A YUCKY Consequence!

I won the bet.

I get to do whatever I want to her drink.

Here comes the low fat spray butter.

I had to add her favorite.. Dr. Pepper! :)

This contains Hershey Syrup, Dr. Pepper, Coke AND Spray Butter AND tea *when she was went to the bathroom*

Here she goes! yuckkkkkkk

On Monday night, Trisha and I decided to return to making bets with Wii bowling! Trisha was able to come up with the night's bet! She decided that whoever lost would have to drink a drink concocted by the winning player! Of course, I won so the fun began... I was kind and only made her have two drinks!!!! I love our Wii bets!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celebrating Life!

Last year I thought my 30th birthday party was AMAZING! This year, the word AMAZING took on a much different meaning! I am so AMAZED and THANKFUL to be alive! Last night, Kelli, Josh, Savannah, Izzy, Freddy, Sabrina, Tripp, Will, Brian, Carson, Ella, and I celebrated my 31st birthday a little early. We met for a fantastic time together at Wild Wings! I could NEVER thank Kelli and Sabrina enough for all that they have done for me over these past six weeks! They are truly phenomenal life-long friends! Girls, this night will definitely have to be added to our List of Memories!

Nine Years Later...

Friday was such an amazing day for me! My first set of students graduated high school. I always said that I wanted to attend their graduation. After my accident, I wasn't so sure that would be a possibility any more. So, I made that one of my goals right from the beginning! I thank God that He not only provided me the opportunity to attend, but that he allowed me to STAND during and after the ceremony. This will definitely be an experience I will never forget!!!!!

Trisha and Sarabeth I am so very proud of you!! I love you both so much!!!!

On Two Feet!!!!!!!!!!

This photo is proof of one HUGE accomplishment for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trisha and I finally captured our traditional feet photo after quite a long hiatus! I am standing on both feet wearing flip flops with NO ASSISTANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Answered Prayer!!!!!!!!

I received fabulous news today that there has been significant healing on both sides of the pelvis. Because of the degree of healing, I received permission to put weight on the right leg. As soon as we arrived home, bravery set in. I decided to attempt to WALK to the restroom instead of riding. I was amazed at how "easy" it seemed to walk on both feet again! (with the help of the walker of course) The doctor explained how the breaks are in such an area in the pelvis that will not hinder walking, despite the fact that I may experience pain. She also made it clear that she expects me to be walking without any assistance and driving within the next six weeks. The only "bad" news if there was any is that it will take at least one complete year for complete recovery. God continues to bless me each and every day!

Striving for Some Sort of Normalcy!

I have almost been home for an entire week!!! It has been difficult trying to adjust to life again! Life seems so busy back at home in comparison to the recent life I was used to. I have so enjoyed being somewhat of a mommy to my precious children again!!!! Carson has been the sweetest five year old little boy I have ever met! He loves to hug and kiss me, push me in my wheelchair, and remind me of how his daddy told him he would have to help take care of Mommy once she came home! Ella has changed sooooo much!!! She is NOW WALKING!!!!! It took her fifteen months, but now there is NO stopping her! She is also completely spoiled rotten and has perfected the art of pitching a fit! I never realized how much I missed Car and Roo until I returned home!

We have been blessed from the first day I returned home with visitors and meals!!!!! Thanks to Kelli, we have frequent dinners arriving to our home!!! Meals mean the world to someone who cannot prepare really anything for herself or her family!!!!!!! I thoroughly enjoy company!!!!

Friday was quite difficult around here! The home health nurse came out to visit. While here, she became quite alarmed with my heart rate, blood pressure, and right lung sounds. She immediately called the doctor and suggested that I visit the emergency room!!!!!!!!!!! Those were definitely two words I didn't want to hear again!!! My fabulous husband left work, drove home, and off we headed back to the emergency room! When I arrived my heart rate was 135!!! They immediately moved me to the major care section and a doctor arrived within moments. He ordered MANY tests again! I am thankful to report that all of the tests came back "normal" if there is a such for me anymore. My heart rate returned back to normal before leaving, and he sent me home with medicine to help until I saw my doctor on Tuesday.

Aunt Lizzie got a quick taste of her new life on Saturday when she stayed with us!!!!! She was jumped all over, climbed on, had to carry a whiny baby around on her hip, watched a five year old try to kill flies with Lysol, and of course took great care of her sister!!!!!!!!!!! Trisha also visited on Saturday and brought her Wii! It was great to play again even though I had to sit down this time!!!!!!!!! I am proud to announce that I haven't lost that touch yet! I still beat her!!!!!!! On Saturday night, I had my first "official outing" to Carson's baseball banquet! It was nice to be able to see the team and all of the parents again!

I enjoyed my first Sunday lunch from my wonderful mom on Sunday even though it had to be cooked at my house instead of hers. Sunday night the Brown family came over and cooked out for us!!!!! It was DELICIOUS and of course we enjoyed their company!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Memorial Day was a busy day for us! Carson had a play date with Tripp while Ella had a play date with Clara. Elizabeth, Mom, Carolyn, Trisha, Lindsay, Jordan, and I ventured to school to begin cleaning out my classroom!!!!! I NEVER realized how much stuff a teacher could accumulate within nine years of teaching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After working most of the day, I am proud to say that we are almost done!

Today marks the day I begin all of my doctor's visits! I am scheduled to see an internal medicine doctor today, so I feel a little anxious! Tomorrow, I visit the orthopedic doctor. I pray that there has been healing and that we will receive an answer as to when I can begin putting weight on my right leg!

Tonight, I will attend the benefit concert being held in my honor! I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to attend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home Sweet Home!

Yesterday marked a new milestone on my road to recovery. I "rode" through the door to my home after a month and a day of being in a hospital. I have to say it was an extremely emotional day for me!!! I shed many tears before leaving rehab!!!!!!!!!! I truly believe that experience was one of the BEST experiences of my life. I will be forever grateful for every nurse tech, nurse, doctor, and therapist that I had there!!!! I am still AMAZED at the amount of progress I was able to make in just the two weeks I was there.

Despite the fact that I am now officially home, I still have a long way until I reach full recovery!!! I am still unfortunately on many medications which I hate!!!! I have MANY doctor's appointments scheduled. My home health nurse and therapists visited today. I plan to continue this for the next week or so. As of now, I think outpatient therapy will be better for me!

I continue to be amazed by all of the support that I have received throughout this journey!!!!!! There is absolutely NO way I could be where I am today without my awesome God, family, and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calling All Cooks... Or Take-Out!!

Hey, this is Elizabeth (Heather's sister) posting. Heather's friend Kelli emailed me with a great idea to help Heather, Brian, Carson, and Ella. Since Heather will be coming home soon, Kelli wants to organize a schedule for anyone who would like to volunteer to bring meals to the house for the family. This will be a great help to everyone... especially if you know Heather and Brian's cooking skills! :) If you are interested in bringing something one day, email Kelli and let her know if a certain day is best for you. Her email address is KelliandSavy@yahoo.com. Thanks so much for your help! And thank you Kelli for offering to do this for Heather!!! :)

Ella at 15 Months!

Sadly, I have missed out almost completely on Ella's 14th month of life, so here are just a few things that I do know about Ella at 15 months!

• She loves to eat bread and blueberry muffins.
• She reaches for food with her tiny little fingers.
• She is still not walking on her own.
• She loves to walk around holding things and the wall.
• She loves to cuddle with her mommy at the hospital.
• She loves for her daddy to walk her all around the hospital.
• She puts a cell phone up to her ear and says, "Hey".
• She pitches fits quite frequently.
• She has super cute spring and summer clothes thanks to Aunt Lizzie and Grammy.
• She loves staying with Clara everyday.
• She is now sleeping in her crib every single night thanks to her daddy!!!!
• She is getting lots of new teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• She has gotten over her stranger anxiety.
• She completely melts her mommy's heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 Weeks Ago!

Four weeks ago, life as I knew it came to a screetching halt within a few short moments!!!!! Thankfully, God protected me by keeping all of the extremely traumatic events free from my memory!!!!! I stand amazed and in awe at how God has healed my body over these past four weeks and how he has provided me with the most AMAZING support system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My very first memory was being moved out of ICU. I can remember my body being consumed with pain and really not sure why. Of course I was highly medicated and continued to be so for the next several days! After several days of being in a regular hospital room, I became more aware of my new "life" and began adjusting accordingly even though it was very difficult physically and emotionally. After a two week stay in the "normal" hospital, I was provided the opportunity to begin my rehab at another facility. Monday will mark my second full week in rehab, and hopefully Tuesday will mark the greatest milestone of all for me- the opportunity to return home!!!!!!!!! Over the past two weeks, God's healing powers have been present constantly!!!!!!! I can now put on my own tennis shoes and even tie them, I can walk at least eighty feet, I can bathe myself, I can completely dress myself, etc. My pain level has tremendously decreased as well!!!!!!!! My nurses, nurse techs, doctor, and therapists have been the absolute BEST!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not have asked for any better care than I have received here!!!! I have and continue to have some minor secondary health issues resulting from the accident and trauma that continue to show up. I pray that those will heal with time, and that my life begins returning to "normal" very soon!!!

Words could never express how much I APPRECIATE every single person who has supported me thoughout this journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so undeserving of everything!!!!!!!!! The calls, blog comments, visits, meals, gifts, cards, magazines, games, equipment, hugs, music, pillow cases, etc. have truly brightened my days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A DAY PASS OUT OF THIS HOSPITAL

Part of Heather's physical therapy is to go out into the "world" again to see how she will handle daily obstacles. On Thursday, she had a date with her trainers. She got to go in a car for Mexican at lunch. She didn't say what exactly it was that she ate, but knowing Heather like I do, I would be willing to bet it was a cheese enchilada and beans. Anyway, after her lunch it was a treat of ice cream. She managed to walk to the counter at Brewster's all by herself to order her ice cream. Can you believe all this? Heather has been in the hospital for 28 days, she has gone from ICU to getting out for lunch and ice cream. I bet if there were time, she would have wanted to go to the outlets:)
Heather, we are all so very proud of you. You have the will and the termination that is often lacked in others dealing with the same situation. I really can not imagine all that you have went through to get to this point, but I do know the work you have put in to it and the emotions that you have had to deal with. And after seeing you Wednesday, I felt like crying. At one point in all this I was so very scared for you, really. I almost lost my best friend. Now when I see you, I am just so proud my heart could burst!

*Posted by Kristy

CARSON AND ELLA GO TO A PARTY

Aunt Liz took Carson and Ella to Brianna's 5th Birthday party today. Ella was too sleepy to enjoy herself, but Carson had a great time jumping around, making new friends, and playing a round of basketball.

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A SMALL SET BACK

The last few days have been difficult for Heather. They have discovered that she is allergic to Codeine and has changed her medication. The new medicines don't seem to help as well, but she is trying to adjust. Her physical therapy is strenuous, but she is giving it all she can. The doctor informed her Thursday that she may get to come home May 20th. But then yesterday, she received news that she had a kidney stone. OUCH, I KNOW!! She was literally sick all day yesterday. So if any of you well wishers text or called yesterday and got no response, Heather sends her apologies as her head was in a puke bucket :) Sorry, I just couldn't pass that up. Anyway, as of today, Saturday she seems to be doing better, but sounds very weak on the phone. As for that measly kidney stone, it has passed out of her kidney and is now in her bladder. Hopefully she will pass it soon. She must still continue with her physical therapy. She did some excercises in the bed earlier this morning, and is now waiting on the next set. Ya'll continue to keep her in her prayers.

*Posted by Kristy

A BENEFIT FOR HEATHER

*I saw this on KellysKrazyKids Blog, I thought it would be good to put on Heather's blog. It is truly amazing how people come together to help others. I know her family is so appreciative.*

The O.P. Earle Elementary School PTO is sponsoring a Spring Gospel Concert at the Landrum High School Auditorium on May 27th at 6:30 PM. The Gospel group, Brothers 4, will perform. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted to help defer medical expenses for 4th grade teacher, Heather Cassidy, who was injured in an automobile accident on April 19th. We welcome the community to the concert and appreciate any and all donations for this worthy cause. If you have any questions, please contact Nita High, Principal at O.P. Earle at 457-3416 or e-mail her at nita.high@spart1.org

PIZZA WITH BRIANNA

Carson came over to have pizza with Brianna tonight for dinner. After eating cheese pizza, the 2 of them played on Webkinz and outside. They played on the swingset for a little bit, looked for berries in a tree, and I managed to play a quick inning of baseball with Carson. Carson had a good time. But I have to tell you, Heather, when I went to get Carson, Ella was sitting in the floor and she held them little arms up to me for me to pick her up. My heart just melted. She is just an angel. Don't want to make you all mushy so here are some pics:

Posted by Kristy

CINCO DE MAYO

There will be no cheese enchiladas for Heather today. Heather has been moved to Mary Black Hospital. Apparently there was a lot of miscommunication and some negligence on the physical therapy's part at Spartanburg Regional. I spoke to Heather around 5:00 today and she had just arrived at Mary Black. She will be on a very extensive physical therapy program that will begin in the mornings and will continue until 3:00. Therefore, she will not be allowed any visitors until after this time. I'm sure that they are going to expect a lot out of Heather, and I know that she may get discouraged at times. Please continue to pray that the Lord gives her the strength she will need to overcome these obstacles that have been placed before her.
*Heather, you are a tough girl. God saw you through that car accident for a reason. He definitely won't let something like "physical therapy" get you down. You be strong, and remember the outcome will be you getting to come home to your husband and kids. Maybe next time I see you, I'll get to take you for a spin outside for some fresh air:) Love ya.



*Posted by Kristy

Tiny Steps

Life is continuing to pass before my eyes in the hospital. I can't believe it has been TEN days already! I am beginning to adjust to life here. I am actually learning and adjusting to the routine quite well. I know in the mornings, I will be greeted by a team of doctors before six o'clock. There is nothing like being woken up by them each morning! I then receive a quick visit by my nurse around 7:30 or 8:00 of course to get my pain medication!!!! At about 9:00 my breakfast arrives, and of course it takes my entire family to convince me that it is essential that I eat! Usually right after breakfast, I get my daily "bath"! Sponge baths are definitely NOT a favorite of mine. Therapy usually follows. Each days the intensity increases. I am proud to admit that yesterday I made it from a laying position, to a sitting position, to a standing position, turned around, and into a sitting position in a chair.

My AMAZING FRIENDS and FAMILY continue to be my SUPPORT and SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is absolutely NO way I could complete this journey alone!!

CARSON HAS A DATE WITH BRIANNA

What was supposed to have been a trip to the zoo, ended up with a visit to GattiTown and a play date at my house. Carson was in really good spirits when I picked him up. He told Brianna all about how Heather was in a car accident. "Some mean guy ran a speed light and hit her." He said that she is doing better and sounds better. At GattiTown, Carson had lunch while watching the Fairly Odd Parents on a huge TV screen. Then he and Brianna went off to play. He took her for a ride in a monster truck, played basketball, and even won a stuffed animal at a "carnival game". I did attempt to take him to the zoo, but the weather had other plans. Carson wanted to come over for awhile to make a bug. He's been wanting to use Brianna's Creepy Crawly Bug Making Oven since she got it at Christmas. He made some bugs, played Play-doh, and watched Night at the Museum. The kids got along great and even cleaned up. Of course, I did have to use ice pop bribery to get the job done. Heather, don't you worry about Carson. He seems to be adjusting and is doing great!







*Posted by Kristy

BLOGGING "STAND IN"

Heather has given some of her "blogging buddies" permission to keep this blog of hers current. I told her about 3 nights ago that I would update it for her, but I was unable to get in. I had her user name and password, but could not get it to work. Imagine my surprise when I looked at her blog this morning and there was a posting from Heather! I should have known that being in a hospital bed for a week could not even keep this girl from blogging!*Heather, I cried while I read your words. Yes you are fortunate to have so much support, but we as your friends and family are fortunate as well because you are in our lives. You truly are one of the best people I know. Your spirit is amazing and it will be through the strength of the Lord and the help of your family and friends that you get through this. Oh yeah, if you guys are out there wondering how I finally managed to get logged into Heather's blog....I think I tried every arrangement possible of her password until finally it just worked. In any other circumstance I might be a little upset that I spent 3 days trying, but in this case I'll just chalk it up to Heather being doped up! :)

*Posted by Kristy

A Screetching Halt...

Life as I knew it and had unknowingly taken for granted took a dramatic CHANGE last Saturday night. I only have a few minutes to post since Sara is only visiting for a short while. To make the long story short, I was leaving Target on Saturday night when a car ran a redlight and hit me at a high rate of speed. Praise God that I was alone and that He protected those two small angels I typically carry around. I was rushed to the hospital, given emergency surgery to remove a ruptured spleen, and admitted to ICU. I had a pretty bruised up body and a fractured pelvis. I spent a couple of days in ICU before being moved to a regular room. I have grown physically emotionally, spiritually, and mentally over the past week.

I am completely HUMBLED at all of the LOVE, SUPPORT, and ENCOURAGEMENT that I have received. My emotions completely overwhelm me just at the thought of the tiniest acts of kindness I have received. I promise every single prayer, hug, smile, word of encouragement, massage, bouquet of flowers, card, letters, banner, snack, willingness to keep my two children, calls, rubbing of my hairy legs, moving of my catheter, assistance with washing my hair with waterless shampoo, text messages, visits, etc. will NEVER be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I sit here in this hospital bed exactly one week later questioning "why me?" and praising God at the same time for MY LIFE, I must close this post as my friends do actually still have lives and other engagements! I ask that you continue to pray for my two children as they are now adjusting to a much different life with their mommy, for my husband as he continues to be my ROCK, for my parents as they now know what it's like to be full-time parents again, for my sister who is truly my best friend, for my in-laws who accept me as their own, for my friends as they continue to support me, for my remaining family members who are willinging to do anything to help, and for my precious forty or so children who are now adjusting to life with a new teacher!!!!!!!!!

I promise I have lots of pictures to post very soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ella At Fourteen Months!

Where's the pause button?!?! Sara and I talked today about how quickly time is flying by with Ella, but God keeps blessing us with more time with BABY Ella! She seems so much more of a baby than Carson was at this same age! For that, I am so grateful!!!!!!!!!!!! Because, according to Daddy, Ella completes our family!! Um...not so sure I agree!

Roo at Fourteen Months:
Has a precious toothy grin
Has started growling at Carson when he is "bothering" her
Loves to walk around holding onto to things
Still is not walking on her own
Has a yucky cough
Will NOT drink from a sippy cup for anything! (Yes, I do know what the doctor will say!)
Still only has two teeth, but we do see hints of others
Loves to look out the window at Harley
Has started waking up throughout the night for a bottle
Still hasn't had her one year shots (trying to put it off as long as possible)
Still hasn't gone back to daycare
Loves to climb up in Carson's rocking chair
Loves to STAND up in Carson's rocking chair
Enjoys dancing
Loves books
Loves playing Peek-a-Boo
Has learned to "talk" on the telephone
Enjoys making her brother mad by playing with the remote when he is trying to watch a show
Still eats mostly baby food
LOVES to be outside
Weighs about eighteen pounds
Plays pretty well by herself
Is completely spoiled rotten by her daddy
Enjoys spending time with Ethan (especially when he takes her for rides)
Doesn't seem to enjoy the bath as much as she used to
Is counting down to the time when she can have a stay-at-home mommy
Is starting to get a little more hair
Will only let CERTAIN people rock her to sleep
Does not seem as afraid of strangers
Does not seem to get as upset at the sound of laughter
Loves to cuddle
Is addicted to her pacifier
Holds her hands up in the cutest way when she wants to be picked up
Likes to sit in her mommy's lap in the morning when she is trying to get ready for work
Continues to melt my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Very Familiar Resemblance!!

Trisha, Ella wanted to post this just for you!!!!!!! She's learning early, so you better watch out!