Two wild and crazy Troxell's

Monday, July 21, 2008

Mabel: then and now

Mabel is growing like crazy these days! We went to Young Life camp last week for a total of 7 days and she noticeably grew just in that week alone!

The pictures below are pretty funny... the first one is of Mabel about 2 weeks after we got her (9.5 weeks old.) The second one was taken yesterday (12.5 weeks old.)

We sure do love our big puppy! She's already learned to sit, lay down, walk on the leash, and retrieve the ball! She starts puppy training on August 3rd... hopefully she'll learn even more!

THEN and...

NOW!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

YOUNG LIFE CAMP

We just got back fro Woodleaf camp last night. We had an AWESOME week packed full of fun times-- some of which are pictured below!

Thanks for the prayers... Heather & Matt

Some of the boys practicing their synchronized swimming routine!

and preforming it!

"Camo" got put in the dunk tank 4 times!!!

Here with some of the YL boys who earned enough tickets to put him in the tank!

Getting a pie in the face (not my last one) from Sarah D.

and posing for a picture afterwards!

"Camo" got a "pie in the face" about 6 or 7 times that night... this one was from Miguel R!

Some of the beautiful girls at the pool with Leader Brianne (far R, with the curly hair!)

Lauren B. & Laura B. swinging on the GIANT SWING!

Kids singing at Club

and smiling for the camera at Club too!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

btw...

I gave notice of my resignation today. My last day at MS is scheduled for August 1st 2008.

Young Life here I come! (again!)

Foot Surgery.

Yep, I'm having foot surgery... Friday, July 25th at 11:00am PST.

Why? Well, not 'cause of the kickball incident at work. Nope, apparently I have Hallux Rigidus. What is Hallus Rigidus you ask? Read more below...

What is Hallux Rigidus?
Hallux rigidus is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the big toe, and with time it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. "Hallux" refers to the big toe, while "rigidus" indicates that the toe is rigid and cannot move. Hallux rigidus is actually a form of degenerative arthritis (a wearing out of the cartilage within the joint that occurs in the foot and other parts of the body).

Because hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, the toe's motion decreases as time goes on. In its earlier stage, motion of the big toe is only somewhat limited—at that point, the condition is called “hallux limitus.” But as the problem advances, the toe's range of motion gradually decreases until it potentially reaches the end stage of "rigidus"— where the big toe becomes stiff, or what is sometimes called a "frozen joint." Other problems are also likely to occur as the disorder progresses.

What Causes Hallux Rigidus?
Common causes of hallux rigidus are faulty function (biomechanics) and structural abnormalities of the foot that can lead to osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. This type of arthritis—the kind that results from "wear and tear"—often develops in people who have defects that change the way their foot and big toe functions. For example, those with fallen arches or excessive pronation (rolling in) of the ankles are susceptible to developing hallux rigidus.
In some people, hallux rigidus runs in the family and is a result of inheriting a foot type that is prone to developing this condition. In other cases, it is associated with overuse—especially among people engaged in activities or jobs that increase the stress on the big toe, such as workers who often have to stoop or squat. Hallux rigidus can also result from an injury—even from stubbing your toe. Or it may be caused by certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Your foot and ankle surgeon can determine the cause of your hallux rigidus and recommend the best treatment.