Neuro Update...and Blessings

Jake went two years (not necessarily recommended by the Neuro department) between his checkups.

Last we saw Dr. Pollack was June of 2012. At that time, everything looked good (there was some minor changes in scans, but it was so slight they weren't sure if it was just a slight different angle in the MRIs that were compared. The orders were to be scanned again in one year... however, much changed in that year. For one, Dr. Pollack, whom we adored, left KU Medical Center. And, two, we made a big move ourselves to Glenwood Springs. The transition put the "annual" checkup on the back burner.

It wasn't until a few months ago, Jake had me feel a growth in his neck. He knew it was either new, or growing, because he hadn't felt it before. Well, this put me on a mission. It was time to stop putting the scans off any longer. The internal struggle we dealt with was the cost. As amazing Glenwood Springs is, the medical costs are extreme. The valley we live in has the most expensive medical costs in Colorado. It even competes with the nation in medical costs. (Price of living in a very desirable area, I suppose.)

As my wheels began turning, I reached out to my boss. I just happen to work for a medical billing company, which is part owners with the radiology department here in Glenwood. I went to her with one question... Do we stay here and get scanned, or do we drive and hour or two for cheaper scans and be seen here in town. She took my question and rolled with it.... she helped me calculate the cost between other locations and Valley View Hospital. She also said, if we can get the radiologist charges in first (before the actual MRI charges) she would be able to write them off. What??? Not at all what I was thinking about, but WOW! What a blessing!!! So we calculated and sure enough we got all 6 of our MRI reading charges in first and she was able to write off a good portion of our max out of pocket. This means we still have the technical portion to pay for, which will still be a lot after 6 MRIs,  but it will mean one bill. Not two, professional and technical, just ONE! Amazing!!

As much as I struggle with my job... the days are long, and it's rarely fast paced, I am so blessed to have had the chance to work for such a great company and great boss. It's one of the reasons we have found ourselves Colorado homeowners, too! (It's crazy to really think about what we paid for a townhome here...)

Back to Jake... turns out, Glenwood has a phenomenal Neurosurgeon too. They paid big bucks to get him here (they figure with the outdoor activity most of the area participates in, a great neurosurgeon is so important). Dr. Miller gave Jake a good checkup, and is keeping him on annual scans. It's so hard to remember the days it was 3 month checkups....then 6 month. We have technically been on annual for about 4 years now!!! Dr. Miller still refers to Jake as an "interesting" man.... as his MRIs are filled with tumors, just not problematic tumors. What a relief! What a blessing!

Chihuly Exhibit at Denver Botanic Gardens

Thankfully we get the Denver news in Glenwood... a week before we planned on taking the boys to meet Jake's dad, we caught wind of this amazing looking exhibit on the news. We I decided it was a must see. We hit the road from Burlington, and stopped in Denver. It's so rare Jake and I get to do things like this on our own. Something a little cultural and just the two of us. It was so worth it and I'm so glad we had the chance. It was amazing! The following pictures are ALL blown glass. I tease that it is totally mind blowing...and that is no lie. 

Parting With My Boys

Being a full time working mom has been so hard... well just since school ended. We were so lucky to have been able to arrange for the boys to head to Kansas and see lots of family for a few weeks. Even though I know they will have more fun there with grandparents and cousins, it was so hard leaving them yesterday and knowing I won't see them for so long. I'm thankful for technology, as it helps...a little.

Jake's dad and Grandma Sally drove out to Burlington, CO to  meet us halfway. We stayed the night (thankfully there was  a pool...as Burlington doesn't offer much) and then the next morning we ate breakfast and went opposite ways. 

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!! Drive safe!

I only teared up 3-4 times on the way back to Glenwood. And if I sit here and think about it much, the watery eyes will come back. Jake and I have work and painting to keep us consumed, and with all my hope it makes the weeks fly by where we will be reunited at my family reunion in Westcliffe, CO. 

Riley's Birthday...The BIG 12!

I can't believe my baby is 12. He is totally showing signs of a 'preteen', but I'm still in denial. How did this sweet face grow up so quickly!?!

A dozen donuts for my 12 year old. Don't worry, he didn't eat ALL of them. He did share... but this picture shows so much. Riley is eating more than I've EVER seen him eat before, he is sleeping more than ever...early to bed, late to rise (just look at that exhausted face) and the always forced smile...required for every picture mom wants of her boy.

That evening we had the Scrutons over for dinner and celebration. 

Celia Scruton likes to photo bomb.... Riley is in the background.

Riley got lots of Legos, the Lego Movie (his favorite gift), a new basketball to replace the one that exploded a few weeks ago, and a special "Harry Potter" book set with a cool case. 

Hello, Celia...again! ;)

Thanks Celia, Nina, Abby, Nick, Michelle and Mark for helping make Riley's birthday special!

Now on to the pie...yep, Riley wanted pie for his birthday. Not too shocking, if you know my pie guy. I don't make pies. Thank goodness Village Inn is down the road and they carry Riley's favorite. French Silk.

OOps! Celia got my phone!

Success. Riley went to bed a very happy 12 year old. 

Company

I rushed to get the boys' rooms ready so Riley could have a friend over for "pre" birthday fun. We invited Jordan to stay over (our first official house guest) and they had a great time. Riley waned to head to The Adventure Park. Here is picture of the boys on the tram... Reece is entering the lovely stage of making goofy faces in ALL pictures. Oh, JOY!

The very next day we had our first "out of town" guests come visit and see the house. My BFF from birth, Sarah, drove through town with her family and hung out with us for a few hours. She has two boys closer to Reece's age, but they always all get along so well. We took them to the Brewpub for some homemade root beer and walked downtown for a bit, then we went by the "water park" to watch a few kayakers and surfers in the Colorado River. Then they were off to continue their mountainous adventure.

A couple completed projects...

It didn't take me long to dive back in to painting... we bought the paint weeks ago. I wanted the boys settled for summer as soon as possible. 

This was my first open can... "Steamed Oyster." I was a little worried when I first opened it because it was such a light color, but it immediately went on much darker. I fell in love with this color. It's a very gray color with a brownish hue mixed in. I was a little jealous it was going in Riley's room at the time.

The finished project. We bought new sheets and matched the orange stripe to it, and used "Asiago" as the white-ish stripe. This was a Pinterist inspired design... I just adjusted the colors a little, but not much. Riley's critique... he doesn't like the white. A little too boring I suppose. Jake's response....when you buy your own home you can choose paint colors. ;)

I found this fun lamp at IKEA for Riley.... it matches his orange in his room perfectly. It was too fun to pass up.

Next was Reece's room.... you know where this is going.

Reece's room is the "Jayhawk" room...hopefully not too obnoxious. This was my first attempt at diagonals...I wasn't perfect but I was pretty proud of this work. I made this design on my own...just with the purpose of wanting to try the argyle design. Reece is very happy with his room.