Building Healthy Homes

I don’t do resolutions, but I usually pray about finding a word for the year. In 2017, my word was restore. I honestly didn’t know why The Lord put that word out there for me, but I held onto it.  In January, I was blessed to be a part of restoring a relationship between my mom and her sister. I didn’t do any of the hard work for it...honestly, it fell into place by posting here on FB about a surgery my mom was having. God managed that whole thing.  In March, I was introduced to the amazingness of the Aroma Freedom Technique using YL essential oils. It’s been an amazing journey to be able to free the mental bondage I’ve put my brain through over my entire life of burdens and trials that weren’t even in my control. If you’re interested in learning more about this, let me know and I’ll send you info! It can be done without oils, but it makes the process easier. Mental restoration at its finest...although, I’m still not perfect, but I now know how to work through things better an...

To the lady that was in front of me in the Chick-fil-a drive thru... As far as I know, you don't know me. You didn't know that it took me over 40 minutes to decide that going to grab a quick lunch instead of leftovers (again) wasn't going to make me a bad wife or mommy. You didn't know that I took out my calculator to see if I could even afford a $10 gluten free lunch option. You didn't know that it was going to be the last $10 on the gift card we received from my sister for Christmas. You didn't know that I made the decision this past year to quit my full time career to be a stay at home mom because my 3 children really needed more of their mommy. You didn't know that I spent most of my morning praying for a way to get through the financial mess we've created for ourselves over the past 12 years of marriage. You didn't know that I'm super worried about my mom, who has overcome so many medical complications, once again faces another surgery in a ...

Now that mom is home and our efforts are gearing toward raising money for my parents, I will no longer be providing updates on mom's progress on this blog. I am officially transitioning to my life as a mama and will provide updates the family & activities we do, including Pinterest projects. You can now find the official blog and website we created or our fundraising efforts at: http://www.wrightreasons.com. Thanks!

First off...thank you ALL for entering our contest! We have a tie for the largest group...both containing 18! DPSG Plano, TX Dance Unlimited Buda, TX The winner for the most creative... Mom chose this picture because "it was the most unexpected"! Jacob Haverda I will be sure to contact you in order to mail you your prizes! Again...thank you to all of you that participated....even those of you that wore red and didn't submit a photo! Until later...

I had one wish this year for my birthday. I had hoped that my mom would be home. Well...she is...and it's 4 days earlier than I had hoped for! She did her trial run at home yesterday and did amazing! She didn't want to go back to the rehab facility last night...but she did and then the doc released her today. When I talked with her this morning she was most anticipating being able to sleep in her own bed!! Salsa (mom's dog) was so excited yesterday...as its been over a month since she's seen mom! We are so thankful to everyone that has supported us through love and prayer since late December through this journey! Now that mom is home, our efforts (me & my sisters) are quickly turning to figuring out ways to help mom & dad with the new financial burdens of the hospitalizations. The name of our cause is, "For the Wright Reasons"! Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help out with as much of the medical bills as possible!!! We have been in the beginning stages...

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I've been so wrapped up in getting the "Red" photos promoted & listed that I haven't given an update on mom's progress the past few days. We've talked the last few days...so here it is... Thursday, January 31: She had another hard day...due to not having much sleep they gave her a sleeping pill on Wednesday night in hopes to help her get some. Well...it unfortunately didn't kick in until 8AM....the time of her first physical therapy session! She powered through anyway and ended up riding the stationary bike for 3 miles & it only took her 12 minutes!!! Awesome!!! Mom's God-daughter, Sarah, went to visit mom and showered her with gifts to prepare for "Red Day". She took her a blanket with lots of hearts, a red shirt, and lots of hearts that she glued pins on so mom could hand them out. Mom & Dad both said that by the time word got out, people were coming to her room to pick up hearts to wear. She had to hide enough hearts in order t...

Thank you for all of you that have submitted your photos for the contest. Here's a reminder of the contest specifics: 1. All photos must be emailed to familywarren5@gmail.com by 11:59 PM on Monday, February 4, 2013. 2. The photo must be "family friendly". 3. The photo can contain all family members - including pets. Category Entries: 1. Most Creative 2. Largest Group All submitted photos will be posted on this page of the blog and then we'll have a vote! The winning picture will get a special gift from me. By the way...the judges are someone we all know and love...my mom & dad! By all means...this is why we're doing this, right!! So...here are the submissions in the order they were received. Warren Kids (Liberty, Hailey, & Joshua) Kim, Bailey, & Ben Nimmick "Red Pic" Jacob Haverda "My Heart to Mrs. Wright" Robert & Debbie Simmons "Good Morning Debi" Fuentes Teachers Fuentes 4th Grade Elvis Submitted by: Kat Smith Dr P...

Mama's going home!!!! Well....kinda....sorta..... She is being released for the afternoon on Saturday to go home with dad. It's a trial day for her to see if she'll be able to do things on her own in her environment. She'll have to do several things, such as walk around with the walker, take a shower, use the restroom, wash & fold laundry, etc. She does have to return to TNR on Saturday evening. If then, things have gone well on Saturday then she will be discharged on Monday!! I cannot explain the happiness I heard in her voice as she was telling me all of this. I am so proud of her for working so hard and keeping with it. I've always known that my mom (& dad) have been strong models for me and my sister's, but it's so special to get little reminders of it every now and then, and this is no exception. I love you mama!!! The girls and I couldn't be more proud of you!!! Until later...

I talked to mom tonight!! She said that this morning started out pretty crazy...her blood pressure was really high!! They don't know what caused it but please continue prayers that this was only a strange thing. She still did push through a physical therapy session. The nurses and therapists are telling her that she is really almost ready to head home...just have to tackle walking the loop. So then I asked, "are you ready to go home...like are you comfortable?" She replied, "I don't really know." She mentioned that she's ready for a little more quiet (as the patient down the hall was hollaring constantly while we were on the phone), ready to not have the bill adding up, and ready for dad to not have to keep going back and forth from there. I think she's just a little apprensive but she did say she's not worried about falling or not being ready. I honestly think that the blood pressure situation from this morning wasn't helping her confidence....

Most of you all know that mom started her battle with heart disease several years ago....well...10 years ago the American Heart Association started a campaign, National Wear Red Day®. This year, National Wear Red Day® is this Friday, February 1st. My challenge to you...support my mom, granny, & sister...support all women battling heart disease....Wear your Red this Friday, February 1st. Here's the catch...wear your red then take a picture...send it to me at familywarren5@gmail.com . I'll post it on the blog and then we'll have a vote! The winning picture will get a special gift from me. So...you only have a few days, but get your family & friends together and get creative....& show your support for Heart Disease. UPDATE: The contest details are below: 1. All photos must be emailed to familywarren5@gmail.com by 11:59 PM on Monday, February 4, 2013. 2. The photo must be "family friendly". 3. The photo can contain all family members - including pets. Cat...

I got to talk to mom tonight for about 15 minutes! I am still just SO thankful that I'm able to talk with her again like "normal"! She continues to make progress! She's able to get in and out of bed with a little less help than before. She can get to and from the bathroom on her own as well. She had a tough day of physical/occupational therapy on Friday. They pushed her harder than the days before...now walking the hallways with a walker instead of being in a wheelchair! She doesn't like her new bed because the buttons to move it up & down are on the outside of the arms...so that stinks! They finally have her glucose medication correct so that also making her feel better! Although tonight it was high due to her using lifesavers to calm a cough... Dad is optimistic that she may be able to go home by next weekend if she keeps with it and working as hard as she did this past week! My opinion: I want her to stay (even though its somewhat miserable) until she's...

I know it's been a few days...sorry! I'm still transitioning to life with 3 kiddos & working full time! I just got off the phone with mom & dad. Mom is progressing well...eating better too. She's motivated to get herself home so she's doing what it takes to get there. They had her review meeting this past Tuesday. It's basically an informational meeting to discuss her abilities when she arrived to therapy and how far she's progressed. They also discussed where she needs to be physically in order to be released for home. From what dad said, she's got to be able to physically care for herself before leaving...this means walking, being able to cook, do laundry, etc. In order to get this accomplished, she's got to start eating her meals and working hard at physical therapy. When I talked with her on Tuesday evening she said, "I think I did better than they thought I would today." That's so amazing to hear...especially from her! Dad ment...

Last night we girls decided to make some dinners and freeze them for dad. The menu was the famous "Wright Chicken & Noodles" and a roast. Enjoy dad!! We went by the hospital to say bye to mom. She was a little under the weather today but toughed it out to see us and the kids. Although our visit today was short, she still managed to make me cry. I love her so, so, so, so, so, so much! Tomorrow mom has her 1 week evaluation. This meeting is an informational meeting to show her progress over the last week. She did agree for me to share the picture of her with the kids. Although two very important people in her life are missing from this picture here are the other 7. These "Famous" 9 are Nana's Bugs!! From left to right... Joshua Warren, Hailey Warren, Bailey Nimmick, Nana, Morgan Gilpin, Ben Nimmick, Trey Gilpin, & Liberty Warren. (Missing from the pic are Brooklyn & Hunter Bursiel.) Until later...

We had a large family visit with mom today...3 of us girls, 7 grand kids, 1 son-in-law, & dad!! When we got there mom was enjoying this beautiful weather outside! The 5 big grand kids played hide and seek and mom held Joshua for the first time. That's a big deal as he weighs 16 pounds! We took lots of pictures! One of the best was when all the grand kids (2 missing) piled on the bed with Nana! Cristi, Kim, & I (with Hailey, Ben, & Joshua) stayed for a longer visit. Kim & Cristi got mom all purdy while I sat and held Joshua the whole time. They shaved her legs and cut & painted her toe nails! She's doing amazing! Taking one day at a time is the focus!! I am posting another picture of her hand...mainly to show how much her swelling has gone down! Enjoy the few pictures I'm allowed to share! Until later...

I have one word today..."Wow"!! I've already said this a few weeks ago and I've always known it but today I saw it again with my own eyes...my mother is beautiful!!! To see how much progress she's made in these past two weeks is something that I'm finding hard to put into words. You can have a clear conversation with her! This is something that I honestly was unsure of two weeks ago when I visited with her. My girls were able to sit with mom in her bed...and yes I took pictures (that I promised not to share cause she hates pictures of her). She is building her strength daily during her PT. She told dad yesterday that Vern, her physical therapist, was tough on her but that she appreciates it. She's slowly beginning to eat more. She's not liking the food though...she tells us it's salty. When Kim asked if there was something we could take her...she said nothing sounds good. Then Kim mentioned cottage cheese and she lit up and said, "Ooh, cottage...

I got to talk to mom this afternoon for about 15 minutes. She is doing well...although still apprehensive. She sounded really good!! Her memory was good as well....she was able to tell me things that happened yesterday. I asked her how she feels about her memory...she said, "working on it". I asked if she knew why she went to the hospital and she said "no". Then I told her about this blog. She said, "dad told me"...so at least she remembered that. She was able to tell me that she has two therapy sessions per day. They had her getting up to walk again today - which she didn't like too much. It's just great to hear her talking at regular speed and in full sentences. I know one day she'll be able to fill in the blanks from all of this. So for now...I left her with this statement at the end of our conversation..."You're doing great mom & I'm so proud of you. Soon enough you'll be able to get home and out run us all." She j...

So...I called tonight to see how mom's first full day went. Well.... Dad said she was apprehensive because they made her get up and walk. She was using a walker of course because it's been 2 1/2 weeks since she's been up. I guess she did well enough because they went ahead and removed her catheter. I asked if the food was any better than the hospital but dad said she's not really eating it...and didn't want to talk about it. Hopefully tomorrow goes better. She's just still apprehensive about being there and change takes some getting used to. Hang in there mommy!! Until later...

Well...mama moved to TNR today. Her and dad spent most of the day getting medical info updated at her new place and getting things set up. She did start moving her arms well enough yesterday to feed herself! I'm just amazed how wonderful she's doing! I can't wait to see how quickly she'll get back to walking. Dad says she's doing well with her memory. He said her long term memory is much better than her short term but it is getting better. Great job mama! We couldn't be prouder of you!!!

When I text my dad last night for the latest update, instead of texting back...he called! I cannot tell you how AMAZING it is to hear mom talking more and more. So...today, I called for the update and he said, "It's been her best day yet! We're having a party..." Mom's brother, Jimmie, and sister-in-law, Diana, went to visit with her today. She's been talking and laughing. Jimmie even fed her lunch....although I don't think she liked it. I guess at some point in the conversation dad mentioned to Jimmie that when all is said and done she'll have been at the hospital for 18 days and mom replied, "I've been here 18 days???!!??" Haha...oh how I'm so glad there are some of those days she doesn't remember. I am so grateful that I started writing...that way it will some day help her know what transpired while she was "out of it" for a bit! I think I can speak for my entire family that we are so grateful for the doctors & nu...