Easter Eve

Every Friday night the boys spend the night with Mimi and Papa. X wanted KK Saturday so they could do an easter egg hunt. X was a couple of hours late picking up KK, who was waiting at the door the whole time. My dad was a little flustered and explained his frustration to X that he cannot keep KK waiting like that. X took Caleb and they left to go to the easter egg hunt.

Mr H and I were on our way to go study in the Sinclair (community college) library. Last weekend we were not able to get anything done (because of a huge trial) and we were a little behind on our studies. So we are driving down and I get this phone call from X, "C we were just in a car accident..." My heart starts pumping "...and KK is alright!" My heart is still pumping. No matter what was said I didn't know if my baby was alright until he was back with me. I asked X where they were and he said, "the middle of nowhere...somewhere between Beavercreek and Sugarcreek." He didn't know which street or how to get to where they were. I panicked. We started driving in the general direction. I called and asked if he could get me an intersection. He was able to do that.

We got there and I could see that KK had been crying, he was still in the back of the wrecked car. Once he had seen me, he just was uncontrollably crying and he was scared. He just wanted to be in Mom's car. He wanted me to stay with him. I've never seen him that frightened. I placed him in the back seat and went to talk to X.

The intersection they came upon looked like a 4 way stop. All the previous stop signs were 4 ways so when they (B, X's girlfriend, and X) came to it they thought it was a 4 way and started to go. There was a car that T boned them on the front/middle passenger side which shattered the glass and pushed them into an embankment. KK was in the back passenger side. His glass did not shatter (thank goodness!). B was driving and was sighted. She told me how sorry she was. This was the very first time she has ever talked to me. She always avoids me when we go to the McDonald's she works at. I was kind of taken back and grateful that she admitted her mistake and apologized. I was very thankful that KK seemed fine. If he were injured in any way I don't know if I could have accepted her apology.

Even though KK seemed fine on the outside...I have enough knowledge in the medical field to know that internally he might not be fine. So we took him to the ED to get him checked out. On the way there KK wanted us to pull the car over so he could throw up, his chest hurt, and his ears. Once we arrived at the hospital KK was very weak and lethargic, he wasn't saying much. The nurse asked us what happened and luckily because Mr H. works on cars for a living he could explain how the cars crashed into each other. The nurse asked KK what hurt...KK did not respond so I explained the nausea, chest discomfort, and his ears. Which the nurse documented.

When the doctor arrived he was a DO and was so cool with KK. He asked KK what happened and he said it was like beyblade. And the doctor understood him. He asked KK if it was like zizzizzizz (making noises) and crashing his hands together. He really got down on KK's level and comforted him. And I am grateful for that. KK needed a chest X-ray, which was normal. The doctor said there is a chance that KK could have bruising but we haven't seen any since. By the time we were being discharged KK seemed to feel like his self again and was talking a lot and really hungry. So after being discharged we grabbed some Wendy's and went home.

Pointing to where it hurts


I am grateful that my Heavenly Father kept KK safe and that there wasn't harm done to either party. Cars can be replaced...people cannot. I am grateful that Mr H. and I weren't studying at the library yet because there is no cell phone reception down there. I am grateful that my GPS knew where to go. There are a lot of things that I am grateful for. This experience helped me to learn that prayers really do work. I pray every night that my family is safe and protected throughout the day and into the night. This ordeal could have been a lot worse but I am thankful it wasn't.

Happy Earbirvorce Day

Friday was quite an eventful day. It was Earth Day...my Mom's birthday, and RP's divorce court date. You see how I strung all the events together to make a Happy Earbirvorce Day!?

Earth Day: We did not do much for this holiday except carpool to the courthouse. It rained ALL DAY LONG!

Birthday: Have I told you that my mother in Law makes the best quilts? Well she does and she had made one for my Mom's birthday! Thank you so much RH. She loved it!


Divorce Day: RP finalized his divorce to his wife. They were married August 11, 2009. She left him with no reason why. She broke his heart. Have you ever noticed how relationships always sound so physically painful? Fell in love, broken heart, head over heals, lost your head. Is it no wonder that sometimes we come out with battle scars!? We both have been through that war and we do have the battle scars to prove it. I just hope that RP's battle scars heal quickly.

April Showers...

...bring May flowers? I would say April showers...bring flooding! That is what we have had to deal with. It has been raining everyday for at least a week. Lots and lots and lots of rain. Let me share with you some pictures to help you understand how much rain has been falling:





KC is my sister, RR's, friend. They are JUST FRIENDS. He was coming over so they could hang out and he got stuck in the flood. His truck is totaled and bought a new car on Saturday.

I just can't believe how much rain has fallen. That should mean that May's flowers better be the biggest and the best I've ever seen because this rain is falling like I've never seen before.

Our Walk

Our family has been going through a lot of trials recently. Now I know that ALL families go through trials...but these trials seem to be a lot bigger than "normal trials". I'm hoping and praying that we are able to adjust and that these things too shall pass. But for now I want to talk about something happy. Last week when the weather was cooperating KK and I decided to go on a walk behind our house. We had to make it a short walk as we were supposed to pick Mr H. up from work because the van died on us (one of the many trials). These are some pictures along our walk:

Starting our walk...notice his discolored tooth?

Strike a pose...

...and because I'm a boy I'll jump

...and throw!

"Let me go catch that Geegle!" (yes, he calls them geegles! Lol)


On our way back we walked by the van and KK said, "Mom the van needs a blessing...but we don't have that stuff that you put on your head." I told him that we had the water from the water bottle and I think that would work for now. So KK proceeded to give the van a blessing.

Anointing the van with water

Blessing the side of the van

Anointing the van with water

Blessing the back of the van

Precious Boy!


Going through trials that are every shape and size can blind us from noticing the blessings that are put in our life. KK was and still is the BIGGEST blessing that has been placed in my life and for that I am grateful!

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

So I was thinking of a "healthier" way of preparing oatmeal cookies. I wanted something sweet but with less sugar so I started experimenting this afternoon with an oatmeal cookie recipe that I already had. I'm sure this recipe needs some "tweeking" but both of the boys LOVED them and wanted more.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups uncooked old fashioned oats
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 granulated sugar (I omitted)
1 egg
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 oz dried fruit (bought at Aldi's)
1 big carrot shredded (about 1/4 cup)
3 cups shredded sweetened coconut, divided (I omitted; I had none)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside. I just greased it with the vegetable spray. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in medium bowl.

2. Combine brown sugar, butter, and granulated sugar in large bowl; beat with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, honey, and vanilla; beat until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the dried fruit, carrots, and 1/2 cup coconut.

3. Spread remaining 2 1/2 cups coconut on plate. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto coconut; roll to coat. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets.

4. Bake 11-15 min. or until cookies are puffed and golden. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 5 min on cookie sheets. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

Made about 40 cookies for me. I hope you enjoy...let me know how the recipe worked out for you and your family or if this recipe can be improved or made more healthier.

Do you remember this?

Since I posted this on my old blog and now that I have a new one...I decided to repost my list. Just to keep everyone up to date on how I am doing on my goals.

I was reading on one of my friends, Adrienne's, blogs about making goals and pushing yourself to achieve those goals. I know for me, it feels good to accomplish things that I strive for. So I have decided to make a goal list for myself. I am excited to stretch and grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically as I strive to accomplish these goals.

Start Date: April 6, 2010

End Date: December 31, 2012

These are in no particular order

C's 101 Goals in 1001 Days

1. Put $1 in a jar for every task complete...$5 for every non-complete
2. Teach KK his alphabet letters
3. Teach KK to read
4. Take a dance class with KK
5. Make an outfit or blanket and donate it to this website
6. Visit another country ✔ August 16, 2010
7. Read the Book of Mormon ✔2012
8. Read the Doctrine & Covenants
9. Read the Pearl of Great Price
10. Read the Old Testament ✔2012
11. Read the New Testament
12. Visit my family in Detroit
13. Do a round-off back-hand-spring and hopefully record it on video
14. Take piano lessons long enough to learn a hymn
15. Learn a new crafty talent ✔ July 2010
16. Begin working out regularly
17. Learn to love those who have hurt me
18. Meet 5 new people and become friends with them ✔ Nursing Students
19. Photograph 26 things (A-Z themed)
20. Learn to love running
21. Have a Yard/Garage sale ✔ June 9, 2012
22. Go camping
23. Drink only water for one week
24. Go fishing
25. Run a 5K
26. Learn to ride a motorcycle
27. Learn to garden ✔ Summer 2012
28. Hang out with a friend I haven't seen in over 6+ months ✔ August 5, 2012 (Cassandra)
29. Start taking a multivitamin everyday
30. Do something I would NEVER expect myself to do
31. Create a 72 hour kit
32. Start developing a 3 months supply of food storage ✔ October 2011
33. Learn to make Japanese food from my Mom
34. Write a letter to no one and release it into the wind.
35. Redo my blogger page ✔ December, 2010
36. Learn HTML codes ✔ December, 2011
37. Write snail mail to someone ✔ January 2011
38. Do 100 sit ups without taking a break
39. Do 50 push-ups without taking a break
40. Visit 10 different states
41. No carbonated drinks for 1 month ✔ Lent 2012
42. Go to bed before 10pm for a week
43. Wake up before 6am for a week
44. Go to a play, concert, or show ✔ Jnue 8, 2012
45. Go bowling with my family ✔ April 20, 2012
46. Make an effort to have FHE each Monday for 2 months
47. Learn to make bread ✔ June 27, 2011
48. Read the Ensign cover to cover one month
49. Learn patience with things I cannot change ✔ August, 2012
50. Move into my own place ✔ October 2010
51. Go to the Temple every weekend for a month
52. Write in my journal every day for a month
53. Write my testimony in 5 Book of Mormons and give them out
54. Go snow skiing
55. Take KK to Disney World/Land
56. Do my visiting teaching 100% for 6 months
57. Ride a horse for the first time in my life
58. Eliminate my credit card debt
59. Pay off my car ✔ March 2011
60. Go on a one day vacation with just myself
61. Go on a cruise ✔ August 14, 2010
62. Give an anonymous gift ✔ August, 2012
63. Watch a sunrise or sunset ✔ August 16, 2010
64. Hike the 'Wind Caves' in Logan, UT again
65. Make my bed everyday for a week
66. Finish 'The Work and the Glory' novels
67. Take KK the the 4th of July fireworks for the 1st time of his life ✔ JULY 4, 2011
68. Have a girls night out ✔ August 2012
69. Go to a bachelorette party ✔ here
70. Get a couples massage and facial
71. Build a sand castle ✔ June 2012
72. Get married again ✔ July 31, 2010
73. Go on a honeymoon for the very first time in my life ✔ August 13, 2010
74. Jump on a big trampoline
75. Play around with the idea of adding more children to my family ✔ January 2012
76. Go on a Hot Air balloon ride
77. Have a food fight
78. Go to a sporting event
79. Take a walk in the rain
80. Do something and surprise someone
81. Get to know my neighbors
82. Stop eating junk food for a week
83. Reorganize my things ✔ October 2010
84. Take a bath and relax ✔ May 29, 2011
85. Teach KK to go to sleep in his own bed ✔ January 2012
86. Teach KK to go to sleep without my help ✔ January 2012
87. Stop shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics for 6 months
88. Take a helicopter ride
89. Learn something new ✔ July/August 2011
90. Get a manicure and pedicure ✔July 30, 2010
91. Take inventory and organize my crafts
92. Cut the boy's hair and calculate how much I save a year ✔ December 2011
93. No TV or Computer for a week
94. Recycle
95. Get to church on time for 3 months
96. Cook every meal for 2 weeks
97. No fast food for 3 months
98. Sing to someone  ✔ 2011
99. Brush my teeth after every meal for a week
100. Inspire someone to make their own goal list
101. Make another goal list

Now because I am human and things do change in my life. I am allowing myself to change or to edit my goals list once every 6 months

It's a Girl!

Yup that's right! For those of you who do not know a darling girl will be making her presence this summer. Her due date is August 5th (my birthday)! We are so excited and nervous to meet her.





















I know what you guys are all thinking and no...that won't happen for a couple of years but my sister, JM, is pregnant with her first child. This child will be born out of wedlock but this blog is not a place to express your negative feelings about it. It is what it is and she will be keeping the baby. Having said that, I had the great opportunity to plan her "Gender Revealing Party". About a month ago I was at her ultrasound where the tech wrote down the gender of the baby and stuffed it in an envelope and JM gave me the envelope. Which I suppose meant that she wanted me to plan the party. I was going to do it last week on April 1st and make all of the guests think it was going to be a boy but then say, "April Fools!" but I just couldn't get everything together in time. Here are some pictures from last night.

Jenae and her boyfriend, Z (not the baby's father)

Some of her friends

The Name Game...friends and family picked names they liked and decorated JM's belly with them


And because I couldn't resist putting a picture of my beautiful boy in here

And the great food. The cupcakes had a pink middle, so once the guests bit in them they would see what the gender was. I made JM's three "cravings" foods: Velveeta shells and cheese, Red Vines, and Candy.

The pretty flowers my Mom bought

Cupcakes

The flowers I bought

Other Snack Foods

These are the party favors I made and handed out. Nothing too crazy, they just had some candy in them.

KK's Tooth

Ok, so last week KK and Zero bonked heads. G, KK, and Zero were playing in the boys room and somehow they bonked heads...I'm not sure how they did it but KK's mouth got the majority of the injury. He was bleeding and crying, "Zero broke my tooth!" I asked what happened and G tried to explain but I was just paying more attention to KK. He was crying so hard that he would kind of spit blood all over my face because he was bleeding pretty bad.

I carried him to the sink and rinsed out his mouth...his left top front tooth was pushed back just a bit. It was very tender and honestly he just wanted me to hold him so I just sat on my bed and held him until he fell asleep. The next morning it was still tender and he wanted only soft foods. I didn't really think anything about it.

Yesterday KK was crying about going to bed (he didn't want to) and when he opened his mouth I thought that the tooth he hit last week looked a slightly different shade than the rest of his teeth. I told him to come to me...but he was mad about going to bed that he didn't move, just kept crying. So I picked him up and carried him to more light and I think his tooth is turning darker. This worried me very much...I feel like a horrible mom for not taking him to the dentisit after the incident. Mr H. didn't really see a difference of color. I called his dental insurance anyway and they said, "We're sorry, the Subscriber information entered does not match our records." I've been trying all morning...they don't have any real people I can talk to. I called X and told him to look into this because KK needs to see a dentist and it's going to cost money that we don't have. It sucks not having insurance (medical or dental). I feel like a lousy mom.



I understand that this is only his baby tooth and it will fall out later, but I don't want KK to have a dark tooth, or a rotten tooth, or whatever is happening. Maybe I'm just going crazy and "think" I see something which might not be anything at all? I don't know. I just want KK's teeth to be ok. I have a really hard time dealing with mouth issues because of my injury I had when I was 5. I fell out of a 1st story window face first into a cement patio and broke my upper palate (roof of my mouth) and pushed my teeth back at a 90 degree angle. Man, I just don't want KK to have a darkened tooth or to have the dentist pull it out.

This Site talks about trauma can lead to discoloration of teeth. And the more I google this the more it puts me into panic mode. Although this site gives me a little more peace about it.

My parents have a dentist and they are going to bring KK Monday or Tuesday and Mr H. and I will pay them back as we can. I really do feel like an aweful mother. I just hope and pray that everything will be fine for KK and that his tooth stops darkening and that they don't have to pull it out. Please keep KK in your prayers...thanks

Bird Watchers

I signed KK up for a nature walk for kids his age. I invited my sister, JM, with us. When we got to the center KK was directed to color a picture of a cardinal (which he wanted to be yellow) and draw a picture to tape over his binoculars.


The staff talked to the kids about birds and the songs they sing. And boy KK was not shy...he shouted out answers and wanted to be the first to do anything. Including looking for the birds:



I'm serious...he stayed ahead of the pack and a couple of times I had to tell him to stop and wait for JM and I. And in doing so we found some pretty cool things on the trail like coyote scat, a dead mouse, and some other dead things. It was a fun little adventure and I would love to do this again.

St. Patrick's Eve

So the night before St. Patrick's Day was crazy. Wednesday's are usually crazy but that night was real bad. It was around dinner time and G told me that he needed the cake made for his German class's Bake Sale by tomorrow. Now to give him the benefit of the doubt, he did tell me ahead for time that he needed this cake last week but didn't tell me when it was needed. He also told me, "C I picked the hardest recipe for you to make the cake because I thought that you could use a challenge!" No Joke! That's what he said. My only reply..."Thanks!?" So back to Wednesday night. I was not going to make this cake tonight. Mr H.'s in class until 9:30pm, we play volleyball until 11pm at night...no I was not staying up to make the cake. My sister, RR, stays with us and I was complaining to her about it and she suggested we make rice krispies, my suggestion was to make them green.

I was all hot and sweaty after volleyball and after making the rice krispies that RR suggested that we play mermaids in the shower. Now some of you may be scratching your heads and wondering what we are talking about. I'm talking about putting on our swimsuits and taking a shower with my sister. When we were younger we used to actually pretend that we were mermaids...that was when both of us could actually fit in the tub at once.

The last time RR and I played mermaids was the night before my first wedding in 2004. It was fun to play mermaids but I remember being a lot skinnier that last time we played :(