more updates

This is Carson and Mom on Christmas Eve. We had a blast with all our family and are looking forward to seeing them for ALL of January. One thing we have defiantly noticed is the cold weather in Utah! We have been sooo spoiled here in Las Vegas, and now we all hate being cold!
Carson however... loved it!

Christmas in Utah

Christmas in Las Vegas

We had so much fun! Our usual routine in the evenings is rather boring. Most nights we just run errands, eat diner, watch tv. Wednesday we went OUT! with nothing to do but have fun. I heard from some friends that we could see some Christmas lights at the cactus gardens, and that the Bellagio had its usual display area decked out in holiday decorations. First off... who's idea was it to put lights on the cactus? of all the crazy things. It is painful enough putting lights on a pine tree...but a cactus!!! Several of the plants have sooooo many needles they look fury, and yet some crazy fool wrapped lights around it!! We all enjoyed the gardens and especially the chocolate from the Ethel M Chocolate factory. I really dont like the casino atmosphere, so I was a little reluctant to go down the strip, but now I am glad we went. Carson was amazed by the size of the Christmas tree at the Bellagio, not to mention all of the other cool stuff. Curtis and I were both excited to show Carson the Water Fountain, plus we like it too. They played the "Hallelujah Chorus" with the show. I was truly almost in tears, it was unbelievably touching. That is such a powerful song, I just never expected to feel the spirit so strong in that environment.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Balloons

Balloons. Carson loves balloons. I have tried to chance this fact several times. He especially loves to have a whole family of balloons, and frequently requests that I blow up another 'baby' balloon. Currently we have a family of balloons spending the night in our living room. There is the "mommy" (big and pink), "Daddy"(big blue), two 'baby' balloons (pink and blue, and as small as I could make them), and of course "cousin" balloon ( slightly larger than the baby balloons). I secretly refer to the "balloon family" as our unwanted relatives that have to go everywhere we go. I feel mighty silly walking to the mailbox carrying an armful of balloons, thankfully most of the time I can persuade Carson to leave the balloons in the car. So if you see us without them... fear not! they are probably waiting in the car.
Carson is trying to ride the scooter and carry the "baby" balloons

Sports Day!

Carson gets so excited about Sports Day. Today we played kick ball, or at least we tried. I spend most of my time trying to keep Carson focused on what he is suppose to be doing. He gets distracted so easily I start to think he isn't having fun, but then he talks about Sports Day all week long. Today was our turn to bring treats. Carson just loved the cookies and juice, he even declared that I was the "best Mom ever". Yes!! My son thinks I'm cool!

Christmas Cookies!

Thanks to all our friends who have brought us sooo many tasty treats. Carson and I have had far to many sweets lately!


And... I wanted to show you my leg. Sexy, I know. Have you noticed the yellow bruising around the stitches. Ouch! I would just like the world to know that I once had the best pair of legs around. But... that was a while ago.
Lat'r alligator

Yes. We are home...kinda.

Yet another long "vacation" away from home has come to an end. We had a great time in Phoenix and Layton. Almost all of our time was spent visiting with family. Thanksgiving was especially fun because Curtis was with us (a great surprise!). I was able to keep the tradition of running the "Cold Turkey 6K" on thanksgiving morning, and yes it is always very very cold. Carson and I shopped like crazy while in Utah and now we are mostly finished buying Christmas gifts.
We have actually been home for a while now, but you wouldn't know it. Curtis was only home for 2 days before he flew to Maryland for more interviews. Carson and I have been home but running around the town almost everyday. On Tuesday I had another doctor appointment, where they attempted to remove the rest of the melanoma from my leg. I personally feel like they tried to remove my whole leg, and was frankly surprised to see they did not. I will probably limp around for a few more days. I have discovered a wonderful thing...drugs. No really! I had some pain killers left over from when I had Carson. Cool huh!
I think most everyone has heard the story one way or another, but I will tell you too. First. I have been told that I am not going to die. About 4 weeks ago I had a dermatologist remove a mole from my left leg. I then received a phone call while in phoenix from this same doctor. He told me that the lab report found melanoma on the removed tissue. I was also told that it looked like the early stages and that there was nothing to worry about yet. And!! then he seriously said "have a nice holiday with your family, don't worry about it now, I'll see you when you get back to Las Vegas." I think I was a little shocked, I walked out into the living room and announced to Clint and Natalie "they just told me I have melanoma". So now they have removed more tissue and we will find out if there is anything to really worry about soon enough. I also have the privilege of having a FULL body examination (yes! I am so excited!) and I get to wear the strongest sunscreen known to man every day of my life. Did I mention the fact that I will be seeing the dermatologist every 3 months for the rest of my life for repeat "FULL body exams"...I will never be shy again.

How boring!!

Sorry guys!
I've been so busy with the 'fam' that I havent even had a chance to blog. I know it is way lame to check someones blog and discover that nothing has changed! aargh!
FYI. - Curtis and I are seriously researching an "end of med school cruise", and we would love to have friends come with us. That goes for everyone! (not just the 08 medical graduates) We are also looking for some sugestions.... I've never been on a cruise.

lat'r alligator

Family fun

Its been tons of fun. We are now in Utah, and enjoying our family. Curtis had his interview at the U on monday. We are so excited to have Curtis with us for the week.
The video was from our stay in phoenix. We had a great time with the Salo family. I dont think we could have fit in any more fun.
tell ya more latr

Phoenix dirt devils

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

See ya lat'r

Carson and I have been hiding out for a few days, in case you missed us. I've been trying to get ready for this vacation. Its hard enough to pack for several weeks, but then add in traveling to two totally different climates (Arizona and Utah) and it becomes impossible. We have limited space to pack everything so I cant take all that I need. Just so you know... I am packing both my swimming suit, and my winter parka. This could be interesting!
Have fun while we are gone ;)

Thought this was funny

One year ago...

I was helping Kathy get a video for her blog, and decided to do one myself. This is a few photos from our Thanksgiving one year ago. Carson is very upset in one of the pictures because uncle Ryan is leaving with his "bus", otherwise known as an "RV".
Lots of good memories

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

humm...

I have noticed a pattern in Carson's behavior. These are only two of the examples of what Carson does after being away from Dad for awhile. The first photo was taken in July '06 (after a week in Utah with Mom) and the second was taken in November '05 (after 2 weeks in Washington, Oregon, and Utah with Mom). I'll be sure to have the camera ready when we see Curtis again, I'm interested to see if it is really something his does on purpose or if it is just a coincidence.

both times he laid on Dads lap for quite some time.

Saturday Night and I aint got nobody

All alone, woe is me!

Carson and I have had a slow day, which I don't mind one bit. We managed to clean our home and play a few games without to much craziness.

Yesterday! I had planned to "do nothing", but it didn't really work out that way. Carson had a doctor appointment in the morning. He was all excited to go, even though I told him he was getting a shot. Then he started asking questions about his Daddy (if he was a doctor, and if he was at work..etc.). So I just answered his questions and thought nothing of it. Not until the nurse call Carson's name in the waiting room, and Carson took one look at her an shouted "NOT you, I want my Daddy". I was so shocked!! He was mad as a hornet at that poor nurse. The worst part was that I didn't even see this response coming. I had been answering all his questions, and looking back at my responses, I was totally setting him up for the disappointment. Of Course he was excited to go to the doctor... his daddy is a doctor... his daddy is at work... so his daddy must be here! ahhh!
I also had a doctor appointment, with the dermatologist. He apparently thought I needed half of my left leg removed. So now I have a huge wrap around my leg where he literally removed a "plug" (his words not mine) of flesh about a 1/2 inch deep. Its only slightly sore. But be warned! I am not suppose to shower until monday. So all you guys that we sit next to in church....(j/k I'll shower, but the thought is a little funny)
Curtis says he is doing good. But, I think all this alone time is making him lazy. He needs us around to keep him busy, and out of trouble.

My Day

I started out the day with only a few plans, and thought I would have some time to relax and play with Carson. But in my effort to "keep busy" while Curtis is gone, I am now exhausted. My day started out as usual...late. So Carson and I run off the the swimming pool to do some laps (without breakfast!). In my haste I forgot Carson's yellow space shuttle, so he cried big alligator tears all the way to the Gym. After a quick work-out in the pool, and a record breaking shower, we were off the story time. As soon as story time ended we rushed off to try and get to a few stores before lunch time. By the time we did get home for lunch it was almost 2:00. So we had a quick lunch and a very short nap time (by nap time- I mean that Carson slept- I had other things to accomplish). I then had to pull him out of bed and literally run to a doctor's appointment. Then two more stores, and the pharmacy! I was dragging my "sorry-sack" into the apartment at 6:00, totally exhausted. After making diner and giving Carson a bath it was nearly 9:30 and I was ready for BED!!! So now I have come to a decision.... tomorrow... I am going to do as little as possible, AND maybe next month I'll be the one to go away!

Flash from the past

I really don't think this was all that long ago, but it is still fun to reminisce. This blog was inspired by Sharlene... thanks!

I had to share this photo of my family. Notice that my sister is pregnant. A fact that she didn't share with us until about 2 weeks before the wedding, when she informed me that she had not bought a dress yet because she was worried it wouldn't fit later (then explained that she was about 6 months pregnant). I assumed that she was just being a "girl" and that she would hardly look pregnant when she arrived. Imagine my surprise... that little bump would have been hard to hide. But she has repented of her secretive ways and informed me of her 3rd pregnancy a lot sooner than the last. I love you Shaun : )
And I had to share this one, because of the funny expression on my face. Curtis looks great! But I think I was giving our photographer a glare because my face hurt from smiling soooo much, and it was about 5 degrees outside.
Thanks for letting me share with you. And get a good look, because there is no way on Gods green earth that this dress will ever fit me again. It is just not going to happen.
PS. If you are reading this Curtie Poo --I Love You!

Sneak Peak

We also had our family photos taken while out at the sand dunes. I am sharing them with you guys early because people who read my blog are way cool.

Desert Adventures

When we moved to Las Vegas I wondered why anyone would live in the middle of a sand pile. And I certainly didn't have a need to go out and find more sand. But today I stepped out of my 'usual' , and we went on an adventure out to the...well... further into the desert. Brad and Danielle were so gracious as to take us out through the sand dunes in their four wheel drive jeep. I was only a little nervous when Brad was "unable" to stick to the main path, and had to tryout a few hills. But I knew that he wouldn't do anything to crazy, because we had all the kids with us. (right? Danielle?)
We had a great time with our friends, and would love to do it all over again as soon as we get all the sand out of our...self ; )

We only had a few troubles with the vehicles. The funny part is that we caught it all on film.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I got "tagged". This means I'm it and being it means I have to tell you six fun facts (hobbies, talents, ect.) about myself. Another part of being it means I have to tag six other people at the end of this blog and leave them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged, and on it goes.

But first I have to make a few more friends... Because I only know a few people who "blog".

1. I grew up only a mile from where Curtis grew up. To think we were so close for 20 years and never met.
2. I played the Clarinet in high school. I still can... but why?
3. I also worked in a dental office (full, part, quarter, three quarters...all the time!), and Old Navy, and Lone Star.
4. I have taken a nap almost every day since I graduated from high school. Yep... that was me sleeping on my books in the study room at WSU, and during my lunch break at work... in the dental chairs, and today.
5. My secret ambition is to become a photographer
6. Ooooh this one is good- I threw the Javelin and the discus in high school. Competed at the state championships too... yeah I was good.

Ok, 6 fun facts I had tried to keep secret for obvious reasons.

Do They look alike to you?

No?

Well they must think alike,
because Curtis Just received his score for the Comlex step 2 exam.
Another 99!!
Like I said before..."Holly Crap!"

Another Great Week

Every one in the neighborhood is getting sick!
We have bad cases of just about everything you could name - every stomach problem, croup, strep throat, sinus infections... I don't hardly want to go outside.
Curtis went to an interview in Kansas this week. He came back with a lot of good things to say about the program and was "pleasantly surprised". I wouldn't mind it myself. After living in Las Vegas, I have had enough of the big city stuff. Even though we are excited about moving on to the next step in life, it will be hard to leave.
Carson and I had a quiet day or two while Curtis was out of town. I have a very bad habit of shopping when Curtis is gone. Since we don't have any money... this is bad. My goal is to fill the "void" with exercise next time. If I am running it makes it very hard to go shopping, or have enough energy to go shopping.

Nursery Class Clown

Carson made this head band in nursery last sunday. It says "I can be reverent"... yeah right!

I had the awesome opportunity of doing song-time for all of our wards nursery's on Sunday. It hasnt been a year since I was released from that exact calling, but I enjoyed the kids. Carson was the only boy in his class, and he was doing his best to keep the girls entertained. I even found him quite funny at times. It was very hard not to laugh when we started to sing "Itsy Bitsy spider" and carson pretended to eat his spider. When the little girl next to him said "yuck", Carson just smiled and offered her a spider too!

Costume pictures

Carson is Bob The Builder for Halloween this year. He has been so excited! Especially when he got to dress up for pictures with some of his friends. Of course it was near impossible to actually get a picture of Carson actually looking at the camera. Although most of them were of the back of his head (arrgh!). Carson even talked me into buying tickets so he could go on some of the rides. My favorite was the train. I think the train engine was once a lawn mower (because the seat and gear shifter looked a lot like my Dads lawn mower, and it was loud and slow) but Carson couldn't have been more excited.
There were a lot of wonderful things at this little "fair" that could keep a little boy happy for hours.

This Week

Hello !!
Carson and I have been having loads of fun. Today we went to the "Teacher" store, I think it is called Lakeshore. What a store! I could buy the whole place without thinking twice. However, we managed to buy the essentials...kid scissors. Ever since our last trip to Utah (where Carson got to use scissors at story time) he has insisted that he needs to use my "Mom Scissors" to cut things. So I decided to satisfy him the safe way... supervised craft time and child scissors.
Curtis is on-call tonight. Carson seems to miss him on the long days when he dosent get to see Dad. Carson usually asks about Dad a few times during the day. But it affects him the most a bed time. He is usually great at going to bed without a fuss, but on the nights Curtis is gone he begs to sleep in My bed. I am usually a sucker and give Carson everything he asks for, but we have a very strict sleeping policy at our house that cant be messed with. That policy has everything to do with ME sleeping all night. If you dont believe me, ask Curtis.... I am not very nice when I haven't had enough sleep
Great news!! Curtis passed the USMLE, and we are so happy the wait is over. Curtis is too modest to tell anyone his score... but I am soooo proud and cant keep the secret anymore. 99!!!
We are still waiting on the COMLEX, and are hoping for another great ending.

Dr. Andrews

I just wanted to share this with the World, since it was really expensive and he is really good looking for an almost-bald guy! This is the photo Curtis has sent in with his applications to residency programs. Hot Guy Huh!

Today at 'Pump it Up'

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thats my life

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are selling Carson. Well, I shouldn't say "selling" because we would "give" him away... to a good home. Today Carson was so full of drama and temper tantrums that I found myself wishing that I was the one in medical school, and Curtis was the one staying home. Our morning started at 7 am, and after two meltdowns and one broken toy, he was back in bed by 8 am. I was determined that our whole day wouldn't be like that, so we started over.
Carson's lip seems to be doing better. Last night he started talking again, and by tonight be was back to his usual chatter-box self. Although... he still refuses to move his lips, so it is very difficult to understand. Every time Carson would say something Curtis and I would look at each other and just shrug. I hope his lips don't stick out like a blowfish forever, he is starting to remind me of 'Bubba' from the Forest Gump movie.
Our dear Curtis had to stay at the hospital last night. We all know that his future will be full of endless nights at the hospital, but this was his first time. I didn't really feel bad for him until I was informed that the only place for him to sleep was a love-seat in someone's office. I can't picture all 6'6'' of Curtis sleeping very well on a love seat, being that our bed at home is already 3 feet too small in every direction.

Just finished this one tonight. It was a great book, but the end was predictable. I am finding that most all Romance books are very predictable.(The guy always gets the girl...and they live happily ever after)
I am not sure how I find time to read so much. Carson must feel neglected, so I'll have to limit my reading to one book a week. Sorry-
Alison

Latest Book

Just finished this one last night. It wasn't the best book I have read in awhile. There was alot of gruesome murders (in detail), and not much for a romance. But "action" packed.... if ya know what I mean! I am not recommending this book to others. Thanks-

My New Book List

Some of my latest books, in no particular order :Oh..Snow Angel. This was a good book, sad and happy together. Most of the story takes place in Alaska, and it is very cold. Plus, I was in Utah when I read this book and it was snowing that day. So I was cold too!
It is only fitting that I tell you I was not impressed with the first part of this book. It was sooo sad that I laughed through the first few chapters. But as you guessed, it had many redeeming qualities.....one of which wore a uniform. hee hee!

One of my most favorite. I stole this one from my mothers vast library ( thanks mommy), and managed to read it in 2 days due to the extra attention Carson received from all our family in Utah.


Of Course all the Twilight books are on my list!!!




(No Picture) The Bartered Bride
By Cheryl Reavis
I liked this one, but it was alot like the "scarlet letter" except it had a happy ending.

Family update

Sorry to everyone who has checked this blog over the last month and found no changes at all! i feel really guilty. The truth is that I have become addicted to books... yes books. Since reading the "twilight" series 2 months ago I haven't stopped reading! I have come to grips with this addiction and feel that the only way I can keep a daily update on this blog is to stop printing good books, and not just any kind of book of course, my favorite...romance novels. Now... not the strange "Fabio -I cant believe it's not butter" kind, but Christian Romance (or so my mother tells me that is what they are called). I plan on updating you on all the great book I read last month.

Carson's first Dental visit

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If Dad really wants a nap... the floor is not a good place.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I told you he was wild!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Prayer Time!

Tonight Carson said the prayer all by his self. Curtis and I were soooo proud of him! We were even able to hold off all laughter until the end. It went something like this;
"Heavenly fader,
(Heavenly father)

thank-you for swimming,

thank-you for ridding bikes outside,

thank-you for Carson, and me,
(I must say this one a lot)

thank-you for Mommy and Curtis,
(Curtis was a little upset by that one, but at least Carson didnt call him "Mommy"...again)

thank-you for Brampa and Brampas,
(thats Grandma's and Grandpa's for those that dont speak 'Carson')

Jesus Christ

Amen."

Nothing but good times...

This week we had lots of fun and tried a few new things. Carson allowed us to put him in the pool without his beloved floaties and, lo and behold, he started swimming! Now don't be fooled - he still has plenty of his dad's genes (he sinks like a rock) - but I see some real potential. And aside from a few coughing spells and really red eyes I think he had a great time.

On Friday Curtis and I donated blood. You know if it wasn't for the free ColdStone ice cream we wouldn't donate so often. Then, that afternoon we went to Mt. Charleston with our friends to camp overnight. It was great to get out of the heat of the city and into the cool fresh breeze of the mountains. Plus, it's the first time we've been camping without needing two pairs of long underwear and ear muffs! We really had a lot of fun.

Saturday was pretty laid back - and we couldn't wait to redeem our ice cream coupons (mmmm!)

Our Week

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What? Cant your fish do tricks!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

our day

I was looking at some of carsons baby pictures and thought it would be fun to share. Most of this video is from before his first birthday. I will make another one to share tomorrow.
Today we had our play-date at the swimming pool. Carson had a lot of fun with his friends, and played nonstop. He was so tired by the time lunch was over he was asking if it was nap time yet! Moms love that.

Baby Carson

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com