Eyeballs

I like the word eyeballs...always have, but when I think of eyeballs now I think of my mom's and how they are hurting her, so I don't so much like the word right now.

Please be praying for her (Diane) recovery period.  She has to follow doctor’s orders to rest for the next two weeks.  That will require her to lie on her side for the two week recovery period.  That is hard for her since she is never still unless she is asleep - always 90 miles per hour serving someone else.  I know it's hard for her to hurt as well.

Last Monday night, Diane felt something happen to her eye as she was working on her computer.  She went to the eye doctor as it got worse the next day and he diagnosed her with a tear and a detached retina.  It’s a fairly serious condition that requires surgery or it could affect her vision permanently.  It’s probable that she has had a tear in her eye for a few months (floaters are a symptom of a tear), but she had it looked at about 6 months ago and nothing was found.  So, as time progressed, it must have gotten worse and finally, it detached.   

The doctor was able to perform surgery at 8:00 am Friday morning at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.  The procedure went well and she was in a cheerful spirit.   She went back the next day at 10:30 am for a follow-up with the surgeon.  As she was waiting there were other patients there that had had the same surgery that weren't hurting as bad, which wasn't encouraging.  The doctor said that the procedure went well and that everything looked as normal, but that since she had a lasik procedure a long time ago before it was a fully developed procedure that it will be more difficult for her to heal - leading to more pain.  It’s a procedure that takes time to “heal” – so her vision may not come back 100% for a while.  Even 2 days after the surgery she still cannot open her eye.  She said it feels like it's trying to rip open right now...slowly cracking open.  Her right eye is trying now suffering vision issues - she can barely see out of it now. It's watery and puffy.  I think it's because it has overcompensated for the other eye for almost a week and it could be sympathy pain for the other eye?  Everyone’s recovery is different…so, she has to be careful the next few weeks to follow doctor’s orders and then each day should see an improvement in her vision.  They put a gas bubble behind her retina to hold it in place until the laser procedure heals and can securely keep the retina attached.  

Ken, my stepfather pictured, will be on vacation all this week and possibly the next week so he will be able to help care for my mommy.  I'm also very thankful for my family members and friends that are supporting her by bringing meals.  I know she would never ask for help, but because her love language is serving others I know that it means so much to her!

Additional prayers for Diane and Ken:  Please pray that all of their family members will stay well.  For Ken’s mom to continue to do well in her new home/assisted living apartment in Madison, that Charity’s (my sister's) sweet baby girl (Marley Grace :) will deliver close to her April delivery date and that Charity will continue to progress well in her pregnancy (she went into pre-term labor at 28 weeks, but they got it under control).  Also, that the Coplin Commune (us) and Adele Claire will all continue to do well and no “emergencies” will occur. 

Your prayers for my mom's, Diane’s, peace of mind and her body to rest is very much appreciated.

“Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter  5:7

Thanksgiving 2009

I'm a little late posting about Thanksgiving, but I feel like we've absolutely flown into Christmas spirit!  As soon as we got back in town from Nashville and Jackson over Thanksgiving weekend, my thoughts immediately went to Christmas shopping and decorating the house!

Saying that, I am SO THANKFUL for my family and friends.  We take so much for granted and almost expect good things to come into our life.  I have been super emotional and sentimental lately, which if you know me is not my core nature.  But I'm glad that this is coming out of me!  It's something that I've asked from the Lord in prayer lately - to soften my heart.

Over Thanksgiving weekend Luke and I got to celebrate with at my mom's family Thanksgiving party.  I got to see my precious niece, Sydney, and nephew, Cooper, and of course my amazing sister, Charity, and brother-in-law, Dr. Marc!  We went around and said what we were thankful for and my sweet Sydney said she was thankful for, "my Aunt Lindsey," me!!!  That made my heart smile :)

After visiting at my mom's Thanksgiving morning, Luke and I went to Susan's, my dad's girlfriend, house.  I was so excited to see her daughter, Leigh, son-in-law, Patrick and their puppy, Cody, as well as her son, Eric and his family.  We got a snapshot of the group, but it was very difficult with dogs, a kid, and a perfectionist photographer - daddy ;)  I'm not sure which was the better shot:

The day after Thanksgiving we played 18 holes of golf at Harpeth Hills in Brentwood with everyone.  We had a blast even though it was pretty cold!  Although I played terrible, my dad said, "at least you look good..."  Check out the houndstooth pants and new shoes!  I will post more pics of golf later.

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing in Jackson, TN with Luke's family.  My favorite part of the weekend is a tie.  Besides spending time with his parents and eating, Luke and I got to walk over to his grandparents house while out walking with Pippet on the farm.  We caught eye of Pappaw raking leaves in the yard and ended up spending about an hour sitting and talking to both Mammaw and Pappaw on the porch!  It was a BEAUTIFUL day.

 My next favorite thing was "jamming" with Luke's cousins - Dillon & Dakota.  I rocked the bongos and had my try at the drums and failed.  I'll leave that up the the pro, Dakota.  Dillon & Luke switched back and forth on the guitar and bass.  We had a blast!  Dakota was in rare form with hat & sunglasses, so I followed his lead with my pashmina.

I believe that pretty much wraps up Thanksgiving...now on to Christmas!  Let me leave you with this verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)

 ¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus

Arkansas Ozarks Backpacking ~ Ouachita National Forest ~ Eagle Rock Loop

Another memorable moment for the Coplins!  Luke, Pippet, and I had some fun family time by taking a 2 night backpacking trip in the Ozarks.  What a refreshing trip!  It took about 5 hours to get to Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas - close to Oklahoma.  We tried to hike the Eagle Rock Loop (26 miles), but debating how to cross high water crossins prevented that.  We ended up hiking about 15 miles of the loop.  Here is the link for more information on the trail: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/maps/documents/TR-36_Eagle_Rock_Loop_000.pdf

Luke and I had a blast, but the first day proved challenging due to the water crossings.  We had called ahead to the ranger station to make sure the water wasn't too high or dangerous.  They approved the trail, but someone had their info wrong.  I think it has rained more this fall than the spring.  As a result, these water crossings were waist deep instead of being "stepping stone-ish."  You can see all of the pictures on the link below, but here you can see that Luke was getting very deep into the rushing water. 

I did not take any pictures past this because I was FREEZING.  I really believe that my feet have never been that cold.  I was wearing my Teva sandals.  We could not make a fire due all of the recent rain.  That was very frustrating with my feet being so cold.  I hate to be a baby, but I really do not remember my feet being that numb.  Luke was my hero and boiled some water to put in a nalgene bottle inside my sleeping bag.  I did not partake in the instant potatoes that night in fear that I might get cold again getting out of my bag ;)  But the next morning it was gorgeous!  Praise God :)


That morning around 10AM we walked about  2 more miles and got to another deep water crossing.  We got across the first part after about 20 minutes and then realized we had another that was even more difficult right away.  At that point, we decided to turn around because we would need to walk over10 more miles for that day and it was already past noon.  We went 5 miles back to the start and then a 300 foot climb to a narrow rocky ridge overlooking Albert Pike.  This was called the Winding Stair Trail.  It was beautiful.  We made it about 3 miles into that side of the trail before camping out and cooking a well deserved meal!



You can view the rest of the pictures below.  Enjoy!

You are invited to view Lindsey C's photo album: Arkansas Backpacking Slideshow Arkansas Backpacking Slideshow Eagle Rock Loop - Oct 23, 2009 by Lindsey C View Album Play slideshow If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lindseycoplin&target=ALBUM&id=5397830252833576897&authkey=Gv1sRgCO-J3JDA1MuyCw&invite=CO3Kn6AM&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

Nashville visit ~ Hil & Bons

I love my Hil and Bons! I went to Nashville a few weekends ago to spend some time with Hilary (long time school friend - I'm talking 13 years) and Bonnie (not even sure I can describe all the connections we have, but I know Civitan softball was factor). Bonnie was in town from Birmingham, Alabama to try on wedding dresses/plan the wedding and Hilary was in to support her (and visit me - tehe) like a good bridesmaid should! And she found one! Too bad I cannot post the wedding dress pictures. She looked beautiful!! Here is a sneak peak (bad quality - dang phone camera).
Saturday I got to see Bonnie's dress, peaked at Anthropology, thoroughly enjoyed conversation with Hilary over dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and then desert with both of them at Cheesecake Factory. And who knew we were going to run into a high school friend. Oh, Nashvilletown, how I miss you.

I also got to spend some quality time with my Mom (shopping of course ~ she bought me a new shower curtain!) and ate lunch with my aunt Gayle and cousin Liz. It was a cute and yummy eatery - forgot the name! Sunday I grilled kabobs with Daddy and Susan. I was a big girl and drove myself to and fro Memphis. Luke stayed home to work on "projects." This weekend was so much fun!

Knoxville Visit ~ Old Crow Medicine Show

Luke and I went to an Old Crow Medicine Show concert this past Friday in Knoxville with Luke's brother, Dal, and his wife (sis-in-law), Courtney. Afterward, we ate the Downtown Bar & Grill. We had such a great time hanging out with them and their new house!

Luke and Dal worked on the deck while Courtney and I browsed furniture.

April in a nutshell

It's been a while...April was a busy month!!

1) The Payne Baby Shower went great!!

2) My nomadic girlfriend, and bridesmaid, Vanessa O'Neal was speeding through town and stayed with us one night!

3) I had a GREAT time at the 2PC (my church's) Women's Retreat! What a refreshing time in the presence of the Holy Spirit and around ladies of wisdom!

4)Luke and I got to visit family in Nashville this past weekend! My cousin, Jeff, married a beautiful and sweet girl named Sarah.

5) My hair color is constantly changing...I call it a recovery program (see picture) More change TBD tomorrow ;)
This....
To this...
6) May is a new leaf turned over. I have begun to start P90X again - a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. It's going well. I'm on day 12. I'm not following their strict diet, but I have been keeping up with my calories on www.my-calorie-counter.com and have created a 2 week healthy meal plan (went grocery shopping last Monday). I will post some of the recipes I've tried so far!

7) Mother's Day is this weekend, but I celebrated with mom this past weekend sans the sis :( However, I did go ahead and give her a gift - a digital picture keychain! Here is a pic I put on there...miss you sissy (note my beloved missed tan from Jamaica and long blonde hair)!

...I'll be back with recipes :)

Farmin it up.

Gotta love the Coplin Farm...good times just chattin, woods walkin, gun shootin, 4wheeler ridin, eat til your pant button pops off fun. Luke and I took Good Friday off to enjoy the Easter weekend relaxing and meditating at the Coplin Farm. It was great to see Dal, Luke's brother, and his wife Courtney as well as all of the other family members. We watched Dakota & Dillon, Luke's cousins, play baseball and hung out with Pappaw, Mammaw, and Grandaddy. Pippet always has fun running through the woods and has really impressed us with her agility. She was very obedient and stayed right by our side. Except for the time she saw the hawks in the sky and ran to the property line, but that still wasn't far...she came right back. She loves to play frisbee and only skid on the side of the pond rather than swim. Poor thing. She did run into some barb wire fence bless her heart, but she will be fine. We hope to go back soon and camp out on seresa hill! You can check out a complete photo album on facebook. Enjoy!

Greer is Here!

I cannot believe that a close friend of mine had a baby! Something about it seems so surreal...that next step in life. Greer Tellico Watson was born Friday, April 3rd, via emergency c-section. Ashley and Geoff Watson are adorable and will be awesome parents!