When it rains...it POURS!

Well it's been one heck of a day! While it was snowing outside like crazy (although not as much as for our Spokane friends), it's been pouring inside! It started last night when we found out that we probably won't close on our house on the 19th like we thought. Due to the low rates lots of people are deciding to refinance which makes for more work load for the bank. So after shoveling 3-6" this morning (depending on the drifts) I proceed to try to contact our lender to see if we are able to close tomorrow! Than calls around lunch time saying he's going to the doctor since he doesn't feel very good. Then get another call from the hospital saying he's getting a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. I then go out to shovel another 3" before going to Garrick's dentist apt at 2:40pm. After shoveling I came in and checked my email to see if our lender had replied, and the kids yell out, "Trestin's in your purse and eating medicine!" Tylenol 500mg tablet to be exact. AHHHHH! Called poison control, and they advise that if he's taken 4 or more tabs he needs to go to the ER. Well I wasn't sure, but better to be safe then sorry. I would have preferred to go to my hospital, but since the roads where crappy, and time is of the essence, we took off for Pullman's ER. I had to tune out the Mom in me and focus on the nurse in me. I knew what needed to be done, and focused on getting us to the ER so we could start the process, and not let my emotions get in the way. Well we arrived 10 minutes after ingestion at the ER! Pretty good! Luckily they had me "feed" him the activated charcoal instead of sticking a tube into his tummy and pumping it into him. But that was no picnic! It was black tar, that got all over everything! But I was able to hold him down and force feed him 3/4 of it! They then let us go home, and come back in for a blood test 4 hours later to check a tylenol level.



**in english, and not medical mumbo jumbo, activated charcoal binds to the tylenol so it won't be absorbed then they just poop it out. The tylenol level 4 hours later will give us a good idea of how much he absorbed and is now floating around in his system. Tylenol overdose unfortunately shows no symptoms. It just kills your liver. That's an organ he kinda needs!**



So we get home from the ER, and there's a message on the machine saying Than's x-ray shows pneumonia! So we pick him up on the way back to the hospital later for Trestin's tylenol level. He's gotten antibiotics and nebulizer treatments. Trestin did great for his blood draw, cried less then when I had to shove charcoal down him. An hour later his level was 0! Hooray! So back home, throw the kids in bed, tuck Than in for some much needed rest, shovel 3" more from the drive way, then notify the sellers that tomorrow is a no go. They are going to potentially let us still move our stuff, since I have family coming and church guys coming on Saturday, but they are leery. I don't blame them. They rented out the place they bought, let people move in early and got burned bad, and several months later still haven't settled it. So I understand. It would probably be best to let Than get a couple days of antibiotics on board before moving in the cold. But the kicker is after this weekend I have the 24th and 25th off (but we are probably still going to Tri-Cities) and the 30th off for the rest of this month. So trying to move and clean in that little time is going to be... fun. So we'll see.



I'll end on a sweet note. As we are driving home from the ER, Garrick said:

G - Mom, I said a prayer on the way to the hospital

M - You did! What did you say?

G - Dear Heavenly Father, please help the doctors to find out what is wrong with Trestin. And please help him to get better. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

M - That was very smart and good of you Garrick! (as a tear forms in my eye)

G - I know!

So my sweet little 6 year old remembered to pray for help in times of need, as his mother tried to keep her whits about her and get us safely to the ER. What an amazing little boy we have!


I have a pic of Trestin all tuckered out after his ER visit, but our internet is freeking out, so later I guess!

We decided to find out, and ...

I was all for waiting, but when I was in labor with Trestin Than and I made an agreement that if I was wrong on the gender, we would find out what the next one was. Well with Garrick and Aleksia I KNEW they where a boy and a girl, but with Trestin I wasn't sure, but leaning more towards girl. Obviously I was wrong. So when we went in for my apt today, the doctor wanted to know if we wanted to know, and I look at Than (who had been teetering on the fence), and he said "Yes." So it's a girl. Aleksia is very excited, especially seeing as she is going to be sharing a room with the new baby once it arrives. Now to figure out names, which seems to be the hardest part for us. Good thing we still have till April! As for now, we are concentrating on the move. Which happens this weekend. Wish us luck! Hopefully no horrible storms this weekend like last. I worked, and the ER was CRAZY with accidents, and I took care of some that had to have surgery. Let's just say it really shook me up, and I am a crazy slow cautious driver now!

Jammies Photo

So here are the only two decent pics from our session at Sears. It was late in the day, Trestin was grumpy, and the lady taking our pics wasn't very kid friendly. But hey, we only get the $9.99 package of one pose, so oh well. Oh how I wish I lived by some of you photography people again! I never took advantage of your talent while you where here in Pullman! My loss! You can't see our jammies very well either, which upset me a bit. For those of you that don't know, Than HATES to dress up. So since we all get jammies for Christmas (matching of course, made by yours truly), that's what we get our annual family picture in! Nice and comfy as others are there in their frilly dresses and ties. In walk us, in our jammies! Enjoy!

Tagged

I am Tagged-
I am: a wife, mother, nurse
I know: that everything happens for a reason
I want: to go to sleep! It's a slow night at work, hence why I'm doing this!
I dislike: onions
I miss: my family! I feel like I'm either working or sleeping because I just worked! Working full time night shift SUCKS!
I feel: like my head is bearly above water these days
I hear: the quiet of patients sleeping, ahhh
I want to: go eat my dinner, I'm hungry
I smell: our new hospital. It doesn't smell like a hospital though! Probably because it's still new
I crave: Safeway Chinese food! More of a "always sounds good" instead of a "crave" though
I cry: more then I should, darn hormones of pregnancy!
I search: for clean clothes for the kids, I really need some days off to sort through laundry and put away the clean and wash the dirty!
I wonder: how in the world we are going to move and clean with in a 12 day time period with me only having 4 days off, AND Christmas in the middle!!!
I regret: not having more self esteem/confidence in HS
I love: my family!
I care: making a difference in my children's lives
I worry: that I'm not spending the quality time with my kids like I should be. There just isn't enough time in the day!
I remember: not a hole lot these days!
I believe: in miracles
I dance: only if no one's looking
I don't: do many things I should (I agree with Sarah)
I argue: with my children daily
I write: lots of doctor's orders tonight
I win: not very often
I lose: more often then I win
I wish: we where already moved! And could enjoy Christmas in our new house!
I listen: to Christmas music already!
I can usually be found: at home or work, it feels like a 50/50 thing
I am scared: that something will happen to Than or the kids
I need: my bed!
I forget: alot of things lately!
I am happy: that we are finally buying a house!
I tag: any one who wants to play

Turkey Songs

Here is a video of Garrick's two turkey songs from his "Harvest Feast" at kindergarten. They made, with supervision; stone soup, corn muffins, butter and little pumpkin pies. Garrick was so proud, that he was one of the few that was able to shake the jar of butter all by himself and wasn't a "weenie" like some of the other kids. "I'm very strong Mom!"

Super Heroic Halloween!

I got them done! With a couple of hours to go until "showtime!" Here are some pics of the kids in their costumes, the at a Halloween carnival that Parks and Rec puts on. It's only $1 per kid, so it's an awesome deal and there are TONS of things for the kids to do, and candy to get (hurray! Like they didn't get enough at the church's Trunk or Treat!). Enjoy!

Carving Pumpkins

We carved pumpkins last night. After 6 years, Garrick FINALLY scooped out the goo... kind of. If we scraped it from the edges, he would then scoop it out with a spoon. His initial scooping conversation went like this;
G - It stinks!
M - Garrick, your fine, just scoop it out
G - It stinks! I'm going to puke!
Next thing we know he is forcefully retching, and vomits a tablespoon size amount. So one pic is him cleaning it up (don't worry, you can't see anything).
Garrick and Aleksia wanted to have their own "cutters" to carve their pumpkins, which they did, and Aleksia cut hers out all by herself! Granted we had to piece some of it back together so the nose and mouth weren't one big gaping hole. But she did it! Trestin was a good sport. He scooped, and dug, and even tolerated Mom putting some goo on his head! What a trooper! I didn't get a picture of the final pumpkins, but I will. So until then, enjoy our night of carving pumpkins!

Yup, still alive!

We are still alive, just crazy busy (unfortunatly not right now). I'm trying to stay awake at work, so I thought I'd post a Huston Update.

Than - got a job working at WSU, so he's actually getting paid more now! He's working on the writing portion of his masters, with no specific end in sight. He's taken on more of a Mr. Mom role with me working more, which in turn has made him appreciate me alittle more (not that he didn't before, but his eyes have been opened alittle more!).

Garrick - is loving school! I love to watch him learn to read! I can see the cogs turning inside as he sounds out the words, then realizes what he sounded out, and that it means something. The look of excitement on his face is priceless! I LOVE it! He is excited about his birthday next month, and everytime we go shopping he finds a new thing that he wants for his birthday in the place of the old thing that he found the last time!

Aleksia - is becoming quite a little "mother." It's been really cute to watch her and Trestin's relationship blossom with Garrick being at school for a couple hours each day. Before Garrick and Aleksia would play most of the time together, and Trestin would play around or try to play with them. Now..."Come on Trestin, lets go play," or "Come on Trestin, let's go read a book." It's very cute. Last week I brought Aleksia with me to work (Sunday evening) to help move some of the "stuff" to the new hospital. Well there was a newborn there, and she was facinated! ALL the way home she talked about "When our baby is born..." She's going to be more help then I'll ever need!!!

Trestin - is one smart cookie! He has learned the fine art of stacking "stuff" or moving a small chair so that he can reach naughty stuff that WAS out of his reach! He has the word "Moe" (no) down to a T. He, like the other two, keeps trying to lift my shirt to find the "baby" that's under there, everytime he squishes it. His vocab grows everyday, and it's fun to watch him and Aleksia grow closer together. Randomly he'll come up and ask, "Yut-e-a?" (Aleksia) as he holds his hands out as if to say "Where is Aleksia?" or he'll just yell her name. He doesn't do that with Garrick, just Aleksia. It's very cute.

Me - I feel like I'm bearly keeping my head above water! Working full time by night and then dozing on the couch while watching the kids is not a easy or fun thing to do. Pregnancy wise I'm starting to feel alittle better, but still not that great. But I'm hanging in there! I'm enjoying working with the 8-11 year olds as the Activity Day Girl Leader. I am LOVING our new LDRP (Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum) rooms at the new hospital. They are HUGE! I am excited to deliver there in April! As far as the homeownership process, it's on hold for now. We don't have much saved because our $$ has gone to Than's schooling (but yeah for no student loans!!!), so our savings isn't very big. So we realized that we need to save more, then buy. We found a house we like (www.bobandcheryl.net) and maybe we can make it all work before the baby comes, but we will see.

So that's us! Hopefully I'll get some pics posted of halloween, soon after halloween! That is if I finish their costumes. That is questionable right now! Hopefully, the kids will be Batman, Wonder Woman, and Robin. So stay tuned...

Whitman County Fair 2008

I know, it's taken me FOREVER! But in my defense it's hard to work full time, take care of 3 kids, have a kindergartner (wake up at 6:45 am to get him ready for school to catch the bus early), get my church callings done, have extra "stuff" from work to do, try to stay on top of laundry/dishes/cleaning, and be pregnant (which entails varying degrees of constant nausea and fighting the urge to lay down and take a nap every 10 minutes. So here is the fair, FINALLY! The kids had a ball as usual. I on the other hand, felt really crappy, but survived! The Baby Barn was a usual hit with it's small crowd of nursing & diaper changing moms. The kids and I both entered stuff into the fair, which was fun. Everyday they would want to go look at their stuff and see their ribbons again. On Thursday they got to do the rides, since it was buy one pass get one free day! Trestin even got to participate some in the rides too! No sooner had it ended, and they where asking about the fair next year! So I guess they had a good time.

First Day of School (finally)

I know, I'm a slacker blogger. I used to be so good...but now life if CRAZY! Here are his first day pics. BTW, he LOVES school. His top 3 favorite things are;
1- Learning to read. I love seeing his eyes light up after he's sounded out a word and realizes what it is!
2- Recess. Duh, he's a kid
3- Riding the bus. But if we buy the house across the street from the school, his bus days will be over, and he's okay with that. So I'm glad we decided to drive him to the bus stop instead of just driving him in (although it would have been just as easy). Because otherwise he might not have gotten the chance.
It's so amazing to see his growth and the knowledge he's already sucking in, in such a short time! Amazing!!!

We now have a due date!

We where finally able to go to the doctor today, and we have a due date! April 21, 2009! I'm actually 8 weeks along instead of the 7 I thought. Yeah! Still feeling crappy! Various degrees of nausea on a almost constant basis, and extremely tired! I don't remember being this tired. But I've never been pregnant, chasing and cleaning up after 3 kids, have a kindergartner, house hunting, doing Activity Day Girls, and work full time all at once! Luckily, Heavenly Father didn't listen to a 5 year old's prayer, and there is only ONE baby in there! Not a girl AND a boy like he was wanting! Sorry Garrick!

I'm still here...

Sorry for soooo long without a post, I've really been bad! But life has been crazy with a lot going on! Garrick starting school (yes I have pics that I'll post someday!), Activity Day Girls (my new calling at church) started this week, the fair starting today and going till Sunday, house searching, and then to top it all off finding out that we are expecting! I thought that it was just stress. When I get really nervous about something (Garrick starting school, starting back full time, house hunting, how can I get everything done that I need to in such a short amount of time) I get nauseated. Well it didn't get better and it didn't get better... And I was more tired then normal (kids and 7 years of night shift have really throw me and have never recovered) so I took a test. WOW! Very positive! We see the doctor next Wednesday for a official date. But seeing as with the other 3 I started getting sick at 5 weeks, I'm probably around 6 now, so that puts me about late April or early May. So I'll keep ya posted! And hopefully soon I'll get some pics up of Garrick's first day and the fair. Wish me luck!

Bonk #2

He did it again, but on the leg of the playpen. Of course right on the tiny part that has a pointy corner! This boy doesn't walk, he runs everywhere. So between running everywhere, and his shoe fetish, typically wearing his own, but not always, this is not a good combo! Luckily he bounces back pretty quickly.

He will only have a cold washcloth on his owies, not the "Owie Bear," a stuffed bear's head with a cold compress on the back of his head that's kept in the freezer. This is him holding it, but not quite in the right spot. But despite his pain, I bring out the camera, and, "Cheese!" Such a turkey!

Not as big as his first one a couple months ago, but still a good 1" off his head!

"Look Mom, no hands!"

Lentil Festival

So after living in Pullman almost 8 years, we FINALLY went to the famous Lentil Festival. It was fun! Garrick decided he would rather wake up at 5:30am to go fishing with Than, so it was Aleksia, Trestin and I. There where booths at a park, and the parade at 10am down Main St. Too bad we haven't gone all these years, but I was typically working. Oh well.

Unbirthday Party

For the second annual year, Than's Mom did the unbirthday party. A way to celebrate all the grandkids birthday at once, and not forget anyone. It is the weekend of Allied Art Show & Boat Races (which we've never gone to. 100 degree weather with half naked drunk people doesn't sound appealing to me). We bought a slip 'n' slide the last time we where down (for Alana's wedding) and it was a huge hit again! Enjoy the (late) pics!

2 boys + 1 girl = 3 Crazy Kids!

With is being so hot recently (hot for Pullman, 90-100 degrees), we've spent alot of time in our little pool. The kids love it, and it's big enough for me to get in with them and keep cool. My little sister Destiney was up visiting and went swimming with us this day.

Garrick doing a "canon ball"

Aleksia "painting her toes"

Trestin has gotten into quite alittle routine to nap/sleep. He has to have;

-pillow

-2 "Emo's"

-milk

-blanket

Then once he has everything, he's happy, and puts his hands behind his head, and he goes to sleep!

A closer shot.

Just because it seemed fun. My score is 62 out of 200

Here's what you do: copy the list, and then bold the things you have done

1. Touched an iceberg

2. Slept under the stars

3. Been a part of a hockey fight

4. Changed a baby’s diaper

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Swam with wild dolphins

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a tarantula

10. Said “I love you” and meant it

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise

15. Seen the Northern Lights

16. Gone to a huge sports game

17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Bet on a winning horse

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Taken an ice cold bath

28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Ridden a roller coaster

31. Hit a home run

32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking

33. Adopted an accent for fun

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment

36. Loved your job 90% of the time

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Watched wild whales

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach

41. Gone sky diving

42. Visited Ireland

43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited India

45. Bench-pressed your own weight

46. Milked a cow

47. Alphabetized your personal files

48. Ever worn a superhero costume

49. Sung karaoke

50. Lounged around in bed all day

51. Gone scuba diving

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Done something you should regret, but don’t

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Been in a movie

60. Gone without food for 3 days

61. Made cookies from scratch

62. Won first prize in a costume contest

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Been in a combat zone

65. Spoken more than one language fluently

66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone

67. Bounced a check

68. Read - and understood - your credit report

69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy

70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did

71. Called or written your Congress person

72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

74. Helped an animal give birth

75. Been fired or laid off from a job

76. Won money

77. Broken a bone

78. Ridden a motorcycle

79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph

80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing

82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

83. Eaten sushi

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read The Bible cover to cover

86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about

87. Gotten someone fired for their actions

88. Gone back to school

89. Changed your name

90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands

91. Eaten fried green tomatoes

92. Read The Iliad

93. Taught yourself an art from scratch

94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt

96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

97. Been elected to public office

98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream

99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you

101. Had a booth at a street fair

102. Dyed your hair (if highlights count)

103. Been a DJ

104. Rocked a baby to sleep

105. Dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours

106. Raked your carpet

107. Brought out the best in people

108. Brought out the worst in people

109. Worn a mood ring

110. Ridden a horse

111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap

112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe

113. Buried a child

114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play

115. Been inside the pyramids

116. Shot a basketball into a basket

117. Danced at a disco

118. Played in a band

119. Shot a bird

120. Gone to an arboretum

121. Tutored someone

122. Ridden a train

123. Brought an old fad back into style

124. Eaten caviar

125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need

126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant

127. Published a book

128. Pieced a quilt

129. Lived in an historic place

130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage

131. Asked for a raise

132. Made a hole-in-one

133. Gone deep sea fishing

134. Gone roller skating

135. Run a marathon

136. Learned to surf

137. Invented something

138. Flown first class

139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite

140. Flown in a helicopter

141. Visited Africa

142. Sang a solo

143. Gone spelunking

144. Learned how to take a compliment

145. Written a love-story

146. Seen Michelangelo’s David

147. Had your portrait painted

148. Written a fan letter

149. Spent the night in something haunted

150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane

151. Ran away

152. Learned to juggle

153. Been a boss

154. Sat on a jury

155. Lied about your weight

156. Gone on a diet

157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget

158. Written a poem

159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox

160. Gotten food poisoning

161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission

162. Hiked the Grand Canyon

163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks

164. Gone to the opera

165. Gotten a letter from someone famous

166. Worn knickers

167. Ridden in a limousine

168. Attended the Olympics

169. Can hula or waltz

170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books

171. Been stuck in an elevator

172. Had a revelatory dream

173. Thought you might crash in an airplane

174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert

175. Saved someone’s life

176. Eaten raw whale

177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint

178. Laughed till your side hurt

179. Straddled the equator

180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing

181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival

182. Sent a message in a bottle

183. Spent the night in a hostel

184. Been a cashier

185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

186. Joined a union

187. Donated blood or plasma

188. Built a campfire

189. Kept a blog

190. Had hives

191. Worn custom made shoes or boots

192. Made a PowerPoint presentation

193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course

194. Served at a soup kitchen

195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube

196. Know CPR

197. Ridden in or owned a convertible

198. Found a long lost friend

199. Helped solve a crime

200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

A B C's of Danielle

A- Aunt. Aunt to Aubrey, Emmaleena, Sloane, Stella, Geoffrey, Cyrus, and Kyan.



B- Babies. I love working with the babies at the hospital!


C- Computer. I couldn't live without it! Craft projects, blogging, email, etc.


D- Disneyland. Truly a magical place, that I want to go back to! Plus I love most Disney movies.


E- Embellishments. Scrapbookers don't lie, they embellish!


F- Fishing. A favorite past time growing up, and currently.


G- Gryffindor. I love Harry Potter!


H- Hugs. I love hugs from my kids. Trestin gives the best ones, they are so tight!


I- iPod. I recently got one from my mom, and slowly becoming addicted!


J- Juice. At work my choice of beverage is 2 cans pineapple juice, and one small can of lemon lime shasta. Yum!


K- Kiss. I love kisses from Than and cheek kisses from the kids.


L- Lactation Counselor. I love helping mothers to feed their babies!


M- Mother. What I always wanted to be when I grew up.


N- Nickle Arcade. Was a blast in Utah, I wish one was in Pullman.


O-One true love. I found him, his name is Than!


P- Patience. My wonderful children help me gain everyday!!!


Q- Quick Quotes. A great scrapbooking retailer. My favorite booth at CKC!


R- Rollerskating. Haven't done it in along time, but was a favorite activity to go rollerskating at Skate West in TC growing up.


S- Scrapbooking. Someday I'll have the time again...


T- Texas. A very fun (but hot) place to visit!!!


V- Veggie Tales. Just saw the new one, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything in the theater with the kids. It was cute!


W- Wii. Very fun to play! The kids and I play Mario Kart, it's good for my ego, somebody I can beat!


X- "X"cited. Excited to move into a house (still searching) and to transition into the newly remodeled hospital. The LDRP (Labor Delivery Recovery & Post Partum) rooms are HUGE!


Y- Yearning. To have a house of our own!



Z-Zzzzz. Can never seem to get enough of. Between kids and almost 8 years of night shift.



Now I challenge all of you to post your own A B C's!

I have been slacking!!! But we have been busy! Here are some slide shows of our business;



This is our trip to the Tri-Cities at the end of June for Than's stepsister Alana's wedding to Brian. Pics of the wedding, reception, and playing at Grandma & Grandpa Roberts house.



Here are some pictures of our return trip to Tri-Cities on Monday after hearing that my Dad had a heart attack. Thanks to all the prayers, he's recovering well.



We came back from Tri-Cities on the 4th, and went to Sunnyside park for the 4th of July festivities. In the 7 1/2 years we've lived in Pullman, we've never gone. And since our good friends the Mickelsen's don't live here any more to host an awesome bbq with a spectacular fireworks show (compliments of the Johnsons and the Botts and their firework fetishes), we thought we'd try Sunnyside this year. We love and miss you Mickelsen's!

And lastly this past week my cousin Shay, his wife Heidi and their kids (Marissa 12, Sean 10/11?, Emily 6/7?, Tyson 4) came up for Sean's All-Stars baseball championship in Moscow Id. They traveled 10 hours on a huge bus from Idaho Falls, and stayed with us. We had a blast! Shay's mom & dad (Susan & Terry) drove their trailer up and came to the games too. It was a fun weekend seeing as we weren't able to go down to Hell's Canyon this year for the annual camping trip with alot of my Dad's family because of Than trying to get done with school. My dad even came up briefly to visit with his sister (Susan). So it worked out that we where able to help them out. Shay & Heidi and Susan & Terry, you're welcome back any time!

He's doin' great!

My dad is doing great! He is coming home today. He is such an active guy (still playing church basketball at 5:30am several times a week) that this "resting" is driving him nuts!!! He is now realizing the severity of the situation, and how close he came to death, that's it's been a humbling experience. We will be staying a couple more days, then heading back to Pullman ourselves. Thank you SOOO much for all your thoughts, prayers, emails, and calls. It was extremely close, but he made it I KNOW with the help of all your support.

Above is two pictures I took of him about 12 hours after the stent placement, and even then he was looking great!

Thoughts and Prayers Please

Yesterday afternoon my Dad had a massive MI (heart attack). He had a stent placed to open the blockage, is stable, and is doing well. I am headed back to Tri-Cities (after just returning from Than's step-sister's wedding on Saturday) and will know more when I get there, but your thoughts and prayers would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Junuary 10, 2008

Guess what it did today? SNOWED! In June! One of Than's coworkers called it Junuary, which I thought was very appropriate. Than said if it snows again, before "real winter," we're moving to Hawaii!

My Handy Man Kids

So we bought an entertainment center for an amazing deal! Regularly $100, it was on clearance for $30!!! Well with Than very busy in school, and coming home tired, the kids and I thought we'd surprise Daddy. My helpers where very helpful at the beginning, but then kinda fizzled out on me. But we made it, just finishing the drawer handle as he came home. Take a look:

Garrick putting a screw in for me.

"Garrick, hold it still!!!"

We're getting there...

... ta-dah! We did it!

p.s. It's just what the tv is on, we already had the shelves on the sides. And yeah, we have a few movies.

Dead fish

So Than took Garrick fishing this morning and when they came back Than relayed this conversation he had with Garrick to me. Garrick had found a dead fish floating in the water, and was poking it with a stick. Here goes;

Than - It's dead Garrick

Garrick - Let's heal it

Than - How are you supposed to heal death?

Garrick - By the power of the priesthood! Duh!

After my initial chuckle, it almost brought a tear to my eye! At the age of 5 1/2 he knows that "by the power of the priesthood" miracles happen. That a fish could be brought back to life. My little boy is growing up so fast!

Last week Aleksia relayed the story of Daniel and the Lion's den perfectly (in a 3 year old's version of course). I was truly amazed! She must be paying attention in primary! But in a way it makes me sad, because I want to be the one they learn the scripture stories from. Any of you have any good, fun, tried and true ways of doing such? I'd welcome any input!!!

Going home

Our trip back home was easier and harder. Garrick and Aleksia slept quite a bit, and Trestin slept some on the first flight, but was wild on the second. Oh well. We made it in one piece!

Another BIG thank you to Cameron and Nicole. For housing us, despite them being newlyweds, and the use of his car. It saved us soo much! Despite the humidity, Houston would be a great place. But that humidity SUCKS! And we weren't there in the heat of the summer!

Children's Museum

On Tuesday, our last day in Texas, we went to the Children's Museum. It was pretty cool. Alot of it was over the kid's head, but they still had fun. They even had a Tot area just for Trestin!

Chillin' in The Woodlands

Here are some random pictures from Cameron's place and the Woodlands.

Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn was probably one of my overall favorite stops. The kids hardly whined or complained at all! There was sooo much to do, and the kids could do alot! The lazy river was awesome! It would take you around the entire park, with areas to get out at beaches or play areas for the kids. There was even a escalator that took you up, and then down some quite intense rapids, which woke Trestin up after he had fallen asleep on me. The pink double tubes where cool cause on one hole, there was mesh to plug the hole. So it was perfect for Trestin to ride in along the lazy river. If we ever go back to Texas again, we will DEFINITELY go back to Schlitterbahn!

Reception

The reception was AMAZING! The kids' outfits and flowers where bought and shipped from Hawii, the flowers where shipped from Hawii, the food was authentic made from Nicole's family, and the dancers where from the islands! It was the most amazing reception I've ever attended! It makes me want to go to Hawii! Enjoy.

Wedding

My little brother is married, and I now have a sister-in-law!!!

Sea World

Although it was soooo hot, Sea World was alot of fun! We had a good balance of in and out of buildings with ac or covered shows to stay kinda cool. Aside from a lot of walking with whinning at times, the kids had a blast too!

Alamo

The Alamo was cooler then I thought. I heard there wasn't much there, but there was quite a bit. A lot of artifacts, and reading (which the kids didn't tolerate very well after the 2 1/2 hour drive to San Antonio with no AC in 80ish degree weather with humidity. But we are SOOOO grateful to Cameron letting us use his car!!!)

NASA

NASA was our first trip in Texas. It was very cool! It was neat to go into the inner workings of the facility, and see alot of actual things that have gone up into space.

Air plane to Texas

The kids where so excited to fly on the plane. Garrick flew when he was 6 months old, and Aleksia flew while I was pregnant with her, so this is their first "real" trip. I awoke at 3am to shower, and we woke them up at 4am to head to the airport. Brother-in-law Courtney was a lifesaver and dropped us off so we didn't have to park our car for and arm and a leg. The kids traveled well, except Trestin, who didn't like just sitting, but we made it!

Happy 29th to me!

On my 29th birthday we went to Columbia park, ate at Red Robin (one of my favorites), and played at Chucky Cheese. It was a great day, 'cause I spent it with my family!

Cattle

Our third event was a trip to Hermiston Oregon to my Uncle Rulon's. They have some cattle, and yearly they have to brand the new ones, tag, vaccinate, and casterate the male calfs. It is quite an ordeal! And to my male cousins, seemed to be a "Right of Passage" to be able to wrestle a calf down the the ground and hold it down while everything is done to it. I personally, being the city girl that I am, was perfectly fine watching from the other side of the fence. Then afterwards was a big bbq. It was fun to see cousins, aunts, and uncles I hadn't seen in a while.

Welcome Home Elder Fisher

Our first event on our 2 week vacation was my brother's homecoming. Elder Brenton Fisher, came home from his mission to Hungry on May 1st. His plane was to get in at 8ish pm, but due to complications, he didn't arrive till 11:45pm. Regardless, we where there. Trestin hadn't met him yet, and after a bit, snuggled right in to him. It was cute. Some of my cousins and an Aunt came up to see him off the plane, and more showed up in the following days.

My 3 Favorite Guys!

I just love this picture! My 3 favorite guys! Than is such a wonderful father, supportive husband, and my best friend. At least one weekend a month he's a "single dad," while I'm at work. Garrick is getting so big so fast. In the fall he starts kindergarden and is such a great helper and playful big brother to his younger siblings. Trestin is such a sweet little guy, but knows exactly how to push his sister's buttons! You grab the camera and he's already saying "cheese" with an even cheesier smile (as seen above). I love these three guys!

Happy Mothers Day!

To all my "Mommy" friends and family, I hope you have a Happy Mothers Day! Here is a picture of the card that a friend and I made this year. I hope you enjoy it!

Goodbye to our Dear Friends

Our good friends, the Mickelsens, are graduating (yeah for them) and moving to Utah (sad for us). It is hard to believe that we have only known them for four years, it seems like alot longer. We have done alot together in those four years; from fishing trips to shopping trips, walks in the warm months, swimming parties in the hot months, playing at the park, birthday parties, and lots of meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) together. With alot of tears we say, "Goodbye, and good luck on all of your endevours. We have come to love you like family, and will greatly miss you!" Here is a slide show of a few (65 actually) of the MANY fun times we have had together.

Trestin's first head trauma

So Trestin had his first head trauma today! He was walking out of their bedroom, probably tripped on some toys, and hit his head on the corner (I am assuming) of the door way. I could tell this wasn't just a small "Owe" by his cry, and ran to pick him up. He cuddled into me, so I didn't get to immediately see the damage, until about 5 seconds after I picked him up. WOW! It was already about an inch tall, and getting bigger. I cuddled him for a few more seconds, rechecked it, and it had doubled in size, to about 2 inches tall! I got a cold wash cloth to put on it (it's the only thing that could get all around the area without hurting him more), and it started to get a lot better. These pictures are after that. It looked SOO much worse prior to the pics, but by this point he was a bit happier, as you can tell. Tonight it's looking even better, and occasionally he'll bump it, and grab his head, not on the "owe" though, and say "Owe!" with a frown. Poor guy. Even though it looks like it broke the skin, there was actually only a tiny speck of blood on my white shirt afterwards. One of many "owe's" I'm sure!

This one is for Uncle B

In every prayer for the past 2 years the kids have blessed their Uncle B (my brother) while he's been on his mission to Hungry. It's consisted of:

-Bless Uncle B, that he'll make good choices

-Bless Uncle B, that he'll learn the language

-Bless Uncle B, that he can teach others the gospel

-Bless Uncle B, that the people will go to church like us

So since we have a new camera, that does video, I gave it a try, and here is our lunch time prayer by Garrick.

*sorry about the messy house in the background*

I am Cinderella!

You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Pictures of our trip to Seaside Oregon with Than's mom & step dad. They have a time share at a BEAUTIFUL place. Two of Than's sisters and their families where able to go to. Unfortunately Than was too busy getting his research done, and wasn't able to go with us. So despite vacationing with 3 kids husband less, we had a great time! Here are "a few" pictures.

One wild, crazy, long, & fun week!

Sorry, no pics this time, just boring writing. But we had an interesting week as you can tell from the title. So it mainly started on Wednesday and it went like this:
Wednesday - leave Pullman at 9am to take the kids to Tri-Cities for my parents to watch them while I took a class on fetal heart monitoring (for L&D). Stayed for a couple hours, then headed back to Pullman by myself (another 2 1/2 hour drive, for a total of 5 hours of driving in one day!) But the good thing is Than and I then went out to dinner, CHILD FREE! Which hasn't happened in I don't know how long. That evening driving back from dinner in Moscow (Tucci's, where the old Wingers was, is pretty good!), it started snowing like CRAZY! Which made me very excited for my commute to Colfax at 6:40am the next morning for my early class!
Thursday- drop Than off at the bus stop, then head to Colfax. Well the roads where pretty crappy, but I didn't even get to the Highway 26 just outside of Pullman before stopping in a long line of cars. At first I thought there was just an accident, and they where diverting cars around one lane at a time. Well after 20 minutes of waiting, I called the hospital (they have a scanner and can hear everything) and they told me that 26 from south of Pullman to Colfax is closed due to ice roads drifts with white outs at times (the wind was blowing pretty good). Great! So I turn around and decide to try again in a while, meanwhile missing some of my class, that we are to have a test in! Ahhh! Well by 8:45 I heard the road was open, so braved the roads. Well 45 minutes later (normally takes 20 minutes) I arrived safe to my class, only 2 hours late!
Friday- another day of class, then once it was out at 2:30pm, headed to the Tri-Cities to get the kids. Hung out, and spent the night.
Saturday- woke early to pack and get kids ready, and we left TC by 8:03am. Headed back to Pullman, picked up Than, then headed to Spokane. Got lunch to go at KFC, took it to our good friend Shannon Banks house, ate lunch, then she watched our children while Than and I went to Mamma Mia! It's a musical written around Abba songs (which I really like). I LOVED it! Than even said he liked it and had a good time (he was sceptical at first, but being a wonderful husband indulged his wife in alittle culture. My first musical, other then Hanford High School productions, but I have to give them credit, the did a great job on Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). I will never look at the songs the same, I'll always remember them in the text of the musical! And have had them stuck in my head now for 2 days! Then we spent the rest of the evening with Shannon since her husband Aaron is eyeballs deep in tax season. Then headed home, 1 1/2 hours.
So LOTS of driving in the last several days! But I couldn't have made it without our duel screen DVD player for the kids and Harry Potter! I am addicted to Harry Potter on CD! I listen to it all the time; driving, cleaning, dishes, all the time! But it was a blast seeing Mamma Mia, spending time with family, and visiting with a good friend!!!
Now this week getting ready for our trip to Sea Side Oregon with Than's family (unfortunately he can't come, in trying to get school stuff done), but yet dreading saying goodbye to some good friends the Gotfredson's. I am already getting teary! We are really going to miss them. Why do we have to grow up and get jobs and join the real world? But thank goodness for the Internet, blogs, and emailing! Hope you all have a good week!

Last day of school at our house

So this past Tuesday was the last day of school at our house, because the Gotfredson's will be moving to Wyoming in a couple weeks. Hooray for graduation for them! But we will GREATLY miss them. Trestin is in love with Maren! He prefers her over his own mother when given the chance. I think it's funny! Anyways, we talked about friends. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." And that Kody and Jack will make new friends in WY, but can still be friends with Garrick and Aleksia by emails, letters, and phone. Then they made friendship bracelets for each other, and painted picture frames that will hold a group picture (last picture). We will miss you Gotfredson's, but happy for you to be moving on to the next phase of life, "The Real World." We won't forget you!

Aleksia painting

Jack

Garrick

Kody

Group photo!