Back Update and More

I will get to the "back update" in a minute, but below is my Christmas tree this year. Many of you may not know that I thought I really needed a tall...very tall Christmas tree when we moved into the new house...almost six years ago. Well, I got what I wanted and it is a beautiful tree, but I just didn't feel like I could deal with it this year....due to the back surgery. Half of the lights stopped working and we tried so hard to fix them last year....anyway, the thing weighs a ton and is bulky and almost impossible to assemble and take down and get it up and down from the attic. Below is the cute little Norfolk Pine David brought home for me. My dear friend Linda came to visit and re- potted and helped decorate. It is getting the right amount of light from the big window...at least I hope so. It may not look as "Christmasey" (not a word??) as usual, but it will be pretty for years to come if I don't kill it.

The picture above is Josh....he is quite fascinated with the snow globe--it is motion sensitive, so if he is not touching it, he is clapping his hands. Below is Andrew.......he is so funny....he loves the globe too.......I think he looks like one of those life size dolls people make and stand facing the wall. People, I am just looking for entertainment for myself here. I will get to the back in a minute.

And, of course Katie's boys are not complete without the one below....Nathan is a joy....still wish I could really pick him up and hold him. Gillan & Gracie will be here after Christmas and I will get to be with all of my grand kiddos. Can't wait.

Alright....I went to see the doctor Thursday....my first day away from this place since the surgery three weeks ago. I am feeling great....no pain, no pain medication needed. They took another x-ray and the doctor thought I was doing wonderful....and I am, so I am ready to go shopping............NO, he said, " NO....stay in the brace day and night, don't get in a car, avoid crowds, don't lift, don't do laundry, etc. etc. I have really been good and feel good. He is concerned about my feeling too good. "This will be the hardest part," he said. I must continue to do Nothing (yeah, right) until I return for a visit...oh my...what about family Christmas, Boyer get-together, church Christmas programs, haircuts????? He firmly said, NO...you know what to do! And he continued with news of a lady in the hospital now who did not follow his orders and will probably need surgery again..........this was a "downer".......I had shopping on my mind. I want to be uncaged/unleashed ( sounds like I am a dog or maybe a lion)...... I didn't talk much on the way home.....I was speaking with the Lord or should I say He was talking to me............HIS obvious answer was that I should be grateful that I am doing so well and not want to jeopardize what has been so skillfully corrected. And, yes I do feel that way. I am very grateful and NO, I do not want to mess it up. So, my next outing is January 8. Oh yes, and I will get a lighter brace then too ( I thought the doc said I would be in a brace for only two months). I know....this is a gift....the new type surgery......much less recovery time....it sometimes takes weeks in the bed and a year to heal for the old type back surgery. I think the doctor must have picked up on my Type A personality and is really holding me back extra. But, I'm happy, I'm happy yes, I AM HAPPY...Happy and Thankful! I do know the Lord brought me through this surgery and he will help me through the healing process.

I did forget to share that the doctor was so proud of his work that he did a video of me to show to other doctors whom he trains to do this Minimal Invasive Procedure that I had done. I just gave my name, the procedure I had done and gave my pain level before the surgery versus the pain level now.

This blog may be boring you to tears, but it is terrific mental therapy for me.........until next doctor's visit...I will be here!