Firsts, Seconds and Lasts

Well what a week or so we have had. It all started with Fred's birthday on the 23rd. What a day it was!! I had it all planned, on the night before Fred's birthday I was going to go into the bathroom write "Happy Birthday" on the mirror and replace his towel with an "Iron Man" towel I bought him. Then Tuesday afternoon I was going surprise him at work with lunch and sweets that I had made. I was also going to give his 'big' gift to him then, (Iron Man on Blu-Ray), so he would think that was everything. After spending lunch with him I was going to return home and make dinner for Fred's surprise birthday party that everyone was coming too. Please note this was the plan!!! This is how it really worked...
I had to breakdown and give Fred his towel before I went to bed. I was simply too tired to stay awake, so I told Fred what my plan had been and I gave him the towel. He thought it was a fun idea and like the towel. I did write "Happy Birthday" on the mirror before I went to bed.
Tuesday morning I spent getting dressed and making final preparations to take sweets to Fred's work. I packed up the 200 mini-cheesecake bites, and cheesy chex mix that I made and headed down to Insight. Low and behold when I got to there I called Fred so he could let me in, and guess where he was. Yup that's right, out to lunch with some co-workers. It was 11:30!! I planed to be there so I would be him before he left for work at noon.









The little stinker. I joined him at the restaurant and we ate lunch with his co-workers. After we went back to Insight and delivered sweets and treats to everyone. I did give him the movie and he was pleased with that. Then I turned around and went home.
On the way home I picked up the balloons and cake. Once home I started hanging decorations and making dinner. All of the decorations were for a first birthday, because it was Fred's first birthday as a married man. Two hours later I was finished the kitchen was clean and I was ready for the party to begin. A couple of friends got to the house before Fred did. I didn't worry about people showing up before Fred because it would be a hassle to plan exactly when Fred would get home. So as soon as Fred got home he knew a party was happening, but the stinker had figured out that I had something planned for that night. The geek figured out everything I was doing. urggg. Oh well it was still fun. And I got to see "Iron Man". I had wanted to see it all summer but it just never worked out.

Moving on.. the next day was Christmas Eve. In the morning we had a meeting with the lawyer's office about my disability. It was an easy meeting, they just took more information and sent us on our way. It will take another 3-6 months before we hear anything, pray we get it. Next was a couple of quick errands and then off to my parents house. We helped my parents set up for their big Christmas Party. Then of course was the party. Which Fred has already written about so I won't re-write it. It was a late night for us, but eventually we got to sleep and had a good night.
Christmas morning came quickly and the kids were eager to get downstairs to open their packages. And boy where there plenty to open. All those packages where for 6 people. 6 PEOPLE!!!!!! Mom finally admitted that it wasn't a small Christmas. It was a blast having little ones to watch open their gifts. After morning of packages, food, and fun Fred and I headed home. A nice nap for me and some computer work for Fred then off to Fred's parents for dinner and a few more presents. It was a long and fun day. But I was glad to sleep in my own bed that night.
Monday the 29th was the 2nd Annual Kaestner Family Adult Dinner. Each year instead of buying gifts Rick and Vikki take their children and spouses out for a nice dinner without the little ones. This year we went to a wonderful restaurant called "Equus" where we had a wonderful 5 course meal. Don't ask me what exactly it all was but I remember it being very good.

Then comes December 31st. The last day of the year!!! I started a new series of Trigger Point Injections (TPIs) to help with my shoulder pain. This is a wonderful picture of my back after the shots. Under each band-aid is an injection site. If you look carefully you might see the red marks on my back. For those who may not know a TPI is when a medicine is injected directly into the tender area to help break up knotted muscle. In this case we use a homeopathic medication called Serapin. It does all of the breaking up that steroids would do without the side effects. It's not the funnest procedure in the world but I've been through worse and it's very effective.
That night we spent with friends at our house. Watching movies and playing games. It was a was a great way to ring in a New Year. And at the moment Fred's off with Stuart playing and I'm with two of our nieces, Katie and Rachel. We have spent most of the day watching girl movies, eating what we want and just enjoying time together.