Hmmm???

I feel like writing!  I have all this nervous energy that I want to release and I find writing to be a source of comfort at times like these.  2 things.  That's all I can say.  I have 2 things on my mind, but I can't share them with any of you.  How sad, because I really can't, and they're ohhhh so juicy!  But no, I HAVE TO behave myself and keep the details to myself .  Life in limbo-- oh it's just the best, N-O-T!!!  Ok, I feel a little bit better... just a little.  I'm sure there will be a future post with all the ooey goey details, but for now, you'll just have to wonder just like me!

The Low Down

What have I been up too?  Here's the skinny:

• I started a part-time job as a "mommy's helper."  I basically go over to a sister's house in our ward and help her with cleaning, cooking, and babysitting.  She's nice and I enjoy working for her.  We have a symbiotic relationship-- I help her so she can spend more time focusing on her two adoptive son's whom have special needs and she helps me have some extra spending money.  I've also found working for her to be a blessing. She is a great organizer and I've gleaned a few ideas off her.  Working this job does have some challenges.  I have less time to spend cleaning my own home, and the kids seem to miss me when I'm gone.  Over all, it's worth it and a certainly a blessing.
• I've found my old self!  I bet you didn't know it, but I lost something very important to me.  The past 7 years or so, I've found myself wanting to be creative, but I didn't have my spark.  My creative self was gone! Everything just seemed too time consuming and I never could narrow down what I wanted to make.  I don't know what changed these past few weeks, but I am thrilled to be creating!  I've made wooden pillars, wooden candy corn, a FHEs  board, spooky blocks, and another board that says, "I do believe in Spooks."  I have so many new ideas running through my mind, I can hardly tackle them fast enough!
• My latest obsession is with my new laminating machine.  It was so cheap...somewhere around $25 and it's been so fun!  I've been spending countless hours printing fun things for my kids and laminating them.  They love it as much as I.  If you're on my Christmas list, watch out!!!  (JK, Dad Barry-- I'll make sure to get you a real present.)  ;)
• The kids are on break!  We went camping which was ok.  Not the best trip, not the worst.  It was just too hot, we were tired, and the kids got plenty dirty.  The 2 highlights of the trip were: no technology and the card game I picked up-- "WAR."  The kids wore those cards out!
• We're cleaning a lot, and organizing.
• And lastly, our washer just died!  I'm currently washing clothes in the tub for now, anyone have a washboard handly? Oh... and can one of you let Aaron know that I really need him to take a break (from work) so he can fix our lame-o washer!

Well, that's about all folks!  Night y'all!

You've met Fuzzy Wuzzy and Noodle, now Introducing... Bella!

We have all been smitten by Bella!  She is so sweet and adorable!  She's 3/4 Llaso Apso and 1/4 Cocker Spaniel. She and Noodle, our Shih Tzu, have really hit it off!  We're thrilled to have found him a playmate just his size.  Both she and Noodle are smaller than our cat! 

She has been held ALL day, and fought over by all of us!  She's only 7 weeks old. 

Ruling Out

Last Thursday I continued to feel palpitations in my chest and dizziness, so I felt impressed to go into the ER yet again.  The thought came to me that I might have a pulmonary embolism. 

The hospital decided to admit me due to my abnormal EKG.  They wanted to perform a stress test on me.  It was pretty scary when they rolled me down to nuclear medicine, and injected me with a radioactive contrast.  The test came back negative, and the cardiologist saw nothing that he thought I should be concerned with.

I then had a  CT scan.  I didn't want to do it, but with my recent surgery and symptoms, I thought it would be best.  That was really scary!  They injected me with another contrast that goes throughout your lungs, and then took pics that are equal to about 100 chest x-rays.  When they injected the medicine in me, I felt a warmth rush through my whole chest and even down to my bladder. Yikes!

That came back negative. 

They performed an ultrasound on my legs, and found a small blood clot in my superficial veins.  The doctor said it was probably a result from my surgery.  I now have to take a baby aspirin every day, but he said I shouldn't worry about it.

They also found out my potassium level was low, which can cause your heart to have an irregular heart beat.   Interesting.  They gave me the biggest potassium horse pills ever, I'm talking big, like an inch and a half long!  I could barely get them down.  I've been feeling much better since I've been eating a banana a day!  I sure hope that's all it is!

Needless to say, during my stay, my feelings of strong *dislike* for hospitals have increased exponentially and my love for my family grew to new heights!  It's great to be home!

A Tender Mercy

After a very busy day, I sat down to check my email and what do you know?  Something beautiful was in there.  Something that brought me to tears, not of sadness, but of joy.  My cousin and his wife just brought home a beautiful little bundle of joy! 

Hailey Nicole

They have waited a long time for this little one.  Six years ago, they lost their dear, sweet baby at the end of her pregnancy.  It broke all of our hearts.  

All these years later, they decided to adopt. They received Hailey 6 years to the day they lost their son. 

They recognize the Lord's hand in this, and have said without a doubt, the Lord has been with them throughout the whole experience.  What a blessing she is, truly a "tender mercy." The Lord is wonderful, and he loves us all so much.  

Thank you Jeremy and Jenny for sharing your special moment with me, my heart is full of happiness for you. 

Morgan's Court of Honor

Last Tuesday was a special night for Morgan.  He earned:

Ranks:

• Scout
• Tenderfoot
• 2nd Class
• 1st Class

Merit Badges:

• Citizenship in the Nation
• Music

We were pretty proud of him.  He's already half-way to earning his Star.  Way 2 go, Morgan!!!

Two Marshmallow Roasting Sticks and a Wooden Spoon

Wow, is it really 11:33 PM???  Why in the world am I still up?  I have seminary in the morning people!  I will be leaving my warm cozy bed at 5 AM, there is NO OTHER OPTION. 

Yet, here I am drooling over my laptop as I write this blog entry.  Today has been a crazy and stressful day, and so now, I'm trying to unload all of that stress.  Breath in...exhale-- NOT WORKING!!!

Well, I guess I'll share with you the beginning moments of my day, it's all a blur, but I'll take it from here.

Kaitlyn has a cold.  Do you know what that means?  Asthma attack!  She and Aaron spent the night @ the ER, yet again.  We're really feeling quite at home there these days.  I of course couldn't sleep.  You know how it is, waiting for the phone to ring.  All that anxiety of not knowing what's going on, it will have you waking up every hour, wondering.  Still I shouldn't complain, Aaron's the one who had to sleep on that hard chair all night.  Poor guy.  It's times like these that make me realize what an awesome hubby he is.  Thank you, honey--  I love you!

So when he came home, it was pretty much time for me to wake up for seminary.  It seriously felt like I had a 5 minute nap!  So painful.

Then I came home, sent the girls off to school, and woke Aaron up.

I had scheduled VT visits-- one for 9AM and one for 10AM.  I realized that after I dropped Aaron off at work, I was going to be late, since he was late.  So I contacted my sister, and she was fine with me arriving a few minutes late.  Then it happened...

Aaron locked the keys inside our running vehicle.  Yes, and our spare keys were also inside said vehicle!  I was ready to call the locksmith, but my husband (being the engineer that he is), opened the rear windows of our van with two marshmallow roasting sticks!  I supplied the wooden spoon, which unlocked the rear door.  We gave each other a high five, and were quite amazed at our new found abilities.  We determined, yet again, that we make a pretty good team-- this new discovery, bringing things to a whole new level!

Needless to say, I had to cancel my VT visit.

I would end there, but I can't resist telling you that our:

• Front door's knob on our house broke.  Now we have to go through the garage until we have it replaced.  If you come for a visit, sorry, I won't be able to open the door.
• There was this amazing storm that hit right at the time Morgan walks home from school.  I'm talking downpour and dangerous lightning.  I decided I'd be a good mom, and pick Morgan up.  I see him walking with a girl, and my first thought was, "Is that Morgan, my son, walking home with a girl (a very pretty girl)?)"  My next thought, "Is that my son, Morgan, putting his arm around a pretty girl?)"  "NOOOOOO!!!!!  I am not ready for this!"  I think I had an anxiety attack at that moment.  When Morgan saw me, let me tell you, he pulled his arm down so fast.  They both looked like they had been caught in the act, which they were.  I tried to be nice and offer the girl a ride home, she declined.  I asked Morgan what was going on.  He said, "she said she was cold mom."  "Right..."  I'm still running this whole situation through my mind, walking home might not be a good option.
• I then went to vote in the pouring rain.  I got all wet, AND the guy I was voting for didn't win!!!

The best thing that happened today was Morgan's Court of Honor, but I'm way to tired to add those details.  I'll save that for tomorrow.  Night y'all.

Lot's of Gifts

Anderson scored today!  When the mail arrived he was one happy boy, presents from the Grandparents are always a special treat!  I had fun making collages out of the pics we took...

From Grandparents Barry

From Grandma Garrison

Fun times, thanks Grandma/Grandpa Barry and Grandma Garrison--  he felt so loved!

Playground Fun

After a weekend full of chores, our monkeys thoroughly enjoyed getting out doors and having fun. 

Anderson and Abigail's Birthday Bash

Anderson turned three today.  We celebrated his birthday and Abigail's together.  They both were mesmerized by the candles. Abigail so much so, that she actually climbed on top off the table!  Boy, she wanted that cake!  We had fun watching them squeal with delight.






Here's a video of Abigail walking:

Determined

I was seriously determined to be productive today, and it worked.  I wrote down my goals last night, and I accomplished almost everything. 

I ran 2.8 miles, read my scriptures, weeded the front yard, cleaned the boys room, organized their dresser, sorted through their clothes, lot's and lot's of laundry, organized part of the garage, cleaned the kitchen, paid bills, started organizing Sarah and Abigail's clothes, cleaned some of my room, made dinner, cleaned the kitchen again, helped the kids with their homework, journaled, read family scriptures, and now I'm going to bed!!!  :)

I am so tired, I'll have no problem falling to sleep.  Sweet Dreams. 

Oh, and BTW, Abigail walks!!!  More info on that to come.

Morgan's 1st Dance

It's official, Morgan obtained the needed card to attend his first(and future) dance(s).  His first dance was at a barn.  The 2nd counselor in the Bishopric was chaperoning, and said, "Morgan was on F-I-R-E!!!"

Morgan asked 3 girls to dance, and 2 girls asked him.  They announced the "newbies," and then proceeded to invite the other teens to ask them to dance.  This didn't embarrass Morgan at all.

He said they had fun music.  One of the songs he enjoyed was Replay by Sean Kingston.  He couldn't believe they played Ini Mini by Justin Beaver, he said he strongly dislikes that song! 

He said the girls were "cute"-- in a very casual way.  ;)

My Special Plant Had Babies

Let me introduce you to my most favorite plant-- OK, my only plant.  This plant has been with me since Morgan was about 5 months old.  When I bought her she was small and fragile.  Now she's beautiful and full.  In fact I had to trim her because she was growing so long.  A month ago, I was able to start new plants with these trimmings.

She's been with me through every transition that I've gone through since 1997!  Crazy, huh?  I love this plant so much.  We've lived a parallel life through the years.  When I'm doing well emotionally, and life has a steady routine, my plant has flourished!  When life has been hectic or when I'm physically and emotionally drained, my plant has suffered as well from my lack of care.  Despite my many, many times of neglect, this plant has stayed by my side.  She has loved me more than I have loved her.  I sometimes wonder if she will out live me!  She's beautiful, and we share many memories.

One of my most favorite memories of my plant, was when Aaron and I were both in college full-time with 3 young children.  We both had part-time jobs and a paper route.  Life was rough.  We were really struggling financially.  We were spent in so many ways, pretty much living day to day, trying to survive.  My mom would come over on a weekly basis and help me with my laundry.  She was the one that made sure to water my plant.  She was the one to realize just how special this plant was to me.  I still remember her asking me, "Trina do you realize how special this plant is?  This plant has really been there for you, and I'm going to take care of it since you're so busy.  We have to keep it alive, you've had it for so long."  That meant the world to me-- my Mom, taking the time to water my little plant. 

I think it's time to buy some new pots!

One Nice Sunday

Church was absolutely delightful today!  We had wonderful speakers.  The family that spoke has 8 kids, and the mother had some terrific ideas on ways to help children recognize the Spirit.  That concept was new to me, and I loved it.  She told us that whenever you feel the Spirit during FHE or during your family scriptures, that you should ask the kids if they feel that special feeling.  That way they can learn what the Spirit feels like and it also doubles as a way to strengthen their testimonies.  I don't know why I haven't thought of doing that before, but I love her idea and plan implementing her fantastic example.

Aaron and I were asked to sing a duet about a month ago, and today was our lucky day.  ;)  The song we choose was Abide with Me and Sally DeFord(you can listen to it, we sang the duet version) composed the particular arrangement we performed.  I fell in love with it the moment I heard it. 

We were so nervous, but I think it sounded pretty good.  I loved singing next to Aaron, and our pianist did a wonderful job!

When we came home, Aaron made waffles and shortly after that we enjoyed a thunderstorm!  This just made the day feel extra special!  What a treat, rain-- we haven't had much for the past couple of weeks.  All of the kids get so excited.  I just have to show you how they love looking out the window when the rain is coming down.  It's so cute!

What's up with...Abigail?

Abigail is the cutie pie of our home!  I think she is adored and loved by all, and is spoiled beyond belief.  She can be held as long as she wants, because there is always someone willing.  However, since she is spoiled, and prefers to be on my lap, and I generally give in.  We spend countless hours snuggling, cuddling, and playing together. She is such a sweet little girl, there is little I can do to resist.

• She just turned one at the end of July.
• She currently is sporting 6 teeth, 4 on top, and 2 on the bottom.
• She says the words Mama, Dada, and eyes.
• She can stand up without anyone supporting her, and loves to clap all the while.  She does this because we always clap for her, and she loves the attention.
• Her current choice of transportation is crawling.
• She sleeps mostly through the night, except for the occasional nighttime feeding.
• She has had about the same amount of hair since she was born.  Her hair still isn't long enough to pull up in ponytails.
• She loves all of the kids and they love her.  Sometimes they can get her laugh so hard she can barely breath!
• She likes to look out of our front room window when someone leaves the house.
• She loves it when I sing to her, and will usually join in.
• She babbles.
• She's not a picky eater.  In fact she'll eat almost anything edible, or not.
• She's our only child that I've ever had to call 911 for.  She swallowed/ choked on something, but was fine before the paramedics arrived.
• She loves swimming.
• She loves baths.
• She's a climber.  She loves to sit on top of boxes, and Anderson's little bike.
• She really enjoys going on evening walks with her Dad and Mom.
• And..., she really loves the gifts Grandma and Grandpa Barry sent for her birthday!  Thank you!

She's one sweet girl, and I love her so much.  Abigail, I'm glad you slipped in and surprised your Mom and Dad.  Life just wouldn't be the same without you!  Thanks for making our days bright.  I love you!

Friday the 13th

Kaitlyn lost her shoes this morning.
Madison's frosting didn't turn out.
Aaron had a rough start at work.
I came down with the stomach flu.

Need I say more?

The Case of the Missing Key

Last night I realized that I had lost a really important key.  It's my friend's key, the key to her house.  I'm currently feeding her fish, checking mail, watering plants, ect. while she's out of town. 

So far things haven't gone well.  Along with feeding her fish, she also gave me two small(actually tiny) tomato plants to tend to.  I have kept them watered, and she told me to make sure to put them in the sun, so I did.  I placed them outside to bask in the sun, and now they are... crispy.  Oops, I guess that full-on Arizona sun was a bit harsh for those tiny, little seedlings.

I guess you can imagine how bad I felt when I realized her key was lost.  Now I was even more concerned that her fish might die, that is, if I couldn't find her house key. 

I remember thinking how awful it would be if I lost her key, so I deliberately put them in a box on top of the fridge, far away from little hands.  Well, at some point last night, Anderson and Christian decided to push a chair up to the fridge so they could have access to all of mommy's precious belongings.

When I went to fetch the key, so I could go and feed the fish, it was GONE!!!  I immediately started to fret-- more like panic!  If there is anything I dislike, it would be looking for a lost item.  It is such a waste of time!  I have a huge to-do list, and looking for lost keys was not part of my agenda.  I looked for at least 3 hours last night.  I prayed(since I have a strong testimony of prayer, and that's exactly what one should do if they've lost something important).  I went to bed with no key in sight( more like no peace in sight).  I tossed and turned, and at one point I even woke up and resumed my search in the middle of the night.

I started searching again bright and early in the morning, and still no key.  I looked, I prayed.  I was beginning to loose hope.  I called my Mom, and told her my plight.  She asked me if I'd checked the garbage can, under the bathroom sink, and the linen closet.  After we said  good-bye, I said a fervent( more like pleading) prayer.  Desperation was starting to set in.  Within five minutes of hanging up with Mom, I felt an impression to look in the freezer.  As I opened the door, I happened to notice this:

the black bracelet that the key was on, just behind the corn, which was placed on the top shelf.  My heart jumped for joy!  Madison and I immediately offered a prayer of gratitude.  I called Mom, and told her the good news, and she said she had prayed for me as well.  Thank you Heavenly Father for answering all of our prayers today.  I know I couldn't have found that key without your help.

Morgan's 8th Grade Graduation

Morgan had his 8th grade graduation ceremony at the Pima Air and Space Museum. Arizona Virtual Academy put on a pretty nice graduation! Way to go Morgan!!!

The Father/Son Campout I Never Blogged About

For the Father/ Son campout, the guys went to Kartchner's Camp-- which happens to be the last name of the member family who owns the property.  It's a small ranch with two man-made, stocked ponds.  They camped in the dirt, not far from the parking lot, and had a great time. 

Morgan was fascinated by the wash and how it had created intriguing sink hole caves, big enough to walk through.  He also loved the canoe, and spent the majority of his time fishing on it.

The little boys liked to eat, hang out with Dad, and look for fish in the pond.

Aaron took pleasure in relaxing, and enjoyed watching all the boys explore.

Right before they left, Morgan tied a string to a stick, and a worm to the other end of the string.  He actually caught a big fish that way.  The pond was full of fish, and I heard that a lot of the fish were swimming around with hooks left on their mouths.  I guess the boys weren't too good at removing the hooks, poor fish...

Aaron took some great pics:

While the boys were away, us gals watched The Princess Bride and enjoyed a Kirby vacuum sales demonstration, fun stuff!