So Far So Good

Curtis left for Arizona at like 6:40 yesterday morning. I spent the day home with the kids. I didn't think they should be in church. They seemed to be much improved though. So happy. I really believe in the power of the priesthood and think that has more to do with the improvement than the medicine, although I am sure that is helping too.
I had an Activity days meeting last night that I had to attend. The kids seemed to be doing ok, so I took them with me and just planned on them sitting still through it. Oh silly me. They were running around and having a blast. You would never know they were sick.
Today they seem to be even better. Trinity seems 100% better, I think she is officially over it. Ivan seems fine, running around and playing, but he sounds awful. He has no voice. Oh it is so sad to hear him try to cry. He has no voice to cry with. At least it is a little quieter around here.
As I mentioned, Curtis is in AZ. He will be there until Friday. I don't really have too much planned for while he is gone. I don't really have to cook, the kids are pretty easy to please. I do have to get my house cleaned for a visit from my sister this weekend. Happy day for that.

Influenza

The flu has hit my home. Yeah. I thought when we were sick last month that was our turn, apparently not. Nope, we have been hit with the sick bug again. This time it is Ivan and Trinity. Curtis took them into the Dr. today and they were both diagnosed with flu. I guess it is going around. My poor babies. They are pretty miserable. Ivan is doing better, he is just as sick, but still has some energy. Trinity is just listless. She has watched lots of tv today and just layed around. The Dr. gave them both a prescription to overcome it quicker, it is tamiflu. Curtis also gave them each a blessing.
We put Ivan down for his nap at 2. I went in and woke him up (he was mostly awake, I was just covering him and he finished waking up) at like 5:45.
Trinity fell asleep at like 4:45 and woke up at like 6. Wow, she woke up and was totally out of it. She fell asleep downstairs on the couch. When she woke up she totally freaked out. She was crying and screaming, well trying, she has no voice, and we ran down to see what was wrong. She was like, "The t.v. is too big! It's going crazy. It's too big, I wanna get out of here." I took her upstairs to try and calm her down. She wasn't having any of it. She told me again it was too big. Then she didn't like me rocking. She then started saying her hand. I asked her what about her hand. She said it was "beeping". I figured it had fallen asleep and was tingling. She was pretty freaked out about it though and kept telling me her hand was beeping. Then she started saying her eyes were beeping now. Wow, what? She finally calmed down, but wow, she was starting to freak me out too.
To make things better, tomorrow morning at like 6:40 Curtis flies to Arizona for the week. *Big Huge Sigh* I hope I can do 2 sick kids on my own. I also hope and pray I don't get sick.
Here's to a speedy recovery.

Scripture Reading

Since deciding we were going to have family scripture study everyday, we have been perfect with it. We have not missed a day. Some days it was only a verse or 2, but we read. Ivan is less than reverent, but we are (hopefully) setting the example and instilling a love of the scriptures.

Ivan is super cute repeating us. We ask him if he wants to "read" and then we read it, he repeats. We are still doing it that way with Trinity, since she isn't reading on her own yet. It takes longer, but we are doing it.

One night, Curtis was sitting with his legs on the ottoman. His legs made a hole, and Ivan thought that would be a perfect place for some fun.

After we finished reading, Trinity said it was her turn. At least she waited until we were done and sits reverently.

Then they both did it at the same time.

Fire of the Covenant

Have I ever mentioned this book? I absolutely, positively LOVE it. I just finished reading it again for the 4th or 5th time. It was out on Monday when Kate came and she asked "haven't you read that?" I told her yes. She asked if it was sad.

This is a historical fiction book of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. It took history, threw in some fictional character and story line and is a great book to read.

I told her of course there were sad parts, I mean, lots of people died on this trek. But I also told her how uplifting it was. I cry through most of the book, but also smile and have my faith renewed.

These saints over came trials, tragedys, and so much to reach Utah. I love the story that Lund created to tie in these events and tell the historical part of this event.

I love reading the pioneer stories. Not only the fun happy things, but the trials and struggles. I love them not in a morbid, they all suffered kind of way, but in a look how they overcame them and rose up, trusting in the Lord type of way. It is so inspirational to me.

Anyway, I just love this book. I have not yet put it away so over the last 2 days I have picked it up and reread some of my favorite parts. The top picture is done by Michael Bedard. The bottom one by Julie Rogers. They are of the same brothers. Here is the description of the bottom one titled "Determination".

James Kirkwood (11) had a great responsibility to look after his younger brother, Joseph Smith Clements Kirkwood (5) in their immigration with the Willie Handcart Company in 1856. James’ mother, Margaret, a widow of four years and her son Robert (21) tugged the handcart which carried their crippled son and brother, Thomas (19), along with their meager belongings. In the blizzard crossing Rocky Ridge on Oct. 23, 1856, James and Joseph became separated from the family and did not arrive in camp until very late.
Robert and Margaret had struggled through the blizzard with Thomas in the handcart and were able to arrive safely at Rock Creek, although Margaret had one eye freeze and would be blind the rest of her life in that eye. Margaret kept her small fire going, watching and waiting faithfully for her young sons. James’ strength in saving his younger brother was spent upon arrival at Rock Creek. Joseph’s biography states: "...when arriving in camp the brother James fell dead due to starvation and cold. He was buried on the banks of the Sweetwater in a grave with twelve others." Joseph’s rescued life continued until April of 1933, just short of his 77th birthday.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:133 Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, ...in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love...

Someday I am going to read all the books referenced in this one. Read the people's actual accounts. I also want to read these books some day:

This is the artwork I will have in my home someday. It is titled "When the Angels Come" by Clark Kelley Price.

Blow, Blow, the Wind Does Blow...

Extra credit points to any of my family that can finish that. Here's a hint, it's a song.

I have a news flash for everyone. It is windy here in good ole' Idaho. Yep, sure is. Sunday it snowed. All this while the wind, she did blow. Monday Curtis got up to head to work. Well, he made it to about 2 feet from the end of the driveway and got stuck. He began digging it out. The neighbor (who is totally awesome and always willing to serve) came over and helped him dig. He was high centered in the car. After about 5 minutes Curtis told him to go ahead and take off so he wouldn't be late for work. Curtis on the other hand was late for work. He finally dug himself out, of course he had missed the bus, but he made it to work.
Monday was also Presidents day. I watched Kate's kids so they could go on a date. I told her I would go dig out the driveway so they could get in. She told me they wouldn't pull in and would bring shovels and help me after they got back. I put Ivan down for a nap, turned a movie on for the kids and headed out. I shoveled, and shoveled, and then shoveled some more. By the time Kate and Darin got back, I had a path they could fit through. I wanted to get it a little bigger. They helped me and we had a driveway again.
Well, the wind continued to blow. Perhaps it even snowed again, I don't know. All I know is by Tuesday afternoon I was headed back out to shovel. Trinity came out with me, she didn't want to be alone (Ivan was in bed). I shoveled, she played. I finally sent her in, she was cold and covered in snow. I finally quit about 4:45. I was so tired. I didn't think I could push another shovel of snow. I had most of it cleared, but not all. Plus, I had to get dinner in the oven, so I quit.
To top off my days, Curtis had to work late both of them. So, I was flying solo. Curtis got home Tuesday and plowed what had already reblown over and finished my job.
I really don't want to have to shovel again tomorrow. I could not be any more sore.

Surprise Visit

We had some surprise visitors today. My favorite little brother, wife and cutest newest nephew showed up. It has been forever since we have seen them. They have been gone for 2 and a half weeks. First they went to Ohio to visit my mom and then they went to Florida where Dan had work to do. They were in the area so decided to stop. Thanks for stopping guys.

It was so great to see Eli again. Last I saw him he was just a slug, but now he is a big boy with personality. He had fun smiling and laughing at Trinity. He was so cute. I wanted to eat him up. I can't wait to see him again. Dan, Jess and Eli, thanks for stopping by.Here is the cutie patootie. I considered cropping my nastyness out, but decided to just go ahead and leave it in. Just ignore me please, look at how cute Eli is. (oops, I almost typed Ivan.)

iCarly Cake

I was asked to do an iCarly laptop cake. It was for a little girl turning 6. Well, I of course said sure even though I know nothing about iCarly. I did some research though and found out a little about this show. I think the cake turned out pretty darn cute. See for yourselves.I bought an edible image for the screen. I wanted to make the cake 100% edible, but couldn't get the fondant stiff enough to stand up as the screen so I had to put card board in it. Darn it.It took a while to lay out the key board! But it is there and it is accurate.Part of my research revealed Carly's favorite food is spaghetti tacos. So I made some fondant ones. There is also a big magic meatball in the show, that is what the brown thing is. I guess it is kind of like a magic 8 ball, but a meatball instead and it talks.The point of the show is these 3 friends make an internet show. The one blond girl uses a blue remote to add special sound effects to the show.Back of the laptop.
They loved the cake. When the dad picked it up he looked at it and said "wow, that's sharp" the mom emailed me and said it was good and they were impressed with how it looked. Yippee! Oh yeah, these are repeat customers, here's hoping for lots more.

Yippee

I'm going on a date tonight.

With my husband.

I am super excited.

It has been far too long since we have dated.

Lego House

As I was uploading pictures, I found these ones of the lego house Trinity and Curtis built while I was sick. It lasted about 2 seconds after these pictures were taken. Then Ivan leaned on the roof and caved it in. Lego Dr. Curtis was called in and had it repaired in no time.

100 Days of School

Today Trinity celebrated 100 days of school. She had to take in 100 small items to add to the snack. She chose to take in valentines candy corn. We counted them all out, well she did and she counted with no problems. I did have to recount them when we found one in her sleeve. Ooops. It didn't make it in the bag, must have slipped down her shirt when she was bagging them all.Because you can't take pictures of just one kid! Here is Ivan being a silly goofy head. It looks like he is sticking his hand under his arm to make armpit farts!! No, that is not what he is doing, I really don't know what he was doing. Who ever knows with that one.

LOVE

Happy Valentines day to one and all, but especially to my one true love. I love you Curtis.

I read this story a couple weeks ago and it reminded me of Curtis. I thought it was appropriate for today, this day of love.

I do not have an author for it, it was written in my Ward's bulletin.

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

I liked that, Curtis doesn't mind a little burnt biscuit. When I do burn or screw up something in the kitchen, he always tells me it is "fine" or "not that bad". He is so loving and understanding. He is really much more than I deserve. He is not one to criticize or make me feel bad for something, on the contrary, he is always encouraging me and telling me it is ok.

He is a true wonder and I love him very much. How many men do you know that clean bathrooms on his day off, without even being asked?

Curtis my dear, I love you oh so very much and am very glad I married you. Thank you for who you are, you are the love of my life and my better half. Love you.

Kindergarten Valentines Day

I got to spend this morning in my daughters kindergarten class at her valentines party. I was in charge of the treat. They want the treat to be something that can be assembled and made before the kids eat it. Kind of like an edible craft. One of the catch, everything has to be store bought. The tough part, I had a hard time finding a cute v-day treat that they could make. I finally just settled for graham crackers, frosting and candy to decorate the top. Simple but delicious.
Ivan went over to a friend of mines. I was a little nervous, he doesn't really know them well, but I didn't want to take him with me. He had a blast! He cried for a minute when I left, but it didn't last. Up until I put him down for his nap (which is where he is now) he was talking about how much fun he had playing there. He kept telling me about the rocking horses they had and how fun they were. Thanks for keeping him for me, P, definitely made my day easier.

And We'll Have Fun Fun Fun...

Till Daddy Takes the T-Bird Away.

We had a pretty good weekend. Friday Curtis was off. He fixed the broken window on my car - finally! He ordered the parts like a month ago. The date of delivery came and went, and so he emailed them. Then they sent us a tracking number, saying they resent it, and the number didn't work. Curtis was afraid he had been scammed, but after the second complaint, it got here. So, now I have a working window again. Such a small thing that will bring me such happiness.
Then we headed to IF for some shopping. Curtis had destroyed yet again another pair of boots. He goes through them pretty fast at work. So, we got him some new boots, Trinity some boots and shoes and a pair of shoes for Ivan. They also had a great shoe sale, $5. So, I got 2 pairs of shoes for Trinity to grow into. I figured for $5, they were worth it, I am sure she will be fitting in them soon enough. They had some tennis shoes for Ivan in the $5 sale, but they didn't fit him. I was SO bumbed. Oh well.

Saturday was a fabulous day. We got up and headed to Rexburg. I dropped Curtis off at his brothers to fix his car. Then the kids and I headed to Kate's. The movie theater there shows 'kidstoons' on Saturdays, and this months is "Barbie and the secret Fairy" (or something like that.) We thought the girls would like it. They did. I had to take Ivan since Curt was busy, but he did really well. He is really a t.v. junkie.
We were going to head home after the movie to get Ivan in bed, but I decided I wanted to run to a store with Kate. Curtis tried to get Ivan to nap, no such luck. I am glad we stayed though, Darin and Calin were snow boarding, but came home early. So we all visited had dinner and played a game. I LOVE being with my family. I am glad Kate is close, sometimes I wish they were 20 minutes closer, but I guess Rexburg is close enough. Thanks for letting us invade you Herzzy's, I had a great day.

Something Borrowed

Here's a surprise: I am on facebook! Yep, been a member for a while. I signed up on accident actually years ago. Long story.
Anyhow, I had a friend who posted on facebook that she didn't like stubborn people. This is a response she got to that:
remember that the only difference between "strong willed" and "stubborn" is that you agree with the strong willed and disagree with the stubborn.

I liked this response, so decided to borrow it and post it here so I could read it again.

Sh

Today Trinity was sounding out a word. I had some flash cards and I dropped one, revealing the word 'the'. Then I picked up the one I dropped and had her read it. The word was 'she'. I think the t from the stuck in her mind because as she was sounding it out she said "shh" "it." Then she combined it to say her word. I just smiled and said no, she looked at it again for a second and said "she." Good job Trinity.

Love Notes

Trinity has been making lots of cards and notes lately. One night she made one after she was in bed (instead of going to sleep) and then at 3 in the morning she snuck into my room to leave it on the night stand while I slept. So cute. I have found cards/notes on my night stand several times in the past week or so. She also made cards for Curtis from her and Ivan, then she left them for him to find. It is fabulous getting reminders that you are loved at random times. Here are some of the notes.

Scary

So, I had a scary thing happen to me this morning. I was getting Trinity ready for school when my head started getting fuzzy and I was kind of blacking out. I sat down, trying to get it to go away. Then Trinity wanted some more oatmeal. I managed to get her more, though I am not sure how, I really couldn't see and felt like I was going to pass out. I gave her the oatmeal and leaned my upper half on the counter, hoping the cool granite would help me. I was so HOT. I think at this point I passed out. When I came to Trinity was in brushing her teeth and getting ready. I reached over and grabbed her leftover orange juice. I drank it down, well most of it, I spilled a lot down the front of me. That seemed to do the trick. I totally woke me up and I was normal again. Well, pretty much. I was able to function and get Trinity off on the bus. I really was worried for a minute or 2, I mean, I couldn't even really see or anything. Because of not feeling well yesterday I didn't eat a whole lot, I wonder if my sugars were just low and the orange juice perked them up enough to allow me to function. After drinking her leftovers, I poured some more and drank it to be sure I didn't pass out again.

Curtis has not been spared. Yesterday he started feeling cruddy and coughing, body aches, all the good stuff. He managed to go to work this morning but left at 2, the earliest he could get out of there. He came home and napped. Then we had a wonderful, fabulous home made dinner of 5 Buck Pizza! Aren't I such a great housewife! But hey, the kids were happy and I didn't have to work. Ivan has had the runs all day, his poor bum. I hope it was something he ate and not his version of this illness.

I think I am over the worst of it. I only took meds this morning and managed to function the rest of the day. I still have the cough and my voice is hoarse, but I think it will linger for a while. I need to be back in the game, especially if Curtis is now out of it.

Bleh

That is how I am feeling. On Saturday I went to the Dr. They said it is a viral thing and there really isn't anything they can do for it, just let it work itself out. I got some over the counter drugs so hopefully I am fully functioning again soon. Soon like tomorrow. I mean, it's Monday, Curtis heads back to work and I don't get anymore sick days. He has a super busy week. He says he will stay home if I need him too, but that will just make him even more stressed at work. I think I can handle things. Good thing for the t.v. I may be employing it's services alot until I have this thing licked.
One good thing about this is: I got out of teaching my class at church. I didn't think the mothers of my 7 year olds would appreciate a sick contagious teacher coming in. I guess when I am better I need to bake a thank you treat for the 2 wonderful men that took my class for me.
My brother/wife and baby just flew home to surprise my mom with a visit. Color me green with jealousy. I would love a trip home, especially since I am sick, I need my mommy to take care of me. Really I just want a visit home, August was a long time ago.
Well, that is life. I think Trinity and Ivan are bored since we haven't done a thing all week/weekend. Hopefully we will be better soon. I PRAY Ivan or Curtis don't get this. I guess we will see what happens.

Never too Old to be Yelled at by Mom

My mom called me today to yell at me. She said, "suck it up and blog, it's been over a week." Since I always do as I am told, I have blogged! Your welcome mom.
I am mostly over my depression, I am almost whole again and just plain old try not to think about it. That combined with the worlds 2 cutest kids EVER (sorry everyone else, but it is true) I have still been able to laugh and move on.
I also got to go to a baby shower where I got to talk to one of my bestest friends, (love ya April) and share in the joy of a soon to be first time mommy. I was able to take a finger food, so I made pretzels, cooking is always good for my soul. Plus I made 2 loaves of zucchini bread and steaks for dinner. I should have made a cake, that for sure would have drug me out of my hole. Oh well.
I have been not blogging because Trinity has been sick since Wednesday and I have been snuggling with her. It has been great, but now it has left me sick.
I am not feeling 100% today. Last night I started in with a cough. Today my cough hurts, but my throat doesn't hurt when I swallow, so not sure what it is. It will pass, hopefully by Sunday, I have to teach!
Ok, Mom, keep scrolling down, there are more posts just for you. Well, you and the like 3 other people that might follow this.

The Sickies

Wednesday school was cancelled due to extreme weather. That means, it is far too cold to go out in it. It was negative 20 something or other and then you factor in the windchill, it was more like negative 30 something. Brrr. So, they had the day off. Trinity told me she didn't feel good. I took her to the Dr. to find out she had strep throat AND croup. Wowzers. Poor girl. She handled it pretty well.

Thursday I didn't send her to school, but she seemed to be doing ok in the morning so we went to story time. She slowly faded out during the day though. By about 5 she was running a fever of 102. She layed around and looked miserable.

Friday (today) I decided to keep her home again, just in case. Plus she was telling me she was still coughing. Not much coughing going on, but she does have a runny nose. She probably would have been fine going, but better safe than sorry. I am sure her teacher and classmates would appreciate me erring on the side of caution.

She seems ok today. I think she needs to play and move though. Problem is: if she moves and plays, it sounds like she can't breathe and is going to die. Go away buggies.

Some Fun Pictures

Some icecicles Trinity and Curtis found.

Ivan climbing on the chairs while I mop. Peeking out the window.
Trinity playing dolls. She created these 'bedrooms' for them.

Ivan likes to get into Curt's bathroom drawer and get his toothbrush. Here he is caught in the act. Don't worry, Curtis threw it away.