The Shafferland Shuffle

Busy week here in Shafferland! And given that last week started with a belated Christmas celebration, I'm really not sure what day it is - or month, for that matter - most of the time!

* Last Sunday evening, we finally got to have Christmas with Ryan's mom and Allen and all the siblings. It had been postponed twice: once for weather and once for illness that took down about half the family. We always have breakfast for dinner at this gathering, and then we watch the kiddos open all their gifts. Ryan had chicken noodle soup, which made him so sad, when he saw all the delicious foods he couldn't have! And also - when it comes to smiling for pictures, he's such a Chandler Bing.

* Monday morning, Ryan went in for a HIDA scan of his gallbladder, which was a 2 hour test to see if it was functioning or not. we were never SO HAPPY to hear something was not working! His gallbladder is only functioning at 20%, which makes him a candidate for surgery. Praise. The. Lord! That night, after work, we went BACK to the hospital, but this time to visit his mom, who went in to be admitted right after our Christmas celebration. (Her poor breathing!) She was doing better by Monday, so we visited with her for a while, and then came home where I pulled out one of my Christmas presents from Ryan: coloring book and colored pencils!

* Tuesday was one of our NON medical appointment days, so I took the opportunity to catch up on chores at home. Ryan had some computer training that day and got out early, so we even got to spend some extra time at home, reading and resting. We had Bible study that night: our first one in the new year! Good to be back with everyone and good tiramisu too, I might add.

* Ryan and I met with a surgeon on Wednesday morning and were floored - FLOORED!!!! - when he casually mentioned in conversation that he'd had a cancellation come up in the past day and Ryan would be able to get in for surgery on MONDAY. {As in tomorrow!!} We were so happy, we could have cried! Ryan went back to work, and I got him a special Subway treat as a cheer-up gift from his friend Nate. That night, we had to do some work at my parents' house, so on the way, we stopped by the new, temporary Starbucks that will fill in for the one the tornado took down, until they can rebuild it. It was our first time to see it. Really nice!

* Thursday, Ryan thought he'd do something new and different: go see a doctor! LOL!! He had actually scheduled an appointment with our new family doctor before any of this mess started and had to keep rescheduling. FINALLY got to keep it! I stayed home after my carpool duties. It was a cold, rainy, nasty day. Good for being home!! And of course, as you already read, we received our Braeya training kit in the mail that day. LOL!!!

* Friday we heard there was this MASSIVE stomach bug circulating the county, so I increased our oils exposure to try to keep Ryan healthy for surgery! We went out for a date to Cracker Barrel. LOL!! Ryan thought he could handle fish there, and he did! Just fine! When we came home we tried the next phase of the potty training activity. Oh my. This could be awfully interesting.

* Ryan worked yesterday, and I kept busy at home! We were supposed to get a big ice storm, but it never came. We did get some freezing rain, and the roads were a little crazy for a while, but nothing crippling. No lost power or internet or anything. It was a good little low-key day at home! Looking forward to next week at this time, being on the mend and a gallbladder-less family!