My Life on the Line

OVERDUE!

2011-01-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

This is my family. Let me re-introduce you...
I have been married to my wonderful husband for fourteen years now and sometimes those years seem to have gone by right before my eyes and some days it seems like it's been FOREVER! Have we all been there? We have three handsome boys-13,9,3 and one beautifully stunning girl, 7. Together we are trying to teach and raise a righteous family who know, and put into action, the most important things in life: God, family and showing love to all. Well, the list is longer than that but you get the idea. Lately it's been a struggle to share my abundance of love and patience toward my children. I don't know what's happened, if it's the Christmas Break that I love so much (I know some moms LOVE to have the time to sleep in and laze the days away but for me it's never sitting down and trying to make time for everyone and keeping the house clean and cooking meals that everyone enjoys, not possible.) or if the kids are going through another "testing" period. All of them combined can be a little too much for me to handle. I love and adore my children, don't get me wrong, it's just truly the hardest job because you don't know if what you're doing is the right thing or if you're setting them up with bad habits and manners. They don't come with a manual of instruction and so I rely on a lot of praying and observation of other mothers who seem to have a clue. My time with them is so precious and so I want to make the most out of their childhood.
My friends are a very important part of my life. They bring stability and help to ground me when it seems I'm destined to float up to the clouds! They are all great examples to me of how to keep a strong family and grow closer to one another. They are there if I need to talk it out or to give me suggestions. Thank you girls!
I love my family, each and every member of it and I know you are helping me to strengthen all my muscles, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I am so thankful for you and all your hugs and loves continually even if I'm having a rough day. I am joining the ranks of mothers everywhere who say "I am doing the most important job in the world and that is raising strong, healthy, loving souls so they can go out and do good in the world today and everyday!"

A Happy Happy 2nd Birthday for Ryan

2009-06-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

So here we are singing happy birthday to Ryan with Zingers in hand (those are cheap cupcake things) and a little while later we hear him singing CLEARLY to himself "Happy Brr....."
I am so thrilled to bring to you this little presentation of our SUPER STAR for the day... And if you know anything about him you know this is HUGE!

Party Cakes

2009-04-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Nephew Jordan's 3rd birthday

~Thomas the Tank Engine~

Fondant cake

Niece Aubry's 1st birthday ~Flower~

Carrie's first baby shower cake (it matched the nursery). Fondant cake

Rhett's 12th birthday

~Pokemon Ball~

If anyone is in need (or want) of a cake for any occassion, call me! I make traditional frosted cakes and fondant.

And they're all getting along

2009-01-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

The kids were taking turns stuffing their little bodies into this storage bin and pretending it's a bed, etc. Ashten is my star in this film! He cracks me up at the end; always trying to be right in the camera's face, making strange noises and faces too. I am so thankful our kids can play together and make so many fun memories.

Elbow room

2009-01-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Candid is always a good way to catch people! Hey look they have twinner jackets! You guys are so cute together. Serious.

The kids had a great time playing in the snow every day, all day. They would come in to get warm and dry, eat, pee and go play! We all stopped for a photo shoot. Hurry, look this way everyone!
Jimmy cracks me up in this picture. He's the one waving in the front. So sweet!

Happy 5th Birthday, Chaney!!!

2008-12-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Chaney's birthday over a few days! She has been talking about her 5th birthday since the day after she turned 4. We started the day by taking her older brothers to school and then Ryan, Chaney and I went to the doughnut shop for a dozen. She chose the chocolate with sprinkles. Then it was off to shop for some dressy birthday shoes which we finally found some that fit and were decent looking in the third store! Cute black patent leather that she hasn't had the opportunity to wear yet. I would like to save them for nice occasions such as church. She did enjoy trying on all the wacky shoes out there, though.
Ryan must have been pooped by then cause once we got out to the parking lot he started having a seizure. I'm thinking, okay, on her birthday! Stay calm, don't get irritated by Chaney's many questions as to why her brother looks the way he does while I focus on what to do. Long story short- use emergency kit I keep with me, doesn't work, 911, ambulance, vomiting, lasting way too long and needing a shot to stop it, hospital, Lisa breaks down crying in front of her daughter, Chaney freaking out but keeping it contained pretty well, nurses find out it's her birthday and track down a cat that meows, did the trick for her, me, still a slight wreck (I'm by myself folks), grandma arrives to pick up Miss Chaney, Ryan sleeping and recovering nicely, Jason arrives hours later, we go home a couple hours after that. Flu or something similar to follow for the next 3 or 4 days.
He is doing well now.
After a rocky late morning/afternoon (at least for me) Chaney and I made cupcakes with cherry frosting and had a nice evening together with our family. Celeste and Taylor made it home from Thailand that afternoon, just in time to sing and eat cake. Chaney had a great day nonetheless and I was very relieved of that.

Just the Boyz

2008-12-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

Chaney had the opportunity to spend a week with her Great Aunt Gina and cousins for a whole week! She had such a wonderful time. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Gina, for the much needed R & R.

The boys had an evening of wrestling with dad. Good times! Ryan thought it was hilarious and cool to climb all over Jason.

Fetch, Addy!

2008-11-30T21:01:00.002-08:00

Celeste (Jason's sister) and her husband Taylor are away for 6 weeks in Thailand and while they are away we have the pleasure of watching their sweet dog, Addy.
Celeste, this video is for you. Don't even think for a minute that we didn't exercise your dog. Just look at the energy expended here while she runs to retrieve the ball!

Some of my accomplishments

2008-11-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Things in bold are what I have done. Ashamed? I think NOT.

1. Started a blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

Try this out. It's actually really fun to see what you've done. It also makes you think about what you want to do--so just copy and paste, then bold the things on the list you have done.

Inclement weather

2008-11-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Due to the crappy weather we are having I thought it appropriate to get them all rain hats. They work great and keep your hair looking as fresh as the moment you left the house!
You too can own this adorable head gear available at your nearest Dollar store.

Encore, Halloween

2008-11-05T15:49:00.001-08:00

Monica (my sister-in-law) and Chaney

Grandma Cindi and Ryan

Grandpa Wendell, the pyro and the "helper"

My nephew Josh as the Mad Hatter, sooo cute. Monica made the hat and bow tie!

Here's Monica with two of her three boys, Josh and Jake as a leprechaun. Ethan, her other boy (3 yrs. old) was a ninja turtle but he didn't have his costume on. He was adorable and looking for a fight.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

So, here we are. Happy Halloween and all that jazz. We had a good day, started Trick or Treating at 3pm with grandma Cindi and Julie and her kids at a strip mall close by. It was super crowded but there were so many fun costumes to admire! My favorite; a grown woman dressed in pj's and a pacifier stuck in her mouth! I think she must have been posessed by some evil spirit to be dressed up like.

Rhett was a ghost for 3 or 4 years running now. He makes a cute one! Ashten was Dracula, blood and all! Chaney made the most beautiful Snow White I've ever seen. She REALLY enjoyed the make up session!!! She kept adding more as the evening wore on. And, of course, our little Ryan man was Tigger. We ended the night in our neighborhood tromping from door to door. I could seriously feel my hips getting wider as I collected candy for the wee little one (but we all know it all goes to mommy). I love those Take 5 candy bars. They should be banned from the premises.

And our pumpkins we (I) carved, Rhett being the exception. I love carving them so no sweat! Yay, let the holiday season begin!!!!!!!!!!!

2nd wedding cake

2008-11-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

So many updates to do, such a slow computer!

This is my 2nd wedding cake done last friday, the 21st. It turned out well but, boy, do I have a lot to learn.

I gotta give a shout out to mama cause she baked and filled 'em. It was a team effort.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

I took the kids down south to Bauman Farms near Woodburn at the beginning of October. My dad lives close by so he decided to tag along. We all had a great time.
I did lose Ashten for about 5 minutes but no worries, he just went over to the zip line without asking! Kids...

Lunch date

2008-11-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

We met dad at work for lunch about a month ago. Here's the pic! We had to wait about 20 minutes for him so we rolled in the grass. Lots of fun.

My first wedding cake

2008-08-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

This, as I mentioned in the title, is my first wedding cake ever! Second time working with fondant. I had the best time making this thing. Well, I should say I only did the fondant work. Jason's mom baked and filled the monstrous layers. This thing probably weighed about 25 lbs. when it was all done. To get an idea of how big this thing is the bottom layer is a 14 inch square. It was a lot of work but I'm really looking forward to my next opportunity coming this October!
I could get used to this kind of work. I can only get better, right?

San Francisco

2008-07-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Jason and I had the privilege to go to San Francisco over the weekend, leaving our baby Ryan for the first time! We had a great time exploring Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, China Town and Little Italy.
We arrived Friday night and went straight to the hotel, got up in the morning and had breakfast in the restaurant at the hotel. Then went on our walking exploration of SF till the evening when we got all foofed up for the Exploratorium. It was an event put on by Jason's work. They did a great job putting it all together and the food was great and desserts even better! The next day (Sunday) it was time to leave but not before going exploring again and getting lost for about an hour. We ended up at the Cheesecake Factory for breakfast. So good! Wish the weekend lasted longer. Loved it!

My Mom

2008-06-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful mother. I don't have many pictures of her because she hates her picture being taken. She actually smiled for this one, and dare I say posed? She went out with me and my kids to Red Robin for Rhett's 11th birthday in April. Sorry, you know I'm behind! We had a great time together and I always love spending time with my mom. Nothin' like it in the world! She retired last year from the VA hospital and loves her new found freedom and I'm enjoying having her around more. Watch out mom, we're coming to your pool a lot this summer!!!

Why I do what I do

2008-06-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful family I have. Each a great blessing and they are my life. I would do anything for them and love them with all my heart!
I had to share, now if only I could have been in there instead of being the photographer. It would have made for a great Christmas card, eh?

Never mind

2008-05-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, my blogs weren't showing up because for some odd reason it seems that the text was white. I'm changing the colors and it's suddenly appearing! Oh, what a relief. All that hard work. It's still there!

I lost everything!

2008-05-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

I changed my template today and it deleted almost my entire blog. The pictures remain but all my writing is GONE! I am a bit irritated right now!!!

Getting back to it!

2008-05-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well, after a long time of not blogging I don't even know where to start. I guess I should finish up the last blog entry since you are probably wondering how Ryan is doing.
After the first seizure back who knows when, which was a Monday, we left town that weekend to head up to see Travis (Jason's brother), Joann (wifey-poo) and their 3 adorable kids. All seemed well. Got back Sunday night. Tuesday in the wee hours of the morning Ryan wakes up to eat (around 2-ish), normal, I feed him and notice he feels hot. I take his temperature and it's 102.4. This fever came out of no where and he never had symptoms of any kind of sickness. I know seizures can be induced by a fever so I grab the Tylenol hoping to stave it off. Back to bed he goes after a full tummy. I laid half awake for a little bit feeling anxious about his fever and heard Ryan whimpering/complaining so I got up and found him having a seizure. Not a sight a mother should see. I rolled him on his side and ran to grab the phone, immediately calling 911. While on the phone with them (for 10 minutes) I talked quietly to Ryan and rubbed his back. He was able to hold on to my fingers with his left side so I knew he was aware I was there. With a full tummy he threw up everything over the course of about 10 minutes. Everyone in the house was still asleep at this point. The paramedics announced their arrival as they entered our home waking up Jason, his mom and dad. They were in shock and a bit panicked as to what was going on. I was told to move Ryan to the front room so they had space to care for him, still in a seizure. His color was good but they needed to stop the seizure with a shot of something. I didn't know what it was. I walked him outside to the gurney after they checked him over. They strapped me in and I held Ryan on my lap. Once we were on our way he started to slow. By then it had been about 25 minutes or more that his little body was jerking uncontrollably so he was completely worn out and sleepy. His eyes would hardly open and his body was limp. I went alone, able to keep control of my emotions, with Jason about 45 minutes behind us. Getting to the hospital Ryan was more aware but exhausted still, right side limp. They hooked up the necessary equipment to him including an IV for anti-seizure medicine and fluids. He finally fell asleep and they ended up admitting him for the day for observation and to get an EEG which helps figure out where and why this is happening. He now has a Neurologist added to his ever growing medical team. He was very irritable during his stay because of the type of medicine he was given which didn't get completely out of his system for a few days. That was a bucket load of fun right there my friends. He is now on anti-convulsion medicine three times a day which doesn't seem to have any side effects so far. He is our happy boy again and we are loving him up! His body recovered fully. The after effect of a seizure on him is called Todd's Paralysis and can last up to 48 hours. He is now clapping and army crawling everywhere, eating everything in his path!

9-1-1

2008-03-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started out very productive, trying to settle into our new establishment and find a place for all our junk! I laid Ryan down for his nap around 10am and was putting around and getting ready for the day. A little after noon time I heard him wake up and cry but my hair was wet from the shower and I wanted to blow dry it before getting him up and he usually likes the sound of the hairdryer so I took a few more minutes to do that. When I went in to get him I grabbed his arms to help him sit up and I noticed he wasn't making any effort to sit so I just picked him up and put him on my hip. He was kind of like a limp noodle and continued to cry so I didn't really think anything of it just yet, I thought he was just super hungry and throwing a fit so we went in the kitchen to get some barley cereal going for him. I was paying more attention to him now and how his body was moving. I noticed his whole right side was barely moving, panic set in and I rushed to find his Neurosurgeon's number. A minute later I was dialing the number and I let it ring a couple times and then (ding) I'm thinking what the heck are you doing, Lisa, call 911, he needs help immediately! I don't know what's happened to him and if it's something that's time-sensitive.
Never before have I had to call 911. It took 3 or 4 rings and I'm thinking, why the crap are you not answering after ONE ring! I did stay calm and was able to explain what I had observed so far. I gave all the information they asked for and a few minutes later I hear the blare of sirens. A little embarrassed that they were coming for us, I opened the door and paced till a fire engine and ambulance got there (Ryan in my arms, who was happy by this point but body still not working). I had about 6 emergency prepared men plus Ashten and Chaney (trying to comfort him and understand what was happening to their little buddy) in the front room asking questions and one who worked with Ryan.
They were ready to transport him to the hospital so I called my friend a couple blocks over and she was there to pick up the kids, it seemed like, as soon as I hung up the phone! Julie, you are wonderful, thanks so much! They strapped me in to the gurney and I put Ryan in my lap. We were off to Legacy Emanuel (no lights or sirens, he was stable). It was quite a peaceful ride, actually, Ryan was very calm.
Once there they got a CT scan ordered to make sure the shunt was functioning properly and cross that off as a possible reason for his condition. He was slowly improving by this time. That test turned out fine. Well, to sum up the rest of the visit, they narrowed it down to a seizure. Now, I know nothing of them but I will soon.
We are back at home and Ryan is back to his happy, all functioning self! We are waiting to get in to see a Neurologist now and find out what is happening in that adorable little head of his. We are holding our breath that it doesn't happen again. I really can't believe that happened yesterday. Who'da thunk. He is well and has proved many doctors wrong in his abilities and strength. Neiner, neiner! What a blessing he is and I thank Heavenly Father for him daily.

Interesting study

2008-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

UCLA STUDY - WOMEN
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire. No further studies are expected.

Sweet 16!

2008-03-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am in love with making cakes. I look forward to making my children's birthday cakes every year and when the kids ask if they can help it's really the only time when I tell them to "back off." They pick out whatever theme they wish and I put it all together for them. They are always thrilled with the results.

Well, I knew my niece's 16th birthday was coming up and I was hoping I'd get the chance to make her something special. I have wanted to try my hand at fondant for a while now and have a friend who has made it so I called her up and got the recipe, watched a little video or two on YouTube about it and got ideas and off I went. Here are the results of my niece's sweetest birthday cake yet!

Heather, you looked so adorable!

Also, I did make the flowers and everything else on it with fondant.

Vacation!

2008-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you've been wondering why the heck I haven't posted anything new it's because I was on vacation!

I went to Florida with my sister and Ryan for the week. I left last Sunday and returned Monday morning. We took the red eye flight on the way there. Ryan slept the whole way! I tried to but every time he kicked me (he was laying in the seat between us) I opened my eyes to make sure he wasn't going to fall off the seat, which was about every 15 minutes, or so it seemed. We arrived Florida time 6am and headed straight to the Waffle House. My sister had never tried their food. They have fab waffles and hashbrowns by the way. Then drove to my dad's condo and tried to sleep a couple hours before getting groceries at Wal Mart. That would be the first of many trips there during the week.

The real reason we went to Florida is to visit our grandma! We enjoyed her company so much. It was a low key trip and very enjoyable! We took her to get a hair cut and a manicure. We went out to lunch at Shells and spent a lot of time at her home just chatting and listening to stories of her childhood. What a wonderful grandma I have.

RAD!

2008-02-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

Question:
Does anyone remember the 1986 movie Rad? Yes, that's the title- Rad! It was about BMX dudes that ROCKED! I thought of that movie this morning (who knows why?) and asked Jason if he knew what I was talking about. He didn't but that didn't stop me from breaking into song. "Send me an angel..."
I wonder how cool I would think it was now? I know one thing for sure, the music still gets me going! I love 80's music.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

Very normal, low key day.
Chaney had a 10:30 doctor's appointment to flush out all the ear wax build-up (sorry to gross you out) and back home to watch my cute nephew. Made an easy dinner of chicken nuggets, salad and broccoli. Watched Snow Buddies with our kids and then off to bed for them then tried to relax while having to put Chaney back in bed a dozen times. Life is good...

Jason sent me a bunch of tulips yesterday. They are gorgeous and they remind me that spring isn't too far away now. THANK GOODNESS!!! I made it through another winter here.
I'm gonna write some more but it's late and sleep is good.

Need a laugh?

2008-02-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

I subscribe to Reader's Digest and love the jokes in it. Well, I came across this one last night and just had to share it.

The pharmacist arrives at work to find a frightened-looking man leaning against the wall.
"What's wrong with him?" the pharmacist asks his clerk.
"He wanted cough medicine, but I couldn't find any, so I gave him a laxative."
"Laxatives won't cure a cough," yells the owner.
"Sure they will. Look at him. He's afraid to cough."

Acrylic Painting

2008-02-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

Every first Friday of the month my mother (in-law) watches my two littlest children in the morning so I can have some free time. Well, she watches my sis-in-law's boy too. Monica (sis) and I have wanted to try out her art set I bought her for Christmas like two years ago!
We headed out yesterday around 8:30am straight for Michaels to pick up some canvases. They didn't open till 9 so I had time to return something to Target. Then to Michaels, we grabbed some brushes and very blank canvases and took a moment to glance in some art books for "inspiration." We got back to Moni's house and set up shop in her front room. I googled a few things to really cement what the heck I was going to do with that very white and empty canvas. We painted in silence for a while then I suggested maybe we should be listening to Mozart or something. We settled on 94.7 NRK.

Four Eyes!

2008-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I realized Rhett's eyes were needing some attention. Things that I could see crystal clear, Rhett had to walk close to see. Never had he brought that to my attention. I guess he thought it was normal not to be able to see things far away. (Feeling like a bad mom moment)
Well, I got him an appointment a couple weeks ago and sure enough, he needed them pretty bad. It's for the stuff far away. I believe he's near-sighted?
His glasses came in yesterday and he was stoked to go pick them up after school. All the way home he was comparing signs with and without the glasses. What a difference! I asked him if he could read what was on a billboard (glasses on) and was able to read without difficulty. I said, take off your glasses and see if you can read it. He took them off and couldn't even see ANYTHING! Seriously, the letters didn't even exist once his glasses were off. Vanished! Oh, the miracle of spectacles and even eyes themselves!
I'm so thankful for my good vision and hope it stays with me for a long time! : )

I'll snap a picture of him so you can see how adorable he looks!

Giraffe, it's what's for dinner

2008-01-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

Rhett loves his baby brother so much. He's always making him smile and laugh.
What a tremendous gift our children are to us.

Bed time stories

2008-01-28T21:26:00.001-08:00

How wonderful is it that dad takes the time to read to our children.
See how their little minds are absorbing it all! Especially ninja boy in the corner. And, yes, he did wear that to bed.

Inspiration needed...

2008-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

This is my bed. It's my favorite piece I own, so far. This picture does not do it justice! And Jason was still in bed so I had little to work with here.

I look to all of you ladies to inspire me on what to write about. That said, since I can't list my friends on my page (there's something wrong with it) I always start on Merilee's page since I know her URL and she has all the links to all of my gorgeous and inspiring friends.

Well, I found out I LOVE Anthropologie(thanks Merilee)! Can I just tell you, if I had time to devote to decorating and money to buy something (more than a gumball) I would go there for inspiration. I'm always on the lookout for things that inspire me. My favorite color is kelly green but I'm in love with things worn and look like they've been around for ages. Something that tells a story. You can just imagine how it was used and maybe passed around the family. I love the odd! Common objects realized into something more! Finding a new use, even for decorative purposes. What inspires you?

Grandma in Florida

2008-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

I have to share my grandma with everyone. She's 92 and still going strong. I love you so much grandma!

A moment, Please!

2008-01-21T12:11:00.001-08:00

It's been almost a week since my last post. It's not because I haven't wanted to or just couldn't think of something to write about. No, it's because I can't find enough time in the day to devote to a paragraph on the computer. I enjoy being busy but sometimes it really gets to me that I can't do some things when I want to. I'm too busy being chef and waiter, human laundr-O-mat, dish washer extrordinaire, bum wiper (ewww!), mother cow to my baby, cleaner of foreign matter off any surface, etc.

I need a brownie.

I have to comment on the amazing yellow round thing that rose in the sky today, I believe it's called the....sun, yes, the sun! It really helps with the energy and motivation around here. I kinda feel like I can conquer anything.

Gotta go to Costco today. Diapers and garbage bags, ohhhh ahhhh!

Another brownie, please.

welcome to the guinea pig salon

2008-01-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

Chaney helped me with the guineas today (we have 2 but only one in the pictures). We cleaned out the cage and gave them baths, blow dried till fluffy and clipped their nails. Their names are Starmie and Cool Guy. I also have to add that they are both female!

It was so funny, when I told Chaney we were going to cut their nails she thought I said "paint" their nails. She says, "okay, I'll go pick out the color!" It was histerical. Total GIRL I tell you!

I guess she likes to look crazy in all her pictures. A little freaky there darlin'.

A dusting of snow

2008-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

So, Ashten went to bed last night with a sore throat and still this morning he was in pain so obviously he isn't going to school today. Well, Rhett got wind of that and said, and I quote (with attitude), "If Ashten's not going to school then I'm not either, so DEAL!"

Flames shot from my eyes and I was hoping they would burn some sense into him. It didn't work so the next best thing, sitting on the toilet for a time out. He was ushered in there quicker than lightning, by me. When his time was up he refused to come out because he said he's not going to school. I told him I was starting the car and suggested that maybe he should brush his teeth, for other peoples sake, ya know? That's when I noticed it had lightly snowed. Well, when it lightly snows around here things shut down real quick like. I went online and saw Beaverton was 2 hours late. He'd been in the bathroom for roughly 40 minutes up to that point (his choice). He did not know about the delay so I let him sit in there and enjoy the quiet time.

I tell you, the things that come out of a childs mouth sometimes. Makes you wanna karate chop them! I opted to give him some reflection time with the toilet bowl.

Good morning to you too... :)

50's list

2008-01-14T21:49:00.000-08:00

I read on Darilyn's blog the list of 50 things and was inspired by her to do the same. This is a list of things I some day would like to do and I think all of them are within reach.
It's a work in progress but here's what I have so far:
1 surf regularly
2 visit Ukraine and find family members
3 start my genealogy
4 paint furniture
5 1/2 marathon
6 fix up an old home (1920's?)
7 own my own home! (if we were going in order, this would be #1)
8 decorate my OWN home (I think every room may have a completely different style!)
9 learn about landscaping and gardening
10 own a Wagoneer or Land Rover
11 take my kids skiing, well, and Jason too
12 road trips! I would love to see Mt. Rushmore
13 make scrapbooks for all my kids
14 learn how to sew more than just a straight line
15 plan a trip to see my cousins in Indiana

Okay, so it's not a list of 50, YET! I wouldn't have thought it would be this hard to come up with things.

Oh, I'm just catching up on some light reading

2008-01-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

my precious treasures list

2008-01-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other night about what I could write about in my next posting. My mind is often drawn to my husband and kids as it was that evening. So, then I thought it would be a good idea to ponder and write down all that I am thankful for in 2007.

It was a very painful year (probably the hardest of my life, so far) but it also brought the greatest joys I could ever imagine experiencing!

In late 2006 we decided it was time for another child to join our family. We just felt incomplete when we were all together and we even found ourselves looking around making sure we had them all but still seemed to come up short. Someone was definitely missing and so we were pregnant almost immediately. A few months later we had our ultrasound early to confirm the due date and were told to expect another boy! We were very excited (they're easier, or so I think), but we didn't really have too much of a preference. We were wrapping up the ultrasound when the technician detected a problem with the formation of the skull. Things went downhill very quickly from that moment on. A doctor came in and explained what it was our son had (an encephalocele and hydrocephalus) and said he pretty much doesn't have much of a chance of surviving and if he did he could be a complete vegetable. Then 10 minutes later they were sticking a long needle in my stomach to extract a sample of the amniotic fluid to test for other complications. I was a wreck, shaking, sweating, crying, trying to be brave. Jason was strong for me. The doctor that came in ended up being the one I stuck with through the pregnancy and delivery. A few members of our family didn't care for her because of her "business-like attitude" but she just told it like she saw it and didn't sugar coat, which Jason and I liked. In the beginning she told us if it was her baby she'd terminate the pregnancy but we knew that wasn't the path to take. We had to tell her a few more times that we had no interest in ending this sooner than what nature would allow. She never said he had NO chance but the odds were not in his favor and because almost every baby diagnosed with this problem ends up being terminated they didn't have much in the way of research on the surviving babies to go off of. We had to hope!

That day (December 27, 2006) was the beginning of the roller coaster ride I will never forget. That day was also the day I named him Ryan. Jason and I struggled through the unknown months of wondering and having frequent ultrasounds to measure the baby and keep close tabs on his ever growing head. It was a little bigger than normal because of excess fluid on the brain.

It became very hard for Jason and I to talk to family and friends and withdrew from everyone we loved. I cried so much in those months leading up to his birth. My emotions were all over the board and so were Jason's but we stayed so close to each other through it all. When the time drew closer we sat just our older boys down (Chaney was too little to understand) and explained that Ryan would need surgery when he was born and showed pictures of what the shunt looked like that would be placed in his head to drain the extra fluid that would always be there. And also to have the encephalocele removed. Our oldest son knew there was a chance of losing his baby brother and I know it wore on him too. He has a very gentle heart and caring spirit.

The time came to plan the date for my C-section. I was terrified! I had never had surgery and didn't know what I was in for but I knew it gave Ryan the best chance so I immediately agreed. I had known this since the ultrasound too so that added to the anxiety I had. The date was set for June 11, 2007 at 8a.m.

We planned a family vacation a month before his due date because we just didn't know when we would have the opportunity again, not knowing the state of Ryan's outcome. So, we took off for a week in sunny Florida to visit family, friends and Mickey Mouse! What a wonderful time and good to get away from everything for a little bit, even though my tummy was gigantic. In the parks I rented a motorized scooter to get around (oh yes, I have no shame in it). What a life saver and even the kids got on it from time to time when they got tired. They got kicked off a few times but we'd go around the corner and they jumped back on. We are such rebels!

The time came, too quickly but not soon enough, and we set our alarm clocks for 4a.m. to be at the hospital at 6a.m. for surgery prep the morning of June 11. I got the I.V. and walked myself in to the operating room with a nurse at my side. Jason wasn't able to come in till they were all set up. I had been shaking since I got to the hospital and up until my doctor came in to the O.R. and laid her hand on my arm. At that very second a calm came over my body and I was able to relax. It was almost a warming feeling. The shaking was gone. Jason joined me and took a seat, unknowingly, next to the container of body fluid they sucked from me while in the process of my surgery. He moved very quickly once he realized what it was. He's super squeamish. I found it very amusing.

Ryan was born soon after they began (within about 15-20 minutes) and immediately I heard the most beautiful noise ever! His cry! They lifted him up so we could get a quick glimpse of him then they whisked him away to the recovery room where they could quickly assess him. Within a few minutes, maybe even less, they called in that he was sucking on a pacifier! Breathing and sucking were major obstacles that our doctor didn't think he would be able to do. He scored not one but TWO 9's on the A.P.G.A.R. test. That's rare in a baby that has no complications. I cried and laughed as they sewed me up. Jason was thrilled too and beamed like sunshine. We were able to go in (I was wheeled, of course) to the room where he lay with cords of all kinds on him. He was so beautiful. I was able to hold him for a few minutes and a nurse took many pictures. Jason and I were then sent back to a recovery room for an hour to take my vitals every so often. We just couldn't believe it. He was here and doing things we only dreamed about! His birth was just the beginning of many miracles to come.

Hump day

2008-01-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday! The craziest thing about today......

Jason works nights and worked Tuesday night but didn't go to bed when he got home this morning...or in the afternoon...or the evening either! You know what he's doing right now?...off to work again. I have never met someone who can do that. It's completely nutty! He has spent all day rewriting his resume and applying for job openings; which by the way, he has found some great jobs today! Cross the fingers that someone will give him a chance. He is so talented and amazing and only if someone would open that door for him and give him an interview- they would be asking him to start immediately! It's frustrating that he is working so hard yet not many give him the time of day. He just keeps at it. His work ethic is out of this world. He is teaching our children a lot just from the example he sets and I am so proud of him! Love you honey.

As for me I got up feeling the affects from last nights charades. I wasn't quite ready for our sweet daughters energy. I got the boys off to school and did a few chores then laid back down for an hour (since Jason was awake!). I felt so much better after that. Then spent a lot of time with Chaney while Ryan took a GREAT nap. Then it was off to take care of Juanita again (the elderly lady I mentioned in my blog a couple days ago). Homework, chores, neighbor kids, made dinner, cleaned dental office, grocery shopped, and put away groceries all within a three hour period. My back is tight!
Is this depressing?

I'm telling you, I need some sunshine around here. This "staying indoors because it's wet and mucky out" thing really stinks! It was really dark today from all the cloud cover. And my legs are getting pasty. It's like I live in Oregon or something. Wow, I miss Florida!

Oh, and Ashten lost another tooth last night. He put that one immediately under his pillow and what do you know, the tooth fairy came!

We are winding down...finally!

2008-01-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

What is it lately? Chaney is crazy at bedtime. It's like she had a shot of espresso! I'm getting more greys with every scream that comes from her mouth. Ryan's crying, Chaney's screaming and playing with her loud toys and Ashten is calling for me while I'm tending to Ryan because she's out of bed or trying to climb up on Ashten's bunk. I tell you, they do not pay me enough. You think I could ask for a raise??!!

2008-01-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

Chaney and I finally took the tree down today! The boy scouts pick it up Thursday. There were needles everywhere. My vacuum smells like a pine forest now. She helped wrap up the fragile ornaments and put them in the box. What a helper! She is always a willing participant unless the job is cleaning up her room or her toys around the house, then you can forget about it (threatening to throw them away works!). Sometimes I really think about throwing them all away because she is a walking tornado!

I helped take care of an elderly lady today because mom is out of town for 10 days. Mom is who normally takes care of her. She's a fun gal and I enjoy going over there. It's also great being able to help mom out so she can go places. She does so much for me and our kids and it's nice to do tiny favors for her when I get the opportunity. Hope you're having a great time Mom!

Jason's off to work (nights). He's amazing! Always the provider -and my best friend. I'm looking forward to our date night this friday.

Ashten lost a tooth a couple days ago and put it in a Zip-Lock but now we can't find it! The tooth fairy can't come unless it's under the pillow ya know!

Rhett is trying to catch up on his math packets-oooooh, so exciting!

My mom is up at BrianHead right now. Let's see...who's there...my aunt Teri, uncle Jim, cousin Jenny and boys, I think that's it. Man, would it be the coolest to go back to that place some day! I had so much fun skiing every year there. It's been about 12 years since my last visit. WAY too long! I would love to take our kids there and teach them to ski. That's where I learned at age 9.

I wonder if we'll have a snow or ice storm this year. That would be fun!

Goodnight all

I wonder...

2008-01-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

I would like to know how this is going to work out. I have never been good at journaling but I would love to try, again! I have a very busy life and it's one with much drama and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Well, maybe to some.
Today Jason and I finished rearranging the kids rooms and ridding ourselves of crappy toys from McDonalds Happy Meals! We now have Rhett and Ryan in one room and Chaney and Ashten in the other. It's a good arrangement so far and everyone is happy about it.
We still have our Christmas tree up but it's the next thing to go now that the rooms are done. It's getting on the crispy side. Not much watering going on this year. By the way, we had a fabulous Christmas morn. Thanks Mom and Dad!
I'm almost done reading The Hobbit. It's been pretty good. Now I have to read The Lord of the Rings again. I'm sure I'll pick up on some things I missed last time.
What the heck, I'm tired and I could probably keep rambling on about random occurances but I'll save you from it.
Good night all!