Joyfully Home - You Really Have Your Hands Full.

Joyfully Home

Aug. 5, 2005

You Really Have Your Hands Full.

I have heard that phrase from no less than six perfect strangers in the last two days. Still, I am always surprised. I must appear worse than I feel!

My poor labrador fell down while playing outside the other night. She was unable to put any weight (which she has in excess) on her back right leg. I took her to the vet, with kids in tow. This is where the comments began. It is a struggle to manage an 85lb limping dog and a toddler. My 5-yr-old was helpful. She loves going to the vet's office. We have been there so much in the past month that she now has been inspired to become a veternarian herself. Yesterday she asked me if there is a "Vet Camp" she could go to, to learn more!
Anyway, we were just there a few weeks ago with the cat. We found out that our beloved 13 year-old kitty has diabetes. I now have to give him a shot of insulin twice a day and check his urine. Imagine that. I am actually managing to do it!
Back to the dog...they discovered she tore her ACL (knee area, Dh reminded me that Vinny Testaverde had this injury. I only know that Vinny Testaverde was a quaterback for the NY Jets because Dh is one of the two remaining Jets fans).
So my pup Juliet now will need surgery. I know it sounds crazy to spend the money on this animal, but we adore her. And she is only 3! We recently installed an invisible fence for her (see earlier post re: HS mom arrested), paid massive vet bills when she was accidentally poisoned, attacked by our neighbors dog, and caught a nail in her paw that needed repair - twice. So we have already invested a great deal in the loving animal. Right now she is laying by my feet. She won't have the surgery for a couple of weeks, so I have to keep her "resting." I also have to lift her large tush onto the couch when she wants to snuggle.
Wow. I really went off on a tangent there.
Anyway, I guess people are sympathetic to me when I go places with the kids. I don't think they are particularly offensive or any more difficult than everyone else's children! It is just funny when people say "you really have your hands full." I would much prefer to have them full - of all this - than empty. So I always smile at these strangers, to let them know that I am really okay with it all.

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Comments

Aug. 5, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by nursemom

Oh LOL!! I used to get these when my older ones were little. I remember the first time we ventured out after our 4th child was born; an elderly gentleman held the door to the post office open for us, I had a 2 week old baby, and a 14 month old in the stroller, trailing behing was my then 3 yo son and just 5 yo daughter. The poor man's eyes just got bigger with each child. "that's quite a group you have there" he said, I smiled and and started to mutter a response when his wife piped up.. " And what do you think your mother looked like with 13 of you!" ROFL
I still get comments like that to this day, although now the kids are 16, 14, 12, 11 and we've added another who is 4. These days it is usually my 14 yo, 6ft 4 in son who holds doors for me! enjoy them while they are little... it is so fleeting.
Blessings,
Shelli

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Aug. 10, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by dadriane71105

Hi! You left a comment on my blog so I figured that I'd venture out of my blog world and meet some other bloggers. Thanks for you comments there, by the way. I get this same comment from people about my three children. Actually, I get it most of the time from my own family! I'm like you in that I just smile and let others know that I'm very glad to have my hands full.

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Aug. 10, 2005 - My dog tore his ACL as well

Posted by Corgimom

I can completely understand about the torn ACL. A few years ago, my older dog tore his ACL. He came out of the surgery tired, but well. We live in a two story, and he sleeps upstairs with us. So, we had to carry him up and down the stairs every day... Within a few days, he was moving around better than he had in months. (He had torn in and we didn't realize what had happened). The only problem is, he tore the other back leg about four weeks after the surgery for the first one. After we went back to the doctor to see why he was suddenly limping again, the vet said- oh, didn't tell you that? It's pretty typical for the other leg to tear after you have the surgery.. But, it's better to do the surgery- because waiting causes arthritis to develop (which is what happened to my dog's first leg)...

After the second surgery, a few weeks later, he was running around like a puppy! It's been a few years since the second surgery, and he still runs around like a little gazelle.. It was expensive, but well worth the money to keep him healthy and happy!! So, during the rough part, just remember, it will be worth it!! If you need a shoulder to cry on, just give me a buzz!
Corgimom

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Aug. 15, 2005 - Thank you...

Posted by amyjl

Thank you all for the comments and encouragement! Puppy will have her surgery on Friday...and the cat is slowly gaining weight again!

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Aug. 18, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by JenIG

"I'd rather have them full than empty" ... i LOVE that!
:-) jen

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Dec. 31, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by DandelionSeeds

Warm wishes to you and yours in the New Year.
Blessings,
Amy

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Jan. 5, 2006 - Prayer request...

Posted by DandelionSeeds

Please take a moment to stop by my blog and read a prayer request for a woman whose blog I came across... she needs prayer.

Blessings,
Amy

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Jan. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by DandelionSeeds

Hope all is well in your home... blessings to you and yours.

In Him,
Amy

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About Me

Making the journey with my eyes on the heavens and a joyful heart. A little view of our life as new homeschoolers. Some nonsense too. Occasional inspiration.