Good news from Ashley's teacher!

Ashley's been struggling a little with reading. As of testing in November she wasn't where she needed to be for her grade level. Her teacher assured us it wasn't time to panic yet since most kids in first grade either get it right away and take off- or just after Christmas break things click and they take off. She felt like Ashley was almost to that point and was expecting things to click soon. Of course she encouraged us to continue to work with her at home. Today she sent home this note:

Mr, Mrs. P,
I am so impressed with the improvement Ashely has made in her reading. I re-tested her today. She finished at a level 12 - that means she is at a late 1st grade level. She started at a level 3. By the end of the year she will be at an early to mid 2nd grade level. great job!

YAY! I'm so happy. I've noticed a huge improvement too- most of it is in her confidence. I'm just glad that she's getting it though.

Something inspiring to share.

I just watched this and it is amazing. I usually hate forwards and forward-type things, but if you have a minute this is worth your time.
Autistic Basketball Player

Okay, pictures as promised.

Here is my kitchen. I started painting about 10:30 last night. I'm planning on putting my china in wrought iron plate holders on the walls above the cupboards.

Here is the Sliding door vallance. It seems too short? I'm thinking that's why it looks funny? Not sure. Opinions please? Also- that wall between the windows and the door. What would you put there??Megan hit her tooth on the playground about a year and a half ago. It died and turned black. About a week and a half ago it abcessed so we had to have it pulled yesterday (after a round of antibiodics.) Before:

After:She was so good at the dentist... after they gave her drugs. I couldn't believe how compliant and pleasant she was. She kept talking really loud though- like you'd expect her to act if she was drunk. I asked for some to take home- but they said no.

Corinne's newest trick is sucking from a straw. My huge WW cup straw even. Here she is just being cute. She also likes her tounge.
And here is Ashley at her family birthday party. Notice the cake? Same cake as for her 'friend' party two days before. We fed them the beehive and then I redid the top of the cake and put frozen buttercream transfer flowers on top. I think the cake was even moister after sitting in the fridge for two days.
And so that I'm fair and don't leave anyone out- here is Annika scaling the pantry. Yes, I'm the best mom ever. There were cookies, crackers, chips and fruit snacks. She was after the rolls. That'll teach me to leave that door open.
Whew! Okay, I've got a recipe exchange here tonight for church so I've got to shower and stuff. I've been working hard all day!

Yay!

Okay, it came last night. Sorry I've been neglectful. I've been organizing and painting like a madwoman. Not sure why other then I felt like it- so I go with that feeling when I've got it! I taught our preschool co-op today so we made cookies for snacks (plus kids love to 'help cook') it's awesome! I can't wait to make some frosting- which I need to do this weekend. I'm currently hanging my vallances- so I'll update this post with pictures in about an hour (since I've got walls of steel apparently.)

I can hardly stand the wait!!

I ordered the following this week:

What is that you may ask. Well I'll tell you. It's a K-Tec Mix n Blend™ Kitchen Machine It has more then double the horsepower (did you know mixers had horse power??) of a kitchen aid or a Bosch. I know it's not all the pretty colors- but did you notice the lid?? The one that completely covers (almost) the bowl? When I make frosting there is powdered sugar everywhere. But no more. Woo!! I'm so excited!! Seven to ten days. YAY!!!

Two random cakes I needed to post so I could link them

Cheesecake covered in chocolate gnache, surrounded by hand dipped chocolate, mint and raspberry truffles. This was the groomscake for my brother's wedding.

My graveyard cupcakes from Halloween.

Pardon my reflective mood

After two years trying to conceive our second child we were told that we'd even had one without fertility drugs was a miracle and that it was 'a statistical impossibility' that we'd have another. We were told that we'd have once chance and that if it worked it'd be one in a million, but if it didn't work there was no second try. Then it didn't work -we were devastated. Eight weeks later in the ER we found out that we were expecting, that we'd not only beaten the odds- but that we'd done it after they'd told us that we'd failed.

Then when I was 26 weeks pregnant they found the heart defect. She also wasn't growing fast enough. It was torture waiting. They usually induce labor early when babies aren't growing, but they wanted her to be as big as possible when she was born so that she could handle open heart surgery at less then 48 hours old. She would need 4 surgeries in her first 2 years of life. Her chances of surviving the first surgery was 50%.

They told us that she would be lucky to be five pounds at birth (this was with weekly ultrasounds and monitoring.) When she was born she was 7'10" and was pink! Her heart was declared perfect at 48 hours old and we were able to take her home. Our little Megan. I felt that the meaning of her name was very important. Megan means 'strong' or 'strength'. This fits her perfectly. We knew that she'd need to be strong to survive. She's still very strong willed and is physically stronger and more coordinated then her older sister. Her middle name is Elizabeth. She's named after my grandmother who died six weeks previous to her birth. Elizabeth also means 'gift from God'. I couldn't have asked for a better gift.

We prayed our Megan here, and prayed her to stay. She is a testimony to me of the power of the priesthood. Of course it also had to be in accordance with God's Will- which is where it gets tricky.

I believe in miracles though- I have no choice. My miracle baby is 3 1/2 years old and has two younger sisters who were conceived without medical intervention. I'm not sure why we've been so blessed, I certainly don't feel like we deserve it. But I'm eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

My baby is seven! I can't believe that you're that old. I can't believe that I'm old enough to have a seven year old!!

Six was a great age for you. You learned an amazing amount. You went from barely reading to reading entire books, you learned how to tie your shoes (in one ten minute, tear free session no less), learned how to ride a bike with out training wheels. You finished kindergarten and started first grade at whole new school, and we moved, so you made a whole bunch of new friends.

You are my first- the first pregnancy, the first birth, the first baby. You had three and a half years of being the only child, then adjusted to being the oldest of four quite gracefully. I see so much of myself in you on a daily basis. You're my helper, almost always willing to help out when I need it, and mother your sisters (even if they don't need it.) You're always smiling and usually giggling.

You wanted a 'bumble bee' birthday party last year and I convinced you to take bumble bee cupcakes to school and then we had a tea party at home for your friends. Apparently that wasn't good enough since this year you, 'really wanted a bumble bee birthday party because I think it would be fun.' So we did it.

There was a bumble bee cupcake cake for school-

And a beehive cake for your party:

We drew bees with our eyes shut, played 'pin the stinger on the bee' and tried to break balloons tied to other peoples ankles. We also made fun invitations together.

I'm pretty sure you had a good time. I've never heard so much giggling and squealing in my life that's for sure!

Love you girl!

I think Google should take over the world

I love all things Google. I have a Gmail address, use Google Desktop and Picasa- photo finding and editing done by Google. Google is also my home page on my computer. Google is the best for unorganized people. Steve- my orderly accountant husband files emails into folders immediately upon receiving and reading- or deletes them if they're annoying fowards. I on the other hand wait until my inbox is so full that I have to delete stuff (this was before Gmail) and sift through things if I'm looking for something important. Well- no more with Gmail. I need an email from June about wedding cakes?? Simply type in "June" and "Cake" and it pulls up all 6 relative emails. What could be simpler? I never have to file or tag emails again! I can find whatever I need within seconds.

Google is my favorite search engine online because it's so comprehensive. I don't need anything other then Google to find information about anything at anytime. Take for instance the other day- a friend of mine and I were discussing a hilarious story about a woman who was trying to give herself a home bikini wax. Really not a good idea- but a great story. Simply go to Google and type in home bikini wax bathtub and whala! You've got what you need. Love it.

So this is what I'm requesting from Google. I need a Home Google Box. I'm sure they can figure out how to do this, they've made every aspect of using the computer and internet easier (and they're all free downloads too). I want a box in my house that I can type in what I need to find and it'll show up in the box within seconds. Sunday mornings I can put in "Ashley's shoes and tights without holes' and they'll show up in the box. No more frantic hunting and only finding one shoe that fits and 3 that don't. Or all my missing spoons- put the request in the box and whala! no need to buy more spoons. (Why is it that the spoons always disappear anyway?) Finding missing keys, wallet or phone before leaving the house will be a breeze! Rather then searching and being late to wherever (or everywhere) I'll just google it!

The best thing? Telling Steve/Ashley/Megan/Annika when they can't find something (even if it's in plain sight) 'Just Google it!'

So Dear Google- please take note of my request, of course any kickbacks would be greatly appreciated.

(I don't work for Google- just for the record).

Stop the internet!! I have an announcement.

NO I'M NOT PREGNANT! (I had to yell at you for even thinking that- seriously! I just birthed three kids in three years- isn't that good enough?)

Megan- the most stubborn, independant, non-potty going child wore the same pair of panties all day. They were also 'dry and clean'. (I'm really not so bad of a mom that I'd let her sit around in dirty underwear- really, what do you think of me??) We've been potty training on and off forabout a year and a half (yes- you read that correctly) and seriously, no turning back, battle of the wills, pull my hair out crazy potty training since October. Today is the FIRST day she's done this. It was a huge running around 'first trip to the dentist' day for her too. Three years and five months old and she just might be catching on. I feel like I won a million bucks. I pointed it out to her- SHE feels like she won a million bucks. We screamed and hollered and gave her five and told her that she rocked. She even fell asleep in the car and stayed dry.

Seriously I didn't get the big deal with potty training with Ashley. She figured it out relatively quickly and within a week or so was consistantly dry and rarely (like twice) had accidents. Then came Megan. A year and a half later I get it. Potty training her has been the hardest part of parenting so far. I prefer labor to potty training- that's how bad it is. I'm hoping that Annika takes Ashley's route rather than Megan's. I'm not counting on it but a girl can dream right?

Also in no way am I thinking that this will continue forever- but this is a huge turning point. HUGE!!! YAY!!!

PS. Steve's meeting was to receive a calling (job at church) is to be a stake auditor. That means twice a year he audits 3 or 4 wards books to make sure everything is in order. Whew!

I've created a monster

I don't play with my kids. Well, rarely. I figure I birthed sisters for them for that very purpose. Also, I don't play well with others. At least not Barbies, or 'house'. I do block and puzzles and stories- and on a very good day maybe art. But that's it. So I thought it'd be fun to teach Ashley how to play a game that would be interesting to me so I could be a good mom. I chose UNO. I figured she could play it and I could not have to listen to, 'now pretend your Barbie says X, now pretend your Barbie says Y' ect.

Of course now she follows me around all day wanting to play UNO. Steve's good for about 10 games after I've played 10 games and she still wants more. She's an UNO monster. After about 2 weeks of UNO I decided to try to teach her Phase 10- a little bit more challenging. I was explaining the game and said that we play 10 hands, Ashley says, 'but mom, I only have two hands!' That was only the start of the problems, turns out there is no physical way for her to hold 10 cards in her hands either. She also doesn't really 'get' it. Guess we'll wait another six months on that. Steve wants to teach her monopoly next. Until then it's UNO for everyone!

Random thoughts and pictures

I know, I can't stop my fingers tonight. I'm making up for lost time since I've slacked the last several weeks.

First- I'm doing Weight Watchers and I've lost relatively quickly previously (before getting pregnant several times). But this time I've struggled and it's been 5 months and I've only lost 10 lbs. Frustrating. Anyway, there are two different programs- one is flex (point counting ect) and one is core (certain foods you can eat without counting points and then you have a certain number of points per week for the 'extras'.) Anyway, I"ve always done Flex because I do well on it. I've tried Core once or twice and not been successful and gone back to Flex. But this last week I tried core again- I'm trying it until I've used up my prepaid meetings (I've got 5 weeks left) and then if I've not seen some significant weight loss I'm taking some time off. Why pay for it if my body isn't cooperating. I'm also adding pilates into my work-out routine. Currently I walk briskly with some running for 90 minutes 4 days a week. Anyway, I'm currently enjoying my favorite snack/meal on core so I thought I'd share.

minibag of 94% fat free popcorn
smoothie:
plain yogurt
milk
banana
frozen berries (I either do strawberries, blueberries or the three berry mix from costco)
vanilla
top with ff whipped topping

I could eat this all day long. I usually have it for breakfast and then for an after dinner snack. YUM!~

Second- pictures

Corinne enjoying her sister sharing a chocolate pudding snack

The sister that never shares- but insisted on sharing even when I told her not to:

Annika playing nicely with Corinne- doesn't happen often- but when it does it's cute. That stroller also emphasizes that it's not for real babies- but they love pushing Corinne around in it. Still makes me nervous and I don't let them get farther from me then I can reach to grab her before they tip her over or run into something- see- not such a bad mom.

Also, I've been working on cleaning/organizing. Here is my master bath linen closet before and after. (Pictures make me feel accomplished- like I have to prove I do things other then play Sudoku all day).

Before:

After- amazing how much more space there is when everything is organized huh?

I've got other before pictures and I"m working on getting things organized enough for after pictures (including the garage- go me!) So stay posted.

Question: Would you apply for this job? It would be working a minimum of 12 hours a month. You'd be working for an airline that flies continental US plus Hawaii and Europe. You would be working on the ramp directing planes, driving carts and loading luggage. The shift would be from 9pm-1am. A friend would work the same shifts as you so you could carpool. You'd make $9.50 an hour (but seriously I'd approach it like getting paid to work out). Perks- you and your immediate family (spouse children and parents) could fly anywhere that AmericaWest flies for free. You also get 8 buddy passes a year. To retain those benefits you have to work 4 shifts a month- so once a week. Sounds totally worth it to me. The only catch is that you have to do 3 weeks of 40 hour a week training. But I'm seriously considering it- especially with all the traveling we want to do I think it would be worth it for the travel benefits alone.

Random dream today whilst napping:

So I got to take a nap today after church (seriously- Sunday afternoon naps are the best). I had a weird dream though. I dreamed that Sheri called me (like that would ever happen) and that I was trying to get my kids to leave me alone so that I could talk to her. They kept bugging me though and I couldn't concentrate and think of anything profound or witty to say to Sheri. Then in this frustration I realized I was at someone else's house and it was dirty (like animal hair everywhere and gross floors ect) and I couldn't find my shoes. I needed my shoes because it was gross and the lady who owned the house finally came in and I had to ask her where my shoes were. She found them for me and I lost them again. This happened three or four times before she decided to lend me some of her shoes that she'd made out of recycled tires 'several years ago when those Tiva's were so popular'. I was not so sure but then she pulled out these awesome sandals.

Then the phone rang and I woke up and the HPFE leader was on the phone. I realized that she was the lady in the dream. I've never been to her house so I don't know if it's gross or anything but she does wear Tiva's a lot. I'm not sure if it was really her in the dream or if I 'assigned' it to be her subconsciously when I answered the phone and it was her in my semiconcious state. The bad thing? The first thing I said (not yet fully conscious) "I was just dreaming about you" I don't think she was flattered.

Lastly- Steve got a call to go in and 'talk' with a member of the Stake presidency on Tuesday. He's so getting a calling. Wanna place bets on what?

Friends

There are so many types of friendships and I've been reflecting on this a lot lately.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a bridal shower for one of my best friends from college. We used to talk daily, I lived at her house for a couple of 'between places' stints, call her parent's mom and dad (well, papa harvey). Close as sisters. Then I up and got married and we didn't hang out as much. Then I had a baby and moved to the other side of the city and we didn't hang out at all. I'm saddened by that, but I guess it happens to the best of us. Occasionally she'd call or I'd call and we'd chat for a couple of hours catching up- and when I do see her I don't feel like that much has changed. That sort of friend is nice. Another friend like that had a baby shower yesterday. It's amazing how life can change and get busy but you can feel like you can still connect with these women who you've grown to love.

We went to dinner last night with the 'couple friend'. This sort of friend is great too because it's a pair. It's hard to find friends where both you and your spouse connect with your friend and her husband. It was a whole different sort of conversation then the sort that happens at the park with the other 'mormon mommies'. It was intellectually challenging and we discussed everything from kids and potty training to immigration law to black history and reparations. Our poor waitress kept asking if there was anything else she could get us and finally gave up. It was so nice to get out of the house with no kids and enjoy a nice dinner and great conversation.

Then there is the 'instant friend'. We've recently moved and shortly after moving found a friend in the ward who had three girls the same ages as my girls (roughly) and there was an instant bond. As we've hung out more and more we've grown closer and closer and I've realized what a blessing it is to have and 'instant friend' that you can bond with. It's made the new ward and area easier to deal with knowing that I"m not the only one who thinks our ward is a little 'off' (and it is). Plus we're swapping kids on the weekends so that we can have date nights. Our kids love each other and play well together- also our husbands like each other. Win win all around.

Seems like I've found at least one (sometimes more) friends like this in each ward I've lived in.

I'm working on neighborhood friends. I didn't do well in my last neighborhood- so we're making a larger effort here and have seen some success. I know my neighbors well enough to greet them by name when I see them at Costco and well enough to use their fourteen year old to babysit. (Have I said how wonderful a next door baby sitter is yet?) Then there's the neighbor across the street who I feel a bond with and is almost an instant friend.

I've forgotten how fun it is to make new friends as well- it's been a long time since I've really had to do that. We're trying to get to know more people in our ward as well and are reaching out and having people over on a regular basis so that there are more people we know at church. It's just a necessity in a ward our size.

There are also the friends I miss. People that I was friends with as a child or a teenager who I think about and wonder how they turned out. I wish that I'd been better at keeping in touch and knew more now- but I guess that's something I can continue to work on. I just wonder how it's possible to keep in touch with every one that's touch my life- but I guess what Christmas cards attempt to do huh?

Then of course is the sister friend. I'm lucky enough to have 7 'blood' sisters, a couple of sisters-in-law, and a Maria (can't forget you) a cousin who needed a sister. This sort of relationship is one you can't fully understand unless you have that relationship since every single one is different. But it's an important relationship however you look at it. This afternoon Ashley and Megan were fighting relentlessly and Steve finally asked Ashley if she'd treat her friends that way. Ashley said, 'she's not my friend, she's my sister'. Nice. We talked about how sisters are the most important friends that you'll ever have.

Then there are the 'online friends'. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have them. I do. I have dozens of 'internet friends' who are probably all fat, 45 year old men with beer belly's laughing at me while they make up parenting/love/life advice. But serioulsy I've become so co-dependant that I have a hard time making a decision without them. It's sort of pathetic but I'm hoping sort of endearing (you love me right guys??)

Last of all (and most important) is the 'dh' friend. Steve thought that dh stood for dumb head when I first started 'becoming involved' with the people of the internet. (Sounds like a steamy thing- but it's me ignoring him while talking to others). Of course it's 'dear husband'. The friend you can't live without, who knows you better then anyone and puts up with more than anyone. Love you honey!


Amber (in a reminiscing/contemplating mood)

4 years ago...

My Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

My version of the last several years- some dates/facts/numbers may be slightly off- but it's to the best of my remembering- which isn't perfect. (Wouldn't want someone to go James Frey on me).

He was on active duty with the Utah National Guard and was doing security for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He was staying in the Barracks so my mom didn't see him for several days. One night he was supposed to be license plates on cars and checking them against some list, but he couldn't process the information or comprehend the numbers and letters on the license plates. So his soldiers (I think he was in charge) tried to cover for him saying that he must be tired or too cold and had him check cameras (take a picture to make sure it was a real camera) and he couldn't figure those out either. He went to the first aid tent and was told to go home and go to the ER. He drove home (and wasn't sure how he did that) and my Mom was immediately concerned because he couldn't read!

They went to the ER and after a CT scan found the tumor. That was Saturday night. Monday morning they operated. He was told that he'd never fully recover, he'd never regain the ability to read, comprehend numbers, be allowed to drive, go back to work or even be left alone. He was also told that with this sort of tumor the survival rate was 0%. Most people died within 6 months. If he lived that long then he'd maybe live to see 18 months. After that the chances of living longer were low- like 5%. No one with a gioblastoma multiforme had lived longer then 5 years.

My Dad is the definition of steadfast and faithful. We prayed, we fasted, he had blessings, and six weeks after the surgery he was back at work. His outlook was positive. After a year of no seizures he was driving again. He had a full recovery in every sense of the term. The doctors were amazed. Us? Not so much. Maybe at the time, but now looking back it doesn't surprise me that he's beaten all the odds. His faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the priesthood is unshakable.

The tumor began to regrow at about 2 years. The doctor's said that this was it- that they could try some chemo or radiation but it most likely wouldn't work. Then it did. The tumor growth stopped. But Dad wasn't back to normal. He had changed a bit, but was still working.

This has been the pattern over the last several years. He does good, then has a setback, is bad for a while and then recovers miraculously- but not quite to the point where he was before the setback.

But it's been a significant four years for our family. In that time I've had 3 children that I'd been told I wouldn't be able to have. Spencer got married, Katie had a baby, Sarah got married and had two babies, Sarah got sealed, Jessica graduated from High School, Hannah went on a mission and returned, Jessica got married, Sarah got sealed, Barbara graduated from high school, Rebecca and Angela grew from kids into teenagers. A lot has happened, I can't imagine him not being around for it.


Fast forward to lately. He's been really struggling. They say the tumors are growing again. He's got rapidly spreading cataracs, he's weakening again and hurting a lot. Then on Friday he fell. My mom had quit her part time job because he was needing full time care again. She took Angela to lunch for her birthday and when she came back my Dad had fallen down and hit his head. He also cut his arm pretty bad. She with the help of a friend of my Dad's who was coming for lunch were able to get him into his chair. He's slurring his words and has no strength on one side of his body. He can no longer walk. It's looking bleak. I've speculated that he may have had a stroke which caused the fall. The signs/symptoms that he's experiencing seem to point in that direction. My mom asked the doctor but he said that significant growth of the tumor would manifest in the same way. So there isn't really a way of knowing.

So there you have it. It's been a long four years full of emotional ups and downs and 'what ifs'. But it's been four years of growth and changing in our family. I believe that we're a stronger knit group because of this, that we've learned compassion and patience and what a strong capable woman my mom is. I've learned a lot about marriage and selflessness and most importantly love by watching her as well. In lots of ways I can't believe that it's been four years already, but at the same time it's hard to remember that it's not always been this way.

I'm proud of my humility..

But I have the need to show off for a minute. Look what I did tonight! It's for a baby shower tomorrow.

Ashley was lost!

So my neighbor usually walks Ashley home after school- but she had an appointment today and couldn't do it. I told Ashley to meet me by the lightpost by the bus pick-up. Then my other girls didn't go down for naps until 1:30 and I hate to wake them up because they're beastly when not fully napped. So I called another friend and asked if she could pick up Ashley and she said sure. Her kid meets her at the bike rack. So I called the school and had them get a note to Ashley to go home with Hannah and to meet her mom at the bike rack. So my friend calls and she can't find Ashley anywhere- she looked at the bike rack and at the lightpost and she was no where to be found. I told her that Ashley knows the rule is to go to the office if the buses leave and I'm not there. She looked in the office and she wasn't there- they paged her and she didn't come.

Then I got a call from a 'michelle' and she wanted to know if ashley was supposed to be coming home with her. Apparently there is another Hannah in Ashley's class and Ashley just assumed she'd go home with her and was just getting in her car. Luckily the mom that was driving the carpool (not even Hannah's mom- who I don't know either) called around before just taking this kid home. Whew! Scary 10 minutes though!

woo!

I redeemed myself with a productive day. I know that most of you (except my mother) probably don't care. I was able to get the whole house clean (well- except the dreaded office- but that's for tomorrow) and most of the laundry done. WOO!!! It helped that I was expecting company and kept cleaning expecting them to show up and then they didn't- but it still feels good to have a totally clean house. Relaxing and guilt free time for me!

Tomorrow I'm doing a cake for a baby shower I'm attending on Saturday. I'm excited- it's going to be a fun cake. I'm also excited for the shower. It's for one of my best friends from college- after years of trying they're having a boy in just a few weeks!

Really that's all the excitment that there is in my life today, I worked hard and feel accomplished. Now off to bed before midnight (I've got 5 minutes).

12:41 am

Vertical blinds hung- check (woo!!!)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9- check, 1, 2, 3, 4...

That's me playing my latest addiction- sudoku . (Thanks a lot Heather). It seems to be the craze that's hitting the nation. I've got a list a mile long of things I should be doing and plan on doing (hang my vertical blinds, paint my kitchen, organize my office, hang shelves in the garage, hang curtains, put stuff in garage on said shelves...) the list goes on and on. How is it that I let myself get sucked in?? I have no self control- there, I said it. I sit down to breastfeed Corinne and the best place to do that is somewhere with a comfy chair and entertainment at hand... the computer- my favorite place in the house. But and hour and a half later after she's done I'm still sitting here- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9- check 1, 2, 3, 4... here we go again.


P.S. Remember the dr. saying that there was no possible way that there was still a stone fragment left- that if there was Steve would be in excruciating pain? Remember me asking him if he was sure since there wasn't ever any pain to begin with and him treating me like a moron for asking? Well, guess what they found- a fragment left. Dumb dr. Anyway, we're pretty sure it's all passed now and Steve is feeling lots better. I've got my husband back and I'm grateful. He does a ton around here and having him incapacitated was enough to make me want to take up drinking.