Counting Blessings

January 10th my mom texted Mr. H and I and said a tree fell on the cars in the driveway.  We drove over to see how we could help.  My youngest brother came over too  When we saw the aftermath, we soon realized that we were going to need more help.  With one email, we were able to have about 10 more people show up.

We are blessed.  People from church and even my parents neighbors came over to help.  The weather was cold, windy, and rainy, but I think the guys somewhat enjoyed using their chainsaws and being manly men.  

Unfortunately, my dad's big red truck is totaled and my other brother's car has scratches on it.  My dad was very upset about his truck, he loved it.  When Mr. H tried to talk to him about a med-sized truck and my dad stated, "If I can't have a full sized truck, I don't want a truck at all!"  He is a big baby about it.  So far, my parents are still looking, or should I say discussing a replacement.  Despite everything with the tree and chainsaws no one was hurt.  And with that, I am grateful!

Mother's Day

This year, Mother's Day was a little different from other years.  Saturday night I worked, so when I came home on Sunday, while everyone was getting ready for church I was getting ready to sleep.  But I didn't want to sleep in too much because I had to be at work for a morning shift on Monday, making the Night/Day shift transition is hard.  While everyone was at church I slept until about 1pm.

We did a a few things around the house/yard.  Mr. H was going to make a nice steak dinner, but then my mom invited us over.  She had made homemade pasties...which are one of my favorite meals.  I could seriously eat these morning, noon, and night.  My mom even bagged a couple up for me to take home, which was a great surprise.

Once we got home, it was getting close to bed time.  The boys took their baths and got ready.  I wanted a picture with them,even if I looked horrible, no make-up still sleepy look.  But I love my family and they love me no matter what I look like, so here's the picture

At school KK grew some grass for me.  The grass is supposed to look like his hair.  I suggested we plant the grass in the yard and he did NOT want to do that.  So the grass sits, in the cup, on the outside window sill.  I love that he does stuff like this for me.  

He also wrote about me and these are my two favorite things he's said.  I love him so much.  He really is the best 1st born I could have asked for.  He is a great example to his brother.  

Mr. H. is in the works with getting me set up with his Mother's Day gift to me.  He is going to be sending me on a vacation for just myself in a Gypsy Wagon.  Now some people may not think that's a vacation or that it may be boring to be by yourself.  But, you see, my battery of life recharges when I am by myself, when I don't have a talk to anyone.  Mr. H. is the opposite, he likes talking to people, which I am grateful for, I love how outgoing he is, I love that he can make friends with a lot of people.  I like to be with myself or a select few people, so this little get-away is the perfect thing for me.  We haven't narrowed down the days that I'm going yet.  Work and Mr.H's school will make an impact, but I can't wait to go.  

And that was Mother's Day for me 2016

So far in 2017

As most, our house is hoping that this year brings new opportunities and great growth.  Who knew that not even 2 weeks into the year we would be be facing our biggest outbreak of illness.  Last week Mr. H had to call off 2 days of work for his illness.  Monday I had to call off work to take both boys to the doctor and they both were diagnosed with strep throat.  KK was so bad, he had a hard time walking and was shivering with fever for a good 24 hours (Caleb reacts very harsh to the strep virus).  ET only had a wet cough and low appetite. Both started their antibiotics, KK slept most of the day under our electric blanket. I kept them home from school Monday and Tuesday to allow the meds to do their thing.  In those 2 days I scrubbed and cleaned door knobs, handles, bedding, blankets, etc.  I wanted the illness to leave this house as fast as it came.  Wednesday, the boys went to school and we went to work.  While at work, I was cold, shivering, and couldn't get warm.  I hurt all over.  I didn't want to eat.  I took my temp throughout the day and it reached 100.8 at the end of the day.  I'm grateful I work with physicians, because I was able to obtain a prescription to start, which I got filled at the pharmacy at the hospital. But towards the end of my shift, I was useless.  I came home, took a scolding hot bath, turned the electric blanket up, took sleeping meds and went to bed.  Mr. H. didn't want to disturb me and went to bed on the couch that night.  I called my mom Thursday to ask if she could pick up the boys from school, which she agreed.  She was still dealing with insurance things from the tree.  When she came to my house after picking up ET from school in the AM, she was worried and stayed at my house until after she picked up KK.  She's such a good mom.  I was useless on Thursday too.  Friday, I was feeling worse, despite the antibiotics, I was useless.  I called my doctor and was prescribed something different.  After 24 hours on the new meds, I'm feeling 50% back to normal.  I'm sure I'll continue to feel better the longer I've been on the meds.  Throughout all of this, I feel that all Moms should have immunity from illness.  We are the glue of the family that somehow holds everything together.  I didn't realize how fast my kids make messes, or how high the trash piles, or how many dishes are used, or how dirty my floors are before I start to pick up the messes, take out the garbage, clean the dishes, or vacuum the floor.

I'm hoping that during 2017 we keep some of these resolutions:

• Continue towards being debt free
• Make healthy choices to live a healthy life and be active
• Make more memories
• Meet new friends
• Take chances and be more confident
• Reduce stress
• Have a garage sale
• Become organized
• Journal more

We shall see was 2017 has in store for us.  I'm hoping that this outbreak of illness will be our only for at least this year.  

Happy Birthday ET!

Your 3rd birthday is one I will not forget.  Taking you to the ER is definitely NOT anything I thought about doing on your birthday.  I'm so glad that you are feeling better, despite still having hives.  ET I love you so much!  I am so glad that you are part of our family.  You bring me such great joy!  I see the love that you have for your family, especially your brother.  You are continually learning and growing.  I am proud of you for adjusting to preschool.  You are doing so well with new words and and learning to put those words into sentences.

You have gotten so big and although you are only 3 years old, it seems like you have been with us much longer than that!  I cannot imagine our life without you.  

I love that you are still a momma's boy and you love to cuddle with me.  Today, you wanted me to lay down with you during nap time.  I loved watching your eyelids get heavy and your breathing deepen.  You look so peaceful as you sleep.  And it always makes me laugh as your binky falls out of your mouth but you still think it's there and continue to move your tongue .

I love how silly you are.  You love to be a daredevil and give mom heart attacks almost every day.  You are VERY independent and like to do everything yourself, including climbing into your carseat.  

ET you are THREE years old!  It makes my heart so happy to see you growing into the little boy you are.  I just can't express it enough.  So I'll end this post and go see you sleep in your room and kiss you again.  

XOXO MOM

Hivey Birthday!

On Monday night my kids spent the night at my parents house because there was a 2 hour delay for school the next day.  When the kids woke up my mom noticed hives all over ET's torso.  She sent me this picture. I didn't think much of it, give him benadryl and I figured they would go away.  

The next picture she sent was this one, she took KK and ET to the splash pad and he looked like he was having a great time.  Mom even said that the hives were clearing a bit.

After working 13 hours, I called Mr. H. to let him know that I was on my way home.  He was KK's soccer practice and he said that ET's hives were still there and now he refuses to walk or sit.  Mr. H. said the only position comfortable for him was to lay down.  I asked for a picture.

By the time I got home, his hives spread to his face, neck, arms, and legs.  His legs and feet were swollen, as well as his hands.  He couldn't walk/stand or even hold things with his hands.

After baths, brushing teeth, and nightly prayers we tucked to boys into bed.  My plans were to call ET's doctors office in the morning.  Mr. H and I have been binge watching Big Bang Theory and after a couple episodes, I went to check on the kids and kiss them goodnight one more time and I noticed that ET's lips were swelling and there were more hives.  My first thought is his air-way.  I was afraid that if we waited until the morning that his airway would be compromised and we wouldn't know because we all were sleeping.  I was already tired from working my shift, but we made the decision to take him to Children's ER.

It was midnight when I left for the hospital.  KK was still asleep so Mr. H, stayed at home.  By the time I got there, his eyes and ears were swelling.  They got us in pretty quickly.  He was satting at 100% and no wheezing or stridor, which was good.  The whole time we were there he kept saying, "I go home and take a nap".  He didn't want to be there anymore.  I cuddled and sang to him, hoping he would fall asleep.  He got VERY tired, but didn't sleep.  The doctor was awesome, he made ET feel comfortable while he poked and looked at ET.  One of the nurses also gave him 3 new hot wheels cars for his birthday!  I digress, Doctor said, "a lot of times we have no idea what causes an allergic reaction."  Which, if you think about it, it's kind of scary.  Since benadryl didn't seem to be working, the doctor prescribed atarax and steriods.  He received his first dose before we left the hospital.  We got home at about 3:30 in the morning.  I was exhausted.  And after getting ET comfortable in bed and texting family to let them know we were home I finally went to bed and closed my eyes...only to check on him about 5 more times until I woke up for the day.

This morning, his hives almost completely went away.  He is able to walk and to grip things in his hands.  That made me very happy.  He took his meds like a champ throughout the day and we celebrated his birthday by going out to lunch with Mr. H.  We plan on doing something special this weekend.

His lips are still a little swollen, but nothing like they did at the hospital.

About 2 hours after these pictures above were taken, I noticed that ET's hives were coming back.  All over his back and face.  I'm worried because we don't know when he is getting into.  Nothing is different...soaps, detergent, food, I can't think of anything, except that he slept over at my parents house and he's never done that before.

This is at bedtime, after medication was given.  You can see the hives around his eyes.  He has a doctor's well check visit tomorrow and you better believe that I'm going to want her to address this and give me guidance.  He can't continue to have reactions like this.  I'm hoping for some answers.  In the meantime, I will continue to check on him throughout the night...because I LOVE THIS BOY SO MUCH!

First Big Boo Boo

Last night KK wanted his nails done, this was his pattern idea.  He wanted to take a picture and send it to his Grandma in Virginia.  This morning when he woke up, he couldn't stop looking at his nails and he was happy.  

On this Valentine's Day I am grateful that I wasn't working.  We didn't have anything planned except to go to church and be with family.  Church was uplifting, I love my calling as a primary teacher.  Mr. H. and I are team teachers, which is perfect for when I am at work, he can teach the kids.  We teach KK's class, kids who are 9 and are going to turn 10 this year.  10 years old, I cannot believe that KK will be 10.  He has grown up so fast.  I have loved most every minute of it.  While I am thinking about it, ET will be 3 this summer.  He also has grown up so fast and I have loved most every minute of it.  Except for the Boo Boo's.  Tonight before dinner ET was crawling off our bed and his feet slipped from under a box he was standing on and he smacked his mouth on the foot board of the bed. I didn't see it, but Mr. H. was there.  He either bit through his lip, or when he hit the foot board with his mouth he bit his lip too.  Not quite sure, but he was bleeding pretty good.  He probably needed a couple stitches under his lip, but the trauma from the numbing shot and doctor and nurse in his face, I didn't think it was worth it.  More than likely he will have a scar.  The bleeding eventually slowed and he was eating and drinking normally so we didn't bother with an urgent care visit.  I've made the same decision with KK, click here.  I guess being a nurse, my kids will need to have bones sticking out and missing limbs in order for me to justify taking them to the hospital.  But, in all seriousness, ET seemed to have recovered nicely, but now has a swollen lip.  Tonight, sucking his binkie was hurting him, but his binkie still gives him that comfort so he's been just keeping it in his mouth.

Life as we Know it

Lately, I've been very overwhelmed.  Getting up to go to work is hard, working is hard, being a mom is hard, cooking can be hard, managing schedules is hard, LIFE...it's just hard.  I've gotten to a point in life that being overwhelmed and anxious has taken a drastic extent on my family.  At times I am debilitated, I CANNOT function.  There have been times that I can not leave my house and when I am out, I just want to go back home, but when I'm home there is cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, organizing, etc...it's been a never-ending cycle of feeling overwhelmed.  My husband tries, but he has a busy schedule too.  I'm not sure what a good balance is.  Mr. H and I talk about when he is done with school it will be better, when he finds a better job it will be better, when [fill in the blank] it will be better.  I don't want to wait for things to be better.  I need to see the BETTER in my everyday life.  I need to be ok with a house that is not sparkly clean 24-7.  I need to love life as we know it.  

This is what our living room looked like a couple days ago.  Clean clothes on the couch that ET has knocked down to the floor.  Toys scattered through the room.  KK comfortably watching a movie in his underwear.  School papers on the couch because we were either getting ready to go through homework or we just finished it and KK hasn't put it away.  Blankets all over the place because ET LOVES to wrap himself up with EVERY SINGLE blanket he can find.  ET is happily playing with only a diaper on.  I have a floor that only gets vacuumed once a week.  This is my life, no filters, nothing to be embarrassed about, no reason to make people think that I have it all together because I don't.  I love my family and play with my kids.  I make sure my family has food to eat and clean the dishes when I can.  I am learning to adjust my expectations, which is hard for me to do.  I am a "work in progress" and hope to find that peace within myself so that I can be a better wife, mother, and daughter of God.  I am eager to see where this journey takes me.  

My Handsome Boys

It's been a while since I have made an appearance on this blog, but I would like to start getting back into it.  I love using it as a means to record family activities and the things the boys are doing.  I thought I would start with these fun pictures.  I love the expressions they have and how much fun they have with each other.  KK was meant to be a big brother.  Look at ET's expression when he looks at his big brother.  I'm so happy to have my family and that I am their mom

KK's Special Day

Today was such a special day for our family.  KK chose to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  As a family, we have been planning this day for a couple weeks now.  It was a full family effort, thankfully my parents helped with the food (meat and cheese tray, rolls, veggies, and cupcakes).  I couldn't have done it without them, I think just having them there as a support and knowing if I needed more help they would be there helped to relieve some of the potential stress.  

KK brought pictures from home that he wanted to display.  This was the table leading into the chapel where the program was to take place.

These are the gifts that KK gave out as a thank you for coming to the baptism.  This is where I found the printable.   

Here is my handsome ET!  Drinking yogurt...man, he LOVES those things!  

KK received this awesome baptism towel from his Aunt JM.  She was able to use her new sewing machine to embroider his name, date, and the CTR symbol on it.  This was very thoughtful and a very awesome idea!  KK LOVES it!

So here is the infamous before baptism picture, when I took this picture I told them that they looked awkward, so....

 ...I told them they should at least look like they like each other!

 I REALLY LOVE this boy and am so very proud of him.  I can't believe how fast these 8 years have gone!  BTW, the necklace I am wearing is one that KK had made for me!

 I love LOVE my family!  I am so happy to have all of them in my life.  I am very blessed!

 I am so overcome with emotion.  When KK walked into the water font and being placed in the water I started crying a bit.  This was a huge step for him!  He is just growing up way too fast!  I am grateful for the people who came to support him and our family.  We are very blessed to have such a huge church family who loves us!