My Little Artist

KK loves to draw. I mean, he LOVES drawing, painting, coloring. Everywhere we go, he has his tote with his many supplies. Currently, he's been writing letters with his drawings...titles per se. These are some of his renditions.

 

Don't I look scary!?

My sis, RR drew this

 <center>We let him paint the pizza box.  Do you see all of he words he wrote? [Mom, Dad, Poop!?]  What am I going to dowith this boy!?</center>

From Z to A in AZ

August 13th it was 116 degrees in Phoenix and we went to the Zoo, yeah I don't think we thought it through enough. It felt like a toaster oven but frozen water bottles were packed for us to stay hydrated. And again, CC came to the rescue with her coupons and was able to knock off some of the price which was awesome. Once we got to the zoo we saw tons of anmals including elephants, birds, tortoise, monkeys, and much much more.

 

 

 

 

 We had to get a picture with KK next to a cactus.  Isn't he sooo cute!?

 

R and KK looking at the bird.  This bird was funny.  It had a dead fish that he was just playing with it, putting it in his mouth and flipping it in the air...letting it sink then retrieving it...it was funny until another bird came by and took it from him and ate it in one swallow, then it was hilarious! 

They likes to find this stone creatures all over the zoo and sit on them and wait for us to take a picture.



Just some trees I photographed.  The sun was shining so brightly!

 

These flamingo's feathers were all ruffled and it looks to funny!  There was one flamingo that was sitting on an egg.  She stood up and we could see the egg, it was really neat!

There was an area where we could be inside the habitate with the monkeys.  They were so tiny and cute. There was one who was laying on a branch in front of a mister and he was falling alseep and trying to get comfortable but he would start falling out of the branch.  It really was very cute!

This orangutan loved KK and R.  He was following them around and touching the glass to them.  For some reason I thought that the orangutan was sad.  His daughter and her mother were in another section of the zoo and I would have to wonder if maybe they should be together or if that was the reason behind his saddness?

After going through the zoo there was a little splash pad for the kids to play in.  Which was good because, did I mention that it was HOT that day!? 

 On the way back to CC's house KK fell right asleep, he was a tired boy.  I made sure that KK was well hydrated with snacks too, but I think I neglected myself because I started getting sick to my stomach...like I was going to throw up.  I was still sweating, even in the air conditioned car!  I was really sick.  Mr H. was very concerned and told me to drink water and eat something.  Did you know that cold water will hydrate you faster than warm water!?  Yeah, learned that on The Dr's. 

My sister, RR and her husband flew into PHX soon after we came back from the zoo.  I was still so sick that Mr H. told me to rest and he would pick them up.  I'm glad he did because once I saw RR and her husband I was feel much better.  I took a cool shower, I wished that it was colder but in AZ even the cold water comes out hot...it's weird!

KK missed his aunt and didn't want to share her with R.  It was a wonderful day!

Family Tradition

When I was at 6th grade camp my parents wrote me a letter each day telling me how much they loved me and how much they were thinking of me. They also wrapped little gifts such as rice krispie treats, a Mariah Carey CD, and a coupon for a date, just me and them (which was a treat, having grown up in a house with six kids). I loved those letters. I still have the "date" one saved because I was never able to go on that date [Side Note - I've been thinking of showing it to my parents and telling them I want to redeem it now! lol]. I had to be picked up early from camp because I had thrown up twice the night before we left. But I LOVED those letter, it made me feel that even though I wasn't at home that my family still missed me and loved me too. Those letters meant so much to me. It's a family tradition to write each other letters when they go on a trip. We leave the letter in their suitcase so when they open their suitcase, there is the letter!

When I went on my honeymoon I wrote KK letters to let him know that I was still thinking of him even though I couldn't call or talk to him. My honeymoon was the longest I had ever gone without talking or being with him. So these letters were for him to know that I still loved him even though I couldn't be with him. As I was cleaning our laundry room I came across the letters I wrote to KK on my honeymoon. I want to always remember them.

Monday:
I hope you had fun today. Did you play lots? And eat good food? Mom likes it when you eat good foods. Have you been playing with Gabe nicely? You BOTH need to mind your manners and try to be good for Mimi and Papa or there will be punishment. On a happier note, I miss you so much and can't wait to give you a BIG FAT hug and kiss when I see you next. If you feel sad because Mom is gone just read 3 Nephi 12:4. I love you very much. I can't wait to see you again!

Love Mom

P.S. I will be home in 3 days!

[RR and KK woke up early to go to SCC w/ Erin to get RR's transcripts! After that, we went home then RR go a call from her new job saying she had to get her fingerprints! Before we left, she bought me a cheeseburger happy meal w/ an Iron Man II toy! Everybody thought RR was my mommy and RR even played along because she bought McDonald's for G and AA :/ But that's okay. Then we went to WSU to turn in RR's transcripts! I was so tired but I was a very good boy for EVERYBODY :) She got me a Wendy's frosty. Then we went home and RR played songs on the guitar about Dora, and Wow Wow Wubzy, and about me! RR and I are also sleeping on the couches downstairs because I had a little accident in RR's bed :( But it's okay! I got to cuddle w/ RR all night on the couch even though she made me a place to sleep. I just love her so much! I also loved playing with her ipod and laptop. I got lots of compliments on my clothes today by people too! I love you mommy and I can't wait for you to be home!

Love, KK & RR

P.S. Erin took KK to the bathroom @ SCC and when he went out he said he had to go to the bathroom again because there was still a drop that had to come out! It made Erin's day. Now Tyler is over and we are going to go to bed!]

Tuesday:
Have you brushed your teeth today? You better not forget to do that, we don't want your teeth to fall off. Have you been able to go to that Activity Park yet? I can't wait to give you lots of kisses when I get back. And guess what? I will bring you back something special but only if you are really good. Have you been good? I really hope so. I miss you so much. I can't wait to see you.

Love, Mom

P.S. I will be home in 2 days

[KK had an awesome day today. We got up early to drive RR to Walker Toyota to see about working after we showed her where it was, KK and Papa went to McDonalds for breakfast. We are in the playground and there was a boy there KK did not like. The boy left with his grandma. We ate and played, then Shack gave KK cookies. KK found a paper on the ground and gave it to Shack. Shack was happy. We played with the remote control car and then with James' bicycle pump. We did not get to the water park, but watched TV off and on. KK watered plants in back. KK and Shel lmade pizza. Yummy. KK had some strawberry milk with his pizza. Tyler came over. Papa told a story of a family with small boys that were preparing for a summer of travel with their race car, KK brushed his teeth and they sparkled. Papa layed down on the couch as KK played with his cars and told Papa short story of kids that wanted to race, but their Mom said, "No" and they said please and so she said, "Yes". They raced and then had chocolate ice cream. A few minutes later KK fell right to sleep next to his Papa. I sure love him - He misses his Mom, but actually he is doing ok. We miss you

Love, KK and Dadums

*Shack is a WWII vet who works at McDonalds for bowling money because his wife wont's give him any! He's the coolest old guy ever!]


Wednesday:
What did you do today? Anything fun? I really hope you listen to your grandparents. I miss you tons - I wish that I could call you but I can't. But I will be home soon. I have a special surprise for you. And what if when we come home we'll go out to dinner or something. What do you think? Sound like a good idea? Maybe start thinking of a place we can go to eat, Okay!? I love you

Love, Mom

P.S. I will be home in 1 day

[Since RR is working, AA and G watched me today. I had lots of fun watching TV shows all by myself because I watched MY TV shows. Later in the day I helped Papa make JW a box so we can send him parts or his bike. I was playing with my scooter and G was riding his bike. When RR got home we had spaghetti, it was so yummy, I ate it all up! I had an accident again last night :/ Papa took me to the waterpark and we stayed till they shut the water off. It was nice and warm today. After the water park RR made me a bath. It was nice and warm too! Now we are getting ready for bed. I can't wait to see you and Mr H.! I love you guys!

Love, RR and KK]

Thursday:
guess what? Tomorrow I will be home. So go to sleep then when you wake up I will be home. So go nigh-night. I can't wait to hold and kiss and suddle with you. I have missed you tons. Have you thought about a place to eat? I have missed you tons but it is time for bed. In the morning we can open presents and hang out and I will give you lots of kisses.

Love, Mom

P.S. I'll be home tomorrow

[Hey KK noticed the TV was covered with a blanket for nite-nite. He said who covered the T.V. and I said the T.V. did cause it is tired. He said we have hands then said the T.V. doesn't have arms or hands and so who covered the T.V.?

Love, KK and Dadums]

On My Mind Lately

G is coming back to Ohio on Saturday. I have a mix of feelings about this...mostly because G is the hardest and most emotionally draining kid I have EVER met! I know he has a better future living with us....but that also means Mr H. and I have some pretty big issues to tackle with him.

My ankle is not feeling better and I am afraid of a fracture. The sucky thing is that we do not have insurance, the boys do, but Mr H. and I don't. Mr H. has access to insurance through his work, but it's $1360/month plus a $5000 deductible on every dependent. We should just set money aside for accidents that may happen. I should talk to Mr H. about doing that...

Mr H. has started flying lessons, as in going up in an airplane and learning how to fly. I am glad that he is happy and I know that he has wanted to do this for a very long time. He's even saved up money for it so we're not tapping into our savings or checking. I just think the timing was off. He has been working on my sister's car, he's going to school, and I hurt my ankle and need help at home more. I don't want to take this away from him but I just think the timing could have been better.

I am very obsessive. I don't like people touching my things and I am very observant. I can tell if people have moved items. I think I may be a little OCD. I know I have CDO (everything of mine is alphabetized) and yes, it makes me go crazy when people do not put things back in the alphabetical order, or any order!

I am nervous about having a sitter for KK when I go back to school in the fall. JM will be moving once she is married. I am afraid RR will get married and move to Utah, and AA is going to school too. I'm just afraid...I don't know what I should do once I don't have a sitter anymore. I guess, the "unknown" makes me nervous.

I want a baby. Well, not RIGHT NOW! I want to finish school and get a good job. But I eventually want to bring a life into this world again. I want to experience a good labor and a healthy natural birth. Maybe, one day!?

Because my ankle is so screwed up I can't clean my house. Once I am down on the floor I can't get back up. I look around the house and all I see is mess, mess, mess. I need help cleaning, but no one is here. I've cleaned both bathrooms, kitchen, and the TV room in 1 week, it took so long. I just want to be healthy again.

KK's dad has not had physical contact with KK since July 4th (he's called him once or twice). It's wearing on KK. He keeps asking if he can go over to his house. When I say that he can't or that he hasn't called me back I know it hurts him. He looks like he is on the verge of tears but tries to hold back. I've even offered to bring KK over, but so far he is too busy to have KK come over or even call KK. It's sad, but what really upsets me is that I am the one who has to pick up KK's broken heart. *To his family who reads this, I do not blame you. He can make up his own mind and right now it's pretty clear what that is. My intention is not to lash out or to be mean. I wrote this because this is something that has been weighing on my mind lately*

I'm sure there are lots more things going on in my head but that's all I can think of...I'm tired and going to bed. Goodnight friends and family.

May 25, 2011

Today started off as a normal day. I got ready for school, dropped KK off with my RR, went to school, tried to pick up KK (who was with JM), didn't want to wait until they came back, went home, started laundry, and got a call from my mom. "C, we are heading to the hospital, KK is with RP, JM is in labor!" Wait WHAT!? Now let me pause for a second. JM is 29 weeks and 5 days, she had a routine check-up yesterday which raised a little concern and they decided to get her in today for an ultrasound. JM brought KK with her to the ultrasound (that's why he wasn't at the house when I got there after school). At the ultrasound the doctor told her to get to the hospital, JM called Mom and viola...that's how we get to the part where JM is in labor! I talk to RP and ask if he can watch KK for a couple of hours while I go to the hospital to see what's going on. At the hospital I find out that since she had been spotting and has been having sporadic contractions the physician wanted to get her into the hospital for monitoring. After the monitors were placed on her and ultrasounds were done I find out that JM's cervix is too short. For a pregnant woman her cervix should be over 2.5 cm, JM's was 3 mm, which is WAY too short. The physician thought that a bedrest for 48 hours and some medicine to try and help stop preterm labor might do the trick but once she checked JM and realized that she was 95% effaced and dilated to 3 she decided a different approach...Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4).

MgSO4 has some pretty neat qualities, such as it is the component that absorbs sound in the seawater. It's anhydrous, meaning that it is a drying agent. MgSO4 is used in bath salts. MgSO4 is used as a tocolytic medicine, which means that it is used to stop or slow down the uterine contractions for a day or two. JM was given MgSO4 because she was also given a steroid shot to help the baby's lungs to mature. MgSO4 is thought to work with as a calcium channel blocker...there needs to be calcium for the uterus to contract. One good thing about the MgSO4 is that it can help reduce the risks of cerebral palsy which is a risk when delivering a preterm baby. Another preterm risk is cerebral hemorrhage.

After JM was put on the MgSO4 she started to feel very woosy and sick, which is normal. But what was not normal was the weather. There was severe weather...it was so so severe in fact that the hospital staff had to move all of the Labor and Delivery (L/D) patients into the triage area. There were women who were IN labor and having their baby's and the only thing separating us was a thin curtain. JM was a priority though because she needed constant monitoring. After the storm JM was put in her room again and I took off to pick up KK, knowing that I would be back soon. I was also hoping and praying that the baby stayed inside JM.

I did not know how bad the storm was until Mr H. described to me what the streets looked like with pitted grounds from hail and trees uprooted. He told me that there was hail the size of baseballs at my parents and that cars were damaged. I was grateful that my car, JM's car, and my parent's truck were at the hospital and untouched by the storm. RR wasn't so lucky; she was at work and her car was hit badly by the hail. It requires over $4,600 worth of work.



When I drove home it was later in the night and I was not able to see all of the damage along the streets I drove, and when I got home and parked in our garage I could see most of the damage left by the hail. But the next morning it was apparent it was worse than was once thought the previous night.




I was so exhausted from the days events that I just totally fell asleep the moment I walked in the door.

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.