Blow Out

My poor sweet Elliot.  Thursday started out as such a fun day.  We had learned of a new movie theater that was opening this week, and was showing free movies.  So, we went to see Toy Story 3 (again) with Bryce, and our friends Chrystina, Gabby and Penner.  We had so much fun. 

Until about 7 pm

He was just not acting himself, and told David that his ear hurt.  UH OH! I knew right away, from his history, and the runny nose he'd been sporting, that he was getting an ear infection.  I also knew that he is a MONSTER to give medicine, of any sort to.  I knew I was in for a long, long night with him.

The only way we can get Motrin in him, is to mix the "berry" flavored liquid kind into Orange Soda.  So we did.  He finally started to sleep - for a couple hours, until the pain was unbearable, and he and I came downstairs and popped in a couple movies and tried to find other methods to relieve the pain and suffer it all out.  It really is heart wrenching to watch your child suffer knowing that you can't do a lot for them. He is prone to them, had ear tubes, and still gets some bad infections... ugh. Poor sweetness. 

I don't know what changed, but I think out of sheer exhaustion, but around 4 am, he finally fell asleep... I shmooshed our couches together to make a "bed" for the 2 of us to snuggle on and we slept. 

At 6:45, Zach and Cannon came downstairs to get ready for school.  I was pretty groggy.  Cannon asked why his ear was full of blood. I woke up really quick at that point.  I am not a panicky sort of mom when my kids are sick, or hurt, or bleeding (I leave that role to David) But, maybe from watching too many episodes of CSI, or Criminal Minds, blood coming out of one's ear is NEVER a good thing... so I kinda started stressing.

I knew, that he probably ruptured his ear drum, but I didn't know how that effected his tube, or how that was going to affect his hearing, how much pain he was in, or how I should treat it.  SO we headed to the ER.

The Doctors (we saw 2) couldn't see anything because of the drainage.  One doctor showed me (I love it when docs do this because I learn so much) and really, there was just liquid and bubbles - no ear parts.  So, they called next door to an ENT's office (not our regular one) and got us an immediate appointment... NICE!  His other (left) ear, was fine however.

David got out of class, just in time to help. The ENT had to suction out his ear so that he could see inside. Its not a painful process, but loud and scary from a 3 year old's perspective (ok and a 34 year old's perspective too).  My little man was not happy.  It took David and I both to pin him down.  Elliot was actually angry with David (I was trying to calm and soothe him, so I guess he didn't see me as being mean) but he told David he "wasn't his dad anymore!" (sorry, but I kinda laughed, because 2 seconds later he just wanted David to hug him)

Turns out, some wax had plugged the tube, causing it not to work properly and the ear drum rupturing is the next step... and quite common.  Just not a pleasant thing to be a part of.  He was given 2 antibiotics.

So, we had spent all day at the doctor, and went it was now almost time to pick up kids from school.  I was exhausted, and didn't want to go home, just to drive back to the school, so I went to my sister, Lisa's house and waited there with Brett for Lisa to get home from the airport with Jordan (her oldest daughter who still lives in Idaho) Lisa took pity on me and picked up the kids from school. 

After we got home (his fever spiked at the ENT) and we got some Motrin in him, he took a nap, while I went to pick up his prescriptions. I was greeted by David who told me that that "healthy" left ear had ruptured while I was gone.  UGH! My poor little man! (and my couch had a mess to clean up too).  Emotionally, I sort of hit a wall... I was exhausted, had a huge list of "to-dos" but had no energy from not getting any sleep, but running on adrenaline all day.  Our friend/home teacher came over to help give Elliot a blessing.  I canceled plans that I had for today (Saturday) because I just knew I'd be in zombie-mode today.  Luckily I have really understanding friends.

So today, Elliot is running around with cotton in his ears to help with any drainage. As of this afternoon, he is starting to act like more like himself.  I missed his sweetness, cheerfulness, loving self yesterday. He sure does light up our home. Thank goodness for modern medicine, and friends and family who are always willing to help.

It will take time for the ear drums to heal.  His hearing is temporarily lessened while it heals. He can HEAR, but basically, it sounds muffled to him.  But he is responding just fine to us.   So we are not overly concerned. 

Gilbert Temple Groundbreaking

Last Weekend, November 13, we went to the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Gilbert Temple that is being built near our home.  Its very exciting.  It was announced 1 1/2 ago, and I was really surprised to see just how close it is to where we live.  We will be able to see the spires from our house.  

Here is a link to information about the Gilbert Temple.

I was grateful that the church waited until November for the groundbreaking.  I can't imagine sitting outside in the sun in July. I got a bit of a sun burn. It was actually gorgeous that day!

David needed to sleep, so the boys, 2 of my nieces and I went, found seats (we had brought a blanket just in case).  Elliot promptly started playing in all the dirt.  By the time it was all over, I was sure I was bringing home someone else, and I didn't think there was enough soap in the world to clean him or his clothes. He had a blast!

There was an estimated 7000 people there.  Elder Claudio Costa, of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke, as did the current Mesa Temple President.  The boys are excited to see the progress over the next 2 years as the temple is built. 

Halloween 2010

Halloween Weekend was pretty crazy around here.  Saturday, Zach spent the morning at a scout activity. They went to a Firestation... ate donuts, and watched the firemen leave for a call.  The tour was cut short, but that's part of the excitement of going to a fire station, I guess.  

We were supposed to go to the Fall Festival at the school.  But I had to make the tough call to NOT go.  My "fall allergies" have been hitting me full force and I've been having a hard time with asthma problems- so being outside - knowing I'd be outside for more festivities, is not a good idea right now.  I heard the Fall Festival was a hit though! 

That night, we had 2 Halloween Parties for church to go to... 1 for our ward, and another for Lisa's.  We loved it. The kids got dressed up.  They had a parade and people brought candy and the kids "Trick - or - Treated" during the Parade.  Dinner was served. A family set up a Haunted House (they normally do it in their garage every year).  We had a great time.  

Lisa had signed up to participate in a "trunk or treat".  Keera had asked us to come to "show us off" (tee hee) My kids were glued to her all night - Elliot eventually stuck with David - and I helped Lisa (and Deb who came too) pass out candy to the kids who came through the trunk or treat... some passed through a hundred times it seems.

We had a lot of fun!  The boys (and David and I - tee hee) came home with so much candy! Yummy! Now I have the daily battle to not eat it all day long (not winning) and getting Elliot to eat his meals without whining for candy (really not winning)

SO We were very excited that Elliot ACTUALLY dressed up in a costume this year.  Last year, we had a Buzz Lightyear costume he wore for 30 seconds before he threw a fit and pulled it off.  This year, he was SO excited to wear his Spiderman Costume.  Its amazing how much changes in a year!

Elliot as Spiderman - Zach as Darth Vader and Cannon as  young Anakin Skywalker

Spiderman spinning a web

The Young Anakin Skywalker - before

Darth Vader - Anakin Skywalker - after.