I have to tell you...

I LOVE MY HUSBAND! Last week a friend asked me if I would make bows for the girls that are in her girls on the run group. I told her I would (this was right before we left for Denver) with the knowledge I wouldn't be able to start making them till Sunday. At church I was talking to her and found out they ended up having to move the date up to Monday. I didn't want them to be without the bows, so we spent part of the afternoon and then the night into the wee hours making 30 bows. Blake stayed up with me the entire time. He cut ribbon, burned the ends of some of the ribbon so they wouldn't frey, set them out into piles for me, rubbed my back while I assembled and helped me out when the hot glue gun was acting up. I am so fortunate to have such a loving husband to help me out when I get myself in a bind. I wouldn't have been able to get them all done if it wasn't for him. By the time I figured I needed help, it was too late at night to call my friend. So my wonderful husband to the rescue!! I don't think I've ever made that many bows at one time in my life. It was fun to see that I could do it...with the help of my hubby of course! Thanks dear for everything...you are the best!

The bows...all 30 of them

Close up

BLOG BLAST...

I had some major blog catching up to do so if you see below, there are many new posts. Since I blog for my journal, these are all things I didn't want to forget. Below you can find:

Cailee...Denver update
Madie-the entertainer
Cailee the brave
Dental Phobia and the BIG CAHOONA
Cailee and Abby's "bow"tique
Laugh, Giggle and Roll

I hope you find something fun to read about!

(upcoming attraction...Brandon turns 3 today (Happy Birthday dude. Pics and stories to come soon)

Denver...Cailee update

Cailee had her doctor's visit with her Nephrologist this past Thursday. My Mom came down to go with us...which I am forever grateful for. The drive between here and Denver is pretty, but really windy. We had a great visit though.

The doctor's visit was very infomative. Her Nephrologist was very pleased with how Cailee physically looks right now. We talked a lot about why we weren't trying different treatments and I have a lot more confindance now that we are truly doing what we can for her. We aren't going to do a biopsy because all it would do is give her Nephrotic Syndrome and specific name, such as FSGS, ect. It's not worth the pain to "give it a name". We wouldn't be treating it any different if it had a specific name. She talked more in depth about what the future may hold. I asked about what percentage of kids like Cailee have to have a transplant by the time they are teenagers and she said about 60%. That sounds a lot more promising. She also said that with the other 40% that some of those go on to treat the symptoms and live normal lives for a really long time. I am now praying she's in that 40%. We talked about a number of things and I feel like it's not so gloom and doom at this point.

Unfortunately we will be adding more meds to the list that she's already taking. The last blood work came back saying she has a really high cholesterol level. Hers was 303 and they normally don't like kids to go over 150. Unfortunately because it's from the NS, it can't be changed with a diet. She said that even if Cailee was on the strictest diet possible, it still wouldn't change it. So we have to turn to modern medicine. Her Neph. said that if we don't start treating it now that she will be facing heart disease by the time she's in her 20's/30's. I think we'll get a head start and avoid that. I don't like the fact that it's one more medicine, but I think it's better than the alternative.




















Overall, we were happy with the appt. Afterwards we went and checked into the hotel. (Thanks Fairy Godmother for all your help...you are awesome!) Once settled we went and ate dinner at Applebee's. It sure was yummy! We went shopping for a bit at the mall...which of course I love to do! After I took Cailee swimming while my Mom relaxed with Madie. We had a great time and I'm glad we had a chance to sit down and talk with her doctor face to face.

Funny story: The next morning the alarm clock went off when we were still sleeping. My mom hurried to get it turned off, but it was hard to see since it was dark. Once she got it turned off, she looked at the clock and it said 6:30. We went back to sleep and Madie woke up about an hour later. I got up and fed her and she fell back asleep. My mom got up and showered and we decided to just get ready and take our time. We went down and got breakfast about 8:30 since continental breakfast was till 9:00. Cailee and Madie were really sleeping hard, so we just let them sleep. Cailee woke up a little bit later and I got her ready. My mom went down at about 10:00 to print off google directions while Cailee finished eating. She came up and was laughing. She said, "you won't believe this" and handed me her cell phone. The time on her phone said 8:10. The clock in the room somehow got turned ahead two hours. We actually got up at 5:30. We couldn't believe it...we could have slept in a lot longer. Oh well, we got a good laugh out of it all!

Special thanks to Alissa and Mindy for taking such good care of Abby and Brandon. They had a blast at both of your houses and I am forever grateful for your friendships. I knew my kids were in good hands and it made it so I didn't have to worry. You two are awesome...thank you, thank you!

Madie...the entertainer

Madie was our dinner entertainment Wednesday night. We aren't sure where she picked up this little trick from, but we couldn't stop laughing (as you will hear the kids in the background). My mom was here visiting (for our Denver trip) so she got to see "the show"!

Cailee the brave

Cailee had her first dentist appointment the other day. She (unlike her mother) was not afraid. She did sooo good. I was so proud of her. The dental hygenist counted her teeth with her, showed her the different tools they use and Cailee even let her clean her teeth. I was so proud. She unfortunately has two cavities, but they are tiny right now, so we will get them filled so she doesn't have to have caps on them. Great job sweetie...you really are Cailee the brave.

Dental-Phobia and the BIG CAHOONA

Confessions of a dental-phobist...
So I have to admit that I hadn't been to the dentist for a LONG time. I haven't had any teeth hurting, so I haven't had a very good reason to go. Well, a little while before Christmas I was eating and felt something in my mouth...it was part of a TOOTH. I couldn't believe it. Part of one of my back teeth broke off. It hurt at first, but I am petrified of going to the dentist, so I used the numbing stuff for a few days. It eventually stopped hurting unless I got food stuck in the hole, so I mainly chewed food on the other side of my mouth. Well, a few weeks ago I got food stuck in it and had been using dental floss a lot to get it out of my teeth. Blake decided it was time to go to the dentist. We have an awesome family in our ward and the husband happens to be a dentist. They are really nice, so I finally called in and made an appointment. It was so hard to make that phone call...why is it so hard to pick up a phone for stuff like that...I sure don't know.

Before my appointment Blake, my mom and I made wagers on how many cavities I would have. Blake and my mom decided on 3...I said 5. Lucky for me we were all wrong. I had NO cavities except the BIG CAHOONA. Shock of the century. I couldn't believe it. I got my teeth cleaned, which I don't ever remember it hurting so much. I really like the dental hygienist though...she's so nice. She promised it wouldn't hurt so bad next time since I won't wait so long to get them cleaned again. I also had the dreaded bite-wing x-rays taken. I have to admit that I'm a gagger. I have a pretty small mouth, so those things hit the back of my mouth and I'm a gonner.

So with the BIG CAHOONA...I went back for another apt. to see what was going to need to be done. My dentist numbed my mouth and did whatever it is they do to get all the decay out and found out I have to have a ROOT CANAL done...that's right. I will need to go to a specialist to get it done because of where it is located. So I hear this procedure takes about 2 hours. Two hours with someones hands in my mouth. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! One of my biggest problems with going to the dentist is I feel like I can't breath very well and sometime I get panicky. Well, true confession-that's about all I think about when I'm getting something done...so I'm actually get panicky most of the time. I have really small nostrils and I'm a mouth breather at night anyways, so the thoughts of having to breath through my nose most of the time while I lye there scares me to DEATH...not to mention the two hours it will take. I've contemplated having it pulled out since that won't take so long, but I think, at least momentarily, that I've talked myself into keeping the tooth. The appointment was set to be done in a few weeks, but the dentists office called and they have an opening on Monday. I thought I better take it before I talk myself out of it. Wish me and the BIG CAHOONA good luck. I hope I make it out of this one without heart failure:)

Cailee and Abby's "bow"tique

The other day Cailee and Abby were having quiet time in there room. They were being really quiet (it doesn't always happen that way). I soon found out why they were being so quiet...

view pictures below:

I laughed so hard...I just had to take pictures. They sure are silly girls. If anyone is in need of a new hairdo give me a call and I'll schedule you in!

Laugh, Giggle and Roll

Madie turned 5 mo. old on the 17th and is such a sweetie. She LOVES her brother and sisters and loves when they play with her. She's also rolling over now...BOTH WAYS! She has a smile that you can't resist and the softest eyes.

Cailee playing with Madie...

April 8 we gave Madie rice cereal for the first time. This is what she thought...

Madie showing how good she is at rolling over!

Easter...only a week late

I've been a bit busy this past week and haven't gotten a post done about Easter. Friday night before Easter we dyed eggs as a family. It was fun watching the kids dye theirs. Blake and I each dyed one for fun! It's always a great time doing fun kid things once in a while. The kiddos had a great time too. Saturday we went to our wards Easter party. It was going to be outside, but Mother Nature had other plans. So, we had it at the church. I think the kids had a great time...they did a luncheon and had an Easter egg hunt. Brandon got to go with the younger kids thank goodness. The poor guy started fevering while we were there. He didn't eat any of his food, so when we got home we gave him IB Profin to help with the fever. By that night we decided we should take him to the doctor (after talking to my sister to see what the symptoms of strep were) and got him in about 7:30. They did a strep test and it came back negative. The doctor said he had viral tonsillitis. He said he was contagious and that it would be about five days before he felt better. So Easter Sunday Daddy was wonderful and stayed home with him while the girls and I went to church. That morning the kids had a little egg hunt in the house...the Easter bunny thought it was a little too wet outside. So Brandon got to enjoy that at least. Unfortunately he threw up shortly after breakfast so we didn't get any pictures of the kids in their Easter stuff that day (He never wore his). The girls looked adorable though. Today I had them wear their dresses again and we took a few pictures of the kiddos together. All in all we had a great Easter. It was fun to see the girls understand the true meaning of why we celebrate Easter. When we asked them what it was they said,"it's because Jesus was resurrected so we can live with Heavenly Father again." So sweet.

The best part:

The Big 3-0

Monday was my hubby's birthday!! He turned the big 3-0. I'm a bit late on the post, but want you to know how much I love my husband!! He is a wonderful daddy and loves our kiddos so much. They love to go on bike rides, to the park, and play outside with him. He is so wonderful with Madie...he can almost always make her smile! He is also a wonderful husband...I feel so blessed to have someone who loves me as much as he does.

Hun-First of all...Happy Birthday! Don't worry...I still feel like I'm married to a 29 year old:) Second-I am so grateful for EVERYTHING you do for me. I know I wouldn't make it through the day without you. Thanks for making me laugh and laughing with/at me when I'm a little "wierd" (you know what I mean). Thanks for being there when I need a hug and a shoulder to cry on when times get tough. Thanks for being my best friend. I know I don't always show it, but I am so grateful for YOU! Love ya!

This is what 30 candles looks like!

All about Abby

Abby's Favorites:
Color-Pink
Food-Yogurt, suckers...I love everything (or so she says)
Song-I Am A Child of God
Book-Princess stories
Movie-Barbie and the Diamond Castle


Abby is our little adventerous girl. She's very curious and loves to find out how this life works. She brings so much joy to our family...her laugh makes us laugh, her smile lights up the room. She has been known to "get into things" and climb like a monkey. She started out so tiny and fragile...now she's our little giant. We love you Abby and are so happy you are part of our family!

Madie...

Rolled from her TUMMY

to her BACK for the first time

SUNDAY NIGHT!

She also had her four month check-up yesterday...

she is now 14 lbs. 7 oz.

24" long.

She looks perfect!

She did NOT like her shots at all...ouch.

I love the rolls!

The kids wanted to get in on the camera action too!

Spring Break Blast

Spring Break was truly a blast! We got to go visit friends and family in Utah and Wyoming. The trip started out a bit rocky with Price Canyon being a complete snow storm most of the drive...and we were driving at night. Thank goodness there was an off duty pilot car that was driving really well at a good speed for not being able to see very well. So I stayed behind him for a majority of the canyon. Unfortunately my kids get car sick and both Brandon and Abby threw up before we got to our friends house, so we spent the night cleaning up throw up and dealing with a screaming baby (Madie did great in the car, but was not happy once we got there). The rest of the trip however was sooo much fun! We stayed at our friends house first...thanks Kirston and Travis!

THE LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM

On Saturday we went with Kirston and kids to The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. The kids had a great time. It was really neat to see.

We got to see jelly fish...they had the lights change colors to make it look like

the fish were changing. The kids really liked the jelly fish.

Madie was so good...she rode in the front carrier for the first part of it and when

she fell asleep she rode in the stroller. In the pic below she was yawning.
Abby got to touch a sting ray...the water was too deep for the kids to
stick their arms down to reach them, but by chance one came by when Abby
had her arm down in the water and had it's "wing" up along the side. When she
touched it, the sting ray flipped it's wing and splashed water at us...she jumped, I jumped
and dropped Madie's nursing cover...oops. It was pretty funny.

Brelynn, Abby and Brandon sitting in a little area they had for little kids.

The frogs were pretty cute.

Brandon and Cole checking out some more frogs.

Kirston and "the boys"! Brandon called her "mom" the entire time we were there.

It was pretty funny. We would ask him who mom was and he would point to me and then

to her.

"Indiana Dad?" and Brandon

Sunday

We went to church with Kirston and Travis to our old ward...we used to live there close to them

for a while. It was so fun to see some of our friends that were in the ward when we were there. I couldn't believe how tall some of the girls were that were in my Activity Days when I was the leader. My how time flies. We had dinner at Kirston's afterwards...it was delicious! That evening we packed up and headed to my Aunt Libby's house.

Aunt Libby's house

Sunday-Wednesday morning

Sunday night we got to see family that we haven't seen for a while. It was so much fun!! Monday it SNOWED and was FREEZING cold so we stayed inside and the kids played and played. Cailee and Abby put on a musical theatre for Aunt Libby...it was pretty cute. Before it snowed the kids went out with Uncle Lynn and gathered the eggs from the chickens.

Cousin Emily holding Madie. One night we were there she really got to laughing at Emily. It was so cute.

Cailee and Abby hiding during hide and go seek with Brandon.

Brandon hiding under the pull out bed.

Tuesday

We took some time while everyone was at work to go visit my Cousin-Aunt Julie (that's what we always call her). It was so good to visit and the kids had a lot of fun playing with her cute grand kids. It's been way too long since we'd seen everyone. Julie and I got to run to Seagull Book...with out kids! YEA. It was sooo good to visit. So why aren't there pics...the BATTERIES DIED and we hadn't had a chance to get more at the store. AHAH.

That night we went to my friend Katie's house for dinner. We used to live right across the street from them and the kids became great friends. We got pictures with Katie's camera, I just haven't gotten them from her yet, so pics to come later. We had a great time there. The kids of course took all the pillows off the couch ( a favorite past time) and layed them out on the floor to play on.

That night we went back to Libby's and first off had to get GUM out of Cailee's hair. That's right, GUM. She now knows why mom and dad always say to keep gum in your mouth. Well, we now know that peanut butter works for more than just sandwiches. We then packed up most of our stuff, got kids to bed, ect. I got to visit with Emily and Libby for a while...while they worked on Emily's wedding invitations (I can't believe your getting married Em-invites are really cute BTW).

Wednesday

We left Wednesday morning and headed for Wyoming. We didn't forget the Dramamine this time. Had a bucket just in case though. Brandon thought it would be a great hat. Better than a throw-up catcher.

Abby attempting to sleep.

We got to my brother Danen and sister-in-law Kimberly's around four. The kids were SOO happy to see their cousins. At night Aunt Kimberly would read to the kids. They loved all the fun stories. Thanks Aunt Kimberly.

Sweet Kennedy and Brandon.

Madie playing on the floor during story time. I love my baby girl!

Thursday-Game Time

My younger sister plays basketball and it just so happened to be the State Tournament going on the same time we were there. It was so fun to watch her play. They were Regional Champions and took 2nd at State!! Way to go Darc!! We are all so proud of you!

My younger, but now taller brother Justin holding Madie.

My Mom with Abby and Cailee on her lap and cousin Hailey sitting next to them.

Daddy and Madie....my older brother is in the background.

Hailey and Abby are the same age. They were born a little over a month apart. We were due a couple weeks apart, but Abby decided she didn't want to wait and came five weeks early.

My little sis' team in a huddle. You can see her facing one of the couches smiling. She got the good sportsmanship award during the second game! WAY TO GO!

We went to this AWESOME restaurant that night with a lot of my family. My parents, Danen and Kimberly and kids, my younger brother and sister and my fam. It's called SANFORD'S and inside they have the walls covered in old things...license plates, bikes, posters and their are T.V's everywhere. The bathroom (so I'm told-Aunt Darcee was a good sport about taking kidos to the bathroom.) even had a tv on the ceiling...how crazy is that. The food was amazingly good and we had a great time. I always have a good time with my family though!

They give all the "little" kids hats. Darcee just had to try it on. Funny thing-she looks cute in anything. She's so beautiful!

This is how Madie enjoyed the restaurant! Exciting, I know.

The fam looking to see what to order. Blake ordered a "flat tire". I had a "dip stick".

Brandon sportin' the hat.

They don't give you napkins...these are at the ends of all the tables. Isn't that awesome. You can kind of see in the background some of the "old stuff" I was talking about.

ARR...I spot meself a pirate searching for treasure.

Cailee enjoying her mini-corndogs, applesauce that comes with a gummy worm sticking out of it and fries. Everything was sooo good. They kids ate really well.

Friday and Saturday

We watched more basketball these days and when we weren't at the gym we spent our time at Danen and Kimberly's playing. They got a new dog a little while ago named Jaxon who is adorable. Abby absolutely loved him. She even wanted him to sleep with her and was sad when he couldn't. Sorry Abbs. My older sister came donw on Saturday for the Championship game with my Aunt and Grandpa Don! It was so good to see them. She brought little Ashlee (her new baby born in Dec.-four weeks and 30 min. after Madie), Megan and Aaron with her. It was so much fun to see them. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Ashlee and Madie together. Not sure why I didn't. We all went to the game that night. It was a tough game, but we are all so proud of my little sis. Congrats on 2nd!!

Sunday

We traveled home Sunday. It was a pretty good drive...very windy. We about lost our driver side mirror to the wind. Thanks to a little enginuity on Blake and my part we are able to tie it back to the van till we got home. We were all very happy to be home. That night during dinner this is how Madie felt. I think this is how we all felt. EXHAUSTED...but a good thing. We had a great Spring Break...it truly was a blast! Thanks to everyone for a great time.