Christmas Vacation (Part I)

For a few years we remained in California for Christmas because of the health of our youngest child. It was during that time that we realized how much we missed Christmas in Utah. Fluffy white snow, skiing, sledding, snowmen, snowball fights, family time, family parties and our own family vacation time and visiting friends that we haven't seen for awhile. For the past few years we have been blessed with good health and safe travel to Utah. We used to take this trip for granted. Now we are grateful for each moment. We savor the time. And as typical for us, we "tear it up" every moment!!

Here are a few pictures from the first part of our Utah trip. We decided to enjoy the ride this trip and so we took the kids to Circus Circus. We loved playing the "Chicken Catapult" game. Bry knew that I wanted the Rudolf stuffed animal to add to our Christmas decorations. He enthusiastically spurred on the effort to "win Mommy the Rudolf."

I'm still amazed that my Mother-in-Law agreed to let us bring our dog to Utah. Kashi is loving the snow! We love having her here with us. Twice she has been "naughty" and both times my Mother-In-Law was right there; first - Kashi nibbled a hole in the lining of a blanket & second - she got caught sleeping on the couch. It didn't help that she was sleeping on the couch next to the one that Karen was sitting on. But Karen was great and laughingly told us she didn't like our dog's behavior at the moment. Karen is a great sport.

My Mom took us all, including my sister and niece, to the Salt Lake Ballet's Nutcracker. It was beautiful with beautiful costumes and the dancing was awesome. When my sister I were young, our Mom took us to musicals, the ballet, modern dance performances, and plays. Keep in mind that she was a single Mom and we didn't have a ton of money. She made this a priority and I'll be forever grateful for this gift of the arts that my Mom bestowed on us. Attending the Nutcracker each year is a special time to be with my Mom and sister. Thanks Mom. (Bryan isn't in the picture because attending the Nutcracker is a painful form of torture for him:))

Another Christmas tradition when in Utah is walking the temple grounds, enjoying the lights and home for hot chocolate. The lights at the temple were beyond words this year. Grandma and Grandpa Holt came with us this year.

We also went to Hogle Zoo with Grandma Twitchell, Aunt Stacie & cousin Jaiden. I don't actually have pictures from this event because it was sooooo cold my hands would have frozen to the camera. Just imagine light displays of animals all over the entire zoo!! We had a great time and yummy dinner Cowboy Grub.

Bryan and I take an evening to ourselves during our Christmases in Utah. We love a dinner at La Caille. Yep - seriously costly but worth every moment. The ambiance, food, service, grounds, lights...... it leaves us in awe each year. I love my husband and loved this evening together.

We always squeeze in as many movies as physically possible because it's cheaper to hit the theaters here than in Cali. We loved the movie "Waterhorse" and they this fun picture opportunity in the theater.

Sledding in Grandpa Holt's driveway is always a treat. Grandpa snowblows everything except of the sledding path which is a large portion of his driveway. It's a great starting point and perfect for Noah too.

Bowling was great fun. All I can say is - "Thank goodness for bumper pads!"

The skiing has begun but Griffin, Isaac & Bryan are going to try and squeeze a few more ski days before we head home. The boys enjoyed skiing in fresh Utah powder a little this year. I strongly suggest this Utah powder experience to my California friends. There is nothing like it.

The Christmas Eve nativity play by the grandkids was sweet. Thanks to Marie for her organizational efforts. Christmas for our family was delightful. We spent the Eve with Bryan's family and the Day with my family. Fun Fun Fun. Thank you to both Bry's parents and my Mom for a beautiful Christmas.

We have another week here in SLC - pending cooperative weather. We still have lots of friends to visit. Although with Bry and the boys skiing, it will most likely be Cathy visiting Cath's friends. Isaac turns 8 on Wednesday!! (A special blog about Isaac will be coming soon). Bryan and I will take him out for dinner. Just the 3 of us wherever Isaac chooses. Hopefully he will choose someplace a little higher on the restaurant scale than Denny's. But, ya never know!

MOD MOMENTS

Christmas Capers

"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17 - Book of Mormon)

We spend a ton of time focusing on serving other families during this time of year. It brings Christ's love to others and I'm grateful to be a part of giving that kind of love. It's difficult to get my kids to serve each other sometimes though. But this year we had a perfect opportunity to serve Noah. I love this picture! While Noah was in the hospital, his calf muscles as well as his lower arm muscles constricted severely causing a lot of pain. Griff, Isaac, Mom & Dad massaged away. Our only focus was to help Noah get out of pain. It was the most beautiful Christmas time service project that we could have done within our own little family. We all felt the Spirit warm our hearts and bond us more tightly together as we spent an hour rubbing and massaging little Noah out of pain.


THE BIG DDB HOLIDAY BASH -went off great this year too. It's always themed and costumed. The party was held at Bruno's off of Mission in San Francisco. Fun atmosphere, yummy snacks and dessert. Enough food to keep people from drinking on an empty stomach. Of course an open bar which served amazing Shirley Temples:) We really know how to tear it up! You know us, we are all about the dressing up and who cares about the drinking.

So, here is our Mod 1960's costume. Could I look any taller? The boots were outrageously high!! The highest I've ever worn. If you're wondering where my conservative clothing might be - you seriously don't understand our costuming craziness. We live for the bi-annual opportunities to dress up - Halloween and the DDB Holiday Bash!!
If I ever do this again, I'm purchasing the Twister game and making the same type of Go Go Dress from the Twister plastic!! I saw that idea on-line but it was too late to sew it. But I loved the orange boots. The outfit was totally planned around the boots!!! Bry's suit reminded me of the Beatles with it's skinny look. Love Bry's Chelsey Boots too!!

The party was totally groovy complete with a photo booth and 1960's DJ!!! We had a great time socializing and just being out on the town by ourselves.

Christmas Traditions

I love Christmas! It is my favorite holiday. I love celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I enjoy tying all of the different Christmas traditions into the "true meaning" of Christmas- Jesus Christ's birth. Here are some of the things I enjoy during the holiday season including our Holt family traditions.

I had great family Christmases. Most often, I stayed with my Dad and Step Mom during the holiday break. Dad went the extra mile every year to help encourage the reality of Santa Claus. Reindeer hooves on the roof, clomping on the hearth, eating the things left for Santa. We knew that we were not allowed out of our bedrooms before our Grandparents had arrived. On Christmas morning while we waited as patiently as possible for our Grandparents to arrive, Dad would sing Christmas songs outside our door and say things like, "Wow! Look what Santa brought for Cathy! That is huge!" It was killer anticipation but Christmas was fun because of Dad. I loved being able to use Dad's pocket knife to carefully open the present without tearing the paper. We opened presents one-by-one. It took all day and we took a few breaks during the day too. After staying with my Dad, I would head back home and have Christmas with my Mom.

I have a special Mom. She always waited for us to come home from visiting Dad to celebrate Christmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Daywere celebrated immediately when we got home. She purchased the things we had asked for too. I still get a warm feeling while visiting my Mom and seeing the same 40 year old centerpiece I loved when I was a kid. I remember being really excited to go to Modern Display and choose new, fancy decorations for our tree. I didn't want mismatching ornaments on the tree so, my Mom indulged me one year and took us to Modern Display.

• Choosing a living Christmas Tree.
• Visiting Temple Square and enjoying the lights.
  
• Putting lights and decorations on the outside & inside of the house.
• My kids love our Advent Calendar decorations
• Another favorite decoration are the glass orbs with music & snow

• The colors of Christmas bring a smile to my face: red, white, blue and a deep green.
• Searching for the a great gift for family members.
• Providing Christmas for families/children that don't have the means to purchase their own.
• Finding a way to help our friends and neighbors.
  
• Santa brings our children 3 gifts. Why 3? That is the number of gifts given to Jesus from the Wise Men. We divide it up with 1 spiritual, 1 educational and 1 fun gift.
• Warm fires and hot chocolate.
• Reading from our a nice "Christmas each day' folder.
  
• *New Tradition (perAmy) RAK (randomn acts of kindness) for our family member. Each one has an envelope on the fridge. When we complete a random act of kindness for each other, we write it on a slip of paper and put it in the envelope. On Christmas Day we'll each open our envelopes and read the service that another family member has given.
• Caroling
• Utah - Family - Snow
• Me - putting up the lights on the tree followed by Bry and the boys decorating it while I get hot chocolate! Yum
• Singing Christmas songs with my children.
• Nice dinners and conversation with friends.
  
• Explaining what "virgin" means to my kids.
  

Merry Merry Christmas everyone. Enjoy the season and don't let presents get in the way of the most beautiful holiday of the entire year.

Home & Happy

Noah came home Monday afternoon. He is over the stomach flu and seems to be past the cramping. He's happy to be in school again too.

Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, emails, cards, dinners, visits and positive thoughts. They wewre all amazing.

We're humbled by the outpouring of love for our little Noah.

Hand Hand Fingers Thumb

Hand Hand Fingers Thumb
Children's Hospital Here We Come.
Legs Legs Feet and Toes
No explanations - No one knows
Many more needle sticks, many more tests
Many more Doctors helping Noah to rest.

• Yep - Noah's had a few issues this week BUT NOT SEIZURES.
• Woke up with the Flu on Wednesday and a fever. Fever resided on Thursday but did spike up to 101.2.
  
• Withing 2 hours he was suffering from Carpal Pedal Spasms. Lower arms, hands fingers and calves, feet and toes all locked up tight. He wasn't able to walk or pick anything up. "Mommy rub my feet. OWWWW . Rub my hands. OWWWWW." It reminded me of palsy hands like this picture that I found on the net. It was incredibly painful for him and lasted well into the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

• Off to Children's Hospital on Wednesday.
• We thought it was an Electrolyte issue - potassium/phosphorus/calcium. Although a little on the low side none of these were to blame.
  
• Consultations and lab work done with Nephrologists, Endocrinologists, Neurology and Keto Dietician as well as CHO Residents/Attending Pediatricians
• Blood draws like crazy around 4 a day and not always getting the draw on the first stick. The sweetest part is that Noah never cries during blood draws just a big "OW."
• The 5th floor Playroom Manager came over to ask that Noah come to the Playroom on Thursday and be in a media photoshoot. Quick picture with the Halloween Spirit Store Rep. and Hospital Charitable Foundation people because the Spirit Stores gave the Playroom about $13k. I'll post pictures if they are used.
  
• We're all tired of being in here. Sadly Noah will miss the Ward Christmas Party tonight including Santa. We'll find a way for him to see Chris Cringle.
• No explanation for the spasms. But we know all the things that it isn't. We don't know when he'll go home.
• Not very many people could go through what this little guy has gone through and still keep smiling. He's a gift.
• Thank you to my two other wonderful boys and my amazing husband for pulling together and managing without me. Thanks to our dear friends for picking up kids from school, keeping them until Bry gets home. Thanks to Seth for coming with Bry to give Noah a blessing last night. The Lord loves us all and we're grateful for these experiences that draw our family tighter together. These silly mortal bodies. It's been an adventurous week for all.
  

Catchin' Up

The days have flown by since my last blog. Time to do some Catchin' Up. Early in November, Bryan and I threw a fun Murder Mystery Dinner Party. It was tons of fun preparing for the evening. We had a great time matching up our friends with the characters they would play. The dinner was simple, roasted chickens, red potatoes, green salad, sparkling cider and pumpkin and apples pies for dessert. Yummy! Each of our friends really got into their parts with costumes and everything. A fun evening!

Another November happening was Isaac's first piano recital. Actually, it was Bryan's first recital too. Isaac began taking piano lessons from my friend Lynette in late August. He did a great job. No mistakes. The best part was that he put in the extra effort to memorize his 2 pieces. He didn't think he could memorize them but we believed in him. I was really happy for him to experience this moment. Great boy!! Bryan and Griffin also played well. Griff is taking from a different teacher as of the beginning of the month. It was sweet of Lynette to invite him to participate in her recital.

Another November happening was the Davis Turkey Trot. My sweet girlfriend Kinney invited me and some other friends to run a 10k with her the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It was a ton of fun. I'm so grateful that this run came along because my diet has been slipping since Halloween along with my workouts. I've been slowing to 3 days a week workout and a few sugary treats a week. Ouch!! Gotta get back on the horse. Anyway I was really happy with my time. 54 minutes & 52 seconds. That's about an 8min &50sec mile. Great for me.

Last but not least was the Thanksgiving family gathering. We had a beautiful day in Chinatown with my StepMom, sister and her daughter. Fun Fun. My favorite was the Chinese Madonna, Chinese baby Jesus & Chinese Joseph. We enjoyed some yummy Dim Sum too. On Thanksgiving Day we had a great time with the Twitchell family at my Dad's. Thanks to my StepMom and Dad for hosting a great day.

I can't believe November is coming to an end.






So many blessings to be grateful for this year. My God, my family, my friends, my country, my home. I could go on and on.

Do We Really Have To Know???

I love Albus Dumbledore. I love the Harry Potter books. I can't stand J.K. Rowling. I was a big advocate for the single Mom rising to the status of amazing children's writer! Now, I'm rethinking my attitude about her. (This is where I start complaining)

Do we honestly need to know the sexual orientation of a fictional character that has no bearing on these books? Does it occur to anyone that none of the teachers at Hogwarts were married? Does it really even matter to the substance of the book? Not at all!! Is it at all appropriate for her to whip this make believe info. out of her pocket at a question and answer session with children and their parents? Thanks J.K. Rowling for forcing conversations between parents and children at a young age. It should be up to a parent as to when they want to have that discussion. She forced it on all parents in Carnegie Hall just to get a rise out of her readers! So selfishly lame!

Children don't see people as gay or straight, black or white until a stupid adult points out those differences. It doesn't matter to them. What matters is whether that person is a good teacher, etc.

Why mention this idea of Dumbledore being gay after all of the books are written? Generating controversary to build excitement for the next movie?? Is that even necessary. Once again a stupid comment about a lame issue!

Has it ever occured to the gay rights movement that we don't need to know everyone's sexual orientation? Can't we just appreciate an artist's paintings, a composers music, a directors movie, an actor's acting? We do not have to know anyone's sexual orientation to appreciate their contribution to humanity. I'm so incensed about this issue it's sickening!! Doesn't it work against the idea of acceptance and inclusion? Let's pretend that Dumbledore is a real wizard Head Master at some school. How would his being gay be any influence on his ability to do a great job at being the Head Master? NONE! Serves no purpose putting that stupid pretend information out there about a pretend character after the books have already been published and it has no bearing on the books!! Nice job - make a fictional character gay. Do your best to put the gay agenda in a children's book.

Have I ranted enough!! I'm so sick of being forced to teach my kids about sexual stuff before 3rd grade! Can our children just remain completely innocent a little longer? Can they please see the world in a light and loving way past the age of 8? Can they see people for their kindnesses and service rather than their sexual orientation? My children didn't even realize that they were "peach" (as Isaac says) and other people had different skin colors until they studied a little about slavery. What a beautiful way to see the world. To their little eyes, we're all just children of God. Nothing else matters.

I'm disappointed in J.K.Rowling! How lame! Thanks for tainting the Harry Potter experience.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

We had a great time this year. We always carve pumpkins the Monday night before Halloween. That was good fun this year.

Noah loved Halloween. "Happy Haoween!" He got a ton of candy trick or treating and is excited to trade it in for a trip to Toys R Us from Mom and Dad.

Isaac made a great Harry Potter. We're so proud of his finishing the first book in the Harry Potter series. He loved dressing up and loves candy. He wouldn't slow down all night. Just kept running ahead of us the whole time.

Griff is enjoying reading The Fellowship of The Ring. He dressed up as The Hobbit for Halloween. It was just cool enough and still fun. He liked trying to scare Noah buy jumping out of the bushes while we were trick or treating. However, Noah wasn't scared at all.

Apparently I'm married to Brittany Spears. The greatest part of the costume was that he pushed a double stroller around without any kids in it and carried an empty Starbucks cup. Notice the smokey eyes, Lee Press on Nails, singing microphone, high heeled boots, bronzer, belly button jewelry (looked like a piercing) and fish nets. He wore this all day. Yep - on the Bart, into San Francisco, in the office, handing out candy at our home and visiting friends. At least 70 people took photos of Bryan and some of those even wanted pictures standing next to him. He was heckled from 5th floor building windows. It's kind of sad that everyone knows Britney Spears as a drunk, trashy singer that lost her kids. Two older woman were talking about him on the Bart. One woman says, "Look it's Brittany Spears." The other woman says, "Yeah, but he's got a better body!" Bryan had a great time making people smile and laugh about his Halloween costume. That is always his main goal...... helping people smile. On a day that is all about scary, it's great to have a good laugh and smile! He is always creative, fun and crazy on Halloween!

My costume was way basic. But for some weird reason I've always wanted to dress up as a football player. Totally fun and easy going.

Happy Halloween.

Monday Moments

Is it just me or is every Stay-At-Home Mom's busiest day......Monday??? As a kid, I dreaded Mondays because it meant going back to school. I wasn't a total fan of school. But, as a Mom, I can't stand Mondays because it means cleaning up from the weekend. Yikes!!

I'm LDS, a Mormon for anyone that reads this and gets confused by the acronym. Actually the only people reading this probably already know I'm Mormon. But just a clarification for my many fans around the world. Hee Hee!! Anyway........ because Sunday, the Sabbath, is our holy day. It is also our day of rest. I take that to heart. Cooking tends to be a little more simple. Believe me, I've got a thousand things I could be doing rather than resting. Forcing myself to rest is a type of work by itself. None-the-less, my spirit and body need the Sabbath and I'm grateful for the commandment.

The funny part is that because my family also rests, no one picks up anything. Of course the dishes are done (usually) and we don't leave garbage around. That's a no brainer. But, my boys seem to leave books, papers, crayon bins, clothes and toys everywhere! I really don't want to clean it up on Sunday because once I get started ....... inertia takes over and I can't stop. The Sabbath is ruined. In my mind, while cleaning, I get all grumbly. "Why isn't anyone cleaning up after themselves... Aarrgh!! Messy boys! Are girls this messy?? No way did my kid just walk right over his own stuff without putting it away!! Am I the only one that notices how messy things are today?"

Once I'm grumbly, I take it out on everyone. Yuck! That ruins the Sabbath too. I'm sure the commandment does not say "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy BUT get all grumbly." I definitely don't want to trade the family time that we have on Sunday for clean up time. We play, laugh, read, relax together, play board games, visit with family, sometimes have close friends for dinner. Nothing large. No parties or sporting events. It's a great day to spend connecting with my husband and children. Enjoying the day and not worry about any type of work. But some days it takes a ton of energy not to spend the day cleaning my house.

So......in my house on Monday, I spend tons of time just picking up after my entire family. Straightening, vacuuming , putting stuff away. Is this how it is for you?

Aargghh!! Mondays!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRIFFIN!!

Griff is turning 10 yrs old!! Wow! I can't believe it. I remember that sweet scrunched up face the day he was born. I was so happy to see this beautiful boy that I had been thinking about for 9 months. He has been an absolutely amazing child. He surprises me with his willingness to obey, serve others, love everyone and choose the right. He tries his absolute best at everything he does.

He is an example to me everyday. I hope when I grow up, I can be more like my 10 yr. old.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Griff! I love you buddy.

Fun birthday party with QZar Lazer Tag, Evan Almighty, Fun TShirts w/Iron Ons, Pizza and Cake w/Ice Cream.

My Skills Are Lacking........

Here are a few things that I completely missed the boat on when I was growing up.........

1. Proper skin/facial care.
2. Proper make up application.
3. Hair care.
4. Clothing style
5. Interior Decorating


I had a great childhood. Much of my time was spent playing sports, dancing and hanging out with friends. Somehow, I managed to have pretty good skin, okay make up and okay hair. It's a good thing that my Mom and Dad passed on good skin and hair because I really have no knowledge about this stuff.

So, I've been enjoying getting in touch with my feminine side lately. I've always felt like learning this stuff was way to "surfacey" for me. Now, I'm realizing the importance of quality skin care, physical fitness, eating right, and good hair care. I'm finally really beginning to get excited about how our long-term remodel is going to turn out. I'm determined to learn all about this stuff.

My husband is a great help to me. I'm convinced that the ability to see how different textures, colors, patterns can come together in design (clothing, home design, and decorating) is a gift. One that I don't have and really haven't ever taken the time to worry about. Bryan is fantastic at all of it. I guess that is why he is so successful at this job as a commercial producer. He can see the end result at the beginning of the process. Anyway, historically, he has brought me several different ideas for home design, decorating, landscaping, and yes - my clothing. I choose what I like and we come to an agreement and go forward. I've loved this method because I just don't have the "designers eye." In fact I feel incredibly overwhelmed, confused and frustrated if I have to start from scratch to figure this stuff out. So, I rely heavily on Bryan.

Many of my friends just seem to be able to do the most amazing stuff. Great hair, fantastic make up, beautifully designed homes, etc. It sounds shallow but these are women with simple beauty and simple homes but each is lovely and peaceful to be around and their homes exude that same feeling.

I've made an appt. with a dermatologist because I've had skin problems since I started exercising and eating right? What? Yep. True. I have an appointment with a guy at Sephora in San Francisco to learn about different ways to apply simple make up. I also bought a book that teaches about make up stuff. Hair? Yep, covered that too. I have this great hair stylist in Lafayette that I've been seeing since June. Jillian Galli!! Great Great Great - my hair is getting healthier all of the time.

Clothing and interior design are still "overwhelming" to me. But, I've got Bry and I've got some close friends that are willing to help me out. Baby steps.

:)

Donate Blood - It's An Adventure

I donated blood yesterday. Let me begin by saying that I love donating blood because it is usually quite painless, usually pretty quick, and definitely saves lives. Yesterday didn't go so well on the blood donation front though.

Griff's school had a blood drive. I didn't get a chance to sign up so I just dropped in to see if they could "squeeze" me in. Two people didn't show, so it worked out just fine. I arrived at 9:30 am. Read the literature.......whew! No problems with that. Then.....I waited and waited and waited.

Next, I was taken behind a blue divider and a trainee, along with her trainer took my blood pressure, checked my iron levels, and verified my address, birthday, etc. I was able to use a computer program w/touch screen to answer all of the "weeding out" questions. The trainee and trainer returned and asked a few more questions. You'll never guess the newest question added to their list........

"Were you born this gender?"

Seriously!!!! Holy cow! I started laughing! So did they, but then they explained that I would be surprised by the answers they receive. Yikes!!! All the more reason for those of us with our original genders in tact to donate blood!!

Next was the draw. Three vampires, or phlebotomists (sp??), were drawing blood yesterday. Two seemed quite organized, kind and happy. One woman seemed more scattered, whining and plain old strange. Of course, I was set up with this woman because I need to learn not to judge people.

The result - 4 Sticks (all in the same entry point in my arm), serious pain, me a little upset and saying "OOWWW,", and the vampire saying "You're freaking me out - are you okay?"
Aaargghhh!! She totally blamed her inability to get a "good stick" on the angle of my arm and that my saying "OW" was freaking her out. Not to mention the Iodyne on the needle burning my veins as she repeatedly stuck the needle in my arm.

The funny part of this entire event was the two Dads sitting across from me donating blood. They were really into the competition of the entire thing. Yes, competitive fathers finding sport in blood donation.

One guy said to me......."Wow. Your bag is already full. How long did that take?"
I replied, "7 1/2 minutes."
He was totally surprised and a little too ecstatic. "No way. I bet that is the fastest for a woman all day! I just filled my bag in 5 minutes."

An Adventure. Definitely. Guess what time I was finished? 11:10 AM - Yep. 1 1/2 hours later.

My arm ached all day. I had a headache last night and felt exhausted and a little ill. I'm doing better today but ........

I'm still glad I could help by donating blood.

Big Birthday Berryessa Boat Bash

A Twitchell Family Big Birthday Berryessa Boat Bash!!









My StepMom, Linnie, turned 60 in August just after my older sister, Stacie, turned 40 years old in July. Wow!! It's really crazy because neither fits the "over the hill" title. This is my StepMom on the back of the houseboat. She water skied more than anyone! I just hope I can ski at 60 yrs. Seriously, you would never guess her age. She's in great shape.

My sister, Stacie, well she's beautiful and brilliant. In a very simplistic explanation of her job.....she designs the guidance systems that are attached to missiles. Another great thing about her is that she cares about everyone. She is incredibly accepting of differences and really tries to be kind to everyone. I love her! She's been an excellent sister and friend. Happy Happy 40th!!

Happy Birthday to my two younger sisters, Candy & Heidi (both on the same day in Sept. but four years apart). AND....... Happy Birthday to the cutest sister-in-law in the world...... Emily!!! I love her love her love her!!! She's a light and tons of fun to be with. She and my brother, Dave have been married for just over 1 year. Happy Anniversary!

My younger sister, Candy, planned and implemented a fun family weekend at Lake Berryessa. My Dad brought his water ski boat and even though it was pretty cloudy, we had a blast.

My little brother Scott, a crazy awesome wake-boarder, drove while we had fun tubing with the boys and water skiing. It's been so long since I've actually water skiied, that I was pretty freaked out to go over the wake and come back in. But, I did it!! Yay for me. I tried to slalom but it was too hard. Bryan rocks at slalom skiing. I could watch him all day. He and Scotty had a great time together.
The weekend was really nice. Thanks for all of the effort by all of my family, especially Candy the weekend planner, it was a nice family outing.

We Love Eating at Denny's

My family loves eating at Denny's. The kids feel like they're on holiday whenever we go. It's usually breakfast for dinner too. Another bonus....... kids eat free on Saturday nights. Occasionally, we get the experience of the balloon man coming to our table and making balloon animals for the kids. Tonight was one of those nights. Isaac was first. The balloon guy made Isaac a cute yellow monkey with a long tail. Next Griff, a balloon hat with a bear on top. Noah waited patiently and was rewarded with a cute purple rabbit.

Shortly after receiving their balloon animals, all three kids began to play and giggle. It was hilarious to see Griff's bobbing balloon hat shaking with the giggles. Noah was talking to his rabbit while eating his Keto meal. Isaac was letting his monkey balloon pick nits from the top of his hair. Bryan and I sat back laughing and enjoying ourselves.

But as always, too much play ends up a little out of control. Griff started fussing Isaac and his balloon. Isaac didn't want Griffin to play with his balloon toy and began to get upset. So, quickly Bryan said (a little loudly) - "Quit touching his monkey!" It was soooo unintentional that it caught both of us of guard. I guess I'm still pretty immature but I couldn't stop laughing. I had tears rolling down my face. It didn't help that a woman across the aisle was laughing too.

Oh well... fun dinner at Denny's with the family!

Boys' Quotes of the Month

Every parent is sure that their child says the "funniest" things. Well - I am one of those parents constantly giggling over the humorous things my children do.

Noah (while showering with Mommy) - "I have a bum and a penis. You have a bum and a ______" He actually waited for me to fill in the blank. Just staring at me with his big blue eyes and waiting patiently like he was asking any old question.

Isaac - Made some fun art projects for Back To School Night. One of which was a small paper T Shirt beautifully decorated on one side. The back side said... "My parents show love to me when they.........(3 answers). " I'll pause here to say that every other child wrote things like 1) kiss me, 2) make me my favorite food, 3) tuck me in at night. Nice and sweet. My Isaac wrote......."1) hug me, 2) BUY ME STUFF & 3) GIVES ME MONEY!!!"

I'm not joking when I say that I was seriously mortified. Nice way to make me look like a Mom that tries to buy my kid's love. If you know me, you would know that when my kids ask me to purchase things for them, I always respond in the same way..... "I didn't bring any money for that. Did you bring your money?"

Isaac explained to me that "Buy me stuff" meant that we buy him Birthday Presents. He also explained that "Gives Me Money" meant "Pays me my allowance."

Either way - I just really wanted to give him $10 to go change his answer and make me look better!!! (This part is really a joke - please don't think I'm THAT shallow.)

Griffin - "Mom, how is it possible in "Mama Mia" for a person to have "3 possible Dads?" After I explained how that was a possibility Griff completely went red and then said "That's disgusting!"


LOVE MY BOYS!!!
Cathy

THE "S" WORD

I just need to blog about the "s" word. "S" for "Seizures." It's been a huge and painful part of my family's life for 4 years. Our 4 1/2 yr old, Noah, has a genetic form of epilepsy called GEFS+ (Generalized Epilepsy Febrile Seizures Plus). The genetics of it all is too crazy to talk about. While watching "OPRAH" yesterday (I used my new DVR to record it - I feel so technologically advanced now) I saw Jenny McCarthy describing her son's seizures. It was so difficult to watch it. It was literally soooo painful to think about all that our little angel has been through. Here is a run down of a little of the past 4yrs:

• First seizure was Labor Day 2003
• He's now had at somewhere around 150 seizures
• Suffocation during most seizures
• At least 40 ICU visits/overnights
• Around 10 seizures that we were asked to leave the ER room because the doctors didn't think he was going to make it.
• Some seizures lasting anywhere from 1 hr - 3 hrs
• Nobody around with a GEFS+ kid to talk with about this stuff
• Meds tried and failed - Phenobarbitol, Depakote, Keppra, Topomax (still using although unsure of benefit)
• Depakote caused him to stop producing blood platelets which meant serious internal bleeding = platelet infusion
• Keppra caused prolonged seizures. But it took us 18 months to figure this one out.
• Weekly seizures normally. More when ill.
• Tracking fevers like crazy
• Calling 911 - ambulance, life flight, and Emergency Transport rides
• Dashing madly in the car to get him to the hospital
• Overnights in the ICU in the uncomfortable chair/bed
• Christmas after Christmas in the ICU
• The first convulsion of every seizure caught from the corner of my eye
  
• Day after day of being on "edge"
• No sleep
• Sleeping with one ear listening for seizures in the next room (it is possible)
  
• Never having my child leave my side
• Watching him and hoping he would live another day
• Watching Noah and wondering if his brain/heart could manage another long long seizure
  
• Undescribeable sadness and worry
• Nightmares about seizures
  

Here are the amazing points of our journey with the "S" word

• Answered prayers
• Learning how to readjust my expectations of life, happiness and purpose
• Patience
• The power of Fasting, Prayer, Love and Temple attendance
• Priesthood Blessings that made a difference
  
• Family Support
• Friendship
• Developing a deeper relationship with my Father in Heaven.
  
• Understanding more of my purpose for being on this Earth
• Walking with "faith" and "hope" in the divine power of God.
• Believing in my "mothering" instincts
• Learning to "stand up" to whatever physician, neurologist, specialist, insurance agency person that I need to hear what I am saying.
• My child as my "case study"
  
• Becoming "one" with my husband and working as a team to help our children
• Constantly thinking about creating "normalcy" for my other children and making sure to give them the one-on-one time and attention they need
  
• Watching my older children become the most caring brothers possible.
  
• Watching my older children become advocates for special needs kids
• THE KETOGENIC DIET

Where are we now? How is Noah? We began the Ketogenic diet through Children's Hospital Oakland in January. For several months, it wasn't working. After completely resticting his diet to a strict Ketogenic Diet - we've seen great things. Any of my friends or family that know about the diet will tell you that it is "hardcore." It is a medication. It's the reason that

NOAH IS 20 1/2 WEEKS SEIZURE FREE

His speech took a leap in the past two weeks. He's laughing. He actually wore my IPOD today and was singing with the songs. He dances, runs, jumps, teases and carries on conversation now. He is happy. I am hopeful that this will continue.

If you know anyone with a child that has epilepsy...... call them, talk with them, love them, visit them. Make sure they get to go on a date with their spouse once in awhile. Love the child and see through the epilepsy. Pray for them. Most of all, be their friend. If they aren't calling you and showing as much energy as they used to.......... be understanding and be willing to call them. Help them stay positive. Take them meals. Don't ask what you can do for them....... just do something. These are the things that were done for me and my family. I know that I would have broken without the support. Actually, I did break, many times. But, I never would have recovered and been able to keep going without this support.

In many ways, my family will never be the same. Seizures could still be right around the corner. I will never be the same (more positive ways than negative I hope). I'm grateful to my Father in Heaven for bringing me through the darkness and into the light over and over again from sadness to understanding and joy.

MAMA MIA W/THE GIRLS

My friends rock!!
I love these women:)!! We had the greatest girls' night out! We all rode in the same vehicle into SanFran!! Chatting all the way but completely safe due to Liz's amazing driving capabilities. Yummy dinner chosen my Melissa. Great Vietnamese food. Picture this...... 6 women walking down Market St., laughing, smiling, and having a fun time on our way to see Mama Mia at the Orpheum. We even got some looks from some guys in their twenties! Yes ladies, we've still got it!
Anyway, Mama Mia was awesome. Definitely a chick musical. Completely fitting for the six of us. I could hear all of my girl friends laughing out loud throughout the entire show. We even got up and danced during the last 3 songs. I'll be listening to the CD at least once a day for the next month.
I just wanted to write a little tid bit about each of my sweet friends. All of which I'm grateful to know and both humbled and honored to spend time with whenever we're together.
(Comments go left to right)
Gwen - A mom to 3 girls and 1 boy. Amazing in her ability to endure stress, crazy scheduling and handle each situation with class and grace. She is positive and yet realistic without being a "downer." She was a school teacher before turning Mom. Gwen is a hardworker and I would never be able to keep her schedule as a "Mom."
Liz - My favorite thing that Liz says is "Oh My!" Liz always looks beautiful. She lives as she believes. Her testimony is inspiring. She does a great job sifting through stuff that doesn't matter and just getting to the point. She does this in our Primary Presidency meetings but also in every deep conversation. She keeps me focused and I love her perspective. She has a nursing degree. An awesome Mom to her 2 boys and 1 girl.
Melissa - Melissa is my reality check. It seems like just when I think I have a certain idea or viewpoint figured out, Melissa gives me something new to think about. I love that. I like that Melissa speaks exactly what is on her mind. It is enlightening, clever, and fun too. I'm amazed at her organization, although she would say she is "over-the-top with it". I think it's rockin'. I always try to glean some type of cleaning or organizing tip when I'm at her home. She's a BYU girl with great parents and a hardworking husband that adore her. She is a great Mom to her 4 girls!!
Olga - Olga is inspirational. She is loving, serving, kind, soft spoken, and incredibly intelligent. Did I mention she is a Pediatrician? She keeps me grounded with all of Noah's issues. She watches him occasionally when I need her. I've cried on her shoulder more than once and she is so wonderfully calming. She helps me reason through my emotions and stress. I don't think I've ever seen Olga not smiling. She brightens my day. She is a rockin' Mom to her boy and girl.
Amy - The beautiful, awesomely talented home decorator, Master's Degree woman, and an all around great friend. Her sense of humor is great. We enjoy many of the same types of shows, movies, etc. She is incredibly spiritual. I admire that. She knows her limits and is completely honest about the difficult moments of motherhood. She cracks me up with her easy going attitude. I especially appreciate her love for her children and husband. It's inspiring. She is a great Mom to her two boys and 1 girl.

That's the gang. I love them all.