July 16th to September 8th

53 days that I have not been on the Internet other than to look and pin at Pinterest!  Funny how life can get in the way and stop you in your tracks.  That's how my life has been these past 53 days.

The boys loved camp and are looking forward to going back next year.  Matter of fact, I think they have it figured out how to spend the next 15 years or so at this camp every summer.  First, as a camper, then - as a Junior counselor, and finally as an adult counselor.  Want to know which two boys are mine?  The two that are NOT smiling!  Silly boys!!  The camp sent this picture to us - wasn't that nice?!

After camp and loads of dirty clothes from camp, it was time to get ready for school which meant school supplies.  A couple of hundred dollars later, they were set to do to school.  They each got new bookbags (after all they just couldn't carry their elementary school backbags - didn't I know that?)  New bookbags meant having their names embroidered on the bags.  Then the usual supplies - notebooks, folders, paper, pencils, pens, graph paper, memory sticks, dividers, note cards, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, tape, glue, lunch bags, etc..... 

After that - new clothes (which I by-passed and opted to just buy new tennis shoes.)  I am not going to order new jeans until cooler weather for I am sure D will grow another few inches before then.

 

This was made on the first day of school as I was racing out the door to go to my school!

 

Please do notice the bright colors of their shoes. 

 I just realized they put on shirts to match - good boys!!

 

In the meantime, I had a vicious back attack the last day of July!  Down on the floor crying with pain in the wee hours of the morning.  I knew this pain well - it was my sciatica (something I have put up with endured off and on for the past 25 years).  I crawled hobbled to the chiropractor and even he could not give me relief after a few treatments.  Then, my leg was numb from my hip to mid-calf. Hmm, that a new one for me. I went to my medical doctor (who asked me if I had been to the chiropractor to get help.)   Yes, I have.  She gave me muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory pills, and pain pills.  My chiropractor ordered an MRI (which my medical doctor wanted as well.)  Long story short - I was sent to a Neurosurgeon because my back has a herniated disc, bulging discs, narrowing, and arthritis.  I was managing pretty well until my medical doctor just kept saying, "Your back is HORRIBLE, just HORRIBLE!" 

 

I might add I had to wait 2 weeks to get in to see the surgeon.  By this time, I had been in pain for a month but as suddenly as it came, it was gone.  (I attribute this to prayer and continuing with my chiropractor and medicines).  My surgeon (who was the nicest person) decided I did not have to have surgery at this time.  I suspect it will have to be done sooner or later but I am opting for later!  So, that was all of August.  My back still hurts here and there, but at least it is manageable.

 

 

I do have to say that these two (Oscar and Ozzie) kept me company and gave me lots of kitty kisses and purring during this time.  Their new favorite place is in the laundry room on top of the washer and dryer.  They are sweet babies!  (Nikolai took this picture, I thought he did a wonderful job!)

And finally, Dennis became a 4th degree knight.  I think he should wear a tux more often!  (Notice he, too, is not smiling!  What is it with my family?!) 

Wonder if I should always address him as Sir Knight....