So it has been a while

I was talking with my sister in law the other day and she mentioned that I hadn't updated my little blog in a while.  When she told me what my last post was (because I couldn't remember) I was surprised she had even kept checking. :) 

A lot has happened (that she already knows about) but to all the other faithful readers (HA HA HA) you might not know. (who am I kidding).  I use Facebook a lot. And what I mean by a lot is that I have a borderline addiction with that crazy website.  With all its negativity of constantly checking it, like I do the fridge to see if there is any new yummy food inside, It has been an amazing tool for us too.

So lets update the little bloggy world out there of my life in the past few years that I have  failed in contacting.

*David graduated from Respiratory Therapy school, May 2011.
*He got a job in Vernal, Utah and we had to move within 2 weeks.  Luckily our lease on our apartment was up.
*We bought our first house... a little home built in the 1950's. 
*We bought a trampoline for the kids because after living in AZ their entire lives, they didn't know how to play outside without melting.
*We had our first Christmas with David's side of the family in way too long.
*My mom was diagnosed with another type of cancer,(Multiple Myeloma) unrelated to the breast cancer she had years ago.
*Finally went to my parents house in Toquerville, UT. AND visited Zion's National Park.
*David's job didn't work out... that in itself would take too many posts to explain. But lets just say, that we have learned its a blessing in disguise.
*We had a fun little family reunion, camping and boating in Flaming Gorge with David's extended family.
*Cannon got baptized, and started Cub Scouts.
*We have a membership to Dinosaur National Monument.  There are some gorgeous places in that park.
*We have had lots of people come visit us and played tour guide to see the dinosaurs.
*My brother and his wife had their first baby, James Jackson Stone. (We call him Jacks)
*David started working with Service Team of Professionals (STOP). A disaster restoration company that was SUPPOSED to be temporary, but he LOVES it. And his boss is AMAZING.
*Zach started middle school.
*Elliot started Kindergarten (WHAT??)
*My mom passed away.  Yeah... that was heavy and one of the hardest things in my life I have ever experienced.
*We had Thanksgiving, just the 5 of us.  It was nice. We have always had some family around and have loved it. It was calm (well, calm for us!) and not hectic at all.
*My sweet nephew, Cody, was killed in a freak accident. He was 18.  It was 2 months since we buried mom.
*We spent Christmas at my dad's house... it was great to be together again (it had been a week since we had all seen each other.  It was a hard Christmas, missing Mom and Cody.  I really understand why holidays can be so difficult for people now.
*We've battled schools over absences for those 2 funerals.
*I guess kids aren't supposed to be with their family during such events that we have experienced.  According to schools, bereavement of any kind is not acceptable because they lose their funding if their attendance rates aren't high enough.
*Cannon is dealing with bullying and was punched at school. The school did nothing.
*We are contemplating home schooling the younger 2 kids.  I want to make sure I'm doing it for the right reasons, not just because the school here makes me angry. But that is hard, because lately, I'm angry at everything.
*I've learned that grieving sucks. I don't want to keep feeling the way that I do.  But I keep hearing it takes time...  UGH! Maybe that is selfish of me.  I don't know.
*Because of the 2 deaths in my family, Facebook, emails, phone calls, texts literally supported us, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially.  So many people sent love and support and helped raise funds for Cody's funeral.
*The Baltimore Raven's won the Superbowl.  Haloti Ngata, one of David's family's friends plays for the Ravens and he helped our family when Cody died by sending 3 SIGNED Jersey's. One from him, (#92), Ray Lewis (#52) who had just announced his retirement, and Ray Rice (#27). It was amazing. I had never been so excited, and emotional over a football in my life and LOVED watching the playoffs.  And yes, I bawled when they won the Superbowl.  (Stop laughing... I'm an emotional wreck! tee hee)
*We bought a new car... new to us. 1997 Toyota Camry LE, with 72,000 miles on it.  So now I'm not stranded at home everyday.  Now, to find things to do...
*Since we drive the 3 hours to Salt Lake City a lot, that little car will save us some money. Its been so fun to reconnect with long time friends and family in Utah.

I will try to add updated pictures of my kids and new life, soon.  (just remember that "soon" is relative)

Mom's Surprise

My family has this habit, or tradition, or planning trips to come and surprise another member of the family.  This has been done several times successfully, and other times, not so much (thanks to my mom falling and breaking her ankle, the Dr had told her not to fly, therefore canceling the plan)  Nevertheless, the scheming, planning and deceit is always fun to do.

This time, I got to help my mom pull it off!  She told me a couple months ago that she was coming out, the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving week is also a big birthday week, and this year even more so with an 18th birthday, November 24 (my  niece Jordan) and a 16th Birthday on November 26 (my nephew Cody - also the day mom got here) 

So the lies and schemes started.... we had to get together FRIDAY November 26 for a combined family party... it was just the "ONLY" day it would work.  Mom had sent money to spring for some pizza, so I used that as my cover and told my sisters that Saturday just wouldn't do.  (tee hee)  So, I went to get my mom... and walked into my sister, Deb's house, with my mom ahead of me.

I wish I had a camera ready.  Jaws hit the floor, tears started flowing from the shock, surprise and gratitude that Mom was here! (sometimes mom's just make things better!!)  Mom had told Jordan that her birthday present would be late... HA HA - just hand delivered too!

I went to get the pizza's while everyone giggled and talked.  Pizza was eaten, Mom was snuggled.  Deb had bought a cake from our favorite Cake Shop (Sugarlips Cakery).  A split cake for both Jordan and Cody.  (It was almond flavored, with strawberry filling.  They make the best cakes!!) 

We spent the next week with mom... I got her most days since I am home, and Deb and Lisa work.  She split her nights between houses.  Mom, Lisa, Deb and I had lunch together one day.  We had lots of joint family time too!  It was a great visit.

Mom and Dad plan to retire next year (October-ish) They are getting ready for that endevour of their lives.  They have purchased (and are currently renting out) and home in Southern Utah that they will move into once they retire.  It will be so nice to have them 6 hours away, instead of across the country. 

We all missed my Dad on this trip.  He is swamped in a project that is close to deadline, so he couldn't surprise anyone this time.  Maybe next time!

Here are the Bday pics!!

Lots of candles... They each had the proper amount on "their own" side of their cake.  18+16= 34 (hey... so that's what my cake would have looked like this year if I did all my candles!!

LOVE this one... and all the SMOKE! LOL

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.

Wolfing it Down

      Zach has been working really hard this past year on his studies, as my last post shows, but also in Cub Scouts.  {{As a mom... I really don't understand the scouting program, having never gone through it myself.  Its a bit crazy}}.  

     Tonight was the first pack meeting since Zach turned 9, and became a "Bear" instead of a "Wolf" (The Pack Meeting of all the age levels in cub scouts and their families. It happens once a month. Big Hooplah!  This is when the boys get their awards)

       Zach finished all of the requirements to earn the award for the Wolf Badge and was awarded it tonight.  Whenever a big accomplishment is made... it is only fitting that the scout leaders make a big deal about it.  Soooo...

The Cubmaster, James Slavinsky,  got a pie plate, and put his badge and other goodies that go in it, in a plastic bag, into the pie plate... and put  a BIG PILE of whipped cream on top of it and told him he had to "WOLF IT DOWN"  The pictures tell the story from here...  It was fun... and Zach was a GREAT sport!

Brother Slavinsky awarding Zach with his Wolf badge.

Dad "helping" Zach not use his hands

 All the boys were chanting, "EAT IT! EAT IT!"

Coming up for air.

Smile!!

 

 Now I get to sew on more badges... Not my favorite thing in the world!

Report Card Time

I can't believe it is the end of the 1st quarter of the school year!  Every 1st and 3rd quarter we have our scheduled Parent Teacher Conferences, so mine was scheduled for today.  Our school, like most schools nowadays, have grades posted online, so there really shouldn't be any surprises. 
 

Zach... This Morning, while getting ready for school, he told me that his teacher, Ms. Newburgh told him that due to him not turning assignments in on time, his Math grade was a "D".  This has been a common problem, so I didn't jump online to check what was going on. I told him I was disappointed and I told him that he needs to learn to turn his assignments in (with his name on it too!!) and that we would discuss things after school once his Dad and I had a chance to talk too. We have never been really hard on grades, but he is a bit of a perfectionist... if his assignment isn't JUST right, he won't turn it in. As of 2 weeks ago, he had an A and I couldn't figure out what went so wrong.  Frustrating.

So I ran a bazillion errands {no exaggeration there!} this morning before school got out early at 12:30.  We went to Ms. Newburgh's conference first.  She is such a great teacher and we adore her. We had a very informative time discussing Zach's abilities in class... only to discover, that...

Zach is a GREAT LIAR!

He has STRAIGHT A's!  
(Ms. Newburgh was in on the little deception too! She thought it was really funny I fell for it!)

We also found out that Zach in on the Headmaster's List for the quarter.  And his goal for the year, is to get straight A's all year. If he does this, he will get the Governor's Award at the end of the year at a school wide assembly. 

As all schools do, they test him throughout the year, right now, as a 4th grader, his reading level is on a 6.5 level (6th grade, 5th month of school) and his math level is 5.8 (5th grade, 8th month) - so much for that D --- there are NO excuses buddy!!



Cannon... In 1st grade, they start grading him with traditional grades at this school, instead of just doing "E's" "S's" and "N's", like they did last year in Kindergarten.  I like it SO much better, I can really SEE and gauge what he is doing, where he is excelling and what he is struggling with.

He is doing great also. He has all A's and B's. He actually has OVER 100% in spelling because of the bonus words he has every week.  His teacher wants to move him up to a harder spelling list, but he takes the grades SOOO personally when he doesn't get 100% on spelling, that she just doesn't have it in her to take that away from him... yet.  He is just so sensitive and we agree, it is building his confidence right now and that is important.  The only reason he has "B's" {and I'm not complaining} is because he rushes through some of his work instead of applying himself.  We see that with homework too.

He loves to learn about science... right now they are learning about SPIDERS... (ewww) but he is having a blast with it! He is also really gifted with Math and loves to read.

I'm pretty sure that my kids are smarter than me.

Moby

Introducing, Moby, Our newest addition to our family. 

We have had a tough year or so when it comes to vehicles. Last year we were trying to keep our 98 Town & Country Mini Van alive, just a while longer.  It drained us - emotionally, physically, and financially. 

Then, some dear friends, Gave, yes GAVE us a 95 Plymouth Neon.  It took a little work to get it running smoothly, but we didn't want to put a lot of money in it either, not wanting to do the same thing to it, that we did to the van.  It was a HUGE blessing. But we were never able to get it to pass emissions so that we could get it registered in our name. Brett, my brother in law,  started working on it, and realized there were a lot of problems with it, that were not worth fixing. So, we were once again, carless and borrowing a car.

Luckily, we had some money come in.  When we got the little Neon, we hoped it would last longer, but at the very least, get us through until now, when we new our school money would come in.  So here we are.  But we knew we wouldn't have money for car payments, so that meant getting something CHEAP and that sort of freaked me out, because once we spent the money on the car, we won't have money to fix it up. 

So the past week or so has been stressful and exhausting. Not at all fun, like car buying should be, I think.

We ended up going to downtown Phoenix and found a bunch of little dealerships.  Some were kind of a joke.  We found this one called, Autos Barrititos.  They had some decent little cars, for fair prices.  When we saw this Astro, we were impressed by the condition it was in, the low miles (99,000), and a lot of new parts installed. It seems to have been taken care of well, inside and out.  We had Brett take a look too, and he really liked it.  The only thing wrong with it was the back AC was blowing hot air... which is a big deal in a rig that big in AZ.  Which they fixed.

I hate the haggling part of car buying.  I don't think David and I are very good with it.  But I think we got a good deal and we are quite happy with it. 

Now I just hope that it doesn't break down and stress me out and we get some good life and miles out of it.  So we are thinking happy thoughts, whispering sweet nothings to him. We have him a name, Moby, not just because it is a big blue beast, but because we like whales... and it seemed fitting. 

The Walls are Moving!

My Family makes fun of me.  Years ago, my brother gave me the nickname Slippy, after I slipped and fell on my bum on some ice.  I've repeated that "move" several times, which because of the humor of it, I promptly call Jeff so we can laugh together. 

They also laugh at me because I swear that the walls move from their original place, just enough for me not to be used to them, so I kick them and stub my toes.  One would think you would get used to where the walls are in the house, yet, I find I kick the walls, or other inanimate objects, often.  And people laugh at me.

I think it runs in my family. A genetic trait... there is clumsiness in several generations... Oh the stories I could tell you about my dear sweet mom... But that will take TOO long, so I will save her the embarrassment today.  I have a niece too, who is known for her "gracefulness"

So, on Zach's birthday, right before dinner, I kicked the corner of the wall (I swear it was further away a moment before!!)  I hurt a nice loud POP and I was quickly sitting on the floor.  I limped the rest of the night. 

I have broken my toes before, so I was sure by the look and feel of it, that I had done it again.  My worry, because or bruising underneath, what that I had broken my foot (which I had done before also).  Grrr.  So when I took Zach into the doctor the next day for his sore throat, I decided to have them Xray just in case.  My foot was fine, so I got to hobble around with a taped up toe for a couple weeks.  SIGH.

When I was taking pictures (the bruising was far worse underneath - love gravity) Elliot had to show off his "broken toe" too. 

Zach's birthday snuck up on us. I can't believe my little baby is 9 years old.  I guess I say something similar at every birthday for each of my kids.  But seriously... My oldest... is 9.  That is pretty big, kinda grown up, he has his own idea of what "cool" is, how he wants to dress, he is doing great in 4th grade (just Aced a big book report!!)  He is a GREAT brother. He is such an example to them - and to David and I.  He is patient and kind.  He is funny, highly intelligent, analytical, and brilliant. 

The night of his birthday, David had school and work, so it was planned to be low key, until our friend, Chrystina, and her family, decided to bring pizza over for dinner as a surprise.  Zach loved it.

Unfortunately, we couldn't celebrate his birthday very much, for a few reasons, but mainly because of sickness.  The week before, he caught a cold, which turned in to Bronchitis, aggravating his asthma.  He missed a bit of school.  He did go to school on his Birthday, but complained of a sore throat... I didn't think much of it because he was on anti-biotics.   BUT when i looked at his throat... EWWWW - NASTY. So another trip to the doctor was made.  A new prescription was given and it seemed to take 5 or 6 days before he started feeling the effects.  We still aren't certain if it was full on strep, but, boy did it look like a really nasty case.  That made case #5 of strep (or the like) for my boy.  He basically missed almost  2 weeks of school because he was not breathing, or barely eating.  Poor guy.  Next week is Fall Break, so he will have some friends over then for sleep overs, since we couldn't do a party.

So, when he did get healthy again, we celebrated with a family dinner to Logan's Roadhouse for some steak (Zach's favorite restaurant) with my sisters and their families in tow also.  It was fun.  We embarrassed Zach with the staff announcing his birthday. And we were all stuffed by the end of the night.

Zach received lots of cards, some cash and the final (I think) book in the Indian in the Cupboard Series. Also the Last Olympian book from the Percy Jackson series. and David and I found a smokin' deal on juggling classes from a company called "Trapeze U" just down the road.  Zach has wanted to learn to juggle and since Uncle Dirk isn't here to teach him, (and I can barely catch) we figured we would set him up with a couple classes! He is so excited.  He is saving his money up for some video games.

Opening the package from Mema and Papa. Zach considered it 

"Papa Wrapped" since it was so hard to get into

A box inside a box - see it IS Papa Wrapped... and mailed to SARAH - it can't be a present for ZACH

MMMM! Pizza and Friends! What a good night!