Unplanned Adventures

Our lives have been full and unexpected.  


Grandma Hepworth came down for a quick visit. We went to the Hardware Ranch and got to go on our annual sleigh ride to see the elk.  Afterwards we had a picnic lunch and enjoyed visiting and spending time with Grandma. 


Symi woke up the next morning with red eyes that turned goopy.  We took her to the Dr's and she had an eye infection (not pink eye) and a some fluid on her ears that was turning into an ear infection.  Antibiotics, eye drops, and some rest later she was feeling better.  Ben caught the eye infection shortly after Symi and was also put on some eye drops.  They were both pretty upset about having to have the eye drops.  


We were grateful to have them both better in time for Aunt Cheyanne and her family to come and visit.  We haven't seen Chloe since she was born and were so excited to be able to see and hold that cute little bug!  The kids had a blast playing with cousins and giggling!  It looked the their bedroom threw up toys, and we laughed when we asked them to clean up and later found it all stashed under the bed.  :)  It's a "new" way to clean up, according to Ben.  We have since talked about it and decided that you can't find your toys if they aren't put away in their right places.  Thanks Cheyanne for the laughs and good time.  :)


That night Symi spiked a high fever of 104.2 * F.  She was very miserable and wanted to be by me.  So Dane slept on an air mattress while she slept with me.  That morning we took her to the Dr's office.  He suspected that she might have a UTI and was given some antibiotics to help combat the high fever and some Tylenol.


We came home and laid her down for a nap because she was soo tired.  Ben crashed and so did Jayden.  GOLDEN opportunity for me to catch a nap as well.  :)  Not long after I heard Symi screaming at the top of her lungs.  I ran to her side and found that she had striped off her socks and pants. (she has never done this before)  I picked her up to try to calm her down and realized that she was extremely HOT!!  I quickly grabbed the thermometer and she had a temp of 107.1* F.  I freaked out and thought that my thermometer was broken!  So I took it again and it was the same.  


I quickly called the Dr back and he said to take her into the ER immediately.  He also instructed us to give her some more Tylenol.  We got there and didn't have to wait to be take back.      They took her temp and she read 104.8.  I was grateful that she had gone down.  The Dr's were still concerned about her fever.  They gave her an IV and also started to run some blood tests.  They did a catheter and got a sample to see if she had a UTI.  She was not happy about the test or the IV.  She was upset that her "bracelet" was on her foot and not her hand.  


We waited and watched all of Finding Nemo.  Some of the test results came back as normal.  Others came back as abnormal.  They thought that she might have leukemia, but another test result came back as negative.  So she doesn't have leukemia, but her immune system is really low right now.  And her body is fighting hard to get better.  


We were released and went home.  She's been pale and not wanting to eat much.  Tortilla's and banana's are a staple food right now.  


On Sunday she broke out in a rash and was still fighting fevers.  She was pretty clingy and has cried over EVERYTHING!  (do you blame her)  The test results all came back this morning and she was diagnosed with Roseola.  So we are hunkering down and staying home for a while.  She is acting better this morning and actually had some breakfast and has finally wanted to drink.  


I guess things come in 3's.  Or in our case just seem to be a steady stream.  Our washing machine died on us yesterday.  I called the Appliance Man.  He said that to fix it would cost the same as getting a new machine.  So we are in the market of getting a new washing machine.  


Despite it all we are doing well and our spirits aren't down yet.  We are all tired and looking forward to naps today.  


We did have a good Valentine's day.  We had pink hot cereal.  Dane came home for lunch because Tuesday's he's gone all day with working and school.  So we had a nice lunch of Porcupine Meatballs and some pudding with heart sprinkles.  We even put a pink table cloth on and had some sparkling cider colored purple.  :)  The kids got small chocolate boxes. Dane got a card and a Bueto's Burrito.  I got some pink tulips and a card too.  It was a good day full of food and fun games with the kids.


p.s. My kidney is doing better.  I'm still sore and having a few problems here and there, but doing better.

Please forgive my absence.

I haven't blogged in a while.

I have been pretty sick and in a lot of pain.  The Dr thought I was having kidney stones in the beginning.  Then he ran a few tests and said I had a very infected Kidney, but that my bladder was fine.  He started me on some antibiotics.  But they weren't helping.  So he put me on some stronger ones.  

After 2 days of being on it I am finally starting to feel better!  I have been in so much pain, achy, grumpy, and pale.  It's nice to feel a little better and hoping that this will do the trick!

We'll be back to updates by next week. :)

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Leave me a message saying that you've made it!

Thanks!

Last of 2011

Our lives have been a whirl wind!?  And we are still trying to sort things out.

Back in October we got back some test results stating that Symi was allergic to some mold in our apartment.  We presented it to our landlord who unkindly then gave us to the end of the month to move out.  

We had 6 days.  

To find a place. 
Pack. 
Leave.


I had 3 very sick kids at the time.  Ben had pneumonia.  Symi had the croup.  Jayden had bronchitis.  Dane was going to school full-time and working full-time.  We put our lives on hold and were trying as quickly as we could to leave. It was rough to say the least!  Thank you to Dane's Mom to put her life on hold to come down and help us pack up quickly!

We found a temporary arrangement in a neighbors basement.  They were so kind to offer and house us while we waited for our housing to open up.  

Shortly before Thanksgiving we were given the most wonderful news!  We could move in tomorrow!  We quickly packed up again, and moved. Again.  

We were in our new place only for a few days.  Just enough time to do some laundry, pack (again), and travel to Nevada to visit my parents. It was so wonderful to finally be all together on my side of the family!  We haven't had that for years!!  The break was just what we needed after all we were going through.


We have now enrolled Ben into a new school.  Transferred information to our new place.  S-L-O-W-L-Y unpacked. (still unpacking) Repacked to visit Cheyanne and Mitch because they had an early delivery of their baby girl. Came home.  Dane finished his finals!  
Celebrated Christmas and wanted to THANK YOU to our special secret Santa.  

Were extremely surprised by ifrogz. (to come later)  

Celebrated New Years early with sick kids and an all nighter with the toilet, bowls, and lots of laundry later.  


We are now looking forward to 2012.  We love where we have been.  The people we have met.  And look forward to what is to come.  

Come what may and love it!  :)  

TV

The kids are sitting down to watch TV for the first time.  They have only watched VHS or DVD movies their whole lives.

Ben got frustrated and said,"Mom!!  What is this junk!?!"

 

I looked and said," That's a commercial."

 

Ben,"Well it's dumb.  Can you just fast forward it for us please?"

 

Me,"No you'll just have to be patient, until it's done."

 

Ben,"I'm wasting my day watching that."

 

Well put son.  :)

Family Pictures 2011

 The 3 little ones. 

 

 

 

 He thinks he's a big kid.

 Trying to stand with help.

 This is how most of our pictures started.  A small grin.

 Hide and be shy.

 Then come up with a big old wide mouth grin giggling.

 Then smile sweetly.

 This is ONE of the MANY pictures we took that turned out with her smiling.

(She's just like me when I was younger.  A camera comes out and there is a scowl.)

 Family

 Ben and Symi just wanted to play.

 Momma's Boy!

Squishy Face!!!

We had a great time taking pictures.  It was like we were on an "Emotional Roller Coaster" the whole time!  One minute we were giggling.  Then we were wiping tears and boogers.  Then we were all trying to smile without the rest of us getting bored.  Then the kids were giggling gleefully as they played on the playground.  Then more tears when we told them we were done and going home.  It was fun and we are grateful to Grandma and Grandpa Hepworth who came down and took our pictures!  They turned out great!

Pirate Someday

Ben came home from school one day very excited!

B: Mom!  Guess what!?
M: What?
B: Mom, I learned at school that when I grow up I can be a pirate!  
M: Oh and what do pirate's do?
B: Fly Airplanes!  I can't wait to be a pirate (pilot)

I tried to convince him all day that you say it pilot, but there was no swaying the boy.  He was thrilled to become a pirate!  :)

(just found an old picture to share)

Confessions of a Mom #2

Dane has started his Master's Program back in August.  Since he's began we don't see him most mornings.  If we do it's quickly while we have our Family Prayers and then he's out the door.  

I didn't realize how hard it is to get 3 kids together to get out the door to walk Ben to school.  The first week we were on time and never late!  (Of course my Mom was here to stay home with the other 2 kids.)

These last 2 weeks haven't been as successful.  I've been doing it alone.  

Waking the kids.  Feeding the kids.  Dressing the kids.  Bundling up the kids.  Packing the younger kids into the stroller.  And then walking to school.  Seems easy enough. 

Well today the kids and I both woke up a little bit later.  No biggy.  Breakfast took a little bit longer, because Jayden wanted to eat first and I made him wait.  He screamed.  Once breakfast was done I sat the older 2 down and nursed Jayden.  The older 2 took longer to eat this morning because they were giggling and messing around.  

With breakfast down.  I told Ben to quickly get dressed because he was going to be late.  I figured I'd just leave the younger 2 in jammies.  Again. I then ran outside and got our stroller.  Came back and wrapped up Symi in a blanket and put her in the stroller.  She announced that she had pooped and wanted to change.  I told her she would just have to wait until we got home.  I then helped Ben with his shoes.  Told him to get his jacket and backpack on.  Then grabbed Jayden.

I noticed a large wet spot on the floor!?  

And that my hands were wet.

I slowly turned Jayden around.  Sigh.

He was covered in poop.  All the way up to his head.

Well Ben you are really going to be late today.  And Symi I might as well change you too.

Happy Thursday!

Confessions of Mom

Today was a good day. 

Kids were a little clingy, because of a cold.

Things were looking pretty until . . . . . 

Symi came to me with repeating over and over.  

 "I pooped Mom!"

"Mom!  I pooped!"


One minute Symi.  Jayden is crying and grumpy from shots.  


One minute was TOOO late!


I turned and screamed!!!!!!!  (I've never been so disgusted in my life!)

Symi was covered in brown.  :(

It looked as though she had put her hands into her dirty diaper.  Discovered that it was gross and tried to wipe off the poo onto her clothes.  Then seeing the remains proceeded to lick off her fingers. ((((GAG))))

After many tears, a shower, and gagging.  Symi is now clean. For now, anyways.
Happy Tuesday! 

Today

Me to Ben today.

M: Ben?  How did that big grasshopper get into our front   window?  There aren't any holes in the screen?
B:  Oh that must have been the big one I caught to show you the other day and he got lost in the house.

I'm ok.  I'm ok.  I'm ok


Symi to Me today.

Symi:  Mommy, help me!!
M: Help you with what?
S:  My boogie stuck.
M: Boogie stuck? 
S: I show you!
(Found boogies rubbed all over the pantry door and Symi smiling proudly as she points to her master piece.)

I'm ok. I'm ok.  I'm ok.

Jayden's Day
Feed.  Change bum.  Giggle.  Feed. Sleep. Wake up to get Ben.  Squawk in front room under toys while I go potty.  Stop fussing once Mee-Mee is in mouth.  Sleep. 

How has your day been?

This month is such a special one . . .

It's Birthday time for you!
We'd really like to celebrate this happy day with you!
Zippid-yay and Heidi-ho
There's something we can do!
We'll sing a song that we all know. . .
Happy Birthday to you!


Symi was so excited about her Birthday!
She wanted butterflies and flowers on her cake. It was such a crazy day that I didn't have time to make her the kind of cake I wanted too. So I quickly baked up a sheet cake and decorated it to match her Birthday Balloons.
She was nervous about the "fire" on the candles and didn't want to blow them out.
So she had Daddy help her.

Butterfly Cake!

Playing with her birthday gift!

Wanting Daddy to come play too.

She was up before the boys and we let her come down and see her gifts.
She wasn't sure what she was seeing and scowled for a moment.
Then she realized that it was her Birthday and squealed!
She flew down the steps and started chattering about all the things around!
Balloons! Colors! (streamers) Kitchen! Cake! Flowers!

What she saw coming down the stairs.

She got to open gifts at Ben's Birthday from Grandparents.
She got a homemade stick horse and we named her "Pixie".
Symi calls her "Picky". :)

Over all it was a nice quiet day. We started it off by her opening her kitchen and playing with it all day. Her and Ben wouldn't leave it alone. That evening the kids played in the pool with the neighbors while I went to the Eye Dr. Then we came in and had some dinner, blew out candles, had cake and ice cream, then opened the last few gifts from us and Grandparents.

Happy Birthday Symi!

(ps my camera wouldn't upload some of my pictures?! These were all that I could get to come up.

Swimming!

(If you look closely you can see Dane's shoulders, Ben, and part of Symi's head.)

There was a discounted night at our local pool. So we took the kids.
After having a baby things have gotten tighter and we haven't been able to get the kids to the pool like we'd hoped. But they swam and had such a good time!
(We left at dusk so most of these pictures look orange, because of the setting sun.)

Bike Wreck

This wasn't right after the picture, but like 4 days later.
He wasn't even a bike owner for 5 minutes and crashed it! Guess we'll have to work on that one, with lots of practice.

Closer look.

Holdin' Him

This is the first time that Symi finally asked to hold Jayden!!
Since he was born she refused to hold or touch him. Now she is warming up and has held him a few times.

Ben told me the other day,"Jayden is getting to BIG!! I can't even hold his head up anymore and he can't even do it too!"
Poor baby boy is already into clothes that Ben wore at 5-6 months!
(Jayden at 2 months)

Jayden at 4 weeks.
It's amazing how fast they grow and change!

Cheeks!

What do you do when your cheeks are so chubby and your nose and chin are so small? And you want a pacifier but nothing seems to work?
Keep trying, and Mommy will eventually find something that works.

Now Jayden can hang onto his pacifier and is sleeping like a dream!
He is such a wonderful baby I think we'll have more kids. ;)

You've Had A Birthday!

Treasure Chest Birthday Cake

A map to find his birthday present.

Searching high in the tree house.

Searching low in the "Spider Woods".

Following the "Dark Road".

Finding a small gift in the mail box.

The garage door opener. Where he thought his bike was waiting.
But it wasn't. There was another clue to the house!

Finding the "Big X" that marks the spot!

WAY excited about his bike! He went to ride it and not even 5 minutes later he came bawling into the house because he'd wrecked. He was upset because he wanted to get back on his bike and Dad made him come inside and get his scraped washed out. There were rocks and lots of dirt. As the day went on a dark purple bruise formed. But it didn't stop him! He's been in heaven ever since!


Happy Birthday Ben!!

Symi Chatting

More of Today

Just a little of Today

Trying to get Jayden to talk to us.

Graduation!

Ben, Teacher Jenny, and Symi.

Ben graduated the other night from Preschool. He is so excited about graduation but can't wait to get back to Preschool on Monday. I keep trying to tell him that school doesn't happen during the summer. But he's still convinced that he's going Monday.
It's going to be a long summer!

Waiting for the last of his classmates to arrive for graduation.

Talya, Bella, Ben, Ellie, and Tyler.


Graduation was just too cute!! Ben sang a song that goes something like this. Toe, Knee, Chest, Nut, Nose I love you. They had actions to go with it and we were all smiles and giggles because it was SOO cute.

As we were leaving Ben really wanted to call and invite his Grandparents to be there. Seeing how Graduation was in 20 mins. I was pretty sure that none of them would be able to make it. So we got busy and left. Even went out for dinner to celebrate.
(Sorry Grandparents! I wish I would have known farther in advance because we would have loved to have you all come!)