Nate Coaches Brady's Baseball Team

Saturday, April 30th--Nate's really enjoyed being able to coach baseball teams the last few years. He's really patient and calm with the kids and he's always had a supportive assistant coach too. This year Brady has improved A LOT! Nate bought some equipment to help him practice at home and he's been doing really well. On nights there is no practice or games, Nate will often take Brady to the nearby park and pitch to him or help him throw to bases, etc. Our first game was today and it was COLD! Many of the families watching were shivering. I could tell it would be cold so I packed a few warm blankets so Elise and I were able to stay warm. The little kids playing all had dark pink noses and cheeks but them seemed to really have fun playing. There's no score keeping in Brady's current age group. We're told next year score will start to be kept. Each of the little kids get to try to hit the ball pitched to them and if they don't hit it after the 5th pitch then the tee is placed in front of them and they get to hit and run. Brady hit after a couple of pitches the first round then the second round he had to hit the ball on the tee. Either way he did great and he played the bases really well too! Nate was a pretty awesome pitcher! So proud of both of my guys!

Happy Easter, 2011!

Sunday, April 24th--We liked that our Easter was rather low-key this year. The night before we all had fun dying hard boiled eggs. The dying of the eggs is always so comical to me since my children and Nate will not eat hard boiled eggs or deviled eggs, etc. So I end up boiling a dozen or so eggs and then have to think of creative ways to eat them myself. Yummy!
Elise and Brady decided to write the Easter Bunny and little letter. In the letters were some fun things said then they asked for a response back--which they got ; )
The Easter bunny didn't disappoint! Brady & Elise got personalized Disney blankets along with some scrumptious treats and toys. Mom and dad just got loaded up with, mostly, candy. I do have to admit, Easter is my FAVORITE holiday for treats. Cadbury Mini-Eggs, egg-shaped PB M&Ms, caramel filled Cadbury chocolate eggs, holy moly I could go on and on. Needless to say, I am somewhat glad these types of things are only around for a few months. Years ago I use to buy bags and bags of Easter candy, after the holiday was over, and put them in the freezer to chomp on year-round. Well, I've changed my evil ways and just enjoy way too much during the Easter season.
With church at 9:00 am, we looked quickly at our baskets, stuffed a few goodies in our church bags and off we went. The discussion and story about Jesus Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection was carried on to our home where we talked about it some more and read a story book. It's important to Nate and I that our kids understand why we celebrate Easter. Yes, the Easter baskets are wonderful but the real meaning, just like Christmas, is what a wonderful Savior we have, who did so much for everyone, who died for us and took upon him all of our sins.
We had our Easter feast with my sister, Alishia, and her family. It was a wonderful day!

Eagle Mountain's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 16th--We returned home from Disneyland the day before. We went from sunny and in the 60's and 70's in California to chilly cold, in the 40's and 50's in Utah. Burrrrrr! It's become our family tradition to go to the city Easter Egg Hunt. The kids love it. The past few years it's been COLD! We brought plenty of blankets to be prepared this year. Our friend, Kathy, and her daughters came along. When the fire engine sounded it's horn the kids were off, getting as many eggs and they could reach. Both of the kids just about filled their baskets. Candy was plentiful! No prize tickets in the eggs though. They hope for a prize ticket every year but haven't seen any since the first year we came. Oh well, it was lots of fun and something we enjoy being a part of every year!

Disneyland in April

Sunday, April 10th-Thursday, April 14th--Well, we had a great time as usual in our happy place! We drove down to Anaheim with Nate's parents and our neice Kayla. Instead of doing a day-by-day play I'm just going to post some photos of the highlights. The truth is, Disneyland doesn't change all that much so many of the photos are similar to ones from the past--including, yes, we mailed our State Taxes we owed, from the park (it's our way of saying: "Kiss my....") The new thing we experienced this time is World of Color at California Adventure. It was BEAUTIFUL!!!! Our plan is to go back in October. By then, there should be a huge amount of change and new things going on at California Adventure. We're looking forward to it!

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!