The Family that plays together, stays together.  We are having a fun summer, with lots of fun outings, mostly thanks to Hope Kids.  This pic above is from last September when we went bowling at Fat Cats, we had fun, although it was really EXPENSIVE, even with coupons.  It was our first time bowling as a family.  We just joined hope kids a few months ago, and have already been on three outings in the last month.

20 Year Wedding Anniversary

Twenty Years ago, Mike & I were sealed as a couple in the Salt Lake LDS temple. It was my first time in the Salt Lake Temple. The Salt Lake Temple is so beautiful and filled with such a rich history as well as beautiful architechture. That day in 1990 was very cold overcast and snow was covering much of the ground. Although the weather wasn't what I would have liked, I was happy to be getting married in the "House of the Lord" I was fortunate to have both of my parents, my grandma Beardall, my husbands mother & father, as well as some of my siblings and other family & friends. A lot has changed over the past twenty years in my family. I first said good-bye to my grandmother only two months later, my husbands parents divorced that same year, my brother Kerry got married, then my father passed away two years later, severe health problems for my mother for almost 18yrs, we bought our first home 15yrs ago, my brother Andre passed away suddenly nine years ago, I had almost eight years of infertility, we were blessed with three wonderful children. Those are just a few of the big events over the past twenty years. It would probably take over twenty pages to write a summary about each of those years. Today our family is changing in many ways. Mike is more than half way through college working towards a Bachelor degree in Science. (Me) Djinni is getting ready to go to college in the Fall. Lauren is excelling in school and getting ready to go to Junior High School later this year. Brianna is doing well in school and becoming an exceptional artist, Isaac is growing up and becoming more independant and reading way above grade level.

The Christmas Spirit of 2009

Christmastime is about celebrating Jesus Christs birth and following his example. Jesus served others throughout his life and if we follow him, we will serve others as he did. Also we must allow others to serve us on occasions. We have been taught that Charity is the pure love of Christ. Yesterday our family had the privilege of being served by our friends from "Logica". Our friends at Logica decided to give our family a special Christmas this year. We met with them at Make-A-Wish in the afternoon, where Mike Lauder of Make-A-Wish also joined us. Many beautiful people & gifts awaited our family. They invited us to open gifts and the kids could hardly wait to get started. Isaac was first, and he opened a cool set of Lego's, and another one and another. Isaac was also excited about the Moon Sand that he always wanted to try. Lauren & Brianna savored the moment and opened their gifts carefully and found many wonderful gifts tucked inside the beautiful packages. Among those packages was a couple of MP3 players, a digital camera, some Littlest Pet Shop toys, gift cards, and many other amazing gifts. It was incredible. Mike & I received some gift cards to go out on the town for dinner and a few movies. There were too many wonderful gifts to mention. Our friends from Logica were more amazing than the gifts they brought. They served us with so much love and it was fun getting to know them better. We all hope to get to know them all better throughout the years, and pray that they are blessed through their generous acts of service. Our family was touched that they would choose us to serve, when there are so many deserving families that could use this kind of service. We plan to "Pay it Forward" whenever we can and follow Jesus Christ and his wonderful example. We have felt the true spirit of Christmas through this wonderful experience, we will treasure the memories in our hearts forever.

Fun in the Big Box

We bought a new couch for Daddy's birthday. The couch came in a big box that the kids really enjoyed playing in. Now the box is wet from the rain and will have to get thrown away into recycle. Anyway, it was fun while it lasted, they spent hours in the box playing. Our kids usually enjoy the big boxes as much or more than what comes in them. We will post the video if we can find a way to get it to upload correctly.

Happy April Fools Day!

We have a a great day today. We startetd out our Day as audience members of the Good Things Utah show. Bought a new white dress at beehive clothing. Went to lunch with my sister and kids. I plan to go out to dinner with my family later. Haven't played any April Fool jokes yet, but I have some up my sleeves.

Is the Flu Shot Available for Cars?

Maybe, the flu shot for cars is preventative maintenance. However there are some strains of flu that the preventative maintenance doesn't cover. For example, if the computer in your car goes out, what kind of thing can prevent that? Anyway, my favorite family car is sick with the Flu, it's been getting frequent fevers (Overheating) and we haven't figured out why yet. A radiator specialist, thinks it might be the fan that is operated electronically, so we will look into that. We spent over $200.00 on Chysler medical bills trying to fix it and figure it out, however the fevers come back after a short drive. Today Mike & I took it to another doctor reffered by my Primary Care Mechanic and It was a long but short drive (meaning I had to stop every few tenths of a mile and let it cool down and then drive some more until it finally got there). I have learned not to take my transportation for granted, it really is a luxury I have come to enjoy, I really feel like I have been spoiled for too long, especially when I know other people that have to walk all of the time.

Pains

I pulled a muscle in my back Sunday and I have had a really difficult time doing all of my daily tasks. Walking up the stairs has been difficult, and trying to get comfortable. Today am I thankful it has improved a lot, possibly due to prayer, ice packs, and rest. I really need my strength to get me through the next few days, since Isaac will be having plastic surgery on his ear and will be in the hospital for a few days.

Here we go round' the Croup Cycle again

POP! goes the pills again.....

I'm sorry for the sarcasm, but I'm a little frustrated with the Croup again for the third round since May first. On top of that, I have been in bad shape with my dizzy spells caused from my extreme mold allergies. So I'm moody. I have been so busy with poor health for the last few days that my home is going to pot and it gets me frustrated looking at it and not feeling good enough to deal with it. I am finally improving with the dizziness, I am hoping that it continues to get better. I hope my mood improves soon, I am very short tempered.

One thing good that happened today was Isaac's Cardiology visit. Dr. Puchalski said Isaac's tricuspid valve is leaking the same as it was last time he checked, therefore it is not getting any worse. We will see the Cardiologist in a year for his next scheduled visit. I hope everything with Isaac's heart runs smoothly for the next year.

Tomorrow is Isaac's last day of preschool, Hooray! However, at the rate he's coughing tonight he might not even attend. Brianna is also suffering with the croup & Asthma Attacks today. I will probably be up around three in the morning again tonight.

Mother's Day

I am so-o-o thankful to be a mom. What an honor to be called Mom and it's interesting MOM upsidedown is WOW! Being a mom is the best thing in life that has happened to me, it has helped me become a better person and grow more than I have in a lifetime. There are difficult times where I lose sleep and sometimes my temper, however I wouldn't trade it for all of the riches in the world. Yesterday was a trial as a Mom, I was woke up early worrying about Isaac's croup, had a messy house that I couldn't organize and I felt so frusterated trying to fix our Mother's Day Lunch, nothing seemed to go right. However, the simple gifts I recieved were priceless. I love my sweet girls and all they did to try and make my day better. Isaac was not feeling good enough to really care about anyone else, and it it completely understandable. I was able to visit with the different Mom's in our family and honor them for their motherhood, I am thankful I was able to complete that task, I was worried I wouldn't hold up all day. I even made it past midnight without a nap (WOW!). Today I hope I can fit a nap in, after Isaac & Morgan go to preschool (Although I am still not sure if he's going to school today, due to the croup).

New Furniture

We Finally bought our FIRST Bedroom set, it includes a Bed, Two matching Night Stands, and Dresser with vanity mirror. The wood is cherry, and matches the Nightstand shown here. Now we need to paint the room soon to match the warm colors. We are so excited, Isaac asks if we live in a hotel now. After eighteen years of marriage we finally feel like our bedroom looks somewhat normal. Before it was mixmatch, hodge podge yard sale look. Now it looks like we inherited a rich Grandmas Antiques.

Heading up the coaster

On my way up the coaster today. I am feeling much better than yesterday. Last night I had a wonderful time with my sisters in the ward at our Christmas party. I love getting together with all of my ward sisters it is like having a girls night out together. My kids missed me for two hours, but they had some quality time with Dad. I had such a wonderful time reading with Isaac and Brianna last night it was difficult to go to bed and not continue reading while we were on a roll. Brianna and Isaac are reading so well. Lauren is also a wonderful reader, she reads two grade levels ahead. What makes me so angry, is that her teacher doesn't let her choose the books she likes to read. The teacher doesn't let her pick out picture books at the library to read, They all have to be chapter books. The teacher is taking the fun out of reading. There are a lot of wonderful picture books with plenty of challenging words. Her teacher is absolutely not one of my favorites. I could go on for a while about my gripes with Lauren's teacher. I am Thankful we haven't had to put up with it much in the past with other teachers. I do admire teachers for choosing to do what they do when the pay doesn't even compensate. I just have a hard time with the few who think they know it all and can't seem to learn anything new.

Oh What a Day!

Monday morning Isaac started the morning with a bloody nose around 8am. Isaac had nose bleeds off an on throughout the day, at some of the most inconvenient times. On the Freeway coming home from the Cardiologist appointment, At 3:15am, 5:15am, 6:00am, and 7:00am. At 6am I prayed desparately for two hours sleep. I was really hoping my prayer would be answered with a yes, at 7:00am I gave up trying to sleep knowing it would just be interupted by more bleeding. Around 7:30am I was thinking Why was the answer No, (I am still feeling the stomach ache left over from the flu & I am really tired). At 8:00am I got my answer. Brianna's 1st grade school teacher called for help with her class due to a flat tire she was experiencing. I consented to help but had difficulty getting there on time with the chaos getting my three kids out the door plus the little girl I babysit. We got there a few minutes late and my kids had to report to the office for being late. I am wondering what the rest of the day will be like. I am hoping I can catch a nap before I turn into a moody mother. I am suprised I have maintained my cool all morning, I feel like an emotional basket case. Yesterday's Cardiology visit turned out Okay, I had good results as well as bad. Isaac's oxygen Saturation was between 90-92 (a complete miracle). His chest pain is still unexplained which worries me. He had two episodes of chest pain yesterday before we went to the Cardiologist both at times he was resting. The Cardiologist said when he has chest pain check his pulse, if it is over 200 bpm call him immediately. We will just keep a close eye on him for another six months and he will have an Echocardiogram then. Some of you hopefully understand my fear and frusteration. I worry myself sick sometimes that his tricuspid valve is leaking and wondering if he will be okay. I just continue to try to live each day to the fullest appreciating the fact that I can still hold him, laugh with him and enjoy watching him grow. I hope this roller coaster is ready for a long ride up and can stay steady for a while without any lower points than this. However I feel like a whimp compared to some of the other families going through tougher times than this, check other Heart family blogs and you'll find much lower areas of the roller coaster. I am so thankful for my Heart Family we have such a wonderful support group, I wish I could do more and hopefully will when I feel better. I also have a wonderful family that cares, I just wish we weren't all so busy with our crazy lives. Hopefully we will find a time this month to get together.

Flu Season is Not Over Yet!

I have been miserable with the Flu all day today and some of yesterday. I am really hoping and praying this is the end of this Flu episode. I am really worried about Isaac and Brianna getting it now. I think I am at the tail end of it. It has been a difficult day. Isaac is scheduled to see his Cardiologist tommorrow, I hope that everything runs smoothly. I am a little concerned about his heart function, he has had some problems lately that give me worries (frequent chest pain etc.)

Flu Season has arrived!

Just when we thought the Holiday season was arriving, most of our family is down with the Flu. For some of us it started with a sore throat, others with various symptoms. Isaac is doing well so far, I hope and pray he doesn't get it. I am afraid he will because it usually happens that way when it goes around the family. It is possible he is the one that started with it when he had the croup. We are trying to stay home until we feel better and stay away from everybody. I think this might convince the rest of us to get Flu shots (Isaac had his about 10 days ago).

Where do you go to see a Free Movie?

Answer:The Free-aeter. This Morning when Isaac woke up he first asked "Did Santa Come Down The Chimney?" I said not "It's not Christmas yet." Then Isaac asked "Can we go see the Bee Movie at the Free-aeter today?" I got a chuckle out of it and I said "No, Is the Free-ater is where you go see free movie's at?" he said yes. So all day I've been telling his joke because he came up with the whole idea.Yesterday Isaac was really stressed he kept waiting all day for Santa to come down the chimney. Isaac knew it was a holiday and there has been so much hype about Christmas everywhere he was sure it had to be Christmas. I kept telling him it was not Christmas and Santa wouldn't come down the chimney but he couldn't accept it. I think he thinks were trying to get away without celebrating Christmas.

Today the smell of turkey once again fills the house. We are having Turkey soup for dinner. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and always enjoy the leftovers. Today Mike had to work at Wal-Mart starting at quarter-to-five this morning. It was definately the busiest shopping day of the year from what he said. I am glad I was able to miss it, however I wished I could of had the money for the laptop they had on sale for $300.00, it usually sells for $800.00.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy your Holiday Weekend! We plan to have Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma Reenie at our house. We are going to keep it simple and have Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, gravy, Veggies, and maybe some rolls. For dessert we are having Pumpkin Pie topped with whipped cream. We love Thanksgiving it is one of our favorite Holidays. After dinner we will go visit Grandma Southworth in the Nursing Home and take her some food. Please remember to be thankful for the simple things in life. Our family is so thankful to have each other and good health. There have been a lot of times our family have had close calls where we could of lost one or more of our family members. There are also many people in various situations that do not have a home, such as the recent fire victims in California. Please pray for our troops and their families, they have a lot of issues and challenges. There are also some of our friends who are struggling with health issues, pray for them too, Especially Kaidence who is waiting for a heart transplant. We all have a lot to be grateful for, count your blessings and you'll notice how truly blessed you are. I challenge you all to look for the positive and I canassure you that you will find it.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Please remember our Veterans as well as all the soldiers serving our country. All of us who have served our country in the military, no matter what job we did contributed to our country's freedom. Please pray for our troops and let veterans hear your appreciation. I am proud to be an American and a veteran who contributed to my country's freedom. I am forever grateful to all of those fallen soldiers who gave their life for our country. I am also pleased to have several family members who also served their country.

This is a photo of me about 20 years ago receiving my "Good Conduct Medal" from my commander.

Chef Hat & Apron

Brianna is modeling a Chef Hat and Apron I made for Caylie's Playhouse wish through Make-A-Wish. Caylie wished for a playhouse with a kitchen. Since it sounded like Caylie liked to cook I made this. (without a pattern)

Here is a Logo I designed Yesterday for our CHD support group. We are currently in the process of submitting ideas of logosfor the group to vote on.

I came up with this idea, thinking of how all children with heart defects get wounded in their battle against their Congenital Heart Defect, some more than others. The risks they encounter in thier battle are always life threatening. Some have lost their battle physically, but have won it spiritually.

Struggling

Today we are struggling with health problems already, I have been sick with vertigo to the extreme. Lauren also sick with simular problems. Let us hope this doesn't spread. I am frusterated not being able to do much. However I am thankful Mike took the day off work and helped out, more than ever. I don't know what I would do without him, he is a lifesaver.