This last week I have learned to be grateful for good health. I had a battle with a nasty kidney infection and I seriously haven't ever felt that sick in my life. I'm the kind of person that doesn't surrender to being sick very easily. So I kept telling myself that I was getting better and that I would be fine. This mind over matter talk had been going on for several days. . . then Sunday morning I decided that something was really wrong and that I should be seen. Although again I downplayed how I felt and decided that I could go to Mayo Express care and not have to wait FOREVER at the ER (which I felt was overly dramatic for my symptoms. . . it wasn't life or death!) Thankfully the Dr. at express care looked at my paperwork and saw me right away. She pretty much told me to go right to the ER and she would call and tell them I was coming. They couldn't treat me for something I had already taken antibiotics for (I had a UTI earlier and was on antibiotics for that, tests later show the bacteria I had was resistant to that ONE antibiotic)
At the ER we proceeded to wait for a while. I was MISERABLE. I had the chills and just wanted to curl up and sleep. Finally they put my in a room and began to solve the mystery behind my illness. While I was laying there WAITING, I started feeling super hot. I called the nurse in and she checked my temperature and it was a mere 102.7. Apparently this causes a lot of alarm. Next thing I knew I was being told they would keep me overnight and they immediately started pumping fluid and antibiotics through my veins. This was not what I had expected. . . but at that point I just wanted to feel better so I was glad they were finally doing something for me.
I sent Phil home at this point to be with the kids and get them taken care of for the day. His brother was also in town. . . and I was just laying there feeling yucky. . . no need for him to be there. They put me on a floor that usually just has patients with either strokes or brain bleeds, so to have a patient that was coherent was very exciting for the nurses. And. . . it was a very nice room, for a hospital. Flat screen t.v., own refrigerator, temperature control from my bed. It was nice. If you have to be in the hospital, this was the place to be.
Thankfully, my hospital stay was very short and I was home by about 1:30 p.m. on Monday. I went straight to bed and didn't emerge for a long time. Slowly this week I have started to feel a lot better. I have slept more than I ever have and pretty much haven't ventured out of the house. Thankfully friends brought in some dinners and Phil's schedule was such that he could do a lot of the after school running around for me. He would get the kids off to school, then I would sleep the rest of the morning, so unlike me. I'm so glad that I am getting better and this wasn't anything too serious and the antibiotics are working. I always take for granted that I'm normally a very healthy person. . . and I am very thankful for that. I can't wait to get back to my normal routine and do things. I've been sitting/laying around LONG enough.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Kyson Stories
Last weekend Kaden went to a friends house for a sleepover. After he came home Saturday he gave us a brief update on what they did. It wasn't until we were driving to a fireside on Sunday that he told me that he entertained the group by telling them "Kyson Stories". So I had him share a few with me and this is the one that just made me laugh so hard. Our cute Kyson, there sure wouldn't be as much laughter in our house without him.
Apparently one night (in the middle of the night) Kaden got up to use the bathroom. As he turned the light on he sees Kyson sitting on the toilet in the dark. Kyson squints at Kaden (due to the light just being flipped on) and says, "do you need to use the bathroom too? I could scootch over." Kaden nicely said no thank you and found another unoccupied bathroom. Oh that makes me laugh. What a nice little brother willing to share the toilet seat with his older brother.
Then today he sure hit the nail right on the head. We had purchased his Tamagotchi and he was so excited to start raising it. For those of you who are Tamagotchi clueless like I used to be. They are little hand held electronics that have a little pet inside. Once you activate them, it hatches and then you have to take care of it. That is a very short description, but hopefully will help to understand them a tad bit better. Anyway, when you buy them you don't know if they are going to be a boy or a girl when they hatch. Well, Kyson's happens to be a girl, to which he says, "I really didn't want a girl, girls are MUCH harder to raise." What a smart little man. And our comic relief.
Apparently one night (in the middle of the night) Kaden got up to use the bathroom. As he turned the light on he sees Kyson sitting on the toilet in the dark. Kyson squints at Kaden (due to the light just being flipped on) and says, "do you need to use the bathroom too? I could scootch over." Kaden nicely said no thank you and found another unoccupied bathroom. Oh that makes me laugh. What a nice little brother willing to share the toilet seat with his older brother.
Then today he sure hit the nail right on the head. We had purchased his Tamagotchi and he was so excited to start raising it. For those of you who are Tamagotchi clueless like I used to be. They are little hand held electronics that have a little pet inside. Once you activate them, it hatches and then you have to take care of it. That is a very short description, but hopefully will help to understand them a tad bit better. Anyway, when you buy them you don't know if they are going to be a boy or a girl when they hatch. Well, Kyson's happens to be a girl, to which he says, "I really didn't want a girl, girls are MUCH harder to raise." What a smart little man. And our comic relief.
Change of Plans
The last few weeks have been testing our fortitude for enduring long cold winters here. The kids had two days off last week due to the cold. And it was COLD! Minus 45-50 with the wind chill. Crazy. When it's that cold I have to remind myself why we like living here. . . the good out weight the bad.
We decided that we should go do something fun since the kids were out of school again today for a teacher work day or something. We planned on going to this big indoor water park by the Mall of America. All week the kids have been excited and were bouncing around last night in anticipation of today. Well. . . at 4 a.m. Kyson yells from his bed. . . so I stumble to his room. . . he informs me that he if not feeling well. I feel his forehead and it is HOT. I give him some Motrin and tuck him back in bed. I know that our plans are going to have to change. Phil and I decide that he would take the non sick kids and go as planned and I would stay here with Kyson. Kyson and I were both disappointed, but what can you do. . . when you are sick, you are sick. So here I sit with my sick little boy. . . I'm so glad we didn't decide to try and take him, he just isn't feeling well at all. He and I did venture out for a bit to buy him a Tamagotchi that he has been saving up for. . . glad I had that trick to pull out of my hat. It has helped him to not feel quit so glum about missing all the fun.
We decided that we should go do something fun since the kids were out of school again today for a teacher work day or something. We planned on going to this big indoor water park by the Mall of America. All week the kids have been excited and were bouncing around last night in anticipation of today. Well. . . at 4 a.m. Kyson yells from his bed. . . so I stumble to his room. . . he informs me that he if not feeling well. I feel his forehead and it is HOT. I give him some Motrin and tuck him back in bed. I know that our plans are going to have to change. Phil and I decide that he would take the non sick kids and go as planned and I would stay here with Kyson. Kyson and I were both disappointed, but what can you do. . . when you are sick, you are sick. So here I sit with my sick little boy. . . I'm so glad we didn't decide to try and take him, he just isn't feeling well at all. He and I did venture out for a bit to buy him a Tamagotchi that he has been saving up for. . . glad I had that trick to pull out of my hat. It has helped him to not feel quit so glum about missing all the fun.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Locks of Love
About a month ago Kambrie decided she wanted to get her hair cut short and donate her hair to locks of love. Personally I would love for Kambrie to keep her long hair. . . but how can you argue with a good cause like that. She was so excited to get her hair cut and to get bangs. So in addition to all the fun activities on Saturday, Kambrie finally got her hair cut.
One last picture of her long hair.
Looking at hair styles with dad. . . I just had to take this picture to remember how LONG it used to be.
One last picture of her long hair.
Looking at hair styles with dad. . . I just had to take this picture to remember how LONG it used to be.
Nervous and excited to get started
It took several cuts to get through all the layers of her hair.
She was excited about her new look.
She was excited about her new look.
Honk, Screech, Scratch, Boom!
The girls had a chance to try about a bunch of different instruments today. This helps them to decide what or if they want to play something before they reach middle school. Kauri has always said that she would love to play the flute, but after today she really wants to play the violin/viola. Kambrie wanted to play the violin, but now the trombone is her instrument! They had a great time and we plan on going again next year to see if their taste remains the same.
The Golden Birthday
Today was Kauri's (Becca's) 10th birthday and her golden birthday. We decided to have a fun day doing activites and have a party later in the month. So the festivities started first thing this morning. I'm not quite sure who was more excited about her birthday, her or Kambrie. Last night I got all her presents wrapped and had them sitting on the table, along with some balloons. She wanted blueberry pancakes and started to open some of her presents. I thought it would be fun for her to have 10 presents from us. So I wrapped several small things so it wouldn't be to much. She got two pair of earrings, a mechanical pencil and highlighters (from Clairs), a skirt, crocheting hooks, yarn, crocheting how to books, a HSM bag, and a American Girl doll kit that you can make jewelry for them, learn how to do their hair and a scrapbook for them. She loved all her stuff. Kambrie and Kyson both gave her a new Littlest Petshop Pet and a Webkinz clothes.
Both girls really wanted to go to an activity called Honk, Screech, Scratch, Boom. This is where they can try out a lot of different instruments so they can decide what, if any, instrument they want to play when they are in middle school. This activity will have a separate post with pictures.
After that, Kauri went to spend some time with Aunt Pat. Pat had some presents for her, but due to surgery on her foot, wasn't able to leave her house to join our fun. She had a great time spending some one on one time with Pat. She is so great with the girls and spoils them rotten.
After some time at home, we headed out for dinner at Red Lobster. Not because she loves fish or any sea food for that matter, but their mac'n cheese. Kaden, however loves the fact that she likes to go there because that is his favorite place to eat because of the crab legs. Everyone had a great time and ate lots of yummy food.
After returning home, we then had cake (a giant cookie from Sam's) and ice cream and called it a day. It was a wonderful day celebrating a wonderful girl's birthday. I just can't believe that she is 10.
Friday, January 9, 2009
My new love
I was first introduced to this new found love when our friends came to visit and their little boy had this. Poor guy really didn't get to use it AT ALL once I discovered this seemly magically warm blanket. I don't know what it is about it, but it is so warm and cozy! Well our friends were leaving and I really was not looking forward to NOT having my cozy friend with me. Shelly told me she had found it at Kohls, so pretty much as soon as they left I headed to Kohls. After quite a bit of searching I found it! There was only one left and it was red, perfect for me. And it was on sale, even better. I was so excited and have just loved it. This new found friend will certainly help me make it through the long cold winter. I love it so much I wanted to send a few as gifts, but they are not available anymore. So sad.
Home Classics® Micromink Throw Blanket
Home Classics® Micromink Throw Blanket
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Christmas Break re-cap
2 Hour Adventure at the Mall of America
The girls really wanted to get more clothes for the new American Girl Dolls. I made the mistake of telling them that there is a store at the Mall of America. . . so that's all I heard about for days. "When are we going to GO!" They are smart and know that the Mall is only about an hour from our house. A drive they were more than willing to make. I decided that Monday would be the best day and found a place for the boys to go play. I knew they wouldn't really want to go to the doll store.
We arrived at the HUGE mall at about 11 a.m. For some strange reason I thought there wouldn't be that many people at the mall that day. Man was I WRONG! There were WAY too many people there to make it a pleasant experience for me. I hate crowds and waiting in line and that was pretty much what we were in for.
We immediately found the much sought after store and joined about a million other people in that smallish store. The lines were HUGE and the layout was weird. BUT being the good mom I am, I swallowed my irritation at the whole thing and helped the girls shop for what they wanted. They FINALLY made their decision and we then waited in the long line. It actually went faster than I thought it would. YEA!
There were a few other stores I wanted to check out quickly have lunch and leave. The girls were very patient and played with their dolls while I did some shopping. We then decided we were VERY hungry and hunted for a place to eat. The restaurant they wanted to go to had a wait of just over and hour, too long for our hungry stomachs. Kambrie however found two stuffed animals she wanted to buy (like she NEEDS any more) and we continued our search for food. We went up to the food court and quickly realized that we wouldn't be eating any time soon if we stayed there. I told the girls we could just leave and hit the McDonald's that was on the way. . . it would probably take us just as long to find food and find a seat there. Thankfully they were all for that idea so we left. Whew. . . I was pretty happy to be out of there. And I must say that is the shortest amount of time I have EVER spent at the Mall of America. It is usually an all day event. There were just too many people there and the girls were pretty much done after they had been to the American Girl Doll store.
The New Year Activities
Every year I have grand plans about New Years. . . and like most, I decided I don't want to do much. The Johnstons (just Shelly and the kids)were going to come down and that was party enough for me. I knew the kids would be entertained and Shelly and I don't have to try too hard to find something to do. We also had a friend that was going to be alone that night, so I suggested that Phil go do something with him and Shelly and I would hang out at the house. I dropped the 13 year olds off at a party at a local church and then spent the rest of the evening watching movies and eating chocolate with Shelly. The rest of the kids were having fun playing, Kyson and Logan went to bed about 11 p.m. and the girls made until just after midnight.
The next day Shelly and I decided the hit the local and much smaller mall and we had a great time shopping and having lunch. We had to end our day a little early when Kaden decided to lop part of his pinkie off with a sharp knife while cutting bread. Thankfully we have a friend (thanks Aric)that was home and he took care of him so we didn't have to waste tons of time in the ER on a Holiday! I really don't know what we will do if we ever move from here, we are so spoiled to have so many friends in the medical profession that can help us out instead of the ER.
I think that most of the time Shelly was here we pretty much shopped, watched movies, ate and played on the computer. You can check out her post here. We continued to eat and play our way through the time they were here including breakfast with more friends. It was a great time and it was bitter sweet to see our lovely break from our normally crazy routine come to an end.
Now it is just time to play catch up after taking so much time of my normal duties. I had a great time playing with the kids and spending more time with Phil. Also, I had a chance to spend some time with friends that I don't normally see a lot of.
The girls really wanted to get more clothes for the new American Girl Dolls. I made the mistake of telling them that there is a store at the Mall of America. . . so that's all I heard about for days. "When are we going to GO!" They are smart and know that the Mall is only about an hour from our house. A drive they were more than willing to make. I decided that Monday would be the best day and found a place for the boys to go play. I knew they wouldn't really want to go to the doll store.
We arrived at the HUGE mall at about 11 a.m. For some strange reason I thought there wouldn't be that many people at the mall that day. Man was I WRONG! There were WAY too many people there to make it a pleasant experience for me. I hate crowds and waiting in line and that was pretty much what we were in for.
We immediately found the much sought after store and joined about a million other people in that smallish store. The lines were HUGE and the layout was weird. BUT being the good mom I am, I swallowed my irritation at the whole thing and helped the girls shop for what they wanted. They FINALLY made their decision and we then waited in the long line. It actually went faster than I thought it would. YEA!
There were a few other stores I wanted to check out quickly have lunch and leave. The girls were very patient and played with their dolls while I did some shopping. We then decided we were VERY hungry and hunted for a place to eat. The restaurant they wanted to go to had a wait of just over and hour, too long for our hungry stomachs. Kambrie however found two stuffed animals she wanted to buy (like she NEEDS any more) and we continued our search for food. We went up to the food court and quickly realized that we wouldn't be eating any time soon if we stayed there. I told the girls we could just leave and hit the McDonald's that was on the way. . . it would probably take us just as long to find food and find a seat there. Thankfully they were all for that idea so we left. Whew. . . I was pretty happy to be out of there. And I must say that is the shortest amount of time I have EVER spent at the Mall of America. It is usually an all day event. There were just too many people there and the girls were pretty much done after they had been to the American Girl Doll store.
The New Year Activities
Every year I have grand plans about New Years. . . and like most, I decided I don't want to do much. The Johnstons (just Shelly and the kids)were going to come down and that was party enough for me. I knew the kids would be entertained and Shelly and I don't have to try too hard to find something to do. We also had a friend that was going to be alone that night, so I suggested that Phil go do something with him and Shelly and I would hang out at the house. I dropped the 13 year olds off at a party at a local church and then spent the rest of the evening watching movies and eating chocolate with Shelly. The rest of the kids were having fun playing, Kyson and Logan went to bed about 11 p.m. and the girls made until just after midnight.
The next day Shelly and I decided the hit the local and much smaller mall and we had a great time shopping and having lunch. We had to end our day a little early when Kaden decided to lop part of his pinkie off with a sharp knife while cutting bread. Thankfully we have a friend (thanks Aric)that was home and he took care of him so we didn't have to waste tons of time in the ER on a Holiday! I really don't know what we will do if we ever move from here, we are so spoiled to have so many friends in the medical profession that can help us out instead of the ER.
I think that most of the time Shelly was here we pretty much shopped, watched movies, ate and played on the computer. You can check out her post here. We continued to eat and play our way through the time they were here including breakfast with more friends. It was a great time and it was bitter sweet to see our lovely break from our normally crazy routine come to an end.
Now it is just time to play catch up after taking so much time of my normal duties. I had a great time playing with the kids and spending more time with Phil. Also, I had a chance to spend some time with friends that I don't normally see a lot of.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Christmas Day
A few days before Christmas, Kambrie and I were out delivering some treats to our friends. We had a lot of fun time to talk and laugh and listen to Christmas music on our drive. At one point I asked Kambrie what she was looking forward to most about Christmas. I thought she would say which item she was really hoping to get. Well she surprised me by saying this, "I'm most looking forward to that joyful feeling, you know the one that fills your entire heart. Everyone is just so happy Christmas morning, I just love that feeling. That is what I am looking forward too." O.k. wow. . . not what I was expecting, but it just made my heart melt. I just love her and her perspective.
I think our Christmas day was great and I hope it was all that she was looking forward to and more. It started officially at 6:30 a.m. A few kids had been up before that peering into our room at the clock to see if they could wake us up. Like I was asleep. Then at 6:30 they all woke up Kyson and begged us to get up. We were all huddled at the top of the stairs getting ready to go down. I just love seeing how excited they all are, it's just cute. I think that is part of the feeling that Kambrie was talking about. We all had to wait, including me. . . that was new. Phil went down to get things ready. Then we all walked in, with Phil filming.
Kyson was excited about his new bike, webkinz and video games.
Kambrie and Kauri are so surprised to FINALLY get American Girl Dolls.
Kaden got the noisiest thing of all, an electric guitar and amp. I really don't know what Santa was thinking!
Oh and I got my new toy, which I'm using right now. I love my new lap top, I've really been wanting one for a long time. Phil is has mixed feelings about it now, he feels like he has been replaced.
Kambrie loves all her new Webkinz.
Phil was doing a good job capturing this on film. I still need to watch it.
Kyson was just so happy about everything. Such a fun picture of him.
Kaden checking out just how loud his guitar can get.
Kyson playing Lego Batman.
The girls playing with their new Barbies.
It was a wonderful day. We just played all day. Had breakfast around noon and pretty much stayed in our p.j.s all day.
I think our Christmas day was great and I hope it was all that she was looking forward to and more. It started officially at 6:30 a.m. A few kids had been up before that peering into our room at the clock to see if they could wake us up. Like I was asleep. Then at 6:30 they all woke up Kyson and begged us to get up. We were all huddled at the top of the stairs getting ready to go down. I just love seeing how excited they all are, it's just cute. I think that is part of the feeling that Kambrie was talking about. We all had to wait, including me. . . that was new. Phil went down to get things ready. Then we all walked in, with Phil filming.
Kyson was excited about his new bike, webkinz and video games.
Kambrie and Kauri are so surprised to FINALLY get American Girl Dolls.
Kaden got the noisiest thing of all, an electric guitar and amp. I really don't know what Santa was thinking!
Oh and I got my new toy, which I'm using right now. I love my new lap top, I've really been wanting one for a long time. Phil is has mixed feelings about it now, he feels like he has been replaced.
Kambrie loves all her new Webkinz.
Phil was doing a good job capturing this on film. I still need to watch it.
Kyson was just so happy about everything. Such a fun picture of him.
Kaden checking out just how loud his guitar can get.
Kyson playing Lego Batman.
The girls playing with their new Barbies.
It was a wonderful day. We just played all day. Had breakfast around noon and pretty much stayed in our p.j.s all day.
The next day the girls and I kept up our tradition of going shopping the day after Christmas. They had been saving up their money and then got more for Christmas so they wanted to go shopping. They had a great time and got some fun things. They budgeted their money well because they wanted to buy more clothes for their dolls.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve day was filled with so much adrenaline from the highly anticipated next day that I had to come up with some extra activities. Weeks ago I found some fun ornament making kits at Fleet Farm (you can pretty much find ANYTHING at Fleet Farm), One was a wood one where they painted the ornaments, and this one was the stained glass one. This took up several hours of of the day that they wanted to go by fast. They couldn't wait for night to come so that they could go to bed. Why can't they want that everyday?
Kaden and Kauri working very hard on their ornaments. They did turn out pretty.
Kambrie and Kyson concentrating on their ornaments.
This was a fun activity for the kids. I will have to remember to get stuff like that again for them to do. They were all excited to see how they turned out and immediately put them on the tree.
Kaden and Kauri working very hard on their ornaments. They did turn out pretty.
Kambrie and Kyson concentrating on their ornaments.
This was a fun activity for the kids. I will have to remember to get stuff like that again for them to do. They were all excited to see how they turned out and immediately put them on the tree.
For dinner we decided to stick with our tradition of having Mexican food for Christmas Eve dinner. We had enchiladas, carnitas, rice with black beans and chips with Phil's very yummy salsa.
After dinner we had them shower and get in their p.j.'s and then settled in to watch a movie together. After the movie we had them open a present, which is a new tradition for us. They all got new p.j.'s and changed into them. Next year we will let them do this before the movie, this got them a little excited. However, they did go to bed quickly and seemed to fall asleep rather fast. Phil and I were still "helping" Santa at this point, but finished up around midnight. We told the kids they couldn't get up before 6 a.m.
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