also started to kick in as the pain killer was wearing off.  

Jessica didn't want to eat, but we knew she needed food.  She would only eat a little at a time making her weaker and weaker.   

The next day Jessica didn't eat very much and decided to go for a car ride with Betsy.  Well that didn't go over very well because it was such a hot day and it wore her out.  Before we could get back home she started to feel like she was going to pass out.  We drove home and got her to the kitchen before she started to get wobbly, and we don't know if she actually passed out, but I yelled for Robert to get a kitchen table chair and put it at her back side.  He did it just before she went weak in the knees.   

We nursed her back with Sprite and Amish Friendship bread.  She had her eyes closed and opened her mouth.  I had to feed her small bites until she came around - nearly 20 minutes later.  It was amazing to see what a little sugar and food does for the body.  I think (hope) Jessica learned a lesson here!