Stent Shawl

My latest creation. I crocheted this shawl while sitting around with Michael in the hospital. It goes really nicely with one of my skirts. The yarn is part bamboo and is really soft and silky.

Bucket List

We started the week with a visit to Dr. Faux. Mike had been feeling really tired and weak and on our last trip after walking up a ramp had an episode of chest pain that lasted about 15 minutes. Dr. Faux did an EKG which showed a new incomplete left bundle branch block, so he scheduled a treadmill test. On the treadmill Mike soon was showing problems, his heart slipped into a funky rhythm with a very wide QRS and a complete bundle branch block, he also passed out. Dr. Faux caught him and helped him to a cot. A rapid response team was called and soon he was admitted to the ICU. The picture above is of the monitor by his bed. After about 2 hours his heart rhythm converted to a normal rhythm and he was observed. Among the things discovered with the lab work was a critically high tricyclic antidepressant level, 1100, should have been between 100-200, which we think was a result of his kidney disease which did not clear the medicine from his system. They started treating him for the high levels and the kidney disease. He also had another episode of chest pressure while he was lying in bed. So a heart cath was scheduled.
During the heart cath a couple of blockages were seen in the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery. So he was loaded up on an ambulance and shipped to Ogden to McKay Dee Hospital.
During the Angiocath 3 blockages in the LAD Artery were seen, a balloon was inserted and 2 stents and he was cured. Wow!!! The advances in medicine are awesome. He was sent back to his room for recovery but to heal the femoral insertion site and stop the bleeding pressure needed to be applied to the area, so they used a huge C clamp and clamped his leg tightly to the bed. Every few minutes the nurse would come in and slowly release the pressure. This worked very well and by midnight he was able to finally raise his head and get something to eat.
Here is the picture of him after the whole ordeal. We were able to return home the next day for him to rest and complete his recovery. He is doing very well and feels really good. He has had lots of well wishes from family and friends. I was amazed at how well things are going. I was also amazed at how intensely I worried about him.

So during the process Mike mentioned that a few of the things that happened should go on his bucket list as they were firsts for him:
1. being the object of a code.
2. having two IVs at the same time, one in each arm.
3. ambulance ride (he would like a helicopter ride next!!)
4. using a bed pan.
5. using a urinal while lying down.
6. being clamped to the bed!!!

There maybe others but these are the few he listed. Maybe we should work on a better bucket list????

San Antonio

Graduation, Jon is the second row in 2nd from the right. You can recognize his pale skin and profile!!!
The Bryson's reunited. The kids were excited to see their dad. Ady, did not want to let him out of her sight. I think Holly felt the same way.
Ady and Will waiting for the parade and their dad. It was sure hot in the sun!!!!
Jon's group were carrying the flags. It was an awesome program, and I did get tears in my eyes. I really am a softy and very patriotic. I like flags, parades and ceremony. It is amazing how good these kids looked.
Jon and Ady in front of one of "daddy's planes".

El Paso

Grandma with the two newest babies. Lanie and Will.
Lanie was such a good sleeper. It is amazing what babies can sleep through with kids all over the house.
Three little princesses and a little boy who thinks he is as big as they are. He almost made it on the stairs. "Put down the camera and save the child!" Ha ha! He wasn't in any danger.

Trip to El Paso May 2010

Lanie receiving a bath. She loves the bathroom sink and loves water.
Kylie, Sadie, Ady and Will playing in the pool in the back yard. It was a fun cool down on a hot day in Texas.
We stopped at Salmon Ruins in New Mexico. Ady enjoyed running around and seeing the sites. These ruins are awesome.
This was the old storage cellar at the ruins. I really like it and think it could be my new home. As you can see it is well preserved.
A cute shot of Ady and Will in my car on the way to Texas.

New Crochet projects.

I have been working on a few more items. The top is a blessing dress for little Lanie Cain. I used for a pattern a dress that was made for her mother, many years ago. I just need to get the slip made for it.
This is another afghan that I made, I will give it to one of my friends in the ward. I liked this one as you make it like a granny square but just keep going until it is the right size.

Weight Loss Group

Well, I have been trying to loose weight. Doing ok, but not as good as I would like. I am setting up a Bryson Women Weight Loss Group. Anyone who would like to join me!!!!!!! My goal is 20% of my present weight in 2 months. If I work really hard I my be able to attain it. Let me know if you are in!!!!! I will send more info on the Bryson Yahoo Group. Maybe even post a picture!!!! UGH!