Country Came To Town

Cody and I wanted to go somewhere before I started work. We knew we wouldn’t have another opportunity to go somewhere for a very long time since I was starting a new job and all my PTO needed to be saved for maternity leave. We planned on making a trip to Houston and to San Antonio to visit some friends and spend some time being lazy and enjoying the freedom from changing diapers. As it turned out, a nasty stomach bug ran through our house that week(end) so we had to cancel our plans.

We still wanted to do SOMETHING (without spending much money because by this point I had run out of student loan money and still hadn’t started working) so the next weekend we made a trip to Fort Worth.

Our first stop was to visit my sweet new nephew, Dylan and my bro and SIL.

Later that night we made it to a Rangers baseball game in Arlington.

We picked the perfect night to go! The weather was perfect AND it was a Friday night so they had a fireworks show after the game (which was one of the big reasons we chose to go to a Friday night game rather than Saturday afternoon). It turned out to be a good game (we saw an inside the park homerun)! After it was over, we waited for the firework show to start and finally this is what we saw…

…a bit of a disappointment for me. Cody laughs at me because sometimes I’m such a kid and get overly excited about little things like fireworks, Christmas lights, Zoo’s, etc. Needless to say we missed most of the show but the grand finale was large enough to see and did not disappoint.

After the fireworks show, they aired the rest of the Angels game on the jumbotron (the one that confirmed that the Rangers had clenched the division title). I decided that since I was so tired, we could just watch the rest of that game from the comfort of our hotel room. Had I known all the Rangers would be out on the field watching it too and then celebrating in front of everyone, we would have stayed. Oh well.

On Saturday we were pretty lazy (and I loved it). After eating lunch we strolled around the Stockyards. It’s a neat area but nothing exciting for us. In my opinion the shops are WAY overpriced, or just filled with little truck stop like souvenirs. The cattle drive and petting zoo is more like a lifestyle for us, nothing we cared to go see.

After walking around the stockyards, we made it back to the hotel for more laziness and a long nap, but only after stopping at a convenience store for an ICEE and a scratch off lottery ticket. Bingo, of course, because it keeps me occupied longer.

That evening we had plans to go to an improv comedy show at Four Day Weekend. We didn’t know anything about where this place was, how early we needed to show up, where to park, etc. So as we were driving by, I noticed a sign in the window right next to the Four Day Weekend sign that said something about “rooftop dining open”. Perfect! I assumed it was Four Day Weekend’s sign that I saw (because I knew on the inside they had a bar area).

This pic is just to show that we weren't completely crazy... This was on the corner of a block and the neon sign on the left there said something about "rooftop dining open".  The very first door next to sign is Four Day Weekend, which is where we went in to get tickets and to get some food (so we thought). 

After many almost wrong turns on to one way streets, we finally were directed to the parking garage. Throughout the night we walked ALL over that parking garage. We made it down 8 flights and realize we forgot to lock the car, back upstairs but forget which level we parked on, etc etc etc. Sadly, it was one of the best workouts I have had since being pregnant.

Cody and I then walked into Four Day Weekend and picked up our tickets for the show. The ticket lady handed them to us and never said another word… so we awkwardly went upstairs not knowing what we were doing. Once we got upstairs we saw a room with a bar and a few tables. No one else was up there except the bartender. I told him that we were there for the 7:30 show. He said we were about an hour and a half early and asked if we wanted a drink. I then went on to tell him we were hoping to eat a bit before the show and asked if they had a bar & grill upstairs. He said there was and pointed to an elevator on the other side of the room. Well we took the elevator to the top floor and found ourselves on the roof with several tables and chairs. A man then approaches us and asks, “Are you looking for someone?” I politely told him “no” and that we had never been here before but were hoping to eat. He replies, “Oh, well let me see what I can do”. He then came back and led us to a table.

We were feeling pretty awkward about our whole downtown experience… sadly yes, it was a whole new world from the lifestyle we know. Now at this point, we are still under the impression that we are at some bar and grill that is part of the comedy club. I’m expecting to order nachos or some other “bar” food. I thought it was strange that there was no obvious way to get to the grill from the comedy club but I just summed it up to be something that the locals knew and we were going along with it. This should have been clue #1 that we weren’t where we thought we were.

While I was admiring our view of downtown Fort Worth and the amazing weather, our waiter brought our menus. I was expecting something like Chili’s 7ish pages of food filled with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers, etc. We were given 3 menus, each just one page covered in a leather casing. Kind of fancy for a place like this isn’t it?? We start looking at it and slowly begin to realize that we weren’t just at some bar & grill. I started looking around a bit more and realize we were in the reserved section at the Reata! (Prior to this, I didn’t really know what the Reata was, or where it was, but I had heard of it before and only knew that it was a nicer restaurant that what Cody and I usually go to).

Once we get over the surprise of where randomly ended up, we became a little embarrassed that we just appeared on the roof in the reserved section stating that we wanted to eat. We laughed it off for a minute, and then decided to figure out what to eat… Our server came by and we had to apologize for our ignorance—then explained that we didn’t know which one was actually the menu. It was a bit of an awkward conversation. I guess the fact that there was a separate menu for appetizers and only about 10 meal options on the actual menu really threw us for a loop. Maybe I was still looking for a cheeseburger or a grilled chicken sandwich.

Once we saw the prices on the menu (keep in mind, I hadn’t had any sort of income for a few years) I told Cody I would just chew on a napkin. (You know, like Steve Carell on Date Night?? That’s really kind of how we felt when we first sat down that the restaurant). Cody decided to go for the $42 buffalo steak. With me being pregnant, I wasn’t in the mood for new and different foods like duck breast, etc so it was a caesar salad for me.

Buffalo steak

Bread pudding

We ended up having a great time. The weather was perfect and I loved eating outside on the roof! The food was a bit fancier than we usually like. We tend to like the simple things better—a good rib-eye steak, loaded baked potato and a salad with ranch—or even a greasy hamburger. We had a lot of laughs at our random appearance at the Reata and our slightly embarrassing ignorance. The comedy show was great! I love all comedy shows but I really like improv. The only downside was that we were out of the show by 9:30 and really didn’t have anything to do afterwards… Normally we would have sat on the porch of some place we had never been and had a drink BUT once again the pregnancy thing got me. :) Maybe next time Cody and I can actually go on a real vacation!

"...If He's Anything Like Me"

Watching Daddy and longing for the day he can be out of the wagon and dove hunting with him.

Despite the fact that Cody has no idea which of Caden's clothes are pajamas and which are regular play clothes, he really is the best daddy ever.  I'm impressed by him more and more every day.

Dylan Andrew Marten

He's here!  My nephew, Dylan, made his debut on September 12, 2011.  Cody, Caden and I made a quick trip to Fort Worth to meet him on the day he was born.  Because it was such a short trip we didn't get to spend a lot of time with the new family but I did get a few pictures from his birth day!

Kaelli entertaining Caden

8 lb. 12 oz.     19.5 inches long

Uncle Cody and Dylan

with Aunt Lacy

 

Work, finally!

I finally finished my clinical on July 22nd. Never again will I be forced to work for free! It was such a relief to be done with this stage and continue to move on, but I still had one major thing to accomplish...pass my board exam. This is a 5 hour national licensure exam that I have to pass before I can work as a physical therapist. I felt a lot of pressure for this test, it covered anything and everything I learned (or should have learned) during my 3 years of PT school. This means that I could have both a bachelors and doctorate degree and it still mean nothing if I didn't pass this test. Yikes!

The test is only offered 5x/year and my date was Sept. 7th.  I spent 6 weeks of nothing but studying. BORING. This also turned out to be more of a challenge since this was during my 1st trimester of pregnancy and I felt pretty crummy most of the time. But I made it through, took the test, waited a very long week for results and found out the good news that I was now Lacy Beth Coltharp, PT, DPT! Talk about such an incredible feeling of relief! It's been a LONG 8 years that I have been working for this.

Since my test I have stayed fairly busy catching up on some house cleaning, making a budget, organizing paperwork, talking with my loan providers and insurance providers…blah blah blah. The nasty stomach bug ran though my family so I also spent some time recovering and taking care of a very sick husband and baby. I did find some lazy time, too.

I definitely chose the right profession. Not only do I love what I do, but I had no trouble finding a job. I always thought as a PT, I would go in the neurological rehab direction, working with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, etc. I kept an open mind during my clinicals and I enjoyed every setting that I came across (except for acute care and that’s only because I can’t handle vomit and I don’t particularly enjoy helping them with toileting tasks). I enjoyed elderly and pediatrics, I loved the challenge of neuro and vestibular patients, I even enjoyed the experience of the niche market in women’s health (pelvic exams aren’t exactly pleasant but this can be SO rewarding to see such a change in someone’s quality of life).

The truth is, I used to think that once I got through PT school I would know EXACTLY what I wanted, and that perfect job would exist with perfect hours, co-workers, etc.  Of course that’s not how it was… I have always lived by shades of grey, so why I thought this would be black and white is beyond me. I had several job offers, all of which I think I would have been content with but there was one in particular that really stuck out to me.


While still doing my clinical, one of my instructors at my inpatient setting gave me some advice. He knew about this other job offer that I had and told me that if I thought I had an interest in orthopedics and manual therapy, then I should take advantage of it while I’m fresh out of school. He said it would be beneficial for me to go out and really get comfortable with these skills, especially while I have the opportunity for others to mentor me. His thoughts were that if I ever changed my mind I could easily transition back to doing acute/long term care, but that it would be a lot harder to go from acute/long term care to specializing in ortho/manual therapy skills.

I went with the outpatient orthopedic setting, in particular one that specializes in sports therapy. Funny thing is that this is one of the settings I least saw myself in. My ortho classes were more challenging to me and I was intimidated by this kind of manual therapy. As it turns out, I loved the fast pace of outpatient ortho (I thrive under pressure) and I liked that you can actually see quick improvements and the patients tend to be more motivated (and less likely to cry)!

I took the job with the lowest salary offer (just by nature of the setting), and with the worst hours but I couldn’t be more excited about it! This place is sort of like a ‘Ma and Pa’ clinic that truly cares about their employees. They are understanding with my kids and I will have a flexible schedule when needed. I believe in what they stand for and how they run things. They strive to have nicest facility and the best therapists. I will have an unlimited budget for continuing education courses so I can really develop my ortho and manual skills. Plus, I’ll have 5 other amazing PT’s and some incredible AT’s to learn from. I’m lucky to have such a great opportunity to learn so much more!

So as of October 3, 2011 (also happens to be my and Cody’s 2nd anniversary) I will be starting my career here!!!

 
 
 
 



Annual Coltharp Dove Fry

Each year during the 1st weekend of September a lot of Cody's family/friends drive to Red Springs for a evening of cooking out, hanging out, and shooting dove/skeet.  It's always a good time and I'm bummed that I didn't get more pictures of this day.  I started out doing well early on, but the more people that showed up the more I got distracted by catching up.  Maybe next year I'll do better! 

Cody, Kache, Cory, Caden and Poppy






My Crazy Boy

His grin makes my day!

Caden and Pop at his first rodeo.

You know Caden is TIRED when he falls asleep while eating.

I walked in to get Caden one morning and found him like this.  This kid loves to be naked.

Falling into toy box at Nonnie's house

Climbing where he can these days.

I need a "Home Sweet Home" sign.

I finally finished my clinicals on July 22nd.  Never again will I be forced to work for free!  It was such a relief to be done with this stage and continue to move on, but I still had one major thing to accomplish...pass my board exam (more on that on another post).

Anyway, one day during that time that I was studying, I was lying on the couch alone at home reading away when I heard someone drive up.  We live on some of my dad and uncle's farm land so multiple times a day I would hear someone drive up to the barn/grain bin/etc.  I just assumed it was something to do with that.  The next thing I know, my front door opened and an older man (70's maybe?) stepped just inside my door and hollered "anyone home?!?".  No knock, no knock then go ahead and open the door, not even so much as a slowly open the door and peek your head in... WHO DOES THAT?!?  Talk about creepy...

I was completely surprised and shocked by this situation. I jumped up off the couch, hurried over to the door to make sure he didn't come in any more than he already had and asked him "can I help you" (insert tone of "what the heck are you doing in my house").  He looked at me then quickly looked across the house and asked, "where's Jesse?"  I told him that no one by that name lived here.  He responded, "well I'm looking for Jesse". 

After a brief awkward silence, I mentioned the name of a Jesse that I knew use to be in a bulldozing business with my grandfather and asked if that is who he needed.  He said it was.  I explained to him that Jesse and my granddaddy had a bulldozing business together but that my granddaddy passed away over 4 years ago and therefore the business is no longer together and that Jesse has no connection at with our house.

The man blankly looked at me, looked over by the barn (there are tractors and other equipment around our house but no bulldozers), then looks at me again and says, "well I need a tank cleaned out".  I said "I'm sorry I can't help you with that and the stuff you are looking at by the barn is all farm use only. Jesse has nothing to do with this location at all." 

You would think that by this point he would apologize for the misunderstanding and continue on his way.  No.  He went on to ask me how he can get a hold of Jesse.  I know I had to have a stunned look on my face.  What I really wanted to say was, "I don't know!  I have no connection with Jesse whatsoever.  I don't own a bulldozer and I can't clean out your tank.  Don't you know you can't just walk into strangers houses?  That's a good way to scare someone and get shot...  Maybe you should at least apologize for scaring me and wasting 5 minutes of my time.  Instead I simply replied, "I don't know, maybe look in a phone book?"

He finally left with no apology for the misunderstanding.  The best I can figure is the man thought our house was some bulldozing business office (not exactly a look I was going for).  I guess we do have truck scales almost directly in front of our house, and it's not your typical "home-like" location being surrounded by tractors and grain bins.  You would think he would at least act sorry once he got inside and realized that, in fact, it wasn't a business office.  He simply said "OK" and walked away.

Tip of the day (or for Kim, Chapter 48)--Always keep your doors locked.



This looks like someone lives here, right???



The barn he was so confused about.

We do have this tractor next to our house now.  NOT a bulldozer.

Let Go and Let God

So... pregnant.  Anyone else surprised? 

I asked my ob/gyn if he thought we needed to try to rush baby #2 given my medical situation.  He felt that it wasn't as urgent as before, but it was hard to know for sure. 

I had a hard time imagining having another child so soon.  However, Cody is the oldest of 4 boys (all within 6 years of each other).  He loved growing up with brothers all so close in age and he wanted our kids to be close together in age. 

Cody was ready, I didn't think I was.  I said it absolutely could not happen until after I took my PT licensure exam, passed it, and started working.  I was so sick when I was pregnant with Caden that I didn't think I could handle being pregnant and studying for the most important test of my life.  Plus I really needed to have an income before taking on another child.  I agreed to start trying after that.

The weekend of July 4th approached, and I got the feeling I needed to take a pregnancy test.  Cody just laughed at me thinking I had just convinced myself I was pregnant for no reason.  The test came back negative, and I enjoyed a few beers by the pool over the weekend.

Tuesday rolled around and I was a day late.  I told Cody I wasn't going to take another test.  He laughed at me again and asked why I didn't believe the first one.  It was negative.  This time Cody just shook his head and said, "told you". 

By Wednesday morning I was now 2 days late.  I was surprised by this and for some reason looked into the trash can at yesterdays pregnancy test.  Positive.  WHAT?!?  How does that even happen?  I didn't really think it could be true.  But, it was strange enough that I decided to take another test that night while Cody was in the shower.  I didn't even tell him I was taking it this time.  Positive. 

How did I break the news to Cody?  I interrupted his shower and show him the test.  I made him apologize and tell me I wasn't crazy after all. :) I had so many emotions going.... I was excited for this blessing, but I thinking about how I was going to get through my test, start a new career, and where in our 1000 sq. ft house we were going to fit another child and all the things that come with him/her.  Cody just couldn't quit smiling, and I love him for that.

The initial shock then wore off and I knew this was perfect.  You can't plan life.  Life just happens and you take it and enjoy it.  I have learned to trust God and that his plan is far better than any plans I have.  Caden is my daily reminder of this. 

Just 3 years ago I would have said you were out of your mind if you would have told me this is where I would be right now in my life (kids, living in Wichita Falls, working at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic, trailer house at the grain bins?).  

So yes, I'm a little nervous for all the changes I have coming in the next year.  My friends tease me and tell me that I would be so bored if my life wasn't a little bit crazy.  It's not what most people would call ideal timing, but I know it's perfect for me! 

Caden's 1st Birthday Party

I'm back!  Things have been busy and stressful for me lately so I've been away from blogging.  I have so much to catch up on though so here we go...

Caden turned one on July 22, 2011.  We had a party for him at Cody's parents house that weekend.  It was a Dr. Seuss theme and we ate hamburgers for lunch and some people went swimming.  Caden is a much loved boy because he had quite a crowd (almost 50 of us, plus 6 other babies).  Of course we were running late to show up at the house and start getting things ready because in true Lacy form, we forgot the hamburger meat at our house and had to turn around and go get it.  We showed up right on time and Cody and I were running around trying to get the burgers made (which is more challenging in a crowd), then I was so busy trying to talk to everyone that I never even really took pictures and the few I did take came out awful.  So I apologize for my poor pictures.  Thankfully my SIL, Tamie, got some really good ones and is going to send me a CD of them later.

Diana, Kim and Sarah all drove in from 3 or 4 hours away.  They seriously love Caden so much!  Diana will even 'talk' to Caden on the phone on a regular basis... Cody just shakes his head.  I have the best friends!

Melanie, Dusty and my grandpa



Caden's 1st "Cindy cake".  Cody's mom makes the best cakes (taste and looks).  Not only are they amazing, but I love that someone in the family does it for us.  She even made our wedding cakes.

Sarah, Bryan and Caroline

Gigi (my mom) and my grandma







So maybe he wasn't happy the whole time...



Caden's new rocking bull from Gigi and Pop

Cody and Jason... boys will be boys

Kache and Caden

I had everyone write a short note for Caden in this book. 



The last gift Caden opened was from me and Cody and was matching 'Thing 1 and Thing 2' shirts for Caden and his new little brother/sister that will be here around March 13.  No one at the party knew we were expecting (except Kim who only knew because she came to visit the weekend before and could kind of tell) so it was really our way of telling everyone at the same time.

Cody and I really hate this kind of attention so neither of us really like telling others we are pregnant because people tend to make a big deal about it.  Does that make us weird?  We usually just approach it was a casual comment snuck in the conversation somewhere.  For example, when we were pregnant with Caden, I walked in my parents house and my dad was sitting there drinking whiskey and coke.  He rarely drinks so when I was teasing him about it, I asked if it was good time to tell him I was pregnant. 

Anyway, we wanted to tell everyone at once (learned that the hard way with Caden) so this was the best way to do it.  The problem was that when we held up the shirts and said "to match his new little brother or sister" we didn't exactly act excited so most people sat there in silence wondering why no one is saying anything.  Once Cindy asked if that's what we were telling them, then everyone started yelling/clapping.  Since Kim was the only one who knew, I had her run the video camera of all this.  It was funny to watch us flash the shirts real quick, sit in awkward silence, hear  Cindy's confirmation, hear all the screaming, and then my dad who was sitting next to Kim, looks straight into the camera and says "wait, what?!?!" 

Anyway, it was a great day.  Cody, Caden and I have been blessed with amazing family and great friends.  (More on pregnancy later)