The Maughans

It's official! Al's heart is still good!!

2012-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Al had his heart cath done today and the results couldn't have been better! Good pressure and flow and no deformities! We are so grateful and relieved.

We had to be at the hospital by 6 am so I just took him straight from bed to the car. I thought about how many times we had been 'here' while we were in the waiting room - 'here' meaning waiting for a procedure or results from a procedure - and I couldn't help but remember how exhausting it used to be to take him to these long appointments because I had to entertain him the whole time. He has grown up so much and today just sat down with a ball toy and played. I was even able to leave him in the waiting room while I went to the next room to check him in.

After getting a height and weight on our big guy he got to try on this dazzling little ensemble. The fit was nice, but it's just not his color. He did like the sticky things on the socks to prevent slippage. He thought they were for his enjoyment to play with rather than a safety feature.

He got pretty anxious when the put the IV in. For a diabetic he sure hates needles! He never gives me any problem with his lancets to test him or even his syringes for his shots, but try to take blood from him or put an IV in and the world ends. So after that was in his hand they laid him in a bed, gave him something to calm the nerves and a remote for a video game, and life was good!

This was him in the recovery room. All bundled up and toasty warm. He had very nice nurses who took great care of him. They had him on oxygen, which he always needs when he is asleep. But no nausea! He was REALLY loopy though. He kept sitting up and looking around, then would fall back to the pillow and sleep a few minutes, then sit up again. I never could figure out what he was looking for or at. One thing that struck me was how big he looked. He is getting taller and thicker, but next to all these newborns to 1 year olds he was freakin' huge!!

This is all he has to show for it... a regular sized band-aid on his neck. Most times they put the cath through the groin area, but because he's older they chose to do it through his neck. Fine with me!! That got us home 6 hours earlier. We would have had to wait 6 hours after surgery to go home if they had gone through the groin.

So all in all a good day. I think we will both go take a nap now with our neighbor's dog Babe. (She came to make sure Al was OK.)

I love potty talk...

2012-01-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

...and not the kind you're thinking of.

Let me start by saying both girls are completely potty trained!! Yeah! But they still ask me to sit by them while they are going to the bathroom. So they sit on the toilet and I sit across from them on the stool we have so they can reach the sink. They hold my hands and tell me so many things;

"Poop hurts your stomach until it comes out. But it doesn't come out of your stomach it comes out of your bum. " (Mo)

"Um. I pee and poop at the same time." (Oak)

"When I poop, my eyes cry. Maybe because it's stinky." (Mo)

"Oooo. Did you hear that?" (one of my personal favorites!) (both)

"You're a big girl, too. You get potty candy?" (Oak)

"Bye stinky poop! Go far away!" (Oak)

"After you flush (plush) the water jiggles." (Mo)

There's also talk that doesn't involve bodily functions;

"Um. My mom is at work. She misses me." (M0)

"Papa is mom's dad!" (oak)

"Heyhey thinks he can go potty. He doesn't know he's not smart enough yet." (Mo)

So, I love potty talk. I get to sit with them and visit. Won't be too much longer and we won't have that quality time. But I'll always have this post to embarrass them with!!!

Random thoughts

2012-01-20T22:24:00.000-08:00

My mind has been racing lately, but at the same time my thoughts seem like sludge. I think and think, and then realize there was nothing to the ideas floating around in my brain. It's not a bad thing, just kinda.... ?

I worry a lot about the kids. I know. Most of them are grown up and have families of their own now. But still. What if I didn't teach C well enough to treat his wife and daughters as the daughters of God that they are? And what if I didn't help him realize how powerful he is when he's worthy of the priesthood? What about Lou? For heaven's sake, she has an investment in heaven...have I taught her all I can so she knows what she needs to do to be with that little man again? Does she realize how favored she is in the sight of the Lord to be the mother of such a perfect angel? And TJ and B? They seem so...little? She's my 'first baby'. Have I given her the strength and courage to be all she is entitled to? All that she should be? And then Alex...Does he know how much I love him? Does he know how many people love him? Will I ever be able to teach him that he is so special that he had to share his life with multiple families and many, many friends, because just one family couldn't handle this much love?

I think of these things. I get discouraged, I get worried, I get happy. Yeah. All at the same time. I am so proud of my family and the choices they have made in their lives. My children married incredible people who love them despite my lack of parenting skills. Heck! They love them in spite of me!! Their lives are amazing. Their accomplishments heart stopping. They always have been great kids.

I guess I've been thinking these things because of someone else's trials. A good friend's daughter is fighting melanoma cancer. She's on her 3rd round of this war, and giving her all to win. She has three beautiful sons to help give her strength when there's no strength to give. She has a husband that was her high school sweetheart, who loves her not because she's beautiful, but because he loves her. And she has a whole basket full of siblings who would do anything to help her.

Daily I hear of someone else who is sick (cancer seems rampant all of a sudden) or sad, or in need. What can I do? What can I give?

I can pray. I can hope. I can have faith that I have a Father in Heaven who not only listens to my prayers, and your prayers and their prayers, but knows how we feel. Knows what we mean when we stutter through our prayers not knowing how to express the twist that has knotted our heart out of concern. He knows the fear Alisa is feeling, and knows how to help her through that fear. He knows how worried her family and friends are for her, and if we listen with our heart we will know what we can do on our end to help this trial be a battle of love.

And as far as my seemingly petty plight for my children who are healthy, here and with loved ones? Well. I can still teach them things I maybe overlooked as they were growing up. I can be the example I desire to be to them. The strength they need to hold onto. The love they need to feel when scared.

I am their mom.

Christmas and New Years

2012-01-20T19:06:00.001-08:00

Here's what we gave the neighbors and friends for Christmas this year. I show you this to tell you a funny story.

It's a roll of toilet paper hung by some ribbon, decorated and with this saying on it...

"There's one room in the house that's usually slighted, when decorations are hung and candles are lighted. So hang this wreath on the bathroom door to mark the spot and add decor,"

So Mike and I drive around to deliver these together, and about 3 times Mike would get in the car and say, "They sure got a kick out of that." or "They said it was so you!" and some of the people had the nerve to say that to my face..."So cute! Should have known you would do something like that!" And then when we got home, there's a message on our machine. "I know you're still out delivering the wreaths, but I had to call and tell you how funny I thought that gift was. Natalie, that is so you! I will think of you every time I go in the bathroom now."

So, how do I take this? I even asked Mike, "What do they mean 'this is so me?' and his reply?

"It means you're a butt wipe!"

Good thing I didn't take that offensively. We actually laughed for about 1/2 an hour!! And we still use that line when appropriate. (And don't forget about my post earlier where I said I've wiped way too many butts in my lifetime. So, I am literally a butt wipe!)

Anyway, it added some fun to our holidays. I didn't take too many pictures during the holidays, but here is a gift of love from TJ and B.

A new mirror for my bathroom!! TJ broke my other one, but that's ok because I love this one so much more!!

Someone told me I don't have any pics of me on here, so here's my pic. I sent this to Mike on his phone and said, "Here I am lying in the sun like a dog." It sure felt good. At the time we had an icky inversion and the sun was no where to be found until this day. And I had been sick for weeks with a sinus infection, so laying down in the sun felt warm and comfy. Too bad it only lasted about 10 minutes - both the chance to lay down and the sun shining!

This isn't a very good picture, but we lit some fireworks on New Year's Eve. It was a quiet night; dinner with C, K and Mo (a tradition of fondue and junk food), watched a movie then lit a few fireworks. Our neighbors across the street joined in, then we went in and were in bed before midnight. I got my New Year's kiss, rolled over and slept sweetly.

Happy 2012. May we all find joy especially in times when sorrow and worry seems deep.

My goofy girls

2012-01-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

Thought I would just share a few things about my little ladies! I love having these 2 around so much. I will admit, there are days that I think, "Seriously? Can I handle this?" For instance, they are going through the potty training routine... I've wiped enough butts these past few weeks that I'm sick of it!! I guess it doesn't help that I've always worked with children either potty training or in diapers, and of course Alex's J-Lo needs some added attention from me when the dooty has been done. Like I said, enough butts!!

N has returned since having heart surgery. And the girls are delighted! They are constantly wanting to hold her, touch her, take care of her. This is a picture of Oak 'feeding her pizza.' It was cute because Oak would make num-num noises and eventually N started doing them whenever something was placed by her mouth.

We make a lot of huts to play in while they are here. I have to laugh because I've been a mom for 25 years, a pre-school teacher for 30 years and I am just now figuring out the secret to making a hut! (Use a fitted sheet to wrap around the tops of chairs. It doesn't fall down!) But obviously the sheet I used this day needed a bit more Bounce in the dryer!

And then there's these special moments; Our neighbor the other day had a pipe break. After the city fixed it they placed these cones out. I didn't think anything about it until we walked out the other day and she said, "Look, Nanny! Frank Frank has giant carrots in his yard!" Ha! Giant carrots. Oh, and Frank Frank is what Alex calls our neighbor Frank, and now our whole family calls him that. Even my dad calls him that! So here's a pic of the girls pretending to eat the giant carrots, which is what they do every time we walk past.

When Oak was really small, she just stared at you. Actually she just stared straight through you. So, TJ and I would say, "This special moment brought to you by..."

When I took this picture, that was the captioning I first thought of.

I'm very lucky to be a part of all of these special moments.

A bit about Alex

2012-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

That's my boy! He's holding a picture of his brothers and sisters that live in Oklahoma (with Daddy Ernie and Ashley). Every once in a while he just grabs their picture off of his bedroom door and carries it around with him saying, "I love my brothers and sisters!" (Especially Collin! He talks about him a lot!!)

This picture was taken a while ago - end of summer- but I think it's cute. Trying to be a 'big kid' but grinning so big his face is about to pop because he's by a Star Wars guy!!!

I need to update about the results of Alex's echo cardiogram and what our course of action is; let me start by saying we had the echo done because Alex is supposed to wear a CPAP mask all night to help with his sleep apnea, and has started taking it off during the night. Because of this, and since he hasn't had an echo done in a long time, his pulmonologist ordered an echo. I posted a picture of it in an earlier post. Nice, comfy room with a TV right in the line of sight for Alex to watch a movie of his choice, and I got to watch what's on the ultrasound screen and was fascinated even though I had no idea what was what. Those things are hard to decipher to the layman's eye!

The pulmonologist called 2 days later with the results; his right artery was thickened (because it's working too hard) and the pressure was 25 and according to her should be 14 so it was EXTREMELY high and I had to "make sure his oxygen sats stayed above 95% no matter what I had to do to keep them there." Yeah. I hung up the phone a little anxious, but knew she had placed a call to the cardiologist of choice (he's the expert in people with Down Syndrome who have pulmonary hypertension, which is the medical terminology for what Al has) so I just kept the phone by me and waited for his call.

Nothing.

A week later I finally called and scheduled an appointment. When we first got there we had to get a chest x-ray done, then an EKG and blood pressure. Alex is really good with medical procedures and, once again, was a great patient. When the doctor came in, he acted like he wasn't sure why we were there. His heart size is fine, according to the x-ray. His EKG and blood pressure were good, and yes, the echo showed a thickening of the artery, but that could have been a diagonal measurement of the artery instead of a straight across measurement, and a 26 blood pressure flow wasn't that bad. He suggested we do an angiogram (place a catheter through his femoral artery into his heart to get a better measurement of both the artery thickness and the pressure) then if there is hypertension, he can put medicine directly into the heart to find out which kind will work best for Alex.

He was so blase about it that I left feeling, "OK. No biggie." So we scheduled the angiogram for February 3rd. I will be better about blogging the results so everyone knows what is what.

I am so glad we live so near Primary Children's Medical Center. I know others who have the same love/hate relationship with the hospital as we do; love the care we receive, hate that we have to receive it.

I will keep you in touch!

Dumb! Dumb!! Dumb!!!

2011-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

I did a really dumb thing right before Christmas. I left a pot on the stove, set on high of course, until our house was so full of smoke that when I opened the front door to start airing out my neighbor came over to make sure I didn't need help getting bodies out of our house because the smoke just rolled out the door. And now our house has this terrible, rancid, stale, cheap cigarette smoke smell. It can't be a outdoor fire smell, or a BBQ smell. No. It's got to be the yucky, stinky smell that just makes you hurl as you walk in the door. It's getting better. Slowly. We have a good friend that works for Disaster Cleanup and he gave us some odor sponge and a few ionizers that have REALLY helped.

So, no. We did not take up smoking. We just stink!!

Only 3 more days Santa! We've all been (trying to be) good!!

2011-12-22T15:17:00.001-08:00

Alex's 15th birthday!!! My baby is 15!?!

2011-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Alex had his 15th birthday the other day, and we celebrated all day long. We started out by going out to lunch with dad, the girls and Heyhey. (I couldn't get Hey in the pic ;-( ) And some men gave us an extra treat while we were there... they painted a sign on our window while we sat there. It was fascinating - OK it was fascinating to all the 2 year old minds at the table, but it was fun to watch - either the guys painting or the kids' faces!

This isn't the best picture, but it was sure cute. The girls would climb out of their chairs just to give papa a hug then sit back down to eat. It's just not fair.... I take care of them all day, but he is their favorite.

Al thought his birthday was the greatest because he got to go out to eat for lunch AND dinner! (The kid would eat out for every meal if given the chance.) IHOP is one of his most favorite places to go in the world. He orders a Rooty Jr. (pancakes with berries on it) and sausage, and more sausage, and more sausage. He can really put it away.

He's showing you two of the guys Daddy Ernie sent him for his birthday. He got to talk to all of Ernie's kids earlier in the day and to Ernie before we went to dinner. Just as we were heading out the door to dinner, a package came for Alex from Ernie and family... and inside were a ton of Star Wars guys. Of course, they had to come to dinner with us. (And just a funny side note, that is Grandpa Scott hiding behind the menu. He didn't want his picture taken.)

He got a lot of cool things - a remote control helicopter, a Halo guy, a Transformer, a yoyo and some church pants, but from mom and dad he got a Pass of all Passes! So after dinner we went to Trafalga for fun, fun, fun!

First stop, the climbing wall. This first picture I took of Alex he's pretty close to the floor still, but I took it that early because last time he did a climbing wall, he only was able to make it a few feet. But this time...

...look how far he made it. (That's him on the left!)

TJ and B had to take a turn, too. They didn't do too bad for an old, married couple. ;-)

Then we went and did a laser tag game, and the black light mini golf. Here's a pic of everyone doing fish faces by the dolphins. I took some other pics, but because it was so dark they didn't turn out well enough to share.

And after all that fun and partying, he got another surprise the next day!! Grandpa Larry and Lexy came to visit!! This is Alex's birth mom's dad and Alex's half sister. You can definitely tell they are related, can't you!? She took such good care of Alex as a baby. We will never be able to repay her for all she did, even as a little kid herself. And Grandpa Larry has a definite soft spot for his little boy! We missed seeing Mommy Dana, but hopefully soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GUY! (And just to relieve every one's fears - Alex doesn't get to drive until he's as tall as his brothers. Remember they are 6 foot and taller!!)

Christmas lights spectacular!!

2011-12-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

We went as a whole family to dinner and then to walk around Temple Square to see the lights. We started our trip on the Trax - a first for Mo and only a second time for Oak. Fun, and not even too crowded. Al got to stand up and hold a hand rail, so he thought he was pretty cool. I didn't get any pics of us going on the train because we were kind of split up, and then with dinner... well, let's just say sometimes the best of intentions can turn into not the best results; our idea was to go to Denny's right by the temple for dinner, but I guess 30,000 other people had the same idea. So, we hoofed it over to the mall's food court. Not a bad idea in itself, except only 2 out of a dozen restaurants were open. And this was a Saturday night! So dinner took longer than we expected, but we had fun. And the food was good!

And just look at the cool, new video game the girls found! We all crossed our fingers and toes, but they didn't win.

Here's a very cold Alex next to the reflecting pond. There were hundreds of people around but looking at that water with all the lights reflecting on it was so peaceful.

This is the back side of the nativity in the reflecting pond. Too many people on the other side.

Looking up from the bottom of just one tree. So many lights!

And when we were all done, we played sardines on the Trax. It was PACKED!! Josh was able to get a picture for me. He was the only one tall enough to look over people's heads. I could have gotten a pic of a bunch of people's butts, but I figured this is better.

This is all the girls (Kierra holding Mo, Cali holding Oak and Tj's back is to us - in the green coat. She's holding all the strollers!)

But my favorite light, out of the hundreds of thousands that lit up the night, were the lights on the temple, reminding all of us about the light of Christ and how peaceful and calm the spirit can make us feel even in a world full of chaos. If we live righteously, we will be able to live together again as a family. What could be better than that? Forget Santa, forget snow, forget reindeer and even the beautiful lights. All I want for Christmas is you....FOREVER!!!

Echo cardiogram and the results

2011-12-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

I always said that this blog would be a way to keep Daddy Ernie in touch with what's going on with Alex, so bear with me while I update him on Al.

We took him for an echo cardiogram the other day. We weren't concerned or anything, but he hadn't had an echo done for quite a while and with him having sleep apnea, it was time. I guess it's a good thing we did. His right ventricle has thickened and the pressure through it is 30-ish and it's supposed to be about 14. Not good news, obviously. The doctor that ordered the echo is a sleep expert, not a cardiologist so she is getting us hooked up with a Dr. Day. I guess he is the expert here on hypertension in people with Down Syndrome. I don't know much more than that. She did say that we need to make sure his oxygen sats are at 95%+; at 92% it will stabilize and not cause anymore damage, at 95% it should help improve the damage - not cure it, just improve - and below 92% will continue to cause damage. Good thing we have a pulse oximeter!! We will monitor his oxygen levels often and we will probably put a baby monitor in his room so we can hear when he takes his CPAP mask off so we get it right back on. He's getting better about keeping it on, but obviously I wasn't vigilant enough with keeping tabs on it.

Hopefully we will hear back from the sleep specialist and she will have gotten us an appointment soon with the cardiologist. Then I will have more info to give. Right now all I can ask is you continue keeping him in your prayers. And we will keep you in touch with any info we get!!

Christmas fun!

2011-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

We got to go see real reindeer! They are at a tree lot near our home. There were 3 of them. This one is Tinker (short for Tinkerbell). Just for your learning pleasure, she is a female reindeer. Both male and female reindeer have horns. They also have a coat that protects them from -50 degrees to +115! That's a huge span. We got to pet Tinker and their coat is a lot thicker than it looks.

The two reindeer in the pic below who are eating - all you can see are their backs - are Disney (the first ever reindeer who has survived after being conceived through artificial insemination, and who was born while owner was in Disneyland) and Louie. Actually, Louie doesn't have an official name, but we named him. The managers of the lot said all the reindeer have Disney names so we had to come up with a male Disney character name. We named quite a few and when we said Huey, Dewey and Louie - well, of course we had to go with Louie after Cali!!

Here's B with Tinker...

... Mo with Tinker's hind end in the pic...

... and Oak with Tinker.

We also got to sit in Santa's sleigh, but got distracted because the reindeer were being fed just then.

And while we were there we took some pictures of our favorite flocked trees. Here's B with a white tree...

Mo with her favorite flocked tree. A purple one.

Oak with her favorite, also a purple one.

But we also had to take some pictures of some of the ghastly colors of flocked trees they had. Black and grey? What? Who buys those? A funeral home??...

...sick pee yellow (I think it was supposed to be gold), turquoise and pink?

Here's a close up of the pink one. Pepto Bismol anyone?

Bright red? It looked violent. And no that's not a typo. I didn't mean violet. I meant violent!

And here's a close up of the yellow/gold/brown one. EWWWW. That's all I have to say about that one.

It was a nice day and not even too cold. Getting excited for Christmas!!! I guess I should start shopping, huh?

Hockey has started again!!

2011-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Alex started hockey again. He hasn't played for 2 years and is doing incredible for having missed so much (first year because of hip, second year because he was afraid of hurting his hip) and is all over the place on the ice. The picture above and below is of him waiting on the bench for the Zamboni to finish it's job. Yeah, I know! They spelled his name wrong, what else is new.

And here he is in front of the Christmas tree at the oval! It's huge!! I will take more pics of him actually on the ice and post them after the new year. It's hard to get a good pic because he cruises so fast. That's a good thing!! Go number 5!!

My big, little brother

2011-12-09T14:54:00.001-08:00

My brother and I have a unique relationship in the fact that we work together, but still like each other. (Maybe I better not put words in his mouth - OK I like him and he is nice to me)

Anyway.

He was awarded the best OT from a disablity group and I am so very proud of him!! He knows what he's doing, and he is good at his job. He's a very hard worker and treats his 'kids' with respect but pushes them to succeed. He also has the same rapport with his co-workers; although sometimes being the only man in the group (until recently) he was known to be crass, but everyone loves working with him and we all learn from him everyday. Congrats Shaun for everyone else finally finding out you are the best!! I knew it all along!

Just some things we've done lately

2011-12-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever opened up a phone book, ripped out a few pages then ripped it to shreds? You should, it's very therapeutic, and just downright fun. We do this at least once a month here at our house, and the kids love it!! Before we clean it all up we take turns being covered in the paper then exploding out of the pile. Again, very therapeutic and downright fun!!

The picture below shows the kids cutting construction paper to make a paper chain to countdown till Christmas. Of course, we added Alex's birthday to to the countdown.... he'll be 15! Where did my little boy go??

And speaking of birthdays, we went to a park in Wheeler Farm to celebrate B's birthday. It was a little chilly, but a great way to celebrate!

And this is the newest member of our family. Her name is Babe, and she's the best kind of dog to have - one that's not yours. She actually belongs to our neighbors, but likes to come visit, hang out with us and even go on car rides. She even slept overnight once. She's a real good dog, and I like having the canine company, without having the responsibility. I'm sure you'll see more of her in upcoming posts.

2011-12-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

N had her heart surgery and was home before a week was up!! I saw her a few days later and she was so pink!!!

Can I just say we miss her terribly! Glad she's doing better, but we hope to see her soon.

A funny!

2011-12-06T19:09:00.001-08:00

Check out this freak of nature!! That's what Alex and I were doing when the funniest thing happened; whenever I get on the computer, Oakland loves to sit under the desk. Well, she was in place when I called Alex in to look at this picture on the internet. We were reading the article together when Oakland decided to come out from under the desk, while using Alex's legs as leverage. I have never seen ANYONE dance in mid-air like he did! I don't think his feet touched the ground as he ran out of the room, his face white as a ghost. He did peer back around the corner pretty quickly, though, I'm sure to make sure I was OK. When he realized Oakland had been under the desk he bust out laughing saying, "Oh, my gosh! I thought she was the bug!" We laughed and laughed and he called Oakland 'a bug' the rest of the day.

I'm sure glad that bug wasn't really in my house! I would have outran Alex if it was.

Next granddaughter due the end of March...

2011-11-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

...she's already a genius. Look! She knows how to sign I love you!!

Ewww! Halloween!

2011-11-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

I said in a previous post that I hate Halloween. Let me say it again; I hate Halloween.

What's with all the 16 + year olds out trick or treating? Seriously? And then you add the parents that stick out their bag to have candy put in it. I even had one mom tell me the bag was for her baby, who was in the stroller in a car seat she was so little. Yeah. Like that baby was going to eat any of that candy.

And don't even get me started on the costumes! I took Alex a few weeks ago to a Halloween costume store to try to find a Transformer costume in his size. I didn't realize those stores are actually lingerie and sex toy stores in disguise! They had an entire wall with nothing but panties displayed - actually displayed out of their packages - so you could choose which skank style you would want to wear under the slutty costumes they were selling. And the men costumes? Let's just say Hugh Hefner would be proud, but I was embarrassed to be in the vicinity. And believe me, we got out of their pretty fast. And if the costumes weren't disgustingly sexual, they were gory, scary and satanic.

I've never liked Halloween but it's official; I HATE HALLOWEEN!!!

HELP!!

2011-10-30T19:07:00.001-07:00

You've probably noticed that I put up 3 or 4 posts at a time. My problem is I can't get my computer to 'publish post'. It will save it as a draft then I have to go to a separate computer to post it. Any hints?

Scariest movie I've ever seen!! BEWARE!

2011-10-30T00:05:00.001-07:00

I HATE Halloween. Always have.

I hate scary things. I hate creepy things. I don't like the unexpected.... and all of these things tortured me the other day in a movie. And even worse, I took my grandchildren to see this movie.

Now you're probably thinking, "If you took your grandchildren, it must not be too scary." But you have to understand. It was misrepresented. I would have NEVER subjected these little darlings to anything so vile, so icky, so sick and wrong if I had known!!

It was at the library. YES! Can you believe it? A public place. We went for their special short movie presentation. I knew it would be a Halloween movie, but who knew they could be so vicious as to play such a horrible flick.

AHHHH! Just looking at the picture makes me shudder. Now, you may look at this picture and think, "Yeah. Barney can be scary if you don't like dinosaurs." But I don't mind Barney. And they actually didn't show that movie. But Thomas.... Ewwwww! Ick. Blehhhhhh! I've told all of my children that their kids are never allowed to bring any Thomas paraphernalia to my home. EVER! No movie, no toys, no music, nothing with that deplorable creature attached to it.

I'm sure you can't figure out m hatred toward the supposedly likable train, but hear me out. I've worked in special education my whole life. Literally since I was 16 I have had my foot in the special education world in one way or another. And nothing in all those years has given me the hee-bee-jee-bees like Thomas the Tank Engine does.

Kids who love Thomas are obsessed. And I mean that. He must be the devil as obsessed as children get into his cult. Must have every movie, must have clothing and shoes with his picture on them, must hold a train in their hands all day, all night until the imprint of the train is embedded in their little hands!!! Ahhh!! See. I'm scaring myself.

Our new friend(s)

2011-10-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a little angel? We will call her N on our blog, but none of us will ever forget her name. It's very original, but perfect for her. She has Down Syndrome, a heart condition - which is the reason for the oxygen - and a G-tube (feeding tube directly in her stomach). She is a great baby! And we all love her! I'm sure you'll see her in more of our pics as I blog. Someone is always holding her - I hope her parents don't mind that she's getting spoiled!!?

And we found out recently that Colby and Kierra are expecting their second little girl near the end of March!!! Whoo-hoo! Grandparents of 4! 1 boy, 3 girls... I'm thinking Mac loves to have all his brothers/boys cousins with him so that's why we're only getting girls right now. I can't blame him!!

Girls just wanna have fun!

2011-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was face booked by one of the girls I grew up with. She was getting the old gang together, and, as proof in the picture, we got most of us together for lunch the other day.

front row l-r - Sheila, Sydney, Becky

middle row l-r - Jamie, Cindy, Kathy

back row l-r - Janet, me!

One of our friends (Lisa) unfortunately passed away a few months before this outing, but we all agreed she was there enjoying the day with us. Angela couldn't come because she's fighting cancer (didn't want to be out in public with low platelets!!), Shelli had a family wedding, and Diane couldn't get a flight. But that's us. The 18th ward young women.

Oh, the memories. Sherry Knight; a teacher that we were merciless to. We found every and any way to make fun of her. From the way she wrote 'For Natalie" on the top of EVERY handout she gave me, to how the song 'Stroke Me, Stroke Me' reminded her of her college days.... you know! Because she was on the rowing team, of course. And especially because she told us, with a very heavy heart and tears a-flowin' that she would probably need to be released because she committed a sin. She had gotten her dog fixed, and unbeknownst to her the dog was pregnant so she gave her dog an abortion. Yup. The woman was quite the sinner! And then there were the sleepovers. We had many, many, many sleepovers. Mostly at Lisa's house because she was the only child left at home, where we all had younger brothers and sisters. We were young and dumb, that's all I have to say!

We are now planning another get together, but this time inviting some of the young men we grew up with in the ward. Good people. Good memories. Good times!

Check it out!!

2011-10-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. OK. Far too long! I found when I got behind I wanted to catch up; put pics up, tell about our summer... But then I would be overwhelmed and know I didn't have the time to do all that. So, I'm just starting fresh and if I have a few extra minutes, I will share some past events.

The newest happening in our home - Mike is no longer Bishop of our ward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! I am happy. And the pictures on Alex's weekly calendar below will help explain why;

Here is a typical week for a Bishop's family. Sunday, church. Monday - Friday I babysit (picture of kids), Mike goes to work (motorcycle), and Alex has school (bus). Then you'll notice the picture of a suit on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening as well as Saturday morning. Those represent times Mike had something churchy to do. Yes, all 4 days. Now some weeks weren't this busy, but it was more often than not most nights and some time on Saturday.

Now, this is our week this week! Same start; church on Sunday. I still babysit kids Monday - Friday, Mike has work Monday - Friday, Alex only has school Monday - Wednesday this week, and we are going out to a restaurant on Tuesday night, but notice....no suits!!! We get Mike all to ourselves in the evening. Oh, the plans that have been made and put off... no more!

Now, I'm not complaining. Please don't get me wrong. It WAS NOT a horrible thing for Mike to be Bishop. Even when he was gone a lot, we knew why he was gone and knew that was where he should be. We always were comforted as well as taken care of while he was gone. There is a season for everything, and that was our season to share Mike with the ward members and support him while he tended to their needs. But we do like having him home more! No hiding that fact!!

Now, I promise to keep up on blogging. OK, Lou and Tij.... your turn!!

Our new vehicle!

2011-08-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

Check out my new vehicle!! The suburban - also referred to as the beast or the monster, at least by me - literally blew up coming down the canyon on State Road 6 at 2:30 in the morning!

I was driving home a sick young woman from girl's camp - which is unusual for me. I would normally just make them wait it out until morning, especially with all the rain we had on the day before. The dirt road up to camp was a mess!! But, I put her in the burb and off we went. Two hours later, right in the middle of the canyon, KABLOOEY!! Smoke everywhere. No movement in the steering wheel. No engine.

We made it to the side of the road and waited. And waited. And waited. Even with smoke hurling out of our engine, no one dared to stop to offer assistance. What does that say about the state of our world when everyone is too scared of the monster that might be lurking in the disabled vehicle on the side of the road? We didn't even have phone service. We said a prayer, and I knew I would know when to flag someone down. So we waited again. When the prompting hit me, I got out of the burb with my flashlight and waved someone down. They passed us at first, but turned around to help. It was a young man with two young women. I gave them our home phone number and asked them to please call Mike as soon as they got phone service. They did and my knight in shining armor arrived later. Actually, when they called they said, "We just ran into your wife...." which of course he took as meaning, "We just plowed into your vehicle with your wife in it." Once they cleared up the real meaning, Mike got my mom to come sit with Alex at our house and he borrowed her car and came to get us. In the meantime, me and the young woman slept. Quite comfortably, actually! Which is weird in and of itself, because I am scared of the dark. I am SCARED to DEATH of the dark!! But felt very comfortable and calm, so took a little snooze. We went home, Mike let me sleep in then returned to camp with me the next day.

All in all a nice little adventure, and another testament of the power of prayer.

Al's rite of passage. Braces!

2011-08-14T08:24:00.001-07:00

First, not only be allowed to make funny faces, but given utensils to help in the process while you get xrays taken as well as 'before' pictures...

Next, have pretty lady put goop in your mouth to make an impression...

...now open wide!!!

The end results are bea-u-ti-ful!!...

...and exhausting!! We will keep you posted.

Hollywood, Baby!!

2011-08-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

My sister has a really cool job. She is the media director (I think that's the official name) for advertisement with Sorensen Communication. (They make communication possible for the Deaf community, such as video phones in the community) Anyway, she used my parent's home for one of their most recent ads. I ventured out with all the kids, and we scoped things out.

Nothing REALLY exciting, but it was weird to see this big light in the backyard.

The catering! Yeah. They really cater to the crew.

This is my parent's living room. Well, most of it is. The guy, the sheet on the window and the big movie light aren't usually in there.

I got to have my picture taken with THE star!! Anthony! The kids weren't impressed, they just wanted out of the stroller at this point.

And here's my parent's poor, dejected dogs - Goliath and Tinker. They got ostracized to my house for the few days of filming, and they actually enjoyed it, but I got this picture where they look so mournful, I had to use it! That was my donation to the filming... dog sitting!!

http://www.sorensonvrs.com/ntouch go to this link to see their house in 'action'. The living room is theirs, and the kitchen is theirs. My dad wishes the office was his!

http://www.sorensonvrs.com/ntouchvp_product ... that's my dad's workshop!! My dad is much better looking, though. And a little secret of the trade; that man didn't really make that doll house. Actually one of the producers did (a girl did it!)

Anyway, cool stuff. My parent's house is famous!!!

I grew up around people who are Deaf - yes, my sister is profoundly Deaf - and it is different, but I don't know it's different until it's pointed out to me. We grew up signing, and sometimes it feels like it's my first language; I think in sign. But my mom is the only one in the whole family that is a skilled signer. My sister lived out of state for 10 years, and we weren't vigilant at using sign language while she was gone, and you know what they say, "Use it or lose it!" But I love my sister very much and am very proud of her talents and compassion for others.

Summer fun

2011-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun things we did this summer!

Attended a fundraiser for Alex's special needs hockey team. Go Grizzlies!!!

We had a ward summer activity and my dad (AKA Papa GG) got attacked by young women with face paint!

Nothing better than a summer rainstorm and playing in the warm gutter water! We had a BLAST!!

And what the hail?!? Another summer storm.

We also played in the water any chance we got! Squirt bottles were a necessity and made for a lot of fun, warm days.

Now Alex and B are back in school (9th grade and kindergarten respectively), Mo and Oak are in preschool, Hey-hey hangs out with us still and we have a new friend that comes once in a while. We shall call her Nev on the blog. I will add pics of her later.

Good times, good times!

(sigh.)

2011-07-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Feelings are exploding out of me until I just want to lay down holding my children, husband and grandchildren and have a good cry. A young man from your ward died last night after being in a car accident with his family. He was only 12 years old, but in the short time I knew him he showed me that teenagers today can still be kind, caring and patient.

Him and Alex would take turns doing the different routes for the sacrament, and he ALWAYS let Alex choose, then he took the leftovers. He was the very first young man to ask if Alex could go on a fast pack route, and came to find Alex right after church to make sure he was coming.

He was in my primary class for a few months. A very quiet young man who was respectful to adults and all the boys looked up to him. I looked up to him. His parents aren't active, and aren't interested in being active, but he came to church faithfully with his grandparents every Sunday. I have always been impressed with how he showed his parents that he could respect them, but live as he knew was the right way to live. His mission here on earth was a short one, but he should be proud of his life.

I'm so sad for his grandparents who live in our ward. What a horrible experience to go through. It brings a lot of 'Mac' feelings to the surface. Their neighbor who called last night to tell us what happened also has an angel baby that died in a car accident. Having her tell me, and knowing what a sweet young man this kid is... well, let's just say the tears are a-flowin!

A lot of feelings have been gurgling inside the past few months anyway. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Josh's birthday, Mac's birthday and in the middle of all of that Memorial Day. I have wanted to blog, but not wanted to blog. Too many emotions. Too much pain. Too hard to describe. Hurt. Ache. Dull. Numb.

And even through the sorrow and pain, when I think of Mac, just like I've been thinking about K today, I am proud to know them, and even happy - elated!! - to have the memories that I do.

I will post more about our Mac celebrations later. Let a little more numb set in, so I'm not crying as hard. Then maybe I can see the screen clearly instead of through these stupid tears.

Story time at the Library

2011-06-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

We ventured out yesterday and went to story time at the library. They loved it!!! They sat for the whole 1/2 hour, they participated during the book and songs and even learned The Chicken Dance!

Even Heyden liked it. And when we got home, 3 little kids fell fast asleep!

What do you get when you mix sunscreen and a sandbox??

2011-06-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

One, cute 'mell of a hess'!!

WARNING! Do not read if you hate discussing bodily functions!!

2011-06-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Meet big kidney stones...

...and bigger kidney stone...

...and HOLY COW kidney stone!!

Yes. I have given birth to 5 stones. Gross as it may seem to you to not only 'catch' my stones, but to take a picture of them, it's the only satisfaction I have for the pain I went through. Don't let anyone tell you - especially if you're a man that has had stones - that it isn't as bad as labor. Bull!! It's ten times worse because there's no time in between contractions. It's just a bad, 5 hour long contraction! AND you don't get a cute kiddo out of the agony. All you get are these ugly things, and a list of foods you should avoid because your body creates stones. And of course my list of foods are all my favorites; every berry imaginable, chocolate, tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts (even peanut butter). So, I won't ever eat again just so I don't get a kidney stone!!

About a month ago, I thought I was starting a kidney infection. I get them a lot, so just took my antibiotic I always have laying around just for that and went about my life. A few days later, realized it was a stone, but I wasn't in pain, just uncomfortable. Two days ago, the pain was a little more intense. I was still functional, but probably a little on the ornery side. You know how it is when you just don't feel GOOD so you're a little irritable? That was me. But as the day wore on, the pain got worse and worse until all I could do is cry. The ER said I only had one stone, so this must have broken up into smaller pieces, but I am soooo glad this is over with!

Awwww!

2011-06-09T11:32:00.001-07:00

Mo and Tinker at GG's house!!

Someone DOES know what I mean!!!

2011-06-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading an article in the Reader's Digest that I could have written ~ that is if I could articulate what I feel and not bumble around for words and thoughts.

The article is titled "My Daughter, Myself" written by Sallie Tisdale. She so beautifully found my inner most fears, desires and concerns and wrote them for all the world to read.

Yes, her story is different; she is writing about her daughter (whom she adopted when she was a toddler) that has been diagnosed with autism, and she's referencing what it's like to take care of an adult / child, where we aren't quite to the 'adult' stage of life with Alex, yet. But she is so accurate with her words that I literally felt while reading it that she stole pieces of my heart, flattened them out and had them published in a book. If it wasn't so revitalizing to know that someone else understands - REALLY UNDERSTANDS - I might have felt violated!

Now I must interject here to say that I am so lucky to have such a great support system, and a lot of these people REALLY UNDERSTAND like this author does, but none of us have ever said it so plainly yet beautifully. We've been more blunt in our conversations and said, "Where did this child come from?" "What could happen next?" "Can we give him/her back?" And we would always finish the conversation with, "I could only say these things to someone who understands," because honestly, it might sound cruel to say things like that about your child if you don't understand.

Please don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade adopting Alex for anything!! He is my son. He is my baby. He is the light of my life. But raising Alex, living with all his health issues, mental disabilities and mental illnesses separates me (us) from the "regular" world of parenting. I'm lucky. I KNEW going into the adoption about him having Down Syndrome and Diabetes, as well as a lot of the horrible things he had to endure before coming into our lives. As parents, whether giving birth or adopting, we take what we get. Happily, I might add! But this article lays out that difference that separates 'us' from 'them.'

But as I re-read it I realize these thoughts could be felt by so many people, and not just those people who are raising a child with a disability; what about a wife desperately concerned for her husband who is hiding in drug use? What about the daughter who is taking care of her elderly mother? The teacher who so urgently sees a need for a child, but can't get that need across to his parents? Parents watching their teen child make wrong choices? Anyone who has had to watch a loved one suffer, persevere, or struggle would have these thoughts! Please read the article if you get the chance. Read it multiple times and maybe think of someone in your life who may be living this different life. Then you will become one of those who ALMOST really understands!! And that's one more person we can lean on when the feelings make us overwhelmed with heavy hearts instead of laughter.

Annie (Alex) is a peculiar, sweet, amusing person, irritating and courageous. She (he) is a gift and a conundrum and a ceaseless surprise.

In spite of (and sometimes because of) policies that mandate community-based care, it is easier to find services for some disabilities than for others, easier in one year than in another. That the family is often the best caregiver can lead to the belief that the family doesn't need help.

I feel sad and sorry for myself or pissed off, and then I feel petty because I'm sad and sorry for myself, because I'm complaining when things could be so much worse....How many thousands of people struggle with adult children who are simply immature, addicted, irresponsible? What about all the people who are barely holding on to a crappy job, missing car payments and rent, forgetting to take their medicine and use birth control - the many people who have never been diagnosed as anything but slackers or losers and may in fact have high-functioning autism or mild cognitive impairment or learning disabilities but qualify for exactly nothing?

My resentment, my frustration vanishes when Annie (Alex) is threatened, when I am talking to doctors or to Social Security or standing between her and a hard world.

Annie (Alex) doesn't think like me; my frustrations are not the same as hers (his), and neither are my satisfactions. She may not miss what I would be missing if my life were hers; she might not value what she had if her life were mine.

In other words, Alex is an amazing human being who has survived more trials, challenges and "issues" than I know I would be able to. He is someone who can be mad at you one minute, and after apologizing holds no guile the next. He remembers how we make him feel, not the things we buy or offer him.

He is my hero, and even if there are days I'd like to throw him out with the trash, I never will, and I will fight anyone who even thinks about hurting my baby!

Please read this article. It might just be something YOU could have written!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

2011-05-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

My rain gutters are overflowing so I am having to put coolers and buckets along the stream of water and dumping them away from the house EVERY 1/2 hour!! And praying that my vegetable garden (in the background) won't be washed away! Stay strong corn seeds!!

And before some smart aleck tells me to clean out my gutters ~ we've tried. Whoever put up the awning / roof on our porch covered the gutters with the vinyl. Obviously there's enough room for junk to get inside, but we are having a dickens of a time figuring out how to clean it out without taking it completely down. Any suggestions??

Thank goodness we have a boat!!

A long ~probably boring ~ post

2011-05-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Shame on me! It's been a crazy few months, but I must admit that's not why I haven't posted. I've been blog stalking my neighbor's kid's blogs and feeling overwhelmed... no - grateful... no - proud... no - scared... no. OK. Maybe all of the above.

First off let me say I have the greatest neighbors ever!! And I'll punch anyone that will dispute that. (I actually grew up in this circle!) We live in a cul-de-sac and have a total of 12 homes on the circle. And I trust any and all of my neighbors with my life. Truly. These people are the best people. But I have to admit my neighbors right across the street are extra special to our family. From the day we moved in they have made us feel so welcomed, loved and even a part of their family. I feel so blessed to know them, and to have had their help in raising my kids, and to be a part of their children's lives. Awww. The memories; the plays they used to practice for weeks and then put on for the neighborhood. The 'girls' singing Disney songs and making up dances to them. Annie telling Kirstie she couldn't get a drink at my house because it would be rude, but then turning around and getting a snack! Trombone quartets. I could go on and on. The dad and the youngest son are even Alex's best friends. Really! And someday I hope to grow up to be like Jill, THE mom. She's raised 9 incredible children, and supported a very busy husband all while serving so many people in our neighborhood no one can keep track of all her kindness.

So she called me the other day to say her grandson was having emergency surgery. He had been limping recently, and once in a while complaining of some minor pain with his knee so his mom had decided to take him to the doctors. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - a cancer of the bone, went through chemo and just recently had a radical surgery - rotationplasty (check out the mayo clinics video about it on youtube). While he was going through all of this, Jill came over to tell me her daughter - no, not the grandson's mom, thank goodness - just found out her melanoma had returned after only a few years, and things didn't look good.

So I've sat back and watched this family, prayed for this family, cried for this family - in fact I'm crying right now - and all those feelings I mentioned above have entered my life. This 9 year old grandson of theirs has had faith all along in his doctors and the procedures they have suggested. No questions asked. And if you watch the youtube video, you would question it if it was suggested to you, I guarantee it!! And their daughter with the melanoma, she writes so beautifully in her blog and is so open and honest. Sure it sucks!! And some days are better than others, but she's alive and able to enjoy her family, at least for a little longer, if not a lot longer!

Then I think of my family. My dad who should have died 10 years ago and because of medical miracles is still here to see his great grandchildren. My mom who has never been healthy and yet keeps a much cleaner house than I do and does yard work in circles around me. Alex... well, I have a whole list for Alex!! But seriously. Even though God himself isn't on the earth, he still performs miracles on a daily basis, and I have been so lucky to have witnessed a few of them. So... overwhelmed, grateful, proud, scared. Yup. All of the above.

And that's not all that's happened recently. (Maybe just the most inspiring)

My in-laws took us to Hawaii! No, I'm not kidding!! And we had a great time!! It was a big shock, and happened very quickly so I had a hard time even believing it was happening until we were on the plane. And look who our pilot was...

...ok. Not really! But they did give him a crash course on how to fly it in case they needed help. I thought that was very nice. Not only to show him the cockpit, but to let him sit in one of the seats and talk to him. Nice!

Here's the 3 of us before take-off. Alex did really well for his first flight. It was interesting to me that the speed didn't bother him - in fact, I'd say he loved it - but the clouds are what bugged him. If he could see any part of the earth at all, he was fine, but when we were in cloud cover, he was nervous.

And here's Alex once we arrived. Yes, I had to take these pics to send to the other kids to make them jealous. I'm evil!!

We got there, found our hotel, then ate dinner and went shopping for groceries since our hotel room had a kitchenette in it. By the time we went to bed it was very late Utah time, but when we woke up, we were ready to start the day. Alex woke up fairly early - still on Utah time frame - so he and I walked the beach when no one else was there. A great way to start a vacation. Then we went back to the room for breakfast.

Here's Alex on the balcony of our room eating his morning sausage.

It was so nice to spend time with the loves of my life! Mike didn't relax much because he was worrying about his new job; you see, he was sent to California to be trained by another district manager whose first words of advice were to "keep looking for another job and get out of this one." Not exactly what you want to hear from a fellow employee. But he tried his best, and I got to spend time with him. And in paradise no less!!

Alex was his usual, casual self. This is him chillin' with grandma and grandpa. I was very proud of how they handled him. They don't know him very well, which is our fault but they love him and treat him like the special little man he is. (I should clarify why they don't know him too well. Alex is a hard little guy to handle sometimes. So I will admit, we don't ask for help to watch him or be with him except from very few people. I know Alex would run over Grandma - I mean look at him! He's her size!!) And letting him come on this vacation with us was not only more financially (which they paid for EVERYTHING!) but also took away from some of the relaxation.

But just look at my 2 guys!! Snuggling up in bed. And what you don't see (hear) is the sliding glass door is open - all night long! - so we can hear the waves crashing up on the beach. Heaven!

And here's where my fish spent as much time as possible! He loved the pool. Not such a big fan of the ocean, but in the pool he would dive under water and swim, then come up long enough to get a breath and dive under again. (It's just been the last 3 years that Alex has enjoyed water of any kind. When we first adopted him he was even afraid of baths, so we are so glad and excited to see this part of him. Now if we could only find a 4' deep, warm pool around here!!)

Cali made me promise I would take pics of just Mike and I, so here's one I took. He's soooo cute!!

I HAD to not only make this, but take a picture of it. I have a book about BIG and LITTLE that I read to the kids at least 30 times a day, and one of the pics in it is a big sand castle and little sand castle. Haha! Here's my own private version of that book.

We had a great, relaxing time, ate lots of good food (shaved ice!!!), went to a luau, saw beautiful scenery and hoards of chickens. Yes, chickens!! I've heard two stories as to why; the first one was that a truck carrying chickens crashed and they all escaped and multiplied in the jungle. The second one was that one of the hurricanes that came through ripped apart all the chicken coops and they are all wild now. Don't know which one is true, but there were literally chickens everywhere!!! The best part had to be spending time with my in-laws. This was so kind of them to take us, and we so needed to get away for a bit.

And then when we got home, my kids surprised me with a combo Mother's Day / early birthday present....

...NEW kitchen flooring!!! It's so beautiful! They all pitched in financially then met the weekend before we got home and did all the work. I am so lucky!! And I'm not referring to the floor, even though I love it and it's the best present ever. I'm meaning my family.

AND Mike had a message for a new job offer when we got home! And he took it. Don't know what he was supposed to learn from his first, new job, but we are grateful he has another one so quickly. And he had a week in between the two jobs that he got to spend at home with us!

But these are the 2 big reasons I was glad to be home!!! Hawaii is literally heaven on earth as far as beauty is concerned, and it was fantastic to relax, but I missed my babies!

Last week Mo got sick. I just had to click this picture. Isn't he the best grandpa ever?! But one of the days she stayed home, we had a little picnic with Oakland at Mac's park. Can you believe it will be 3 years this June since Mac was born?

That may be another reason for my feelings of retrospect. Mother's Day I always think of Mac, and hope Cali is ok. There is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer, and even though Cali never saw Mac suffer, she still lost him. And watching her through this has been hard for us to see. What's interesting about all of this happening with our neighbor's is I've noticed how people are so grateful for their own trials and tragedies. When Jill was telling another neighbor about her family's cancer trials, they shared with her that their daughter's husband left her for another woman, and Jill thought, "I'm so glad we're not going through that." And even with our grandson dying, I've thought about how I'm so glad we were able to go through that instead of what others have gone through.

Anyway, we put some pinwheels on Mac's grave, and Oak jabbered at him, then had to touch every balloon and smell every flower within walking distance. It was a beautiful day!

As we were getting ready to leave, a tractor came to tear down the rest of the pedestal from the statue that was vandalized a while ago. I guess getting ready for Memorial Day. Sad to think that someone's stupid mistake could take away such beauty and comfort from a place that people go for that beauty and comfort. It really is true that our choices effect so many more people than we think.

And then just a little, fun side note; we got the girls these strollers the other night. They love them!! They would wrap their babies up in blankets, put them in the strollers and push them around all day. It's so fun to see them pretend! I'm lucky I get to spend time with them.

So, there you have it. The nitty-gritty of the last few months. I hope my post doesn't sound negative, because I don't feel that way at all! I feel inspired, rested, happy. And, again, so grateful for my family and friends.

Poor Dexter!

2011-04-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I suggested to my son and daughter-in-law to bring their dog, Dex, to my house on days they don't get home until a little later in the evenings just so the poor, little pooch doesn't get lonely. I knew the kids would love to play with him, and I could enjoy a dog, but not have to be it's owner ;-). He's been here twice, and he's been a ton of fun! But I don't think they will EVER bring him again...and I can't blame them!

My cat is the devil.

He's usually very nice and really enjoys hanging out with us wherever we are. And that's what he was doing the other day. He was asleep in the rocking chair while I sat on the footstool to read a book to the kids. Dex wanted to be by me, so he jumped into the chair, scaring the cat half to death- which led to the brawl of the century. First they scuffled - OK Moose beat the crap out of Dex on the chair. Then they jumped down to the ground by us, where I grabbed Moose long enough for Dex to cower over by the piano. When I let go of Moose - mostly out of self preservation- he chased Dex down over there. At this point Mike came out of the office to see what the heck was going on. Noticing the tufts of hair flying around the room, and the pee marks all over the living room carpet, he realized this was not a fun moment in the household, and grabbed Moose, again giving Dex a chance to try to hide. Around the corner he went, screaming the whole way and - yup, again - Moose chased him around the corner!! When I finally got there I kicked Moose down the hall - go ahead and call PETA on me - and tried to hold Dex to calm him down.

I ended up bathing him since he had peed all over himself and had gashes all over his chest and stomach. I put neosporin on him then just held him in a blanket the rest of the day. He shook all day long!

That was last Thursday. Dex hasn't eaten since then, but had seemed to be acting a little better everyday. That is until yesterday when Kierra saw him licking his hip-hind end region and noticed 3 huge gaping holes in his skin! She took him to the vet today. They had to give him antibiotics and put a "cone of shame" on him but they did say he would survive.

I don't know who this is worse for. Me because my cat beat up their dog, or them... because my cat beat up their dog. I just want you to know that I feel terrible! I saw Dex after they went to the vets and every time I talked the poor dog freaked out! So obviously he's not going to forgive me anytime soon. I felt like I should be the one wearing the cone!

Sorry Dex.

February 2, 2011

2011-03-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I wrote the right date in the title. I know it's almost the end of March, but I haven't posted Tj's pics from her wedding and reception from the above date, yet. Now some of you will think, as Taylor does, "The poor last child. Doesn't get as much attention. Didn't take as many pictures of her as a baby. Didn't post her wedding pics until almost 2 months later!" Well, you're all wrong!! This time it's the photographer's fault! It took her a long time to give us these because she did Sundance Film Festival the week before the wedding, so she had a lot of pics to go through. Anyway, here's just a few pictures from that day. If you were wondering when the coldest day of our winter was, it was this day! FREEZING cold! I was afraid Taylor's nose was going to get stuck to Brandon's cheek in this pic. Thank goodness one of Brandon's cousins had this pretty, white coat they let Taylor borrow for pics after the wedding. The wedding itself was marvelous, and they were very lucky to get a temple sealer that was interesting, and spiritual. No pictures were of course taken at the wedding, since it was in The Salt Lake Temple (no cameras allowed), but here are some taken right after out on the temple grounds.

We ended up in The Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg for a lot of the pictures because of the cold. Thank goodness that building is so beautiful!!

I better give kudos to Andrea Hanks Photography. She is a sweet, young lady with an amazing, artistic eye. Taylor picked her out of hundreds that she looked at because of the art the pictures become, not just photographs.

After pics, we had the luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg. It was absolutely scrumptious, and gave us energy for the next half of the day!!

We decorated our butts off! They had their reception at Noah's in South Jordan which is beautiful without any decor, but we had to add a few touches, and we didn't have a lot of time. That and helping set up the food - well, let's just say I got dressed minutes before the official start time of the reception. Thank goodness for family and friends who came to help!! I can't thank them enough!

I'm sure glad my girls get along. Cali took care of helping TJ get dressed. And Kierra helped get the little girls dressed. I think they all had fun!

And I was downstairs helping create this...

These were the centerpieces. For being simple, they sure were elegant. We had a big tree limb by the door that people were supposed to put advice, or hellos onto as they left, with the papers you see hanging on the centerpiece.

Taylor always joked that she wanted a toast bar at her reception, because she loves toast! Well, we did the best we could. We had a bunch of different flavored breads and different flavors of hot chocolate. A perfect thing to serve on the coldest day EVER!!

Taylor ordered a simple and small cake knowing that no one ever eats what is left over. I think it's beautiful. Taylor wanted everything simple-looking. It adds to the artistic look.

Taylor and Brandon shared their first dance together as husband and wife to a Van Halen song!!

Then it was time for Taylor and her dad to have their dance; which has been planned since Taylor was 3 years old!! Seriously! They picked out a slow song that they could dance to, then it morphed into a Toto song called "Africa". It's a very upbeat, wild, crazy song! Ever since Taylor was little they danced to this song. They hold hands and Taylor jumps as high as she can while Mike helps lift her up.

It's a little harder to dance that way when the little girl is as tall as the dad!

The song ended with a mosh pit! Everyone was happy and enjoyed the weirdness of this father/daughter dance.

Then the cutting of the cake, which ended up with frosting on both faces...

Then we sent them off to their honeymoon amidst the ringing of wild bells.

I'm not quite sure how they got in the car...!?!

But they did! And they live happily ever after!

Untitled....

2011-03-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't know what to put as a title for this post, because I'm sure I will just ramble.

So much going through my head and my heart. Worry for my friends who are battling cancer. Fright for their families. Anxiety for those that don't know what they're battling! Anger at the mom who ran away before giving birth to the child some relatives were going to adopt. Concern and sorrow for those same relatives. Anxiousness (is that a word?) for Alex as he deals with pneumonia - AGAIN!! Pride, yet fear for Mike starting his new job. Emptiness, just because.

But not alone. I have so many people that I can turn to for peace. I was going to write friends instead of people in that last sentence, but that doesn't seem like a good enough classification. And to say family is a given. I have the BEST family in the world. Both extended and close family.

I just wrote an e-mail to Alex's birth dad. What an inspiring young man. Fighting drug addiction at a very young age. Becoming a dad at a very young age. Deciding to become someone, again at a very young age. He did more in his short life than I've ever dreamed. But the greatest thing - in my mind- that he did was allow Alex to be adopted, yet continue to live his life in such a way that he could become a person that his son's adopted family would grow to love and respect. He's not only raising 4 beautiful children with his sweet wife, but he keeps in touch with us about Alex, and I know he truly cares about him.

I guess I'm just in one of those contemplative moods. It's not a bad thing. But kinda funky nonetheless.

For those of you who are LDS, I'm sure you've heard the song, "From Gods Arms, to my Arms, to Yours" by Michael McLean. I love this song. I loved it even before we adopted. Just a beautiful message. Well, I truly believe that for those that adopt, the children just had to make a pit stop into the birth family's lives before merging into the family that raises them.

Just The Same by Diana Lynn Lacey
Sometimes-
God sends rain
Straight from the sky
To nourish the young flower
and it grows.

Sometimes-
God sends rain from the sky
To the mountaintops,
Then over hills and through valleys
Until it reaches the flower
and it grows. Just the same.

Sometimes-
God sends a child
Straight from His realm
Into a mother's arms
and love grows.

Sometimes-
God sends a child
From heaven to another's arms,
Then over hills and through valleys
Until he reaches the arms of his mother
and love grows, just the same.

I love all 4 of my children, whether I gave birth to them or not. I'm so blessed to have them in my lives, and to know my 3 grandchildren as well as I do. I wish I knew Mac a little better, but I will get the chance to know him in the next life if I live as I should. He gives me reason to be better, that's for sure!! And those two, rascally little girls? Well, I'm so proud to be their Nanny and so lucky to babysit them everyday. They make me laugh, they make me smile.

Thanks for reading my mindless rambling. I hope you got something out of it other than craziness!! But what else would you expect from me?!?

I can't complain

2011-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

You know, sometimes you feel sorry for yourself and think, "Life sucks!" And then you get slapped upside the head with reality, and realize that life is actually very incredible.

First of all, it's such a miracle. A miracle that 2 tiny things like an egg and sperm could actually connect and then grow and develop into precious human beings. Amazing. And a miracle. And then for that mush of a human to become a maniac that runs around your house avoiding a diaper change. Amazing. Think about it... even the fact that our bodies can create and excrete what is in said diaper is amazing. And a miracle.

I haven't felt sorry for myself. I've actually been blessed with comfort while Mike was looking for a job, and even more comfort with the job he has been offered. I've had some thoughts on Alex's behaviors that have helped me with my patience for him. I've enjoyed my life.

But I have watched others receive their slap upside the head, although it might be considered more a punch in the gut, and it's helped me realize, again, how wonderful our Heavenly Father is and how much He loves us. Even with trials, pain, suffering. Maybe I should say ESPECIALLY with trials, pain, suffering. All we have to do is ask for His guidance and protection, and we've got it.

So to all those who have been slapped, or punched lately, know that God lives and loves you. He understands your pain, your grief, your sorrow. You are very important to Him and His plan and you are NEVER alone.

You'll always have Him, and you'll always have prayers on your behalf.

Wintry day!

2011-03-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

We went from having no snow on the ground for a few weeks, to a bunch in one night. Which led to an eventful day!

Here are a couple of pictures of the kids watching the school bus outside...

...Notice Alex is one of the kids watching the bus, not on the bus! He had made the trek out into the snowy landscape to get on the bus, gotten all seat belted in and said his good-byes. As the bus tried to leave the back end fishtailed and hit our neighbor's brick mailbox causing it to rock back then into position again. It scratched up the bus pretty good, and banged up the actual mailbox, but it's not going anywhere!! Later this same day, the snowplow backed into my parent's mailbox, pushing it almost onto the sidewalk.

And this is Brendon slaving away while I'm indoors watching. Now before you call DCFS on me, you should know that he BEGS to go shovel the snow! He even will shovel the snow on the grass if I let him. Besides, he didn't stay out too long. Only lost 2 toes to frostbite. Kidding!!

But I do have a funny story to tell about Brendon. (Sorry Mike for embarrassing you!)

To start this story I have to let you in on some private information. One of the granddaughters has had constipation problems. Yup. I said it. Poor thing can't poop! So she has some medicine that is mixed in her morning drink and it helps things move more smoothly. Well, the other day she didn't want to drink it so I was doing everything I could to convince her otherwise. So here is the conversation around our breakfast table the other morning.

Me: "You have to drink this! It's your medicine!"

Mike: "Yeah. So you will poop with ease!"

Brendon: "WHAT did you say?!"

Mike: "Make it easy to poop. You know, poop with ease."

A few seconds hesitation, then with a look of disgust and arrogance, Brendon said, "Why doesn't she poop with O's?"

After laughing for 10 minutes, we decided it would be easier to poop with O's than with E's!! And Z's would be a killer!!!

My new granddoggies!

2011-03-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

Meet Brutus......

...and Dexter!

Brutus (aka BooBoo and Dumb Dog) was a Christmas present from Santa. He is a Golden Retriever with huge paws and a lot of love.

Dexter (aka Dex, and probably Dumb Dog, too!) was adopted from Kierra's brother just last week. Colby and Kierra moved into a new home, and he is helping them 'break it in'. I haven't officially met Dex, yet, but isn't he cute? He is a shiatsu.

I guess I'm a 'complete' grandma now that I have a boy, 2 girls and 2 dogs to count among my grandchildren!!

Cute, cute, cute....

2011-03-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

In our family, this is what we call a "Hairy Mog-a-han". (Unfortunately that's how salespeople say our last name!)

And this is a "Hairy Hinckley". In our house, most of us wake up looking like this. Kinda cute and weird, all in one!

These two girls just LOVE helping with the baby. They always want to help change his diaper (unless it's dirty then they just stand there saying, "Ewww. Ewww!") they want to wrap his blanket around him and feed him his bottle. Today they kicked me off my chair while I was feeding him his fruit and cereal and completely took over.

Thanks girls for making my job not only easier, but a heck of a bunch of fun!!

Yippee- yahooee!!!!

2011-02-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

MIKE GOT A JOB!! He will be starting in the next few weeks as a salesman for Lyon Workspace Products. And, of course, I have a story to go with it;

We bumped into an old friend from our previous ward while at the temple for Taylor's endowments. George talked to him (Mike B.) for a long time in the locker room, then I talked to him while still waiting for George to finish getting dressed. When he asked how things were I said, "Once George gets a job, things will be fantastic!" George had not mentioned this to Mike B. when they were talking, so when he came out of the locker room he asked George to send him his resume. Doesn't hurt to have one more person look at it, right?

George sent off an e-mail the next day, just to make sure he remembered Mike B's e-mail correctly, and got no response. Two days later, tried again. No response. Finally, George asked me how to spell Mike B's last name - which he had been misspelling - and sent one final e-mail to see if it was the correct address. It was, so George sent Mike his resume. The next day, an old employer of Mike B's called him saying he was going to be in town to do some interviews and wanted to catch up on old times, and "do you know anyone good that needs a job?" Of, course he did!!!

To make a long story a little shorter, he met with the interviewer on Friday, and they offered him the job Tuesday night! But I had to tell you the whole story because there are some miracles that go with it. First of all, Taylor's endowment session was changed from her original date so her father-in-law could go since he would be out of town. Then to have her session be that same time, at the same temple as Mike B's ward session?! Not a coincidence I'm sure!! I also think it's interesting it took George a while to get Mike B his resume with all the address confusion, but it was timed perfectly so Mike B would think of George when his old employer called.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, but He always works!!

I am so proud and impressed!

2011-02-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

First let me explain a little about Mormon (Latter-Day-Saint) culture. Every leader in our church, from the prophet all the way down to the nursery teachers, are volunteer. No one gets paid. When we have an assignment, it is called a calling. Depending on the calling, we receive this assignment from either the Bishop - the leader of our ward - or the Stake President - the leader of our stake. (Wards are small units, usually divided by neighborhood, and each stake has so many wards in it.)

My calling right now is to teach the 9-11 year old boys in primary (the children's organization). Every Sunday we meet for 2 hours; the first hour learning church songs and principles as a group of all the children ages 3 - 11, then we divide into classes for the second hour.

I LOVE my calling. I have 10 boys on the roll, and usually have 5-8 boys in attendance. When I first started teaching, only 1 boy was there consistently, and that's because his mom is the leader of the women's organization (Relief Society) and he had to be there. Two brothers would wander in for class if they made it at all. Another set of brothers missed more than they came, and they, too were always late.

Part of the curriculum the church provides us tells us where each age group is developmentally. I learned that this age group - boys or girls -is competitive. And being boys, they are naturally VERY competitive. So we came up with a contest, and it is amazing how well these boys have responded.

It's very simple. I have every boy's name on a piece of paper and they earn points for different things; being on time, bringing their scriptures, singing the songs (which 11 yr old boys generally don't enjoy doing), answering questions, helping where needed, etc. Each month, the boy with the most points gets to play me, in front of the whole class, a game of air hockey. If that boy wins, the whole class gets ice cream. If I win, no ice cream.

I've had parents laughing as they tell me their boys want them to take them to church so they can be on time even though their parents aren't ready; "Just drop me off then come back home and get ready." These boys are consistently bringing their scriptures and singing beautifully at the top of their lungs. They are offering to sit with the little kids if that teacher needs to take someone to the restroom, or they are quickly raising their hands to offer to read a scripture or offer a prayer.

So this is my story. Yesterday was like any other Sunday. Five boys in class 3 on time, the other 2 not too far behind. They helped set up chairs, they sang, answered questions, etc. But at one point, the primary sang a hymn and I turned to the boys and said, "I love this song when it's men's voices. It's very powerful." Next thing I know, they are whispering amongst themselves then one boy raises his hand and says, "We were wondering if our class could come up front and sing this song to everyone?"

I almost cried. These five young men stood in front of all and sang this beautiful hymn. No prompt from me, other than saying I liked that song.

But that's not my whole story. Then during the group lesson (sharing time) these young men continuously were able to tell scripture stories like they knew the scriptures front to back. I can guarantee I still probably couldn't remember the stories as well as they did. What a tribute to their parents! Eleven year old boys, not only knowing, but sharing the gospel with those around them, and doing it well, and happily.

I will definitely write each of these parents a note so they know how proud of this group they should be. I know I am extremely proud! Way to go boys!

Meet Buddy

2011-02-08T18:45:00.001-08:00

This is our friend, Buddy. The dinosaur, not the little boy, that's Brendon.

Everyday I take Brendon to school and Oak and Mo tag along. When we hit this spot we all start saying our hellos to Buddy. "Hi, Buddy!" "Be good!" "Stay warm!" "We love you!" It goes on and on for about 20 more blocks. And it's not just me and Brendon. Oakland loves to get her two cents worth in, too; "Ahhh. Beebeeebe. Ahhh!" Mo just kind of sits there looking at us like we're crazy or something. But, we love our Buddy.

And, no, just for the record; Buddy has never responded!!

Mike has got to get a job!!!

2011-02-06T00:06:00.001-08:00

Some of you are probably saying, "Ha! I knew she wouldn't like him being home all the time for much longer!" Well, you're wrong. I still love having him home as much as he is, but he is such a bad influence on the kids!

Mike is definitely the softy out of the two of us and everyone knows it, even the two little granddaughters have figured it out. It's really funny to watch them try to turn on the water works to break his heart, or look all cute and cuddly to get their way.

And I can accept that. Daddy's/grandpa's little girl and all that, but this is just too much!

Ketchup on oreos! You've got to be kidding me!?! In this picture you can see Oakland getting more - yes, more - ketchup on her oreo (bottom left blondie) and Mike is holding Morgan's oreo after putting more ketchup on it (the bald head on the right) and that's Mo's hand reaching for it because she wants it bad! In the upper left corner, is Brendon. He is trying not to gag and puke all while laughing hilariously at how the girls are pushing and shoving to get more ketchup on their cookies.

Please, someone get this man a job!

What's up?

2011-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Other than trying to keep up with Taylor and her wedding plans, life around here has been same-old-same-old. That's ok with me. I don't like surprises anymore!

Mike is still on the look out for a job. He's doing everything he can to get his name to everyone, so if you know of someone in hiring mode, let us know!!

Another example of how we are watched over and so taken care of is this little guy in the picture below. He is our neighbor's little boy and a very good boy at that. I had volunteered to watch him if they needed me to while she was pregnant, but it was while Alex was going through surgery and body casts, so they took him to a center. Until a week before Mike got laid off - then they asked if I was still interested in watching him. He is such a good boy and I guess the only way I'm going to get blue eyed children around here is if I babysit them, so he hangs out with us Monday through Wednesday. You know we like him because he got a nick name the very first day he was here...

...say hello to Uncle Fester! Yup! Uncle Fester, or Fes for short. I hadn't told Taylor I would be babysitting him, so she comes home from work and notices this random child playing on the floor and asked, "What's with Uncle Fester in our living room?" It stuck. What can I say?

I guess we didn't have enough to worry about with the wedding coming up and Mike being out of work, so we all decided to get a cold. It's more because of the goopy air in the valley, but it's still disrupting sleep and making our noses itch!

Al has been hooked up to the breathing machine a few times a day to keep his lungs clear. I don't want him being sick on Taylor's wedding day! The rest of us will just bumble through it. But if we don't answer the phone, it may be because we are taking a nap. Yeah. Right! You think we're napping around here with 3 babies and Brendon? Not a chance.

I would like to thank all those who have helped us in so many ways. I'll probably start crying while writing this, but It's so important that everyone knows how grateful we are for them. I won't mention names, because I know these people wouldn't want the recognition, but please know we can't thank you enough for the food, the money and the support. Thank you!

I shouldn't be alive...

2011-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

... and yet, here I am writing about it.

I was driving southbound on I-15, barely passing Thanksgiving Point. Good weather, not a lot of cars on the road, music on the radio. I was in the carpool lane, wanting to get out of it. The car to the right of me passed right by, I looked over my shoulder, no cars so started to proceed over as I looked back towards the front. The car that had passed me had slowed way down and I was going to hit it. I turned quickly back left to the carpool lane and that's when it started. I don't know if I over corrected too quickly, or if it's because I touched the brakes so suddenly and I was in cruise, but all of a sudden I was only on my 2 left wheels heading straight for the middle barrier. Of course I tried to turn right to avoid this which made me go onto only my two right tires, but for a quicker amount of time. Then I was spinning. It felt like I circled around 100 times, but I didn't even make a complete circle, all the while skidding across all four lanes. I ended up stopping almost completely backwards toward traffic, which had all stopped with no problems at all. I had done all this without touching any part of the barrier, or any cars whatsoever. I hadn't contributed to another crash - obvious to me since I had a great straight shot at the traffic that was 'behind' me - so I turned around and continued on my way. I think that was the freakiest part. In my mind I kept thinking of the stupid things; "How will we pay for the hospital bills?" "Do I have my phone so I can call anyone?" and the question that I hope I NEVER have to ask is "Did I hurt anyone else?" But when it was all over within just a split second, I just drove away as if nothing happened.

A few drivers that had seen all this stared at me as they went past me, but I think they were just as stunned as I was. I definitely had an angel helping me that day. I am very blessed to be here. Treasure every moment!

Al's new glasses

2011-01-16T13:43:00.001-08:00

So neither of these pictures are very good, but I wanted to show you the difference in Alex's new glasses from his old ones.
This is a picture of a picture, that's why the funny glare. but notice how far down on his face his glasses sit. They're almost at the bottom of his nose! (Thank goodness for nostrils or they'd be all the way off his face.) If the camera angle had been more straight on, you would see he looks over the glasses more than through them. Still, a very handsome man, but....

...check these out! He's actually looking through the lens! They are sitting on the bridge of his nose!! It's quite the geeky smile, but the glasses look fantastic!! The differences? The ear pieces come off the lens near the middle / bottom instead of the top, and the nose piece is very wide. I'm sure there's other more technical things that are different, but all I know is Alex actually looks through his glasses not over them, and he wears them more often - probably because they actually do him some good! This is one of those "why didn't I think of that" things. I'm so glad someone thought of it!!

I'll be walking~ but it's definitely for love!!

2011-01-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of 3 of my favorite people in the world! Colin (Mike's brother), Ranie (one of my best friends) and McKay (the handsome one in the middle!). Ranie has been there for me through - well, through everything! And now I want to help her by letting you know about a fundraiser they are holding. Below is a little of their story, but please visit http://www.irunforlove.com/ and see the whole story and all the information. Please help in any way you can! We know how beautiful adoption is, and now they do, too!!

In February 2010, Colin and Ranie, after nearly a decade of trying to start their family, completed an in-vitro procedure. They had three embryos implanted but at 4 weeks found out all three were unsuccessful. Their sorrows were very high at that point. A few weeks passed when a friend notified them of a little boy that was born on March 26th and was not placed in a family yet. After a week of miracles and paperwork they were able to adopt and bring home McKay on April 7th. They have been in "heaven" ever since. McKay has brought them so much joy and love into their home.

Colin and Ranie have recently been notified that McKay's birth parents are expecting a little boy again on March 29th. They asked the agency to contact Colin and Ranie and ask if they would be willing to adopt McKay's little brother. Colin and Ranie accepted without hesitation. However, with a costly in-vitro cycle, and adoption of McKay within two months time and now another adoption within that same year, it has put a strain on their funds. They are in need of financial help to get McKay's little brother adopted into their family.

They are hosting a "RUN FOR LOVE" fundraiser on February 12, 2011 that will include a 5k run/walk, 1/2 mile fun run for kids, raffle and silent auction. Donations are also welcome!

It's been a while...

2011-01-09T13:57:00.001-08:00

...too long, actually.

Since Mike got laid off he spends a lot of time on the computer. When he's not looking for a job, he's either figuring out finances or doing bishop stuff. Makes him a busy guy! No job, yet, but I still feel comfortable about things. I'm sure something - in fact, I'm sure the perfect thing will come soon. But since he's on the computer I haven't been able to take a few minutes here and there when babies are sleeping to write down some notes, so I thought I would while he's stuck at church. Hehehe!

First off, can I just say how much I love my husband? I LOVE having him home! I adore being with him, talking to him while eating lunch, or just knowing he's in the next room if I want to steal a hug or kiss. I'm very blessed to be married to a man I love and like. And even though he can't stand it if I have to let a granddaughter cry while I'm feeding or changing the other granddaughter, he's learning they will live and don't need to be held 24/7. Yes, he's a sucker for those two girls! When he does get a job they won't know what to do! I have to lock him in the office so they don't know he's home or else they are wanting his undivided attention. They eat his food, they want him to read them books, and they just want to be with him. Oh, wait. That sounds like me! ;-)

Taylor's wedding is right around the corner and things are coming along nicely. I will admit, I don't have the vision that she does, but she's being patient with me and I'm just doing what I'm told. She is such an artist that details I don't even think of are a top priority to her. We talked this morning, though and she's to the point now that she realizes the sealing part of the day is the most important part and no matter how specific you are with colors, details, food and clothes what matters most is who you are spending eternity with.

I guess I have weddings on my mind because I thought of a funny story about Alex that I thought I should put down for Daddy Ernie and family to read. When my brother-in-law was getting married he asked Alex to be the ring bearer, a great honor, right? Luckily, a neighbor girl was getting married a few weeks before him and we were invited so I took Alex and talked to him all the way there and before the ceremony started about his "job" and how we would watch Amanda's ring bearer and see what he did.

The music starts and down the stairs comes the flower girl; "See how she's being quiet. She's doing her job good! Oops! She shouldn't stick her tongue out to that kid, huh?" Then comes the ring bearer; "See how he's all dressed up? You'll get a tux, too. He's being very mature and quiet." Alex is craning and stretching every which way to watch this ring bearer, so he knows what he's supposed to do at his uncle's wedding. He starts to climb up on the chair to get a better look. When I get him down, he's truly perplexed when he asks me, "I don't see bear! Where's bear? He eat me?" He had thought all this time that he would have to be a BEAR at Bryce's wedding, and he just didn't get it. After that, his job assignment changed because he didn't want to be the ring bear. He became the ring keeper and giver instead.

So Christmas is done and put away. We rang in the new year by going to bed before midnight. We've been passing around the stomach flu and colds left and right. I started babysitting a neighbor boy 3 days a week. And Mike is still on the prowl for a job. Life is good! I wouldn't have it any other way, because I get to spend my life with my best friends!!

What's so funny??

2010-12-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

Is it the way I decorated it? Is it all the kids' school-made ornaments? All the mis-matched ornaments?...

Or is it the fact that it is IN a playpen? I don't know, but I sure am getting a lot of comments ~ and giggles ~ about our tree.

Happy Birthday Oakland!

2010-12-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was Oakie's 1st birthday, and today was her party. I'm such a lucky grandma to have the 2 cutest granddaughters in the whole world! We are the best of friends, and I hope that never changes!!

Wednesday Cali took all the kids to South Towne Mall and went on about 50 carousel rides. OK. Maybe it was only 3 or 4, but the lady let the rides be extra long because Oakland was loving it! Screaming that happy girl squeal all the way around! Today, the whole family - great grandparents, grandparents and a few aunts and uncles with a spattering of cousins- met at Jungle Jim's Playland and rode rides, ate pizza, ice cream and cake and just had a good time! So much fun being with everyone!

I'm a wimpy grandma. I didn't buy either of my girls fancy clothes, or cool toys. I bought the balloons and decor, and some pop rock candy. Sounds stupid when I put it down in writing, but balloons can be expensive and I would rather their parents buy toys or items they need, and me get the extras. And the pop rocks candy is just the special educator coming out in me.

Which by the way, what was up with you not liking your hands dirty, Oakland? We'll have to work on that!!

Nanny loves you!!

What a RUSH!!

2010-12-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my good friend Penney for the whats and wheres, along with a bunch of coupons for a great deal!!

I bought 5 bottles of Pam cooking spray for $1.50 each, 5 bottles of Wesson cooking oil for $1.50 each and I bought 40 packages of batteries - yes, 40 packages - for ~ ~~ wait for it.... ~~
64 cents!!! TOTAL!! So I spent $10. 95 when my bill was $110.35!! A whopping savings of $100!

Whew! That's always good news when you don't have money coming in, isn't it?

Keep it comin', Penney! Now I know why you like this so much!

The latest funny at our house

2010-11-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

TAYLOR : "Alex! Stop picking your nose!"

ALEX: "I'm itching my brain cause it's huge!!"

WOW!!

2010-11-21T13:47:00.001-08:00

That's a lot of snow!! This is a view of our back yard....

This shows you how thick the snow was. I was scraping the snow off our shed and HAD to take a picture. I should have measured it!

A different view of the back yard...

I didn't have time to scrape driveways before church, but I did go out and sweep off all my neighbor's cars. This is one of the neighbor boys' car. LOOK at how much snow there is. The green is the hood of the car where I have actually gotten the snow off, and then there's this huge pile of snow! And it's not drifted snow. This much actually fell. I was lucky ~ when I got home from church my neighbor had already done our driveway. I have the best neighbors! We kind of look after each other. He may have done mine today, but he knows I'll take my turn doing his!! Thanks, Cliff!

Well. That sucks!

2010-11-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

George just got laid off.

It's been a long week, especially the last 2 days. He is the manager over distribution and was told by the boss that he (Mike) needed to cut back employees. Mike's department is already very small. What once had 87 employees is whittled down to 13, and they wanted it cut even more. Obviously the "do not call list" as well as the new ways of getting DVD's has negatively affected this company. So Mike thought and prayed and agonized over who he needed to let go.

Yesterday, a co-worker / good friend of the family called ME, asked if I was home and started crying when she said we needed to talk. I knew. I think I've known throughout this whole ordeal. I don't know why, things just seemed weird to me. So the first thing I said to her as she walked in was, "They're letting Mike go, huh?" After talking a while, we called Mike and told him to come home. He took it as well as could be expected.

We are both worried about this co-worker because she will now have to deal with the boss and he's not a very nice guy. I guess I shouldn't say that. He is a nice guy if you are a female and sleeping with him. He'll even be nice to the whole family if you let your wife sleep with him. Not only is this wrong, it is gross on every level. If you ever met this man your first thought would be, "EWWW!" He is paying two house payments (million dollar homes) of a prostitute friend of his, and another woman who he sleeps with, both her and her husband drive company cars and their mortgage is paid for by him, even though neither of them work for the company. See. Nice guy, huh?

I'll never forget the first company Christmas party we went to. Very impressive. Big group, beautiful setting, fantastic food and fun. He was handing money out like it was candy! Then there was the lap dance. Yeah. A wife of another employee stood up and did a full on lap dance on the boss' lap with her husband and his wife sitting at the same table. Aww. The memories!

So today. The boss sent a henchman, of course. Can't do the dirty deed himself. Told Mike they needed to let him go and they will give him a 2 WEEK severance pay, "Oh, and can you come and work next week?"

Yeah. They did!

So basically a 1 week severance pay when in the past they have given people a week per year they have worked for the company. Ten weeks would sure be a lot different than 2 (actually 1).

I know I sound bitter. I'm not. Angry maybe just because of how this went down. But I'm so glad Mike is out of there. This is supposed to be a family business but the morals of the leaders is non-existent. I don't like Mike having to deal with that kind of person on a day to day basis. And I feel like we will be OK. I don't know how! We certainly don't have a 2 year food supply or a savings, but I am calm when I think about it. And the constant outpouring of love and concern is almost overwhelming! So many people have said they will keep us in their prayers... what an honor. And what a blessing to know that our Father in Heaven knows how Mike is feeling, knows what we are supposed to learn from this, and if we are listening, will tell us what we are supposed to do.

Thank you for any prayers you say on our behalf. Mike has a hard time 'letting things go'. That's been the toughest thing for him as bishop is he internalizes everything. I know I will not only be praying for him to find a job, but I will be asking that he can get some sleep! The man needs a good night sleep!!

It's been a while....

2010-11-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

No reason. Just not much to say. But then again, there's a lot to say.

We have all recovered from the death of Angel. We won't forget her, but at least we aren't looking for her as we open the door expecting her to run out and bark at nothing, or throw leftover food into her bowl - which is no longer there so it just splats on the floor. The babies even took a while to stop looking for her to throw food down to from their high chairs. The tears are dried up and life goes on.

Not long after Angel died, one of my best friend's grandpas died, and I realized how fragile life is. And what a miracle it is. Another one of my friend's dad died last night. He had been very sick for a long time, which with our knowledge it makes it easier knowing he is in a much better place, with people that love him and that he loves, and he's no longer in pain. But that doesn't take the hole out of our hearts as we miss them.

So whether it be a pet, a baby, a friend or an aged family member it hurts. And I don't think the hurt ever goes away. I know every time I hear of a death, or a birth, I think of Mac. I don't cry as easily, but that ache deep inside twinges. It almost feels like something is missing. Which I guess it actually is.

Then I'll notice I have a little grin on my face. Odd. But the memories are still there. Will always be there. Some of those memories are more like nightmares than dreams, but I will always remember these sweet people and pets. Always love them. And I can't wait till I get the chance to see them and be with them again. And I know I will have that chance if I live my life the way I should. That sure is good motivation! Mmmmm. Should I lie or do I want to be with my grandson in the hereafter? Makes the choice seem a little easier, doesn't it.

ANGEL 5 / 01 - 10 / 10

2010-10-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Angel Girl. Devil Woman. No matter what you called her, she loved you!

Our sweet dog died on Saturday. We noticed about a week before that she wasn't eating, and she went very quickly from there. The vet said she probably had cancer. At the end she was having trouble breathing, she was constantly throwing up, she couldn't walk on her own, and she even stopped drinking.

Even though this is a little blurry, this is one of my favorite pics of Angel. She LOVED the snow. She would go out with me when I shoveled and just bury her face then throw the snow up in the air with her nose. She then would find the deepest point and just lay there until she was completely covered. Saturday night, as Mike and I were reminiscing - OK. bawling - we both brought up how much she loved snow and that we loved this picture.

We woke up at 3 am to snow!! Angel's doing? We like to think so.

She was fantastic with the kids. Here she is helping Oakland one of the first times Oak had solid foods. She NEVER nipped or growled at them, even near the end.

Now my angel grandson has a puppy to play with. An Angel.

Dog-sitting a horse!

2010-10-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

What do you do when you're little, playing in a sandbox on a beautiful, autumn day and a big dog comes nearby?

You share!!!

We got to dog-sit my brother's Great Dane Ellee this past week and had so much fun. My parents watched her when they were home (evenings and weekends) and we had her during the day. The girls learned to just walk around with their hands up by their heads so Ellee's tail wouldn't wipe them out when she wagged it! She was so good with the kids, and really well behaved.

I didn't know such a big dog could cuddle into such a small area!

I know Elle is in the foreground, and Angel is in the background, but it still shows there is a big difference in their sizes. But they were really good together. Angel wasn't feeling well, and Ellee sensed that and just left her alone. Now the cat on the other hand.... Ellee wasn't too sure what to do with Moose! She wanted to play, but was afraid of him. It was funny to watch!

Ellee, you are welcome at our house ANYTIME!!

Time for a new family photo!

2010-10-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're thinking, "What? You just had your family picture taken!"

Yeah, but that was before Taylor got engaged!! Whoo-hoo! We are so glad to add Brandon to the family! No date has been set, yet, but I'll let you know when they set it!

Gardener Village Fun

2010-10-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

We went on an adventure today. It's hard going out and doing things with all the kids, but it was such a nice day I couldn't resist! And the kids were all at their best, so I certainly can't complain. First we stopped by a few witches to take some pics. Alex was surprisingly nervous around them, so this first pic is as close as he got. He was trying to get Oak's attention for me, but she was much more interested in that funny looking witch!
This lady, who claims she is a good witch, gave the kids suckers~ which will play a part in a later picture.... notice no Alex!

I thought this was funny with the two girls looking at the witch, and the witch looking their direction.

Alex and Brendon got to go on a pony ride. Alex's pony was named Prince, and Brendon's pony was named George. Brendon picked that on purpose because he wanted to sit on George. (For those who don't know, George is Mike's nick-name!)

Then we went over to their little petting zoo. This little goat pictured below is a thief!!!

As soon as we walked into the petting zoo , this hooligan walked right up to the stroller, put his head in the part underneath where you store things - such as suckers a certain witch just gave the kids - and ate them sticks and all! This isn't a very good picture, but it shows how we just stood and watched him in awe. When he wasn't chewing I was wrestling him to stay out of the bottom of the stroller. So I moved the stroller over to the corner and then this tiny goat (below) decided he wanted us to fall in love with him. He was so cute, and just cried and cried and followed us around for the next few minutes.

Then I look over and that darn juvenile delinquent is eating the tags on our stroller!

Mo was much more interested in the waterfall they had in the petting zoo than of the animals. She LOVES water.

I thought this picture below turned out so cute! I sat Oak next to this sheep, and she turned and the sheep put his forehead up against her forehead. They sat there for a good minute just leaning on each other. I'll bet 4 other people that were there took this picture, too. It was just too cute to pass up.

While Mo and Oak were 'moo'-ing at this cow, Alex and Brendon were laughing at the turtle behind it eating the cow's poop. Awwww. Nature at it's finest!

Alex was a busy guy with all these animals so I didn't get too many pics of him. He would run from one animal to another and ask their names. Not what kind of animals they were, but their actual names. And if you know Alex, you know he won't give up until you give him a name. I've gotten pretty good at coming up with names in an instant, and he has never questioned how I know every body's and every thing's names! This certain goat's name was Walter.

Then there was the pig. Cute little thing, and Mo and Oak couldn't get enough of him. I had two very angry babies when I took them out and put them in the stroller.

A beautiful autumn day with witches and animals!

What I did this summer~

2010-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

~I kept off the 35 lbs I lost in the spring!!

For those with a weird sense of humor who asked for before and after pictures, here you go!

I went from a size 16 to a size 8 and have kept it off for 5 months now! But even better than that, I feel so much healthier and happier about myself. I still have some to lose, but if I can continue to maintain this loss, I'll be so happy and proud of myself!! I know I'll never be a size 2, but now that I've lost some weight, it's time to take better care of myself and exercise regularly!

LOVE YOUR BODY!!

2010-10-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

I went on an adventure, yesterday. I participated in a 6k walk / run for women only at Thanksgiving Point! I figured that was a safe one to start off with - and so did 1800 other women! It was a lot of fun, a beautiful walk and great exercise.

Here I am, all alone before the race began. I invited some of the girls in my life, but none of them could come. I was lonely. Sad. Next year I am inviting ALL the women in my life and hopefully someone can come! (Yes, this is supposed to make you feel guilty for not coming!)

I did find some friends, though. Out of 1800 women I found our good family friends Julie and Lindsey! They let me wait for the start with them, but I didn't want to them to feel stuck with me (Julie and I used to go to the gym together. I know how tough she can be!) so we finished separately. Way to go, girls! And thanks for letting me stick with you!

This picture doesn't really do the crowd justice, but it's the best one I took. Let me put it to you this way; 3 different buildings with restrooms (men's and women's being used by women) and about a dozen port-a-potties and you still had to wait in line for a bathroom!

At 8:30 the 10k run began. Way out of my league! But we all stood off to the side and cheered them on. Mostly out of admiration, but also because we were freaking cold and it helped warm up our hands. Then we lined up for the 6k walk / run. I walked but then ran across the finish line. I also cried at the finish line.

This is a picture of me after the race. I don't look too worse for the wear, although you can tell I have been crying. Let me tell you why.

It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many women with such different reasons to be there, and at varying skill levels. Watching those take off for the 10k and all I could think was, "Never in a million years could I do that!" But why not? I did 6k - more than 1/2 way! Maybe someday I can. And as we were waiting for the walk to begin, we all talked amongst ourselves. Where else but in a group of a bunch of women could you talk candidly and openly with each other? I heard women talking about their husbands, their health, and even their friends that convinced them to sign up, but then didn't come. It was weird to feel comfortable around and have a connection with so many strangers!

As the walk progressed, my first thought was, "I need to pee!" (I shouldn't have drank so much water BEFORE !) After a pit stop, I just put one foot in front of the other. I did try to make a 'race' out of it, but just by eyeing the person ahead of me and trying to pace myself so that I could pass them. Then I would find the next person ahead of me and try to pass them. As I passed them I noticed how different we all were. There was every age group, every size and shape, some alone some in big groups. When the 10k women started lapping us, I looked at them, again in awe, and noticed that they, too were every age, size and shape and even ability. Some very hard-core, strong women, and some who were pushing themselves to continue to the next step. But we were all as beautiful as the gardens around us because we matter. We are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us....!

About 3/4 of the way through I noticed I was sticking with the same group of women. We were all going the same pace and didn't pass or get behind each other. In this group was a runner who weighed probably 2 time more than I do. Yes, she was running. Only at the same pace as us walkers, but she was running! She would every once in a while blurt out very loudly, "Oh, come on!" "You're OK!" or "You've made it this far. Keep going!" I realized she was talking to herself. She had her eyes closed and was obviously visualizing the finish line. She had her headphones on, and I don't know if she could hear me but I found myself giving her cheers and kudos, too. It then seemed to be she was cheering me on and I was cheering her on.

Near the finish line there stood my neighbors - Julie and Lindsey's families - with posters and cheering us on. (They even held up the "Way to go Grandma" sign even though it was meant for Julie. It still made me feel good!)

Then there was a small group of friends in my new group of walking buddies who were alternating between running and walking. There were 3 of them; one pushing a stroller, one in a wheelchair, and the other pushing the wheelchair. The woman in the wheelchair had Cerebral Palsy. Her friends loved her very much, you could tell. They would run when she was in the chair, but then she would get out of it, hold onto the wheelchair and walk for a ways. They talked a lot about how cool this was and how much each of them appreciated the experience; obviously the woman IN the chair was very grateful to her friends because there would be no way she could do it without their help, but her friends were just as grateful, and I would say honored, to be able to be a part of this experience with her. At one point we had to cross an island in the middle of the road, which was tricky with the stroller and wheelchair since it was gravel. I grabbed the stroller so that both friends could help with the wheelchair. Once across, we all had tears in our eyes. Sounds stupid, I know. But, again. Where else but with a bunch of women would something as simple as crossing a road mean so much? Then we were off again. Them running, me walking. About 100 yards from the finish line I passed them as the woman in the wheelchair was getting out. I crossed the line, then waited for my new-found friends. Tears came full force when I realized they had ditched the wheelchair off to the side of the road and the woman with CP was making her way down the home stretch with no help from anyone or anything. It was difficult, and it was not very graceful, but she did it!! I walked up to her and gave her a big hug, which turned into a doggie-pile since her friends ran up and group hugged her with me. I didn't want to intrude on such a personal, private success, but I couldn't let the chance pass me by to congratulate someone who truly deserved it.

So that was it. We got an orange and a banana, a water bottle, a goody bag from Harmon's and the privilege to say, "I did it!!"

I REALLY did it!

Hockey season has started again!

2010-10-10T09:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we also went to the first hockey practice of the season. This will be Alex's 3rd year to play for The Grizzlies Special Needs team (formerly called The Renegades) He was on the injured-reserved list last year and had to sit the year out, or he'd be a 4 year veteran. You would never know he hadn't skated in a few years, though. He did fantastic!! A little nervous and hesitant, but a true hockey player. I am so proud of how well he does on those thin, little blades. Especially with all the poundage he wears in the way of padding - as well as the poundage he's packed on since his surgery!

Those kneeling down are the players (the one in the dark jersey standing on the far right is also a player) and all the men standing are coaches. (Alex is next to the boy in white on the far left. The little, tiny guy) There are a few men who have been with the team from the very beginning and they love this team and the team loves them! Coach Don, Coach Rich, Coach / President(?) Mike work hard to teach the kids hockey skills, how to play as a team and have fun doing it! There are a lot of junior coaches - who happen to be players from high school teams - that are taking their valuable, very busy time to be with our kids and give them a little competition if that's what skill level they are on, or help them learn to stand up when they fall down if that's the level they are. Alex's skills are kind of middle ground for the team. He can skate fairly well, knows how to stand up by himself if he falls (which isn't too often), and his speed is getting better and better, but he's still learning how to play the game and utilize the whole team. He thinks he's their Center, and everyone goes along with it. But as soon as the puck is in play, he books it to their net and waits for someone else to bring it down the ice so he can score. Yup! He's a cherry picker! Because of this we've had plenty of 'hat tricks' (3 or more scores so the parents throw their hat on the ice. This year one of us better remember to wear a hat!)

They will play a game every other week, with practices on the off weeks. They play against high school and league hockey teams. Go Grizzlies!!

And, yes, his name is spelled wrong on his jersey! Oh, well. It's not the first time, it won't be the last!

Three Men and a Lady

2010-10-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

You'll notice on my sidebar I have added a new button to a blog. It's actually Cali's sister-in-law's blog and I am in awe.

Let me just go off on a tangent first; Can I just say the Hinckley's are an amazing family? Every one of them are their own kind of special to us. From the first time we met them we have felt like family, and I know that doesn't happen usually with in-laws. They are down to earth, and yet incredible in so many ways I couldn't write them all down. We truly love the Hinckley family!

But about this blog... WOW! This woman is all kinds of talented. I look at her pictures and I think, " !!! " Literally, my brain just goes berserk and I'm so amazed that someone I know, someone I have actually spoken to, someone I have eaten meals with, someone I have cried tears with has a house so beautiful I don't feel worthy to be viewing the photographs. And if you were to meet her, she makes you feel important and loved. She's even been to my house and - now this is amazing - she didn't sneer when she walked into my well-loved, well-worn out house.

So when you have a few hours to browse, check out her blog and be prepared to be in awe.

Check out this sweet, old lady! And a few more pics...

2010-10-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Grandma FlaMingo. This is Mike's grandmother. His mom's mom. She turns 91 next month, but is still full of a lot of energy. We spent this last weekend with her and had so much fun!! We got there early Saturday afternoon and spent a few hours with her before checking into the hotel. Then we shipped the men off to the priesthood session of conference while us womenfolk went to dinner. (If you ever get the chance, go to The Upper Crust. Good food!!)

Then Mike and I spent Sunday morning with Grandma watching conference, while the others watched conference at the hotel. After the morning session, we all met up at JB's for lunch. Then everyone else had to head home, but Mike, Alex, and I got to watch the afternoon session of conference with her. It was a very nice, relaxing weekend!

Mo giving grandma a kiss...

Oak giving grandma a kiss...

... a five generation picture. Yes. Five. Mike's mom's photograph is in the background!!

Another five generation pic.

Colby's family with grandma.

Cali's family with grandma.

Alex and Grandma FlaMingo. He's the one that came up with the nickname, but the funny thing is I think he really thought that was her name for a while.

Grandma only has 1 arm. She got the other one amputated after falling into a potato harvester. Alex is very intrigued by this, especially when she wears her hook. He LOVES that she can store her car keys in it! She very rarely wears the hook anymore, and now he's just interested in where her arm is. He asks about it every time he sees her!

She's a tiny, little thing. Only about 4'5", and has trouble moving quickly, but she can move pretty much on her own. When we took her to dinner, we didn't have any trouble at all getting her in and out of the car without the men's help. I was very impressed with how well she still gets around. I guess I should emphasize that she broke her hip a year or so ago. That makes it all the more impressive!

The pics below are a dream come true for Alex. He loves to chase birds! I don't know why, he just loves it! Along a stretch of the Snake River there was a whole flock of seagulls with a few geese and as soon as I saw it I knew we had to let Alex out and chase them.

A few days ago we got to babysit our newest nephew. (Shout out to the Junior Patriot!) He was really good, except every time he got near Mo. She didn't take offense, but she sure did like him!

And like I said in earlier posts; we really like to spend time outside. The weather last week was just right for some fun outdoors.

Here is Tsia, Jess and Taylor up at scout camp. Now you know why the scouts like going to camp so much. These are the rope course counselors. And you thought it was for the food!

Here's a pic of TJ trying to jump out of the harness after going down the zip line. By the way, she did it!

Colby got the chance to do the rope course. He was MUCH faster than I was. This is a pic of him and TJ right before he goes down the zip line.

And, yes!! Taylor's missionary came home this summer!!

Here are a few more pictures of our first water skiing trip this summer.

Cute, cute, cute!!!

As you can see, even though the boat wasn't up to par we had a great time!

A note from Mo and Oak...

2010-09-21T08:43:00.001-07:00

Our grandma is crazy! No, seriously. She's crazy.

You know this from reading her blog, but you at least have the option of switching over to another blog, or closing it, or turning off your computer altogether. But not us.

We're subjected to her constant singing.... have you ever heard Nanny sing? It's not pretty. Especially when she makes up songs. She can make up a song to anything about everything. She sings about our hiccups, our clothes, the activity we are doing.... she even has a song for our diaper (She pooped. She pooped. Yada da dadadada....) It's never ending not to mention embarrassing!

And look at what she made us endure yesterday~

Yup. Corn syrup and food coloring! I mean, really? Is this necessary?

OK. So it wasn't too bad.

We may have liked it.

A little.

So? We loved it? Our Nanny is making us crazy! You would be too if you were woken up to the Rubber Duckie song every time you woke up from a nap!!!!!

Mower Family pics 9/11/10

2010-09-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

My cousin's husband did us the honor of taking my extended family pictures. We met him at The Granite Quarry at the base of the canyon, and it was absolutely beautiful, even though we were just in a dry river bed. We are so glad to have new pics with everyone it them. Thanks, Tyler!

My whole family!!! Top L-R: mom, dad, sister-in-law, brother, me, husband
Middle L-R: youngest daughter, daughter-in-law, oldest son, son-in-law
Bottom L-R: sister, youngest son, niece, granddaughter, nephew, niece, granddaughter, oldest daughter

This picture captures their personalities perfectly! Oldest one (1 yr) outgoing, smiling all the time. The youngest one (9 mos) very serious, and watching things very carefully.

My mom and dad..... they are the best! This was a hard place for them to go for pictures but they were troopers. They are both struggling with health issues, but work their butts off at their jobs as well as at home. They have taught me so much in my life and I am so lucky to have them as my parents!

My little brother's family. Yes, I'm the oldest, but only by 15 mos. He got the brains, and I got the hair! His wife is the sweetest person who would do anything for anybody - that is if her mom hasn't done it first! I am lucky to have a sister-in-law that I love as much as a sister! And their kids.... well, let's just say it's kinda creepy but their children are our children

re-incarnated! Their birth order all the way down to their personalities. I guess that's why I love them so much - they're just like my kids!

This is my beautiful, little sister! She got brains AND hair. She's the reason we all know sign language; she was born deaf. We aren't as proficient at it as we should be, but she's patient with us! She's the hardest working person I know.

ALL the grand and great-grand kids; Top Row L-R: youngest daughter, daughter-in-law, nephew, oldest son, son-in-law

Bottom Row: youngest son, niece holding younger granddaughter, niece holding older granddaughter, oldest daughter

And then there's my immediate family - daughter-in-law, son, and granddaughter...

...son-in-law holding granddaughter, and daughter...

...you'll notice my youngest daughter is missing her individual picture. That's because she's hoping to get some nice pictures taken of her and her boyfriend soon, so she didn't want to take any with just her. (Awwww. Young love!)

...then there's the baby of the family, the infamous Alex. Cute pic, huh!

This man is the light of my life. He makes me happy beyond comprehension. He takes such good care of me and our whole family and loves me no matter what. I trust him, I love him, I like him, I admire him, and I'm so glad he's my husband!!

Awww! Old love!

We went to Alex's orthopedic surgeon yesterday

2010-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

~and got great news!

We bumped the appointment up from the 29th to yesterday because we have had some concerns. He has been slowing down a little, complained a little, goes up and down the stairs a lot slower and even has trouble getting on and off the bus. But comparing yesterdays x-rays to old x-rays you can see more growth in the bone, nothing has moved and after an exam the doctor says there is even more mobility than he would have expected! So why the pain and complaints? His body has been through a lot and he will probably have pain a lot more in his life. Something we will all just have to help him through.

Way to go, Alex!! You don't need the brace anymore, and you can do ANYTHING you want to!

And, yes! That's a new family picture! Thanks to my cousin's husband we got our family as well as my whole extended family's pictures taken. I will share more later...

It's been a while....

2010-09-10T13:33:00.001-07:00

...and there's a lot to say. I'm trying to put our summer together in pictures, and it's taking longer than I thought. I'm almost done with it but until I am I have a little funny to share. Taylor showed this to me - shown to her by her boyfriend BRANDON!! - and I couldn't stop laughing!!

You know the '80's hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart" ? (Yes, I'm an 80's girl, anyes I wore my hair and makeup like that!) It's one of those songs that has a catchy tune and everyone knows it, but what the heck does it mean? Well, this is the actual video from the original song - which if you're going to watch it just to try to figure out what the song means, good luck! - but some funny fool put their twist to the words. It's hilarious! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

Our summer in pictures!

2010-08-27T15:15:00.001-07:00

Finally! I finished downloading pics from our summer! This will probably be boring for anyone but our family, but here it is...

We spent our 4th of July at my parent's property in Indian Canyon. Mike and I got in a lot of trouble for not being home on the 4th. It so happens that the 4th of July is all of my kids' favorite holiday, and they just couldn't believe we weren't going to do the usual bbq, fireworks and homemade ice cream. Even Taylor got mad and she wasn't going to be home, either since she was at scout camp being a leader on the rope course.

A lot of dead trees up at the property. Not a good thing, in fact we had to cut 4 down before we left so they didn't fall on the trailer, but at the same time I have a fondness for the beauty of dead trees...

...I had to take a picture of this. I was backing my brother Shaun's car up - I don't even remember why - and ran into this brick wall. Can you see the tire tracks in the grass? He didn't kill me!! "Didn't you realize you were going up hill?" That's all he said. And no. I didn't realize I was going up hill.

We have a little 'shooting range' at the property. It's fun for the kids to shoot in a safe environment. See all the holes on the right hand side? Yup. They're mine! (I think.)

Shaun, Suzee and Caden made this really cool fort...

...and Caden set this trap to see if he could catch anything...

...notice the trap is sprung, but the critter outsmarted the trap and got the food, but got away...

...I got to practice with my camera on a lot of beautiful things while we were there......and even though we missed the fireworks at home, we were blessed with this beautiful sunset one night. Who needs man-made fireworks when God is able to do it au natural?!?

...and then of course we got to spend time with family. My favorite part!!

...ok, so this bear isn't family. But we're proud of our heritage and family name!!

...I didn't know Mo could do magic! That picture turned out cool. I took it through the campfire.
Alex thought it ws great to cook hot dogs over the fire and be dirty most of the time. What boy wouldn't? What a goober! Check out this cheesy grin!Josh and Mike decided to sleep outside. They slept good, but at one point Josh yelled, "A little help here!" because he was falling out of the hammock. He crashed on his bike a few weeks back and didn't have as much mobility in his arm and leg to upright himself.

...here's Mo peeking out at them in the morning...

...Good Morning, Sunshine!Yes, it was the 4th of July, but the weather was freezing and wet! Notice we are all bundled up, and mostly indoors.

...even Ellie had to be indoors. AND Shaun wouldn't share...

...when it started to warm up we couldn't get enough of the outdoors...

...in June we had a Maughan family reunion. We went to Yellowstone and enjoyed a lot of fun there. Especially family!...

...my favorite person in the whole world! And I got to spend a week with him!!

...it was fun to see the babies (3 out of 4 of them. Mo and her parents couldn't come) interact with everyone, and each other.

...Part of the fun of the trip was all the men in the family that has motorcycles brought them and drove through the park on them. And then one day they gave everyone who wanted one a ride. Don't they look cool?!? We tried to come up with a 'gang' name for them - my vote is still The Maughan-sters.

...we managed to even get Alex on the bike with his body cast. Doesn't look too comfortable, does it?

I even got a ride with Zack-a-roni!

O's first time on the bike. She loved it until she realized she was hungry. When this girl is hungry, she is starving NOW!

We saw a lot of buffalo in the park. Yes, that's our bikers with the buffalo crossing 10 feet in front of them!

...these are the only bears we saw. We weren't even scared!!

...and then there's always the random pig.

...And OH! such beauty everywhere!!

...and whenever you get this big of a group together, there's bound to be some silliness...

...I think Jace should use this for his Facebook pic...

...and Reggie DEFINITELY should use this one...

...looks like trouble to me!!!

...no, he wasn't really drinking this! The lid was on. But it was a cute pic.

When I went on my bike ride, I asked Colin to hold my camera. This is what I get for trusting him. A bunch of skanky pics!!

Yes. His head was stuck! Mike and I just laughed as he got himself out while Grandma freaked out. I guess that's what Grandmas do!

...what the 'Colin Clown' holding the 'Strong Man..'.

While packing up to leave, Alex went Snipe hunting. Yes, he is walking, and no he shouldn't have been. But he had been cooped up all week in the building or in his chair, and it had been 6 1/2 weeks! I gave in! And for all you Snipe Activists out there - there were no Snipe injured or killed during this escapade. The snipe were too elusive for my gimpy guy.

...a new cheesy grin she started doing while on the trip.

We also got to do a few other things. We went waterskiing a couple times. I guess we didn't do a good enough job with the sunscreen on Mo this time.

We love being outside!!

And when it was too hot and we had to stay in, we took all the couch cushions off and made a fort (out of picture range) and a HUGE mess!! But what fun!

Alex got his cast off and a new brace to wear.

...when TJ got home from scout camp we took her, Alex and the little boy I babysit, with his brother and went bowling. This pic is of TJ telling me not to take a pic. HAHA! Too bad!

...Oakland got the best score... for hair anyway.

Cute little boy I babysit, Brendon.

And Brendon's brother.

And, of course, Big Al.

And then there's Mallory, my niece that comes once in a while to play. Good times!

Summer was awesome. Mike and i celebrated our 26th anniversary, Alex got out of his cast, Mac celebrated his 2nd birthday, and Mo celebrated her 1st. A lot of goings on this summer - but glad to be back in a schedule and enjoy some cooler days!

First Day of 8th Grade!

2010-08-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

At 7:15 this morning, Alex got on his bus to go back to school! He's an 8th grader this year, and - so far - is excited to be going back. Good luck Alex!!!!!!

A Post Script

2010-08-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have to add a little addendum to my last post. I didn't finish all the 'goods' that go with the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Probably the most important GOOD; the relationship we have with Alex's birth family, especially his birth dad and his family.

We met Alex's dad 2 years ago and we were lucky enough to keep in touch and then spend their vacation with them just this past spring. Alex's dad - Ernie - has totally changed his life around (another great good!) and is married to a very kind woman who accepts Alex, and another child of Ernie's from a previous relationship. From this family he has 2 brothers and 2 sisters who Alex adores. He idolizes his big brother Collin, and I always use Collin as an example! ("I HATE SCHOOL!" "Well, Collin is going to school, too and he's working really hard to like it!") Now that we know Ernie (and family) it's fun to watch Alex and see some of Ernie's mannerisms in him, or just look at him and think, "WOW! You look just like your dad!" We are very lucky to be able to say they are now a part of our family! We love them very much and are so grateful for their support.

We also keep in touch with his sister on his mom's side. Alexis is 6 years older than Alex and she loves him so dearly. It kind of breaks my heart when we do see her just because we don't see her often enough. She's still living a tough life, unfortunately, but Alex brings her joy and happiness.

His Aunt Grandma and I talk to each other at least once a month. She did her best while she had him, and has a soft spot in her heart for him and we will always be grateful for her.

So, see. There really is a lot more GOOD than bad or ugly!!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2010-08-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm the ugly. No, really. When you read this you will probably think, "What a horrible person!"

But it's the truth. And those who deal with children who are challenged either with a disability, a major health issue or mental health issues can empathize. Maybe even sympathize. But it's still the truth. And even though what I am about to say may seem like the worst things a mother can say, sometimes the truth hurts and sometimes it needs to be said.

The other day Alex had me in tears. I was worried, I was scared, I was done. I'm a pretty patient person, but there are moments when I can't DO anymore. I don't WANT to do anymore. Ugly.

Now comes the bad. Alex has had to deal with a lot in his short little life; his parents were both drug addicts and didn't give him the attention a small baby needed. He was ignored, left alone, slept in drug houses and cars, and even sexually abused at least once. His sister tried to take care of him, but she was only 6 and trying to deal with her own feelings of being ignored. Once his parents went to jail, grandma took care of him - until she found out she had end stage cancer and only had 6 months to live. He loved her dearly and she was gone.

So Aunt Grandma took care of him (that's his great aunt on his mom's side). Because of his birth-mom's history, Aunt Grandma didn't have much support from her kids, and a hellion of a child with a disability is a lot for a 60 year old woman to handle. Then came the diagnosis of Diabetes. That's when we met Alex. He was a dirty, obnoxious, little boy who had no control. Always wanted to run, didn't have any vocabulary but liked to spit raspberries all the time. And yes, we fell in love. But there was still more bad.

Three bouts of RSV - one of which we didn't think he was going to live through. A bunch of cases of pneumonia, ear infections and strep. Put on thyroid meds for hypothyroidism at age 5. Finally diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 7. Then last year his drama with his hip - again, and again, and again!!! And all the while trying to keep his Diabetes under control.

Then there's the mental health issue. Alex is still trying to deal with the abuse he had as a baby. And that's a lot for anyone to deal with. He has great therapists and fantastic doctors who help balance things out with meds and therapy, but once in a while he can't handle anymore, and unfortunately that's usually when I can't handle anymore.

So hence, the tears.

"Alex. It's time to get dressed and brush your teeth."
"NO!"
"Come on. I'll help you..."
"NO! YOU'RE STUPID! TEETH ARE STUPID! I HATE GETTING DRESSED!"
"Here's your clothes...."
"NO!" ...runs away outside and licks the front window of the door until I get right there. Then runs some more. And hides - OOOO! I hate it when he hides.

"Alex. What do you want for snack?"
"I HATE SNACK! YOU'RE STUPID!"
"How about some ice cream?"
"NO! I HATE ICE CREAM!"

When this is the type of conversations you have all day, every day it wears you down. Then there's moments like what happened the other day. I had just put one of the babies to sleep, and walked in the living room to find Alex whispering threats to the cat while choking it. When he finally calmed down and I was able to ask why he was choking him, he says it's because the cat wouldn't kiss him. Between the verbal 'abuse' and the anger that he exhibits, I'm done. I just want to be alone. Actually, I just want to be away from Alex.

See. Ugly.

I'm frightened; school starts in a week, and how will he be there? Will they kick him out? Will they threaten to send him to another school? One that doesn't fit him at all, just because of his behaviors? And what about the babies - is he going to get angry toward them and hurt them?

I'm worried; What more can I do? No one understands what is going on! I can't burden anyone with any of this because they either are too busy as it is, or they won't understand and judge us poorly. And I can't leave him with most people, because they just can't handle him. And I need my friends / family!

I'm done. Tears. More tears.

Then there's the good.

I call the doctors. They get us in very quickly and we adjust some meds, and I feel supported and validated. Mike helps out with everything from housework, to taking care of Alex, to just calling to say, "I love you!" My older children play with Alex, so I can have a few minutes to myself. Taylor paints my bathroom, and treats me so kindly I sometimes wonder what's going on! My neighbors come over just to say HI to Alex, or they allow him to come to their house to play for 1/2 an hour. I say my prayers, and immediately feel comfort. Maybe not an everything-will-be-hunky-dorey-perfect kind of comfort, but a peace. A calm. And Alex gives me a hug. He asks me if I love him (the poor kid is always asking that. He needs validation, too) then he tells me he loves me. We cuddle up in his bed and snuggle and his slow breathing reminds me of that cute, dirty little boy I met so long ago.

The good so much outweighs the bad, and I hope I never let the ugly even get close to overtaking the good. The good is comfort. Friends. Family. Knowledge that Alex is trying his hardest to do his best. Understanding that Alex is one of my best friends who needs a little more time and effort than my other friends, and the desire to want to give him that extra effort.

The good is LOVE. Love for this little boy who is so fragile, he needs a mother very, very badly! Love for my family, who is ALWAYS there for me, and who I can always vent to. LOVE for my 'support crew' - friends, neighbors, church leaders. A LOVE for all the doctors who work with Alex with all of his medical needs and help him feel better so he can be a happier person.

And most definitely a LOVE for my Savior who felt my anguish, my fears, my pain, my concerns. He even felt my anger and my remorse. He understands ALL that I feel and is always there with my loving Father in Heaven to give me the comfort I need.

Alex is a fantastic little boy. I'm so lucky to have him in my life. I'm even grateful for the bad and the ugly, because it makes the good just that much sweeter!

I love Alex so much!

Let's stick with the good for a while.....

Thought for the day...

2010-08-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

It happens!!

2010-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

When Kierra dropped Mo off today I was texting Cali about her unruly child. She had been fussy for the past 1/2 hour and no matter what I did she wasn't happy. In our texts Cali asked if she needed a hug and I replied, "Maybe. I spanked her but that didn't seem to work." (People ~ it's a joke!!) But I was telling Kierra that Cali had to ask to make sure I didn't really spank her and we were laughing at that.

Then Kierra changed Mo's diaper - a stinky one - and then said, "Someone had a blow-out! Maybe that's why she was so fussy!!" Unfortunately she was not referring to the diaper she had just changed that was neatly rolled up into a tight ball. She was referring to this;

OK, so I don't have the nicest carpeting, but, no that's not an old stain on the carpet, or even a shadow around her leg....

...look at the size of that thing!!!

And this is her punishment. I bought this dress for her (before she was born and before we knew her personality) and now she has to wear it!! It's a cute dress, but it looks hideous on her! A spankin' would have been less cruel!!

(Again, people - a joke!!!)

Anyway, it happens!!!

(And Alex and Brendon thought it was wicked cool!!!)

Why am I so grouchy?

2010-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Is it because it's day 2 of THE diet? Or is it because we already spent an hour and a half at the doctor's office first thing this morning?

Or am I grouchy because I'm wearing this shirt? Then again, am I wearing this shirt because I'm grouchy?

Whatever. I'm still grouchy!! AND....

...the wind blew down some of my corn stalks! AHHHHH!

Have you heard of Nacho Libre??

2010-07-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

How about Nacho Nerdy?!?

I was just wondering...?

2010-07-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

Did you ever wonder who your kids would look like when they got older? Did you look at them as little ones and wonder - will they look like me or my spouse? Or will they look like another relative? Or will they just look like themselves?

I think that a lot with these 2 granddaughters. In fact, I think a lot about who Mac would have looked like, too! But this morning it was quite apparent who these 2 look like.

What do YOU think?

Check these out!

2010-07-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, go to http://www.ksl.com/ and check out their High 5 segment from this morning. Penney is my good friend and biggest supporter and I'm so glad she finally got the High 5 she deserves everyday!! To add my two cents - Penney obviously is a good mom NOT because she has 3 children with special needs, but because she is raising 6 kids with fantastic manners and values, which in this day and age means a lot! Her and her husband (shout out to Ben!!) work hard and their kids are their biggest priority. Congratulations to the whole family, since I know you all work together and take care of each other!!

And then there's this....

I love my granddaughters!!

2010-07-08T09:38:00.001-07:00

We have so much fun together!! How could you not have fun with these 2 curious monkeys?

TRaNsLAtiOn pLEAse!!

2010-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

所有的資產，在不被諒解時，都成了負債...................................

With EVERY post I get a comment in Japanese or Chinese. I don't know how to read it ~ heck, I can't even tell you which language it is!! Anyone want to translate this for me?

And if you're the person commenting on this - STOP!! I'm not going to accept it into my comment section because I have no idea what you're saying!! And how the heck can you tell what I'm saying enough to comment on it, but you don't comment in English?

I'm so confused!!

PS If the translation isn't clean, please just tell me it's terrible. I don't want to know details!

An Al update, and it's official!

2010-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Alex is doing really well. Yesterday he was pretty grumpy, but I'm sure he's stiff and sore, so I would probably be grumpy, too! He moves real slow and careful, but for that I'm grateful. I have him use a walker as much as possible, and we go today to be measured for his splint which I'm sure will help give him support and confidence. I know I've said it before, but he is amazing!!

And as far as the official proclamation ~ which may be of no surprise to anyone ~ I am an old lady!

And it has nothing to do with me being 49 years old!! (And if you question my age, how dare you!) It has to do with this sign I put on my door....

Growing up, and growing older I swore only grouchy, old people put this kind of sign on the door, and I would never do such a thing. Well, maybe I'm old, maybe I'm grouchy, but I now have one on my door!

This summer has been brutal with all the salespeople! At least one a day, and when you are taking care of 2 babies and a child with many needs after surgery, I don't appreciate the doorbell ringing just so I can tell them I'm not interested in their books, their vacuums or even their cleaner!

And you wouldn't believe how many people STILL try their luck. Unfortunately for them, I have turned them into frogs!!

I DARE you salespeople! This old, grouchy lady will take it no more!!

Whoo-hoo! The cast is gone!!

2010-06-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today is 7 weeks from the surgery, and they took Alex's cast off! I am so proud not only of how well he endured the 7 weeks, but also with how well he did when they took the cast off. I was worried - loud noise, moving his legs - but he was a trooper. I'm sure the ear coverings we brought from home helped, but if you notice in the later pictures he's not even wearing them.

Before they started...

... cut on the inside of the leg...

...then the outside of the leg, then on his left side of his body... (notice his hands. He's saying, "OOOOOO. Tickles!" and wiggling his fingers like he's tickling someone!)

...they used a "can opener' to open the slits and off popped the cast!

...A little more cutting to get it all off and...

...VOILA!! 2 naked legs!

He has complained more today than he has throughout the whole 7 weeks, but after being in one position for so long, I'm sure his muscles are tight and sore. And he's not really complaining THAT much. I just know he hurts because he's not a complainer at all, so any little whimper and I know he's in pain.

My superhero may not have abs of cast anymore, but he's still my hero! a

And a big thank you to Shriner's for their great job. They are very pleased with how everything looks so far. We go back in on Friday to be measured for a hip abductor (splint) that he will wear when walking just to protect him, and hopefully no more surgery!!

Way to go Alex!!

June 27, 2008

2010-06-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

Two years ago today I met the most amazing man. I'm lucky enough to call him my grandson.

McKallister Vance Hinckley was born still. He never opened his eyes, cried or even pooped. But his "life" has touched many people, including myself.

He must have known he wouldn't be able to share experiences here on earth with us because he sure let us know his personality while in utero. We know he would have been big! And I think it's safe to say his personality would have been large as well! I'm so grateful for those few months I got to be his Nanny - even if it was through the stretched out skin of his mom's tummy. That may sound odd to some who have never experienced the beauty of a stillborn, but it's so true.

The day that he was born was the greatest day of my life. Honestly! I was witness to the miracle of birth and how fragile life is. I also witnessed how close the spirit world is to ours, as I could feel his presence in the room as a comfort to all who were there. (At first I wrote to all who loved him, but that's not true because even the nurses commented on the "feeling" that was in that room.) What a strength to my testimony on eternal families, and what a reminder to me of how much I love my whole family and want to spend eternity with them. Every day I think of Mac, and everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for being his grandma, as well as Mike's wife, and mom to a great group of kids!!

Now - two years later - I wish him a very happy birthday! No cake for him to squish around in his fingers. No candles. No gifts to rip open. But a lot of loving thoughts, and even a happy birthday song sung by me and Alex - complete with the "cha-cha-chas" -while we visited him at his park.

His gravestone looked great, albeit crooked. Someone must have known it was a special day for him and cleaned him up a little bit. (Sorry this pic is sideways. Me and my computer skills!)

We left him a brightly colored balloon, with a little message from Nanny, Papa Joe, and Alex. I loved the chubby fingers holding up their number 2. I saw it in the store and just knew that would be Mac, holding up his thick hands to proudly tell everyone how old he is.

We also left him a truck. He was going to be all boy, and what little boy doesn't love trucks! He would have loved crawling around in the dirt pushing trucks and tractors around. Heck! I would have loved doing it with him!!

And before we left I looked around at all his friends. I've said it before, but Mac's park (aka the cemetery) is a very calming place. To be surrounded by little angels who have lived a very short time or were born still like Mac has got to be as close to heaven as we can get without being in the temple. And as I glanced around, I noticed a little message from my boy.....

...a bunch of mushrooms! A little kiss from heaven to anyone who needs one. I maybe can't give this kid a hug, a kiss, or even a birthday present, but I like to think these shrooms are just for me. They're his way of telling me "I love you!"

I love you, too, kiddo! Happy , happy birthday!!

Best friends are the BeSt!!

2010-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Have I said lately that we live in the greatest neighborhood ever? Well, we do! The neighbor kids all know how bored Alex is, and they are doing their best to help out. Just look at the picture below to see what they are doing while I take a minute to blog....

... that's Kelsey, Brendon and Alex playing a video game with Kirsty Lou watching in the background. And if you look real close right next to Kirsty, behind Alex's feet...

... you'll see Babe! Another one of Alex's good friends. (She was pretending to be camera shy when I went to take her picture.)

We really are blessed to live where we do, so close to family and friends on all sides of us!

Half-full kind of day!

2010-06-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Earlier this morning I thought to myself, "It's 10:30 and I haven't gotten anything done! The dishes are stacked in the sink, Oakland is still in her pj's, I should be doing laundry, and I haven't even eaten breakfast, yet!"

But then I stopped to think of my morning. It was FANTASTIC!! By 10:30 this morning I had fixed breakfast for 4 kids, and fed 2 of them, and put the dishes in the sink. I had gotten 3 people dressed - yes, I'm counting myself - and supervised the 4th person. My make up was on and my hair was done, I had changed 3 diapers already, and 'toileted' Alex (that's enough details for that!), I had served 2 snacks , and had already put the babies down for their naps, made and played with a snap "dragon" (complete with eyes and nose) that ate everyone's noses and piggy's...

...filled up squirt bottles and squirt guns at least a dozen times...

... all while singing songs and playing guys with Brendon and Alex.

So forget the laundry and dishes. There will be more tomorrow! But I have a fun life to live!!

He's made it 3 weeks in his cast...

2010-06-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

...now only 4 more to go!!

I have to admit, Alex has done an amazing job with this cast. Not that it should surprise me. He is such a trooper! He gets around fantastically - sometimes too good when he walks even though he's not supposed to - and doesn't complain much at all. In fact, the biggest complain I hear is when it's time to turn off the video games, but he complained about that before his surgery!!

His appointment to see how things are going, and how much longer the cast needs to stay on is on June 30, which will be 7 weeks exactly from his surgery. I am nervous. Or pessimistic, I'm not sure which. I can't get rid of that gut feeling that this just isn't going to work. I'm not usually a pessimist, although if you read through some of my past posts you may disagree with that. But still deep down I am afraid that we will have to do more surgery, and that he will never be the same athletic-run-around-try-anything kind of kid.

But - he is able to get in and out of his wheelchair with minimal help, him and I have figured out the toileting routine, the few sores he has gotten have healed up nicely and he is generally happy. What more could I ask for at this point? I 'm very proud of how well he has adjusted to this part of his life. Way to go, big guy!!

Special Olympic's torch run

2010-05-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Both grand babies were asleep, so TJ took Alex on a little outing. The Special Olympics torch was running it's last leg today and part of that was in Sandy. They were all policemen /women and they had stops throughout the valley, including Sandy City Hall so TJ and Alex were there to see it AND...

...Alex got to hold it! What an honor!! Hopefully when he's recovered he can participate in an event.

A little 'Alex humor' to share; one of the officers came to shake Alex's hand and Alex said,

"Look at his nose! It's big!" Of course his speech was perfect. Thank goodness the gentleman said, "I know! It's different. It makes me look unique!" Then he introduced himself - Ish. To which Alex replied, "That's a weird name!" Leave it to Alex!!

Elder Mark Johnson

2010-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of Alex's best friends - Mark Joseph Johnson. (Mark's dad is Alex's other best friend!!) Mark is leaving today for a mission in Spain for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will be a fantastic missionary, and we are so proud of his decision to go on a mission.

Mark has always been a good friend to Alex. He seems to know when to say "knock it off" or "way to go!" at the appropriate times. Mark has been a big help through this whole hip ordeal; he took Alex laser tagging before the surgery and pushed him around in his chair, and before we got a ramp up our front stairs Mark was always available to help me get Alex in and out of the house. And this past week he has come over a couple of times to be a distraction for Alex, and give me a few minutes to put dishes in the dishwasher, or feed a baby.

Mark is only 19 years old and is taking 2 years out of his life to serve the Lord in Spain, but he knows - and I know - that he will be greatly blessed because of his service of teaching those who want to know more about the gospel. He will learn to love the people of Spain as well as their culture and history and in 2 years he will consider Spain to be his home.

We are so glad we live across the street from Elder Johnson(s) and that Alex has such great friends!

A nice day for a picnic...

2010-05-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day that Alex and I ventured out in the car without Mike's help, and we did great!!

Mike went with us last night to Walmart to get Alex's haircut - hence the reason he looks like a Buddhist monk - and today Alex and Brendon and I went to Al's school to see his classmates. When we got home, it was such a nice day we ate a picnic lunch outside.

Let's hope for more nice days to follow!!

The mystery....?

2010-05-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today while we were eating lunch I asked Taylor what was wrong with her hair. I said, "You have a short piece in the back."

"Maybe I burned off a little with the blow dryer." she answered.

"No. I don't think so. You might want to check it out." I replied.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" she yelled very loudly while the rest of us just laughed in the kitchen. It's one of those things you have to laugh at or you would cry.

She has no idea how or when it happened, but it is definitely not just a few hairs that got broken off with styling. I think she is offering a reward for anyone with information to the whereabouts of her chunk of hair. Watch for upcoming Unsolved Mysteries shows for any details I may have left out.

I think our lives have officially changed!

2010-05-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Not that we had a boring life, or even an uneventful one, but check out the picture and see what I mean by our lives have changed.

Yup. That's our oldest granddaughter opening a drawer and getting into things. I had Oakland in the high chair and was feeding her while Morgan was toddling around in the walker and then she discovered this thing opens, and WOW! Treasures!

I guess it's time to make a drawer filled with stuff for them to play with in it, and lock all the others. The only problem with those locks are I have a hard time opening anything with them on it.

Hey!! That might help the diet!!

Look mom! I'm on my tummy!!

2010-05-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

Alex is doing so good!!

2010-05-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of Alex just chillin' in his bed, playing with 'guys'. Notice he's on his side! He rolls all over the place. He is getting better at helping me help him; he slides to the edge of the bed and helps move his body to the wheelchair, or from the wheelchair to the bed, he helps with toileting, and he's getting better at eating without my help. That sounds funny, but his cast goes so high up on his chest it's hard to see past to get the food if his plate is sitting on his stomach, and if I put the plate up on the cast on his chest, it sits above his head and he can't see what he's getting. Josh made a ramp for the front steps for me because with this added extra weight of the cast, and the extra length of the wheelchair (it has to recline to accommodate the angle of his cast), I was having a hard time getting him in and out of the house. And I think the most amazing part of this to me is he has had NO pain meds. Not even any Tylenol. This kid has such a high threshold of pain!!

Now if I pan back a bit in the picture, you will see Alex's 'bedroom' is now in our living room! His wheelchair is so long it won't make the corner into his bedroom! So, we've officially become white trash and have a bed and dresser in our living room! We brought up a TV from the basement that sits at the end of his bed so he can watch movies or play video games, and I emptied his dresser then moved it into the living room so I could put toys, markers, notebooks and coloring books in it so even though we are white trash, we can be tidy white trash. I'm sure every day we will make adjustments, but so far so good!

Now we just need to figure out how I'm going to get him in and out of the suburban to doctor's appointments!!

You look mah-va-lous!!

2010-05-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

It was time to wash his hair! We've done the sponge bath routine, but check this out. You put this shower-type cap in the microwave for 30 seconds, put it on his head and rub gently. That's it! No rinsing, or extra ingredients, just the warmed shower cap. It has shampoo and conditioner in the cap and neither needs to be rinsed. Amazing! And now his hair is fresh and clean!

WHEW!!!

2010-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

It's done!

Not only is the surgery over with, but Alex is already home! He did so well!

We checked into the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, ate dinner there, watched TV, he played some video games and I answered a thousand questions about his diabetes, his meds, his - well, what didn't they ask about? It was also his first night wearing his CPAP machine....

He looks kinda loopy because he was. Literally 2 seconds after taking this picture he fell asleep. He slept great and didn't once try to take off the mask! Maybe it's because I told him he looked like Luke Skywalker. Yes, I'll do anything to get him to do what he needs to do!!

We woke up early and more doctors and more nurses came in. One doctor needed to verify which hip they would be operating on and wrote 'YES' on Al's hip. Alex thought that was the funniest thing ever, so we had to take a picture!

What they ended up finally doing is taking out both of the screws, putting in huge, new screws, drilled holes in his growth plate to hopefully stimulate bone growth, then casted him. If this doesn't work, his next surgery will be 90 times more intense - that's the doctor's words!

Alex was in surgery by 8:30 and out by 11:30 and back to his room by 1:00. And ate everything in sight by dinnertime. I'm not kidding! He started off with a Popsicle, moved directly to applesauce, then chicken noodle soup, then chicken nuggets and french fries. AND he wanted more!!!

Yes, that is a black cast! And yes, it goes from nipple to ankle. Let me clarify, it is around his whole torso, but only down the right leg, so the left leg and "other" areas are open. They gave him a couple of cute briefs that snap down both sides. Quite ingenious actually. But we'll have to make more!

He thought the cast was quite cool that first few hours, telling everyone he has rock-hard abs and that he's like Iron Man, but when it came to bedtime, it was a completely different story; "Take it off!!" "It's too big!" "It hurts me!" Yeah, we drugged him. I also let him move around to get himself comfortable, and that seemed to help instead of us trying to manipulate his body where we thought it should go. I didn't even try the CPAP on him - I figured the cast was enough to get used to. But he slept through the night once he fell asleep and woke up hungry. I got him some waffles and sausages and when the docs all came around for rounds there was no question he was going home that day. He just was doing too good! They gave us a loaner wheelchair, and I immediately took him for a walk. I HAD to take a picture of him in front of some very famous Shriner's........

I had no idea Sully was a Shriner! (These statues are in the entry to the surgical area and even though it wore Alex out, I got my picture!) He then slept for the next 2 hours while I packed up and got all the paperwork done. Mike helped us get in the car - thank goodness! I'm not going to be able to lift this lug. He's 87 lbs, and then add that huge cast.... awkward!! When we got home, we tried to get him down the hallway to his bedroom, and guess what? The chair is too long to make it around the corner of one door, and too wide to go in the other! So, Alex is camping out in our living room for the next 6-8 weeks. Yes, that's how long his cast will be on! We have an appointment in 6 weeks and they will take x-rays then to see if they want it on longer, but even when they do take it off they are putting on a splint of some kind, and I would imagine he will still be in the wheelchair with that, too.

Today was a good day. Got in and out of his wheelchair a couple of times to go for walks, ate lunch in the backyard, and pooped! Hey!! The first poop in a bedpan is a big deal!! And he's getting more used to the cast. He's even moving himself around the bed a little bit, so he's not just staying in one spot.

He truly is the bravest kid I know, and he is such a trooper! Hopefully the next 6-8 weeks will go quickly!!

Tomorrow is surgery day!

2010-05-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally here. I almost don't want to say anything for fear I will jinx it and they'll postpone his surgery AGAIN.

We check in this afternoon, that's why I'm writing now. We pick up his CPAP machine on the way, and then we get to have a 'sleep-over' at the hospital. His surgery should be first thing in the morning - that was the whole reason it got postponed the last time - so hopefully by this time tomorrow his surgery will be over with!! WHEW! I'm ready!!