Monday, January 29, 2007


Sydney celebrated her birthday with a bunch of friends. We had a good time. We took some fun pictures, ate lots of food, open presents, and watched a movie.
I think Syd wasn't feeling too good. She was really tired, so she didn't have as much fun as she could have.
What bad parents we are, we felt bad that she seemed under the weather and we still had a ton of kids over.
Luckily, she felt better in the morning, because the best part was going to Evans Hairstyling college to get hair and nails done on Saturday morning. That will definitely be something we do again. Except next time I will get in on the action.


Wednesday, January 24, 2007

boys

So what do you get when you tell one boy not to do something because he is going to get hurt? Two boys doing the same thing and one getting hurt, screaming, blood and an hour later all fixed up with medical super glue and a steri-strip.

Last night, I asked Logan to not stand and rock in the recliner because he was going to tip it and get hurt. He sat down, I turned around to get something off the floor and when I turned back both Tanner and Logan were on the ground, in the tipped recliner! Logan got up and was fine-go figure. Tanner said he was hurt a bit, (he had hit his head on the corner of the table leg) but then started screaming when he saw the blood on the floor. I picked him up and asked what hurt. I saw this gash on the side of his head and it was bleeding some. I gave him a paper towel. I thought from the look of it, it would probably need stitches, so I called Jared to ask if he was close to home so he could look at it. Luckily he was done with his golf game and was close to home. He came home, looked at it and said , "yep, he needs stitches." Tanner freaked. He did not want stitches. I called the dr. office to see if they were still there. They answered. I was actually a bit shocked it being just after 5 pm. The dr said to bring him in. I got him in there, they cleaned it, numbed it, the dr. came in and said he could fix it up with some special glue that they had. It was in this cool little vile with a sponge top. He had Tanner lay down, and he dabbed the glue on the gash, got it closed up most of the way, then used a different glue to secure a steri-strip into place. Said don't get it wet for a few days, and I will see you back in 8-10 days to take it off and make sure it is healing properly.
Tanner did really good once the numbing stuff took effect. Until that point he was crying a little and asking me if he was going to get stitches. once the nurse put the numbing stuff in, he started telling me all about Laser Mania, and how fun laser tag is, and how he wants his birthday party there. He did get to pick dinner, since we missed the going away party dinner we were supposed to go to. We had Wendy's. He was happy.
and today at school he told them it didn't hurt at all. Of course, he has to be big and tough now. Now that he knows it wasn't as scary as he thought. haha

Thursday, January 18, 2007

8 years old

I don't know what it is about my 3rd and final daughter turning 8 that is making me so emotional. Maybe it is that my sweet little girl is getting big and hitting a big milestone in her life. Sydney is 8 years old today. She has chosen to be baptized and is so excited. She asked me last night as she was going to bed if tomorrow she was allowed to work on her Faith in God book.(It's a book of activities that she can do to learn more about Jesus, God and how to make herself a better person) It was so sweet to me that she is so excited about it. She gets to go with Kathryn to their next Activity Day, also. She is a sweet girl, with a sweet giving spirit. She is also very happy. She loves school, playing with friends and horses. She loves horses. She can't wait to be able to ride on a real horse. I look forward to taking her one day soon. I think it has just hit me that my little girl is growing up, and too fast I might add. I love it that she is big, independent and beautiful. But on the other hand, I want her to stay the sweet girl that she is and not get any closer to the crazy age. haha.

Happy Birthday Sydney.

ps. for any and all who would like to attend, Sydney's baptism is going to be Saturday Feb. 3rd at 6 pm. at the Bloomington Hills Stake Center, St. George
contact me for directions.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Cold

It is so cold. I am sure if there were dark clouds over us, there would be snow. I took out the trash and my face turned icicle.
I know it is colder in so many other places around right now. But I am still a So. CA girl, and I get cold. It is a no win situation for me, it is either too hot or too cold.
I am enjoying today, being Saturday and not having to go out. It has been nice to get a small handle on things. I have been doing laundry all day. I am glad to report the pile is getting smaller.
The sink on the other hand is clogged, Jared is gone, and the liquid plumber isn't working. AAHHH.
I guess there is one good thing about that. I can stop doing dishes. :)

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

The plan of salvation

You lived with your Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children before you began your life on Earth. You were happy there, but God knew that you could not continue to progress unless you left Him for a time.
So He presented His plan—the plan of salvation. It allowed you to come to Earth, where you would gain a physical body and would have experiences that would help you to learn and grow. The purpose of the plan is to help you become more like Him.

Heavenly Father knew that while you were on Earth you would make mistakes—everyone does. So, as part of His plan, He provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would make it possible for sins to be forgiven, and for all people who accept His sacrifice to return to live with Heavenly Father.

The fact that you are living on Earth means that you accepted Heavenly Father’s plan and came here wanting to do all you could to receive all He has to offer.

The marvelous thing about Heavenly Father’s plan is that by following it, not only can you return to Him after you die—you can also find peace and happiness in this life.

I have a testimony of this. I know it is true. It is very comforting. If not, the events of, especially the last week, would have been really hard to understand. I know that we come to this earth to gain a body. I also know that, that is all little Jonah had to do to be able to live with Heavenly Father again. He has a perfect spirit. I felt the spirit at the funeral very strong. It was a happy time to reflect on the lives he has touched the short time he was on the earth. Don't get me wrong there were lots of tears shed. But my testimony was strengthened by being there, listening to the talks given and hearing the testimonies of the family members that were a part of Jonah's life. It is a great blessing to me to know that we will see him again. That my family is eternal. And that if we keep working toward our goal of being good people, good parents, we will someday be with our Heavenly Father again.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

An Amazing family

We have some friends nearby that have touched my heart. Their story is one of faith and hope, and love. Their baby was born with defects. His feet were both club feet and his hand the same. He couldn't breathe on his own. He has been on a ventilator for the past 4 months. They have been amazing. Here is a portion of her entries from a site called Carepages.com. The baby's name is Jonah Abelhouzen.

We made it back in 5 pieces! Disneyland was a blast!!! The kids had a great time. It was a little overwhelming though. So much to see and do they got a little overstimulated. Jonah is well. Grandma & Grandpa Abelhouzen spent the week visiting with him while we were gone. He extubated himself 3 times this last time just yesterday evening and it was not easy reintubating it took three different people. He does not tolerate being extubated at all anymore he used to be able to go 1/2 hour 45 minutes he crashes hard now and turns blue immediately. He is getting very weak. His body is starting to wear out. He gained some weight while we were gone. Shocker!! He now weighs a hefty 15 pounds and is all rolls. He is so heavy. They had him on formula while we were in California and it really chunked him up. I went to see him last night when we got in and he was sitting up in his bed watching Incredibles on the NNP's laptop and just big eyed and loving it. I said Oh he's wide awake and he heard my voice and almost broke his neck and extubated himself looking for me. I walked up to his bed and said hey big boy mammas here to see you and the smile he gave me cracked his face he curled his little body up he was so excited. It was a very long week without him. I did not get my Jonah fix everyday. I held him and we had a little talk about what he wanted to do and where he was going. We both cried. He wants to go on a mission back to our Heavenly Father he is ready and so are we as hard as it is to see him go. He looked up at me as I talked to him and his eyes spoke to me he is tired and has fought so hard to be here for all of us but he is worn out. I was crying and a little tear just slipped out the corner of his eye as if to say mom I am going to miss you too but we'll be ok. He does not have much more in him and we are so grateful for this time Heavenly Father has allowed us to have. He has truly been an inspiration and a blessing to us all. Just to be in his presence is so heartwarming and peaceful. I hate to leave him.I foundf this quote I have had for years and want to share with you all. As my day old child lay in my arms. With my lips against his ear I whisper strongly . How I wish, I wish that you could hear; I have a hundred wonderful things to say. To tell you about Heavenly Father, his plan. He is still, my words tickle his ear, But a kind of light passes through his eyes, And I see this thought appear; How I wish, I wish I had a voice and words; I've a hundred things to say before I forget, I'd tell you of God for I left him yesterday. Jonah is a very wise spirit and many times as I have held him this has occured as I hold him crying he looks at me as if to say mom if you only know what I know you would not be sad. You would be happy for me for I have a mission to complete and another one waiting for me. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. This year is going to be hard one without Jonah as we reach all the milestones without him each month we will think how old he would have been and his first Birthday, Holidays etc etc. We are grateful to have family and friends close to help lift us up and carrry our burdens. Thank you for all the support you have given thus far to us these months have not been easy for Tim and I and the decisions we have had to make. We are thankful for the support even though you may not agree with them you have all been troopers.

Jonah earned his wings today and pased away at 2:00 pm. It was very peaceful and beautiful. Tim and I were holding him. I will update you all as soon as we know when his funeral services will be. Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts these 4 months they have carried us through and given us the strength to endure. Don't cry and be sad, He is at peace and resting from his broken body. These last two weeks watching Jonah decline has made our decision to withdraw life support today a much easier one. We met with the doctors yesterday and Jonah's brain was not developing. We all decided in agrreement it was time to let Jonah get some peace and be free to rest so this morning at 12:45 we withdrew life support.He did not sufffer and was very much at peace as if he already knew. We love you and again ask do not be sad for we are not we are very happy he is at peace and free from all the wires and tubes keeping him alive.

I am asking for a favor. Please take a moment to say a prayer for this wonderful family. They are loving and kind and have been a great example to us. Thanks for your help with this.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

We're home

We're Home!!

What a week. We decided to leave for California a few days earlier than planned. It was a good decision. I was able to say 'good bye' to an old friend. Even though it isn't really good bye, because we talk everyday with email. But it was good to see Tara before she move to Texas. And I was able to do it without crying. It was hard, but I managed.

We spent the week with the family in Oxnard. It was nice to hang out and visit. We didn't get much time together but what we did have was good. Jared had planned to help mom with replacing the furnace and some work in the front bathroom. It was good we got there early because it took most of the week to get things done.
Work, Work, Work. Joe, Jared and Roger all the worked on the bathroom. New tile, new sink and cabinets I think its called a vanity. Susie and Rebekah painted it . It looks great. It is almost done. Towel racks, maybe some shelves and a shower curtain, and I think it will be complete.
The kids enjoyed being able to watch cable. We hung out at the house mostly. But we did go play at the park a few times.
It was hard to leave yesterday. I was happy to be able to come home, but it was sure hard to go. i am glad we were able to be there for so long. And now on to cleaning and cooking and organizing and laundry. Even with so much to do to get things back to normal. I am glad to be home.
This last year has been good to us. I am looking forward to a calmer 2007 though.