Ohmystinkinheck

I thought about telling the long story about how I went from gall bladder attack to surgery, but it bored me to think about it, so instead I’m going to say thanks once again for all the heartfelt emails, comments, cards, e-cards, my lovely flowers from Gram and Poppy, and all of y’all’s shared experiences. Every bit of it has really helped.

But NOW, I want to talk about something different! I want to share with YOU what the hooligans of OMSHville were doing while I was tucked away in a narcotic induced sleep.

They were making WALKING STICKS!

Walking sticks of this nature (shoulder height) are great for traversing woods or hiking; they provide support and the more personalized they are, the better.

Izzy and Poppa Ken helped my li’l trio pick out their sticks and then mold them into personal objects they were so very proud to show me and Jeff when we got home from the hospital.

Kenny’s walking stick has turquoise, black and red feathers, and the beads and leather of his choice.

Meredith asked if my parents knew any REAL Indian Symbols to match the letters in her name, so my mother got busy researching and was able to find some they could use. Then, Poppa Ken seated Mer and Kenny on his lap to carve out their names using a Dremel^™; Emelie reported that she was able to carve hers out all on her own.

They also carved out the bands before painting them.

Kenny wanted bear paws painted to the left and right of his name. I have enjoyed seeing their personalities show up in the choices they made for their walking sticks.

Meredith’s stick is made from a vine, and is naturally green. She chose red and yellow feathers for her walking stick and had more lengths of beaded leather hanging from the top.

She chose orange and yellow for the symbols for her name and the stripes and bands on her walking stick.

Of course, walking sticks can also be handy defensive tools when needed.

Emelie’s walking stick was done in orange and green with all sorts of bobbly beads for decoration.

As you would expect, I’m rather partial to the orange feathers. :)

Emelie did her stick entirely on her own - all the way to the code for her name. She and a friend of hers have created a special code/written language and write letters back and forth to each other in this language. This would drive me bonkers, but they have really enjoyed it - each having a legend to interpret the letters they receive.

The kids had a blast making these and enjoyed their unexpected extended stay with Izzy and Poppa Ken.

Mom and Dad were so flexible, giving the kids an opportunity to create, swim, watch movies into the night, sleep-in late, and rise to the sweet smell of pecan waffles and bacon…they had an amazing time.

And I was able to go into surgery, worry free, knowing my kids were well taken care of - which offers a great deal of peace for a hurtin’ momma.

My kids are wondering how long I’ll be “sick” and when they can do it again!

16 Responses to “A walking stick kind of weekend.”

1. citystreams

   When I was in middle school, my best friend and I shared a secret alphabet. We each had a decoding sheet so that we could decipher the symbols. I still have a few of the notes, carefully folded in their original form. It’s fun to look back and read the messages with the decoder.

2. Mr. OMSH

   It’s during times like these that I am reminded of why I love my in-laws so much…They are good to our kids and love on us all.

3. Elizabeth

   Those look great!! So glad that you were able to relax, fully.

4. Deanna

   Beautiful! And so creative! When I was young I had a very special hiking stick and my dad would carve a line in it for every mile we hiked together. It was always such a motivator for me to keep going! I wish I still had that stick…

5. Kate

   What a great project! And what a blessing for you all to have your parents nearby. I’m sure they were glad to help and enjoyed the company.

   Keep healing & taking it easy!

6. Angela Smith

   Sounds like a lovely project and they look great! I need to make a trek up into the woods at some point and do this with my kids, although I think they would be more inclined to use them as weaponry.

   So glad that you are healing and getting better. Gall bladder attacks are NO fun. I had really bad ones when I was pregnant with my kids…pretty much the only time I had a gall stone attack. I had to have emergency surgery as well to remove mine when my daughter was 8 days old. I heartily do not recommend that option…

7. MMM

   What a blessing. When I had my surgery, Hubby stayed home with the kids so I didn’t have to worry about them with a sitter (we have little family), and my nurse-friend escorted me to the hospital and back.

8. TheAngelForever

   Glad to see you are well enough to write and share what your kids created. Wonderful memories they have. I too am blessed with my parents being close and love watching my boys get to know them.

9. BOSSY

   Walking sticks: gorgeous.
   You: Whoa nelly! Feel better.

10. Aimee Greeblemonkey

    the epitome of awesome.

    I should just come here for all my arts and crafts ideas.

11. nursebettylboop

    Those are amazingly creative! Still sending prayers your way for quick healing.

12. Meg

    Those are so cute - I totally hafta get my boys to make those!! Y’all are just all kinds of crafty & clever!

13. cc

    My BFF and I had a code when we were in JH. We used it so often that we didn’t need the legend after a week. It was a lot of fun. Especially if it was confiscated during class because no one could read it.

14. ashpags

    I leave town for a few days with no internet and you up and have emergency surgery - yikes! I’m glad to hear that things went ok, and I hope and pray that your recovery is speedy and worry-free!

15. Stefani

    HOw the heck did I miss this??? These are so stinking cool!

16. Mrs. Wilson

    Wow. Your parents are AMAZING grandparents! What fun!