CHECKING IN AND CHECKING UP

Grandpa is still doing well. He and Grandma are both kind of tired and in recovery mode but still doing better than when they were at the hospital. He had some home health care come today just to get him signed up for the program. They will come a few times a week for a bit to check on him. He has a check-up tomorrow with his regular internist. She is really a terrific doctor so he will be in good hands.

Not too much else going on here. We are having rain tonight that could turn to light snow. I'm not sure we are ready for that kind of cold yet. Hopefully, it will be brief and back to a bit of warm. More later.

DADDY'S HOME!

My Daddy that is. Yep, they let Grandpa out of the hospital. He was able to walk in the house by himself--well, with a little help from his walker but that was pretty exciting given he'd lost the use of his legs last week! He is doing pretty well. I went down to see if they were ready for supper and he was sitting at his desk doing paperwork--so I guess things are back to normal. Lol!

He still on some meds for infection and we are watching him closely but other than that, I think he is doing well. I think he probably will have a little too much help from a couple of children for the next few days. The kids have really missed him and Grandma. They couldn't do enough to help as they were coming in the house. They wanted to help unload the car and get the stairlift ready and help Grandpa walk. So, I will probably have to keep them extra busy so they don't have time to be quite so helpful! Hahaha!

Well, just wanted to update you on the happy news! Have a great day!

MORE GRANDPA NEWS

Okay, so Grandpa didn't get to come home today, but I'm not sure Grandpa's really even sick anymore. I starting to suspect that the Doctor's and nurses just really like him and mom and want to hang out with them! I mean, they are pretty cool, right?! Lol!

Seriously though, the doctors want to keep Dad tomorrow and possibly Thursday as well. They just don't think he's got the Cellulitis infection as cleared up as it needs to be in order to leave. He did meet with the physical therapist though and they think he is doing great as far as walking and moving around.

So, I guess it's just a waiting game at this point. I will let you know when I know something. Keep your prayers coming. Love Nancy

THE GRANDPA UPDATE

Well, we were hoping Grandpa would come home today but they took a look at his cultures and said ----- wait for it . . . "He doesn't have any!" O.K. Just kidding. That's not what they said at all! But it's the best I could come up with after midnight. And you know, he earned that one--I can't tell you how many times my father has asked me if I was born in a barn. And I'm pretty sure if I'd been born in a barn he wouldn't have been very far away -- are you following me? Just teasing Dad! But I digress.

Back to my point, and I do have one. Dad's cultures weren't exactly where they wanted them so they decided to keep him another day. They had also been checking the areas where he had Cellulitis and it looked like it was clearing up really well. He has it on his back and hip area, I believe. Anyway, they turned him over and got a look at the other side and it hadn't gotten much better at all. It was still pretty angry looking, so I'm not sure exactly what that means. That might be why the cultures weren't where they wanted them to be or it might mean they need to keep him a few more days. I guess we will know more tomorrow when the Doc or PA show up and let us know.

Mom has been staying at the hospital with him since Sarah left. She is tired but seems to want to be with him. I didn't make it out there today as I've got a Kindergartner and pre-schooler to get off to school now. Hopefully, he will come home tomorrow and I can be more help.

I will keep you all posted. Thanks again for all your prayers. I know he is being blessed by them. Much love. N.

YOUR DAILY DOSE :)

Grandpa is definitely improving! He was able to walk to the bathroom pretty much on his own today. They didn't have him take a walk around the floor or anything like that but trust me when I tell you it is a pretty big miracle that he was able to walk at all! Especially when you compare that to how weak he was when we brought him into the hospital.

The docs are going to check his cultures tomorrow morning and then tell us if they are at levels that will allow us to bring him home or not. If they do send him home tomorrow, he will most likely come home with one IV but we will take him anyway he comes. I'm sure it will be more comfortable for him than the hospital.

My sister Sarah is an angel. She surprised us yesterday (her favorite thing to do) and showed up at the hospital to help. She spent the night there with Dad and then stayed until about 3 or so today before she headed back to Idaho so she could work Monday. She is so great to come and help anytime there is a concern.

So, funny story--the hospital rewarded her for her good deed by paving her car in the parking lot. Lol. She went out to leave and found that her car was one of 3 or 4 in a lot they paved Sunday. They didn't give anyone fair warning. No signs to say don't park here. No one came around to the rooms and asked people to move their cars--they just paved around the cars and then put up these tall orange and white standards and orange plastic ribbon and strapped those cars in!

Sarah called my cell phone a few minutes after I walked her down to the first floor and told me she was trapped. I told her I'd be right down. I walked down and went out to her car with her. We both laughed and then I just walked up and tore the plastic ribbon and moved the cones. She looked at me like "Crap, are we gonna get in trouble?" Actually, I think that's what she said. Anyway, I didn't care. You don't do that to people. I assisted with the renovation of a 400,000 plus square foot building with a couple of major parking lots that were affected when I worked on a major campus. There are protocols to follow when you are going to do something like this--especially if it involves a public parking lot! Gee willakers people!



See the lighter parking space--that's where Sarah's car was. And as you can see there are other cars blocked in the lot as well. This is before I put the standards back in place.

Anyway--after I let my baby sis out. I put their standards right back in place and tied their orange plastic ribbon back in a knot. I figured that would give the next person/car a hint at how to get out. Lol!

Not a fancy knot but it did the trick! Lol!

Check out how many cars they've blocked in these lots!
 

 Oh yah, when I walked back in the hospital there was a security guard at the reception desk facing the parking lot. He had just sat down. I said, "Hi, how are you?" He said, "Fine, how are you?" And I kept walking. I think he just missed my heroic rescue! Ha! Lucky him-- O.K . . . or me!

 

My sisters and I are brave in different areas--I wouldn't do some of the things she'd do. The other night when they weren't helping us real fast at the hospital, I was texting back and forth with her and grumbling about it and said I wished she was there to handle it. She wrote me back and said "You know it, I'd be there kicking butts and taking names!" And she would, too!Lol! I'm pretty sure that's why she showed up--to make sure nobody was mistreating our Daddy!

So, just for clarification--Don't block my sisters in or you have to deal with me--and don't mistreat my parents in the hospital--or I will sick my baby sister on you! Get it, Got it--Good. (Oh--just kidding--kind of.) :) Well, that's your daily dose.

TODAY'S UPDATE

Dad is in the hospital here. They seem to have things well in hand. They are treating his Cellulitis aggressively and are doing wound care on his bed sores. He has two that were mostly healed before he and mom went on this trip that have now opened back up a little. They drove over 1,000 miles total and that is a lot of sitting when you can't lift yourself to adjust the way you're sitting. So, the wounds were disturbed some. They also are treating him for a mild UTI (urinary tract infection). Any of those things or the complications that come with them could make him weak, so that is the most likely explanation for why he has no strength in his legs.

It looks like they plan to keep him until at least Monday. He has his regular cell phone with him (765) 247-8149 and I'm sure he would love to talk to you if you have a moment to call. He is in room 326 of the Davis County Hospital in Layton, UT.

They have him on a treatment plan and are shooting for trying to have him well enough to return home by Monday sometime. They are not at all sure though--just a target date. His spirits seem to be better today, though.

Well, that's all I know for now. I will keep you posted. Take care and thanks so much for the prayers. Love you, Nancy

SOME NEWS

Well, I was going to tell you all about Mom and Dad's trip but I will start with the latest news. Mom and I are sitting in the ER at the moment with Dad. He has been running a fever for a few days and had been really weak. Mom figured out this evening that it is the Cellulitis he's had in the past that has returned. So around 1:00 a.m. we brought him to the emergency room.

The doctor has already seen him and confirmed it is the Cellulitis and that it needs to be treated aggressively so they are admitting him. We are waiting now for a hospitalist to come in and do that.

As far as the trip they took, Mom and Dad met Retha Brouhard and her daughter Diana in McCall, Idaho and stayed at a Condo there for a few days. They had a great time catching up and just did a whole lot of talking and laughing. Retha took a plane back to Indiana the day after Mom and Dad left. She is moving back there.

Well, I will keep you posted on Dad's health. Take care.

CARLY'S FINAL GAME. THE PARTY'S OVER!

So, tonight was Carly's final soccer game. Wow, we thought last night was cold! Brrr. Last night was a sauna compared to tonight. It was 49 degrees out there with biting winds blowing. I layered the kids and did a little layering myself but I should have put heavy coats and gloves on us and brought a heavy blanket to wrap around us. It was really cold--even Rob complained and he never complains about it being cold.

Jono and I went and sat in our van for about 10 minutes during the first quarter and then about halfway through the second quarter he and I packed it in for good. Daddy braved it and stayed to the end but Jono and I couldn't take anymore of the biting winds.

It's too bad, though because Carly was playing great and I really wanted to watch her. I did get a few pictures early on, though. Carly's team had a bunch of go-getters on it this year. They were really fun to be play with, too and had such great sportsmanship.

Practice makes perfect

Coache's Corner

What's the plan coach?

 

Game time!




 

SOC' IT TO ME?!

This has been a busy week. We've had a ton going on around here. Luckily Rob is off this week and around to help, though. Jono had his last soccer game tonight and was such a little star! He made 3 goals -- one that he pretty much drove in all by himself!

He had such a great coach this year--one that had a ton of energy and kept the boys enthused about the game and what they were doing. They all got medals at the end tonight and were pretty excited about that. Instead of just giving them the medals his coach gathered them all together and had made up awards for each of them. Jono's was for being one of the speediest on the field. He really is a fast little guy when he wants to be.

It's been fun watching he and Carly play this year but I am glad the season is over. Carly's last game is tomorrow night and not a minute too soon. As you can see, we had too really bundle Jono up to play. It was really cold! Plus, it had rained most of the day on top of the cold!

Grandma and Grandpa have been on a little trip. They are on their way back now, so when they arrive home I will get their report and tell you all about it. Hope all is well for you and yours!


Daddy and Jono
Mommy's handsome princes



Jono's team "The Sharks" getting some
direction from Coach Crockett

The Coach with his Sharks

Jono gets his medal from Coach Crockett

IS THIS AMERICA?

I usually try to write something more personal on my blog but I am deeply disturbed by this story and want to share it. I have a hard time fathoming what is happening to our country. It feels like we are being lead quietly over a cliff because only a few of us have the courage to stand up to the evils happening around us. If you haven't heard of or don't understand what "Common Core" is then please "Bing" or "duckduckgo.com" it. I don't recommend "google" to anyone anymore as they don't care at all about your privacy. But, I digress.

Regardless of whether you know about Common Core or not, what you see in this video should scare the daylights out of you. If it doesn't, you just don't get it. Something is really wrong in our Country right now and if we don't do something to turn it around we are going to be one very sorry people.

I'm not sure what the answer is but I know it begins and ends with prayer and hard work. Please watch:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/09/20/is-this-america-parent-manhandled-arrested-while-speaking-out-against-common-core-at-public-forum/

OUR HAPPY, NAKED MAMMA DOG

Our Mamma dog Sadie lost 42 lbs today. I am exaggerating of course. She only looks like she lost 42 lbs. We took her to be groomed and had her shaved to the lowest possible level. She is half Lab and half Collie, heavy on the Collie--and when she blows her coat, she really blows. We were all starting to look like we had fur so we gave up rolling ourselves with sticky rollers and broke down and had her shaved.

Now don't feel sorry for her. It may seem funny but she actually LOVES being shaved! She sleeps on the tile floor in the summer because she is so hot and in the winter we have a hard time getting her to come in when she goes out to do her business because she likes to take extra time to snow-bathe. That's what I call her habit of just lying in the snow and soaking up the cold. This puppy puts out a lot of heat! She is running around the house tonight with a ton of energy compared to what she normally does.

I call her the Mamma dog because she is a year older than our other dog, Tashie. She takes good care of Tashie. She cleans her face, ears and keeps her fur nice and soft. Tashie -- lets her. That's my way of saying Tashie does not return the favor. She is definitely the puppy in the relationship.

The first time we had Sadie shaved we were stunned when we picked her up because she is a tri-color dog and when her fur is shaved she becomes this muted tan. We didn't know that all of her color comes out in the longer hair. If we hadn't recognized her face and personality, we wouldn't have believed she was our dog.

So skipping forward to today -- something funny happened when we picked Sadie up. We warned the kids she would look really different and they might not recognize her. The clerk asked for our name and our dog's name and then went in the back to get her. She was gone for a few minutes and then sure enough, came back with a dog NONE of us recognized! She came out with this roly-poly little dachsund. She did bring Sadie--she just brought the wrong Sadie! Apparently they had two Sadie's to groom today at the same time and she hadn't checked to make sure she had our name right. Lol! Of course, we had the kids believing for a moment or two that our Sadie had shrunk and changed that much! Hahaha! Too funny!

I took some before and after pictures of Sadie today so I could let you see the difference. Here's our naked mamma dog. Lol!


Sadie just before her grooming appointment

Sadie just after her grooming appointment





HAPPY DAY I GET TO GO TO A BIRTHDAY PAR-TAY!

Jono went to his first birthday party today--I mean one he got invited to. He was so excited. I bought a cool gift for him to take. It was a yellow caterpillar tractor that makes all the noises and has real movements. Yah, he wasn't so excited about that--the giving it away part. Lol. He got "attachment syndrome" -- you know-- couldn't keep his hands off it. Try explaining to a four year old he can't keep the cool toy you just brought home and showed to him. Hahaha! Yah, that was a fun part of my day. I had to cajole and threaten to get it away from him to wrap it for the birthday boy. Poor little guy -- he wanted to keep it so bad. Oh well, this too shall pass.

It was a great birthday party, though. The mom and grandma made "super-capes" and masks for all the kids attending--and there were about 15. So much work but also so cute and fun. They held the party at a park and the kids had a blast.

We had to pick Jono up right from there to go straight to his soccer game. He was very in demand today! Lol. Pretty sure he had a fun day.

Here's a shot of him at the birthday party with his friend Ellie.

I'M BACK!

I can't remember the last time I went five days without blogging but I know it's been a long time. I apologize but life has gotten a little hectic since I've become Mom to a Kindergartner and a pre-schooler who are both playing city league soccer and taking a tumbing/dance class. I am now the Mommy-bus driver along with the chief cook and bottle washer and cheerleader. Lol!

I actually spent time today setting about ten different alarms on my phone to go off in the next two days so I can remember to be at different appointments, games, classes I am supposed to --oh, and also to remind me to do all the assignments I have to do for each one. Oh yah - and one more alarm to make sure the kids have their homework done, too. Yep, even in Kindergarten they have one two-sided page of homework a day.

Grandpa and Grandma are doing well. Grandpa's voice seems to have made a pretty strong comeback this week. If I didn't already know he had a problem with it, I sure wouldn't have had any clue he did the way he answered the phone today. It took me way back to when his voice was strong and almost thunderous. It was again today. I heard my Dad on the phone talking like he did twenty or thirty years ago, Loud, strong and clear. It was great to hear him talking like that again.

Well, I'd better get going for now. I have an early morning tomorrow and you know what they say ~ there's no rest for the wicked.  So, I'm gonna go get me some while the rest of you stay up and party! Lol!

THE COLD IS COMING

Jono had a soccer game tonight but there was a storm coming in and we were on notice that they might cancel the game. I was secretly praying they would. They didn't. We got to the field and the wind was playing harder than the boys were. It nearly whipped us all off the field. It got really cold and awnry with us but we stuck it out. The boys all did great but I felt bad for those who had games the hour after ours. I'm pretty sure they didn't make it through their games before the storm hit. We were just lucky it didn't start while ours was on. I was so glad to get back inside my house and get something warm on. Don't tell me Winter is upon us already! Ahhhhhh!

MY LITTLE ONES

Here's a couple photo's from the first week of school. This photo of Jono is him goofing off at Carly's soccer game. He LOVES to wear his sunglasses and ask everyone if he looks COOL. Lol!

Carly is still excited to go to school everyday. She loves everything about it and is a very independent little girl. She loves picking out her outfits and I think she is the cutest thing ever, but then, I guess I am a little biased. ;)

ONLY FOOLS RUSH IN . . .

Still getting used to my new schedule of getting the kids to and frm school. I nearly give myself  a heart attack at least once a day thinking I'm late getting the kids to school when I actually stilll have 15 minutes left. Or rushing over to pick them up knowing I'm late only to have to wait another 20 minutes for them to get out. I don't know why I can't keep it straight but I am sure having a hard time, Guess it's kind of like a brain block. Luckily, so far I have only shown up early once with kids in tow. Lol. Gotta love me. :)

HE'S BACK!

Got my hubby back this evening after almost a week away working to install new equipment in a hospital about four hours away. Love having him home and the kids have missed him really bad. They had tumbling/dance this afternoon and loved it! We got a pretty good rainstorm this evening with winds and all but it did help it to cool down a bit so that was nice.

Grandpa went and had a sleep study last night. Grandma went with him and slept in a recliner--or at least tried to. I think Grandpa was the only one who really got any rest, though. He doesn't have his results yet though. I think he will get them in about a week.

Well, just a bunch of "to do" lists planned for the weekend. Hope you have more excitement planned than we do. :)

A GRATEFUL HEART

Yesterday Carly said, "Mom, Can you buy me an app? I was a little surprised to have my five year old asking me for an electronic application but I recovered  quickly and said, "What's an app, Carly?" She said, "I don't know but can I have it?" Oh my goodness--the commercial marketing during kiddie cartoons is out of control! They are trying to sell our toddlers and Kindergartners apps! Really?! Holy cow!

On a more positive note--I have a really heartwarming story to tell about something that happened at soccer tonight. I am always worried about how my little ones are going to be treated in this world that can sometimes be a little cruel and unfair. My mamma bear instincts are always on high alert for just that reason.

Tonight Carly had a soccer game and she was supposed to have her team photo taken right before the game started. We were supposed to be there fifteen minutes early the game. We did Jonathon's last night with no problem. Tonight, it just felt like one thing after another combined against us and we ended up being almost ten minutes late. Long story short--we got there just after they finished our team photo. The girls and coach were already walking away from the photo booth toward the field we were to play on. We still headed to the booth to get her individual picture taken but knew we had lost the opportunity for her group one as there were hundreds of kids there for group photos and they didn't have time to do retakes. It is a city kid's league. However, we had only been waiting a moment or so for Carly's individual photo to be taken when her five adorable teammates marched back up to the Coach, who was waiting with us near the photographer and said "We need to have our team picture retaken because Carly wasn't in it. We need our whole team in it." I FELL IN LOVE WITH THOSE LITTLE GIRLS AT THAT MOMENT. And because they all came together and were insistent they had to have their whole team in their picture the photographer re-took their photo and was very nice about it. I don't know many five year old'swith that level of maturity and caring--and they were not being prompted or coached by anyone. They did it on their own.

Afterwards, I thanked them and told them I was so proud of them for being so sweet and kind. A couple of them piped up and said, "We're a team--we do things together. We play together--that's why we keep winning!" This mom had tears in her eyes watching all this play out -- and for quite awhile after. This mom has a grateful heart for some very thoughtful, kind little girls.

MORE WHINE PLEASE

I feel like I have been on a dead run for the last few days. With the beginning of school and the beginning of preschool, soccer games, doctor appointments and well, I won't bore you with all the details but it seems like as soon as I finish one thing it is time to go back and retrieve the first thing. Then I have to start into my list all over again. I guess that is just part of being a mom and juggling things. I used to be good at multi-tasking but I don't seem to be doing so well anymore and I'm not sure what happened.

These schedules are apparently working my last brain cell, though because I have tried to drop the kids off a half hour early and tried to pick them up twenty minutes early. For some reason, I cannot keep their times straight. I think I am just going to take a big black sharpie and write their drop off and pick up times on inside of my visor so it can't be seen unless I pull it down to look. Lol! Just kidding. I will get it down.

I am now paying attention to homework, school clothes and car pools and leaving house cleaning, lawn mowing and vegetable gardening in the wind. I've finally realized ~ I need a wife! Wah!

p.s. I've always said, "If I can whine, I can do anything. Lol!

SO IT BEGINS

Jono had a great time at preschool this morning . We weren't there long but it was long enough for him to make some friends and have a good time. He starts regularly on Thursday and will go two days a week. Carly went back to school, too today and loved it. Nikki and I helped put together homework packets for about an hour for one of the Kindergarten teachers. Then when we got the kids home it was time to do homework with them. I can actually keep up with Kindergarten homework! Yay! Lol!

It is still pretty warm here. The kids have soccer games the next few nights and pictures with their teams Here's to hoping it doesn't rain anymore -- at least until pictures are over!

Tashie got out and rolled in something really smelly today so we had to giver her a bath. It was not fun, but she sure smelled good afterward and was really soft, too. She actually even stayed in the tub for us and didn't try to jump out, either--until we were done and I told her too.

Well, better get them some treats and gt myself in bed. It's nearly 3:00 a. m. -- Night all!

BACK AT IT

We had a fun labor day. Did some things around the house with the kids and then took them over to a trampoline park. We went with some friends and their family. The kids all had a great time together. All of us parents jumped, too. It was really fun. This was our second time and our second place to go. The little kids were the most daring. They would jump off anything onto almost anything. They scared me a few times, but they are still alive.

Jono helped Grandma make dessert today. The two of them were up to no good in the kitchen for quite some time and then the next thing we knew there were 2 beautiful meringue pies on the counter, 1 chocolate and 1 coconut. They were really yummy! Plus, Jono really loved helping Grandma. He felt like such a big boy!

Grandma C. and Jono

Jono starts preschool today and Carly goes back for her second week of Kindergarten! So we are back at it! Hope your labor day was a good one and you are happy to be back at it, too!

OUR WEEK

Spent a day at the amusement park this week. The kids had great fun. They didn't want to leave. it was so hot, though. It's only been in the mid-eighties to upper nineties but it has felt so much hotter. Luckily there are some rides that involve just a touch of water and that cooled us off a bit. I swear the kids are like little energizer bunnies, though. They keep going and going and going. They would be there still if we didn't set a time limit. They just don't seem to wear out. It's only when they start to get a little cranky that we know it's time to go.

Carly loved the rest of her week of school last week. It's fun to see her so excited about learning. She is making friends and loving her class time. Jono starts pre-school on Tuesday. They are both taking a Creative Dance class that includes tumbling, hip-hop, and break dancing among other things. They are having a blast!

Grandpa and Grandma are both doing well. They have both been had recent check-ups and had good reports from their doctors. Nothing new to report--and as they say--in this case no news is good news. Well, that's about it from here. Hope all is well with you and yours. Night all. 

KINDERGARTEN PICS

I was finally able to get the pictures of Carly's first day of Kindergarten off my camera. Rob had to go buy a new adapter/card reader to make it work. Something was wrong with the THREE others we had! Weird!
Anyway, here is my darling little girl (if I do say so myself) on her first day of Kindergarten.

Miss Carly on her way to her first day of Kindergarten

Mommy with her Kindergartner

She had her second day today and loved it. She came out so happy when I picked her up at the end of the day. I'm so glad she is having such a good experience.Yay!

MY KINDERGARTNER, AND MY GRATITUDE

It was Carly's first day of school today and she did so great! So did I--no tears! Rob and I both took her and then they took the kids off to learn about the library and to play on the playground while they gave the parents an orientation. Carly just got up and marched out with the other kids. She didn't even give us a backwards glance. She is a really happy, independent little spirit so that is exactly what I expected. She didn't disappoint! Love that little girl!

I was going to put a couple of pictures from the morning on here but I can't get them off my camera for some reason so it will have to wait for a day or so. Darn. Oh well, instead, I will share a couple of thoughts with you I've been having today. I come from such a good family, such good parents and have so many wonderful blessings. I have a really amazing husband and my children are not only blessings but miracles to me.

I've just been thinking how important it is to recognize my blessings--to really conscientiously realize them and be grateful for them. In being grateful, I can see that many of my blessings come from being raised by such good parents who were so loving and so giving to others. Their example has been so powerful in my life and I want them to know how much of an influence they have had on me, my life and my choices. Thank you Dad and Mom. I would not be the person I am today without you. I love you both very much.

I've also had some very wonderful mentors and friends who have blessed my life and of course my sisters who have been my best friends my whole life. Not everyone is so blessed.

I've had a song in my head and on my heart. It's one we sing in church that I love. It's called Because I Have Been Given Much by Grace Noll Crowell. I love the words to it and I want to share them with you because that is where my heart has been.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-

my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need.

I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

MY HAPPY FOUR YEAR OLD

It was a Happy Day for my Birthday Boy. Lots of friends, family and fun. We are all so tired and worn out now. A few pictures - then I'm off to sleep. Love you Bubby!

Jono and Grandma

Ironman Jono

My Happy Guy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST LITTLE GUY EVER!

This little bugger turns four tomorrow. I can hardly believe it. Time has just flown by. He is such an amazing little guy. He is full of energy and life and brings such love into our lives. He definitely keeps us on our toes and hopefully that will help keep us young. Happy Birthday Jono!We love you!

Daddy and Jono - my birthday boys

Grandpa D. and Jono -they shared a birthday week also but we lost Grandpa when Jono was 6 months old. We are so glad he got to meet his Grandson and so grateful for this picture of him holding Jono and smiling.

Our little preemie and a regular size Hershey bar!

Such a cutie pie

My Lovable 3.5 year old

My big, handsome boy--growing up way too fast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB!

Today was Rob's birthday. We let him open his gifts early and then Mom, Dad, the kids and I took him to lunch. We went to a Mongolian Grill. It was yummy.

Jono had his first soccer game tonight. He did really well. He was much more engaged in the game than he was last year. He seemed to even understand the rules -- a little bit. Lol.

We came home afterward and had cake and ice cream and now I think we are showing our age--cuz it's not even 10:30 and we are yawning like serious senior citizens--(no offense to any actual senior citizens). I am just saying we are beyond exhausted--and headed to bed!

Happy Birthday my sweetheart! I love you!

FUN DAY AT LAGOON!

Spent the day at the amusement park with some good friends supposedly amusing ourselves but I'm pretty sure we were just there for the kids. The kids did have a lot of fun and they got along great. I think I may have outgrown the excitement of going around and around and around and around and . . .  well you get the idea. I think they make pills for that kind of excitement at this age, don't they--compazine, phenagren? Lol--anything to keep the nausea at bay! Ha! Seriously though, I have learned to just close my eyes and hold on until it's over. I do love to hear them laugh and giggle. They are so cute when they are enjoying themselves.

Here are a couple shots of the kids together. Thanks for a fun day Char, Nat and Josh!

Carly and Kenzie

Jono, JoJo and Carly

MILESTONE - MILEMARKER 5

I registered my youngest daughter for Kindergarten today. Wow. Milestone. My baby girl is really no baby anymore. She is so excited to go to school. I'm excited for her and yet wish I could keep her young all at the same moment.

I have so many hopes for her and a few fears, but she is a strong, happy and resilient little woman. No one is likely to hold her back for long. I love my precious Carly so much and I can't believe the day is almost here when I will walk her to the door of her kindergarten room. I can already imagine it in my mind. We will walk there hand in hand both of us a little nervous. As we arrive at the door, I lean down to give her a hug and a kiss and with tears in my eyes I tell her to have a good day and she lovingly says "Mom--it's time for you to go! You don't have to hang around and watch me. None of the other kids mom's are still here. From now on, can you hug me before we leave the house? K? 

OK, so that hasn't happened yet--but it could! Good golly--I gotta get a life. Jono is not far behind her and I think his spirit may be even more independent than hers! Talk about getting empty nested early! Lol! Okay--so I'm a drama queen. I guess my girl's get it honest! Hahaha!

MORE FROM THE FILES OF KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS . . .

Tonight my daughter Megan was talking with Jono while I was in the kitchen cooking. She came over giggling and said I might have a problem with him when it comes time for him to be baptized. I looked at her a little funny, I guess, so she explained. Once she finished explaining, we decided his teachers must have taught them about baptism in Sunday school today. His four year old attention span is not very long, though, and in the end, the only thing that stuck with him about baptism is the way the word "baptize" sounds. Apparently to my little guy, "baptize" sounds way too much like "badguys". Lol! We talk a lot about avoiding "badguys" at our house--so my little guy will not be having anything to do with that baptize stuff if it has anything to do with those bad guys! Just sayin'! I'm glad to know he's listening even if he's getting a little bit confused! Hahaha! I just love my little man!

WE CAN REBUILD HIM - BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER . . .

Yesterday we got a note from Sarah that her husband Rich had been in a car accident and had been taken by ambulance to the local E.R.  Some woman attempted a U-turn straight into him as he was driving 50 miles an hour down the freeway. Yah, go figure.Not sure how she didn't see him--but it was not a pretty outcome. He is way, way blessed it wasn't much worse than it is.

Thankfully, he is only bruised and sore and he does look much than his car. We are especially grateful for that as we know this could have ended up much, much worse. In other words, the car is a total loss, but the technology now exists to, well, as far as Rich goes--if necessary we can be rebuild him. Actually, he is doing really well now~just missing his "cougar'. You know "the car." Lol! That's what he called it anyway. But should he give us such  a scare again . . . I'm sure the little black box in the cougar has Rich's DNA profile and coordinates stored so we could either have him rebuilt ----- or if we wanted to have some fun with it I hear they are pretty good at cloning these days as well. :)

Rich's Cougar, dead in it's tracks

Of course, if they are so good at all these things, how come they can't prevent traffic accidents, forest fires, cities and states from declaring bankruptcy, airplanes from falling out of the sky, little old ladies from making U-turns into moving traffic . . . but I digress. Pleasant dreams sweet cougar. We shall miss thee. Thank you for leaving Richard behind to ride again. :D

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR

We met our new neighbors today. They are really nice. Best of all the kids made fast friends. They played so well together and they didn't want to leave when it was time to go. They aren't totally moved in yet so they couldn't sleep in the new place tonight but probably will tomorrow night. Carly and Jono are so excited for new friends. They have been so lonesome since their friends moved. They are the perfect ages, too. The little girl is six and the little boy is 4.5.  Happy, Happy--oh so happy! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Hi neighbor!

HEIDI HAY, HEIDI HO, HEIDI HIGH!

Rob and I took the kids shopping tonight. It was mainly school clothes shopping for Carly but Jono needed a few odds-n-ends. How bad is it that my five year old begged for a pair of black and pink high top tennis shoes? Not bad enough? Add this--they were high heeled tennies and she called them by name--Heidi High tops! I hadn't even heard of them!! I guess they are one of the new must haves -- BUT NOT FOR MY FIVE YEAR OLD! NO, I DON'T CARE IF THEY COME IN HER SIZE MA'AM!

Holy cow, are you kidding me? As Rob pointed out to me, she will already be the tallest child in the class. So, what are we going to do--buy high heels for her so she can tower over them?! That will go over well. I DON'T THINK SO! WOW! I know, I know--welcome to parenting--again! Don't worry--I'm putting on my big girl panties. I can see I'm going to need them-every darn day! Lol!

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED AND HE'S MADE US ALL SO PROUD

My wonderful, sweet nephew Ian, Sarah and Rich's son, earned his Eagle Scout Award and had his Court of Honor today.  

Ian receiving his Eagle Scout Award



Ian with His Scout Master

Rich, Ian, Sarah (Ian with his parents)

 

In the process of being awarded his Eagle he was given a special Mentor Pin to pin on the person who had most influenced and mentored him toward completing his Eagle Award.

 

He came forward to tell us about this person and I was waiting for him to talk about his Scoutmaster or his Mom (who had been a constant influence and blessing to him) or even his Dad--all would have been excellent choices. But he surprised us all--Ian came to the podium and started to talk about how grateful he was for his Grandpa Carson and what a difference he'd made in his life.

 

He spoke about how much all the talks his Grandpa has had with him have meant to him and how grateful he has been for the encouragement he has given him and especially for his Grandpa's belief in him that he could do anything. He said his Grandpa's encouragement was one of the biggest factors in him finishing his Eagle and then he went over and pinned the Mentor Pin on Grandpa. 

 



Grandma, Grandpa and Ian

I 'm
not sure who else
in the room was crying but I know there were some--cuz,
I heard
them.) I just know there wasn't a dry eye to be found among the whole Carson clan.

I'm so proud of this young man my sister and brother in law have raised. He is an honest, generous, caring, amazing, loving young man and I am so grateful to be his aunt.

I love you so much Ian and I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

JUST REAL QUICK . . .

Mom had her check up today with the surgeon and got her biopsy report back and everything came back clean. It was all normal as soon as they removed the parts of the parathyroid they thought were causing problems and they let her know today that even those were not horribly bad.

She is noticing already that her headaches are getting better and she is remembering things better--all problems most likely caused by the high calcium content which was caused by the parathyroid. Anyway--great news!
Thanks for all your prayers!

SUMMER DAYS

Today was a bit busy. We hurried through the morning just doing our usual routine but we had an afternoon full of plans. The kids went back to neighborhood summer camp today. It is a really fun idea. I think there were probably a dozen kids there in the 3-5 age range. Today they made and iced sugar cookies, painted finger nails, played all kinds of outdoor games and drew pictures.

Our friend who is holding the camp is helping her daughter do it as a fundraiser. I think she needs the money for something at school. Anyway, they have done two different ages of kids, 3-5 and 6-8. They did each group for two days and did all kinds of activities with them - some indoor and some outdoor. For instance, yesterday the games they played were outdoor. They had them wear swimsuits and then played on the slip and slide. They also played Red Rover and some other yard games. Plus, both days they got refreshments.

And for two days this week all of us mom's got a 2 hour break! For those of you who didn't catch that--All of the mom's who let their kids participate got four free hours this week! F-O-U-R, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours of free all me by myself mommy time! Get it? Got it? Good! And all that for only $10 a kid. I can't get a babysitter that cheap! Good gravy!

My main point is the kids had a blast! My second point is it's a great idea for a fundraiser idea, too if you just need to make a little money for something--assuming you like kids and all.

While the kids were at the summer camp I ran over and helped one of our friends who is moving do a little packing for about an hour. They were pretty close to done with the packing when I arrived so we just finished up the odds and ends. I am going back in the morning to help clean.

Once we all got home again, Rob joined us and we headed off to Lagoon to meet some friends. We spent about four hours over there tonight. We rode the rides and took in one show. It was just nice to be there as a family and have friends there too.

Well, better go for now. Take care. N.

DADDY'S HOME

We spent the week in Elko while Rob was installing a new machine at a hospital last week only to have him have to go back yesterday to work on another machine. He ended up having to spend the night last night so we didn't get our daddy back home until this evening. The kids really missed him. They don't like it when he's away.

It's been a smidge cooler here than it was over the weekend. It was near 100 degrees when we got back but it is only in the mid to upper 90's now. It has been a really warm summer.

Yesterday, the kids went to a little daytime summer camp organized by one of our neighbors. She is just doing a two-day crafts and games camp with them and several other kids and they had a blast. They go again tomorrow afternoon for a couple of hours. After that I promised to meet a friend and her grand kids at the amusement park--so they are really getting spoiled tomorrow.

Grandma is still recovering pretty well. She is still pretty tired and she seems to tire out more easily than before but I think that is to be expected. Other than that I think she is doing great.

Well, that's all I know for now. Take care.

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

I got up early this morning and drove to Julie's so I could go with her to a doctor's appointment. She hurt her knee about three months ago and kept thinking it was just a strain that would get better but it hasn't. So today we had it looked at. The doctor thinks she has a meniscus tear so for now she wants to treat it with physical therapy. We are hopeful that will take care of it. Megan had a very similar injury a few years ago and PT did work for that--so cross your fingers and toes with us that this works!

Also, while I was down there today, I stopped to see my dear friend, Venice. She made blankets for both of my babies when we got them. Well, Jono loved his so much--he "literally" loved it to pieces and we had to take it away from him. He's been really sad about it but we didn't really have a lot of choice since he had pretty much taken his blanket and turned it back into a ball of yarn. :P  So, my sweet friend made him another ( smaller version) blanket out of the same yarn.

I came home with it today and he was so excited he almost couldn't contain himself! It was so darn cute. He's so thrilled to have his "comfort" back. I have to say I am too as he's started to have some nightmares the last couple of months. He doesn't have them every night but when he has them they are doozies. He had one last night and it was all I could do to calm him down. When I gave him his new blanket, I told him this blanket was special and would keep away his nightmares away. Hopefully, my attempt at playing a psychologist will pan out! If not, I am in trouble! :) Check out my happy boy!

Jono with his new blanky (Baby II)

Jono with baby take II

QUICK NOTE

Susan and Russ came up to see Mom and Dad today. Susan always does a San Francisco Herbs order for her neighborhood and lets us get in on it, too so she delivered our goodies today. We like to get cinnamon and other spices from there. If you've never ordered from them, look them up--it's a great place to get spices, herbs, essential oils and potpourri. Here's their website http://sfherb.com/ if you want to take a look around.

We spent the day trying to recover from our mini vacation (for Rob it was work), getting the luggage emptied, laundry done and things around the house finished we had let go. We didn't get real far--but we tried. I'm not sure why there is always so much left to do at the end of my energy. Sigh.
Well, I have a good starting place for next week with lots on my list.

Have a terrific Sunday!

OUR FUN WEEK!

Here are a few pictures from our trip. We had a great time but are so glad to be home.

My Cuddle Bugs



Howdy Pardners! Riding the Mechanical Horsey

Mom, we picked up a Cat at Mcdonald's. Hope you don't mind! Lol!

Somewhere I have some swimming pictures but they weren't on this camera. Must be the other one. I will put them on later. Hope you had a great week and hope your weekend it even better!

A FEW OF MY RECENT THOUGHTS

Is anyone besides me walking around just a tad bit paranoid these days? I mean, when you're writing an email to a friend do you have that tiny little thought in the very back of your mind that wonders if you're really writing it to a bit broader audience? How about when you're talking on the phone--do any of you remember the days when there were party lines? My grandma used to have one and sometimes when my sisters or cousins were visiting her, some of us would pick up the phone and listen to neighbors conversations. They suspected we were there. They'd even make accusations and tell us to hang up--but they couldn't prove anything. It's not like they could see us, you know.  Heh, heh, heh! But I digress.

I think we are starting to get just the tip of the iceberg of information about the information that's being gathered on us everyday of our lives and I think it's a bit scary. I'm starting to not recognize our leaders, our government and my own country. At least that's how it feels.

When 9/11 happened I was one of those that felt the Patriot Act was necessary and didn't mind giving up some of my freedoms to give us more safety and security. I had no idea those who warned of this type of thing to come could have been correct. I thought they were fear mongers. Trust me, I don't want another incident like that to occur anywhere--let alone in our country. I don't want another one like we had in Boston either--but I think we have to draw the line when our leaders are taking more and more of our liberties and Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms from us.

They say they are not "listening" to our calls or "reading" our emails. I don't buy it. We just found out a few days ago they have asked Internet providers to provide them with our passwords. Though at this point, the ones we know about have refused, why would they need our passwords if they weren't reading our emails--or if they didn't intend to as they saw fit?

I feel we need to stand up and take back our country and our rights -- NOW before it's too late. I guess I'm just tired of feeling like I'm being watched, listened too and followed. If I wanted that kind of company--I'd hire a personal body guard. You know--they say you're only paranoid if it isn't true . . .  and I really don't tend to be paranoid.

ALLERGIES AND WORRIES

I've been pretty shaken up all day over a news story I heard about a 13 year old girl who died recently from anaphylactic shock due to her peanut allergy. She accidentally took a bite of something she didn't know had peanut butter in it and the minute she recognized the taste she spit it out. Her mother immediately gave her Benedryl. But the bite was too much and within 20 minutes she was vomiting and went into anaphylactic shock. Her dad, who is a doctor, gave her three shots of epinephrine (epi pens) and she was rushed to the hospital but within two hours she was in dead. Her father is a doctor, was right there and had the epinephrine and he still couldn't save her.

We carry epi pens everywhere with us and yet--I will say it one more time--even those didn't save her. That really scares me. I didn't realize that was a possibility. I thought I had the antidote. Wow. How terrifying. These poor kids with these horrible allergies. It's so hard to teach them how serious they are--especially if they are like my son who has never had a reaction.

I guess, if  had one request, or one wish, it would be for you to help spread the word about how serious these food allergies are, or can be. People DIE from them. They are not silly, roll your eyes, don't take seriously issues but that is what happens a LOT of the time (not the death) the not getting taken seriously. It is very frustrating and dangerous to those with allergies to not be taken seriously.

I have two older daughters who have food allergies as well and some people have actually been mean to one of my daughters about her allergies. In one situation, a co-worker would bring and eat things very near her that could have thrown her into anaphylactic shock. When she talked to him about it he acted like she was an idiot and his behavior only got worse and more aggressive. She finally had to ask management to step in -- and then she almost needed a doctor's note to prove her allergy to them. This daughter has anaphylactic reaction to all nuts. She is severely allergic to them.

Here is the link to the story I mentioned. It's very, very sad.  I feel awful for these parents. It's such a needless tragedy.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/17934/20130730/peanut-allergy-death-natalie-giorgi-food-allergies-anaphylaxis.htm

They are hoping her death will not be in vain--that others will hear of her death and be alerted to the seriousness of food allergies. Though devastated her parents released the following statement:

"While our hearts are breaking over the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter Natalie, it is our hope that others can learn from this and realize that nut and food allergies are life-threatening ... Caution and care for those (afflicted) should always be supported and taken."

TRIPPIN'

We took a little family trip for a few days and went with Rob on one of his installs. It has been pretty fun. We went about four hours from home and stayed in a big hotel. The kids had a blast swimming or as Jono puts it "fwimming" everyday. We took them to see Despicable Me 2. It's really a cute movie. We loved the first one and the second one is just as good or better. The kids and I hung out at the hotel everyday while Rob worked and then we played at night.

We had one of those great family suites so the kids had their own room and then we also had a kitchen and living room. I could even give the kids their favorite thing--heh, heh, heh -- NAPS! Lol!

It always nice to get away for a few days but there's nothing like getting away for a few days to make you appreciate home! Humans--we're just complicated, eh?! Lol!

SUNDAY'S UPDATE

Things are still going well. Mom is feeling good and hanging in there. She's trying not to overdo - but that's hard for a multi-tasker. Still, she's being pretty good.

The weather has been much cooler (not to be confused with cool) than the typical 103 or 104 degrees we've had lately. I think it only got up to about 75 or 80 today and we even had a little bit of wind. We've also been getting some rain which is nice and I'm sure that's helping to keep things cool.

Not too much else going on - just a slow Sunday. Hope all is well at your house. Have a great week.

SOME COOL FINDS

When Sarah was here on Friday we got to talking about some family history and it made me remember some large pictures and documents we'd brought from Mom and Dad's house for them but never opened. I've had them on top of tall piece of furniture still wrapped up the way they were for traveling and hadn't thought about them in a long time. We got them down and opened them and had some real treasures and great memories.

These first two pictures are my great grandparents on my mom's side. My mom never met her Grandma, though she is named for her, "Eva" Carolyn. She died the year before my mom was born. My Grandma adored her Mom and never really got over losing her. I should mention that these are not small photos we have, either. They are, I'm guessing, probably 16 x 20 or so larger and are on thick photo boards. 

Sanford Bock

Eva Evandale Shields Bock

Emma Jane Danhour

                                                          Emma is Eva's mother.  

This next piece of history is just as large--in fact they all are quite large pieces. I think our current society has become the incredible shrinking society, trying to see just how small we can make something whether we are downsizing computers or companies or rolls of toilet paper. Lol.

Anyway, this is my Grandmother Flint's Diploma. I've enlarged it here as much as I can so hopefully you can read some of it. Maybe on your computer page you can enlarge it further if you care to read  more of it. For those of us who are relatives it is a little more fascinating. :)
           

This one is my Grandparents (on my Mom's side) marriage license. Again, this is HUGE. I guess they didn't want you to miss the fact that you were getting married. Maybe that's why marriages used to last so much longer--because people used to make a bigger deal of what they were getting themselves into and take it more seriously.

Oscar Glenn Flint and Nellie Shields Bock Marriage License 1923

This last picture is from my Dad's side of the family. I know it is harder to see but I still wanted to post it. It is a picture of my Great Grandparents on my Dad's side and their first son. So, it is my Great Grandma and Grandpa Carson and my Great Uncle Bill.

Clarence Elmer and Mary Alice Gouge Carson and William (Bill Carson)

We were pretty excited to find these family treasures. Hope you enjoyed seeing a little of our family history. :)