Brady's 4th Anniversary

Saturday, March 26th--Yes, it's been 4 years since Brady was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Does it get easier? Depends on the day. I spend the months October to March with knots in my stomach, praying he won't get a nasty cold or flu that'll put him in the ER. I thank God regularly that that's only happened once since his diagnosis.
Considering all that goes into a day in the life of this little man, he's doing really well. His glucose levels are, for the most part, pretty stable and his pediatric endocrinologist appointments produce positive results almost every time. If you ever look at him and think "You'd never know." it's because a lot goes on behind the scenes to make sure he can run around, play and be crazy, just as he does. His attitude helps too. Being poked everyday, several times a day, having a large needle inserted into his skin every 3 days (for his insulin pump site), you would think it would make him cranky and frustrated but it doesn't seem to. If it were me, I sure would be! Just one of the many tender mercies. Brady is my hero and I know this trial in his life strengthens him and makes him brave.

I often wonder how many people know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Did Brady get this disease because of how we feed him or our parenting choices? No way. He's a pretty healthy eater. He's tall (insanely tall!) but not overweight. His height has nothing to do with the disease--it's just one of those things that we passed on in our genetics. He's quite active and loves to be so. Type 1, just like Type 2, is genetic. Type 2 may or may not manifest itself in someones lifetime (a healthy lifestyle will usually avoid it). Type 1, not the case. There's usually no rhyme or reason as to when someone develops the disease. Type 2 can usually be managed with oral meds, healthy diet and exercise. Type 1 cannot. Type 1 means complete insulin dependance because the pancreas no longer produces it. Stomach acids break down insulin so there's no oral insulin options. Insulin needs to be injected via syringe or an under-the-skin-catheter/pump. Finger pokes are required 4-8 times a day to determine blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetics also need to do finger pokes but usually not as often. Insulin is not a cure. Over time, even with the best of care, health complications will arise. That part of it terrifies me! So, I hope this sheds a little light on the two different types. There's times I get looks from people and get some pretty ignorant questions asked that lead me to believe there's not enough of an understanding between the two. It frustrates me. The last thing I need is for someone to judge us because they think we caused this disease by allowing him to overeat and live an unhealthy lifestyle. Not the case, nor has it ever been. If in doubt, just ask---please don't assume.

I pray for a cure everyday. I volunteer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and am excited to be a mentor to families that have been recently diagnosed. We raised money for research last year and will be doing so again this year. I've been told we'll have a cure within Brady's lifetime, hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime, we plug along day by day. We watch Brady laugh, run, play baseball and basketball, make jokes, get crazy whenever Spongebob Squarepants comes on. He practically jumps for joy when his bloodsugars are low because that means he can have his all-time favorites: fruitsnacks! Keep my little hero in your prayers please!

Elise's Birthday With Friends!

Friday, March 25th--So we discussed the details of this little shin dig well in advance to make sure everyone was on the same page. I told Elise invites come in pack of 8 so 8 is how many she could invite. She had a tough time with this (she is quite a social girl!) so we made it, somewhat, easier by encouraging her to invite her friends in our neighborhood and then 2 others from her school class. She also wanted her cousin, Kayla, to come which made 8 total. Then to decide what's for dinner. Pizza sounded convenient but also bleh until Nate suggested baby pizzas, which he makes incredibly well. YUM! It would work out great because each of them could make their own and decide which toppings. Next, the theme. Elise, being obsessed with Zoobles, wanted Zoobles as a theme (these things are freakin' weird, I tell ya!). Yeah, well, no party favors or decorations in Zoobles themes so mom decided "Tangled" would work just as well. Lucky for me, she was thrilled about Tangled! Phew! Elise's party started around 5:00 and everyone showed up. Cousin Kayla was brought by her Aunt Shauna. Shauna is a dear friend of mine. She stayed and helped out. Because of her blonde hair and adorable face, she "convinced" the girls she was Rapunzel and she had just cut her hair. The girls had a blast talking to "Rapunzel" and was even asking for her autograph! LOL! The baby pizzas were a HUGE success and quite yummy too! While the girls waited for the pizzas to bake they munched on some of Elise's favorite veggie snacks: dill pickles, grape tomatos and carrots (gotta get some healthy stuff in tonight!).
After dinner we played pin the hair on Rapunzels head. Elise decided to make the game herself and did such a cute job on it. She taped some paper together and made a high tower with a bald Rapunzel looking out the window. Then made several long strips of blonde hair for the girls to pin on Rapunzel. Such a creative girl, I tell ya! I found some Tangled prizes and gift bags for the girls so everyone went home with one.

The girls were still a little full from dinner so we opened presents next. Elise got some fun gifts, including more Zoobles, from all her friends. She felt so special!

Finally, cake time! I asked Elise what kind of cake she wanted and she said yellow cake with chocolate frosting---my favorite too! The Chocolate had that flavor (which they call "The Husband", love that! ha ha ha) and the vanilla one looked amazing too so I got a medium-sized chocolate and small vanilla. Both were heavenly! I couldn't find any Tangled cake toppers so I used Elise's little figurines she got for Christmas. They worked out perfectly! Elise made her wish then blew out the candles. The bonus was these cakes are so rich, there was plenty leftover....WAHOO!

After cake there was still time before the party was over so some of the girls played on the trampoline and others played in Elise's room. It was a great evening and not as chaotic as I thought it would be. We had a lot of fun! Thanks Nate and Shauna for helping to make this party a success!

We know Elise loved her party!

Happy 9th Birthday Elisee-piecee!

Thursday, March 24th--9 years old!?!?!? When did that happen?!?!?! Elise has spent months BEGGING for a "friends" birthday party. Because we have so much family nearby we usually don't do friend partys but this year we gave in. On her actual birthday we celebrated in the morning by getting donuts, which she enjoyed a lot (she must get her love of maple bars from the Armstrong side because I think they are really yucky!). We let her open her gifts from us as well. She got a new hula hoop (from Brady), clothes, Zoobles (she's obsessed over these and I didn't even know what they were!), and a butterfly garden. As a surprise, Elise came home to new sheets and a new bedspread that matches her room perfectly. She loved the bedding! After school we let her pick one of her favorite restaurants to meet up with my sister and her family. Elise's pick: Golden Corral. Hooray for a buffet where my picky kids will actually eat their moneys worth! ha ha ha ha Golden Corral is quite close to a place where I wanted to order Elise's cake: The Chocolate. Their cakes are amazing so it worked out perfectly to order and then pick up after we ate. It was a great night! Elise received some adorable outfits perfect for our upcoming trip to our favorite place (you know the one!). Thanks Aunt Alishia!Happy Birthday to my sweet girl, Elise! We love you so much and we're so proud of you!

Tomorrow, the friends party........give me strength! ; )

Happy 11th Anniversary!

Thursday-Saturday, March 10th-12th--We had a FABULOUS anniversary weekend!!!! Thursday, our actual anniversary, Nate took the day off and we went out to lunch after dropping Brady off at school. Lunch was delish and we talked about memories of our married life so far. It was wonderful to have some alone time. Later on in the evening we had a yummy dinner then shortly after, put the kids to bed and spent some more time just talking--I loved it! I asked Nate to tell me some of the reasons he loves me. He asked that I do the same. There were many and I loved hearing and sharing all of them.
Friday night we left the kids with my dear friend, Kathy, and went to the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple. We hadn't been to the temple together for a very long time. The temple is so beautiful and the experience was amazing. We realize we need to go more and make that a goal.
Saturday, we dropped the kids off with my sister in the morning and headed to Desert Star Theater for an afternoon showing. We have season tickets to this place and, WOW, are they worth it! The show was "Beverly Hillbillies 90210". We ate a yummy pizza there too. The show was over around 1:30 so we left and headed out to run some errands.
We planned a crazy night with some of our friends to go do laser tag at Trafalga in Lehi. This place has the largest laser tag arena around and it definitely did not disappoint! We went with the Alonzo's, Pitcher's and Timothy's. It was a total blast! We did two rounds. The second round had a bunch of rowdy teens and we did our best to kick their team butts--we succeeded! It was awesome! We have season passes to this place too so we'll be back! We would have gone a few more rounds but it was getting late and it was Daylight Savings so we would be losing an hour. We all headed back to our house for some very yummy banana splits and some fun chatting. There is never a dull moment with these people, I swear!
The next day was back to the ol' grind again. Nate picked the kids up from my sisters house and we went to church.
We had such a wonderful anniversary weekend! I loved every minute of it. Can't wait for #12 and beyond! Thanks, Nate, for being everything to me---for loving me, making me feel special and of worth, never criticizing me, being romantic and affectionate, compromising, supportive, being the BEST dad and husband, and so much more!

Relaxin' at Bear Lake

Friday-Sunday, February 18th-21st--We spent a wonderful, relaxing weekend up at Bear Lake with my sister and her family. It was a winter wonderland, so gorgeous. Most of our time was spent just being lazy. My BIL's family owns this HUGE cabin (house) up there and when it's not being rented it's up for grabs. It is a gorgeous place and can hold a large amount of people. I'm sure glad we don't have to pay the rental prices though....WOW! Check this place out! The kids loved all the activities/games there are. Nate and I enjoyed a very comfy theater room (Nate continues to covet it! Someday, my love!). On Saturday it snowed. We brought our snow gear and made a sledding path on the side of the house. We had to be careful, if any of us went too far we'd land right in the prickly bushes--OUCH! Nate got bored with this and decided the hot tub was calling his name. He got changed into his swim gear (Speedo) and soaked a bit while the kids played on the swingset and teeter-totter. I've got some great pics of Nate in his skimpy Speedo but I've been threatened with my life should I post them (shucks!). When the hot tub got to be too much, Nate got a little crazy and played in the snow and on the swingset with only his Speedo on and a towel wrapped around him. Gosh, I love that man! : )
Later on in the day we went over to Garden City's little city hall for their Chocolate Festival. It was pretty wimpy but we did find a booth that was chocolate everything and it was WONDERFUL, especially fresh chocolate dipped strawberries! YUM! I got some raspberry jam and syrup at another booth (they do make some dang good raspberry jam!). From there we went to a local pizza place (blech!) and finished our meal with shakes. I got the famous Bear Lake raspberry shake, which made up for the not-so-great pizza.
The rest of the weekend was just spent at the house enjoying family and all that this place has to offer. We're so blessed and thankful that we're invited whenever my sister and her family go up!

Blog Books

November-December, 2010 & January, 2011--I am SOOOOO proud of these books! These blog books are basically 3 years of family journals for our family. I decided to get them printed to have so anyone can sit down and read them. I started working on 2008 quite a while ago and then life got busy and I didn't work on it. I started back up in November and finished it in no time. The other two, 2009 and 2010 were so easy and went fast, thanks to the blog publisher website improving their software. These books are small, 7X7, but the cost difference to upgrade the size is pretty steep. I was happy to find the font is not too small nor are the pictures. Each month I got one printed--they aren't cheap so I had to budget in the cost.
Now I'm working on digital scrapbooks for the years 2003-2010. I've got some of these years completed and printed but I still have a long way to go. It's been fun remembering and surprising that I do remember so much. We had a 35mm camera for the years 1999-2002, so we have a lot of pictures to scan before I begin on those. I'm really enjoying it and finding I have free time a few days a week to work on them while the kids are at school. No more excuses!

I wish I was into scrapbooking. I tried it for a long time, bought all the cute paper and cute-sy little things to glue onto the paper, plus many different kinds of fancy scissors and such. But, it's just not for me. If I could afford to pay someone to do it for me, I gladly would because I've seen some scrapbooks that are so gorgeous. My MIL scrapbooks and has done so for many years. She does a great job and helped me get started. For me it's about time-management. It would take me 1 1/2 hours to do 3 or 4 pages of scrapbooking, not to mention all the planning out of the pages. For digital scrapbooking I pick a backround, pick a template, drag my photos, type in some captions and voila!, the page is done. It takes 5-10 minutes tops. Sometimes I buy stickers to enhance the page a little. I wish I had the patience to sit down and scrapbook---I admire those that do!

Happy 6th Birthday Brady-Bear!

Tuesday, January 11th--Six-years-old!!! Brady is high energy and full of character. I swear he needs an agent--he's so entertaining! He continues to amaze us with his talents and how smart and witty he is. There is never a dull moment with this kid, including some random thoughts he has no problem sharing. Usually these random thoughts have us laughing and wondering where the heck he comes up with these things! He's also quite tender-hearted when he wants to be and still loves to snuggle--something I treasure.
Brady has afternoon Kindergarten so I let him pick a place for lunch and we were off. First, we went to Smiths and he picked out 3 mylar balloons and a bright blue cupcake for after lunch. Then he wanted Arctic Circle chicken rings so we went there. He and I came home and ate lunch then it was time to dig into his cupcake. I was worried we wouldn't be able to blow out candles at his birthday dinner so I got some candles and sang to him, then he made a wish and blew out the candles. I loved our one-on-one time together, celebrating his special day.

For dinner we let Brady choose a place for us to meet up with Nate's family. Brady chose Sweet Tomatos--a soup, salad, bread buffet. It's a family favorite and a place our kids actually eat many of the items. We found great coupons on-line, which helped a lot with the cost. Everyone filled up on delicious food and we brought in a cake from Sams Club. Not surprisingly at all, Brady chose Spongebob Squarepants for his cake. Like I said, I worried if we would be able to light candles or not. Fortunately, it was okay and Brady got to make another wish. The cake was quite yummy! Brady got some fun gifts from family. He's been asking for walkie-talkies for a little while and got them from Aunt Jenny and Aunt Wendy. They included batteries so we opened them up. Brady and his cousins went crazy roaming the restaurant, listening and talking to each other on the walkie-talkies. We had to round them up when they got a little too carried away. It was a great evening celebrating! Nate met us there so he drove home with Brady and I drove home with Elise. Each of them took a walkie-talkie and were able to talk to each other for quite a while as we made our way home. It was fun to hear them talk to each other!

When we got home Brady opened the gifts from us. Nate got him "Despicable Me", complete with a blow-up minion. We also got him some mini skateboards, sticker book, puzzles, pajamas and a Spongebob Squarepants blanket and pillow. He loved it all! It was a great day and I know Brady enjoyed it too!

The next Sunday, we had my sister, Alishia, and her family over for some home-made lasagna and a second birthday celebration. We had a great time and Brady loved opening more presents! He still likes to remind Nate and I that Elise got to celebrate her 8th birthday in Disneyland and now it's only 2 years away when he'll turn 8. Nate and I just look at each other and laugh and then tell him what we always tell him, "We'll see!"

Family Skate Night

Monday, January 10th--Some of our neighbors decided to go to Family Skate Night at a local skating rink so we thought we'd go too and enjoy a fun night with them. I gotta admit, when I was younger I was pretty awesome at skating. I could skate backwards and do all sorts of tricks without any worry of falling or getting hurt. Call me the Roller Boogie Queen! Well.....apparently skating is not like riding a bike. I rented some old school 4-wheelers and slowly walked to the floor. I got on the floor and about fell right then and there on my back end. I started slowly progressing and over and over again I almost fell. It was so pathetic I actually "borrowed" one of my friends baby and his stroller to hang on to while I skated around the rink. It actually kind of upset me, knowing how good I use to be. I went around 5 or 6 times and I was done. I'm thinking it's time to get some roller blades and start practicing around the neighborhood.....at night....so no one can see me......fall on my rump!
Anyhoo, we had a great time visiting, eating dinner and watching all the kids and some adults that showed their awesome skating/rollerblading skills. Razors are allowed so Brady & Elise took theirs. It worked out perfectly! We rented skates for Elise and she needed a support system to get around but she seemed to enjoy it.

We'll have to go again!

Time for Sledding!

Saturday, January 8th--I've said it before, I'll say it again--We've got some of the best sledding hills around! There's hills for all sorts of levels of sledding fun. We went to Nolan Park where the hills are small and perfect for Elise and Brady but also fast and fun for Nate too. Me? Yeah, uh, I went down twice but it's just not my cup 'o tea so I took photos, laughed and cheered them all on. Elise & Brady got to use their new Spongebob Squarepants sleds they got from Santa. Those things are FAST! Even Nate used them a few times! We had a great time! When everyone was tired, wet and freezing we came back home, got in comfy clothes and made hot chocolate. YUM! A great day spending time with my wonderful family. It brings me so much joy to watch them all have fun together and laugh.

Well, Hello There, 2011!

Saturday, January 1st--We had a WONDERFUL New Years Eve!! I say it over and over again but I don't care, we have amazing neighbors that we consider very close friends. For the last 4 years we've gotten together on New Years Eve to ring in the New Year together. It's always fun, never a dull moment! We play games, overstuff ourselves on a huge variety of delicious food, laugh till it hurts and just plain enjoy each others company. We were introduced to the XBox 360 Kinect at the Alonzo's house. WOW!!!! So awesome! And yes, I am officially jealous! Some of the guys had fun in Tony's room of musical instruments and tried to coordinate a song together. Uh, ahem.....at least they tried! ha ha ha Anyhoo, it was a great evening and I got to welcome in 2011 with a sweet kiss from my amazing husband and big hugs from my precious kids. Not to mention, being surrounded by dear friends we love and truly appreciate.

(I think this will be a long post but I'm feeling a lot of things right now. Ultimately, this is our family journal and, in some ways, my personal journal.)

I didn't mention this experience in my previous Christmas-time posts because I was focused on our time in Washington. A few days before Christmas the weather in Northern Utah got a little crazy. I had asked my friend/neighbor, Kathy Alonzo, if she'd watch my house while we were gone and she was glad to. Little did she know what kind of commitment that would entail....neither did we! The day after we got to Washington, it snowed about a foot at our house. The next day it all melted and Northern Utah was hit with heavy rain too. For our cramped neighborhood this always means plenty of flooding, mostly in window wells. I prayed and prayed and prayed our wells would stay dry.....they didn't. My sweet friend, Kathy, and her daughters were draining one of the wells at 12:00 at night. When that one was drained she checked the rest to find that another was flooded and almost creeping into our basement. Finally, after 1:00 am, the water was drained and they were able to go to bed. My heart broke knowing they had to crawl down into those wells, in freezing water, so late at night, hauling heavy buckets of water and dumping them to save our house from flooding. Not only that, but they were up early in the morning to make sure the wells were still dry and, thank goodness, they were! The next day was bright and sunny, giving the flooded yards a chance to drain with no more flooded window wells. (HUGE sigh of relief!) Fortunately, there were no more scares like that while we were gone. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness to such a sweet family that sacrificed and saved our house from flooding and an expensive clean up. I'm also thankful to know there are others that are near and surround us that would have made the same sacrifice for us and they know we would do the same in return. We are truly blessed!

I've thought a lot about the things I want to accomplish in 2011. I've made goals, prayed for clarity and understanding of things and issues that are beyond my control. The first week of December was full of drama followed with a lot of anxiety. In the past, within a few days, I've usually calmed down and feel okay on my own. This time, there was never that calming, no matter what I tried, without medication. I ended up having no choice but to go to our family doctor and ask to be put on anxiety medication. After several tests and some bloodwork, he agreed I was in need. Going on medication was a decision I struggled over but I just wasn't handling problems well on my own. The medication works great. I only need it when I feel the beginnings of anxiety so it's not daily. There is a surprising "side-effect" to having to take anxiety medication.....enlightenment. Not a huge spiritual experience, just enlightening on some issues I've been struggling with. It's been a good thing as I make decisions and changes to improve my life and my family.

In the last few days a special movie, I love dearly, has been rolling through my head like crazy. One of my all-time favorite movies is called "Simon Birch" . If you haven't seen this movie then, wow, you should! It's hilarious in some places and cry-like-a-baby in other places. The main character is a kid with severe physical disabilities. He believes God sent him to earth with these disabilities and that God has huge plans for Simon. Over time Simon begins to doubt himself and eventually asks the local pastor if God has a plan for him. The pastor is not very helpful in answering his question but Simon gets his own answers all too soon. It is a beautiful movie and, I would think, most people walk away from this movie with goals to be a better person, better friend, more aware of things and people that should matter to them most. I would hope some walk away wondering what Gods plan is for them and take time to ponder that. As I've thought about this movie, the last few days, I've been thinking of that very thing--along with all the other lessons this movie offers. What is Gods plan for me? I know some of the answers but I know there's plenty more and I've got to work on finding those answers--seeking them out diligently with faith and humility. I've got to stop caring and worrying about things and people that have become or always were toxic to me and/or my family. The strength of a chain is based upon it's weakest link, the same applies to a family. I want to serve my family with love and happiness. I want to serve my neighbors and friends and be aware of their needs. I feel like I've lost touch in so many ways. I don't know what's going on with those around me and I feel bad about that. I sit in church and I don't seem to know half the people and we're one of the handful of families that has lived here the longest! I thought becoming an adult would help me to grow out of the awkwardness of meeting and getting to know new people, it hasn't. Another goal to work on this year? Yes, I think so.

One of my favorite quotes from "Simon Birch" is this:

"Time is a monster that cannot be reasoned with. It responds like a snail to our impatience, then it races like a gazelle when you can't catch a breath."

Whether time goes by slow or fast, and it's usually fast, then I've got to spend it wisely.

Happy New Year, 2011, to you all! May you have a wonderful year full of happiness and joy!