"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family."--Author Unknown

Friday, May 16, 2008

Tag Info

I guess I have just been tagged by Nurse Heidi so here goes:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago..
-I was starting summer school at BYU--my prereqs to start the RN to BSN program.
-I was finishing my RN degree at UVSC.
-I was applying to the study abroad program at BYU to attend the London, England center during Winter Semester.
-I was working graveyards as an LPN in the Rehab department at UVRMC.

2. 5 Things on my to do list today:
-Clean house
-Grocery shopping
-exercise and get my 10000 steps in today with my pedometer
-prepare the garden to start planting tomorrow (I know it is a little late, but better late than never, right?!?)
-pay bills because it is pay day--WAHOO!

3. Five snacks I enjoy:
-cake
-chips and salsa
-hot chocolate
-pretzels
-rice cakes snack size

4. What would I do if I suddenly became a millionaire:
-pay off house
-invest part of it after paying tithing
-take a fun vacation with my family
-buy a travel trailer
- save the rest because I am a true penny pincher!!

5. 3 Bad habits I have:
-I have a hard time throwing things away--kid's schoolwork, etc.
-Procrastination-- a lot of times it is easier to put things off till later!
-I don't always put things away--it gets stashed wherever it got put down.

6. 5 places I have lived:
-American Fork, UT
-Rexburg, ID
-Provo, UT
-London, England
-Current residence

7. 5 Jobs I have had:
-Medical/Surgical Nurse
-Rehab Nurse
-Formulary tracker for herbal supplement company
-Pay phone telephone operator
-Art Department Model

8. 5 Things people don't know about me:
-I am an insomniac and have been for a long time--one good thing is you can get a lot done at 2 am (paying bills, dusting, reading, etc.) because there are very little distractions.
-I am a very shy person--it takes a long time to get to know me fully.
-I like yard work even though I can complain sometimes I really don't mind mowing, weed eating, edging, etc. most of the time.
-I absolutely HATE laundry and procrastinate it as long as possible.
-When my kids are all in school I want to go back to school myself to get a master's degree.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Spring

Monday for FHE we planted my Mother's Day flowers with the kid's help. We planted them in the backyard so the kids could watch them grow and, hopefully, they will grow!
Today we had a doctor's appointment and my glucose test was great. It will be the only time in my life that I had to eat a chocolate candybar and drink a glass of sugary juice because of doctor's orders--and I loved it! The baby is all ready 2 pounds and looks great. We are at 25 1/2 weeks and it is going by fast. This baby isn't as active as the other three were so maybe she will be laid back and relaxed. I can hope!! They are starting me on every 2 week appointments from now on and I can't believe it. I keep thinking I will have time to get everything ready later, but I better start now especially with school ending in a couple weeks!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to everyone who is now and will be in the future!! I am happy to report I did not get any cereal with milk dumped in my lap this year during breakfast in bed like last year. Aaron had the kids make me breakfast in bed and then he made dinner for me and even cleaned up!! It was nice. Today at church Aaron got to help out in Josh's primary class so the women could attend Relief Society. We still had young women, but it was nice. The kids made some cute things for their moms at church and were very proud to give them to their moms. I even got a pretty flower and am hoping I don't kill it again like I did last year.
We had our big family party at our house yesterday with the extended family. It was nice enough outside we were able to have dinner outdoors. The cousins had fun playing together while the adults got some adult conversation in. Grandma and Grandpa Terry even brought their tiller so we were able to till our garden and get it ready to start planting. I can taste those fresh tomatoes all ready!!
On a funny note Matthew filled out a paper telling everyone about his mom and I thought I would share. His answers to the questions are in red.
1. I love my mom because she reads Books.

2. I love my mom because she helps me do my homework.

3. I love when my mom makes me eat.

4. I love my mom because she taught me how to do my homework.

5. I love my mom because she finds time to eat. (my personal favorite)

6. I love my mom when she makes me laugh by tickling me.

7. I love my mom because she drives me on my vacation.

8. I know my mom cares because she reads to me.

9. I know my mom is smart because she says good job.

10. I love my mom because she works hard at the computer.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Kids Listen...Sometimes!!

Yesterday I was volunteered in Josh's classroom. At the end of class they always read a book aloud and yesterday was no different. A child chose a book with large pictures so everyone could see. On one of the pages it talked about earth. Everyone was exceptionally quiet, but when Josh heard the word earth he told everyone quite loudly that he lived with Jesus Christ before he came to earth. Inside I was quite proud, but I didn't quite know how to react on the outside. They paused for a second and continued with the story. Later on in the story it showed a picture of a guy standing in the middle of a river when Josh blurts out, "Hey, he's getting baptized!!" I am one who does not like to draw attention to myself so I guess I blushed a little, but was still impressed Josh said as much. The teacher said living in this state you can't help but hear that quite often in her classroom. I now have proof that kids, although it may not seem like it, listen sometimes and things can sink in...occassionally.
Later on in the day we ended up going to the mall for a few things. This week was teacher appreciation week and the PTA sent home a letter telling the parents on what days to send what things to show their appreciation for the teachers. I thought this was a good idea and put the paper in a special spot--so special I couldn't find it again. That is why we went to the mall to pick up a little token of our appreciation; especially for Matthew's teacher because I am sure it is not always easy being his teacher. While we were there we stopped by a craft store The Quilted Bear. While browsing there I ran into someone I knew and we talked for a few minutes. While we were talking I thought I was keeping a pretty good eye on Josh until we got home. When we got home he pulled a handful of small magnets from his pocket. He had picked out a magnet for everyone in the family, but hadn't told me about it at the store. They were cute CTR and families are forever magnets, too. I couldn't get too mad because he had taken the time to specifically pick one out for each member of our family. I talked to him about paying for things before taking them. We went back this morning to return them and Josh appologized to the clerk. I am hoping he learned his lesson. I am sure the vendor was wondering who on earth would be stealing her Choose the Right magnets...It is a little ironic, don't you think?

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Finger Painting

Daniel looks pretty innocent in the picture, but he is really not!! Today I volunteered at Josh's preschool for the last time. It is kind of sad, but, hopefully, I can volunteer for kindergarten. While I was there my neighbor watched Daniel. Usually Daniel is pretty easy to watch as long as you don't feed him anything or let him get a hold of anything he can't or shouldn't eat; also, if you know how to use an Epi-pen, an inhaler, Benadryl and know how to dial 911. I guess that isn't too bad, right (lots of sarcasm)?!? Anyway, my neighbor is pretty good about putting Daniel's allergic things away so I feel comfortable leaving him there. When I went to pick him up I got to hear about his (or rather her) adventure. Daniel decided he found his happy place at her house and dirtied his diaper. She was waiting for him to be all the way finished and so let him play for a few minutes longer until her daughter ran up to her screaming that Daniel had gotten poopy all over her hands. I guess Daniel got the wild urge to be artistic and start finger painting at her house--mostly I think he just did a dipstick and it came out positive. Luckily I brought a large tub of wipes so she was able to clean everything from the wall to his clothes and whatever else he got it on. This just brings me back to thinking that kids are on this earth to keep you humble by doing lots of embarrassing things.

In other things I love Mother's Day just for the fact of all the cute things kids make for their moms at school. This year Matthew made me some stationary that said I love you written in Matthew's hand and signed his name. Josh planted a flower and signed his name to a really sweet poem. They are quite proud of their presents as am I.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Where Do Babies Come From?!?

Matthew keeps running off the bus every day after school asking if Sarah has come out of my tummy yet. I laugh and tell him not until after his birthday, and, I am hoping I will make it that long. He also has come to the conclusion (I don't know how) that she will make her entrance into this world through my mouth. I figure ignorance is bliss and just let him think that for now. If he gets more inquisitive I might have to say they come from storks.

In other happenings we are starting to certify the young women for girls camp. We had a first aid training last night where there were four tables in which you had to certify different things. I got to teach how to treat and splint a broken bone as well as how to treat shock. It was interesting. I am just hoping that, like me, they will never need to use it at camp--I would be fearful for the patient!!
Monday for Family Home Evening we threw Daniel into the baby backpack and let Matthew and Josh ride their bikes down to the park. We can only do this when there are two parents available because when one is a speed racer the other is as slow as molasses or vice versa. We have to split up to make sure they don't get hurt or run over an old lady's dust pan--that one's for you Johanna :). We finally made it and had a great time letting the kids tire themselves out at the park. Aaron and I get tired out trying to keep up with them while walking/running all the way there and all the way back.

I hosted Josh's playgroup today for the last time--WAHOO! I was hoping for nice weather so they could play outside, but unfortunately it rained most of the time. They played a lot of Star Wars inside and I can tell the Force is strong with this bunch :). Even Daniel got in on the action. FYI the water noodles are their light sabers.
Our computer caught a virus Sunday night. It is not a spreading virus so no one should be concerned. It unfortunately was a virus that showed you all the latest in greatest in the porn industry. Aaron had to clear everything off and reload everything again to get rid of any trace. It has taken a couple of days, but we finally have a working computer again. We learned more than we wanted to, though, that's for sure!
We have hit a milestone we are very excited about. Josh has been off his seizure meds for over 6 months without any problem. We are out of the woods in the seizure department for now and can't be more excited. He does have a slightly higher risk of recurrence considering his past history and Aaron's history, but we are happy nonetheless. He even sweats now which will make this summer a lot easier!!
Lastly Daniel thinks he is older than he is. If you ask him to do something he will say, "Ya, sure!" pretty emphatically. When someone is having a hard time he will walk up to them and say, "Sorry, Dude!" It is funny to hear that out of a 2 year old's mouth!!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Busy


We have been pretty busy the rest of the week. Thursday I am still in my pottery class and unfortunately still making modern art or Q-tip holders--not on purpose, however. This last week I was able to make a few bowls which I am proud of. I only have a few weeks left, but I am trying to make something to show for it. Friday was my brother Bryan's graduation from the University of Utah. He finished his master's degree in mechanical engineering and I am sure quite glad to be done. Aaron was able to take all three kids by himself (hee-hee) out to dinner to celebrate with them. He came home more appreciative of me at least. He had to go alone because I had to attend our young women's baptism for the dead. I had to go because only 2 leaders (me being one) were able to go. I am sure glad the bishop was able to drive because we had 14 young women to get over there and without him we wouldn't have had enough spots in the cars. Anyway, Aaron had a nice, but very busy dinner dealing with the kids. On the way home it didn't get much easier because he was caught in traffic with Matthew insisting he had to potty. Finally Aaron pulled off the freeway to take him to a gas station that actually had a line for the men's room. After waiting in line for 10 minutes he decided to take his chances and drive the rest of the way home with Matthew complaining. When he got home Matthew ran to the bathroom making it while Daniel took care of business in his pants. I had impeccable timing and luckily got home just in time right after everything had been cleaned up. The kids went to bed shortly after :).
Anyway, Saturday there was a fitness fair for Davis County that we went to. We donated some food which Aaron made me donate the canned beans because he is tired of having any kind of bean soup after what happened last week. We did a fitness mile where we stopped along the way to get health advice from the different booths. We had fun walking and learning and we were even lucky enough to win a couple door prizes. We got a Frisbee and four tickets to the IMAX theater. We are hoping to use the new Front Runner train down to see the movie. We also went to Josh's and Matthew's soccer games. Neither seemed to be that involved in their games this week. They were more interested in being hams for the crowd instead. We only have a few games left for the season. Saturday afternoon we finally dusted off all the yard tools and got busy mowing, weed eating, fertilizing, edging, etc. I can't believe it was just snowing a couple days ago, too. We are hoping to plant our garden soon as well. I don't want to until we can be sure it won't freeze at night anymore and kill all or our plants.

A funny thing that happened today at dinner. We had taco salad and the kids refused to eat it until Aaron told them the beans would make them toot. After hearing that they all cleaned their plates of course that would only happen with boys. We might have to employ this technique more often--except when Sarah (the new baby) comes! Well that's all for now.