update about my back

I saw a pain management doctor today to discuss my back issues. He spent quite a bit of time with me and explained what was wrong. I was really surprised to hear how bad it was. The ortho doc didn't go into any details and sent me to get an epidural. He didn't even suggest a doctor, I had to ask my family doctor.
I have re-herniated L5-S1. He said that the size of the herniated disc concerned him and also a collection of fluid. We are going to try an epidural and go from there. He also wants me to have a neurosurgeon look at my films. If I do need surgery it will be complicated because of scar tissues from my first surgery.
Of course I would like to avoid surgery and I'm willing to try just about anything. I also have some research to do so that I can make better decision.
Things are crazy busy with the end of school and every one's programs to attend. Savannah graduates Pre-K, Luke is going on to the 4th grade and Austin will be a 6th grader in middle school. We have some fun things planned for the summer so hopefully my back won't be a issue. Thanks for checking in, I'll update soon.

A Gift

This is Savannah at last years dance recital

When I was in Indiana last December, I found a letter in a notebook that my mom had written to Savannah. I think she had written it about a month earlier and never sent. I will always know how much she loved my kids. Having this letter is so much better than any amount of anything! So here is the letter:

Dear Savannah,

Hi, I love you!

You sing the flag song great. Grandma is very proud of you. I hope you enjoy your classes. I always had a good time playing with the other kids. How are your dancing lessons? Are you taking them every week?I loved taking dancing lessons when I was a little girl. I had a dress like yours for one of my recitals. You look great in that color of pink. You look great in everything.

I am watching the NASCAR race tonight.

*that was the end.

I have been a little on the negative side lately. I didn't even realize it until someone told me. I am making it a point to think positive and hopefully act positive. I am so happy with my life and my family. I am so thankful for everything I have. But at the same time I'm still a little upset about my mom and grandma's deaths. I want to honor them and live life to the fullest.

I just wanted to share the letter with you. I will aways treasure it and pass it on to Savannah.

back update

I saw my Orthopaedic doc today about my back. He showed me the damage to L5 S1 on my MRI. We are trying steroids, exercise and cortisone injection. I go back in 6 weeks and if it's still causing pain then I will need surgery. He said that it will be major surgery because I've already had surgery in the same spot. So I am hoping and praying that it will improve. I really don't want another surgery but I don't want to live with so much pain. I'm avoiding any narcotics unless the pain is unbearable. I've been down that road before and it never ends good.

B-day girl

Here are the kids with our favorite driver in front of the NASCAR Cafe.

Daddy and his girl.
Savannah Simpson.

Hard Rock pool in her new bathing suit.

In our room with her cover-up that matches her suit.

We all had such a great time.

My kids rock!

These are some pictures from our weekend in Orlando. When we checked into the Hard Rock Hotel they gave us three little inflatable guitars. Here is what they did with the guitars in our room. They are just so much fun!

need your help

Friends & family,
As most of you know, my grandmother and mother both died last year. I'm really struggling with with how to honor them. I wasn't able to attend the memorial service for grandma and we weren't able to have one for mom. I miss these women more than I can ever describe. I can't believe that they are both gone, it's just not fair. I need to have peace, but I'm not sure how to get it? I've prayed, prayed and prayed again. I get nothing.
I would love to be have your input on a project. I want to know what you liked most about them? Why did you love about them? What do remember the most? Please be honest.
I plan to use everyone's answers to make a proper good-bye so that I can move on.
Love, Amy

Fail

Here are some pictures I took last weekend in Orlando. I didn't get in the pool but Matt did and he played with the kids. They loved the water slide. Here are the pictures I took of them going down the water slide. I know....epic fail!!

Luke

Austin
Savannah

Matt