July 30, 2010

Today the girls and Kortnie played together all day. This morning the three girls and I went swimming. It wasn't real hot out so the pool felt chilly. We came in from swimming and ate lunch. After lunch the girls played together some more. Late this afternoon, Kortnie and Alyssa continued playing and Trystan came in the living room and took a little nap. When she finally woke up she was crying. She was crying and complaining her ear was hurting. But by the end of the evening she had quit complaining about it all together. Here's to hoping it's nothing! All in all it was a nice relaxing day.

July 29, 2010

This morning we woke up and I decided that the girls and I would go do some much needed grocery shopping. Left the house at about 11 a.m. and didn't get back from Wal-Mart until almost 2 p.m! Alyssa pushed Trystan in ther wheelchair thru Wal-Mart while I pushed the cart. We have a pretty good system going. :) We came home and unloaded the car and put away all of the groceries. Then we went outside and swam for a bit. My mom then called and told us she went by and picked up the messenger bag that was left at the store yesterday. So, Alyssa and I ran to her house to pick it up from her. We then came home and relaxed before it was finally time for bed. :)

July 28, 2010

This morning I asked the girls which they would like to do, swim or go school shopping. They both said they would like to go school shopping. So after we ate lunch we left for Highland Wal-Mart. I got all of their school supplies there except a couple of things. I then drove them to Fairview Heights to a couple of stores there. We really did pretty well with deals! I was pretty happy about that! However, when we got home I realized that Alyssa's messenger bag she picked out wasn't in bag with the other items I has bought. I looked at the receipt and I wasn't charged for it either. Needless to say I wasn't happy that it wasn't in there! After dinner the girls wanted to swim. The four of us headed out to the pool for about an hour together. When we came back into the house the phone rang and it was the store telling me that they failed to put the messenger in the bag and that they were putting it back with my name on it. Thankfully my mom works in Fairview so she will be able to run by and pick it up for me. That made Alyssa happy to be able to get the messenger that she really wanted!

July 27, 2010

Today was a busy, busy day. We had to run to the pool store in Vandalia this morning to have the pool water tested. After we were finished in Vandalia, we had to come home and I added the necessary chemicals to the pool. Just enough time to get back into the car and rush to St. Louis for Trystan's physical therapy appointment. Trystan did pretty good at her physical therapy appointment. This was her first appointment since the doctor gave the orders that she could walk without her walker. They had her doing some new exercises and new activities like waking stairs, etc. It really wore her out and her knees were achey. Her homework from the therapist is to practice using the stairs like she showed her. That shouldn't be a problem since we have quite a few stairs in our house! :)

July 26, 2010

This morning we picked up around the house. The girls and I then ran into town to fill the car with gas and return the last of the dvds we rented earlier in the week. We returned home and ate lunch. After lunch, Alyssa's friend Logan came over to swim for a couple of hours. Alyssa and Logan had a BLAST in the pool together. Trystan is really taking off with swimming and getting a little braver everyday. Another blessed day the Lord has given us.

July 25, 2010

This morning we went to church together as a family. I love that we are able to go every week again. Had lunch after church with Tracy's mom. After lunch we came home and went swimming. My sister came down and swam with us. We came in and ate supper. Carrie stayed for supper as well. Was a great end to a wonderful weekend! Thank you God.

July 24, 2010

This morning Tracy went out to cut the grass and had a flat on the small mower. So, the girls and I ran it into town to be fixed and drop off a couple of movies we rented. Once we were home from town, the girls played together for a while then we went out to swim in the pool. Trystan did a great job in the pool today. She swam from one end of the pool to the other all by herself! This was the first time she has ever done that. We came back into the house to get ready for dinner. We went out for dinner to a restaurant in Effingham with Tim, Lori, and Cade. We had a nice time with them! Great day!!!

July 23, 2010

Since the girls were up and out so late last night, Trystan slept in until well after 9:30 this morning! Extremely late for a child that very rarely stays up past 9:00 p.m. After cleaning this morning, Alyssa and I went swimming together. Tracy and Trystan ran to the bank together. Once they got back they got in the pool with us. The four of us swam until supper time. After dinner we watched a family movie together. Today was a great family day!

July 22, 2010

Today was the last day of Art Camp for Trystan. When we arrived there she said she was a little nervous about walking in without her walker. But she did so good and walked right in. Right away a few of the kids noticed and came right up to her and commented about her walking without her walker. I think that made her feel really good! She also got to bring home all of the things she made throughout both weeks and was very excited to show us what she had done. After Art Camp we came home and changed clothes and we went over to Cade's house to swim. The girls wanted to stay to play and for dinner, so I came home and made supper for Tracy and I and we watched a movie together. Once the movie was over I went back over to pick up the girls and bring them home. They had a great time playing with Cade. Love the gifts God has given us!

July 21, 2010

Today we had an appointment this afternoon with Trystan's surgeon, Dr. McDonald. Trystan had to miss Art Camp this afternoon since it was at the same time as her appointment. We arrived at the doctor's office at 2:00 and they sent us over for x-rays as they always do. We finished with her x-rays quite quickly, but then had to wait for the doctor as he was over an hour behind! Thank goodness for DSs! They saved the day today. The wait was well worth the news we received from the doctor. He showed us the x-rays, which looked great! Showed us all of the bone growth on her leg. He told Trystan that she could begin walking without her walker. She does have restrictions though. No running, jumping, kicking balls, skipping etc. At least not at this time. She was so super excited to hear this! We will continue some physical therapy as she still is walking with a limp. But that's ok. It'll all come with time, baby steps to get there, but we'll get there. Praise the Lord for answered prayers. God is so good!!!

July 20, 2010

Day six of eight finished of Art Camp for Trystan. She seems to be loving it more every day! Seems to be money well spent. After camp Alyssa, Trystan, and myself headed to St. Louis for physical therapy at Children's Hospital. When I parked the car in the parking garage, I asked Trystan if she wanted to ride up in her wheelchair or if she wanted to try to walk it. She said, "If you can do it, then so can I!" So we headed up without her wheelchair. She did awesome! She walked up with her walker from the parking garage to physical therapy. After physical therapy was over, she asked if we could go out to the garden on the roof. The three of us then walked up to the garden and looked around. It brought back many memories when we spent so many days there in the past year. The Olson Garden was one of the favorite places Trystan and Alyssa both enjoyed while staying at the hospital for chemotherapy. When we were finished in the garden we headed back down to the car. Trystan walked the entire time with her walker and never complained! Not once! We are all super proud of her. We love to see how she continues to get stronger, day-by-day. Daily we thank God for the continued blessings He gives. Tomorrow we have an afternoon appointment with Dr. McDonald. Please pray for a good report from the doctor.

July 19, 2010

Today was day five of eight for Trystan's Art Camp. She really seems to be enjoying it. While Trystan was at camp Alyssa and I went to the movie store to rent a couple of movies. After camp we came home and I made dinner. After dinner Tracy took the girls out for a short dip in the pool. Sometime while Tracy was outside he was bitten by something on both his forehead and nose which left large welts on both. Late this evening before going to bed, his eyes also began to swell. He took some benedryl and we headed to bed. Hoping that it was gone by morning.

July 18, 2010

Was an extremely busy day today! We woke up this morning and went to church. After church we headed to Teri's house to celebrate Trenton and Grandma Watson's birthdays. We ate lunch there with everyone. Once lunch was finished we watched Trent and Grandma open their gifts then Alyssa and I went to Kirby's house for Isaac's birthday. I think Isaac liked his gift, as he got it out and played with it right away! That always makes me happy to see kiddos wanting to play with their gifts right away! Then Alyssa and I went back to Teri's to pick up Tracy and Trystan to come home. We got home about 4:30 p.m. just to relax for a bit. Then it was back in the car to go back to church for a meeting. I'm getting worn out just typing out everything we did today!

July 17, 2010

This morning we slept in a little. Once we were up and ready to go, we went and checked out of the hotel and went down the road to Lambert's. We ate our lunch at Lambert's then it was time to hit the road and head home. We arrived home around 3:15 p.m. We didn't stay home long, as we needed to run to Wal-Mart for birthday cards and gifts. It'll be a busy day tomorrow!

July 16, 2010

This morning Kortnie came over for a while. The girls swam for a while this morning. Then we took Grandma Watson and we all piled in the car and left for Sikeston, MO for Grandma's birthday. The girls were so excited to go to Taco Johns! We arrived in Sikeston at about 6:30 p.m. and ate supper at Taco John's. Alyssa and Trystan were a little upset that their friend Sonny wasn't there. But, they still enjoyed their food! After eating we went to the hotel and got our swimsuits on and went swimming. By the time we were finished swimming and got changed it was 10:30 p.m. Time for bed!

July 15, 2010

Today was day four of eight of Art Camp. I really do think that Trystan is enjoying camp. They've done a little of everything; drawing, coloring, gluing, painting, sculpting, etc. She has the day off tomorrow and will go back to camp on Monday. This evening the girls and I swam, then came in for dinner. After dinner the girls made homemade bird feeders. The only materials they used were a 2 liter bottle, shoe strings, and bird seed. We then took them outside to hang them up. Now, to wait and see if any birds will enjoy the feeders!

July 14, 2010

This morning Kortnie came over and the girls watched tv and played. By 9:30 we headed outside to the pool for a little while before having to eat lunch and take Trystan to art camp. Trystan had day three of eight at art camp. While Trystan was at camp, Alyssa and I had to run to the pool to fill out paperwork in order for me to get my money back from not being able to have the girls' pool party. We also ran a few other errands while we waited. When Art Camp was over we came home and Kortnie and Alyssa headed back out to the pool for some more swimming. They swam for about an hour and a half until Carrie got here to pick up Kortnie. Think they had a pretty good time today. This evening we met all of Trystan's friends in the parking lot of the Greenville Bowling Alley and I took them all to Highland to Pizza Hut for pizza. The girls all had a blast! I think they enjoyed being in the car there and back the best. Listening to the music (loudly) and sining and dancing along!

July 13, 2010

Today was an extremely busy day. This morning I started by calling the park district to see if I can get my money back. We then headed for Vandalia with a water sample. While we were in Vandalia I got a call from the public pool letting me know that I will in fact get my money back, but the check won't be available until August sometime. I didn't care that it would be a month until I get my money back, just happy that I'm getting it all back! We then came home so that I could add the proper chemicals to the pool just before having to take Trystan to Art Camp. After Art Camp was over we then had to head to St. Louis Children's Hospital for Trystan's Physical Therapy. She did awesome! They had her do some exercises and then she rode the physical therapy bike. The therapist had her ride it around the floor. Then she had Trystan ride the pt bike onto the elevator and down to the 2nd floor. She rode it all around the 2nd floor then back onto the elevator up to the 4th floor. She finished and we came home. It has been an extremely busy day with a lot of running, but no complaints from us! We are very happy to be able to go and do all of these things.

July 12, 2010

Today Trystan started Art Camp. All morning Trystan was telling me that she was nervous and a little scared about camp. We ate lunch and left for camp. We arrived at the camp about 15 minutes early to find out that the person that was supposed to unlock the building for the camp "dropped the ball!" They finally got someone with a key to unlock the door about 1:20 p.m. The Art Camp was to start at 1:00 p.m. While Trystan was at camp Alyssa, Kortnie, and I ran some errands. One of the errands we ran was up to the public pool to reschedule the girls' pool party. Got it rescheduled for Wednesday evening. I quickly started sending messages and making calls to all of the girls' families to tell them the new party date. We then went back to pick Trystan up. Wasn't sure if she like the camp or not. She was a little upset because she said she worked slower than everyone else and was last to finish everything. Other than that one thing she had no bad comments about the rest of the camp.

After supper, we decided to take a dip in the pool. We swam for about an hour. When we came back into the house there was a message on the answering machine with a problem with our party. I called the pool right away only to find out that we are unable to have our party because they are having a swim meet there Wednesday night! I was not happy at all because I had already called all of these families to tell them about the rescheduled party. They were wanting me to reschedule it yet again! I said I would rather just have my money back. The manager of the pool said she didn't think it was a problem and that I should call the main off of the park district in the morning and request to get it back. She gave me the number and the names of people I can talk to . Hoping I can get that money back so that I can do something else for their birthdays. We'll just have to wait and see what happens in the morning and then I'll have to call all of these families AGAIN to tell them what's up.

July 11, 2010

This morning the girls and I went to church together. Tracy wasn't feeling well so he stayed home to rest. Came home after church and ate lunch. The girls then played for a while upstairs. Then my sisters, myself and the girls took a dip in the pool. It poured down rain, but since there wasn't any lightening we were able to stay out in the pool. The girls thought it was pretty neat to swim in the rain especially since they love to play in the rain!

July 10, 2010

This morning I got up and made some muffins and began cleaning house. Cleaned all morning and thru lunch. After lunch the girls and I ran to pick up Alyssa's birthday cake, IGA for last minute items, and to pick up the bbq for supper. Tracy was out mowing the lawn for the bulk of the day. Everyone came over for dinner at 6:30 tonight to help us celebrate Alyssa's 10th birthday. We had a great time with all of the family.

July 9, 2010

Today was the last day for Cheer K Camp. Alyssa was upset that it had to end. She made the comment to me that she wished it could last the rest of the summer! After Cheer K Camp ended, we went and did some banking in Highland and made a Wal-Mart run for groceries. The girls and I came home and they played while I put the groceries away. We later went outside to swim for a bit. The four of us had a really good time swimming together.


It hasn't been a "normal summer" but it's been A LOT better summer than last year! We've been able to do so much more than we were able to last year. I cannot express enough how thankful we are for everything. Especially the smallest of things. Trystan's scans are scheduled for a month from today.

July 8, 2010

Second to last day of Cheer K Camp for Alyssa and man did it pour! The girls' friend birthday party was tonight at the public pool. We were supposed to swim from 7 to 9 but because of the thunder and rain we had to cancel. The girls were very upset about not being able to swim. But I saved the day! We took the party under the pavillion outside of the pool. They had cupcakes and juice for a snack, opened their birthday gifts, and played in the rain. All in all I think that they all had a pretty good time! We are having to reschedule the swim party. But, that's ok.

July 7, 2010

It was off to Cheer K Camp again this morning. Trystan and I had to run to Vandalia to pick up a tool for the pool. We then came back to Greenville and picked up Alyssa from camp. The girls did their activity pages this afternoon. They were a little upset since the storms came right when they wanted to go out to swim. So it was inside play for the afternoon.

July 6, 2010

Alyssa went to Cheer K Camp this morning. While she was there, Trystan and I ran errands. After camp was over I took the girls out for lunch and came home. This afternoon they did their activity pages and swam early this evening. Sure seems like the summer is just flying by!

July 5, 2010

Our camping trip came to an end today. :( But we had a fabulous weekend. Great times with great friends and family!

This morning Tracy went outside and began breaking down things, while I was inside cleaning things up to go home. After I was finished cleaning the inside of the camper, I took the girls to the campground park while Tracy finished up. When we came back to the campsite we said our goodbyes to Keith and Anita as well as Tim, Lori, and Cade. Then it was homeward bound. Once we were home, Tracy and I unloaded the camper and put things away. By the time we were finished doing all of that we were extremely hot! We all put on our bathingsuits and headed out into the pool to cool off. We ended the day by meeting Grandma Watson and Chris at Farmers in Highland for dinner.

July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

Grandma and Grandpa Rieke went for a convertable ride this morning and came to the campsite to visit us. This afternoon we went back out on the boat with everyone and had a fabulous time! We're a little sad to see the camping trip come to an end. We are going home tomorrow.

Tracy and I discussed the 4th of July last year and how Trystan wasn't able to swim in Carlyle Lake because of her port-a-cath. Trystan expressed how happy she was to be able to go on the boat and swim in the lake. Thank you God for all you continue to bless us with.

July 3, 2010

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

This morning I started out the day by making blueberry and chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. Alyssa decided she wanted me to make iced brownies for her birthday. So, I went ahead and baked those as well. Late this afternoon, we all went out on the boat with Keith, Anita, Tim, Lori and Cade. We stopped and swam in the lake for a bit. After coming back to the camper, we ate dinner, then went to Cole's Creek Dock to watch the Carlyle fireworks. We always wanted to see their fireworks. The fireworks were beautiful! But, were a little disappointed in the length of the fireworks.

I cannot believe Alyssa turned ten today! We now have a tween in our house!! =)

July 2, 2010

For lunch today we drove to Highland to meet Grandma Watson at the PBJ Festival. The girls were so excited to go. They've been asking almost every week to take them. The girls had a fabulous time. We couldn't believe all of the "free" things they had for kids to do! I hadn't been for years. Used to be just food and some type of entertainment. Now they have crafts for kids to do and crafts for sale as well. We will deffinately be going back before school starts!


Left late this afternoon for a weekend of camping. Every fourth of July we spend camping at Cole's Creek. Beautiful campgrounds not too far from home!

July 1, 2010

The girls have swam everyday except one. Trystan cannot touch in the pool, but Alyssa is so good with her in the pool. Trystan puts on her ring and off she goes with her legs and arms going! Alyssa is like a little fish, she LOVES the water! It is so wonderful to see the two of them enjoying each others company. Yes, they do fight at times, but that's what sisters do. For the most part they really get along beautifully! Thank you God for giving me this wonderful family!

June 30, 2010

Well here we are at the end of June. Can't believe how fast it's gone by. God is so good and He is always showing His love! Trystan continues to do well. Thank you to all who continue to pray for her. She seems to be getting stronger everyday. We continue to see how the pool and the walker really are strengthening her leg. She makes the statement all the time that she is so happy to be able to walk again!