Can you be like Mary? I am.

I pray that you will do as Mary did that special night and "ponder the blessings of this past year in your heart!"

My blessings are not hard to count these days.  I have a healthy Husband, and a healthy Daughter.  My dog...well, he's just crazy!

In June of 2009, Emme had cranio-facial reconstruction.  We spent 8 days at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital while she recovered.  If you missed out on that, a link to her journey through pictures is here:
http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/auth_dvd?work_id=9428029

In October of 2010, Shannon began a 3 week process of having a Deep Brain Stimulator input into his brain.  Shannon suffers from a neuro-muscular disease called Dystonia, and this surgery was our last effort to lead him to a better quality of life.  For more detailed information about his surgery, read here:
http://www.shannonbunch.com/Blog/

With those two major obstacles won, I don't think I could be more thankful for the blessings on and in my life.  We have conquered and succeeded everything that has come our way.  I thank God for that!

So what are your blessings?  I know I've been brief and I'm sure I could have written a book, but you get the point.  This Christmas take some time to ponder for yourself.  Until then, Merry Christmas!!!!

Giving Thanks

In light of Thanksgiving being next week, I really need to write an entry about some things I am thankful for.  So, today, I decided I would write about my Mom, Patti. Our relationship has seen ups and downs for sure, but my Mom is someone I can always count on when I need something.  I am thankful for her now, probably more that I have ever been.  I think we have both grown to understand each other better in the recent years, which is a great feeling.

When we were little kids (I have 3 Sisters) I can remember distinctly each outfit my Mom would wear.  I don't remember them because they were that great (although my Mom always looked neat and clean), I remember them because there were so few.  I never got that until later in life when I was conscious of my own clothes and I realized that my Mom always wore the same clothes and rarely bought anything for herself because she spent every dime she had on us girls. 

I can remember each and every Labor Day through school when she would drop us off at the start of the Labor Day Parade (many years we were all in different activities), watch us each go through, and then pick us all up at the end.  There were some years that Jamie (my Twin) and I had to go through the parade 2 or 3 times because we were involved in so many different activities.  That, takes dedication.  The last thing I want to do on Labor is carpool kids back and forth through a parade.  I'm sure I will get my fair share sooner than later.

Anytime any of us girls came home and said we wanted to join an extra-curricular activity,  a way was always made.  My Dad traveled for work, so many times, it was up to Mom to shuffle schedules and figure out how to get 4 girls to activities on the weekends and during the week.  Talk about crazy!  In my high school years, I began to play club volleyball.  The team I played on was a travel team and was very expensive.  Somehow, someway, there was always a way made so I could play.

At Christmas, there were always so many gifts under the tree that you could hardly walk through our living room.  Christmas was always a magical time of year at my house.  My parents weren't the kind of parents who bought us toys all year long (which was a good thing), so Christmas was always a really fun time for us.  Not only were there gifts, but there was always wonderful food, beautiful China, and most importantly Family.  I will never take fore granted the Holidays at our home.  As we have grown older and matured in our own lives, Christmas has changed some, but not the feeling of walking into Mom's house and seeing all the decorations and trees and food and presents and so on.  It's definitely a feeling I want to pass on to my little girl!

There's been many times in my life where I have been wronged (who hasn't) and I can say that I've always had my Mom to walk me through it.  Of course, there's also been times where I have been wrong too, and she's definitely walked me through those as well.  I've always appreciated the fact that I wasn't a pedestal child.  I've never been portrayed as perfect, and I've always been accepted when I've failed.   I certainly hope I can be so true with myself when Emme is growing up.  I don't ever want to watch her grow with blinders on!

This Fall, my Mom and Grandmother joined Shannon, Emme, and I for vacation in Florida.  I have always known my Mother's love for the beach, so I was quite excited to have them with us.  It was a wonderful week, a rare time when we could spend Mother/Daughter time without anyone else (remember I have 3 Sisters).  I enjoyed the vacation so much because we spent everyday on the beach just chatting, just the two of us.  Don't mistake me, I thoroughly enjoy our big Family times (there are 19 of us total), but it's definitely not the time to have one on one conversation.  It really meant a lot to me that my Mom would take the time out of her busy work schedule and also her vacation time, to spend a week with us.  Of course, who in their right mind would turn down a week at the beach?

I could go on with more stories, but I think we all get the point.  Mom, thanks for the sacrifices, love, and time you have put into making me who I am today.  I, am Thankful, for you.

Surgery, Take 3.

Well folks, we did it! We made it through three surgeries in three weeks.  I'm really surprised at how well Shannon has done.  I know that I have given him a hard time through my blog about how bad of a patient he is, but truthfully, he isn't all that bad.  Anybody who knows Shannon, knows that he can be a little high maintenance at times, but seriously- I think he has earned a "trooper" badge in my book.  In fact, I think I've earned one too.  I'm not sure I know too many people who would be so patient through something like this.

Last night on the way to Louisville, we stopped at Rafferty's in Bowling Green to eat dinner.  After we got back in the car to finish the drive, I felt a little sad.  I know it sounds weird, but I'm kind of sad that this whole ordeal is coming to an end.  For the last three Wednesday's, Shannon and I have basically had a "date night."  Some may not think it's that big of a deal to stop and have dinner with their husband, but we rarely get a night to ourselves that's child-free.  I think I can count on one hand the times that we've had that chance.  So there ya go, selfishly, I've enjoyed part of this journey because I have been able to have a kid-free dinner with my husband.

Another sadness I realized today is that we have become very friendly with several of the staff at the hospital.  I know you all will be so surprised that Shannon made friends with everyone we came in contact with, but the staff at the hospital was truly one of  a kind.  I must tell you their names, just because if anyone from Norton Brownsboro reads this, they'll know how much we appreciated them.  Wilma was the waiting-room-one-of-a-kind-nicest-lady-I-ever met person; Mary was the absolute best about getting Shannon ready for surgery especially because she kept him laughing (or maybe he kept her laughing) prior to go time; Ann was the best pre-surgery nurse who tortured (not really) Shannon by inserting his I.V. and asking all the fun questions; and then there's Jason who was so kind post-op to my overly dramatic husband.  I don't think  we could thank you enough, and I promise Shannon will be by to share with you the results of his surgery.  Of course I can't end this paragraph without saying another "thank-you" to Dr. Todd Shanks.  Thank you for giving my husband the opportunity to find some normalcy again.

Before surgery today, Wilma (the receptionist in the waiting room) came to tell me we had visitors.  I had no earthly idea who it could be.  About a month ago, Shannon sang in Lawrenceburg, KY for Pastor Rick Clark.  Donnie and Shirley are a part of that church.  Today, they took time out of their day to stop by and pray for Shannon and just visit before surgery.  It was such a blessing to our day.  Thank you both for coming by this  morning.  It really meant a lot.

With all of that being said, I am truly happy that this over.  It's been a LONG three weeks for me, and I know it's been even longer for Shannon.  Shannon's heading back out on the road this weekend (with a little help of course) and I know he is more than ready to sing again.  I will tell you he has kept his voice in shape by singing for the entire operating room the last two weeks.

Well, I guess that's about it for now.  I can't end without saying "thanks" to all of our Veterans today.  Thanks for your service and sacrifices!

TGFN (Thank Goodness for Naps)

Whew.  What a blur the last few days have been.  We returned home from Louisville on Friday.  We got home and had about an hour and a half to catch our breath before Jennifer (our Angel from God who has been keeping Emme through Shannon's surgeries) returned Emme to our house.  Within 45 minutes, Shannon's Mom and Aunt also showed up for the weekend. All I can say is, wow.  I thought it would be a stress-free, relaxing weekend, with a little bit of help from his Mom and Aunt, but.....everything went downhill from there.

Emme woke up Saturday morning with a little bit of a runny nose, but nothing to worry about.  Shannon's Mom likes to check out yard sales and Goodwill while she is in town, so I thought that would be an easy way to keep everybody occupied and give Shannon a little bit of time to rest.  Emme was extremely over-tired and refused to take a nap.  We ended up taking her with us for the day and we picked up Shannon after a few hours because he wanted in on the fun too.  (Insert sarcasm here.)  Anyhow, after Goodwill's and yard-sales, Shannon took his Mom to get an eye-exam (they are cheaper here, I suppose) and I dropped by my school's Fall Carnival.  Luckily, Emme fell asleep in the car, so she did at least get a nap in.  After the eye-exam was finished, we went to Five Guys to eat a late lunch/dinner.  Shannon simply overdid it.  He was exhausted by the time we got home and I was too.  I'm tired just writing about it.  By the time we got Emme down to sleep for the night, she was tugging at her ear and patting her forehead saying "it hurts."  Fantastic.

After a pretty restless night, Emme woke up Sunday morning with green goo coming out of her nose.  I patiently waited for the Urgent Care to open so I could get some antibiotics in her system.  After we returned from the Urgent Care (it was a pretty painless and quick trip thank goodness) Shannon's Mom and Aunt hit the road.  I thought "Great! We can all take a nap!"  Ha!  By the time I got Emme down for her nap and went to the pharmacy to fill her prescription, she was back up again.  Shannon was exhausted so he went upstairs to take a nap.  I stayed up with Emme, but somewhere along the way, I think I drifted off to sleep.  She took full advantage of my closed eyes and dumped the entire amount of water in the humidifier on the carpet, went to her room and removed every book from the shelf, and in the process woke up her Dad.  And that folks, is about the time I hit the wall.

By this point, Emme's got green goo coming out of both eyes which are now turning pink, and she's running a fever.  Looks like another day off of work for me.  Great.  I'm now officially out of sick days after this week.  Keep your fingers crossed nobody else in my family gets sick,  because I'm working without pay if they do.  Anyway, we called her pediatrician's office who kindly called in antibiotic eye-drops for Emme (they RARELY call in anything without being seen) but we had to drive across town to pick them up at the only 24 hour pharmacy open near us.

Emme slept better last night and Shannon was up before us this morning.  That definitely means he is starting to bounce back.  We worked around the house some this morning and then I lost it.  I NEEDED A NAP!

Up until this point I think I've handled brain surgery pretty well.  But today, it all just hit me.  Okay, it really hit me last night as we were trudging to Wal-Green's to pick up our second antibiotic for the day, but whatever.  We had about $70.00 in our bank account to last us until someone got paid.  I don't get paid again until next week and Shannon is supposed to work this weekend.  So there ya go.  $70.00 for groceries, gas to Louisville, hotel Wednesday night, and food while we are out of town.  Not to mention, Emme's daycare for the week, and gas to get Shannon to his dates this weekend.  Nope.  It wasn't going to happen.  I called my Mom and she gladly said she would help us out.  (By the way, I HATE asking my Mom for help unless it is an absolute have to.  Mom's always understand and never complain, it just sucks to have to do it.)  Whew, one thing of the stress list.  Now, the stupid scale is killing me.  I've gained about 6 pounds in the last month.  I know most of it is stress weight, but I feel gross and I don't like the way my clothes fit.  I'll be on a mission in a few weeks to work all of that back off and hopefully more, so I've decided not to stress about that either.  Great, check two off the stress list.

Now for the nap.  We took my favorite kind of nap today.  A family nap.  We all laid down together for the first time since all this stupid surgery started.  It was great.  My little unit, all warm in the bed together- well except Walter- he was outside chasing his shadow.  I'll save that story for another day.  We took about a 2 hour nap and we all got up with a fresh face.  Thank goodness.  Emme's even back to normal for the most part.

After our nap, I looked at our mail and we had received a card from a tiny little church in Lagarto, TX called Lagarto Community Church.  They are some of our favorite people and we have shared in each others ups and downs.  The card was so encouraging and even contained one of Shannon's favorite scriptures from the bible.  Enclosed was a gift from the people of Lagarto.  I'm not sure they will ever know just how much it meant for Shannon and I for them to send this.  Now, I can black sharpie cross of the list my first worry.  I think we can survive until next payday.   Both Shannon and I wept today when we read their card.  Shannon said there are days that his job is hard and tiring, but today was one of the days where his job was the most rewarding.  Our God is an on-time God.

Needless to say, after our naps, we felt rested and re-energized.  I've learned that I need to rest.  Next time I feel stressed and overwhelmed, I going to remind myself TGFN.  Until then....

Surgery: Part 2

Hello friends.  I fully intended on writing this blog last night, but I will be honest, I was completely worn out.  Yesterday was the "big" surgery for Shannon.  We were both a little more anxious on this round.  We knew going into this endeavor that there were risks involved.  Anytime you work inside the brain, it can be risky.

The day started pretty good.  We were supposed to report to the hospital at 7:30 a.m. and his surgery was supposed to begin about 11:00.  Shannon was Dr. Shanks second surgery and apparently the first surgery ran a little long.  They didn't actually take Shannon back to surgery until around 12:45 p.m.  I think the added time waiting, made us both a little more anxious.  Shannon said he really wanted to be the first patient so he could be in and out and not have to wait.  Sometimes, we don't get everything we wish for.  Dr. Shanks came by to see us before the surgery and was kind enough to let me know he read my blog.  I was a little dumbfounded and impressed that this Dr. had time to sit and read my thoughts.  I guess Shannon and I have made a good impression- or at least that's what I'm going to believe.  

When they wheeled Shannon back for surgery, one of the nurses asked him what he did for employment.  Shannon explained to her that he was a Christian Music Entertainer and she asked him if he knew "Amazing Grace."  He quickly replied he definitely knew that and then she asked him if he could sing "Page 370."  To which Shannon quickly replied "Victory in Jesus."  Anyhow, Shannon never turns down an audience, so he sang for the nurses and staff before surgery.  I think they all knew what Shannon did for a living and they were just testing him to see if he was good at what he did.  I suppose they figured that out.

This is where the endless day of waiting began.  To pass the time, I wrote a blog.   After I finished that, I played what felt like about 6,247 games of Solitaire on my phone.  I anticipated the surgery to run a little long, but I definitely didn't expect it to last 5 1/2 hours.  The only updates I got throughout the whole surgery was that surgery was still in progress and everything was going well.  Somewhere around the 5 hour mark, I got antsy, nervous, etc.  I think for the most part, I was mentally and physically exhausted at that point.  

After the surgery, Dr. Shanks came out to meet me.  Sometimes by the look on someones face you can tell when something wasn't exactly quite right.  I knew by the look on his face that there was something, I just didn't know what.  Shannon is a very complicated person.  He is extremely sensitive to the touch, has these crazy responses called "vagal" responses where he will pass out if his body senses anything weird, etc.,and he's been known to have a panic attack or two.  Basically, during the surgery process, every single weird body thing that Shannon has, happened.  At some point during the surgery, Shannon's blood pressure shot up extremely high and his face drew up.  Dr. Shanks was concerned that there could have been a stroke during the surgery.  When he came out to talk to me, he let me know that Shannon was down having a CT Scan to rule that out.  The brain is very complicated and sometimes things happen that the Dr.'s can't explain.  This was basically one of those times.  I am grateful to tell you that his face is back to normal, and there was NO stroke.  I didn't release this information last night because I didn't want to scare anyone if there was no reason to.  But, this explains why we got to stay in ICU last night instead of a regular room.  Dr. Shanks wanted Shannon to have a little extra supervision, just because it would make everybody feel better based on the days events. 

I will tell everyone that Dr. Shanks said he got great responses from Shannon during surgery.  Did I mention he was awake for the whole process?  They did numb him where they were working, but he was not under anesthesia.  It did take about 4 times more numbing medicine that what it takes a normal person, but what do you expect, it's Shannon we are talking about.  So back to the responses, when they put the stimulating probes in yesterday, they do turn on the generator to try to see where is the best placement.  Dr. Shanks told me that they did see many positive signs when they turned the generator on.  One instance was in Shannon's hands.  He said when they turned everything on, his hands relaxed quite a bit.  I am so thankful for that. 

We had a long night last night, with frequent wake ups, but all in all I feel rested.  I know I will definitely want a nap eventually, but I don't feel exhausted like I did last week.  It excites me to know that we are 2/3 of the way through with this process.  Next week will end the surgical process.  We have waited for this day for so long.  I am extremely optimistic about Shannon's future in the Dystonia world.  I think after it's all said and done Shannon needs a t-shirt that says "I kicked Dystonia to the curb!" 

Hopefully, I will only have to update you a few more times regarding this dumb Dystonia and then I can get back to my more fun, entertaining blogs.  Until then....

While Shannon's in Surgery

While Shannon's in surgery today, I decided that I would pass the time by writing. 

Today's surgery will consist of the surgical team placing two probes somewhere in his brain, but not just anywhere, they will be going deep into the brain.  Today they will keep Shannon awake so that when they get the probes in, he can give them feedback regarding how he is feeling.  The probes are intended to be placed in the part of his brain that is causing his muscles to be in distress.  He will be asked to solve simple math problems, perform basic fine-motor skills, and so forth.

I made a mistake in my last posting about the hospital Shannon is at.  He is at Norton Hospital Brownsboro.  I am just as impressed on my second trip here as I was the first.  One of the nurses told me that they are working on earning fleece jackets by getting good survey feedback.  I think they all deserve new cars. 

Shannon was a little more anxious today than he was last week.  I completely understand that, because I was too.  I wasn't beside myself, but all morning I've had a pit in my stomach and felt the sudden urge to cry.  I'm not a crier.  I am such a hard person that I can't show my emotions.  I'll learn, but for now I'll blame all that on my Dad.  He's hard too. 

Shannon's Mom and Aunt will be coming to town this weekend to visit and help with Shannon.  I don't think he will need much help, but I'm glad that his Mom will get to spend some time with Emme.  I also have a group of friends coming in this weekend, so hopefully with his Mom here, I can go and visit with them.

Emme's been a bit of a challenge in the last week.  She's definitely getting closer to 2, and it's no secret!  She is a very independent child and she learns really fast.  A few nights ago in the bathtub she started singing, "The Wheels on the Bus..." and I just looked at her like, "what the heck, who taught you that?"  That's not a song that we have pulled out of our hat yet, so, I was surprised that she already knew it.  Emme will sing ANY song and is happy to sit at the piano anytime, audience or not.  Thankfully, it looks like she has her Daddy's love for music.  Scarily, it looks like she's got a little of her Momma's personality.  I mean, I know I'm great and all, but....it took a long time to get here! 

As far as school goes, I feel SO out of the loop.  I was at a Conference Monday and Tuesday, worked Wednesday, and now I'm out Thursday and Friday.  I was particularly sad about missing school today because I am missing the Wilson County Olympics.  I selected an Olympic team and they went today to compete against other teams from our county.  My Assistant Principal, Nick Nance, was kind enough to take them for me, but I sure wanted to go.  Speaking of school, I was very thankful for dinner from my Principal's last week.  What a kind gesture. 

We are also happy to be joining a new church, Joy Church in Mt. Juliet.  We have been members of Cornerstone Church in Madison for 5 1/2 years, and we loved it, however, the drive was merely impossible with a baby.  Other deciding factors were we wanted Emme to be in a church where some of her peers would be.  We also wanted to be in a church closer to our own community so we could help and worship with people from around our area. Joy Church is very similar to Cornerstone and the Pastor, Jim Frease, is a hoot.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the services.  Emme must be happy with the nursery, because she walks right on in when we get there.  What a relief!

One last update, Shannon is getting ready to record again!!!  I'll leave all the details for him to disclose, but we should have new product by the first of the year.  I can't wait!

Thanks for reading today.  I'll try to update again tonight, post surgery.  Until then...

Things I've Learned From Surgery, Part 1

In honor of Shannon's first part of the 3 part brain surgery, I decided I would write a blog about what I've learned during this process.

First, and foremost, MEN are TERRIBLE patients.  For as long as Shannon and I have been together, I've always been the lucky one to go under the knife.  First, it was my gall bladder, then the tonsils, then a baby.  All three times I had complications.  All I've ever heard about me post-surgery is what a baby I am, how I can't handle anything, blah, blah, blah.  Well, let me tell you- I don't think I'll ever hear those words again.  I think, maybe, just maybe, Shannon might change his tune when this is all said and done.  Surgery sucks, anyway you look at it.

I've learned that people I don't even know are prepared to be prayer warriors for you.  This month, Shannon had over 24,000 hits on his website.  I'm assuming most of those folks were people who were checking up on his progress.  If you didn't know it, Shannon's page runs a live feed from his Twitter account.  During surgery, I am posting progress that way.  So, if you want up to the minute details of how he is doing, check www.shannonbunch.com  Anyhow, we have people praying for Shannon and our family from all over the place.  I can't even begin to fathom how many prayer lists we are on at churches.  That's powerful stuff and we are so thankful for it.

I've learned that just because a hospital doesn't have a well-known name, doesn't mean that it's not a good place.  Shannon's surgeries are taking place at Norton Hospital Brownsboro in Louisville, KY.  I can't even begin to tell you how awesome of a place it is.  It's sparkling new and every employee that I came in contact with was over the top kind.  When Emme had Craniofacial Reconstruction (June 09) it was at Vanderbilt Children's.  Yes, it is home to the top Dr.'s and I couldn't have been more pleased with the results, and no I wouldn't have done it any other way,  but, the hospitality just wasn't there.  If it weren't for a friend who had a daughter at Vandy who was going through Chemo treatments and knew the ropes, I think we would have been buried in Vandy land.

I've learned that it is not smart to put a post-surgery patient in the car after surgery and drive 3 hours home.  We will not be doing that again.  Shannon made it until we were about 7 miles from home and then, he lost it- his lunch I mean.  That's just not fair.  Luckily the second surgery requires and overnight stay.  Sadly, the third surgery does not.  If they can't find a reason to keep him overnight on the third surgery, we will be staying in a hotel.  Either way, he needs the time to sleep off the anesthesia and I need time to rest too.  Thank goodness for the great family we have lined up to keep Emme.  What a blessing.

Well, those are my notes for tonight.  I'm sure, I'll have more later this week.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers and also remember to keep his surgery team in your prayers as well.  Thanks for reading and keeping up with The Bunches. 

Today, it hit me....

I'm not a kid anymore.  Huh?  For some reason, I haven't yet grasped the idea that I'm an adult.  Maybe it's because I'm the youngest of four so I've always been the baby, I don't know?  Today was a beautiful day in Nashville.  I spent quite awhile outside, mainly because it keeps my house cleaner when Emme is out too, and while I was watching her play, my mind somewhat drifted.  Holy cow!!! I'm going to be 33 on Tuesday.  Where has all the time gone?  How did I get this old? 

Friday, I decided to take Emme to the pumpkin patch since we hadn't been this year.  I invited a neighbor (Mendy) to come along, who just happens to be a great friend as well.  On the way over, we were talking about money, finances, budget, etc. and I told her what our monthly budget was.  She looked like she would stroke! 

Yesterday, Mendy, Linda (Mendy's Mom), Cynthia (another friend), Emme, and I all went to brunch to celebrate my birthday.  Brunch?  Not a late night dinner?  No karaoke with the girls?  Nope.  Just brunch, and it was FABULOUS!  I can't wait to take Shannon to the place we went because he has such a fondness of breakfast. 

Thursday, I'll face a real life scary situation.  Shannon's having surgery.  We've got a baby.  The what if's rattle me every now and again, but mostly I'm okay.

So, I say all that to say this...I'm a grown up.  I'm old, I have real bills, real-life situations, and people take me seriously (finally.)  So on Tuesday, October 26th, I'm going to embrace my 33 years of life and be proud that I've accomplished so much, in so little time. 

Until then...

Surgery, and then some.

I guess by now if you are reading my blog then you know that someone in my family is having surgery.  Yep, you guessed right.  Shannon is having surgery to correct a degenerative neurological muscle disorder that he has battled with for almost 25 years called Dystonia.  Dystonia is a muscle disorder that I like to describe as a mix between Parkinson's and MS, but what it means is that his body has involuntary muscle contractions all the time.  To give you an idea, flex your arm, your muscle contracts, right?  Now imagine not being able to un-contract that muscle.  This pretty much that gives you a brief idea of what Shannon has been dealing with, except his muscles involved seem to be in his neck, back, hands, and feet.  It is a very cruel and painful disease that up until now, has been treated with Botox injections.  For the last year or so, the Botox injections have given him little to no relief, so the surgery is the only option.

The surgery he is having is called DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery and it is a three part surgery.  During the first surgery (October 28th) the doctors will drill two holes in his head and insert screws.  After the holes are drilled, they will do an MRI and CT Scan to draw a map of Shannon's brain.  I know, I know, most of you are thinking why do they need a map, there's nothing in there, but to be on the safe side, the doctor's want an exact diagram.  The first surgery will be an outpatient surgery.  During the second surgery, the doctor's will insert two lead wires into the holes they drilled and guide them to the area of the brain that is causing his muscles distress.  This surgery will be an overnight stay.  For the third surgery (November 11th) the doctor's will place a pacemaker device under Shannon's collarbone and connect it to the lead wires that were inserted in the second surgery.  This surgery will also be an outpatient surgery.  After two weeks, Shannon will return to the surgeon and he will turn on the pacemaker.  When the pacemaker is turned on, it is supposed to stimulate the brain and stop the involuntary spasms.

Okay, so where do I begin?  My emotions are scattered.  Why in the world does every disorder imaginable come to my family that involves the head?  Most of you remember Emme had Craniofacial Reconstruction at only 5 months old.  Now, my husband is having surgery on his head.  Ugh.  Honestly, I can tell you that I'm excited and nervous at the same time this go round. 

Let's start with the excited part.  Shannon is a great Husband and Father (if you don't believe me go read his Facebook post from today) and he deserves a pain free life.  I want him to be able to hold our daughter (I can't help it she's huge!) without pain, to be able to get on the floor and play with her without worrying if he'll be able to get up, and to be able to live a normal life.  I will honestly say that there have been days that I've wanted to give up on this disease and let it take over.  Like the Sunday morning we were getting ready for church and he suddenly couldn't move and I'm upstairs in my bedroom feeling helpless. How was I going to get this guy down the stairs?  It all worked out, but it drained me.  All I could think about was this was going to be our life.  He was going to end up unable to walk and how would he sing, how would he be able to be the Father he wanted to be, what if, how this?  Thankfully, with the surgery as an option, I don't think I'll have to worry like that ever again. 

Now, the nervous part.  Well first, there's no way Emme can come with us on the surgery dates.  If you know anything about my family, we are this tiny little unit.  We do everything together, literally.  It works for us, and I wouldn't change it.  But what in the world will Emme think when I don't pick her up from daycare?  Will she sleep okay overnight without Mommy and Daddy?  I know, I know, these are the small things.  I'm nervous about the surgery in general.  What if something goes wrong and they hit an area of the brain and something bad happens?  I don't even want to say it, but what if the unthinkable happens?  How will I ever survive without my life partner?  Okay- I'm over analyzing.  Then of course there's always the finances.  This surgery means at least two weekends off for Shannon.  Will we be able to pay our bills?  How will we afford hotels, meals, etc. while he is in surgery?  Ugh.  I can't even think about it.  I can only tell you this- I am confident that my God will handle it all.  We've been in times like this before and it just seems like the pieces of the puzzle magically fall into place.  I can remember the calmness that came over Shannon and I when Emme was wheeled back for surgery.  I looked around the waiting room and thought, "Lord, thank you for allowing me to see how easy this is going to be compared to some of these other families situations.  My baby is going home (after 9 days) and some of these children may not."  That's all it took.  Those 9 days were rough, but let me tell you- I can't imagine them without the Grace of my Heavenly Father.

So, there you go.  I've decided to take the approach I took at Vanderbilt on June 25th, 2009.  "Lord, thank you for allowing Shannon another chance at a normal life.  Lord, thank you for doctor's who can do something to help the man I love.  And Lord, please keep him safe."

Shannon's surgery will be in Louisville, KY performed by Dr. Todd Shanks.  At this point the name of the hospital has left me and Shannon's asleep so I can't ask him the location.  I will be updating my blog, our Twitter, and Facebook accounts through this process.  I hope you will read and keep up with all that's going on.  You can access all of these pages through Shannon's website:  www.shannonbunch.com
  

5 Transforming Truths

     Recently Shannon and I started attending a new church in Mt. Juliet called Joy Church International.  We have been members of Cornerstone Church in Nashville for 5 years and we absolutely loved it- before Emme Blu made her debut.  After Emme came along, we realized that we needed to find a place closer to our home, community, Emme's school friends, etc.  if we realistically wanted to continue going to church.  I desire Emme to be a part of  a good youth group where she can mingle with her friends from school as well.  Cornerstone (on a good day) was a 45 minute drive for us.  I knew that there would come a time for us to have to take her and drop her off at church when we wouldn't be going (youth events, etc.) and I knew that 45 minute drive would get tiresome.  So anyhow, we set out on a journey this Winter (one must realize we rarely get to attend church together- meaning this process was going to take awhile) to find a place that we would like as well as Cornerstone.  It took like what seemed an eternity!  I was just about ready to give up when my neighbor Mendy (who just happened to be looking for a new church too) called me one Saturday night and said, "I think I found the church!"  I really didn't think she could have found it (we visited some D-E-A-D churches) but I was willing to try it.  She was right, it's a great church, and I'm so happy that we have a new home. 

     Anyway, I said all that to write about this: 5 Transforming Truths.  Last Wednesday night in our service, out Pastor was out of town and asked a member of the church to give her testimony.  Her testimony was heartbreaking, touching, encouraging, and so much more, but the part that struck me was the 5 Transforming Truths that carried her through her darkest hours. 

     Most interesting, I can relate to those truths.  After college, I began a soul-searching journey (some by choice, some not) in order to get my life back together.  No, I wasn't struggling with anything life-altering, I was just angry, lost, unsure, sad, and lonely.  Most people who know me well, know why.  Nothing I did could control any of those emotions.  And through my journey I realized that.  I'm not perfect now, but I'm better.  I work hard everyday to be a better person than I was the day before.  I never wanted to teach children, I wanted to coach- and quite frankly, I was a good one- but that's not me now.  I'm a teacher, I have compassion for children, I like doing Silly Willy Moves Through The Alphabet and going on Bear Hunt's!  What in the world happened?  I'm not sure, but I do know it didn't happen over night.

     Romans 12:2 says "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."   That's where it all begins.

1. Renew your mind.

There's your start you were waiting on.  Accept it, leave it, and move on.  It's time for a change.  Renew, your mind.

2. Forgiveness. 

Why is this so hard?  Asking someone for forgiveness might be the hardest thing a person can ever do.  Humbling yourself to the point that you mean it is so tough.  Ugh, I still struggle with this.

3.  Move forward. 

Have you ever heard the saying "Let Go and Let God?"  That's what this means.  Don't you want to experience all the good things God has in store for you?  Well, you can't if you're still thinking "Woe is me."  Get to packing, you're on a new journey now.

4.  Be patient.

Oopsy.  This might be where I slide off-track.  Patience?  Who has patience?  I might be the worst patience person ever.  I'm learning (only because I have a 20 month old) but it's not easy.  Most often our timing is certainly not what God has in mind.  Almost always though, it's because something even better than what we imagined is waiting.

5.  Accept restoration.

You got it, now embrace it.  I have people in my life that I know, who could win 1 million dollars and they would still sit around an complain about something.  What's up with that?  Not that money solves the world's problems, but it sure helps!  No really, when you receive a blessing, get happy and keep the momentum!

Can you relate to all this?  It was just one of those Ahh-Haa moments for me that I thought I would share.  Until the next update....Love you Bunches!

 

Long time no see!

Apparently after I posted my blog about summer fun, I forgot to tell you that we would be having so much fun that I wouldn't keep my blog updated.  A lot has happened since June, so I'll try to fill you in.

We visited Dallas twice, Branson, Ohio, South Carolina, Kentucky and a few other spots in between in less than 2 months.  I caught up on my in-service hours for school and then just like that, Summer was over.  This school year has been very different.  I have so many more things going on in class, that I barely have time to breathe in between classes.  In all honesty, I love it that way because I don't have the opportunity to get bored.  I'm really enjoying being back to school and I think Emme is too.

Shannon and I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary by going to the Wilson County Fair as a family.  If you're not from TN, the WC Fair is the biggest fair in TN and as close as I can get to the Texas State Fair.  It's a must do every year.  I'm sure some of you are saying why in the world would you guys go to the fair on your anniversary and why didn't you get a babysitter?  Well, the bottom line is that we both had epiphanies over the Summer that life's too short not to be together.  Don't get me wrong, we do love our time away from Emme every once in awhile, but for the most part, when we all have a chance to be together (Shannon works weekends and I work weekdays) we take advantage. 

I'll do my best to keep you updated on how things are going this Fall, but no huge promises! Until then, Love Ya Bunches.

Thirty-One is my new business

Hello All,

I recently became involved with a direct selling company called Thirty-One.  The Thirty-One business is based on Proverbs 31 and the virtues of a noble woman.  Through Thirty-One, I hope to earn our family some much needed extra income while having fun doing it.  I picked Thirty-One because the company has a biblical backing and I think their products are awesome.  I have already purchased several items for myself and family. 

Through Thirty-One, I am selling all kinds of bags/totes/organizers/lunch-boxes, etc.  Anything you need to organize your life, I have it.  Almost everything in the catalog is able to be embroidered.  Take a look for yourself at the catalog through my website and you are sure to find something you need.  

There are two ways that you can help my business grow.  First, you can go directly to my website and place an order. 

www.mythirtyone.com/melissabunch

Or, you can host a party at your home or have a catalog party.  It's easy, fun, and best of all, you can earn free products!  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.  I will be happy to help!

Thanks for reading my post today, more posts to come soon!

Summer Fun!!

Since last Summer was fully encompassed by Emme's surgery, I wanted to write about all the fun things we have planned for this Summer.  We're marking the 1 year anniversary of Emme's Craniofacial Reconstruction in style.  

First, we plan on playing in the backyard as much as possible when we are home.  Emme loves to be outside and you can see by this picture:

Of course, when we go outside, you have to be armed and ready for everything.  That means water toys galore- it's hot here in TN- sunscreen, Popsicles, bug spray, reading material for Mom, drinks, citronella candles, and as the day winds down- something to throw on the grill.  All of these things remind me of the beach, so while I bake outside and inside my house stays nice and clean, I think about Anna Maria Island and the blue water there.  

Second, Parent's Day Out!  Yesterday was E's first trip to PDO and let me just tell you, it was great for me.  I'm pretty sure she enjoyed it too, but man oh man did I need that down time.  In fact, when she goes back tomorrow, I'm using that time to pack for our trip to Texas.  Needless to say, the $135.00 a month tuition is well worth it.

Third, Travel!  Where are you going?  We are saving Florida for the Fall when it's less crowded this year, but we do have a few small trips planned.  Branson is on our list for June.  Shannon's singing at the Branson Gospel Music Convention and it's one of our favorite touristy places to visit.  If you haven't been in awhile, you should go.  There is so much to do and it's all family friendly.  I think people have this vision of Branson as an older folks hangout, but I promise, it's not!  Check out Branson Landing if you decide to go.

Fourth, find something to do that's cheap and fun in your town.  I know we plan on going to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.  Pack a picnic and make it cheap.  Also, if your little one likes movies, you should see if your local theater is doing free movie showings.  Our local Regal theater is having free screenings all summer long on Tuesday's.  Click this link for the schedule.  Emme's to young for free bowling, but that's also an option.  Check out www.kidsbowlfree.com for more information.  It's two free games of bowling everyday of the summer.  You can't beat that!

I hope your Summer is full of fun.  I know it will go by way too fast and school will be back in session way too soon, but I plan on enjoying every moment of it. I may not blog for awhile, as I prepare to enjoy some summer fun in Texas for the next week or so.  Until then...

Hanging On

I received the hairbrush below in my stocking for Christmas when I was in the 7th grade:

I know it seems weird, but I still use it to this day.  When I was in the 7th grade, there were 5 females in my home, and we all had to get ready in the mornings.  Finding a hairbrush wasn't always the easiest of tasks.  For Christmas, my Mom got all of us a hairbrush for our stockings I'm assuming to cut down on the warfare that went on every morning when we all wanted the only hairbrush left in the bathroom.  Let me say though, there were probably 30 hairbrushes in the house, but only 1 was in the bathroom when we all went looking.  If nobody else understands that, I do know that at least my Sister's will appreciate it. 

If you know me at all, you know that I have severe OCD tendencies.  I fold my paper the same way every morning after I pull the crossword out, I use the same pencil to take my roll, my keys all face the same direction on my keyring- simply said, it's over the top.  But, it's me and it's what makes me go. 

So why, why in the world am I hanging on to a hairbrush that I got in the 7th grade?  I honestly can't say.  The bristles are old and worn out, the handle won't go all the way on, it's bent.  I.just.don't.know.  I mean, it's a hairbrush, easily replaced at Wal-Mart for less that 5 bucks, but I can't let it go.  I suppose when you find something you like, you keep it, work with it, figure out how to get through the scratches and dents, and love it until the end.  So, for now, I'll get up in the morning, brush my hair with my 20 year old hairbrush, and smile- because it works, and nobody can fight me for it!

Being Neighbors

I have great neighbors.  It seems everywhere God has planted us, he dropped great neighbors around us.  Call it what you want, but for me, it's a blessing.  We moved to Antioch, TN, a southeast suburb of Nashville, three years ago this month.  It was so exciting to move into a bigger house, a place where Shannon's business could expand and where we would eventually begin our new family.  Prior to Antioch, we lived in Gallatin, TN which is a northeast suburb of Nashville for two years.   In both homes we have owned, we have had excellent neighbors who have also become great friends. 

With immigration becoming such a huge topic in the Obama Presidency and more heat pounding down today from Senators, I want to tell you about my neighbors, my friends.  This really isn't a debate or a stance, just a beautiful story of wonderful people. 

My neighbors are from El Salvador.  The family consists of a husband, wife, and two children, a girl and a boy.  The husband came here, well to California, many years ago seeking refuge from a violence stricken nation.  It took him 31 days to walk, hitch-hike, etc. to California.  I can't imagine leaving my home and everything I knew with little to nothing in hand for a land of uncertainty.  After he was here for awhile, he sent for his wife (they weren't married yet) to bring her to the states.  She came, they were married, and then along came their two children.  They don't just have a boy and a girl, they have beautiful, awesomely well behaved children.

So as the story continues, I want to say that my neighbors did everything the right way when they got here.  They obtained legal work permits, green cards, and anything else they needed to be here the right way.  He makes an honest living, pays taxes, and everything else that natural born Americans have to do.  They are also GREAT neighbors.  He's a painter by trade and has helped us transform our new house into our home.  He's come to our rescue when we've had water leaks, sealed our fence when we couldn't figure out how, watered our flowers while we were on vacation, and so many other things.  She's made us tamales, bought beautiful gifts for Emme, invited us over to visit with their visiting family, attended Birthday parties, and so much more.  The children have helped with Walter, and played with Emme when we needed a few minutes to breathe.  All of these things neighbors are supposed to do, but rarely do without something in exchange. 

You know what this amounts to?  The American Spirit.  Well, about one year ago, they became American for good.  I was so excited for them!  I can't imagine how they felt, if I felt so happy!  This is what immigration is all about.  No, we don't always understand each other or we might do things just a bit different, but we can all learn from each other.  I've learned by watching and listening.  I want Emme to be just as well behaved as their children, I want Shannon and I to always value family like they do, I wish my house was as clean and sparkly as theirs, and I'm learning. 

I challenge all of you to find neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. who aren't the same as you and learn from them.  Listen to stories and realize just how lucky we are to be born American.  America is a great nation, we just need to figure out how to create stories just like my neighbors, for everyone.  I hope my neighbors, my friends, read this blog because I want them to know just how lucky we are to have such great friends. 

The Elias Family

These are my neighbors holding Emme the day she came home from the hospital.

FINALLY!!!!

 

I've been thinking about starting a blog for quite some time. Tonight, I took my first step into Blogville. Part of my apprehension about getting started is that I am a perfectionist and I didn't want to start the blog without the perfect name, the perfect background, etc. It hit me this evening that if I wait on "perfect" I may not get the chance.

If you have turned on the news lately or you live in Nashville, you know we have suffered terrible flooding. I'm not sure why we were so lucky to not have any significant damage at our house, but I am so thankful. The pictures, reports, video, etc. do not even begin to do this city justice. It's unbelievable.

When you think of Nashville, you think of the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel. Sadly, they are underwater. I went to Opryland Hotel for the first time in my five years in Nashville only a few weeks ago. Shannon wanted some new photos for his new website and he was adamant about taking them there. I, on the other hand, disagreed. I wanted to take our pictures outdoors as it was one of the first weekends of perfect Spring weather. Boy am I glad that he got his way! We now have 150+ pictures of this historic hotel prior to the devastating damage it sustained over the weekend.

If you have a few extra minutes, pray for Nashville- all of it. I don't think this city has even realized what a major impact this flooding has caused. Tourism dollars are gone, jobs are gone, homes are destroyed, lives are lost, schools are destroyed, it's mind boggling.

I can say, I love the city I live in. The people here are incredible. We lived in Gallatin a few years ago when the terrible tornadoes destroyed the city. I see today, what I saw then- a city made up of the most kind, generous, and giving people. What one hand can't accomplish, another hand comes along and fills the need. We are Nashville, and we will survive!