What dignity?

Tyson does not like Sundays. He doesn't like getting up early, or putting on his fancy clothes, or being forced to sit quietly. Yesterday was no exception.

Kevin (who is usually the "go to guy" when Tyson gets naughty) was up taking care of some clerk duties so I was wrestling Tyson by myself. He got to the floor behind our bench and wasn't minding, so I got up and went to pick him up to take him out. He thought he was going to get off easy since I still can't quite bend over all the way and he was laying on the floor. Unfortunately for him, I can bend part of the way and he stuck his foot in the air. I was so desperate to get him out and quiet that I just grabbed his foot, hauled him up and dragged him out of Sacrament meeting while he was hanging upside down.

It was not my most dignified moment, nor have I heard the last of it from the amused members of the ward who thought it was pretty dang funny. I hear the look on his face was priceless. :)

What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's

Troy, Annie, Taylor and Tyson went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a sleepover on Friday night so Kevin and I could have at least a little bit of anniversary time. Grandpa was due to irrigate and was more than happy to let the kids "help".

Here are Annie, Troy and Tyson "helping" Grandpa's water spread out from the spout.
Annie and Taylor still "helping" the water get moved out to the trees.

And Tyson "helping" scare the water into place by running through it naked. Grandpa had so much "help" that he was able to irrigate in record time and rewarded the kids with a treat.

The kids had fun and couldn't wait to tell us of their adventures in irrigating. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for watching them for us. We appreciate you! :)

Typo...

Yesterday Kevin and I were standing in line at our favorite little Farmer's market waiting to check out. There was a display for this licorice...Australian Style Gourmet Red Liquorice. Nothing interesting about that at all is there?
Until you look closely at the advertising sign:

Do you see any mistakes? Look closely. Yes! They forgot the "U" in Aussie. So, instead of buying Aussie licorice you are buying Assie licorice which just sounds gross. Funny, but gross. We had a good laugh and Kevin got in some good jokes, then we nicely informed the employees there of their mistake. Our cashier was embarrassed but our bagger just grabbed a pen and added a "U". It didn't look very good, and really highlights the mistake, but it solved the immediate problem. I kind of wonder how many people will notice. :)

Sweet 16

Today is our anniversary. Kevin and I have now been married for 16 years. It's been an interesting and occasionally wild ride. We shared a lot of love, laughter, tears, joy and sorrow and have grown to love each other more and more each day.

We had special plans. The kids were going to Chateau De' Grandma's for 2 nights while we went to Chateau De' Petersen. We were going to go to the temple, to dinner, to a movie, to whatever we felt like doing. Due to my health issues and stuff, plans had to change, but the most important thing is that we'll be together and that we are both healthy and still very much in love.

Thanks sweetheart for the best 16 years of my life. I love you!!!!! :)

Wipeout!!!!!

Apparently the fates decided that it wasn't enough to have me in the hospital and out of commission, but we had a scare with Troy as well.

He went mountain biking with the scouts on Tuesday night and hit a bump at the bottom of the hill and went airborn. No helmet, no protective gear, nothin'.

I had called Kevin to see how things were going and he let me know that Bro. Hoffman, one of our bishopric had called to tell him that Troy had a nasty accident and they were bringing him home. He got there while we were talking and I could hear Bro. Hoffman in the background saying that if Troy had to go to the emergency room to let them know so scout insurance could cover it. That was pretty scary. I wanted to be home to take care of Troy, but I couldn't so I just bossed Kevin from my hospital bed (that was actually kind of fun). :)

Luckily, he wasn't injured badly. Lots of roadrash, some cuts to his head, sore, swollen and bruised fingers, and lots of pain, but overall, he's fine.

Here is the backside...I guess he rolled a few times after he hit and went across some rocks. The scratches actually go down his rear end and his thighs.
He has a nice scratch on this side of his face and the cuts to his head are on the other side. His face makes me want to cry...he looks like he really hurts.

And, his bike. This is the bike he got for Christmas. You can see the

back end is kind of messed up.The back wheel. He won't be riding this bike for a while.

We are so thankful that he is ok and that his accident didn't cause the injuries it could have. Blessings have sure come from above in protecting our little family. :)

Gall Bladder Be GONE!!!!!

It's been a wild ride. All last week I just didn't feel well, was nauseated, had pain in my stomach. On Saturday, I was sooooo tired. I slept in, took a morning nap and then an afternoon nap. This is very unusual for me but didn't cause any concern since it had been a tough week emotionally.

Saturday evening, Kevin and I went to dinner and then to Lowe's and finally stopped off at my folk's house to visit with my grandma. During our visit, I started getting an ache in my gut. It wasn't bad, but I asked Kevin to take me home. Halfway there, I pulled over and let him take the wheel. This really concerned him since I don't like anyone to drive my van...even him. :)

After we got home, I layed on the couch trying to relax the pain away and Kevin ran a couple of errands. While he was gone the pain that hit was AWFUL!!! I wanted to die..literally. I have had 4 children, one by C-section and have never felt that kind of pain and I really never want to again.

By the time Kevin came back I was curled up on the floor in a fetal position just sobbing. Annie had been sitting by me rubbing my hair and looked up at him and said, "Dad, it's not going so well". (looking back, that's pretty darn cute AND funny...at the time I was ticked that she told on me) He ordered me into my shoes and into the car and took me to Urgent Care. Right before we left, the pain went away and I felt better, but he made me go anyway.

When we got to Urgent care, I explained what I had felt and they took me right back, had a doctor come in and check my belly and referred me straight to the emergency room. He even called ahead to let the doctors know I was coming and sent paperwork. I should have been alerted by about then that this was no easy fix, but I was in serious denial.

Once in the emergency room we had to wait all of 10 minutes before I was put in the back. They did an ultrasound, took blood and gave me the GI cocktail (which is gross) to help the lingering pain and heartburn and told me to wait patiently...which I didn't. For heaven's sake I had things to do!!! :)

Finally the doctor came and and let me know that I had gall stones which weren't really a problem, but my liver was not functioning properly, which was (hence the exhaustion). The plan was for non emergency, emergency surgery. Basically that means that they won't do it right away...just as soon as they can. I was given an IV and admitted. By this time I was pretty ticked at my body. I had visiting teaching stuff to do, meetings, classes, church issues...I just couldn't take a break, but I didn't have a choice.

Sunday morning at 11, I went into surgery and woke up at 1:30 with 4 small cuts in my stomach held together with Durabond (superglue) and a horrible thirst. I asked for some ice chips or something, but they wouldn't let me have any. That's when I found out that the dye didn't go through my bile duct leading to my liver and I would have to have another surgery...less invasive, but still a surgery. I'm ashamed to say that I cried. A lot. My poor nurse (Nigel...a big english lad and totally awesome) was so sweet and caring and he and Kevin got me though it, but it was still a hard blow. No food, no water, lots of pain.

I needed to have an endoscopy on Monday morning. Basically, they knock you out, put a camera and small tools down your throat and through all your pipes and clean your ducts out. Luckily I don't remember a thing but still thinking about it gives me the eebie jeebies. I have pictures showing my liver, the tools going into my liver and them taking out the stone. I was going to post them, but I've been informed that it is disgusting, so I'll spare anyone that scene. :)

Things started to pick up so by Monday at lunch I could have jello and broth and thankfully all the water I wanted. Aaaahhhh. Then for dinner I had jello and broth. On Tuesday I was sure I would get out, but my liver and pancreas were putting out elevated enzymes which is bad, so I had to stay. And I had jello and broth for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I got up this morning, had jello and broth for breakfast and lunch and finally the doctor came in and said that everything had gone down, that I could go, and that I was free to eat anything. YAY!!!

I got dressed, got discharged, and made Kevin stop at Arby's on the way home where I enjoyed a sandwhich, cheese sticks and a chocolate shake. I have never tasted anything so good in all my life.

So, finally home and very sore still I am enjoying being pampered (which I'm sure will stop soon) and letting the ward bring in meals (which I wish wouldn't stop...good stuff) and being lazy. I can't wait to finish healing so we can return to our summer plans of swimming and stuff. Our anniversary plans were put off track due to this little bump in our road so that stinks, but we will still get time together and we are healthy, so that's lots of blessings to be counted.

Thanks to everyone for your love, support, prayers, visits, flowers, happy thoughts, cards, gelato (yum!), and smiles. I love you all! :)

Promotion Time!

Today was a busy day and most of it was spent at the kid's schools. We started this morning when we went in for Taylor's Kindergarten promotion. It was so sweet and the kids sang and smiled and each of them were recognized one by one and received their little trophy. Here is Taylor and his wonderful (and pretty, he says) teacher during the after promotion party.
After Taylor's promotion, we went to the other campus for Annie's awards assembly. She earned a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll and we are very proud of her. No pictures are available because they started the assembly 40 minutes late and Kevin and I had our hands full wrestling 5 little hungry kids.

Finally tonight we attended Troy's 8th grade Promotion Ceremony. I was doing well until they walked in and it hit me that my baby boy was going to be a Freshman in high school is 7 short weeks and I kinda lost it. I can't believe how fast the years have gone by and how big and handsome he is.

We were excited for him when he was awarded two different awards. First, they chose 1 boy and 1 girl to give the Citizenship award to. It is for service and for going above and beyond both in and out of school. He was surprised and very embarrassed to be in the spotlight (must be genetic). Then they awarded the students who earned straight A's all year and he also received that...it was even signed by the president.
Kevin and I are so proud of our children. Each of them excels in the many things they do and each have a strong testimony and good work ethic. Now, if we could just figure out how the heck it happened, maybe there will be hope for Tyson. :)

:(

Warning...this is going to be a real downer post. Mostly I just need a place to vent a little.

Have you ever followed a course of action that you knew was right but that you also knew would cause a lot of pain? I did this weekend and I've hurt someone badly. She is a friend...someone I love dearly and she confided in me some struggles she was having. I have kept those struggles to myself and will continue to do so, but this weekend, due to other circumstances, the spirit guided me to share those with our bishop. The thought just kept coming to my mind that I'm not only her friend but her RS president as well and that I needed to see that she got some help.

Now she knows I have violated her trust and she is hurt and angry and I can't blame her one bit. Some friend I am. I have been in tears all morning just thinking about her and feeling horrible for the choice I made...and yet at the same time, I have peace in knowing that the Lord wanted the bishop to know.

I hope that someday she will understand the prayer and thought that went into my decision. I hope that she realizes that I love her and I hope someday that I'll regain her trust. Sometimes life just sucks.

Goings' On

I've been hoarding some pictures and some news and finally decided it was time to share. :)

First of all...Troy passed his Eagle Board of Review!!!!! We are so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. It will take 3-6 weeks to get his paperwork processed by the National Boy Scout Council and then he'll be able to plan and have his special Court of Honor and be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He will be the first Eagle Scout in our ward which is pretty awesome. As plans and details come about, we'll make sure to let everyone know what is happening.

Tiger has had an interesting time of it. First, I tried to shave him and pooped out at halfway done. Then Troy tried and it was just pitiful. Finally, I traded some daycare for some grooming and got him shaved for the summer. He looks great, but gained a little bit of a complex by being naked. :)
Taylor lost his first top tooth and got fifty cents from the tooth fairy. He was very excited to have some cash to go and buy candy. (I guess he wants to rot the teeth he has left) :)

We got an exciting call from the school and found out that Troy was nominated and was going to be awarded Student of the Month. It was awarded to him at the school board meeting and he got a nice medal to keep.

What a handsome boy!!! :)

To celebrate the Student of the Month and the Eagle Board of Review, we headed to Sonic for a treat. I got my favorite...a Blue Coconut Cream Shake. Then I made the mistake of sharing with Tyson. I turned my back for just a quick minute to check my email and I came back to this mess. Tyson decided to see the what the "splash factor" was for a cream shake and got it everywhere...the counters, the floors, Tiger, himself. Tiger loved the test since he got to taste, but I lost my treat which makes for a groucy mamma and a Tyson in trouble.

Tiger's new decor...blue spots. :)

Lots of good stuff happening at our house and we are staying very busy as always. School will be out soon and I'm excited for summer and the chance to go camping and spend time with the kids and the fam, and I'm hoping to find some work that I can do at home and phase out my daycare so that my children get more of my attention. Hopefully everything will work out for the best. :)

A time for Thanks

Well, I'm six weeks into this calling of mine and I've had more drama, more tears, more trials and more frustrations than I ever thought possible. It's been very challenging and yet very rewarding and I hope and pray every day that I have been able to help at least one person.

This last week has been rough. Horrible, actually. At the same time, helping members of the ward with their struggles has really opened my eyes to how blessed I am. I figured it was time for a little thanks.

I am so thankful for Kevin. He is my eternal companion, my champion, my protector, my sounding board, my half awake kiss goodbye on Sunday mornings when I'm on my out to meetings, my support system, etc. I could really go on and on and on. I love him with all my heart and soul and I'm so glad we've had these almost 16 years together.

I am thankful for my children. They have been so patient during my meetings, my many phone calls, my short temper, and my inability on some nights to put dinner on the table. Of course, they love going the trips to McDonald's because of it...a small payback. :)

I am extremely thankful for Bishop Coleman, Bro. Hoffman and Bro. Clow, our wonderful Bishopric. These men stand behind me, are patient with my mistakes, put up with my strange sense of humor (I recently requested that we start adding estrogen supplements to the sacrament water and they didn't even bat an eye), and gently and kindly guide me through what needs to be done and how to do it.

I am so thankful for friends and family and their prayers and support. I feel so inadequate and I often wonder why the Lord chose me to be a Relief Society President of all things. I know that on the hard days, it's those prayers and support that get me through.

I am so blessed and so thankful for my counselors and my secretary. Carole, Shelli, and Julie are one in a million ladies. They are more than willing to shoulder their share of responsibility and some of mine. I don't have to delegate, they volunteer and they are always ready with an encouraging word, a smile, and a hug. I couldn't and I wouldn't do this without them.

Finally, I am thankful for my Savior and His calming and supporting influence. It's hard having my name drug through the mud and having the occasional person mad at me, or to blame me for their decision to leave the church, but there is always that gentle reminder...the same one He gave to Joseph Smith..."they hated me before they hated you" and I'm reminded that He suffered far worse. If He can handle it, so can I because I have His help.

There...I feel better already. Maybe this week isn't so bad after all. :)

An Important Lesson

Annie has learned one of life's important lessons this week....never chew gum while wrestling with your brothers because it WILL fall out of your mouth, and then it WILL get stuck in your hair, and then you WILL have to get a haircut. (keep in mind that she has been warned about this)

When she realized she'd lost her gum, she looked for it and finally found it in her hair...then she tried to pull it out which led to strings and globs everywhere. So, out came the scissors and comb and I gave her a haircut.

I was able to do an A-line cut and save most of her hair. She wasn't happy though and she spent the rest of the day telling me how terrible she looked. I thought it turned out pretty cute myself and after going to school the next day and getting lots of compliments, she decided it was cute too. :)

Front View:
Side View:

Back View:

She did tell me that she will grow it out again and that she will never, ever again chew gum while wrestling. Ahhhh...validation (finally!). :)

Party Time

Saturday night, Troy had his first boy/girl party. *gasp...I'm old!* We had so much fun with him and his friends.

My brother Dustin has a great setup...inflatable movie screen, speakers, laptop and projector...just the thing for great outdoor movie showing, and perfect for my parent's large yard.

We gathered up Troy and his friends and went to my folk's house and had pizza baked spaghetti, salad, and breadsticks. The kids were laughing, talking, and having so much fun. Then we pulled out the lawn chairs and watched "Transformers" while enjoying licorice, carmel corn and other movie treats. It was a great success and we can't wait to do it again (when it cools down of course). :)

Easter Fun

We have had an awesome Easter. I love this holiday...and not just for the unlimited chocolate available or the candy tax from the kid's baskets. ;) I love the celebration of the Resurrection and the message of hope and love it brings. I also love Easter traditions. Most of these I have carried on from my childhood.

Thursday night we colored our eggs. Troy was such a helper in keeping Tyson as dye free as possible. Tyson loved putting a while egg into the cup and pulling a colorful egg out of the cup. He would laugh and clap each time.
Annie and Taylor coloring their eggs. It's nice that the kids are getting big enough to do theirs by themselves...less ick for me to have to get into. :)

Taylor and Tyson waiting on pins and needles for their eggs to get done.

Yay!!! A beautiful colorful egg!

Sunday was a beautiful day...lots of sunshine, not too hot, cool breeze. A perfect day for Easter. The Easter bunny brought each of the kids a bag of candy and an Easter outfit. Here is Tyson showing off his new duds. This is his first suit and he is quite proud of it. After we dressed him this morning, he went and looked in the mirror and shouted "WooHoo!". He knew he was stylin'. And yes, that is chocolate on his face. The suit was cool, but candy is king.

Annie in her new dress. The Easter bunny had a heck of a time finding a dress that was modest...he still had to buy a shirt to go under it. Maybe next year he can contract out to a seamstress for a little help. :)

Taylor looking good in his new suit. Taylor loves to dress up and Sunday is the best day because he can wear a tie and a vest which to him is very cool. (Kevin wonders how what genes brought that on since he and I are very casual in the way we dress...I think it's pretty fun.)

Troy with a new shirt and tie and newly straightened teeth. I can't believe how grown up he's getting!

While waiting for the eggs to be ready to hunt, Tyson started taking "pictures". Here he is taking pictures of me taking pictures of him. What a character!

Taylor hunting the eggs...he found some of the harder hides.

Kevin and Troy helping Tyson. Tyson kept thinking that the eggs were balls and threw them repeatedly. It's a good thing we turn them into egg salad...they were pretty smushed.

It was a fun weekend with lots to do and lots of family time. I hope that everyone's Easter was a spiritual and blessed as ours!

Adventures of Tiger and Teeth

That's an eye catching title don't you think? :)

Since being called as the Relief Society president for my ward life has gotten a lot busier (and I thought I was busy before...if I'd only known) :) Consequently, instead of commenting on blogs and browsing Facebook I take quick peeks, and instead of updating this blog as often as needed I wait for these nights when I'm wired to do it.

A few weeks ago, it was time to trim Tiger. Troy decided he could do it just fine and proceeded to shave him. The problem was that he took off the clipper guide and then got impatient and didn't really finish.

Here is the finished (?) style from the top. Notice the inroads and bare spots. We've had to keep Tiger indoor and go for walks at night so that the other doggies in the neighborhood don't make fun of him.
And from the side...poor hairy guy. We have plans to fix this, just don't know when.

And.......TROY GOT HIS BRACES OFF....YAY! Isn't this boy of mine so handsome? He has a beautiful, newly straightened smile to go with those gorgeous blue eyes of his. :)

He's enjoying being able to eat all the things he couldn't eat before (actually he ate them anyway, but now it's guilt free) and having an easier time cleaning his teeth. The only problem is his new retainer...he hasn't gotten used to it yet and talks funny. If you are interested in a little fun, call and ask him to say "she sells sea shells by the sea shore" while wearing his retainer. It's a lot of fun. (I'm such a mean mommy)

For the most part, aside from these events life has been the same as usual. We've been sick like everyone else, the kids took the AIMS like every other kid going to school in Arizona, and trying to keep up with life, and even with all that, I don't think I'd change it for the world. :)

6th Picture Tag

I've been tagged! I was supposed to find the 6th picture in my file and here it is:

I have no idea what Tyson is doing, where he is doing it and why he isn't wearing any pants. I just know he's adorable. :)

I tag anyone that wants to be tagged. Have a great day!