1.15.13

One of the milestones of turning 16 is driving. Mikayla has had her permit for almost 9 months and will soon be ready to take her driving test. 

I have to say, I was really looking forward to having Mikayla drive, but I didn't realize how nervous I would be to have her actually be behind the wheel.

I can't think of anyone more responsible than Mikayla and I am happy that she will soon have a little more independence. 

But really...it doesn't help at all! 

1.12.13

Basketball has started again. I have such a love hate relationship with church ball.

The girls really enjoy it, but it's all consuming for 3 months of Saturdays.

At least they have fun and they've gotten their friends involved.

Doctor, Doctor

Some doctors are so good and some doctors...not so much.

The good news is Mikayla's biopsy came back negative. We are so pleased.

Thank you so much for your prayers on her behalf.

Love doctors who really care about their patients.

On the flip side, we had to take Joe to the doctor today.

He has been having really bad headaches..bad enough that they have made him throw up.

It doesn't happen a lot...but he had an episode about a month ago and now two more in the last week.

So, I made an appointment and took him in.

The doctor talked to us for a minute and then looked Joe over.

Then he said..."Well...strep throat is going around, so let's see if he has that."

uh. what?

He doesn't have a sore throat or a fever and has had periodic headaches. But you want to check for strep?

So he comes back in after about 10 minutes and says, "Well, he doesn't have strep."

well, duh.

so...he's all done with us and goes to leave and I say...uh...he's having headaches and he's throwing up and the doctor looks at me and says, "I don't think he has a brain tumor."

OHMYWORD.

I don't think he has a brain tumor either, you moron.

I think he's having headaches and they are making him throw up.

Can you give him something for the headaches?

"Oh, sure. Just a second."

Seriously.

How can a doctor like that continue to practice medicine?

We will be avoiding all future contact with this particular doctor.

Fifteen

Mikayla turned 15 yesterday. I can hardly believe it.

She really wanted to have a big party to celebrate and she wanted it to be spooky. So we went crazy with the decorations and junk food...and I think a fun time was had by all.

I know Mikayla really appreciated all her friends being there for her and making it a really memorable birthday.

Happy Birthday Mikayla!!!

Spooky

We had our ward party tonight...Troy and I were in charge.

I thought it went well and everyone seemed to have a good time.

There was a huge turnout. I'm certain of the exact number, but I am guess well over 300 people. We had 20 different chilis and I was happy to see the Englis Family take top spot..although the Dzarans only missed it by one point!

I have spent the week getting everyone's costume's ready and I am pleased with the final result.

Everyone chose a different Disney villian.

Mikayla was Cruella DeVille:

Emma was the Queen of Hearts (and I am especially happy with her costume since I sewed it myself...and was super worried about how all the piecing would work on the dress and jacket...but I thought it turned out nicely):

Joe was Lotsa Hugging Bear (sewed this one as well...and I have to say...he is probably the only 12 year old boy in the world who would want to be a giant pink bear for Halloween, but he pulled it off pretty well, and managed to figure out that he could pretty much get any girl he wanted to hug him while wearing this costume. : ) Such a ladies man...don't know where that comes from. lol!)

Josh did not attend the ward party...but he is smee (from peter pan) and I will post his photo on Halloween).

Becky was the evil queen from Snow White (this is her mean face):

And Katie was the witch from Snow White (the Queen transformed -- she got some crazy mask painted on during the children's carinval...so i'll post another photo on Halloween with her nose and basket full of apples):

Finally...Troy was Captain Hook ... although I was unable to pick up his coat before the party...so he looks a little more...Little Richard than Big Bad Sailor. (Sorry Troy!)

And I was running around like crazy, so no photos of my Maleficent costume (I will take one!) So...just a little self portrait after it was all over. (Do I look a little too excited? :) )

Strength and Beauty

Mikayla had the surgery yesterday to remove the mole from her leg. It has been sent off for a biopsy and we feel confident everything will be fine.

Mikayla is doing well, however, the remaining scar is a little more than we thought it would be.

(photo below)

We are grateful for doctors and medicine and good health.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.




Don't look if you're sensitive:

Things You Don't Expect

A couple of weeks ago we took Mikayla to the dermatologist.

She had an unusual mole on her leg that is growing and changing in both color and shape. We were very concerned about it.

And after everything we've been through in the last year...there is no messing around with these kinds of things.

Sure enough, the dermatologist wanted to have the mole removed and biopsied, but it was so large she referred us to a plastic surgeon.

Well...we met with the plastic surgeon this morning and he too feels we need to have the mole removed.

He is hopeful that the mole is most likely benign (thank goodness), but also feels like this is exactly the type of mole that can turn into something later in life (especially with Mikayla's family history) and should be taken care of as soon as possible.

So...in a couple of weeks Mikayla will have surgery to remove the mole. It's a good size mole and will leave her with a 2 to 3 inch scar (hence the plastic surgeon). 

She is a little nervous about the procedure, but I know she's going to do really well. 

And really, as she said, "Well...if you're going to have a big, ol scar, I guess it's better to have on your leg than somewhere else. It will be a good story."

lol. That's my girl!

So...consider this a little public service announcement and remember not only to do your own skin self checks, but also get to know your children's skin as well...so you will know when things are new or beginning to change.

Remember...it's never too early, and they are never too young.

We will keep you updated on the results of both Mikayla's surgery and the results of the biopsy.

And if you haven't yet watched this amazing video, please take a moment:

Say What?

I have been posting on facebook some of the funny things the kids say...but I wanted a more permanent record...so for your enjoyment: kids say the darnedest things:

I told Katie to clean her room. She toddled off to get the job done and came back and said, "Mom. I cleaned my room. But...I am not making my bed until Thursday."

um. okay?

Went to concussion training at the school with the twins. In the middle of the training, Joe turns to me and says, "Wow Mom. There sure are a lot of ways to die."

oh geez.

Went shopping with Mikayla. She said, "Mom. Shoe shopping is so much easier than clothes shopping, cause I don't have to worry about whether or not the shoes are modest."

Amen.

Amen.

LOL.

My kids crack me up.

Seriously.

The First Day

The kids were so exited for the first day of school.

Everyone was up early and ready to go long before the buses even started rolling.

Mikayla left first and it was pitch black outside.

I can hardly believe she is starting high school.

How did that happen?

But...she is so strong and capable, I have no doubt she is doing to do great.

Joe and Emma are in 7th grade and now without their big sister at the middle school.

The students in the middle school are split into teams -- with half the students getting one set of teachers and half the students getting another.

Joe and Emma have never had the same teachers in school and last year were on totally different teams -- which meant two sets of field trips...totally different learning schedules, etc.

It made for interesting times here.

But this year, for the first time, they are on the same team and will actually have three academic classes together. 

I am excited as a mom for this -- but I hope it's okay for them.

I guess the one upside is that most people don't even realize that they are related and when told that they are brother and sister often don't believe it's true.

Josh is in the 3rd grade.

We are very excited for this teacher this year.

3rd grade is a big year here -- it's the first time they get grades and the first time they really have a significant amount of homework.

Josh is a really smart boy but he's not a huge fan of working hard.

We'll see how it goes.

And Becky. She is in the 1st grade and all of the sudden looks so grown up to me.

I am so excited for her to have a good year and continue to grow. 

And poor Katie. She just didn't understand why everyone else got to leave this morning except her.

She said, "Mom. I don't like this."

I know baby.

But...look for a post on little miss next week when she starts preschool - 5 days a week. MY WORD. 

I'll try not to happy dance in front of her. 

Happy First Day of School.

Instagram Love

I haven't been good about taking my camera with me this summer...but I have just started using instagram and I love the images I have been able to capture.

and even one of me.

Summer at Last

Mikayla finished her last day of summer school today.

She pulled out an A and enjoyed her time in school.

She now starts high school with French I, French II, Algebra, and Health and PE done.

We are so proud of her!

Let the summer begin.

Fun in the Sun

When we went up to get Emma from sailing camp, we had the chance to play a little as a family.

We went to the yacht club (uh...never imagined myself at a yacht club!),  went swimming, went boating and tubing. It was a blast.

The kids even talked me into giving it a try.

And totally loved it when i had a major wipeout.

Which, by the way, reaffirms for me that I am well and truly old.

And, poor sweet Becky.

She took a ride with the big kids and had a major wipe out. MAJOR. She was so scared and did not want to ride again.

But, Troy and I got on with her and told her that we would take it nice and slow.

She was terrified of it all. But, she was a trooper and held on. I am so proud of her!

We really appreciate Quoc and Ellen taking Emma for the week and showing us a really good time.

Summer - What's Up with Mikayla?

Mikayla has been slogging her way through summer school. Getting up to catch the bus at 6, riding the bus for an hour, attending class for 5 hours and riding the bus home for an additional hour.

I am amazed to find that she really enjoys it and I am proud of her for working so hard on it.

In addition to Girl's Camp for Mikayla she also attended youth conference.

I was able to go as a chaperon and I have to say,  it was a really wonderful experience.

I really love our youth.

The conference was really great. I especially enjoyed Mikayla's participation in a question and answer panel. She was so nervous, but she really did great!

Youth conference was awesome!

Cause He's the Dad

We had an excellent father's day -- well, at least I did, so I am hoping Troy did too.

The kids made cards and Josh included some coupons in his. Troy's favorite coupon was the one which promised that Josh would give him a whole hour alone. lol! 

Joe's card showed his vision of his super dad ... and for some reason, I was falling off a tall building when Troy swooped in to save me.

Should I be worried that Joe sees me needing to be rescued or that I am falling off a building?

The kids got Troy this great Super Dad card -- and we doctored up the photo on the card to show our own favorite Super Dad.

What more perfect card could you find for Troy than one that has him wearing socks, sandals, and a cape. Classic Troy.

I also made Troy a little gift and made him this little frame with an "I LOVE YOU MORE THAN COKE ZERO" sign.

BTW, It's true.

I know.

Shocking.

We also found Husker Du...one of Troy's favorite kids game.

I love you Troy.

Thanks for being such a great Dad!!!

The Last

My goodness. 

Where did the year go?

The kids had a great school year and I am so proud of all of them.

It has been a year of growth and change. I was thinking that the kids really have changed this year...but I was surprised to see just how much with these side by sides of the first day and the last day of school. 

These kids are amazing. I am such a lucky mom!