Viral Pneumonia

 The problem with having a tough kid, is you never know when they're really sick.  I have brought Cole to the doctor three separate times thinking he was sick and turns out, it was just allergies.  But then when he seems just fine, BAM, he's actually ill.  He was recently on antibiotics for strep throat (which by the way I had no clue he had I simply brought him in because his jaw bone vanished due to the swelling in this throat).  Two days after finishing them, he had a tough night.  I do not tolerate tough nights.  I usually freak, drug them, request priesthood blessings, send Andrew to the ER.  Andrew was working all night and so I was on my own, again.  I dealt with it and considered taking him to the doctor's the next morning.

Thursday Morning:

J school

Pick up Ashley

Drop off Andi and Ashley

Sit in doc parking lot from 8:30-9am.... this was not planned which means I was in jeans, a sweatshirt and no bra.  I had left a message simply requesting new antibiotics considering we had just been in a couple weeks before.  But as I left preschool, I knew I needed to take him in - not because of Cole's behavior, but because of that cool gift God gave mothers!  

Leave doc and go home to shower.... if you know me well, you know how much it killed me to be out and about without a shower.  Sure, I had one the night before but that's not good enough for my sanity.

Pick up Andi, Ashley and Ellie J - then drop off Ashley and Ellie J

Grab some lunch for the kids

Run into Imaging Center to get Cole a chest x-ray in Canyon Country.... yes, doc found fluid in the upper right somethin' or other and found this odd.  It was thought that he possibly swallowed a foreign object causing an illness because he tested negative for influenza - $25 later

Turned away from x-ray because of my other two kids I had in tow and no willing staff to help me out for five minutes

Run home to change sweater because at x-ray place they asked if I was pregnant, grrr

Wait at Pinetree to pick up Jackson

Take and Watch Andi at dance

Drive to Valencia to finally get chest x-ray because they have helpful staff and a private waiting room

Considering we were in the car ALL day, Cole did not have a nap until 4pm, on my lap, in the waiting room, five minutes before they called us back for the x-ray.  He stayed asleep as we walked back to the private room - NOT LIKE HIM AT ALL.

Attempted x-rays but he was squirming too much

Waited for another technician

Completed x-ray

*We left the house at 7:30am that morning and made our way back at about 5:45pm... long day!

 It always happens this way - Andrew was able to be home for a few hours THE NEXT DAY, not the crazy busy day, but the FOLLOWING day... but that did allow for me to pick up Ryan and take him out to lunch with grandma shopping.  The previous day knocked him out, too as he couldn't even make it home without falling asleep.  Cole and Ry total opposites!

 

Everyone was so happy that dad was actually home Friday evening.  He has been leaving before they wake up and getting home well after we're all asleep.  So, naturally, they all had to catch up on some America's Funniest Home Videos and I got to go to card night with Diana - FINALLY!

 Viral Pneumonia was the diagnoses and so we weren't sure antibiotics would help.  There were traces of bacteria in there so instead of 200 whatever in the previous drug, he is now on 400 of it.  Plus, they gave him a liquid albuterol - we've never had that before.  He's doing well and I'm so glad he's been going potty on his own at home because his diaper rash from the day in the car was AWFUL!

Get Well my little man!

A Morning Stroll

6:30am arise - feed kid - bathe kid - dress kid....

7:30am J drop -off

7:45am bathe kids - feed kids - dress kids

8:15am pick-up Ashley

8:30am drop-off Ashley and Andi

9:00am Ry's speech drop-off

And finally.... a half hour to just walk and play with Cole (we missed our friends!).... 

9:30am resume chaos....

An Answer

to Jackson's PRAYER!

We're grateful for a beautiful day and for dad being able to get home from work early enough to enjoy some of it "as a family".

Olive Garden

Happy Birthday to a friend I didn't want - hahaha, love it.  I met this girl during a tough time in my life; a time in which I wasn't open to developing new friendships.  But there she was and she won me over despite my resistance.   Now, I can't imagine what I'd do without her.  She will send a text, a call, a fattening treat at just the right moment; we all know she's got a gift!  And so I am incredibly glad that what was going to be a simple night with ice cream in her living room turned into a lovely night out celebrating a friend we all feel lucky to have.  Funny the way things happen sometimes.  Happy Birthday, Becky.

Slice of Humble Pie

This morning will always mean the world to me because it followed some rough days between the two of us.  Then one night you weren't feeling well and I stayed up with you trying to help you feel better.  That morning I woke to you nudging me and I was no where near ready to get up because of the late night.  But there you were, holding this tray with breakfast and a thank you note: "Thank you for taking good care of us love Jackson and cole Ryan and Andi"

Dear Jackson - I was teaching Relief Society last week and in the middle something hit me.  Sister Evans brought up the fact that all her Kindergartners teach her so very much on a daily basis and it reminded me just how much you teach me.  You made me realize I need to be a better parent.  I want to be better and I want to be more for you and your siblings.  The next night I was talking with Jenny and she was telling me how important she feels it is that we, as mothers, show more affection because we are often the ones doing the disciplining.  I do little things with you but I don't think it's enough.  I need to do more and I will do more.  The next morning you crawled into bed with me and I told you I wanted to talk to you.  We discussed how it's my job to make sure you're choosing the right and so this means I will be hard on you because I know what you're capable of but I will also work on being more positive as well.  At the end of our conversation, you told me, "thank you for telling me" and then snuggled right up to me.  

The letters you had written shortly before that were difficult and trying on us but I am grateful you cared to write them.  I'm grateful you want to discuss your feelings and I pray I listen well enough to keep you coming back for years to come.  

I thank you for how much you desire Family Home Evening, family games, family "quality time", etc.  Tonight on the way home from Bri's party, you asked, "Is there a day soon where we don't have school, work or church?".  You wanted a family day where we could all do something fun.  Your "great idea" was to go to a park and play basketball and maybe soccer.  We discussed how the weather has made it tough to get out and do these things lately but that it should be getting warmer making it possible.  I then heard you quietly mumbled a prayer.  There wasn't much I could hear but I do know you mentioned the weather, and a chance for us all to be together and have fun together.

Andi must have heard you because I heard her mumbled something along those lines shortly after.

We need you, we all need you, to help us grow and to help us strengthen our bond as a family.  In many ways, you have a great deal of responsibility but I know you are capable.  With that said, it is my prayer that I can be the type of parent you need to succeed in that aspect - and in all aspects, really.

We love you Jackson and I am so grateful for all your notes - the good and the bad.

**Today is a gorgeous day and you're "very happy [your] prayers were answered!

Proud to be an Arrietta

*Did you sing that in your head like I did??

Happy Birthday, Andi

Preschool celebrated Andi the Thursday before her birthday.  I decided to drive her to school for her special day and special delivery.

But considering it was still early and I was still not ready for the day, I was grateful that Jackson actually helped with the delivery of the cupcakes.  He loves this part about being the big brother - as do I!

Sadly, a few kids were missing from preschool that day but I know she had fun with those that were there. 

Answers of the past can be found on Last Year's post but her answers are also in parentheses.  

1. What is your favorite color? PINK (pink)
2. What is your favorite toy? LALALOOPSY Mermaid (Princess)
3. What is your favorite fruit? APPLES (apples)
4. What is your favorite tv show? CINDERELLA (Spongebob (I'm pretty sure it's only because she was watching it this morning for the first time)
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  CHICKEN (chicken)
6. What is your favorite outfit? PINK  (I can't say that) (so, mom's answer, Princess dresses.  Or pretty dresses for church)
7. What is your favorite game? PRINCESS SOPHIA  (race car)
8. What is your favorite snack? CHEERIOS  (um, chicken)
9. What is your favorite animal? AN ELEPHANT (monkey)
10. What is your favorite song? JINGLE BELLS  (bad words) (I have no clue what this means)
11. What is your favorite book? CINDERELLA  (Jesus Christ, Amen)
12. Who is your best friend? GISELLE, I MEAN COLLIN.... I think the fact that she can see her preschool picture is influencing her decision!  (my friends.)  (Who are your friends)  Corinne, Taylor, Ryan, Jackson, daddy
13. What is your favorite cereal? CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH  (cocolate) (chocolate)
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? PLAY  (fireworks) (thanks Papa, he brought some this weekend)
15. What is your favorite drink? GRAPE JUICE  (orange juice)
16. What is your favorite holiday? HALLOWEEN
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? MY TEDDY BEAR *Haha I didn't know she had a teddy bear (my "stuff": blanket, bear, and dummy)
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? WAFFLES  cereal, French Toast
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  HOT DOGS, SHRIMP, POTATO SALAD  *she only ate the hot dogs and spicy doritos   (chicken on a stick (Mom Can Cook Thai Restaurant)
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? UM, AN ADULT  (French Toast, red (I don't think we get this question yet)

Last year I started this mother/daughter photo tradition (pinterest) and as I am in computer transition right now, I can't find the one we took last year.  But the goal is to get one every year!  I can't wait to see a large group of them one day.

 With Andi's birthday being on Sunday, Saturday because her unofficial birthday.  That morning grandma picked us up for our mani/pedi date.  It took Andi half a second to answers "YES!" when grandma asked her if she wanted a donut first.

She was so focused the entire time but chatted up a storm once her nails were done.  And she proudly showed off her nails to all those she saw for the rest of the day.  Love it!

To my surprise, Andi told grandma she wanted a Dora cake - what!?!?  She's lucky her dad has some mad skill, desire and determination.  That boy's brain thinks so differently than my own - she loved it.  And so did I; it was delicious.

That night grandma threw a party at the house and she was one happy little girl.  I love it when she can't contain it any longer and has to run over and give a big ol hug. Made Jackson's day - especially considering he had spent the previous three days making her cards and thinking of different ways to celebrate Andi.

After cake, we all sat and watched our wedding DVD - the kids watch it in the car all the time and Jackson has most of it memorized, but it was fun showing everyone else. Holy cow we enjoyed some laughs!

TP tradition - bedroom attack.

How cute is this - Carlos really spotlighted this little girl in Primary and it makes me so happy.

After church Andi got to open gifts from her friends, her teacher, and her Bishop.  She kept saying, "Am I so lucky?".  We told her she was loved.

That night Great Uncle Ben had a 40th Birthday celebration and he and Jill were so cute in including Andi on her big day, too.  We met them all down in LA and had a great time celebrating with the family and their friends.  The kids had a blast running all around this banquet hall.  Andi was truly touched that Great Aunt Jill made Andi her very own cake and again, she had to give Jill a big ol squeeze to show her just how much she appreciated it.

Today a package arrived from Garnet and Papa which is always fun and exciting for the kids.

This girl has given us a run for our money at the start but this past year has been rather enjoyable.  I enjoy seeing the girly side as well as the tough side and I am so impressed by how much she loves those around her, shows her love to those that make an impression on her and her tenderness towards others especially little ones.  We love you Andi and are so grateful you're ours!

My Sidekick

As I type this, you, little pill, are sitting on my lap.  Sunday I took and nap and when I awoke, dad pointed out something to me.  He said as I slept, you hovered over me.  You would check on me, look at me, and play by me.  I, being asleep, paid you no attention and yet you continued to come back.  Yesterday I really saw just how true this was once I really paid attention.  I was working on the computer and as I stepped up over you to go help one of the other kids, I realized, yes, I was stepping over you as you played at my feet.

The fact is, there's something about you, Cole.  We just adore you and yet you're so stinken' exhausting.  We often talk about how much you do at such a young age and it's fascinating.  You know how to communicate your wants and desires very well and you have more quite some time.  You can help clean up, open the doors, snap your seat belt, get up and down from the table and always keep up with the others kids.  Your sentences are fabulous and we so appreciate this because it makes it a lot easier when we don't have to guess as to what it is you want.  The other night dad and I were talking about how much you look and act like Jackson but unlike Jackson, you have this zest for life and a lack of fear.  We feel you are very much like your late Uncle Wes.  I'm pretty sure nothing will get in your way of accomplishing your goals and touching the lives of those around you.  So thank you, thank you for choosing to be my little buddy, for now.  I do hope we can maintain our friendship throughout your life because you sure are a lot of fun.

LA Zoo

A friend posted that she was going to the zoo, Monday, and at that point remembered we have passes that are still good (thanks, Giselle).  I checked out the weather and realized Tuesday would be the warmest day of the week.  Tuesday morning started out a bit windy and I was nervous but all was reassured when we arrived in LA and embraced the 78 degree weather.  This was of course after we pigged out at In-N-Out!

Yes, Abuelita, Cole is pointing at and fascinated by A SNAKE.  Ewww.  Andi often called over her friends, mainly "Gagey", to show them the different snakes.  This was always done with her hand on the small of their back.

It's really getting to be fun going out with these guys and I think we'll have a good 10 more years of this fun.  We'll have to wait and see how it goes when they're ALL teenagers!

Many were missed that day, especially the Fazelli family, but that doesn't discount the fun we had with those that made it.  And yes, we received many looks from other zoo visitors.

Ringing in the New Year at Walmart

New Year's Eve I just had to get my house back in order and that meant taking out the Christmas tree and the couch we no longer needed.  This is the second used couch we have had out in this front yard and I have no doubt our neighbors are not fans.  But, the kids are!  Oh and that tree, yeah the couch is gone but the tree is still there - apparently Andrew's saving it for Cory so he can go burn it in the desert?  I don't know - boys will be boys, I suppose... even in their 30's.

Anyway.... a couple years ago a client of Andrew's gave him a one night hotel voucher out at the Embassy Suites in Valencia.  Yep, it took us two years to finally use it, on the night it expired.  My poor mom wanted a New Year's Eve party and instead, she got a grandma grandpa sleepover.  Yeah, I think she got a pretty awesome party :)

I dropped the kids off at their place about 4:30 and headed back home to finish cleaning up and to get myself ready.  Andrew got home from work shortly after and so off we went to dinner at Claim Jumper thanks to a Christmas gift card gift.  The wait was crazy so we took the two of us over to the bar and found a cozy seat by the fire right away.  Honestly, can you imagine what that would have been like with four kids in tow?  From there we had the option of catching a movie that started in about 5 minutes and I opted to go back to the hotel and hit up the jacuzzi.  It was so cold out that night and yet the jacuzzi was packed so we made our way to Walmart for snacks and games.  Again, here we are, 8pm or so and we're off to Walmart where we simply leapt out of the car and bolted into the warmth of Walmart.  We didn't want to leave; it was so easy and so relaxing to just wander.  I mean seriously, who knew what we were missing - there's actually quite a bit to look at there :)

Once we pried ourselves out of the store, simply because by now it was our bed time and I was seriously hitting a wall, the jacuzzi cleared out just enough for us to squeeze our way in there.  They closed at 10pm so we weren't out long but it was just enough to feel relaxed and to have some interesting conversation with the people in there.  But uh, by the way, they totally didn't bat an eye when it was discussed we have four kids - apparently we aren't aging too well :(

The evening ended with us pigging out in bed while watching What to Expect When Expecting.  For me, I think it was even more hilarious my second time watching it, or maybe it was just entertaining watching Andrew get a kick out of it, or maybe it was all the sugar from the crap we ate, or maybe it was the delirium from staying up to late, or maybe it was the freedom, or maybe it was just an overall good night.  And best part, it ended five minutes before the midnight ball drop because ladies and gentlemen I stayed up until midnight for the first time since I don't know when. 

 I am grateful for my husband and the fun we can have doing whatever - psh, even Walmart.  It's hard sometimes to remember that we can have fun together when you get so caught up in the day to day grind and you don't make the time to get away.  I know we need to for us and for our kids because I have no doubt they benefit from our relationship being stronger.  I'm grateful to my parents for always wanting to spend this time with the kids and for making it so easy to get away when we do.  I'm grateful for adorable and thoughtful friends that tried to get chocolate covered strawberries delivered to our room which, by the way, I was craving at Walmart but was too lazy to make it happen.  I'm grateful that despite the fact our car was acting up that night and the next morning, we were able to get back home and back to our kids because being reunited always feels good.  And I'm grateful for the yummy treats friends have introduced me to over the years because they made my New Year's Eve rather delicious.  Happy New Year all - here's the happiness... and world peace, of course :)

Christmas Card

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

We have sent out cards for years and years and this year there were many reasons that led to my lack of effort to get these out.  Which is so awful because one of my most favorite things about the Christmas season is receiving and displaying cards from some of our most favorite people from all stages of our lives.  It's also always cool to see who still thinks of us near and far.  It really is a beautiful thing, I think.  So I felt bad not sending our love to all those that have touched our lives.  

By the time I realized I needed to get my act together, the weather was awful.... that was until Christmas Eve morning.  It actually started as a wet, miserable day but as the day went on, it turned out to be absolutely beautiful outside.  I was so happy Becky put up with me and came out at my beckoned call to try to get some shots of us before we headed out to Acton.

We had a blast doing this shoot and it was actually a really nice way to start off our Christmas Eve.  Thank you so much, Becky, for your time and energy.