HAPPY EASTER MY FRIENDS

I can't believe it's almost Easter again. This year has flown by. I was thinking about my childhood memories of Easter tonight and I have such happy, sweet memories from our Easters. They always involved our family and by that I mean extended family getting together at my Grandma and Grandpa Flint's house. There was always lots of yummy food and we'd have a big Easter Egg hunt with actual dyed eggs from Grandma's chickens! Then we'd play croquet or go exploring or just hang out together as cousins. That's pretty much how all of our holidays went--we enjoyed being together so much and I don't think any of us could have imagined being anywhere else.

Times have sure changed and everyone is so busy and so involved in their own world they don't really stop to enjoy each other anymore. It makes me kind of sad. I think they are missing so much of what is really important in life.

Here's to an Easter not only filled with the love and hope of our Savior~but with family, friends and loved ones surrounding you!

TIME FOR SPRING TO SPRING!

Grandpa is doing much better. Thanks for all the prayers. He is up and around again. This muck that is going around is not friendly at all. It tends to hang on so we are happy he is doing so much better.
Grandma seems to be a lot better too. It's even getting warmer here. So, hopefully Spring will arrive with it's actual calendar date! That would be nice!

PRAYERS FOR MY DAD . . . PLEASE

In a couple of days I will (hopefully) post some pictures of the past few weeks (Carly's baptism, Sara's baby shower --at least the photo's I got.) I was a little harried that day but I pulled off a few photos.

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But tonight I am worried about my Dad. He's been sick for the last few days and could use your prayers. Last night he had a pretty high fever and then around midnight it broke and he seemed better. Even still this morning he seemed better but through the day he started going down hill again. It started with a cold, virus type thing. He's been coughing pretty bad too which is just hard for him. To be fair mom was sick the whole last week too, but she recovers so much easier than Dad does. He just has no constitution at all anymore.

It's so hard to see your big, strong daddy struggle. I was thinking tonight that in many ways for my Dad his whole life has been a struggle. But you know, for many years, as his daughter I didn't know that. To me, he was just my Dad. He was my always my Big. Strong. Dad. Now, as a grown up and having heard many of his life stories over my lifetime, I know how hard he worked for everything he ever attained. Nothing ever came easy or fell into his lap.

Having what I believe was the first case of Polio in Indiana at 18 months of age left him with a diagnosis of never being able to walk again. Though in the end, he of course did much more than just walk--it left him with the challenge and struggle to attain normalcy with one leg and foot left somewhat impaired from the disease. But with his grandfather's help and his father's refusal to allow him to be  treated as handicapped, my dad would would be able to do the things other kids could do. He might have to do them a little differently but he would figure out a way to do them.

I don't really know how people saw my Dad as he was growing up. I'm sure it was tough to sometimes be the kid who was a little different. My kids know something about that now. No matter how my father was seen by others or his peers or even by himself-- I want him to know one very important thing. All I, as his child, have ever seen him as--is whole and normal and perfect. No different than anyone else's father--except maybe I got the better deal!

Interestingly--my dad has always had a limp. But my sisters and I have rarely ever noticed it. Once in awhile someone would ask one of us about it and that would remind us. Other than that--it's not something we ever paid any attention to.

I guess I just wanted to say I have a really remarkable father. He got dealt a pretty tough hand early in his life. And now, toward the end, he got handed Post-Polio and Parkinson's. He took the hand he was dealt and he played it as a full-house. I believe my Dad is the good, honorable, amazing man he is today because he took the hard knocks and got back up and continued forward everyday and did his absolute best.

We don't always understand why we have the life tests we do but I believe there is always a reason. I guess we only have to think of good old "George Bailey" and "It's A Wonderful Life" to realize our lives really do have meaning and purpose and we are growing and becoming through all of life's tests and challenges. Thanks so much for the example Dad! I know it hasn't been easy--but it will have been worth it. I know. I love you!

NOW--GET BETTER!!

p.s. Remember we could use your prayers. Thanks!

BUSY, BUSY!

Busily preparing for a baptism and a baby shower this weekend--and both kids are mine! Lol! Well, sort of! I'm not sure I've said anything on here but Rob and I are going to be grandparents! So, I am having a baby shower for Sara this weekend. We are expecting an adorable grandson in May. So excited to meet him!

Carly gets baptized on Saturday and she is very excited too! Lots to do to prepare for both. Definitely keeping me busy! Well, more later!

p.s. You're all welcome to come! :)

JONO FOR THE WIN :(

Got in a power struggle with my 6 year old today. I know, I know. Never a smart move. But he got invested and so did I. He wanted to go skating--roller skating out on our sidewalk, in short sleeves, without a coat in 38 degree weather. He has severe asthma and ours is some of the worst air in the nation. My "NO!" was a firm one. I couldn't let him do it. Long story short, he was very, very upset with me and showed his upset in a number of ways. The final way before I put him in his room for awhile because, of course "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy Wait! I have to go to the bathroom first!" was this:

After a few moments he came out of the bathroom with an angry look on his face and said: "YOU are fer-ustrating me so much you made me have a nose bleed!" Then he shoved a piece of toilet paper with a pinkish red substance globbed in a couple of places at me. I said: "That isn't blood, it's candy.'  He argued with me about it, telling me it wasn't candy until I finally thought, I will settle this! I stuck my finger in the gooey substance and tasted it. It definitely wasn't candy. Instead it was Carly's pink toothpaste. I grumbled at him and told him not to waste toothpaste like that anymore. To which he replied: "I didn't waste toothepaste mommy! It was in the trash! I just pulled it out so I could pretend it was blood!

Please pardon me while I go vomit!

YOUR REACTION . . . DETERMINES YOUR STORY

Saw this quote and it totally reminds me of my dad--and his whole life.

"It is your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself, that determines how your life's story will develop."
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf~

Any of you who know my dad know he's a pretty remarkable man. Well, he got that way by going through some pretty tough stuff from the time he was a little tyke. I'm so proud of who he is and the example he has set for us. Dad, you are one of the strongest, kindest, most caring, giving people I know. You're the very best and I love you so much! Nancy

FREEDOM NEVER TASTED SO GREAT!

Jono graduated from his oral immunotherapy a couple of weeks ago. He was the 200th graduate. He is now cleared to eat what once would have killed him . . . peanuts! In fact, he has to eat peanuts for the rest of his life! Right now he still has to eat them twice a day. He only has to eat 8 peanuts twice a day right now. If we can get his blood levels to the right amount within a month's time he will be able to go to one dose a day. We are working on it--but it means eating more peanut products and he really doesn't care much for them. Go figure. I mean, when you keep them away from them their whole lives they never develop a taste for them. Now, I have to make him eat them. It's crazy! Lol. But the mere fact that he can do this now has taken so much fear out of my heart. I used to read the headlines whenever someone died from an accidental peanut exposure and just panic. I don't have to worry about that anymore. If you know someone with this kind of allergy--there is hope on the horizon!

Here are a few pictures from Jono's big day! He had to eat 24 peanuts to challenge his allergy! He did not like doing it but he passed with flying colors!

I can do it! No sweat!

This is a lot!

Still chewing!

Let's celebrate!

You did it!

Freedom!

The miracle workers!

Team Miracle!

SO THIS HAPPENED TODAY . . .

Julie bought her first car! And it's an insect! Lol! These are my dear friends--family really. They were ready to part with their bug and Julie was ready to buy a car. The timing worked perfectly. Yay!

Maren, Julie and Nancy

Tammie and Julie

The ecstatic new car owner!
I love this girly!

There she goes!

EIGHT IS GREAT!

Our sweet Carly turned 8 on Monday. Time has flown by. It's hard to believe she's growing up this fast. She got to take a few friends and go roller skating. Big sister Megan bought them all a pizza. They thought that was pretty cool. Pizza, cupcakes and roller skating~it doesn't get much better than that!

The Motley Crew

The birthday girl enjoying food, chit-chat and acting way too grown up!

PRESENTS!!

Her Disney "Frozen" cake!

SO MUCH TO TELL

I've really done it this time. Wow, a whole month plus. I need more hours in my day. I just do. It might have even been longer but my Julie made me promise I would write something tonight. She says she faithfully checks my blog everyday and has been sad not to find anything. Truthfully, I have been sad not to write. I have just become that crazy, wild-eyed, frizzy haired mom that doesn't quite know which direction she is heading in since her list is so long and she is trying to get so much done!

The first thing you are probably wondering how Grandma and Grandpa are. Well, about a week ago they were both pretty sick. Grandma was the worst. She was as sick as I've seen her. We're not sure what bug really hit her, whether it was a flu or what but she was laid up for several days. Then it got Grandpa for a couple days. But they have both recovered very well. Grandpa does worry us though. He has gotten weaker. He doesn't walk as well and some days his voice gets really weak, too. He is still getting up and working most days at his desk. I never thought I'd say this about my dad, but he doesn't have much of an appetite. We tend to have to push food on him. I think some of the weakness is that he doesn't get enough protein. We are working on that.

The week before that my niece Caitlin, Sarah's daughter got married. Mom and Dad stayed in a hotel near their house for a couple of nights so they didn't have to go back and forth. I think that helped a ton. It was a lovely day from beginning to end. Here are a few pictures:

Dad, me and mom

Grandpa and Grandaughter, Grandma in the background

Grandpa, Susan and Grandma

Grandma, Sarah and Grandpa

Megan, Caitlin and Julie

Caitlin with Grandma and Grandpa

 

 

 

Cait and Reed are back from their honeymoon. Reed has two little boys so Cait is an instant mom and she is doing awesome! She loves them and they adore her.

More later! Love you all! Nancy

BOTTOMS UP!

It's been a busy, kind of frustrating week. Rob had an accident while taking Carly to school Tuesday. Everyone was OK--but there was quite a bit of damage to the cars. We are focusing on the "everyone is OK" part, though and are very grateful for that.

We had our first bit of snow in a few weeks today. It was pretty light and we cleared it easily in about a half an hour. Jono did the front sidewalk all by himself. He is becoming such a little gentleman and a hard worker (when he wants to be.) He even went out and started without me. I was pretty proud of him.

I have been prepping since yesterday for a colonoscopy I'm having in the morning. If you've ever had one, you know how much fun the prep is! Hint: It's NOT! Anyway, I haven't been able to eat anything solid since Wednesday night. I told the kids yesterday I was having a procedure on Friday and wouldn't be able to eat for a couple days. So after school today Carly asked me for more details. I gave them to her and didn't pull any punches. I told her exactly what a colonoscopy was. She was no't impressed.

Of course, she moved right on to the next question which is always the same. "Mom, can I have friends over?" I told her again what I was prepping for and exactly why that would make me uncomfortable tonight. She then gave me the youth version of "TMI or too much information". "Mom! That's a terrible explanation! Stop! Don't say that again! You need to go back to explaining school!" Hahaha! I guess she doesn't like getting the straight poop! Next time I'll generalize! Lesson learned! Lol!

YOU'D BETTER NOT CRY ~ I'M TELLING YOU WHY!

Jono was pretty funny on Christmas morning. He never gets up early but Christmas is different. He made an extra effort. His sister Julie heard him get up and then he caught her eye and had this "Ugh" kind of look--like it's too early for anyone to be up! Then he must have remembered what day it was because he looked and saw all the presents and got a look of delight on his face. He ran toward the presents and Carly helped him find his stocking. As he looked in it he let out a great big sigh of relief and said, "Oh good! No coal!" Lol! I guess some little boy had reason to fear--don't ya know! Hahaha!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

We had a really nice day with my parents and sisters. We went out for a late lunch and then came back to the house for cake and ice cream. My sisters and their families stayed for awhile and visited. I think we wore Dad out but it was nice to get him out of the house for a bit.

We've had lots of snow here this past week so we are definitely having a white Christmas. We have somewhere between 6-8 inches on the ground--maybe more. It's been fairly cold--so it's not going anywhere for awhile.

Well, have a Very Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday to my amazing, beautiful mom! I'm so grateful for all she is to me and my family and so glad she is a part of my everyday life. My sisters and their families are coming today and we are all going to break bread together to celebrate her birthday! My mom works so hard everyday taking care of my dad and helping keep my little ones on the straight and narrow. :) I'm glad we have a day to celebrate her! You mean the world to me mom! I LOVE YOU! Hope your day is fabulous!!!

MISSING LOVED ONES

It's been a while since I've posted. I apologize. Rob's mom died a little over a week ago and while she hasn't been super healthy, I can't say we were expecting it. We spent the last week having a service for her and being with family. We have had a month or so filled with losses--She is the third.

We lost our older daughter's Grandma on their mom's side but she claimed our younger ones as well. We called her Grammy. Thankfully, we went to visit her  (and Poppy) last year in CA. She had Parkinson's and had been sick for a very long time. I'm glad she is no longer in pain.

When Grammy died we went to CA for the funeral. Megan and Julie went with us and Sara flew in from Portland and met us there. We were able to spend time with Poppy, who isn't well either, and her sons and some of the kids' cousins/ It was nice to see everyone.

No sooner had we returned home than I got a message that my friend Venice, one of my closest, dearest friends had passed away. She was like a mother, sister, grandmother and friend all wrapped up in one person. She was also a grandma to my kids. I was and am still devastated by her loss. I had just checked on her before we left for CA. The kids and I had gone to visit her and I didn't have any idea she was so close to leaving.

Well, that's where I've been. Haven't felt much like writing. Just been feeling pretty sad about all the sweet people we've lost. 

PEANUTS ANYONE?

Today was a FANTASTIC day!! It was our first taste of freedom. Remember the scene in The Princess Bride where Inigo outsmarts the kidnapper because he's "spent the last few years building up an immunity to Iocane powder." Well, my son has spent the last few months building up an immunity to peanuts. Today for the first time--he ate his poison and he did not have a reaction. 

We are only at a dose of one peanut and we have to make it to 24 peanuts before he is free but this is truly a modern miracle!! Hallelujah! Thank you so much Douglas H Jones, MD!! We are so grateful we don't have to live in fear anymore! Thanks for all your hard work and for your wonderful staff! We love you!

Jono holding a peanut for the first time about to eat it!

Jono's medicine for the next week! A peanut - twice a day.

 

DON'T MESS WITH OUR CHOCOLATE!

Carly was still hungry after lunch today so I told her she could make a Nutella sandwich. It wasn't her first choice but she went ahead. As she was making it she said, "Mom Nutella is chocolate but they put a nut in it that ruined the chocolate." Hahaha! Such an astute observation for one so little! Rob and Jono LOVE the stuff. My baby girl and I, not so much! DON'T MESS WITH OUR CHOCOLATE!!! Just sayin'!

THE PLEDGE VERSION 2.0

Jonathon was wandering the kitchen while I was getting dinner together last night and he kept trying to recite The Pledge of Allegiance. They say it everyday at school as a class and he has it mostly memorized. He was mixing up a couple of verses and he had run a couple of words together in his mind but overall he had learned it pretty well. He did it over and over and I was helping him a little until he had it almost perfect. So he went through it one more time and it went like this.

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One Nation under God, Indivisible,
And Everything, And a heart full of God

I really like his version--I'm keeping it for posterity. Plus, I think our country could use a little more of God in our hearts right now. Maybe we could add that verse in somewhere--lol. It's so cute the way kids hear and remember things. I think Jono got the gist anyway. Sure love my cute little guy!

HEAVEN HAS ANOTHER ANGEL

This morning I got a message that one of my oldest and dearest friends passed away. She and I have been friends for almost 28 years and have been through so much together. She is in her eighties and hasn't been well lately but for some reason, I still wasn't prepared for the news. I'd been to see her just before we left on our trip to CA and talked to her on the phone, too. I just wasn't expecting her to die. I am so sad. She truly was one of my best and most loyal friends.

One of the last things I told her when I saw her was not to go anywhere. Obviously, she had other plans. She lost her husband a couple of years ago and I know she really missed him. She was ready to go--but darn it, I wasn't ready for her to go. Thus, my caution to her. This should be easier when we know people are prepared to go, but it still isn't. I am going to miss her too much. She really was a light and joy in my life. She was someone I love so dearly and laughed with until we cried at times. Everyone should have a friend like her. I miss you already Venice. I love you.

Carly with Venice and the blanket she made for her

Venice holding Carly at Carly's sealing

Dick and Venice with Carly

Venice with Jono, me and Carly

Venice and me on our last visit

JUST SAY "YES" TO POWER TRAIN!

We've had an interesting couple of days. We left this morning to drive to CA. We have a family funeral to attend. A couple of days ago I called our car dealership and made an appointment for yesterday to have the oil changed and tires rotated before we left. Rob took the car out yesterday morning and it seemed like it was taking a really long time. Finally, he called and told me he would not be bringing our car home before we had to leave. He said they found an oil leak--something pretty major. Gah! But then, he told me some good news. We had purchased a Power Train Warranty when we bought the vehicle and it was all covered but a small deductible. Not only that, they would be providing us with a rental vehicle for our trip since they couldn't get to our car before we needed to leave. Wow! Now, that's some warranty!

Don't worry, we left Grandma and Grandpa under the care of a watchful neighborhood. In fact, first thing this morning my neighbor across the street sent me a note wondering if everything was OK because there weren't any cars in our driveway last night but the lights were on downstairs. I explained to her about our car and that we hadn't gotten our rental yet and that Rob and Grandma were out running errands. Grandpa and I were holding down the fort with the kids. Or maybe it was that the kids were holding Grandpa and me for ransom? That sounds more likely. Lol. It should be a nice break for them having a little quiet around the house.

HAPPY 57th ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

Today, Saturday November 7, is my Mom and Dad's 57th Wedding Anniversary! It's hard to believe they've been together that many years. I still remember my Grandma and Grandpa Flint's 60th Weddng Anniversary celebration and my parents don't seem that old. (Maybe they aren't--I don't really know the age difference on when they hit their 60th. Lol!)

Anyway, we didn't have a big celebration. They don't really know many people here plus Dad wasn't up to going out or anything. In fact, he hasn't had much of an appetite lately. We ordered in from Red Lobster and we did get him to eat a baked potato. That was about the extent of his celebrating! Ha! Mom is doing really good and Dad is holding his own. We are glad they are here with us. The kids love having them here too. I don't know what they would do without them.

Well, just wanted to wish them a very Happy Anniversary from me and my family! We love you Grandma and Grandpa!

You made the cutest family!

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Carly entered a state-wide art contest for school. It starts at her school level and then goes on to the state. She got a trophy and ribbon for her entry at the school level. She is pretty excited and we are pretty proud. Love this little one SO much!!

Miss Carly with her entry and awards

DENIAL -- MORE THAN A RIVER IN EGYPT

I was shopping the other day and when I got to the cash register to pay the clerk asked for my ID. After I handed it to her, she looked at it and asked if I was fifty-five. I immediately said "no" and then realized I was wrong! Holy Crap! I told her I was and she gave me a Senior Citizen discount. I didn't know whether to be insulted, depressed, or delighted with my 30% off!

Actually, I probably should have been worried that I didn't remember my own age! Lol! And what reminded me was I'd had this discussion with Rob a few weeks before. Our birthdays are within a month of each other and I was telling him we were fifty-four this year, not fifty-five. Now, it's not hard to do the math--even if you're bad with math - (which I am. Lol.) We were born in a year that ends with a zero. I guess I was in denial.

Rob's been saying for years we were going to hit a point where we would walk into a restaurant and be eligible for the Senior Citizens discount and Carly and Jono would be eligible for the "Kids ten and under eat for free" discount. Well, we just got there!

MY KIDS ARE SMARTER THAN ME

I just put Carly to bed and she stopped me on the way out to ask a question. It went like this:

Carly: "Mom, do you like boys with long hair?"
Me: "No, I don't like long hair on boys at all!"
Carly: "Jesus had long hair." (With a tiny bit of a "Gotcha" inflection.)
Me: "Well, I like Jesus with long hair--but that was a time when everyone wore their hair long."

T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G.

Carly: "Mom, you know why they had long hair back then?"
Me: "Why?"
Carly: "They didn't have scissors yet! They had to do everything with rocks!"

Lol!

PEANUTS FOR CHRISTMAS?

Everything is going smoothly here. We have all just been busy. Grandpa and Grandma are healthy as are the rest of us. Jono's OIT or as I call it his "Peanut trial" is continuing to go well. In fact, if he can stay healthy and not have any reactions it is possible they will have him eating his first peanut by Christmas. Each week when we go it seems there is another child graduating from the program! There is usually a child there eating his or her first peanut as well. It is such an amazing thing to witness.

I am so grateful we are here so close and able to participate. Some parents have sold their homes and moved here to do this. Some travel on planes to come each week. It is a life-saving and life enhancing program and we are just so blessed. I think I have told you before that this doctor has been Jono's doctor from the beginning. So, we are so lucky not to have had to search for -- but to have had it fall in our laps. A peanut allergy is such a frightening thing to have--you only have to scan the newspapers to see how many people (kids especially) die from them every year.

Well, there really isn't a whole lot more going on here--so I will close on that note. But I will keep you posted.

COUPLE MORE PHOTOS

Jono and Carly

Rob and Nancy

OUR NEW FAMILY PHOTO

Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world, yours are the feet with which he goes about doing good, and yours are the hands with which he blesses the world." ~Teresa of Avila

My Beautiful Family

HIGHER ED IS OUT FOR THE LITTLE MAN

We were driving along today and Jono announced he will not be going to college. I said, "Of course you're going to college. It will help you so much in your life and you will get really smart there. Why wouldn't you want to go to college?" "Nope, college doesn't have playgrounds. It won't be any fun at all. I'm not going!"

Well, alrighty then! I didn't realize my little man had a really good reason. Lol.

KISSES FROM HEAVEN

Today I was sitting in the car with the kids waiting for something and out of the blue Carly said "Mommy did you feel a little bit of love when you were getting married?" I didn't know what she meant. I turned around and looked at her and said, "What?" I mean, I think most of us feel a lot of love when we are getting married so I really wasn't sure where she was going with this. When I turned around to look at her she basically repeated her question--

"Did you feel a little bit of love when you were getting married? (but then she threw in a gesture) Because I was doing this--and she blew me a big kiss. She said, "I was watching you and I blew you a big kiss so I hope you felt a bit of love from me."

Wow. Sometimes this little girl just melts my heart. She has told me, on more than one occasion, that she picked me as her mom and Rob as her dad -- and that she was watching over us before she came here. Little nuggets like these are some serious kisses from Heaven.

LIFE CHANGING PROGRAM

So this is the program my son is in. His doctor has people from many states and even from Australia and Japan coming to participate. It is saving lives. I feel so blessed to have Jonathon in it right now. If you know someone who has a deadly food allergy, you should have them watch this. I've been terrified to send him on too many play dates or even to school. I have never wanted him very far out of my sight because I was afraid he would accidentally eat something with a peanut in it--and have an anaphylactic reaction. This program is changing his life and my world. Happy Days! Click on the link to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTaAH5vO2_8

MOVING DAY!!

Dad went for a check up with his neurologist on Friday. His doc actually thought his walking has improved. That was really good news. We will take all the mobility we can get!

Dad's brother Ed called and is coming for a visit in a few weeks. I think it will be great for them to spend some time together. He will only be here for a couple days but it will still be nice to have him here. He has never met any of my kids. We are hoping we can get most of the family together at least one day during his visit.

Carly and Jono are doing really good in school. Both of them really like their teachers. They are both making new friends and thankfully, Carly has some of her old friends in her class, too. She even had a playdate this week. I am most impressed that Jono has not had to sit on the time-out bench in his classroom even once! I was so afraid his "rambunciousness" wouldn't play well in the classroom but he seems to be respecting his teacher. She even told me "He is a really great kid!"

Rob and I are going to Payson tomorrow afternoon to help Sarah and Rich unload their moving van and start getting moved into their new home. We are so EXCITED they are going to be back here in Utah!!

PEANUT ALLERGY UPDATE ~ JONO'S NEW THING!

I haven't explained where we are on Jono's peanut program. So, let me update you. We had two very intensive days of dosing. We spent all day both days in the doctor's facility with other kids -- most close to Jono's age. They were at varying stages of the program. One was on her very last day of the peanut allergy program. Another was at the stage where she had to eat her first actual peanut. Her mother was very emotional about it.

I hadn't thought about it until that moment. I mean, I was very nervous beginning the program--although probably not as nervous as leaving my son at school where I couldn't be there to protect him for the first time. But, I digress. :) Anyway, we spend years protecting our allergic children from these substances, making sure they understand how harmful they are to them. We tell others not to make sure not to give them to them. We make sure our kids know how to ask if the food they are going to eat has any of the forbidden element in it before they touch it. Then suddenly, here we are the ones giving it to them. This mother was the one handing her daughter the dose (the peanut) to eat and it was almost more than she could take. The great news is that her daughter had NO reaction at all to the peanut!!

In the program Jono is in, his doctor is very, very slowing giving him small amounts of peanut protein. He will build up to peanut powder and then eventually to a peanut, then to more peanuts. The day he can eat 24 peanuts without a reaction, he will graduate. He will have to stay on a maintenance dose of peanuts--8, I believe to keep his immunity up.

This doctor, who has been his doctor since the beginning is doing amazing work. He is doing this for other allergies as well. He is doing it for wheat, milk, eggs, tree nuts . . . there may be more but that is what I remember for now. He has people coming from all over the US and from several countries to try to rid themselves of these deadly allergies. What an amazing blessing that we are right here --and he has been our doctor all along.

Here is what he's doing:

http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/free-food-allergy-treatment-seminars/17897/pM3nAEqMG06VJ-ao6cmtjw

SCHOOl DAZE

It was a long, busy week so I am just now getting a minute to post our first day of school pictures. I will try to post more soon. Love everyone!

They have really enjoyed getting back into school (Jono was pre-school). They love their teachers and are making new friends. So good to see them having fun!

MUCH TOO LONG

I know it's often much too long between postings on here. This summer has flown by. I thought I'd have more time and it feels like I've had less but only because the kids have kept me busier than usual. They are growing up so fast! We are finishing our fourth and final week of swimming lessons this week! It's been so good though. My friend Robin talked me into setting the kids up with private swim lessons and they have learned so quickly. If they fell into water now they could not only save themselves they could swim to safely.

Rob and I went over to the school this morning to finalize a few things for the start of school. Carly is going into second grade and Jono is starting Kindergarten. Their first day is actually Jono's 6th birthday. He is so excited! We ended up moving him to the afternoon class because he just got accepted into the peanut allergy program he's been on the waiting list for and his appointments will be in the morning. We are excited and a bit trepidatious at the same time. I am grateful and excited he has this opportunity to not be allergic to peanuts anymore but a little nervous about the process as it is still so new and comes with no guarantees. All prayers on his and our behalf our very welcome. He starts on August 17th.

Grandma and Grandpa are hanging in there. Nothing major to report. All is well.

WELL THAT WASN'T VERY NICE OF ME!

I was just going to put a little update on here and noticed my last post was about Sadie and what we thought was her last walk. We went to the vet that day just sure we had no choice but to put her down. It was very sad because she has all her faculties she just couldn't move at all on her own and she's 75 lbs. Anyway, we got her to the vet and the vet spent a few minutes examining her and told us Sadie had blown both knees out. "Wait, what?" I'm not sure we knew dogs had knees! Lol. The vet said one was probably an old injury but the other one was fresh. Wow, we just had no idea. I'd been treating her stiffness like it was hip displasia. But no, she just blew our her knees. So, on to some heavy pain and anti-inflammitory meds and hope she will be good as knew soon,

She has been on them almost a week now and has made a ton of improvement. She can stand and walk and get around for the most part on her own. Stairs are still a bit hard for her but she does the best she can.

Grandpa had a check up at the dermatologist today. He is doing fairly well but getting him in and out of the house to his appointment always wears him out. He has more energy on days when he stays in and works from home--and he seems to feel better when he gets a lot accomplished! But then, don't we all!

Well, not much more for today! More later.

ONE LAST WALK

Our dog Sadie is almost ten. She has been such a sweet dog. She is good natured and has been so great with the kids. This past year, maybe a little longer it has been really noticeable that her hips have bothered her. Hip dysplasia is fairly normal for Labradors and she is part Lab. We've been giving her CoQ-10 and special hip and joint supplements and for awhile they seemed to be helping. But in the past 3 days she has gone down hill so fast. She can hardly move her back legs at all and she will just lay there and cry until one of us comes and helps her move. We've been helping her up and down steps -- but this afternoon she would not even try to tackle them at all.

I finally put a leash on her and took her out the front door which is considerably easier. It still took some lifting and assisting but we made it--only to have her just lay down and refuse to move. That is until her sister Tashie stood at the door whining to come out also. So, we put a leash on Tashie and brought her out front, too. Tashie just assumed we were going on a walk. So, she came out all excited like she does when we put her on a leash for a walk. When Sadie saw Tashie all excited she got excited, too and stood up and started walking, and she kept walking. I was kind of astounded and the kids were very excited to see that she wanted to go for a walk --so we all went. I didn't let her go far before I stopped and turned her around, though. I didn't want her to hurt herself or cause more pain for later.

I had to tell the kids this was probably our last walk with Sadie. They are really sad--and so am I. She has an appointment with the vet tomorrow evening but I am fearful of what we will find. After Rob got home later this evening, we couldn't even get her to stand up to go out again--not even after Rob carried her outside. She is in pain and it makes me so sad not to be able to stop it. I am hoping, against hope the Vet has some ideas on how to help her, short of bionic limbs. 

Our sweet Sadie on what may prove to be her last walk

 

 

GO MAMMA GO!

Rob and I went shooting tonight. As one of the targets, he took a gallon of water and asked the supervisor at the gun range if he could put it out with our other targets. The man said he could but wasn't sure why Rob would want to because it would be kind of embarrassing if he missed it when he shot at it. Well, Rob put it out anyway. Then, when I was getting ready to shoot Rob asked me if I wanted to take a shot at the water. I had no idea about the earlier conversation that had gone on between the two of them. So, I just aimed my shotgun and with the first shot I blew it to Smithereens. I turned around to look at Rob as I was celebrating and there stood this gun range supervisor with the oddest smirk on his face! I couldn't quite figure it out at the time but later when Rob told me the story I understood. Pretty funny, eh?! Yay me! Lol!

GOOD STUFF

It's been a good news sort of day today. Sarah and Rich got their new house. Now they just need to sell their other home. We'd appreciate prayers for them to be able to do so quickly so they can have their whole family together again. We are all very excited for their move. We are going to love having them this close!

The other good news we got today is that Jono got accepted into the Peanut trial. His allergy doctor is doing this life-saving and life-altering work with all kinds of food allergies. Jono has been on a 3-6 month waiting list to get into it. He finally got in and will begin mid-August. Anyway--his doctor is literally curing food allergies--serious ones like peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, milk and other deadly allergies. It is amazing!

I have been so nervous to send him off to school where I cannot protect him and now he will hopefully be safe and cured soon so I won't have to worry. What a miracle!

Took the kids to swimming lessons today--Jono's first go around, Carly's second. It was kind of a trip--so to speak but I will have to write more about it later as Rob is ready for bed. Take care, night all.

NEWS FROM SISTER SARAH!

My sister Sarah and her husband Rich were house hunting this weekend and found one they love a little over an hour from here. They still need to sell their home in Idaho but have now put it in the hands of a realtor so hopefully that will happen can happen soon. They put an offer on this new home and should hear back tomorrow. We are all excited to have them so close again!

It's been a short weekend. The kids have colds and have been coughing up a storm, especially Carly. Rob hasn't felt well the whole weekend and this morning I woke up with a migraine.

We have a single mom and her two year old daughter staying with us for a little while. She was supposed to be moving into some government assisted housing and her approval got mixed up so she had to be out of her last place before she was approved and now she has to wait for the next apartment to come available. So, we have a lively place right now.

Grandpa and Grandma are doing fine. Not much new going on with them. Grandpa was working on Alumni stuff today and Grandma was helping him.

Carly and Jono start private swim lessons tomorrow. They are supposed to be a lot better than the public ones. My friend has had her children in them and said that with just two weeks of them they came out knowing how to save themselves if they fell in deep water. That's what sold me on them. I've had Carly in lessons before but not Jonathon and never felt like she got much out of them. So, I'm hopeful they will really learn something from them.

Well, that's about it for now. Night all. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!

Today is Grandpa's birthday! The whole family is coming to celebrate! We are having a big feast and are excited to all get together. Pictures to come! Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

CATCHING UP

The break so far has been filled with play dates, Karate, gymnastics and all kinds of things to keep the kids busy. More than not, it keeps mommy busy and tired and not getting a whole lot else accomplished. But--we are doing our best to have a great summer!

Grandma and Grandpa are doing well. They have been out a few times lately for doctor's appointments and haircuts. Grandpa struggles to get around more these days. We help him the best we can and let stairlifts and wheelchairs and walkers assist us in getting him where he needs to be.
He is in good spirits. He gets up and works everyday. Our post lady says we get more mail than anyone else on her route--and it's all for Grandpa and Grandma.

Before I end, I just want to wish my dad a very Happy Father's Day! I have been so blessed to have him as my father. He taught us from a very young age the value of hard work, having integrity, being compassionate and helping your fellow man. These are not just things he said, but things I watched him do. He is one of my greatest examples and I would not be the person I am today if he were not my father. I love you so much Dad! Thanks for all you've done for me and all you've taught me! You are the very best!

Me and my Daddy

YAY FOR SUMMER BREAK!

Thankfully, today was Carly's last day of school. It is a welcome break! She had a rough year--a teacher who was discombobulated, several bullies in her class and just generally not as positive an experience as we would have liked for her. Strangely enough (at least to me) the bullies were all girls. One mom, finally just moved her daughter to another class because she didn't feel like the teacher was dealing with it effectively. We felt the same but when we mentioned the possibility of moving Carly she came undone. The bullying was never over anything specific--just "clickish", mean-mouthed bullying. But it finally took going to the principal to get anything real done about it. Anyway, I could go on and on--but suffice it to say--we are glad to have her out of this class and hopeful next year will be a positive one for her.

Grandma worked outside a little in the flower garden today. It was a really nice day here. It's starting to get and stay warm. We've had some rain and wind here and there but for the most part it's been feeling more like summer here.

I'm hoping Jono and I are about over our colds. I still have a bit of a cough and he's got a runny nose but other than that we are both feeling better than last week.

I'm so excited to sleep in just a little in the morning tomorrow and not have to get up to get a little one ready for school! Yay for summer break!

MY BRAG!

I'm very proud of my sweet Carly today. She won two awards at school for reading. One for being the hardest worker and one for reaching her goal. She's read over 6,700 minutes!

The rest of her week is pretty much play time. They have field day tomorrow and are putting on a play part of the day for the next two days. So, I'm pretty sure she can make it through the week. Then Thursday they get to sign yearbooks and are only there for a couple of hours. Yes, first graders signing yearbooks! Lol!

She also broke another board in Karate tonight. So, I guess this is my Carly brag tonight--as opposed to blog! :)

LOTS OF COUGHING

Saturday was the first day since Wednesday or so that I really got up and stayed out of bed. I had been hacking for a week or more. I am so tired of coughing! Unfortunately now Jono has it. Although, thankfully, he doesn't seem to be having any side complications. Knock on wood. We went to church today and then came home and napped for awhile.

Grandma went out and did a little shopping and then when she got back and we started dinner, Grandpa got sick. I think he got to feeling a little better before bedtime but we are keeping an eye on him.

Carly has four days of school left and she can hardly wait till they are over. Counting them down!

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY BUT HOW YOU SAY IT. NAH--IT'S WHAT YOU SAY!

Jono woke up much earlier than usual this morning and came in and snuggled in bed with Rob and me. He actually fell sound asleep again and when I got up to get Carly ready and run her to school he stayed asleep. I shut the door quietly and left him in my room while I took her. I was hoping he would still be sleeping when I got back because I was really exhausted and wanted to sleep a little longer. He was and I did.

When we finally started to wake up. He said to me kind of groggily, "Mom, where's Carly?" I said, "She's at school?" He said, "Did you take her?" I said, "Yes." (Now, this whole conversation occurred without him really even opening his eyes. He was still kind of snuggled in next to me. So, he hadn't even gotten a good look at me yet.) Then he says, "Well, good thing they didn't make fun of what you were wearing!" Lol! Good thing I love this kid!

IT TAKES TWO BABY!

Grandma had a doctor appointment today and things went well. Jono and I hung out with Grandpa while she was gone. I tried having Grandpa tell Jono some of his childhood stories but Grandpa's voice wasn't very loud today and Jono's attention span was really short so mostly I got to enjoy them. I wish my kids were old enough to appreciate my dad's stories. He has some excellent ones with some great lessons. Hopefully, we can get some of them written down.

Carly has a school play the last week of school and she has a narrator part in it. Almost everyday she has come home and told me her teacher says she needs to practice more say certain words better. So I have been working hard with her on it. Today, she came home really upset because her teacher told her she still had to practice more. Carly thought she had really improved and so it hurt her feelings.

I ran through it with her a couple of times tonight and she seemed to be reading it just fine. Then it hit me to send her into her dad. I knew he would know just what to do. That was exactly the right medicine. It was so cute to listen to. For the next 45 minutes I heard him explain to her what the narrator part was and ask her if she really knew what the whole story was about she was going to be narrating. He asked if she knew where her part came in and who she came after. He made sure she understood the story she was telling so she could tell it in an engaging way.

Wow, I sure love this guy I am parenting with. It really does take both of us! My little girl went to bed a happy girl and will hopefully have a better practice with her teacher tomorrow! Thanks for the help Daddy!

KARATE GIRL

In the interest of equal time for my young ones -- I give you Karate Girl. (This is Carly's new sport.)



Carly with her friend Evan



Practicing Moves

INCOGNITO

Just had to share this photo. Jono has gotten creative with the way he takes his nebulizer treatments. This boy cracks me up -- which is probably lucky for him on some days!

#Goggleman #Mycuteboy #Theblueshepherd

VROOM VROOM!

Spent today in bed mostly with kids climbing in and out to be near me. They don't like it when I'm not out and about in the house. Still coughing a lot and unfortunately tonight Carly started coughing too. I hate for her to be sick during the last couple weeks of school. I hate Spring colds! Hopefully this one won't last long for either of us.

Grandma started making "Race" food today. She got part of our meal for race-day made today and will finish it up tomorrow. We have a family tradition of having chicken and potato salad while we listen to the Indy 500. The great thing about being out here is that we are far enough away we can usually watch it!

Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend. Don't forget to remember those who gave all for our freedom. Ladies and Gentlemen . . . Start your engines!

MAMA CAN'T TALK

 I haven't felt well at all today. Last night I knew I was either coming down with something or the pollen count was really high and my allergies were out of control. I woke up this morning and knew it was the former. I've been coughing my head off and I only have a partial voice. What I do have is this really crackle-y sounding voice that is even hard for me to listen to and hurts a bit when I speak. There, I'm done whining. I feel better. Thank goodness it's the weekend and hubby's home!

Susan and her daughter Ashley came up and helped Grandpa for several hours today. Grandma made dinner for everyone before they left.

The best part of the day though was that I had two very cuddly kids all day. They don't like it when mommy is sick. Jono took care of me most of the morning. He curled up with me in bed and we looked at books and he got me things I needed. Nurse Carly replaced him when school let out. She's very tenderhearted and always worried when mommy doesn't feel good. So, she has to stay right with me. Two very sweet kiddos.

Well, since my nurses have been put to bed, I guess I'd better get some rest myself. Night, night.

CUPCAKE MOMMY

I think I wrote about Grandma tripping over the vacuum last month (so to speak). Anyway, her ankle is still fairly swollen from that fall so I took her back to the urgent care last night. They re-examined her ankle and x-rayed it again but still couldn't find a break or fracture--at least not one that was visible. So, she was sentenced to the boot again and some physical therapy. The doctor told her the physical therapy can actually be very helpful for injuries like this so hopefully doing some will help it.

I was in trouble yesterday for making cupcakes but not keeping any of them (I couldn't because they were for my friend's wedding.) So today I made cupcakes for here and had some very happy kids. Jono is through with pre-school now and Carly only has a two weeks of school left. Things are definitely winding down and I will be glad to have them out for the summer. (Remind me later I said that. Lol.)

Susan is coming up tomorrow to help dad with some of his paperwork. He is doing pretty well right now. He has a bit of a harder time getting around these days than usual but he still manages. If he's going out of the house to an appointment and steps are involved then he generally needs some help. Otherwise he does pretty well.

Not much else to report on at the moment. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. :)