How fun is that!?!

I was successful at locating the Halloween Decor...and with only one slight injury. No one else was at the storage place so Seth enjoyed running wild. While I was at it I got all the boxes of Christmas decorations I could find and a box of clothes for Seth. I also located the one church shoe we were missing.

I picked up some webbing at Target. Apparently you have to have some sort of degree to put the stuff up. I struggled. I also discovered that it would help to be well moisturized when applying it to the house...it was sticking to my hands. It was so painful to get it all up I think I'll just get a few more bags on clearance tomorrow and enjoy a white Christmas.

I realized that the web wasn't sufficient. I saw a giant tarantula in a magazine at the dentist office a while back and decided to make it. I had 1 hour before I had to pick the kids up from school, and was feeling up to the challenge. I realized that we didn't have any newspaper to stuff the lawn bags, so I was off to a friends to find some. But alas, a Halloween miracle...as I drove down the street I noticed a neighbor had just had their lawn mowed and before me were two black lawn bags full of clippings!!! I slammed on the breaks opend the back of the suburban and loaded them up! (This story is for you Shauna!)

I hauled them back home and finished the spider toot sweet. I figure that I shaved off about 45 minutes by stealing the grass clippings...not because it would take that long to crumple up newspaper, but I was going to Leah's house to get the newspaper and that in itself requires a 35 minute conversation. This time saver allowed me to go on a quick cruisade to find a pumpkin. I miraculously found 3--although they were the white variety. The kids didn't seem to mind. We carved 2 and will keep one for my Thanksgiving Turkey.

The tarantula was a hit with the kids. Jonah wanted to keep it for next year. I told them it is going in the trash on Thursday, but we will make another next year. And I want to make this cute skeleton as well. I will post Halloween pictures tomorrow. It was a great night.

Hope you were all successful in your candy begging adventures too. I have to say the 40-year-old lady who was trick-or-treating with her kids, but had her own bucket made me scratch my head. Jared was quick to point out I was being judgmental and they probably didn't have any food. To which my response was "Well then maybe I should have given her some canned goods."

Update

Dr. Fishman called first thing this morning to check up on Luke. He said that there won't be any negative long term effects from taking the Neurontin. It may take a day or two more to get it out of his system. Once we feel like he's back to "normal" then we can start the Zarontin. He wants us to be able to see the side effects of the Zarontin clearly if there are any.

I haven't heard from CVS yet. In their defense this is the first problem we've had with them. I have totally boycotted Walgreens. They always mess things up and I got into a fight with a girl there one time because she (in her part-time college student position) thought that 300 test strips was too many for Rachel to have and would only give us 100. I generally don't find myself in confrontational situations with people, but I did let her have it.

Anyway, CVS has always been good to us. When they first opened the lady would always have sugar free treats for Rachel at Halloween and other holidays. She was a big help in getting us what we needed to prepare for Rita last year too. She's gone now and since then they have had a lot of turn over and seem to be under staffed. I think that's the problem.

I'm off to make our house look more "Halloweeney". There have been some in-house complaints at the lack of decorations this year. What they (actually SHE) doesn't understand is that they are in the very back of the storage unit and it will literally take me hours to get to them and re-assemble everything. But if she wants decorations...she's going to get decorations!!!!!!! Well, maybe I'll just go to Wal-mart and get some of that web stuff for your bushes. $1.89 a package...you can't beat that!

I did take the time to decorate the kids sandwiches this morning...now if that doesn't say I love you I don't know what does! (it's the residual effects of gaining an hour!!)

Happy Halloween!!

Prescription & Pumpkin Problems

I know it's Halloween, but we had quite a scare today. Yesterday was TERRIBLE for Luke. The spots on the cheeks started to fade, but he was horizontal almost all day. He felt so yucky. As the day went on Jared and I both started to notice how shaky he was. The past couple of months we've noticed it a little--I think it's the Lamictal--but yesterday was bad. And then his speech started to sound slurred and he walked like he was drunk. In fact Jared and I had him walk back and forth across the room several times and not only could he not walk straight, but he stumbled every time. He drew several pictures yesterday and today, all of which you can see the shaking in his hands. I have felt so sad. Today he got home from school and was asleep within minutes of getting home.

At about 3:30 Dr. Fishman returned my call. I told him we'd started Luke on the new medication (NEURONTIN) and also told him about all the shaking, headaches and feeling sick. He seemed a bit surprised and said that there shouldn't be a problem with the Lamictal and ZARONTIN. He said ZARONTIN a few times, and I thought he must have just been saying the wrong thing. I almost didn't say anything...I hate correcting people, especially the former chief of Pediatric Neurology at Baylor and Texas Children's...but I had a strong impression that I needed to clear it up for me.

So I said: "Now you're saying Zarontin with a 'Z'?"
Dr. Fishman: "Yes, with a 'Z'."
Me: "That's not what he's been taking. They gave me NEURONTIN."

He checked the nurses notes on Luke's chart and it did indeed say that she called in ZARONTIN. I didn't have the bottle with me, so I told Dr. Fishman I would double check when I got home and call him back. He told me that if it was NEURONTIN I needed to take it back to the pharmacy and have them contact him.

After soccer practices and getting everyone fed...I headed over to the pharmacy while Jared went on a hunt for pumpkins to carve. I was ready to spit nails as I waited in line. When it was my turn I told the girl that I needed to speak to the pharmacy manager. I was told that he was not there, but there was a pharmacist that I could speak to.

As I waited I said a little prayer that I would say the right things and would be helped in getting it all taken care of. The pharmacist was a very kind woman. She asked what she could help me with. As soon as I started talking I got emotional and I told her what had happened. The anger had soon left and the concern and sadness for Luke set in. She was wonderful. She must have apologized a dozen or more times. She was very genuinely concerned for Luke. She kept asking if he was okay. I told her of what had happened over the weekend and how he had been having headaches and couldn't walk or talk.

She was very helpful. She took my name and number and is going to do some research on how much he has taken to compare with the dose of the ZARONTIN (the dose part was correct for the ZARONTIN, I just don't know how that compares to a dose for a 42 pound child of Neurontin--from the way it affected him I'm guessing that it was way more than he should have had.)

She is filing a report for me. The 2 pharmacy managers are supposed to be calling me tomorrow to follow up. She said that there will be a lot of follow up probably including doctor's visits to make sure he is okay. What a fiasco. I'm sure he will be fine as it gets out of his system. I'm so glad I listened and asked Dr. Fishman about the name. Somehow it has brought back terrible memories of taking Rachel to the doctor over and over knowing something was wrong, but these people who are supposed to know more than I do are telling me that all is well and I'm just an "overly concerned first-time mom." I will certainly pay more attention from now on when I give my kids medication. We've been given the wrong insulin for Rachel before, but I know enough about that stuff to have caught it immediately. But I am in the dark with all this neurology stuff.

I've always wished we would have filed a complaint against the doctors when Rachel was finally diagnosed. I think we were too overwhelmed at the time that it never got done. I will certainly follow through this time. I would hate for a more costly mistake to be made for someone else.

Jared and the kids just came back pumpkin-less. I guess Tomball is plum out. I'll have to look around tomorrow...and if I can't find one to buy then maybe I'll have to "borrow" one from someone's porch. To my friends in Tomball who may read this...I promise it won't be your house. ;)

In his sickened state...

Luke did a good deed and made my bed. He got the comforter on sideways, but we'll keep it until tonight. Yesterday was another bad day. He layed on the couch all day missing his soccer game. Oddly he was upset about it. (He usually complains about going) In the afternoon I started to notice some red spots on his cheeks. Seth had them Wednesday night. I'm not sure what it is/was, but they seem to be gone now. Jared stayed home with him for Sacrament Meeting and then I came home and swapped. It is so nice to have our church building a mile away so we can do that. In the past it's been a 20 minute drive.

Rachel had a Halloween party last night. A girl from church threw it. She had a great time. Picking a costume this year for her has been torture (for Jared and I). She finally decided she wanted to be an angel, (45 minutes before the party started) so I went on the search for angel wings. All I could find were rainbow colored wings. I got them, but also picked up this cute Guinevere costume. When I got home I showed it to her and in an instant I was "Mother of the Year". Who knew. When we were getting in the car to go she kept saying, "This is SO cool mom. Thank you SO much!"

The funny thing was she asked who Guinevere was and so we explained. Then when I was picking her up from the party she said, "Nobody knew who Guinevere was. They kept asking me and I was like 'You know King Arthur, Knights of the Round Table.'" (Say that with a "Da" voice and you've got the picture...)

She looked very pretty in it. It was a little short...I could only find a 4-6X. It made it about mid calf. Remind me next year to start on all of this in September.

Enticing Titles...& a poem--at least read the poem...

My favorite part of the post is the title. I try to be creative to lure readers...and then I question this practice because I really am just doing all of this to get my little insignificant history on paper. Anyway, I hope whoever is reading this enjoys them.

Family movie night was a flop. Seth did go down. At 7:00!! Luke got scared by the movie--The 3 Musketeers--so I went upstairs with him to watch it Disney style (and then I got bored and found myself tackling the office). Jared and Jonah had to leave abruptly to help clean up a ladies house in the ward that got flooded today...Rachel enjoyed the film.

In my office mess I found this poem Rachel wrote for Jared for his birthday.

My Dad

I have a family, the best of the best.

Three brothers, my mom, and all of the rest.

Seth is the cutie, and makes us all laugh,

Luke is the one that makes all the fun crafts.

Jonah we love, with all of his jokes,

and Mom is so loving to all of our folks.

But there's one special person that makes me so glad,

and that special person is my special dad!

He got teary.

Is that Scott Hamilton (or Dorothy Hamill)?

The curls are pretty well gone. About a month ago his hair was so crazy I decided to trim about 1/4 inch off to tame the sides...Some how it set off the balance of something and his hair was straight and poofy--the same thing happened with Jonah at this age.

So today I decided to tame the poof and cut a bit more off. I'm hoping it will help people to decipher his gender...sometimes people are confused--even with footballs on his shirt.

So now he looks like me when I was 6 and got my Dorothy Hamill haircut. But he's still cute right? And maybe cutting the curls will take away some of his strength or curiosity...Hey it worked on Samson.

In contrast, I trimmed Luke's too, and he spent a 1/2 hour trying to comb it straight so he looked like the REAL Luke Skywalker. Didn't take. ;(

Luke was up with a fever most of the night. He is doing much better now. Many kids from his class have been out with a virus. I'm sure that's what it is. Another missed day of school though. I'm hoping that the new medication will settle well with him, so he doesn't have to miss anymore.

It's Friday which means Pizza and Family movie night!! As a treat to us all I didn't put Seth down for a nap this afternoon--it has been painful--so at 7:30 he's done and we can enjoy the movie interruption free. (I hope)

Enjoy the weekend and don't forget to "Fall Back" on Sunday!

There is a little boy...

in Luke's class that reminds me of my youngest brother David when he was 5. When I'm at workshops I just smile when I see him. He is a cutie...so are you Davie!

Luke fell apart during workshops today and said he wasn't feeling good again. He didn't look quite right, but I think my being there aggrivated the problem, so I took him home with me. I told him he couldn't watch T.V. today...if this isn't a real illness I don't want it to be too fun to be at home with me. We got in the house and he was asleep on my bed within 5 minutes. That was 1 1/2 hours ago...he's still asleep, but he just sat up and said, "I forgot my lunch" and then turned over and went back to sleep.

We started the Neurontin last night. It too causes drowsiness, so I'm concerned that with the two of them he's going to have a lot of days like this. I'm hoping the Neurontin will work and we can go off of the Lamictal. His seizures are becoming more obvious, though, I think.

He's up now. Seth's at school today, so it will be fun to do some reading and stuff with Luke. The other day he said, "I know my real name is Lukie, but sometimes I just like to be called Luke." We have him so confused! Seth always refers to himself as "Sethie". Ah, the insanity!

Stem Cells

In an effort to educate myself, I've been doing some research on the Stem Cell issues. I am a member of a group called Texans for Advancement of Medical Research and found some great information on their website. It helped me understand some things better. Regardless of where you stand on the issue...it is interesting.

Stem Cell Info

Call me Betty (or Becky) Crocker

Tonight's menu included Tomato Basil Soup and Pumpkin Muffins. Thought I'd share the recipes. I think the soup is as good or better than La Madeline's. ENJOY!

Tomato Basil Soup
Janalen Fischer

2 cloves garlic
1 T olive oil
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
1 package fresh basil (chopped)
1 package smoked gouda cheese (grated)
1 pint heavy cream

Heat olive oil until hot over medium heat add garlic and brown. Add the crushed tomatoes, about 1-2 cups of water and basil. Bring to a boil then add grated gouda cheese. Simmer for 20 minutes. Just before serving add the heavy cream and stir well.

Pumpkin Muffins
Jane Taylor

3 eggs
2 1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. oil
1/2 C. applesauce
3 tsp. vanilla
1 C. chocolate chips (optional)
2 C. pumpkin
3 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

A change in plans...

So VT was not in the cards for me. At 9:30 the school nurse called and said Luke was in the clinic and not feeling well. So I ran and got him and called my partner to let her know I would not be joining her today. I brought Luke home and he immediately fell asleep and slept until 1:30. I got the back yard mowed though! Now it just needs some ant killer. I will not miss fire ants when we move.

Luke seems to be doing a little better. He is warm, but no real fever. The color is back in his face. He hasn't eaten anything, but maybe in the morning. Seth was feeling a bit warm when we put him down tonight. I'm hoping this isn't the beginning of a very painful week.

I spoke with Luke's Neurologist yesterday. We are FINALLY going to try something new. Zarontin, I believe. He will still take the Lamictal for awhile. If we see a change with the Zarontin then we can start to back off the Lamictal. He didn't want to switch cold turkey because we don't know that it wouldn't be worse without the Lamictal. His seizures seem to be lasting a little longer than when they first started...about 15 seconds+...and he is now loosing his balance. We have seen some side effects with the Lamictal...he's pretty tired, and a little shakey. The side effects of the Zarontin are GI upset, but that may be minimized with food.

The pharmacy had to order the medication, so it should be here tomorrow. Luke hates taking his Lamictal, so I hope this doesn't put him over the edge. It's a liquid, so at least it's not more pills. Right now he takes 8 Lamictal in the morning and 8 at night because he has to have the chewable kind and they only come in 25mg.

Other than that all is well. He did say the other day. "I know why I take medicine." I asked, "why?" He said, "seizures." I asked him if he knew what seizures were. He said no, so I tried to explain and he just looked at me like, "yeah, whatever" and left the room. He still doesn't understand. I'm sure it will be a while until he does.

My Mom and Dad are coming down for Rachel's talk in Stake Conference, and Carrie--Sophie P.'s mom--said they are going to come to our session (they are in a neighboring ward) so they can hear her. They are such good friends.

One last update...Rachel went to the podiatrist this morning and he removed a small piece of the toothpick from her foot. She is feeling much better. All is well.

I have a dream...

I think it's Jared's dream too...to get a full nights sleep. No blood sugars to check, no tummy aches, no cold feet on my back to be warmed...just sleep. And the crowning moment would be waking up and looking at the alarm clock to realize I had over slept because I slept so well. Jared would tell you I sleep in every day. I don't call it sleeping in...just lingering a little longer than he does. I will give him credit for getting up and getting breakfast started. But I figure in the past I have had times I've had to rise EARLY and I know I will arrive at a point in the not so distant future where I will HAVE to get up EARLIER, so why jump the gun? I will say I do love the little warm bodies making it into the bed beside me...as long as it's after 6:30 a.m.!

While I have your attention I think I'll mention a couple other dreams...

A cook. Or at least a menu planner. I've often told Jared that if we had a lot of money hangin' around, I'd rather have a cook than a housekeeper. (I have to make sure he knows these things just in case--although I don't think he really takes mental note of any of it.)

I really don't mind cleaning. I actually enjoy some aspects of it. My kids may say otherwise, but what they don't understand is that it is the cleaning up of other people's clutter and messes that I didn't make that bothers me. Not the actual cleaning. Well, minus the Texaco--that's what I call the bathroom upstairs--I don't enjoy cleaning that. What is it with boys? Someday I'm going to invent a commode room where when you shut the door after you leave water and heavy duty cleaning agents shoot from the walls and sterilize the whole room.

While I'm at it I think I'll also invent some toothpaste that will come out in appropriate amounts and not glob all over the sinks and stuff up the opening of the tube.

I really don't mind cooking either, but thinking of what to cook is taxing. I'm sure my mother is laughing as she reads this. It doesn't matter what it is, Luke will complain about it, but within minutes he's finished and is the first to say, "thank you for a nice dinner" to which everyone else joins in out of guilt for not being appreciative. So I generally look over his complaints.

Another dream would be to have a magic nanny. Not one that was here all the time, but when I needed to go visiting teaching, or to a doctor's appointment, or to volunteer at the school--Poof! she'd appear. Jill used to be my magic nanny...I'm sure that's why she's 1500 miles away now. ;) I hope I was her magic nanny a little bit too! Having her and the Banta's and Twiggs in the cul de sac spoiled me. Then they pulled a dirty trick and all left! Now just thinking about loading the kids up in the car to go get a babysitter or drop them off at a friends makes me tired. Come back! Please!

Alright. Enough dreaming. I'm going to mow the back for a bit before I have to leave for VT appointments...see I could use the magic nanny already!

One last thing...This morning Jonah said the family prayer. He included, "please bless that we will have a safe trip in 7 months when we move." He's a planner!

Primary Program

The Primary Program was today and it was great! Jonah sang the verse about Jonah in "Follow the Prophet" SOLO!! We were so proud of him. My heart was pounding as it approached his turn. I had written "Tried to run away" on a piece of paper for him so he would sing the correct verse--he had a tendency to start into the Adam verse when we practiced. As he stood up I could tell he didn't have his paper, but he sang it loud and clear.

Before they went up to sit in the choir seats he said to me, "It won't be scary. It's just like practice only with more people." After the program he told me that when the girl who was before him was singing the Noah verse he was repeating in his head "tried to run away, tried to run away". Everyone got a kick out of Jonah singing about Jonah. It was so sweet.

Rachel's part was a 3 minute talk on prayer. She had written the talk for primary opening excercises a few months ago and they asked if she would give it again for the program. She did a great job. She did not appear to be a bit nervous...although she was. It was a good practice for Stake Conference.

Luke recited a scripture with his class. He had it memorized well, and he knew every word to every song. It was nice to only have Seth on the bench with us. We determined we can handle one child at a time well.

It's been a beautiful day...in the 70's I think. I hope we have this weather for a while before it gets too cold. Fall is here...finally.

Monsters at the Museum

Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker first try to settle their differences over tea.

We had a great time at our annual Halloween party at the Children's Museum put on by the American Diabetes Association. This year we took Sophie P. with us. The kids all had a great time!!

Rachel and Sophie having dinner on the lawn.

I found this picture the other day. Can you believe those curls?

I'm hoping they'll come back in a few years!!

Oddly, Seth's are gone now too...and Jonah.

Luke started out straight, but is my only curly top now!

( I think Rachel is around 3 in this picture.)

Those were the days...

Jill just sent me these pictures...from 2003...



Ryan, Jonah, Luke and Evan with lightsabers...probably watching Star Wars.

You can see Ryan was going through treatment at the time...







Rachel and Sophie @ pet day (1st grade). Rachel didn't have a pet so Sophie shared Junior with her. Junior had a hard life--thanks to Jonah and Evan. I think they thought he was Stuart Little. He was often crammed into the cockpit of a helicopter or train and once Jill found them jumping on the trampoline with Junior bouncing in the middle. We miss Junior.

Luke, "Pregnant with Seth" Me & Ryan. Jill had insisted on getting a picture of my stomach.

Will History repeat itself?

Luke has decided that he needs to be Luke Skywalker for Halloween, because it is his name sake. So in an attempt to be creative and not buy a costume that will be worn for a few hours I have put together a costume...tan pants and t-shirt with a white robe of sorts. Tan shoes of course. He did inform me that Luke has a blue lightsaber and not a green one--which is what we own. BUT...I'd rather invest in a $6 blue lightsaber that will be played with than spending money on a costume. And my kids are still young enough that they won't be scarred by wearing church pants and a robe to trick-or-treat in. I hope. And hey, if there is a need for a shepherds costume at Christmas time...we're set!

I convinced Jonah to be Darth Vader. I lured him to the Dark Side with a new red lightsaber today...with the understanding that if it was opened he was committing to be DV. He agreed. Why DV you ask? Well we have a Darth Vader mask...black pants...I purchased a black turtleneck today at Target...black shoes...and a black cape that Grandma Ellison made a few years back. Two down!!!

Now to the "history" part...when Jared was young his very creative mother put together a Han Solo costume for him...I believe it was church pants and a brown cardigan sweater--because they didn't have a vest. When he got to school in his costume the teacher asked all the kids who were dressed up to come get a treat. Jared went up with the other kids to receive his reward. When he got to the teacher she told him, "Oh Jared, you just look really nice." He was too shy to tell her that he it was his costume and he was Han Solo. This experience has scarred him for life. Maybe I should put a little more time into Luke's...

Totally unsuccessful at...

getting unpacked. I feel like I'm walking through mud. There was supposed to be no pre-school today because of the "fall festival". However, because of yesterday's rain it was cancelled and classes were held. "HOORAY!" Seth did well again going. I got caught up on some errands and volunteered in Luke's class.

He had 4 pretty big seizures while I was there. The first one was when he sat down to do some testing with his teacher. She asked him a question and then I didn't hear an answer. I looked over and he was having one. She waited patiently for him to finish and then repeated the question. They have been very supportive and helpful. He had two others as he was at the computer, and then one while playing GO FISH with the girls in his group. One little girl was asking him for some cards and he wasn't responding so she was getting alittle irritated. I was close by so I went over and got them from his hand and they went on with the game. It makes me sad. I'm hoping to speak with Dr. Fishman tomorrow and see what our plan is. I really like Dr. Fishman. I always feel like he is genuinly concerned with Luke. I think we are lucky to have him as his doctor--and I just picked him at random. Dr. Haymond (Rachel's Endocrinologist) said that we couldn't have Luke in better hands. Dr. Fishman just recently stepped down as cheif of neurology at Texas Children's and Baylor.

The 3 big kids and I went over to the church to practice their parts for the Primary Program on Sunday. They missed the practices the past 2 Sunday's. Rachel is giving a talk she gave in Primary a couple of months ago on prayer. Luke has a scripture to recite, and Jonah is singing the verse on Jonah (SOLO) from the song "Follow the Prophet". He did well, but I'm still concerned he'll freeze when the chapel is full of people. There will be 2 other kids standing with him...they are each singing a verse solo.

Wish us luck!

I'm seeing a pattern...

He's on to bigger and better cups. Unfortunately I already watered my plants with this morning's tea party, so this batch will have to go down the drain...

CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!!!

Seth is apparently...

hosting a tea party for 11 of his closest friends. I walked in to the kitchen to find him filling bathroom cups with water. He then carfully carried them all to the table. I guess I should be grateful it's water right?

It's a foggy stay at home day. I'm hoping to finish unpacking.

Have a good day.

High of 90º...

It's a slight contrast to the 29º morning we left Chicago. It rained and rained all day yesterday. There was flooding in Houston...roads up here were even closed. Apparently it was pretty bad down in the city. I'm hoping the heat will dry it up fast...our yard is a mess with all the branches, leaves and pine needles from the weeks storms. I'm itchin' to clean it up, but it's too wet now. The worst part of it all...we may have to postpone the making of fall soups for a bit longer. It's just too hot.

I came to grips with the fact that we really have acclimated to Tomball. I found myself at Wal-Mart this morning, Seth was in his pajama top--no pants (they didn't make it back on after the morning's diaper change)--and no shoes. He, of course, would not stay in the cart so he was running circles around me. I myself have not yet showered--we went straight from dropping the kids off at school. Anyway, it was one of those moments that I thought if I saw anyone I knew, particularly from home, I'd be embarrassed.

Seth just came in and asked me to change his diaper. I told him to go and get a diaper and the wipes. He said, "No, mommy's turn." Duty calls...

Some more pictures...

Hofbrahaus with my cousins...Sam, Andy and Aunt Ann

Train ride with Cousin David

With Chelsea and Alexa

A Huge sigh of relief...for me...

As we were approaching Houston I decided to check our messages. I was surprised to have a message from our Stake President for me to call him. Knowing that we have Stake Conference coming up in a few weeks I figured that that was why he was calling, and I started to get nervous. As the hours passed I came to grips with the fact that I was going to be asked to speak. "I can do this" I thought to myself. I was feeling great about it all day today and then the phone rang and it was the Stake President following up with the message he'd left earlier.

He explained to me that we have Stake Conference coming up and that every 2 years we have a General Authority come. I'm pretty sure he said it was Marvin J. Ashton--to which I thought "wow this will be some conference!!"...but I think he meant Marlin K. Jensen. I'll have to clarify. Anyway he proceeded to explain that Elder Jensen had one request for the conference...as I am feeling flattered that I fit the description for whatever it was Elder Jensen requested he said, "...and he wants a 9-10 year old girl to give a 5 minute talk on why she believes in Jesus Christ." Wow! I didn't see that coming. I was quickly relieved, but now nervous for Rachel. He asked if I thought she'd be willing to do it, and if he could talk to her. I got her on the phone and they spoke for a few minutes. She accepted his invitation. He then told me that he thought she was a special girl and the first one he thought of.

A few years ago we had a special experience with President Pack. He was visiting our ward for Ward Conference. At the time we had the primary children doing artwork for the program cover. Rachel's had been used several weeks before, so I was surprized to see it again on the program. Before the meeting started, the man who does the programs approached me and said, "I had another picture picked for the program, but yesterday I felt impressed to change it and have Rachel's again."

When it came time for President Pack to speak he stood and said that he was not going to give the remarks he'd prepared, and that he felt impressed to speak on something else. He then asked if the artist of the program cover would stand up. He did not know who Rachel was at this time. He said that as he looked at her picture he knew he needed to speak on families.

A few weeks later I was at a Stake training meeting and he told the story of what had happened in our ward, and how he felt like he needed to now speak to the Stake on families. He showed Rachel's picture and mentioned her name. He had since then gathered a little more information on her and said..."Rachel has diabetes. She has adversity in her life, but she loves her family and she knows they love her." It was so sweet. A week or two after that he again mentioned the experience in our Stake Conference. He asked for the origional drawing which he put in a frame and has in his office. He says he shows it to families as he counsels them. Anyway, now at 9 she has her first major speaking assignment. Keep her in your prayers! After I hung up with Pres. Pack--the flood gates opened. She is NERVOUS!

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

It was so sad to leave the Zavaleta's. Ryan and Evan asked me if we could move to Chicago. Ryan said, "You go get your stuff then come back and I'll keep my eye out for a house for ya!" I agreed. I'm hoping we can get back there again sooner than later. It's not everyday that you move in next to a family with kids the same ages (within 2 months) and genders as your kids. I think this was no coincidence. And the great thing is Seth fits right in too!

We got on the road about 6 a.m. and were off through Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. 22 hours and we were home...I would not recommend it! Eleven states--3,000 miles! WOW! The 3 big kids added Ohio and Indiana to their lists...totalling states visited at Rachel 28, Jonah 26, Luke 25 & Seth 16. Jared has 44, and I 43...

Northwestern vs. Purdue

Saturday was tailgating and the game. We got up early to get to the tailgating and upon arriving Luke turned a greenish white color and told us he thought he was going to throw-up. So...Seth, Luke and I got in the car and headed back to the Zavaleta's (a 90 minute trip). All was not lost for me...being the "ever concerned for my children" mother that I am, when I saw that Luke was feeling better we took a quick detour to Long Grove--a favorite place of mine. It's an little old town with shops and restaurants. I wanted to try to find something for Jill as a thank you--and a little something for myself--but it was a quick and unsuccessful trip. Oh well. I got to reminisce.

Ernie and Sophie joined Jared, Rachel and Jonah for the game. NW lost and it was cold, but I think they had a good time anyway. Jared and I opted to not participate in the Saturday night bar gathering with his fellow classmates. It was way down in the city and we were planning on leaving early Sunday morning...AND we'd much rather spend our time with our friends.

After a fun-filled even of hot chocolate from Mexico and perler bead frenzy we had one last night of our extended sleepover. Parting will be hard in the morning!

Glenview and Evanston

On Friday we took the kids to see where Jared and I had lived in Glenview, the bookstore where I worked (which wasn't that impressive until they were allowed to pick something to buy), and the Chicago Temple--a block away. Jill kept Seth for us so it was a much nicer trip for all.

We headed over to Evanston to see the campus and make a much anticipated trip to the Bookstore. NW gear for all! The kids had a great time picking something out. Rachel REALLY wanted this particlar sweatshirt. I was trying to talk her into another one that was about $15 less. She wasn't going to budge. I left the scene to return to her saying to her dad, "Feel how soft this is inside. Have you ever felt a sweatshirt like this?" Later...and under our breath...Jared and I added "I feel smarter and more obedient when I put this sweatshirt on." She already knows how to work the system.

We rushed back to the Zavaleta's--dropped the kids off and Jared and I took off back to campus for the evening's festivities which included a tour of the new Medill building--it is beautiful--and then a short visit with the dean.

Jared & his IMC classmates

We then headed over to a restaurant for dinner. As we waited for our table the night began to drag. I'm sure that those who either a) drank or b) had a degree in business were enjoying themselves, but I do not fall into either of those categories. Things picked up when we sat down and Jared and I were next to some people I do remember and enjoyed catching up with them.

Jared did a great job in planning the reunion. Everyone was so grateful. He was toasted twice. It was a small but impressive turnout. There were about 6 people who flew in from NYC...and some from Florida, California, Colorado, Ohio, AND at dinner we were surprised by one who had just flown in from Berlin!!

It was a nice evening. I think everyone enjoyed catching up. It was amazing how many people are in business for themselves. Jared and I left to get back to the kids. I think the others stayed around for a while for some more drinks...ah the memories.

The Windy (and very cold) City

Kids at Shedd Aquarium

We made it to Chicago on Thursday morning and brought with us snow and freezing temperatures. What a treat for a family from Houston who brought sweatshirts!

We got into the city and went to the Shedd Aquarium. We spent the day there and had a great time. We made it up to the Zavaleta's and were met with screams and hugs!! It is so great to be here with them. I don't think any of us are going to want to leave on Sunday. It's been great that we all picked up right where we left off last summer! How blessed we are to have them as our friends.

W. Lafayette, IN

We left Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon and made our way to Indiana. We stopped first at Happy Hollow Elementary to see Dianna Rathert--Jared's 3rd & 6th grade teacher. She was his favorite teacher (she made a big impression on a very shy boy--AND--she's very pretty) and he's been fortunate to keep in touch with her over the years. It was fun to see her again (Jared and I went down once when we lived in Chicago) and to introduce the kids to her. They had a great time writing on her white board and seeing all the neat things she has in her classroom.

Jared took us on the grand tour of W. Lafayette showing us all his favorite parks and the house they lived in. He even took us on his paper route which was VERY exciting. It was just beautiful there. The trees are breath taking right now.

We headed over to Purdue and walked around a little--it was FREEZING by then--and went to have some dinner. While I was waiting with Jonah and Luke I said, "What has been your favorite thing today?" Luke said, "seeing Daddy's parks." Jonah said, "Hey, I thought we were going to go see where daddy grew up in Indiana!" We have obviously made an impression with our kids on this "walk down memory lane" trip!

Jared's House on Barlow Street

Tuesday--the Zoo and Graeters

Today we took a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo. It was great. I can't wait to post the pictures. There was this Polar Bear that was swimming and it was hilarious. He would dive down below the window and then shoot up and push off the glass with his feet and then do it all over again. We must have watched him for 15 minutes...and he was doing it the whole time! The kids loved it. (And the adults too.)

Jared didn't make it to the zoo with us. He went up to Columbus for some meetings. The kids are having so much fun with their cousins. Matt and Suzanne have 3 boys and a girl as well. David (4½), Joshua (2½), Nathanael (18 mo.) and Lydia (2 mo.). We did have a 5:8--kid:adult ratio, so it was a pleasant excursion. David has followed Rachel around all day. He put on a white shirt and jeans this morning to match her, and then when she changed her shirt to blue he promptly went and found a blue one too. He told me tonight he "gets sad and wants to cry when we leave." It will be a sad day tomorrow. I hope we can come back soon.

Jared and Matt were sent out to get Graeters tonight. No trip to Ohio would be complete without Graeters. It is the best ice cream in the entire world! To my family: I will be thinking of you as I eat every bite! ;)

FHE at the Hofbrauhaus

My dad's home on Vernon Lane
We are so happy to be here. Today (Monday) met my Aunt Ann at her yarn factory--Brown Paper Packages. It was amazing to see how big her company has become. I always love looking at all the colors of yarn. It also brings back good memories of her workshop in her basement and looking at all the canvases she would paint when she was in the needlepoint business.

She took us on the grand tour of Ft. Thomas so the kids could see all my favorite places and where Grandpa Ellison grew up and had many adventures. We even went to Tough Street and showed them where Filthy McNasty lives. The farther down the street you lived the tougher you were. Filthy lived at the end. He ate nails for breakfast. I've told my dad he needs to start telling his grandkids about Filthy so the legend will live on.

We went to visit my cousin Matt who recently suffered a spinal injury, but is doing well and is now able to walk with a walker. It was nice to see him upright!

Then we were off to Ridgewood to show the kids the apartments and met my Uncle Nick and my cousin John was there with his kids Ben and Megan. It was fun to meet them. Nick and Ann took us to Nick's Hofbrauhaus in Newport for dinner. My cousins Andy and Sam stopped by to say hello. It was so fun to see them. They are two of my favorite people. Always smiling and making me laugh!

It's quite an experience to spend FHE at a Bier Hall. It was fun to see my grandfather's mission pictures from Germany that they blew up to adorn the walls. Conflict of interest? I'm sure it is safe to say it's the only Bier Hall with mission pictures on the wall. The kids loved the accordion player...Seth danced all night long.


It was such a treat to spend some time with my family.

Another fun "Sun"day.

We were on the road again by 8 a.m. We stayed the night in Nashville and stopped to see the Capitol on our way out of town. The kids had a great time. It is situated at the top of 3 big hills which we had to climb up to get to it. I think Jonah must have run 3 miles--he kept going up and down and up and down. It was good for all of them to get some running in. I'll post the pictures as soon as we get back.

Our next stop was Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. We went on a couple of walking trails and at Rachel's request each shared our favorite scripture. We also helped the boys memorize their parts for the Primary Program that is the Sunday after we get back.

It was so beautiful. The leaves are starting to turn colors and we could not have asked for better weather! I'm in heaven!

We made it to Cincinnati for dinner. We are staying with Jared's brother Matt and his wife Suzanne and their 4 kids. 3 of which this is our first time to meet! It has been great. Rachel seems to be particularly popular with her cousins. It is such a treat for us because we live so far from all our family...I think the kids often wonder if they really do have extended family. They are all getting along so well. Also here are Chelsey and Alexa--Suzanne's neices and our nexr door neighbors in California! We have been having a great time catching up with them. Rachel was 2 and Jonah 9 months when we left so they are re-aquainting! We miss them and Ashley and Rolando and Michelle. We have such great memories of time spent with them. I can still hear Ro yelling "Baby Rachel!" announcing he was home from work! And what a treat that now we are really family!

Monday we will meet up with my Aunt Ann and Uncle Nick (my dad's brother and sister) and show the kids Ft. Thomas, KY where my dad grew up and we spent many summer days. Ft. Thomas is just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. I am excited about that. I haven't been to Ft. Thomas in 10 years and there are many things I want to see and share my favorite memories of summers with my cousins.

At Mammoth National Park

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee

What do these 4 states have in common? We went through all of them on Saturday! We left about 6 a.m.--an hour late Jared was quick to point out!

If you haven't ever driven through Louisiana and Mississippi on I-10 you need to. It is one of my favorite drives. I love driving through the swamp land. It is so interesting to me to see because it is so different than the rest of our country. It is so green and beautiful. I love it. This was probably our last time through that way for a while. So I tried to soak it all in to make some good memories. I think I love it so much because the landscape has not been touched by commercialism. It feels so peaceful.

As we went through New Orleans I could see the Superdome over the tops of the trees. I saw a few houses that seemed to still have a waterline visible. It's a different world there. I remember the first time we drive through that area on our way to Disney World...just 6 months after we'd moved to Texas. It was eye opening to be in the "SOUTH". I think the thing that struck me the most was as I looked at people walking down the street or sitting on their porch I found myself envious of their laid back "simple" life. I come to the realization often that I clean WAY TOO MUCH. I need to spend more time just "being". It's much like when I find myself in deep thought about the pioneers. They did not have jobs for a "career" necessisarily, they worked to have food and a home and clothing for their families. I do enjoy my luxuries, but I sometimes think I loose sight of what's important. For whatever reason driving through the south helps me remember.

I am finding on this trip that I really am a lot like my parents. I found myself saying to the kids as we were entering into New Orleans, "Kids this is one of 2 places we will cross the Mississippi on this trip." That would be from my dad.

From my mom: by hour 2 on the first day my ankles were the size of small cantaloupes!

Public service announcement for the day!

Great article on understanding Type 1 Diabetes:

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=105921

And the hits just keep on commin'...but I'm lookin' on the bright side!

I frequently have days when by noon I'm thinking "You've got to be kidding!" I've wondered if I was really on candid camera and someone was watching how I'd react to my circumstances. The past few days have been such, but I am making an honest effort to look on the bright side of things...it helps me take it all in stride and have a good laugh at my own expense! Here are some examples of the new more positive me:

Situation: Rachel woke up with a blood Sugar of 400+ and keytones. That's bad. So she couldn't go to school until we had it all under control. SO...we threw the boys in the car and take them to school arriving 1 minute before the bell rang.
Bright Side: The lady--who last time we cut it that close gave me a lecture on getting my kids to school by 8:30--did not say anything. SO...I didn't have to give her MY speech that I have been preparing in my head since the last time she ticked me off. It goes something like this..."While I appreciate your condescending encouragement to get my kids to school earlier we do not have a tardy problem and if we did that would be an issue for their teachers to address not you. And if you'd like to see what it is like getting 4 kids ready in the morning two of which have medical issues then you are welcome to stop by and help out."

Situation: By 9:45 Rachel was ready to head to school. I had remembered on the way home from our first trip to the school that I did not give Luke his medication in the morning. SO, as we are walking into the school I see Luke's teacher walking by and I ask her to send him to the office so I can give it to him. So I'm checking Rachel in giving Luke his medication and Seth is jumping off office chairs when another lady in the office says "you've got your hands full." She was being kind so I smiled. Then the office secretary inserts, "She's just got too many kids."
Bright Side: I had my wits about me enough to simply say, "It's not too many kids, just to many medical issues." She smiled and said, "you're right."

Situation: Late for preschool...Jared took my car to get new tires and one of Seth's shoes is in it.
Bright Side: I had accidentaly grabbed one shoe from the storage unit the other day and it was the same size AND EVEN BRIGHTER...I had one for each foot! What are the odds?

Situation: Because I was late for preschool I was going to be late for workshops in Luke's class.
Bright Side: Seth did not even whimper today when I dropped him off! We've made it! AND...I discovered that Jared's clock in his car is six minutes fast so I was there right on time!

Situation: The school had a program in the morning which meant the teacher didn't need me so I had rushed for nothing.
Bright Side: I was able to go to a meeting I was going to miss because of volunteering and I was early for a conference with Rachel's Teacher!

Situation: I found my kitchen towels in the garage. They had been used by the boys to clean their wagon and their dad's car.
Bright Side: I got a belated birthday package from my friend Diana--some new dish towels to match my kitchen!!! She must have been inspired!

Situation: I decide to take the kids to the library to get some books for the trip. Generally we stay away from libraries...we are not usually welcome. But somehow I thought this might be a quick painless trip. I was quickly shown otherwise. In my quietest "I'm really serious so you'd better do what I say before I blow my top" voice I tell the kids to pick 2 books each and we make it to the counter. Picture me trying to hold Seth hanging upside down by the knees...his choice not mine...and he is kicking me in the chest. I'm holding 5 books the kids have the rest. Here is the dialogue that took place:

Me: (Setting the books on the counter) We'd like to check these out.
Librarian: (who from my perspective was not doing much) Have you tried the self check out?
Me: Um, I'm not really in a position to be doing that right now.
Librarian: Well, why don't we teach your children how to do it?
Me: (Thinking to myself--I always love a good teaching moment, but I'm not sure this is the ideal time for one.)
Rachel proceeds to try to check her books out...the self check seems to be on the fritz.
Librarian: The machine has a hard time scanning dark colored books.
Me: (Thinking again and trying not to start laughing--if we'd have known that we would have looked at your light colored collection more seriously.)
Librarian: Phyllis, do we have any light colored paper around here? (and we wait for a minute while she scours the back counter in search of a piece of paper to correct the problem.)
Bright Side: My anxiety that began as soon as we entered the building was quickly gone when I started to laugh. And...the kids have some good books for the trip.

One last one...

Situation: The night before we are to leave on our trip Rachel steps on a toothpick in her room and the tip breaks off into her foot. So at 10p.m. Jared has to take her to the ER because I'm still packing and cleaning.
Bright Side: We are travelling to visit Jared's brother who is a pediatrician AND Rachel now understands why I've been telling her not to use toothpicks to open her door.

I'll keep you posted on my progress of positivity! Have a Happy Day!

per‧se‧ver‧ance

Luke is a great kid. He never gives up! It has been amazing to watch him over the past month. He has taught himself to whistle and snap and...

every day when Jared gets home he wants to throw the football. Once he got pretty good at passing back and forth Jared started having him try running passes. Luke missed every one, but never got discouraged and kept on going. And then when Jonah wanted to try and caught his Luke said, "Jonah, you are so good at that!" He's not threatened by others success.

Tonight he was outside shooting some hoops. He must've been out there for an hour or so...and got 3 in the basket. He was thrilled! I wish I was as motivated as he!

This week in pictures

In Texas when it rains...

IT POURS!

Seth's favorite thing to do lately is "letters". I open up a word document and put it on 72 pt. font and he goes crazy. He loves it! At the end he usually has a 34 page document of gibberish! Keeps him busy for a while at least.

One of Seth's "creations"

Jonah decided to heat up a cinnamon roll in the microwave...he hit the "2" which means 2 MINUTES. The house doesn't smell anymore, but I can't get the smell out of the microwave. Any tips anyone?

Seth and I found a lizard outside. It was loosing it's skin. Seth ran in and got a towel and proceeded to try to "wipe the wizard"!