The Cast is OFF!

 Today was the long-awaited day to see the doctor . . . and to find out if Preston could get his cast off.  We were all THRILLED when the doctor came in right away and started sawing it off!!  I was a bit shocked that he didn't take x-rays first, but he said it would be better to take the new x-rays after the cast was off.

The nasty cast that we will certainly not miss!

I snapped this picture of the new x-ray.  We were so amazed at how much new bone growth had occurred in just one month.  The doctor said it was healing beautifully and put him in a splint for another two weeks (at least).  Preston is still limited to minimal activity ~ no running, football, bike riding, etc, but at least he can take the splint off for bathing and sleeping!

He has been such a trooper through this entire process and rarely complained at all.  But boy are we all so much happier now that he's in this nice little, lightweight, removable black splint!

Bodie Lighthouse Project

The fourth grade has been working on a huge lighthouse project for weeks.  Each homeroom class was divided into groups and assigned a specific NC lighthouse.  Savannah was assigned Bodie Island.   They had to draw out a blue print, design and build the lighthouse to scale and also do research to make a presentation board. Thankfully she had a great group of 4 girls . . so the Saturday and Sunday afternoon work sessions weren't too bad.  Anyway, while I was the teacher this week I took a quick picture of the beginning stages of painting.  They did a great job!  I have to say that I'm SO thankful it's finally over though!

Preston's Spring YGuides Adventure

This weekend was the long-awaited Y Guides Longhouse for the Hackberry Braves!  There had been some question of whether or not Preston should go because of his cast, but both he and Dave assured me "it will be fine!"  So Friday after school off they went!

I think these pictures speak volumes about their trip . . they had a BLAST!  They loved starting the trip with dinner over a campfire (instead of their normal pizza joint on the way) and ending the trip with an awesome canoe ride.  Apparently they were so exhausted that Preston fell out of his bed Saturday night and didn't even wake up  . . . he slept the entire night on the floor!  GROSS and ouch!  Anyway, another trip is in the books with lots of wonderful memories.

A Super Surprise School Day

Today was the last scheduled early release day of the school year.  I got a call from Aunt Cherry early this morning and found out she was going to be in town and wanted to stop by to visit.  As the craziness unfolded we ended up meeting her at Carvel ice-cream for an early release day treat!  The kids were SO excited to spend some time with her while I ran our groceries home. :)

Lunch Dates

I absolutely love that my kids still beg me to come and have lunch with them at school (well, most of the time I love it . . . sometimes I feel guilty about saying no).  Anyway, Friday was the day to catch up on my lunch dates.  I managed to have lunch with BOTH kiddos and enjoy some special time with each of them and their friends in the PSE cafeteria. :)

Spring 2016 Challenge Runs

I caught this glimpse of Savannah leading the girls before the challenge run began

This was the PSE Spring Challenge Run week.  Wednesday Savannah had her special run . . and did an awesome job improving by a 1/2 lap over her Fall record!!  Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of her running or a class picture. :(  They had to reschedule the run due to another school event so it was not during their normal special time, making it a bit crazier than normal.  But hey, it worked!  She had a great time and ran hard.  I continue to be amazed at how her endurance is increasing and complaining is decreasing.  She may actually be starting to enjoy the sport of running!

On Thursday this little guy had his challenge run day . . only he couldn't run. :(  He had a small melt down before the run began . . even though he knew going in that he wouldn't be able to run with his class, he was super sad not to be able to participate.  BUT, his amazing teacher Ms. Bridges promised they would do a special timed run for him once his cast is off!

Ms. Bridges' class picture

At least I left him on a high note.  A Popsicle makes everything better, right?! 

Wow, I Can See!

So out of the blue Savannah tells me a week ago that she was having trouble seeing the board at school.  She had been sitting in the front of the class and just got moved to the back . . which made her realize that she needed to get her eyes checked!  So I took her to the eye doctor right away and yep, she had to get glasses.  We had to wait about a week for them to come in, but it was well worth the wait.  Seeing her expression when she first put them on was priceless.  Needless to say I haven't had to make her wear them because she really enjoys being able to see.  Now as for the adjustments, well, we're still working on getting them just right so that they don't hurt or slide off her nose.

Clemson Spring Game

The boys were super excited for another "guys" day today!  They ventured to the Clemson Spring game and had a blast!!!

Savannah and I enjoyed a quiet Saturday morning and got a lot accomplished.  She was also able to have her sweet friend Ruthie over to play.  So it was a win-win for the entire family!

Surprises for Peanut

So far the week has gone REALLY well for Preston.  He's learning to manage school (and life) with using only his non-dominant hand/arm and only really had one melt down at home (over homework).  It has really helped that so many people have loved and prayed for him this week!!  Wednesday this awesome cookie bouquet arrived from our church with a sports theme.  He was THRILLED to see it when he got off the bus and has even joyfully shared each cookie with the family.  He also received many cards from friends at school, his football team, and even one from one of his Sunday school teachers.

Thursday we went for a follow up appointment and unfortunately his wrist bone is not back aligned.  The doctor had to cut the cast and add a spreader to try to force the bone back into place.  Preston continues to manage this all like a champ.

Today  after getting back from the eye doctor with Savannah he had another special surprise waiting on the front porch, a gift from one of his best friends, Luke!  It was a water gun and a special gift card to TCBY.  He has been loved on well and we are SO grateful.  I never would have chosen for this to happen, but through the process I've realized two things:

#1 There are a LOT of people that love our Peanut almost as much as we do
#2 This kid is so resilient!  He never complains, never blamed his sister, and continues to take each day in stride, finding the joy in life.

I have so much I can learn from him!

Preston's Publication

This year Preston's class worked super hard to publish a book together!  They each created their own page of writing and illustrated it as well.  It was super cute to see what they thought everyone should know about them.  It's also pretty cool to know that they are part of an official book that can even be checked out from the library!

Parents were all invited in for their book reveal party.  Each student stood and read their page to the class. Preston did a great job with his presentation.  What a special morning to be able to attend. :)

Spring *BREAK* 2016 . . Literally

This year once again for Spring break we decided to stay in Charlotte and enjoy some fun activities around town . . and honestly to just enjoy a slower pace of life for a week. 

The week started off with some errands (of course) and a morning at the gym, but we also enjoyed the beautiful weather and ventured out to the park.  Preston enjoyed a few hours with his friend Reeve at the park.  By lunch time it was super crowded so we headed home for lunch.  

Tuesday was probably the most exciting day for the kids as we ventured out to Carowinds for the first time this season.  This "little" guy was on cloud nine as he was finally legally able to ride the bumper cars at 48" tall!  It opened up a lot of new adventures and we had a great time!

However it was SUPER crowded so after a few hours we called it a day and headed home for dinner. 

Wednesday's fun was a mini golf trip to Adventure Landing.  They had a blast and we had just enough time to get in 18 holes before the rain came.  I have to say that both of them were amazing and allowed me to get a lot of errands done this week with pretty much NO complaining!  Honestly the relaxed pace was a welcomed change for us all.


Thursday afternoon was when *break* got really interesting . . . or pretty much really ended.  Preston and Savannah were playing in the back yard and all of a sudden I heard screams of pain.  I rushed out to find Preston holding his arm in extreme pain.  It took me a lot of phone calls to figure out what to do and where to take him, but we finally found a super sweet nurse that got us a same day appointment at OrthoCarolina even though we weren't an established patient.

This was my sad, scared, in pain boy in the elevator.  Even B was allowed to come along . . and B is rarely allowed out of the house!

After an x-ray, the doctor confirmed that his wrist was broken and needed a cast. :(  The bone was slightly misaligned, but the doctor didn't seem worried.  But it slowly started to sink in that a life was getting ready to be a lot different . . . no more football, less of an adventure at Y Guides, a bit of trouble with schoolwork and writing, etc.

After the appointment he was much better.  Feeling good enough for a special trauma treat after dinner . .

Baskin Robbins!!!  

Friday was pretty low key with learning how to manage doing life with your dominant hand casted and in a sling but he did amazingly well.  I can't even think of one time he complained!

Saturday Dave needed to do some work so I took the kids to see Zootopia.  It was a super cute movie and a fun way to spend Saturday afternoon.  Savannah was super excited to see the movie, but even more excited that when we arrived her best friend was already in the same theater!

All in all it was a fun break.  Definitely one we'll never forget!