Graduation Announcements

I am finished with our announcements. I got most of Isaac's out last week and finished mine this week. Just in time for my finals. I think they turned out really cute. Again, ispired by Paper Pals!

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what I could get for all of the kids teachers that wasn't going to cost too much. I figured I would only be able to buy a couple gifts for the main teachers, but felt bad for the others because they are all wonderful. Then I went into my most favorite store, Paper Pals, to buy paper to finish my graduation announcements and saw this cute idea.

Karen was so nice to take the time out of her busy schedule to explain the technique to me. She was trying to prepare for an appointment but took the time to help me. They are all so sweet and friendly at Paper Pals. They remember every face that enters the store. Shawna is always smiling and very helpful as well. I love the colors, atmosphere, and inspiring environemnt of their store. I only wish I had the money, time and hands free of two wild kids to spend more time in the store. If you haven't been there you need to go. They have so many great ideas. They have fun classes and even great ideas online.

Check them out at href="http://www.scrapatpaperpals.blogspot.com/">

Thanks a Million Times and More

Sorry I didn't get this posted earlier. Isaac is home and doing much better. He is still in a lot of pain but go figure, he had his appendix cut out. He still thinks that it is much worse than having a baby. I do agree with him in many peoples cases that work all day and realize they may be in labor, go into the hospital just in time to push the baby out 10 minutes later. Yes, it is much harder but sorry mine weren't that fun and I know he is in a lot of pain but really no sympathy here. I do feel bad that he has to go through that because it really is really painful and will be a long recovery, and because men really don't deal with pain that well.

I have pictures that I need to upload but our computer wont read the cards right now. I'll have to drag out the laptop when I get a chance and upload them.

Thanks a million for all of your thoughts and prayers, near and far! I couldn't have done it without all of you. You know when you are stressed out of your mind already and then the whole world comes crashing down it is nice to know that you have such great friends and family. I deeply appreciate my mom and sister for listening to all my complaining and emotional breakdowns; Dan and Tarah for taking my kids with a seconds notice and Dan for helping me get Isaac home. You guys are always there and we appreciate it and hope you know how much we love an appreciate you and that we are always there for you. Thanks Crystal for saving the day with dinner on the most hectic day. Kate thanks for all of your help and support and lifting my spirits every time I needed it. I'm so sorry that Max got sick. I hope you guys have recovered.

It has just been a long three months of illnesses, stress of school, no husband for a month and the list goes on. It got the hardest when Kayden got the pneumonia and needed my every second. It just all came piling down (stress pileup) when Isaac ended up in the hospital. Wrestling two kids in a hospital waiting room, while worrying about your husband on the operating table and not hearing anything for hours, really does a toll on one person. For someone who doesn't cry very easily I find myself in tears quite often these days. The stress can really break a person down. Really, if any of you have to go through anything like this, do not hesitate to call someone, especially me if we are near by, don't try to be tough and do it on your own. There are just some things that you need to ask for help on and accept the help offered.

The Lord really knows what we need and when. I threw my hands in the air and said I give up, I can't do it on my own and everyone was there, THANKS! I especially couldn't have done this without my mother-in-law. She flew in from Utah to save the day. The minute I broke down I got a phone call from her. The spirit works in marvelous ways and we need to obey. Because of my stubbornness I almost said no again and when she asked one more time I realized it was an answer to a prayer and accepted her generous offer. And we can't forget grandpa. Thanks David for sparing Colleen for a few days and thank you for being in tune with the spirit. I know that the kids greatly appreciated it too. I am so thankful for prayer; for the promptings of the Spirit and for all of you who are in tune with it. We love you all!

Still Checked In

Isaac had to stay in the hospital another night. He was supposed to go home on Monday, no go, then today, and still no. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. He just keeps throwing up and the pain is out of control. He has had a migraine for the past few days as well as a result of the medication. They have changed his medication several times. He may have issues with the medicine so they are monitoring him again tonight with the new change. When we left him he was still pretty nausea and in pain but hopefully he can get some sleep tonight and keep some food down. He is still dehydrated pretty bad and very low potassium levels. He can't eat anything and when he does choke down broth or crackers or liquid it comes right back up. I'll let you all know how it goes. Keep him in your prayers. He is having a rough time. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support.

Happy Easter-ER

The kids had a nice morning of Easter fun. Kaycee was so excited that the Easter Bunny came to her house. She asked "how did he get it. I locked the door." We said that we weren't sure, how does Santa Claus get in. She replied with, "he's sneaky."

She was even more excited to sing in the Easter program at church. She practiced all week, Jesus Has Risen. Isaac was really sick so I got the kids ready in their nice new Easter outfits, Kayden fell asleep so I had to try and carefully dress him. We were out the door. What a fun Sunday because he woke up from his nap, didn't know if he wanted up or down, go for a walk or sit. It was a battle juggling the two kids. Then I was worrying about Isaac. Kaycee sang her song beautifully and came down the aisle to find us in the hallway because half way through her song I had to put him in the hall and peak my head in to watch, with him screaming that I put him down. I went to call Isaac to check on him at the same time he sent a text, he was headed to the ER because his pain got too bad.

I ran into the sacrament room, grabbed our bags and we ran out the door to meet him in at the emergency room. They took his vitals and said, "usually we get a cat scan to double check to see if it is the appendix, but all the signs point that it is so we are going to take your blood and talk to the surgeon." His while blood cell count was outrageous so they rushed him in to find a very infected and pussy appendix. They removed it and had to suction out puss/infection out of his insides. It didn't rupture yet but leaked. The kids did okay at the hospital but are glad to be home for the night.

Let me tell you. It is not fun sitting in a hospital ALL day, especially on Easter, with a three year old wanting to run around and be loud, and a 11 month old who isn't sure if he wants up or down or to be held. BUT we survived and Isaac is recovering. We are not sure how long he will be in the hospital because of the infection and his fever wont go down. They have him hooked up to machines to massage his legs to prevent blood clots and he has to do respiratory therapy to prevent pneumonia. All I can say is at least it happened now with insurance then when we don't have any!

Well Done

It is Friday and do you know what that means!!!!???? Isaac has completed four years of vet school. Yes, friends we are DONE! It is pretty weird how fast four years has flown but it also feels really good.

Kaycee, Kayden and I made Isaac a poster. The kids were so cute making it. We bought balloons and bbqed some steaks. We were waiting to surprise him. We called to see how long he would be and they were running behind. Then a few minutes later he called. They let him go home before final rounds. The kids were excited, well Kaycee. It was a nice surprise.

As soon as we finished eating we headed to Spokane to get a final offer from Mt. Spokane Animal Clinic. They are all so nice there. We really like it but we will see where we end up.

What Makes Me Happy Is....

I got the kids room together!!!! Yes, the closets are cleaned (still TOO many toys). I got most of them boxed up to take to the shed (they are still in the back of the van because we've been able to hang out as a family)

Which reminds me. It has been a good weekend; Conference, the Vet School Open House, a trip to Spokane, Conference and playing outside with the kids and the weekend is not over yet.

I finished one of my BIG term papers. One out of the way and two to go.

I just have to say again how nice it is that I got the kids room done. I haven't slept so well in a very long time. Well, friday night I did have to sleep on their floor for a few hours, but its all good. They are in their room and I have my room and bed to myself. I know many of you are thinking "how selfish" but let me just tell you how dredful it is to go to bed at night knowing that you have to sleep on the very edge of the bed and be kept awake for kicking; sleep talking; crying; a slap in the face from long, lanky, sleeping arms or legs; kick to the stomach becasue she decdies to sleep sideways; a crying baby in a bassinet who decides that if sister gets to sleep in our bed why shouldn't he be able to and cries until I put him in bed wiht us.....yeah, not fun. I love having them close but four years of it has really taken its toll. Kaycee is fine with sleeping in her room becasue she has brother